"Church is dead when it is not in mission. If a church is not reaching out, it does not see the importance of making a contribution in people's life." - The Rev. Frederick N. Yebuah, superintendent of the Orangeburg District of The United Methodist Church.
Turning to mission revitalizes membership
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) - As Oak Forest United Methodist Church reaches outside its walls during the week, a new vitality is taking hold inside its sanctuary each Sunday. By improving the physical and spiritual health of its struggling neighbors, the urban congregation is pulsing with new life.
Read story
Church vitality: How do you measure it?
UMTV: Church turns mission into members
At 225, church goes beyond walls to serve
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (UMNS) - "What we give ... is an indication of what we can give to the rest of the world: passion for God and compassion for people," says the Rev. Frederick N. Yebuah, who will give the sermon at White House United Methodist Church's 225th anniversary celebration Sunday, Oct. 6. The Times and Democrat tells the story of this "small in number but big in spirit" congregation.
Read story
Online communion sparks discussion on Twitter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Twenty-seven United Methodist leaders - including bishops, theologians, pastors and agency executives - met Sept. 30-Oct. 1 to discuss the theological and ecumenical ramifications of online communion. Their conversation sparked discussion on Twitter at #onlinecommunion. More coverage of the gathering to come on umc.org.
Read Storify
Join the conversation using #onlinecommunion.
What does 'contemporary worship' really mean?
COTTONWOOD, Ariz. (UMNS) - "Every generation in every culture faces the question of 'contemporary worship,'" observes the Rev. Edwin Womack, a retired elder from the California-Pacific Annual (regional) Conference. Womack explores the meaning of "contemporary worship."
Read commentary
Pianist serves Missouri church for 70 years
WHITEWATER, Mo. (UMNS) - For 70 years, Mildred Reynolds has put her hands on the piano keyboards to make the music that leads the Whitewater United Methodist Church in its worship. "I hope God will grant us many more years together," Reynolds told the Southeast Missourian.
Read story
New Jersey church dedicates clock lost a half century
NEWTON, N.J. (UMNS) - After more than a century in a place of honor at the First United Methodist Church, a tower clock was lost. The New Jersey Herald traces the path of the clock through a half century of storage in a chicken coop to an estate sale and eventually its return to the church.
Read story
Abrams to speak about reducing 'alcohol harm'
NEW YORK (UMNS) - The Rev. Cynthia Abrams will be the featured speaker at the "Faith United to Reduce Alcohol Harm in NYC" event Oct. 15 at the Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Dr. She is director of Alcohol, Other Addictions and Health Care at the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
Read more
Investment managing director named
GLENVIEW, Ill. (UMNS) -The Wespath Investment Management division of the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits has announced the promotion of Michael "Mike" Lohmeier to managing director of investment management.
Read news release
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.