UM News Digest - March 25, 2026

UM News Digest - March 25, 2026

United Methodists hooked on fish fries too
Celebrating a new church building in Senegal
Meeting people, one book at a time

“It’s fish. It’s fun. It’s fellowship. It’s an event.” — The Rev. Devin Smith, on Lenten fish fries at Romeo United Methodist Church in Romeo, Michigan.

Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park, Pa., serves fried fish sandwiches on Feb. 27 during one of the church’s annual Lenten fish fries. The profit the church receives from selling thousands of $16 dinners goes toward feeding local unhoused people and supporting the fast-growing congregation. Photo by Jenn Morgan.

Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park, Pa., serves fried fish sandwiches on Feb. 27 during one of the church’s annual Lenten fish fries. Photo by Jenn Morgan.

United Methodists hooked on fish fries too
BETHEL PARK, Pa. (UM News) — Borrowing from Catholic tradition, United Methodists in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York and New Mexico are preparing and serving hundreds of fish dinners on Friday nights throughout Lent. The community dinners not only raise money for missions and church support, but they also inspire church members to show their faith through teamwork and community building. Annette Spence has the story.

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(From left) Naoutane Ndecky, Senegal District women’s president, Abraham Basse, district lay president, and Eric Ané raise their hands in prayer during the dedication service at Temple Beth Shalom United Methodist Church in Diamniadio, Senegal. Photo courtesy of the Senegal District.

Celebrating a new church building in Senegal
DIAMNIADIO, Senegal (UM News) — After 18 years of worshipping in rented spaces and experiencing a collapsed roof, a United Methodist community here has inaugurated Temple Beth Shalom United Methodist Church. The project was funded by local circuits in Senegal with support from partners, including United Methodists in Alabama. Elie Mor Dione reports.
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Kentucky Conference
Meeting people, one book at a time
SOMERSET, Ky. — In downtown Somerset, a small wooden box offers Bibles, devotionals and Christian books for all ages. Hannah Lackey, a member of the youth group at Somerset First United Methodist Church, and Talara Bach created the little free library, Books and Blessings, to help people no matter where they are on their faith journey. The Kentucky Conference has the story.
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Oregon-Idaho Conference
Church language classes build bridges
BLACKFOOT, Idaho — Metaphorical bridges are being built by members of Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church. Since August, the church has offered Japanese, Spanish and English as second language classes on Saturdays at the church. The classes were quickly organized by new pastor the Rev. Marvel Souza and his spouse, Raphael Lira. Kristen Caldwell has the story.
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Dakotas Conference
Perfect waffles for charity
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Don Miller’s quest for the perfect waffle is paying dividends to people struggling with autism and other vulnerable adults. Miller and his wife, Deb Glennen, members of Zion United Methodist Church, have launched Dakota Don’s Artisan Waffles, which sells waffle mix and sends 90% of the revenues to charity. A retired ceramics professor, Miller turned his curiosity and knack for experimentation to waffles to find what he thinks is the perfect recipe. Rebecca G. Trefz has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
Recording online of ‘Recap’ on vision
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A recording of “The Recap” live episode is now available. The March 24 broadcast focused on The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement, highlighting stories of ministry and answering viewers’ questions.
Watch recording

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.

Church and Society
Protecting transgender civil and human rights
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Church in its Social Principles unequivocally supports gender inclusivity, sacred worth and equal protection for transgender and non-binary people. “God so loved the whole world and in every life is a reflection of divinity, so every act of injustice defaces the image of God,” writes Bishop Julius C. Trimble in a commentary that endorses federal legislation to protect transgender rights. The Rev. Joelle Henneman, pastor of United Methodist Church for All People, also wrote that Trimble’s words offer hope in a time of political darkness.
Read Trimble’s commentary
Read Henneman’s commentary

East Ohio Conference
The war that never ended: A prayer for peace
NORTH CANTON, Ohio — Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, who has witnessed the horrors of war firsthand and carries its lasting wounds, believes that violence can never be a solution to human conflict. He calls for a renewed commitment to peace wherever violence persists.
Read commentary

Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Webinar explores leadership transitions
WASHINGTON — What should people consider if they are making a ministry transition? Lewis Center Director Jonathan Page plans to discuss actions leaders in transition can take before, during and immediately following an upcoming move. This webinar, scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. U.S. Eastern time April 21, is for leaders getting ready for a new opportunity and congregants preparing to welcome a new leader.
Learn more and register