Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Daily Digest - October 20, 2020


"Most people liked the efficiency. But everybody missed the personal connection."
— Jason Moore, consultant to annual conferences, on the virtual sessions forced by the pandemic.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Conference sessions go virtual, with mixed results
NEPTUNE, N.J. (UM News) — The COVID-19 pandemic has caused nearly all U.S. annual conferences of The United Methodist Church to take their big yearly meetings online. Some have gone smoothly, with others struggling technologically. All over, delegates reported missing in-person time with colleagues. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Many European conferences still unable to meet
Read 2020 Annual Conference reports

Michigan Conference
Church contributes to 'nicest place' designation

BUCHANAN, Mich. — Buchanan First United Methodist Church is doing its part to make its town "The Nicest Place in America." Reader's Digest profiled Buchanan as the No. 1 place for kindness in a recent issue. The Rev. Ellen Bierlein of the church says the award is "a statement of who we are, what we do, and what we stand for." Kay DeMoss has the story.
Read story
Read Reader's Digest story

South Georgia Conference
Church adds spice to pumpkin tradition

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — For 25 years, Christ United Methodist Church has been known as "the Pumpkin Patch church." This year, church members reimagined their long-standing tradition and decided to give pumpkins away at a safe, socially distanced event rather than sell them. Kara Witherow reports.
Read story

Memphis Conference
Tennessee churches pack Christmas shoeboxes

CAMDEN, Tenn. — United Methodist churches in the Tennessee River District packaged 741 Christmas shoeboxes full of small gifts and supplies destined for children in developing countries where United Methodist missionaries and pastors serve. Lane Gardner Camp has the story.
Read story

PRESS RELEASES

Iliff School of Theology
Research center launched at Iliff

DENVER — A research institute to study how public policy and legislative initiatives are shaped by religion has been launched by the Iliff School of Theology. Its first director, the Rev. Amanda Henderson, will leave her current post as executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. The Institute for Religion, Politics and Culture will launch on Jan. 1.
Read press release

RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
A ritual to help kids cope with stress

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Children are not immune to the stress caused by the pandemic and other events in their lives. The Rev. Leanne Hadley, a longtime United Methodist children's minister, suggests a weekly three-step healing ritual to help children navigate their anxieties.
Read about healing ritual

RECENT HEADLINES

Facing up to a grotesque book at Iliff

Evangelism award winner slept outside church

EVENTS

Thursday, Oct. 22

UMW Faith Talks podcast addresses church and politics


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now

UM News Digest - May 7, 2025

Bishops work to put new vision into action; Church ‘gives sight’ to 250 in Guatemala; Helping Native American groups honor a hero

UM News Digest - May 5, 2025

Bishops respond to same-sex wedding ruling; ‘World shifted’ with full inclusion; Banner gifted to Korean Methodists

UM News Digest - May 2, 2025

Conference moves toward fossil-fuel divestment; What’s new in the Discipline churchwide?; Oregon-Idaho’s first Tongan church chartered

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved