West Virginia Annual Conference

The Rev. Jee Hae Song’s son Joshua, 5, dances at her 2023 ordination during the Upper New York Annual Conference in Syracuse, N.Y. Song presented legislation to the 2024 Upper New York Annual Conference to enact a parental leave policy for United Methodists of Upper New York. The legislation would guarantee 13 paid weeks of leave for clergy and church workers whose family are expanding by birth, adoption or foster placement. Photo courtesy of the Upper New York Conference.

Parental leave efforts gaining momentum

Clergy deserve 13 weeks of paid leave when they are caring for a new baby, according to members of a grassroots effort to make that the United Methodist standard.

Bishops

Retired Bishop William Boyd Grove died Oct. 27, in Johnson City, Tenn. The longtime United Methodist leader was a hymn writer, social justice advocate, encourager of pastors and the first ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bishop Grove led with wisdom, love

The longtime United Methodist leader was a hymn writer, social justice advocate, encourager of pastors and the first ecumenical officer of the Council of Bishops.

Disaster Relief

At their 2023 Jamboree in West Virginia, Boy Scouts put together 5-gallon flood buckets, also known as UMCOR Cleaning Kits, equipped with laundry detergent, household cleaner, insect repellent, other cleaning supplies, N95 masks, and more. Photo courtesy of the West Virginia Conference.

Scouts assemble 5,000 flood buckets

West Virginia United Methodists played an important role at the 2023 Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree in Mount Hope, West Virginia. Throughout the 10-day Jamboree many of those Scouts helped assemble 5,000 flood buckets for the church’s West Virginia Conference Disaster Ministries.

Mission and Ministry

Amber Blankenship shows off a tattoo honoring Kairos Prison Ministry, a program which she credits with changing her life while she was incarcerated at the Lakin Correctional Center in West Columbia, W.Va. “I told God that if he would heal my broken heart, I would go wherever he wanted me to go, and I have served him every day since,” she said. She and her husband, Aaron Blankenship, are standing in front of a mosaic depicting the Transfiguration of Christ that stands behind the altar at Wesley Chapel at the West Virginia United Methodist Conference Center in Charleston. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Faith communities can aid transition from prison

Churches and other faith-based groups can provide resources for the formerly incarcerated as well as help reduce the stigma attached to a criminal record.

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