UM News Digest - July 9, 2025

UM News Digest - July 9, 2025

Young adults walk paths of peace in South Korea
Responding to floods with prayers, care
United Methodist pastor in Texas reflects on grief

“I feel equipped to advocate for peace on the (Korean) Peninsula. My faith has to push me out of my comfort zone — because if it doesn’t, then I’m not truly living it.” — Maggie Taylor, Young Adult Pilgrimage of Peace planning team member.

Young adults pose for a photo during a visit to the Demilitarized Zone in Paju, Korea, on June 24. The group traveled from 15 countries to participate in the 2025 Young Adults Pilgrimage of Peace in South Korea, organized in part by United Methodists. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News.

Young adults pose for a photo during a visit to the Demilitarized Zone in Paju, Korea, on June 24. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News.

Young adults walk paths of peace in South Korea
SEOUL, South Korea (UM News) — In a pilgrimage organized in part by United Methodists, young adults from 15 countries learned about peacebuilding and the sacrifices to promote democracy. The pilgrimage aimed to raise awareness about militarization, promote global peace and justice and deepen Methodist commitments to reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports.

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Rio Texas Conference, United Methodist Communications
Responding to Texas floods with prayers and care
SAN ANTONIO — Kerrville First United Methodist Church in Texas opened one of the first shelters available for families waiting to hear about their daughters at Camp Mystic. At least 120 have died in the floods and at least 160 people are still missing. UM News’ Lilla Marigza and the Rev. Amanda Banda of the Rio Texas Conference produced a video on the church’s response. Cross Tracks United Methodist Church in Liberty Hill, Texas, also plans to host a prayer vigil at 6:30 p.m. July 9 U.S. Central time in support of the families and communities impacted by the floods.
Watch video
Read press release about prayer vigil
Donate to the conference flood relief
Donate to United Methodist Committee on Relief U.S. Disaster Response

Holston Conference
Flood news hits hard for church camp leaders
ALCOA, Tenn. — As the nation grieves the Guadalupe River flooding in Texas — particularly the loss of campers and leaders of a Christian camp — many United Methodists are also thinking of their own campers and leaders. The five conference camps are hosting hundreds of children each week. Camp directors are offering prayers and aid suggestions. Annette Spence reports.
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ABC45, North Carolina Conference
Tropical storm inundates N.C. church
ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. — Tropical Storm Chantal has left a trail of destruction in North Carolina, with Saxapahaw United Methodist Church and its preschool among the hardest hit. The church building was flooded by the storm July 7. Now the church and rural community are picking up the pieces. Bailey Stamos reports. The North Carolina Conference also is taking financial donations for its storm response.
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Donate to North Carolina Conference

Iowa Conference
Sculpture honors artistic pastor
WILTON, Iowa — The United Methodist Church of Wilton honored the late Rev. Steve Braudt’s artistic vision by transforming a dead ash tree in the church parking lot into a powerful carving of a dove and praying hands. Using Braudt’s artwork for inspiration, the congregation worked with chainsaw artist Clint Henik to complete the project. Liz Winders has the story.
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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.

United Methodist pastor: I believe Jesus weeps with us
DALLAS (UM News) — Hannah Buchanan, a pastor at Highland Park United Methodist Church, writes about grief and serving in a community “shaken to its core” by deadly flooding. Eight-year-old Hadley Hanna, who died in the flood, is part of the church’s family. Her parents were married 12 years ago in Highland Park’s sanctuary, the same space where Hadley’s memorial service will be held on July 11.
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Global Ministries
Impact Report issued by Global Ministries
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has issued its 2024 Impact Report “highlighting a year of transformative mission, global connection and faithful service.” The report addresses relief efforts, agricultural innovation in Zimbabwe, the formal alignment with the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and more.
Read press release
Read report

Applications open for local-church cohorts
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The Foundation for Evangelism has opened a second round of applications for Thriving Congregations Local Church Cohorts in 2025. The fall cohorts will guide congregations, including pastors and laity, through the process of outlining a relevant evangelism experiment. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1.
Learn more