UM News Digest - Aug. 1, 2025
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"We really believe we are the only hands and feet that God has. … God wants to partner with us to make the world a better place.” — Dan Bracken of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, on the congregation’s 102 work trips to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.
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A crew from Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio, builds a wheelchair ramp for a homeowner in Slidell, Louisiana, following Hurricane Katrina. Video image courtesy of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church by UM News.
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Hope Beyond the Storm: 20 years after Katrina
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast in August 2005. A UM News team recently returned to some of the hard-hit areas to talk with church leaders and members who recall the devastation and the power of the United Methodist connection. Throughout August, we’ll be sharing these stories of Hope Beyond the Storm. Today, Lilla Marigza talks with members of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio, who sent over 100 work teams “to be the hands and feet of God” in the wake of Katrina. |
Liberia Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. (right) shares communion with Africa University Vice Chancellor Peter M. Mageto (left) during worship at GCFA’s Quad Training in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Photo courtesy of the Africa University Public Affairs Office.
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African leaders focus on stewardship
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Over 100 African leaders gathered at a historic meeting at Africa University to collaborate in charting the denomination’s financial future. The focus of the General Council on Finance and Administration’s Quad Training was stewardship of property, finances and data. Eveline Chikwanah reports. |
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UMC TV
Churches respond to storms in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (UM News) — Multiple typhoons and storms have brought heavy rains to parts of the Philippines, causing widespread flooding. United Methodist churches in the country, including Good Samaritan United Methodist, Kamuning First United Methodist and churches in the Bulacan Philippines Conference, have been leading relief efforts in their communities. Titus Dayrit reports for UMC TV.
Watch video
Africa University
University shines as ‘beacon’ for pastor
HARVEST, Ala. — Africa University made all the difference for the Rev. Kanunu Emmanuel Busambwa in his journey from poverty in Congo to a pastoral career in Alabama. Busambwa, senior pastor of Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church, said he would not be the person he is today without the pan-African United Methodist university. He has led the congregation through challenging times. Tim Tanton has the story.
Read story
Judicial Council
Church court releases fall docket
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Judicial Council has released a one-item docket for its fall session. Briefs are due Aug. 8 and reply briefs are due Aug. 18.
See docket
World Council of Churches
Group condemns attack on church in Congo
GENEVA — The Rev. Jerry Pillay, top executive of the World Council of Churches, expressed shock and horror over the July 27 attack on a Catholic church in Komanda in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “The assault, which left at least 43 people dead, is a tragic and unacceptable act of violence against innocent worshippers gathered in prayer,” Pillay said on behalf of the ecumenical organization.
Read statement |
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New 2025 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2025 annual conference reports. New this week are the Eastern Pennsylvania, Greater New Jersey and Tennessee-Western Kentucky conferences.
Read reports
United Methodist Association of Communicators
Registration for UMAC 2025 is now open
LEAWOOD, Kan. — The United Methodist Association of Communicators’ annual meeting will be held Oct. 26-28 at Resurrection, a United Methodist Church. Themed “More Than Enough (Luke 9:12-17),” the gathering will include worship led by Bishop David Wilson and the Rev. Adam Hamilton, speakers and workshops on AI, podcasts, data-driven communications and more. The event will close with an awards gala and reception.
To register
WRDW-TV
Theft isn’t stopping help for Helene survivors
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Despite the loss of $30,000 in equipment and a $5,000 trailer to thieves, United Methodist volunteers are back in Augusta helping people whose property was damaged by Hurricane Helene. The North Georgia Conference said its disaster response trailer was stolen from a work site, but conference leaders are not letting that keep them from helping others. Ethan Hunter reports.
Read story |
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Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Vigil planned to oppose Byron Black’s execution
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodists and allies across Tennessee plan to gather Aug. 5 in a vigil to oppose the execution of Byron Lewis Black, a 69-year-old man with intellectual disabilities who is scheduled to be executed by the state for the 1988 murders of Angela Clay and her daughters, Latoya and Lakeisha. The United Methodist Church and its predecessor Methodist Church have opposed the death penalty since 1956.
Read press release |
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Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee
Deaf ministries grants available
WASHINGTON — The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee is accepting ministry proposals to apply for grants. A limited number of grants up to $3,000 are available to support accessibility, inclusion, faith development and leadership of Deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind individuals and families within The United Methodist Church. The application deadline has been extended to Aug. 15.
Learn more and apply |
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File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News
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Bishops: Ukrainians need church’s presence
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — As the war between Russia and Ukraine drags on, United Methodists are continuing to do what they can to boost morale and provide necessities to those in need. Bishop Knut Refsdal of the Nordic-Baltic-Ukraine Episcopal Area plans to visit Ukraine in August. He and outgoing Bishop Christian Alsted talk about the church’s ministry with the people of Ukraine. Jim Patterson reports.
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Photo by Joscie Cutchens, UM News
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LGBTQ advocates head for ‘uncharted’ territory
MADISON, Wis. (UM News) — With The United Methodist Church’s elimination of its anti-gay stances, advocates for LGBTQ equality see reasons to celebrate but also challenges to address in the denomination and wider world. Reconciling Ministries Network held its 2025 Convocation with the theme “Uncharted” on July 24-27 at First United Methodist Church in Madison. Heather Hahn reports.
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Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News
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Mission agency’s support revitalizes hospitals
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — With support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Old Mutare and Nyadire mission hospitals are now better equipped to provide high-quality health care in rural settings. Recent upgrades reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to urban centers for specialized care. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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Where to find church scholarships
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, responds to inquiries about the denomination and its ministries. One of the most frequent requests the team receives is for scholarship information. In a new installment of its “Whom to Call” series, Ask The UMC shares resources to help students reach their educational goals.
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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