UM News Digest - June 5, 2026

UM News Digest - June 6, 2026

Church growth in Kenya | Connecting in Africa | Meeting God on the trail

“I inherited a vacuum district: no buildings, no members, no funds, no office, no parsonage, no vehicles. I quickly realized strong evangelism strategies were the only way forward.” — The Rev. Antony Maiga, on growing the church in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Parkview Kitengela United Methodist Church choir entertains visitors from the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry at the church in Nairobi, Kenya, during the agencies’ spring board meeting April 8-10. Parkview Kitengela is one of nine newly established congregations in the Nairobi District, which is thriving through evangelism campaigns and community outreach. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Parkview Kitengela United Methodist Church’s choir entertains visitors from the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry at the church in Nairobi, Kenya, during the agencies’ spring board meeting. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Evangelism sparks church growth in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya (UM News) — When the Nairobi District superintendent started his United Methodist appointment two years ago, he had no churches or members. Now, there are nine congregations in four circuits, and membership has grown to more than 1,400. The Rev. Antony Maiga says evangelism and community outreach have been key. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.

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Bishop Daniel Lunge (center) of the Central Congo Episcopal Area speaks during a roundtable on communication in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as East Congo Bishop Antoine Kalema Tambwe (left) and North Katanga Bishop Mande Muyombo look on. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Charting new path for African communication
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (UM News) — Bishops, communicators and United Methodist Communications staff gathered recently to develop a creative strategy to keep local churches in the Mid-Africa Regional Conference connected despite power outages, poor roads and language barriers. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
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Mountain Sky Conference
Seekers invited to meet God on the trail
DENVER — The Mountain Sky Conference’s geography of mountains, canyons and high desert is becoming part of a larger invitation. Through a conference-wide initiative called Spiritual Geography, Mountain Sky leaders are exploring how the land itself can become a place of ministry. One visible expression of that vision is Mountain Sky Trekking. Kristian Young has the story.
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Florida Conference
Recovery program leads to multiple baptisms
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Trinity United Methodist Church recently celebrated the sacrament of baptism with four participants in Trinity’s Strength Through Recovery program. The seeds of that ministry were sewn when a member of Trinity’s prayer-shawl group sought to engage the church in supporting a local substance-abuse recovery program. The Florida Conference has the story.
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South Carolina Conference
Laundry ministry brings clean clothes, love
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — What began as a deeply personal experience for the Rev. Ellis White Jr. has become a lifeline of grace. The Laundry of Love Ministry at Edisto Fork United Methodist Church was born out of his desire to ease a burden: the rising cost of doing laundry during tough economic times. Jessica Brodie reports.
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New England Conference
Empathy Project invites people to share stories
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Those attending the New England Annual Conference through June 6 will have an opportunity to walk a mile in another person’s shoes — at least figuratively. Presented by the New England Conference’s Commission on Religion and Race, the Empathy Project invites people to hear and share stories to foster deeper understanding. The project is the brainchild of the Rev. Juhee Lee, pastor of Haven United Methodist Church in East Providence, Rhode Island. The conference has the story.
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New 2026 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2026 annual conference reports. New this week are the Baltimore-Washington, Central Appalachian Missionary, Great Plains and North Alabama conferences.
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Northern Illinois Conference
March for immigrants set
CHICAGO — A march to express concern for the treatment of immigrants is set for 5:30 p.m. U.S. Central time June 15 in Schaumburg, Illinois. The demonstration, “Faithful Action: Love Your Neighbor,” will take place on the second day of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference, which is June 14-16. All are invited to participate.
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