Parsonage Becomes Shelter; Gas Woes May Slow Help

The Community United Methodist Church is without power like much of its Massapequa, N.Y., neighborhood, but two families in the congregation have found shelter at the parsonage with Pastor Jeff Wells and his family. Wells opened the parsonage – which has electricity – to the families whose homes were seriously damaged by Hurricane Sandy. He reports that the homes of at least 14 members of the congregation on Long Island’s South Shore have suffered severe damage. The church itself sustained minor damage when a falling tree limb punctured a hole in the roof. The limb was removed, and there seems to be no additional structural damage.

Attempts to put together a volunteer work team to go to Massapequa tomorrow were being hampered by concerns about limited gas supplies, according to Warren Ferry, the disaster coordinator for the Long Island East District of the New York Annual Conference.

By Rev. Joanne Utley, Communications coordinator for the New York Annual Conference


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
Human Rights
The Rev. John Wagner. Photo courtesy of the author.

A plea for ‘costly solidarity’ in Middle East

How is God calling us to respond to the ongoing violence in the Middle East? A pastor shares insights from the West Bank.
Mission and Ministry
Sister Confianza, a member of the Amigas del Señor (Women Friends of the Lord) Monastery in Limón, Honduras, rides her bike through the village alongside a neighbor. Originally from the United States, Sister Confianza founded the monastery with another woman in 2006. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

2025: The year in photos

United Methodists around the world are living into the denomination’s new vision to "love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.” UM News, the denomination's official news service, documented a year in the life of United Methodism worldwide.
General Church
Andrew “Andy” Q. Hendren. Photo courtesy of Wespath.

Compass provides sustainable retirement plan for clergy

Plan honors church’s commitment to providing income for clergy throughout retirement while also being more affordable for the church.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved