UM News Digest - Dec. 8, 2025

UM News Digest - Dec. 8, 2025

Church honors Indigenous land, deepens Native ties
Congregation responds to hunger, homelessness
Group makes pillowcases for foster children

“You are our family. We are an example of how Indian churches can live through family relationships with other churches. And that’s why we welcome you on this land.” — Cynthia Mosley, a Nanticoke Lenni Lenape and leader of St. John United Methodist Church, to members of Marshallton United Methodist Church.

Lisa Bowser (left), lay leader of Marshallton United Methodist Church in West Chester, Pa., speaks with Christian Boehnke as church members Neal Bowser and Jonah Eckert work in the background to renovate a disability access ramp at St. John United Methodist Church in Bridgeton, N.J. Photo by David Eckert.

Church honors Indigenous land, deepens Native ties
WEST CHESTER, Pa. (UM News) — Marshallton United Methodist Church, a primarily white congregation near Philadelphia, has adopted a statement acknowledging that it gathers on land historically owned by Indigenous people. The congregation also is walking alongside St. John United Methodist Church in Bridgeton, New Jersey, one of the oldest historically Native American churches. In addition to partnering in ministry, Marshallton members want to continue to learn from St. John as part of their ongoing work to dismantle racism. John W. Coleman reports.

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North Georgia Conference
Congregation responds to hunger, homelessness
DECATUR, Ga. — When Decatur First United Methodist Church’s visioning team set out in early 2023 to learn more about the needs of neighbors in DeKalb County, they expected to hear about affordable child care. Instead, they heard something else again and again: hunger. That listening led to the launch of two transformative ministries, a food co-op and a program where people facing homelessness can shower and grab a quick snack. Sybil Davidson has the story.
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Northern Illinois Conference
Group makes pillowcases for foster children
ERIE, Ill. — The sewing club at Erie United Methodist Church is working to provide a small source of comfort to children in foster care. Almost a dozen church members and friends worked together at the church to sew 165 handmade, colorful pillowcases for children entering foster homes across the area. “Each pillowcase was sewn with love,” said Pastor Tiffany Garcea. “We want every child to have something bright, cheerful and truly their own.” Leanne Stortz reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Accepting God’s invitation for a peaceful Advent
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The emotions around Advent can be complicated. However, study, reflection and music can help Christians experience an Advent that’s set apart from holiday stress, busyness and grief. Laura Buchanan has the story.
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South Carolina Conference
Bishop Fairley releases memoir
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Just in time for Christmas giving, the Advocate Press will release the coming-of-age account of South Carolina Conference Bishop Leonard E. Fairley. In his memoir, “Silver Linings,” Fairley recounts his upbringing through the eyes of a young boy who discovers that even the unpredictable nature of everyday life is a woven tapestry held together by God’s providence.
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No UM News Digest on Dec. 10
There will be no UM News Digest on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The Digest will resume on Dec. 12.

Finance and Administration
Switcher Studio named mission partner
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, announces Switcher Studio as an official Ministry Partner. Switcher Studio works with churches of all sizes to produce professional-quality livestreams using equipment they already own, such as iPhones and iPads.
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Highland Park United Methodist Church
SMU honors United Methodist pastor
DALLAS — Southern Methodist University honored the Rev. Paul Rasmussen, outgoing senior minister of Highland Park United Methodist Church, with the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award. The award “recognizes leaders for their extraordinary achievements, outstanding character, and good citizenship.” Rasmussen recently announced plans to step down Feb. 1 as he deals with Parkinson’s disease.
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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.

Florida Conference
Bishop urges: Don’t take the rage bait
LAKELAND, Fla. — The Oxford Dictionary’s choice of the phrase “rage bait” as the 2025 word of the year says a lot about all of us right now, writes Florida Conference Bishop Tom Berlin. However, he adds that this contrasts with the way of Jesus. “The call to peace, to resist retaliation, and to love others no matter how they treat us is at the heart of Jesus’ teaching,” Berlin writes.
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Hope Springs Eternal
Podcast interviews 4 bishops for Advent
ATKINS, Va. — For Advent, the Rev. Natalie Justice interviews four United Methodist bishops in the Southeastern Jurisdiction about “Finding Christ’s Light in a Fractured World.” She interviews Bishop Robin Dease about hope, Bishop Sharma Lewis Logan about joy, Bishop Tom Berlin about love and Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett about peace.
Watch video series