UMPH

The parking lot of the United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville, Tenn., stands empty on Friday, May 1, 2020. The self-supporting agency recently entered a purchase agreement with an investment firm expected to lease the office space to the public. That move, combined with better sales of church resources as the pandemic lifts in the U.S., has brightened the Publishing House’s financial picture. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Publishing House rebounds

Thanks to better sales as the pandemic eases in the U.S., as well as a real estate move, the United Methodist Publishing House appears in better shape financially.

General Church

The Discipleship Ministries office in Nashville, Tenn., is being renovated to be better equipped for use post-COVID-19. Although the staff is primarily working at home, the building is being used for small staff meetings as well as a daily prayer broadcast from the Upper Room Chapel. The 13 agencies of The United Methodist Church are facing budget cutbacks among uncertainty around a potential schism. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

General agencies cutting back

Faced with an ongoing pandemic and denominational uncertainty, United Methodist general agencies are reducing staff while trying to stay true to their missions.

General Church

The parking lot of the United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville, Tenn., stands mostly empty on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Employees have worked remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The health emergency also has caused Publishing House revenues to drop, prompting layoffs and a decision to put the headquarters up for sale. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Publishing House among pandemic victims

With church buildings closed due to COVID-19, the United Methodist Publishing House has seen sharply lower sales and had to take severe cost-saving steps.

General Church

Global Mission Fellow Bellarmee Milosi gives a tutoring session for children in Tramo, Philippines, as part of the Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. With the current budget constraints, expansion of this successful young adult ministry is unlikely. 2018 file photo courtesy of Global Ministries.

Church agencies cope with new realities

The changing landscape caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainty over the denomination’s future has created challenges for United Methodist agencies.

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