UM News Digest - Aug 3, 2026

UM News Digest - Aug. 3, 2026

Healing ministry | Wildfire response | Church court docket

“I believe that part of this gift that God has given me is so that others can be blessed by it as well.” — The Rev. Andrea Byer Thomas, United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches in Florida.

The Rev. Andrea Byer Thomas makes therapeutic soaps and creams to soothe skin allergies. Photos courtesy of Handmade Luxuries.

A ministry of healing
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (UM News) — The Rev. Andrea Byer Thomas wears many hats: pastor, entrepreneur, author and advocate for healing. Byer Thomas is senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches in Florida. Beyond the pulpit, she crafts vegan skincare products inspired by her daughter’s lifelong battle with eczema, and writes candidly about grief, faith and finding God’s presence in life’s most difficult moments. Lilla Marigza reports.

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Greater Northwest Area
A pastoral response to wildfires, gun violence
DES MOINES, Wash. — Greater Northwest Area Bishop Cedrick D. Bridgeforth calls for prayer amid gun violence in Seattle and Twin Falls, Idaho, as well as ongoing wildfires in Spokane, Washington. “All of this is terrifying. The smoke is heavy. The grief is heavy. The fear is real. But fear is not our calling, and despair is not our inheritance,” he writes in a pastoral response, which also includes resources and actions for church members. “Let us give, advocate, shelter, comfort, and show up.”
Read response
Donate to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response

Judicial Council
Church court releases fall docket
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Judicial Council, The United Methodist Church’s top court, has released a three-item docket for its Oct. 21-24 online session. Briefs are due Aug. 19 and reply briefs are due Aug. 29.
See docket

Global Ministries
Fellows will address injustice, healthcare
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Forty-nine new Global Mission Fellows will serve in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, addressing systemic injustice through placements in fields such as education, healthcare, community development, migration, agriculture, communications and peacebuilding. The fellows were commissioned July 26 at Wesley Methodist Church. Sara Logeman reports.
Read story

Holston Conference
3 churches join for ‘Accessibility Sunday’
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Sunday morning cloudburst failed to dampen attendance at a combined worship service of three churches celebrating “Accessibility Sunday.” Lincoln Park-Lynnwood United Methodist Church hosted the disability awareness service and was joined by congregations from Emerald Avenue and Washington Pike United Methodist churches. Annette Spence has the story.
Read story

Native American Inter-Tribal Caucus
Group stands in solidarity with Lumbee Tribe
SELBYVILLE, Del. — In a statement, the Native American Inter-Tribal Caucus stands in prayerful solidarity with the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina as the tribe seeks “to protect the waters, wetlands, wildlife and ancestral homelands that have sustained their people since time immemorial.” The tribe received federal recognition late last year.
Read statement (PDF)

United Methodist Men
Strengthening discipleship in Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on United Methodist Men and the National United Methodist Men of the Philippines held their first Connectional Conference on July 22-23 at Central United Methodist Church in Ermita. The event brought together bishops, agency leaders and delegates from across the Philippines’ three episcopal areas under the theme “Empowering Men for Christ: Strengthening Discipleship, Stewardship and Mission in The United Methodist Church.” The two-day event culminated with the signing of a Connectional Covenant of Commitment.
Read press release

Voices for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear Prayer Day is Aug. 6
MOUNT SHASTA, Calif. — Nuclear Prayer Day is Aug. 6, and the Global Days of Prayer and Action are Aug 6-9. Both commemorate the anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and call people of all faiths and traditions to pray, reflect, educate and act for a world free of nuclear weapons. The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles call for the elimination of nuclear weapons.
Read press release
Learn more
See United Methodist Social Principles

Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference
Native Moccasins Rock celebrates 25 years
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Native Moccasins Rock, an annual gathering organized by Native American Ministries of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, will mark its 25th year Aug. 14-16 in Bon Aqua, Tennessee. Focused on celebrating and preserving Native American heritage within the denomination, the event will feature workshops, crafts and discussions of Native traditions.
Learn more (PDF)