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UM News Digest - April 25, 2025
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“Everyone can’t go to Congo, but we can bring Congo to them — heart and soul.” — The Rev. Jonathan Baker, on supporting the church’s Congo Partnership.
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The Rev. Jonathan Baker and Donna Baker are overwhelmed as water gushes from a well in Wembo Nyama, Democratic Republic of Congo in 2016. File photo by the Rev. Jim Divine.
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Calling led couple to ministry in Congo
KINSHASA, Congo (UM News) — For the Rev. Jonathan and Donna Baker, becoming missionaries was a step of faith, guided by a clear feeling that God was calling them to serve in Congo. In 2001, the Peninsula-Delaware Conference, where Jonathan Baker served, launched the Congo Partnership. Renamed the Peter D. Weaver Congo Partnership in 2004, the initiative today also includes the Central Congo Episcopal Area, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and Western North Carolina Conference. Barbara Dunlap-Berg has the Bakers’ story. |
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Susie and Ed Keefer pose with Miriam, age 4, in Kinshasa, Congo, in 2013. File photo courtesy of Susie Keefer.
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From mission volunteer to adoptive mom
LEWES, Del. (UM News) — When Susie Keefer traveled to Congo in 2010, little did she know it would be the first of many mission journeys. A few years later, she adopted daughter Miriam, whom she met while spending time at a nutrition center there. In 2014, Keefer founded Miriam’s Table to honor her daughter and feed children in need. Miriam’s Table now serves 350 children and is one of the Congo Partnership’s ministries. Barbara Dunlap-Berg has the story, and Pierre Omadjela and Lilla Marigza have a video. |
Bishops given 3% retroactive pay hike
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The board of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency voted to give bishops a 3% salary increase that starts at the beginning of this year. The highly unusual move comes after bishops in December asked to forgo a raise in 2025 amid tight budgets denomination-wide. Heather Hahn reports. |
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Higher Education and Ministry
Boards affirm expanding support for marginalized
ATLANTA — During a joint meeting April 10-12, members of the United Methodist boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry discussed ways to expand support in education, migration, health, humanitarian aid and peace. Roland Fernandes, top staff executive, identified these as specific areas of focus for the agencies based on their mandates and the impact of current U.S. policies. Both boards approved strategic grants and funding initiatives that will help agency partners “stand in the gap,” ensuring that work with marginalized people and groups can continue. Sara Logeman reports.
Read story
East Ohio Conference
New ‘pastor’ has four legs
CRESTLINE, Ohio — When the Rev. Jennifer Whitmore noticed how her dog had a calming effect on people, she decided to get him trained as a therapy dog. Now “Pastor Pete” is spearheading a new pet ministry at Crestline First United Methodist Church. So far Pete has helped firefighters battling post-traumatic stress disorder, and the church has added a monthly pet loss grief group. Brett Hetherington has the story.
Read story
Florida Conference
David Draeger, beacon of hope in Haiti, dies
LAKELAND, Fla. — Most people instinctively run from danger, but David Draeger spent much of his life running toward it as a missionary for The United Methodist Church in Haiti. Draeger died on April 19 after returning to the United States to deal with multiple health issues. He was 78. Joe Henderson has the obituary.
Read obituary
Iowa Conference
Bishop mourns college president’s passing
INDIANOLA, Iowa — Jay Byers, a graduate of United Methodist-related Simpson College who became its president in 2023, died April 17 at age 54. Iowa Conference Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai paid tribute to Byers, who also was a member of Indianola First United Methodist Church. “Throughout his life, Jay used his many gifts to serve the common good,” she wrote.
Read pastoral statement |
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| UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. |
Church and Society
Earth Day is about planet and people
WASHINGTON — In honor of Earth Day earlier this week, the Rev. Laura Kigweba writes that the observance is not simply about planting trees or recycling. She says it’s an invitation to reimagine our relationship with the earth and each other. “Earth Day is an invitation to deepen our commitment to healing the harm done to God’s creation — especially the harm inflicted on Black, Indigenous and oppressed communities around the globe through systems of extraction, exploitation and environmental racism,” she writes.
Read commentary |
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United Methodist Communications
Help inform, inspire United Methodists
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On World Press Freedom Day, May 3, help transform information into inspiration. Your generosity enables UM News to deliver the breaking news, feature reporting, ministry stories and thought-provoking commentaries that keep members of The United Methodist Church informed. Help us reach our $10,000 goal so that UM News can continue sharing stories that connect, equip and inspire members worldwide.
To give |
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Resurrection, A United Methodist Church
Summit planned on forgiveness
LEAWOOD, Kan. — Research has consistently shown that forgiveness can lead to improved physical and mental health. Resurrection, A United Methodist Church, in the Kansas City area, has planned the Forgiveness Summit at 6-9 p.m. U.S. Central time May 30 and 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. May 31, bringing together speakers and experts to guide participants toward the freedom that comes from forgiveness.
Learn more and register |
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Monday, May 5 -
Friday, May 23
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Monday, May 12 -
Friday, May 23
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Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News
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Songs spark spiritual conversations at brew pub
FLORENCE, Ala. (UM News) — Once a month, a United Methodist pastor hires a songwriter for an evening of music and contemplation at Singin’ River Brewing Co. The theme of one or more of the songs performed during Crafted Conversations is used to get an audience discussion going. A ministry of First United Methodist Church in Florence, the Fresh Expression is promoted as an informal gathering where people who may be “spiritual but not religious” can feel comfortable. Jim Patterson has the story.
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File photo by Albin Hillert, WCC
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United Methodists remember Pope Francis
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists are remembering Pope Francis and acknowledging the special relationship between the Catholic Church and The United Methodist Church. “Pope Francis challenged and inspired Methodists and Catholics to move beyond ecumenical dialogue to be a pilgrim people walking and working together, particularly in care of creation, migration and human fraternity,” said the Rev. Matthew Laferty. Jim Patterson reports.
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Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News
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Bishop Wilke, beloved Bible study creator, dies
WINFIELD, Kan. (UM News) — Bishop Richard Byrd Wilke, a retired United Methodist bishop and developer of the popular Disciple Bible Study series, died April 20, Easter Sunday. He was 94. The bishop, who helped millions of people delve deeper into Scripture, was also a voice for LGBTQ inclusion in The United Methodist Church. Heather Hahn and Nancy Kruh have the obituary.
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Composite by Lilla Marigza, UM News
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What’s new in the Book of Resolutions?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a new series, Ask The UMC’s the Rev. Taylor W Burton Edwards explores the new and significantly revised resolutions within the 2020/2024 Book of Resolutions. Part 3 tackles “The Social Community” section, which includes 22 new resolutions. These represent the expansion of the church’s social witness and a deepening awareness of its diversity.
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Photo courtesy of the author
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Commentary: Why our church is in trouble
LEESBURG, Va. (UM News) — United Methodist leaders should stop pursuing ideological goals and instead focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ, writes longtime church member Cliff White. He says many of the materials provided by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society and other entities reflect a “progressive” political viewpoint.
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Photo by Tessa Tillett, Indiana Conference
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Commentary: Love demands prophetic witness
WASHINGTON (UM News) — The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice, beginning with Methodism founder John Wesley, says Bishop Julius C. Trimble, top staff executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. He says the church’s Social Principles provide a guide for faithfully addressing today’s issues.
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