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UM News Digest - Nov. 17, 2025
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“The church’s financial house is on fire. My intent is not to create fear but to address the reality with honesty and urgency.” — Bishop David Graves, General Council on Finance and Administration board president.
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Board members of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency sing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” during opening worship at their meeting Nov. 14 in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.
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Bishop warns of financial troubles ahead
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The president of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency urged leaders to face the reality of dramatically reduced resources but also expressed hope that the denomination can rebuild for a faithful future. Bishop David Graves was addressing the General Council on Finance and Administration board as it struggled to meet funding requests in the aftermath of a denominational splintering. Heather Hahn reports. |
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Bishop Nelson Kalombo Ngoy of the Tanganyika Episcopal Area (center, in blue suit) and the Rev. Alpher K. Sylvester of the New York Conference (right, in light jacket) stand amid a group of clergy and community members with hands raised in prayer during an outreach visit in Kalemie, Congo. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.
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New bishop brings big dreams to Tanganyika
KALEMIE, Congo (UM News) — Bishop Nelson Kalombo Ngoy has a bold vision for the new Tanganyika Episcopal Area, including constructing church hospitals to address the critical lack of medical care. He recently hosted a New York Conference delegation as it visited the region to witness the church’s reconstruction work and challenges. Chadrack Tambwe Londe has the story.
Read story |
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Baltimore-Washington Conference
Church welcomes board gamers
HOLLYWOOD, Md. — Giving a group of board game enthusiasts a place to meet is proving beneficial for Hollywood United Methodist Church. The father who made the original request to meet at the church has since become a youth leader there, and a member of the board game group helped to secure a $500 donation for a mission trip. “The church building is one of the most underutilized things that a church has to offer,” said the Rev. Matthew Tate, the church’s pastor. Baltimore-Washington Conference staff have the story.
Read story
Minnesota Conference
Pastors get elected to serve faithfully
MINNEAPOLIS — In Minnesota, two United Methodist pastors are elected officials and see that as part of their jobs. The Rev. Dawn Houser of Aitkin United Methodist Church serves on the local school board, and the Rev. Paul Baudhuin is on the St. Louis Park City Council. “I am appointed not just to my congregation, but to the community as well,” Houser said. Reid Baumann reports.
Read story |
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Kenya-Ethiopia Conference
Mission school celebrates first graduation
MOHETO, Kenya — Wesley Mission School Moheto celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony hosted at First United Methodist Church Moheto. The event marked a significant step toward educational empowerment for the community’s children, many of whom traveled long distances to attend. With support from U.S. partners, the school aims to bridge educational gaps. George Chacha has the story.
Read story
Learn more about the school
UMC.org
Podcast: Meet Bishop Carlo Rapanut
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The first U.S. bishop ordained in a central conference is also an ultra-marathoner. In an episode of the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast, Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut shares how growing up in a United Methodist church in his hometown of Baguio City, Philippines, shaped his leadership and call to ministry.
Listen to podcast |
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Church and Society
Justice and peace gatherings planned
WASHINGTON — Each jurisdiction in The United Methodist Church will host a gathering in 2026 to explore how members can respond to pressing social issues. The Justice and Peace Gatherings were announced during a three-day retreat at the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. Also planned at the 2026 meetings are training on faith-based advocacy and community organizing and building networks that extend the church’s witness for justice, peace and compassion.
Read press release
United Methodist Men
Women wanted as Jamboree leaders
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Recognizing the unique spiritual, emotional and visionary strengths women bring to ministry, United Methodist Scouting Ministries is seeking United Methodist female pastors and seminarians to be leaders at the Scouting America National Jamboree 2026. Ways to serve include preaching, pastoral care, mentoring, listening or simply being a visible presence of faith and encouragement. The Jamboree is set for July 22-31 at Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, West Virginia.
Read press release |
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Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News
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Lunch-hour prayer service draws members, friends
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Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News
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GC2028 delegate count marks historic shift
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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