Coronavirus

The First United Methodist Church in Denton, Texas, joins in worship on June 6, the first time the sanctuary had been used for that purpose since the COVID-19 pandemic forced building closures all over the U.S. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Churches urged to relaunch, not just reopen

The spirit of innovation seen in the COVID-19 pandemic needs to continue and deepen, church leadership experts say.

Churches may have shuttered their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, but disciple-making kept going through digital ministries. In observance of Social Media Day, UM News explores how churches are reaching new people through social media and online offerings. Globe by OpenClipart-Vectors, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Social media takes disciple-making global

Even as the pandemic forced churches to close their buildings, social media opened new doors for United Methodists to make disciples across continents.

Local Church

Members of Emmaus United Methodist Church in Richmond, Va., gather for a group photo before the COVID-19 pandemic. A church member who is a registered nurse helped lead a vaccination effort that immunized 100% of the congregation. Photo courtesy of Emmaus United Methodist Church.

Nurse leads Korean church’s vaccine ministry

Thanks to its Healthy Church Team, Emmaus United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia, attains 100% vaccination rate.

Global Health

Ashlee Hand receives a COVID-19 vaccination from EMT Archie Coble during a clinic at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Charlotte, N.C., in April. Health experts say many people trust their faith leaders to address their concerns about getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

Churches have role in overcoming vaccine hesitancy

People mistrustful of other institutions may still trust their faith leaders to address their concerns about getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

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