Ministry

Youth from First United Methodist Church in Dallas help repair a roof in 105-degree heat during their recent summer mission trip to San Antonio. Nick Janzen (left), construction manager for Blueprint Ministries, works with Vivian Winston and Wesley Stoker of the Dallas church. Photo by Anna Bundy-Hagler.

Blistering summer challenges churches

United Methodists keep familiar ministries going and find new ways to serve as much of the U.S. bakes.

The Rev. Angela Cooley Bulhof hugs Caton Darling during a visit to his home in Lake Charles, La., to check on the progress of repairs following Hurricane Laura in 2020. Bulhof, pastor of University United Methodist Church in Lake Charles, says Louisiana has been pounded by seven hurricanes and two tropical storms since August 2020. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Stress, burnout afflicting pastors

The daily life of United Methodist pastors is getting more and more stressful, with COVID-19, racial unrest, natural disasters and a likely denominational split over sexuality taking a toll.

Mission and Ministry

The Rev. Ruth Marsh (right) comforts Angi Rogers, a guest in the day shelter at Trinity United Methodist Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Rogers had not been feeling well and Marsh settled her in a Sunday school classroom to get some rest. “Everybody here takes care of me and each other,” Rogers said. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Churches see lots of need this Advent

Many congregations and affiliated nonprofits in the U.S. are stepping up efforts to help low-income people squeezed by inflation and affordable housing shortages.

Social Concerns

The Rev. Margret Powell. Photo courtesy of the author

Encountering racism but extending love

Whether in school or the workplace, the Rev. Margret Powell experienced hostility and ridicule as a person of color, but she persevered.

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