“Every door we knock on is a family we’re protecting. It’s hard work, but we know it’s important. We’re here for our community, so that no one is left in the dark about this disease.” — Michel Tahindja Tashinga, a United Methodist community relay, on raising awareness about mpox.
TOP STORY
Church on front line against mpox in Africa
TUNDA, Congo (UM News) — As Africa faces a resurgence of mpox, The United Methodist Church is playing an active role in the fight against the disease, particularly in Congo. United Methodist clergy and health workers have been busy educating their communities about symptoms, modes of transmission and the importance of prompt medical care. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
Read story
NEWS AND FEATURES
Gammon builds on legacy as it looks forward
ATLANTA (UM News) — The Rev. Candace M. Lewis, president of Gammon Theological Seminary, plans to wear out her trademark Converse Chuck Taylor high-top sneakers making friends and attracting donations as the only historically Black seminary in The United Methodist Church seeks to reinvigorate itself. Going forward, Gammon will conduct classes online with students visiting campus for an intensive week each semester. Jim Patterson has the story. UM News is rerunning this item from yesterday’s Digest with a revised headline. The original headline included an adjective that had unintended negative connotations. UM News apologizes for any harm caused by the word choice.
Read story
Texas Conference
Special needs ministry creates inclusive space
KATY, Texas — The Rev. Whitney Peper laments how families with members who have special needs often struggle to find a place of worship where they can participate fully in the life of the church. Her ministry at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church strives to offer a space of inclusivity and support. Her commitment is reaching new people. Brant Mills has the story.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
Pastors find community, healing in soccer club
NEW YORK — Young Korean American United Methodist clergy in the New York Conference are playing soccer as a way to stay physically and mentally fit, share information about ministry and take care of their families. The New York Conference Korean Pastors’ Soccer Club is coached by Pastor Jinwoo Kim. The Rev. CheonEui Oh has the story.
Read story
Kansas City Star
Conference takes over anti-racism billboard
ELDON, Mo. — In 2021, Amanda Burrows started raising funds to lease a billboard with an anti-racist message in response to a giant Confederate flag that was erected along a popular route to the Lake of the Ozarks. Now Burrows’ involvement is ending, and the Missouri Conference is taking over the billboard to spread the message: “HATE DIVIDES LOVE UNITES.” Robert A. Cronkleton reports.
Read story
KHOU-TV
Former megachurch pastor released from prison
HOUSTON — Former Houston megachurch pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell has been released from prison, said his wife, the Rev. Suzette Caldwell. She said Caldwell remains under house arrest. The founder and former senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in March 2020 and was sentenced to six years in federal prison in January 2021. Michelle Homer reports.
Read story and watch video
UM News: Former megachurch pastor sentenced
PRESS RELEASES
United Methodists for Kairos Response
Webinar examines General Conference decisions
WARWICK, R.I. — Decisions made at General Conference on divesting from Israeli bonds and ending longtime restrictions against LGBTQ members will be examined during a webinar at 8 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on Sept. 11. United Methodists for Kairos Response and the Methodist Federation for Social Action will present the webinar with a panel of justice advocacy leaders.
Read press release
Register
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Digest commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
Discipleship Ministries
Methodist relations bolster discipleship
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor, director of adult discipleship at United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, attended the World Methodist Conference as a delegate from the California-Nevada Conference. She writes about her experience and how local churches can engage with the wider Methodist family.
Read commentary
UM News: Conference spotlights Methodism ‘on the move’
RESOURCES
Foundation for Evangelism
Webinar focuses on ministry of laity
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Heather Lear, vice president, and Jane Boatwright Wood, past president, plan to lead a webinar at 7 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Sept. 12 on how the Foundation for Evangelism supports lay ministry. They will discuss how the foundation’s grants and partnerships are engaging in lay ministries in the Wesleyan tradition and what lies on the horizon.
Learn more and register
RECENT HEADLINES
Pilgrimage for peace in the Holy Land
Pastor’s life shaped by family murders
EVENTS
Wednesday, Sept. 11
GCFA webinar: Nontraditional Revenue Toolkit
Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20
Choir Music Weekend