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!

Music, a meal and ministry on Riverwalk

Resplendent in lavender dresses and shirts, the Ivory Coast choir was making such a joyful noise in the white tent along the Tampa Riverwalk that some people couldn’t help but stop to see what the fuss was about.

They were the opening act of a free May Day lunch, “Break Bread with* Tampa, designed to show General Conference participants and members of the public how they can engage in ministry with the poor. The lunch was a prelude to “Partner with* Tampa,” which provides four different volunteer opportunities this week in Tampa.

Also on stage, in addition to the Kamana Family Singers and Amazing Love praise choir, were local organizations working with the poor, such as Metropolitan Ministries and Amazing Love Ministries.

Metropolitan Ministries, led by the Rev. Morris Hintzman, a retired United Methodist minister and chief executive officer, runs programs to “move people to self-sufficiency” including Inside the Box Catering.

Those enjoying the 500 box lunches purchased for the event from Inside the Box were assured that others would have a meal tonight as well.

“All these meals are made by culinary students,” explained Chef Cliff Barsi, who conceived of and oversees the catering business and café. “Every meal purchased (also) will feed a family of four that night.”

More information about how churches and communities can partner on ministry with the poor can be found at www.ministrywith.org.


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
General Conference
The Rev. Gabriel Banga Mususwa. Photo courtesy of the author.

An appeal to hold General Conference outside US

The United Methodist Church’s top assembly has never met in the central conferences; the decision to hold the 2028 gathering in Minneapolis should be rescinded.
Church Leadership
Caralyn Ware. Photo courtesy of the author.

When the shepherd strays: Addiction and clergy wellness

The United Methodist Church must act at every level to help pastors in crisis and create space for wellness.
General Conference
The Minneapolis Convention Center stands in downtown Minneapolis, Minn. United Methodist organizers plan to make good on the original location of the COVID-delayed 2020 General Conference, choosing Minneapolis as the host city for the next legislative assembly scheduled for May 8-18, 2028. Photo by Dan Anderson, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis. (www.minneapolis.org)

Minneapolis chosen for 2028 General Conference

United Methodist organizers plan to make good on the original location of the COVID-delayed 2020 lawmaking assembly. They also hope to make up the budget deficit from earlier sessions.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved