Europe

On Pentecost, the congregation of The United Methodist Church Porsgrunn in Norway had to sit apart, using every second pew. Only 50 people were admitted for worship because of the threat of the coronavirus. Photo courtesy of The United Methodist Church Porsgrunn.

European churches easing back into live worship

European and Eurasian churches are reopening after many shut their doors because of the coronavirus.

The Rev. Lev Shults plays a traditional horn in the Senate of the Czech Republic during the International Bible Championships. Shults is pastor of Agape United Methodist Church, a Russian-speaking church among 23 local parishes of The United Methodist Church in Czechia. Photo by Urs Schweizer, Central Conference of Central and Southern Europe.

Prague pastor goes ‘where God sends me’

Among the 23 local United Methodist churches in the Czech Republic is one Russian-speaking church. What does it mean for its pastor to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?

Mission and Ministry

Early on the morning of Nov. 26, a violent 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Albania, claiming over 20 lives, injuring 600 and collapsing buildings. Courtesy of Google maps.

Church mobilizes after earthquakes rock Albania

United Methodists seek ways to offer material help and emotional support in hardest-hit areas.

General Church

Per-Endre Bjørnevik (left), a General Council on Finance and Administration board member from Norway, receives communion from the Rev. Steve Wood, board member from the North Georgia Conference. During the board meeting Nov. 14-15 in Nashville, Tenn., the GCFA board responded to a letter from European bishops objecting to cuts to office expenses. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UM News.

4 bishops dispute planned budget cuts

Bishops in Europe object to slashed support for their offices in the first quarter of 2020. The denomination’s finance agency says the cuts are needed.

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