“Let us launch and affirm the reality that United Methodists are Bible-based, faith-driven, mission-focused and global in scope.” — New Council of Bishops President Thomas J. Bickerton.
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodists urged to relaunch their church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — While acknowledging the start of a breakaway denomination and the departure of a fellow bishop, the United Methodist Council of Bishops shared hopes for a revived United Methodist Church. United Methodist ministry continues including outreach to people displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Heather Hahn reports.
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Kentucky Conference
Churches step up for Afghan refugees
CRESTWOOD, Ky. — Seven United Methodist churches across the Kentucky Conference have stepped forward to assist refugees from Afghanistan who were forced to flee the country. More than 100 other churches across the state have offered to play supporting roles. Alan Wild has the story.
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Minnesota Conference
Pastor returns to Ukraine with medical supplies
MINNEAPOLIS — The Revs. Fred Vanderwerf and Michael Airgood both served in Ukraine as United Methodist missionaries. Vanderwerf has written about Airgood’s recent trip back to Ukraine, a humanitarian effort that included bringing suitcases full of medical supplies. Vanderwerf’s article includes a link to Airgood’s Facebook posts about the trip, which was an effort to support Ukrainian United Methodists assisting people fleeing the violence of the Russian invasion.
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East Ohio Conference
Congregations stage Creation Justice Fair
BEREA, Ohio — A rain barrel workshop, plant sale and interactive mural were part of the Creation Justice Fair at United Methodist Church of Berea. The church collaborated with Ridgewood United Methodist Church in Parma on the event, which was the EarthKeepers project of Barb Dawson, a retiree who took up the study of climate change. Rick Wolcott has the story.
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Religion News Service
Pandemic disrupts religious education
HARTFORD, Conn. — Sunday school and other Christian education programs have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, with half of congregations surveyed saying their programs were disrupted, according to a new study from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. The report is part of a five-year project called “Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations.” United Methodist Communications is assisting the ongoing research. Adelle M. Banks has the story.
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41 KSHB
Church's 'All Are Welcome' sign targeted
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — A church banner proclaiming “All Are Welcome” and bearing rainbow colors was vandalized last week, prompting a police investigation. The sign, part of Indian Heights United Methodist Church’s outreach to the LGBTQ community, has been up since 2018, and has been vandalized once before. Andres Gutierrez reports.
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RECENT HEADLINES
FAQ on the launch of new denomination
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EVENTS
Tuesday, May 3
World Press Freedom Day
Monday, May 9-Friday, May 20
Online course: Crossing the Bridge — Life After Loss