Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference

Bishop Frank Beard uses fishing metaphors to launch his new evangelism program, Catching Like Jesus Ministries, during a sermon at Elkhart Faith United Methodist Church in Goshen, Ind. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Eyesight fading, bishop envisions new role as evangelist

After glaucoma forced him to step down from overseeing a conference, United Methodist Bishop Frank Beard is launching a new ministry as an evangelist. He is using his love of fishing to hook new disciples.

Local Church

Families visit booths set up outside Chicago First Korean United Methodist Church in Wheeling, Ill., during the church’s Sept. 13 “Great Feast for Refugees and Neighbors.” The event marked the congregation’s 102nd anniversary and its commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community. Families from refugee centers across Chicago participated in a day filled with worship, music, food, fellowship and practical support. Photo courtesy of Chicago First Korean United Methodist Church.

Chicago First Korean marks 102 years by hosting refugees

The United Methodist congregation celebrated its anniversary by inviting some of its most vulnerable neighbors for worship, fellowship and support.

Mission and Ministry

Workers with the church’s Department of Community Services load supplies onto a vehicle to deliver to rural Liberia. The food relief — supported by UMCOR and other global partners — is part of the efforts of The United Methodist Church’s Anti COVID-19 Taskforce. Photo by E Julu Swen, UM News.

Food relief helps in Liberia’s COVID-19 fight

UMCOR and other church partners provide support to church’s Anti COVID-19 Taskforce as country sees spike in cases.

Mission and Ministry

Custodian James Jimmerson disinfects pews to prevent any possible spread of the coronavirus at Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday, May 10, 2020, after online worship, which was recorded in the sanctuary. As churches consider returning to in-person worship, cleaning measures are one of many factors leaders will need to consider. “I believe my job, my part in this, is to make sure people are safe in here,” Jimmerson said. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Churches have much to consider before reopening

As many states’ shelter-in-place orders are being lifted, churches contemplate how — or whether — to return to in-person worship.

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