COVID19

Children dance in front of the stage at Booneville (Iowa) United Methodist Church’s annual music festival. What began as a small way for Booneville United Methodist Church to reach out to the community has blossomed into an annual event attracting hundreds. Photo by Courtney Levin, Iowa Conference.

Small church’s music festival draws big crowds

What began as a small way for Booneville United Methodist Church to reach out to the community has blossomed into an annual event attracting hundreds.

Local Church

Toendepi Samson Marikasi sobs with grief over the loss of his wife, Alice Marikasi, 87, and her sister, Ellah Muti, 90, during a special memorial service at St. James Hwedza United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. Pastor Daniel Luckson consoles him. United Methodist churches in Zimbabwe held services where people who lost loved ones during COVID-19 could gather to console one another and celebrate life — things they were unable to do during pandemic restrictions. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Church offers closure to grieving families

United Methodist churches held memorial services where people who lost loved ones during COVID-19 gathered to console one another and celebrate life — things they were unable to do during pandemic restrictions.

General Agencies

United Methodist bishops hold hands in prayer during a day of prayer for the 2019 United Methodist General Conference in St. Louis. The General Council on Finance and Administration board approved a monthly stipend for active bishops who have led more than one episcopal area since January 2021. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Extra pay approved for bishops with extra workloads

The board of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency has approved a monthly stipend for active bishops who serve more than one episcopal area in this time of disruption.

Human Rights

The Rev. Dr. Ron Bell. Photo courtesy of the author.

Mental health and the Black church

Research shows the emotional and mental health issues shouldered by Black leaders and churches have worsened markedly with COVID-19. How will the church respond?

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