“They’re welcoming us in a beautiful way. Jesus would be proud!” — Gayle Sampley, describing how Strawbridge United Methodist Church has embraced her and others coming from disaffiliating churches.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Growth for some churches staying United Methodist
KINGWOOD, Texas (UM News) — Disaffiliations are reducing the number of United Methodists and United Methodist churches in the U.S. But a realignment also is going on, with some United Methodist churches having growth spurts as they pick up members from churches departing the denomination. Strawbridge United Methodist is in a disaffiliation hotspot and has seen attendance double. Sam Hodges reports.
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Baltimore-Washington Conference
Maryland governor preaches message of hope
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — In January, Gov. Wes Moore was sworn in as the first Black governor of Maryland a the third Black governor in the United States. In February, he preached at Fowler United Methodist Church in Annapolis, a small African American church founded in 1871. Moore’s grandfather and great-grandfather were preachers. Melissa Lauber has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
‘The Recap’ rounds up latest news around the connection
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of "The Recap" looks at how United Methodists are taking action to address gun violence and racial injustice. Other stories include five diverse congregations coming together for worship and fellowship, and an update on an African agricultural initiative named in honor of late Sierra Leone Bishop John Yambasu. "The Recap" is a video series from United Methodist Communications providing a snapshot of stories from throughout the United Methodist connection.
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Global Ministries
Volunteerism as a way of life
ATLANTA — Retirement was a good reason to expand volunteer activities for Jerry Feese and Robilea Swindell. The married couple from Lawrence, Kansas, served for years in the Great Plains Disaster Response ministry. In 2021, they expanded their commitment by going through the mission volunteers training offered by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Christie R. House reports.
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The Columbian
Robert E. Lee stained-glass window moved
BOISE, Idaho — A stained-glass window featuring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee alongside Presidents Washington and Lincoln has been moved out of a United Methodist church to a museum. After complaints about having Lee in a place of honor at the Cathedral of the Rockies First United Methodist Church, the window was accepted for display at the Idaho Black History Museum. Sally Krutzig has the story.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily 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.
Indiana Conference
Lifting up three key Black history figures
INDIANAPOLIS — Bishop Julius C. Trimble has shared a Black History Month reflection. He focuses on three people he believes deserve broader recognition. “The arc of the universe may bend toward justice,” Trimble writes. “However, this is only made possible by people like Claudette Colvin, Abraham Galloway and Althea Gibson.”
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Thursday, March 2
Midterm State of The United Methodist Church address
Thursday, March 2
Faith Talks: Commemorating Women's History Month
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