“Individuals (should) make their vote from their conscience and faith, holding to the fact their votes are, in fact, sacred.” — The Rev. Kendal L. McBroom, director of civil and human rights at the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
TOP STORY
How would John Wesley vote?
WASHINGTON (UM News) — With the Nov. 5 Election Day approaching in the U.S., the United Methodist Board of Church and Society’s voter toolkit guides members of the denomination on the values they should keep in mind as they decide who gets their vote. Voter suppression is a danger with this election, Church and Society leaders say, and United Methodists should serve as poll workers if they can, to help prevent it. Jim Patterson reports.
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NEWS AND FEATURES
Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
After twister, church starts new construction
MAYFIELD, Ky. — Bishop David Graves joined members of Mayfield First United Methodist Church and other United Methodist leaders for a service to break ground on a new church building. The Sept. 22 gathering marked the beginning of a new chapter for the church after its previous building was destroyed by a Dec. 10, 2021, tornado that swept through the community. Tyler Sprouse has the story.
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UM News: Churches begin long process of recovery from tornadoes
Dakotas Conference
Congregation reaches out to immigrants
BISMARCK, N.D. — Driving and English lessons are two of the ways Legacy United Methodist Church is reaching out to Ukrainian immigrants. “This is just the first step,” said Pastor Cory Thrall. Some members are learning Ukrainian words so newcomers can feel more comfortable at the church. Rebecca Trefz reports.
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United Methodist Communications
'The Recap' focuses on ministries of support
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of “The Recap” highlights ministries that aid communities facing drought in Zimbabwe, recovering from floods in Tanzania and supporting the unhoused in Oklahoma City. Produced by United Methodist Communications, the video series helps congregations gain a better understanding of what is going on in The United Methodist Church, find inspiration in stories of ministry and learn how the denomination is transforming the world.
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KTVH-NBC, Mountain Sky Conference
Sun shines on Montana church upgrade
HELENA, Mont. — St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, one of Montana’s oldest congregations, has new solar panels after waiting 20 years for funding. “We’re excited to not only generate electricity, but we’re excited to generate excitement within our congregation,” said the Rev. Bill Barksdale. Allie Kaiser of KTVH and the Mountain Sky Conference have stories.
Read KTVH story and watch video
Read Mountain Sky story
UM News Digest moving to three days a week
Due to limited resources, UM News is switching to a three-days-a-week schedule with Digest. We no longer will be providing a Digest on Tuesdays except during special events such as General Conference or when there is breaking news that affects the denomination. UM News will continue to send out the Digest on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as providing the Friday Digest, which includes the top stories from the week. The change will begin next week. Please email [email protected] with questions.
PRESS RELEASES
Global Ministries
Annual report highlights love and service
ATLANTA — The year 2023 was a time of “deep listening” to discern the needs, joys and concerns of the many partners of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Committee on Relief, according to the annual report released on Sept. 23. The report includes an opening letter from leadership, impact stories, quotes from beneficiaries and statistics on the projects, places and people served last year.
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Read report
Foundation for Evangelism
Tanzania college receives second Fox grant
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The Foundation for Evangelism awarded its second grant from the Dr. H. Eddie and Mary Nell Fox Endowment for Evangelism to United Methodist-related Wesley College in Mwanza, Tanzania. The “So That The World May Know Jesus Grant” will allow development of curriculum to train pastors for evangelism in the Tanzanian context.
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RECENT HEADLINES
Embattled Christian farmers in Holy Land refuse to hate
Spotlighting UMC’s role in Indigenous boarding schools
EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Thursday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 5
National Summit on Mass Incarceration & Social Justice
Friday, Oct. 18-Sunday, Oct. 20
Choir Music Weekend