Children

The Rev. Kellie Sanford (right) practices social distancing while visiting with a resident of the CC Young Senior Living community in Dallas. Sanford, a licensed local pastor in The United Methodist Church, serves as chaplain for the facility. Photo by Jennifer Griffin.

Chaplains comfort and share grief during COVID-19

As infections and deaths from the coronavirus mount, chaplains are challenged to do their jobs in a world where physical contact is forbidden.

Local Church

The Rev. Lea Matthews (left), associate pastor of St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York City, offered a “Message for All Ages” about worry in a recent YouTube video, along with her daughter Nora. Churches are using creative ways to connect with and reassure children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Video image courtesy of St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Helping children during the COVID-19 crisis

Sheltering in place is confusing for children accustomed to daily contact with friends and teachers. Church leaders offer advice on how to help them cope.

Mission and Ministry

Grace Wall from Clarksbury United Methodist Church in Harmony, N.C., teaches students at New Hope Education Center how to brush and floss their teeth effectively. The primary school, run by Huruma United Methodist Church, supports orphans and other vulnerable children in the Mathare Valley slums on the eastern side of Nairobi, Kenya. Photo by Gad Maiga, UM News.

Church school offers hope in Kenyan slums

Huruma United Methodist Church’s primary school supports orphans and other vulnerable children in the Mathare Valley slums.

Mission and Ministry

Jecinta Nairesea, 12, holds her 2-year-old daughter, Dorcus Nchorira, outside Trinity United Methodist Church in Gilgil, Kenya. The young mother was among those who attended the church’s youth camp in December. Jecinta, who was forced to marry at age 9, now attends Trinity Mission Girls High School. Photo by Faith Wanjiru, UM News.

Church in Kenya fights against female genital mutilation

Trinity United Methodist Church in Gilgil has created a new way of allowing girls to move ceremoniously from childhood to adulthood without undergoing the cut.

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