Worship

The Rev. Noel Alfonso honors fathers during a Father’s Day service June 21 at Munoz United Methodist Church in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Churches in North and South Cotabato in Mindanao and Nueva Ecija in Luzon were among those allowed to reopen under modified guidelines to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Noel Alfonso.

Churches adapt to ‘new normal’ in Philippines

United Methodists set up hand-washing stations, checked temperatures and required masks as churches welcomed back members after months of quarantine.

Local Church

While many United Methodist churches have seen giving drop since the COVID-19 pandemic suspended in-person worship, they also report resilience in the crisis. Some churches even report an increase in giving to go along alongside an increase in attendance through online worship. Photos: church by Steven Kyle Adair, clouds by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications; coins by Kevin Schneider, Pixabay; illustration by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Local churches show resilience in crisis

Three months into pandemic-related restrictions, many U.S. United Methodist churches are more optimistic about their finances and see hope for the “new normal.”

Local Church

Worship in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, resumes, albeit with seating restrictions and other safety measures related to the coronavirus pandemic. The church’s June 14 in-person services were its first since March 8. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Back in church: ‘Like Easter and Christmas’

Restrictions are many, and the coronavirus pandemic remains a threat, but more United Methodist churches are resuming in-person worship.

Mission and Ministry

On Pentecost, the congregation of The United Methodist Church Porsgrunn in Norway had to sit apart, using every second pew. Only 50 people were admitted for worship because of the threat of the coronavirus. Photo courtesy of The United Methodist Church Porsgrunn.

European churches easing back into live worship

European and Eurasian churches are reopening after many shut their doors because of the coronavirus.

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