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UM News Digest - Dec. 5, 2025
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“It’s no accident that Africa University built this (solar) plant under the Cross and Flame. The lights will never go out at Africa University.” — James H. Salley, president and chief executive officer of Africa University Tennessee Inc.
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Vice chancellor Peter M. Mageto speaks during the commissioning of the Africa University solar plant in Mutare, Zimbabwe, on June 6. Photo by Africa University Public Affairs Office.
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Africa University switches to solar power
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — As the sun shines high above the hill at Africa University, its light and heat are absorbed by hundreds of solar panels that enable the institution to live up to its vision of ensuring the lights will never go out at the pan-African college. The solar plant, the first phase of a larger project, is saving the United Methodist institution money and offering a reliable source of energy for students as the country grapples with power shedding outages. Eveline Chikwanah reports. |
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Map courtesy of Google; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.
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Firm plans to target churches with pro-Israel ads
DALLAS (UM News) — Worshippers at several United Methodist congregations in Texas may soon be targeted with propaganda from a foreign government attempting to shore up its lagging support among U.S. Christians. According to a filing by Show Faith by Works, a California-based company, the “geofencing” campaign is aimed at increasing support for Israel while stressing “Palestinian ties to Hamas.” Paul Jeffrey reports.
Read story |
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California-Nevada Conference
Churches offer care after mass shooting
STOCKTON, Calif. — Following a Nov. 29 shooting that took the lives of four young people and left many others wounded, Stockton-area United Methodist churches and clergy have come together to offer support, care and love to the impacted community. The Rev. Ella Luna-Garza, pastor of Central United Methodist Church, was among the church leaders who acted quickly when they heard the news. Hanna Widlund reports.
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Burundi Conference
Heavy rains damage United Methodist church
RUGOMBO, Burundi — Heavy rains and strong winds damaged a United Methodist church and devastated two neighborhoods in the Bujumbura Province. “We no longer have a place to worship God,” said Pastor Claude Ngendahayo of Rugombo United Methodist Church. The Rev. Cimpaye Valentine, Bujumbura District superintendent, called for United Methodists to join in prayer and action. Jérôme Ndayisenga has the story.
Read story |
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Corvallis Gazette-Times
Church café warms soul, fills food pantry
MONROE, Ore. — Kepi Nak-Nak Café, which operates in the basement of Monroe’s United Methodist Church, feels like a busy living room, bustling with family and friends. But it’s also a place for a rustic breakfast, a hot cup of coffee and a chance to help a good cause. The café is one aspect of how the church is moving from the old “Sunday-only” model toward a living, breathing community hub. Jackson Rickert has the story.
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Mozambique Episcopal Area
Bishop’s husband dies after long illness
MAPUTO, Mozambique — The Rev. Eugénio Tomás Mbulo, a retired United Methodist pastor and husband of retired Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala, died Dec. 3 at the Sommerschield Clinic, after a prolonged illness. UM News joins in prayer for the Mbulo family. |
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| UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. |
Compass provides sustainable retirement plan for clergy
GLENVIEW, Ill. (UM News) — If you’re a U.S. United Methodist clergyperson, a conference benefits officer, treasurer or church administrator, you’ve likely heard a lot about Compass, the new clergy retirement plan launching Jan. 1. Andrew “Andy” Q. Hendren, Wespath’s top executive, shares a Top 10 list of things clergy need to know. “Compass is more than a new plan. It’s a reflection of our shared commitment to care for those who serve and to lead courageously,” he writes.
Read commentary |
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United Methodist Communications, Africa University
New effort empowers church communicators
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications and Africa University have joined to establish a training program for African communicators within The United Methodist Church. Together, the United Methodist agency and university are offering an eight-week certificate in strategic communications management. Only people chosen by their bishop are eligible to apply.
Read press release
Edgehill United Methodist Church
Church to host preview of AIDS documentary
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Edgehill United Methodist Church will present an early preview and panel discussion of the documentary “The Body of Christ Has AIDS” at 3 p.m. U.S. Central time Dec. 7. The film, which is set for release next year, examines the contradictory ways Christianity responded to the HIV/AIDS crisis. This event is co-hosted by Edgehill United Methodist and Nashville Cares. Tickets are free.
Reserve tickets
Learn more |
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United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Association
Camping immersion experience planned
NEWARK, N.J. — The United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Association plans to hold its fourth Immersion Experience on Feb. 18-23 at Asbury Hills Camp & Retreat Center in Cleveland, South Carolina. The event is a key component for certification for United Methodist camp and retreat ministry.
Learn more |
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Photo by Kristine Helliesen
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Øyvind Helliesen mourned as ‘sage’ amid tumult
SELLEBAKK, Norway (UM News) — The Rev. Øyvind Helliesen served on The United Methodist Church’s top court from 2016 until his passing at age 69. During his tenure, he provided crucial guidance at a time of division and disaffiliations. United Methodist leaders around the globe say they will miss his calm demeanor and wisdom. Heather Hahn has an obituary.
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Video image by Lilla Marigza, UM News
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Giving international students a taste of Thanksgiving
COFFEYVILLE, Kan. (UM News) — Coffeyville First United Methodist Church offers food and fellowship to college students who can’t travel home for the holidays. Church members joined with the community college next door to provide a meal on Thanksgiving Day. For some international students, this is a first experience with the traditions of this U.S. holiday. Lilla Marigza reports.
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Photo by Gladys P. Mangiduyos, UM News
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Forum tackles pension sustainability outside US
MANILA, Philippines (UM News) — Wespath Benefits and Investments gathered United Methodists from Africa, Europe and the Philippines to collaborate on strengthening the sustainability of clergy pension plans. During the five-day Central Conference Pension Forum, participants learned about technical processes and shared their challenges and hopes for the future. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story.
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Graphic by Taylor W Burton Edwards
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How Advent readings differ each year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, explores how the Advent Scripture readings vary but also maintain certain common themes as Christians prepare to celebrate Christ’s arrival. As United Methodists and others begin a new Christian year and a new lectionary cycle with the Gospel of Matthew, the Rev. Taylor W Burton Edwards explains what to expect with each Sunday’s reading.
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