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UM News Digest - May 16, 2025
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“These families no longer have any shelter or food. It is imperative to act quickly to come to their aid.” — East Congo Gabriel Unda, responding to deadly floods.
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Children and adults cross a mud-filled street in Kasaba, Congo, where flooding has killed at least 110 people, including five United Methodists, and destroyed hundreds of homes. Photo courtesy of the Ecclesiastical District of Fizi.
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Church members among dead in Congo floods
FIZI, Congo (UM News) — More than 110 people, including five United Methodists, have been killed by floods and mudslides in eastern Congo. The region already was struggling with the effects of war nearby. In the face of this humanitarian crisis, Bishop Gabriel Unda calls for an urgent mobilization to help the victims. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports. |
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Florida Conference
After hurricane, church sprang into action
SEMINOLE, Fla. — The morning after Hurricane Milton blasted through Pinellas County last October was sobering. The massive storm left more than $2 billion in damage. The members of Oakhurst United Methodist Church quickly knew one thing: They had to help. And help they did. Joe Henderson has the story.
Read story
Greater New Jersey Conference
Daily dinner ministry celebrates 5 years
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Every night, the doors of the United Methodist Church at New Brunswick open — just as they have for five years. Inside, the scent of warm food fills the air and volunteers line up, ready to serve those seeking a meal. “My prayer is that God fills our hearts with renewed energy so that we may continue serving — until the day homelessness is found only in the dictionary,” said the Rev. Myungsun Han. James Lee reports.
Read story |
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New 2025 annual conference report posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2025 annual conference reports. New this week is the Hungary-Romania Annual Conference.
Read reports
Correction
An item in the May 14 digest on an annual conference primer incorrectly identified voting lay members as delegates. Lay people who vote at annual conference are not delegates who represent their local church interests. Instead, lay members are elected to bring their own perspectives and prayerfully discern what best supports both their local church’s ministry and the broader mission of the annual conference. United Methodist News regrets the error.
Read corrected story |
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Church and Society
Action urged to save nonprofit tax exemptions
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the denomination’s social witness agency, is raising alarms about a provision passed by the U.S. House Ways and Means committee. The provision would enable the U.S. Treasury secretary to label any nonprofit a “terrorist-supporting organization” and unilaterally strip it of its tax-exempt status. Under the measure, the agency says, “any administration — Republican or Democratic — could punish and shut down nonprofit organizations that don’t agree with that administration’s agenda or policies.” The agency offers guidance for advocating against including this provision in the budget reconciliation bill.
Read action alert |
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Archives and History
Resources for Heritage Sunday
MADISON, N.J. — The United Methodist Church’s Heritage Sunday is typically the third Sunday in May, but congregations may choose to commemorate the special Sunday at any time. In 2025, the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History announced the Heritage Sunday theme is “Sacred Stories: Ministries of LGBTQ+ United Methodists.” Liturgy, podcasts, oral histories and digital exhibits are available for churches.
See resources
UM News: ‘World shifted’ with full inclusion
Download Heritage Sunday social media graphic |
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Photo by Andrea Turner, UM News
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Church provides pampering for unhoused women
AUSTIN, Texas (UM News) — Before the sun comes up on Friday mornings, homeless women begin congregating in front of First United Methodist Church of Austin. That’s the day of the week set aside for women to get a shower, do laundry, get a good meal, pick out something from the clothes closet and even enjoy the services of a hair stylist once a month. They call the program At the Well. Jim Patterson reports.
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Photo by Andrea Turner, UM News
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Pastor finds contentment serving the unhoused
AUSTIN, Texas (UM News) — The Rev. Cathy Stone was a first-grade teacher when she began volunteering First United Methodist Church of Austin. Now an associate pastor at the church, she continues to minister with people who need help. Mission work is “a critical part of who we are as United Methodists,” she says. Jim Patterson has the story.
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Photo by Dan Anderson, courtesy Meet Minneapolis
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Minneapolis chosen for 2028 General Conference
MINNEAPOLIS (UM News) — United Methodist organizers plan to make good on the original location of the COVID-delayed 2020 lawmaking assembly, choosing Minneapolis as the host city for the next General Conference — scheduled for May 8-18, 2028. The Commission on the General Conference also hopes to make up the $1.8 million budget deficit accumulated over earlier sessions. Heather Hahn reports.
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Screenshot courtesy United Methodist Communications
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Hawaii United Methodists preserve local traditions
WAHIAWA, Hawaii — Over generations, Hawaiian language and traditions were nearly extinguished by efforts to force Native peoples to assimilate following the overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy. Since the 1970s, United Methodist churches have been part of the movement to bring back lost traditions. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, Lilla Marigza talks with pastors and music directors about embracing Hawaiian traditions in worship.
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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