Texas Annual Conference

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.

People seeking shelter from snow and bitter cold are offered Holy Communion in the gymnasium at First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs, Ark. The church is operating the warming shelter in cooperation with the local Red Cross. Photo by Cindy English.

Churches serve as warming centers, shelters

With nearly 3 million homes without electricity in subfreezing temperatures, United Methodists come together to provide shelter, food, charging stations and other help.

Local Church

A single lit candle in a wreath signifies the first week of Advent. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, United Methodist churches are thinking creatively for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Photo of Glendale United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., by Steven Kyle Adair, United Methodist Communications.

Salvaging Christmas amid coronavirus concerns

Pastors already dealing with a stressful 2020 now must lead United Methodists through the seasons of Advent and Christmas as the coronavirus pandemic rages.

Local Church

Billie Jean Baker has an apartment now but for about three years had no home of her own and often slept outside Dallas’ Oaklawn United Methodist Church. She recently received a Harry Denman Evangelism Award for helping the church expand its ministry with the homeless. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Evangelism award winner slept outside church

Billy Jean Baker is honored for using her personal experience with homelessness to help Dallas’ Oak Lawn United Methodist Church open its doors wider.

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