UM News Digest - Aug. 21, 2026

UM News Digest - Aug. 21, 2026

Thriving circuit | Pilgrimage interrupted | Highland Park

“People feel at home and invite others, creating a chain of growth. We nurture new members and make them feel part of the family.” — Livingston Chindudzi, Magamba Circuit lay leader.

The Rev. Cosmas Chafanza (third from left) greets members after church service at Magamba Circuit’s new sanctuary in Rusape, Zimbabwe. The circuit is seeing growth through its evangelism and outreach efforts. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

The Rev. Cosmas Chafanza (third from left) greets members after church service at Magamba Circuit’s new sanctuary in Rusape, Zimbabwe. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Church circuit thrives in Zimbabwe
RUSAPE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Magamba Circuit, one of the fastest growing circuits in The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, shines as a beacon of faith, evangelism and stewardship. The circuit combines preaching, crusades and door-to-door evangelism with practical outreach such as providing food and clothing to people in need. Kudzai Chingwe has the story for UM News’ Living the Vision series.

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United Methodists denied entry to Israel
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Four United Methodists were among an interfaith delegation of U.S. citizens who were turned back when they tried to cross the border into Israel for a visit with Holy Land Christians. “We were tourists, going there to visit holy places, talk with Christians and others about their lives, especially on the West Bank,” said the Rev. Edward Phillips, a retired United Methodist professor. The border incident comes as the situation in the West Bank has deteriorated in recent weeks. Paul Jeffrey reports.
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Highland Park leaders escalate response to suit
DALLAS (UM News) — The Highland Park United Methodist church council approved a resolution Aug. 20, declaring it no longer recognizes the authority of its bishop and conference to direct the congregation or its clergy. The resolution comes after the Horizon Texas Conference filed a lawsuit in civil court over the church’s governance.
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California-Pacific Conference
Call for support after Hurricane Lala
PASADENA, Calif. — Hurricane Lala when it struck Hawaii last weekend killed at least one person, tore roofs off houses, covered roads in mud and rocks and left thousands of homes without electricity. California-Pacific Conference Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank expressed gratitude to the United Methodist Committee on Relief for an emergency $10,000 grant, adding that it is only the beginning of the recovery.
Read bishop’s statement
Donate to Hawaii Flood Relief Fund
Donate to UMCOR U.S. Disaster Relief

Texas Conference
Church bee spells out K-I-N-S-H-I-P
HOUSTON — There was plenty of buzz at Westbury United Methodist Church on Aug. 8, as children, adults, church members and community leaders put their spelling skills to the test during the church’s first-ever Family Spelling Bee and Back-to-School Supply Drive. Among those who participated was Texas Conference Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey. Alisha Bynum has the story.
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North Georgia Conference
Interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline
ATLANTA — This summer, Ben Hill United Methodist Church’s United Women in Faith put its commitment to interrupting the school-to-prison pipeline into action through two distinct but connected efforts. In partnership with the Ben Hill Prison Ministry, the Social Action Committee hosted a community forum. At the same time, United Women in Faith invested in prevention through literacy. The North Georgia Conference has the story.
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Drew University
Drew Theological School appoints new dean
MADISON, N.J. — The Rev. Meredith Hoxie Schol has been appointed dean of Drew Theological School. She joined Drew in 2018 as director of doctoral studies and assistant teaching professor of religious education and leadership. “Her vision, experience and dedication make her the ideal person to lead the school into its next chapter of growth and innovation” said Hilary L. Link, president of the university. Prior to joining Drew, Hoxie Schol worked for the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church.
Read press release

United Methodist Communications
Video explains belief in the Trinity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications has produced a short video explaining what United Methodists believe about the Trinity. The church doctrine holds that Christians believe in one God in three equal persons.
Watch video

Association of Ministers with Disabilities
Welcoming pastors with disabilities
WASHINGTON — The Association of Ministers with Disabilities is committed to helping churches become places where all people — including clergy with disabilities and chronic health conditions — are welcomed, supported and empowered to flourish in ministry. The association has put together resources to equip congregations, staff-parish relations committees and church leaders with best practices for accessibility, inclusion, accommodations and pastoral support.
See resources