UM News Digest - Nov. 4, 2026

UM News Digest - Nov. 4, 2026

Midterm wins | Connectional Table meets | Remembering Fred Day

“I’m going to do all I can to love boldly, to help us as a nation love boldly, to serve joyfully and to lead courageously.” — The Rev. Adam Hamilton, referencing The United Methodist Church’s vision statement in his acceptance speech.

At left, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, a member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta, celebrates winning Georgia's race for governor during an election night rally Nov. 3 in Atlanta. At right, the Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor of Resurrection, The United Methodist Church’s largest U.S. congregation, celebrates his victory in Kansas’ Senate race at a watch party Nov. 3 in Overland Park, Kan. Bottoms photo by REUTERS/Taylor Edgerton; Hamilton photo by Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

United Methodists get big wins in midterms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodism is part of the “blue wave” that swept the U.S. on Election Day, led by the Rev. Adam Hamilton winning a Kansas Senate seat, and Keisha Lance Bottoms making history with a victory in Georgia’s governor race. Both say they will take their values with them in their new posts. Jim Patterson has the story.

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The Rev. Giovanni Arroyo, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, gives communion to the Rev. Theon Johnson III, a fellow Connectional Table member and senior pastor of Campbell United Methodist Church in Campbell, Calif., during the Connectional Table’s Oct. 29-30 meeting in Vancouver. Photo by Paul Gómez, United Methodist Communications.

Group pushes Leadership Gathering ideas forward
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (UM News) — The Connectional Table, which coordinates The United Methodist Church’s ministry and resources, affirmed the work of the Leadership Gathering. That’s significant because the Connectional Table can help give life to the gathering’s suggestions. The body also explored the future of U.S. jurisdictions and how to handle disputes between regional conferences. Heather Hahn reports.
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Read Connectional Table statement

The Rev. Alfred T. “Fred” Day III speaks about the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on May 17 during the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Beloved historian Rev. Fred Day dies at 75
PHILADELPHIA — The Rev. Alfred T. “Fred” Day is being remembered as a “spiritual guidepost” and powerful preacher who helped history and faith come alive for new generations. Colleagues also recalled the native Philadelphian’s rabid loyalty to local sports teams. Day died on Oct. 29 at age 75 after a short illness. Jim Patterson has an obituary.
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Rio Texas Conference
Growing faith through connection
SAN ANTONIO — What happens when families with young children are given space to connect, share their stories and discover simple ways to nurture faith in everyday life? Through Sacred Roots Family Experiences, families across Texas found opportunities to do just that. The Rev. Jennifer Chickering has the story.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Church offers VBS blast from the past
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Faith United Methodist Church-Manheim Township was looking for ways to connect with its congregation. With fewer children and youth in attendance and aging volunteers, church leaders realized vacation Bible school might not be in the cards this year. That is until the idea of hosting an Adult VBS popped up. Buni Harbison has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
When kindness creates change
NEW YORK — What difference can one person make? On a new episode of “Compass” podcast, host Ryan Dunn talks with the Very Rev. Winnie Varghese, dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, about the surprising power of kindness. Varghese shares insights from her upcoming book, “One Single Act: Gestures of Kindness, Compassion, and Courage That Change Us and the World.”
Listen to podcast

Association of Ministers with Disabilities
Resource explores neurodiversity
NEW ORLEANS — The United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities has released a white paper titled “Neurodiversity and the Church: Toward a Neurodiversity-Affirming Ecclesiology, Ministry, and Institutional Practice.” The paper argues for five commitments from the church to welcome neurodiverse Christians.
Read white paper (PDF)