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UM News Digest - July 18, 2025
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“The elderly may no longer be active in church committees or administration, but they still require spiritual nurturing. Their prayers and wisdom remain invaluable to the church community.” — The Rev. Edicance Marange, pastor-in-charge of United Methodist Hilltop Circuit in Zimbabwe.
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A woman laughs as she shakes hands with the Rev. Edicance Marange after attending service at the United Methodist Hilltop Circuit in the Sakubva suburb of Mutare, Zimbabwe. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.
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Zimbabwe church provides ‘lifeline’ for seniors
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The United Methodist Hilltop Circuit has rolled out special ministries to get older members involved in church life. The outreach includes a transportation ministry, special worship services and monthly home visits. Kudzai Chingwe reports. |
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Iowa Conference
Church garden nourishes body, spirit
DYSART, Iowa — Since a member of Dysart United Methodist Church was studying to become a master gardener, her pastor turned her loose on some overgrown space at the church. The result was a prayer labyrinth lined with a variety of plants. “This gives one the ability to walk the path in prayer and meditation, seeking to release the anxiety and stresses of everyday life,” the Rev. Mechille Boldt said. While the labyrinth is the centerpiece, free fresh veggies can be found in the four corners.
Read story
Indiana Conference
Dungeons and Dragons ministry draws teens
Dungeons and Dragons ministry draws teens
LAKEVILLE, Ind. — Teens at Lakeville United Methodist Church are exploring their faith while playing Dungeons and Dragons, with their pastor taking on the role of dungeon master. “Our goal is to provide a safe space in a church where they can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment,” Pastor Ed McCutchan said. Indiana Conference staff have the story.
Read story
Missouri Conference
Boost leads to big leap for historic church
MARSHALL, Mo. — Sometimes, a little boost can become a big deal. After North Street United Methodist Church received a $25,000 boost grant from the Missouri Conference, the historically Black church ended up embarking on a major renovation that inspired community generosity. Fred Koenig has the story.
Read story
Finance and Administration
What Scouts ruling means for United Methodists
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy reorganization plan has survived its first appellate challenge. The denomination’s General Council on Finance and Administration has provided a brief overview of what that means, and what might be next.
Read FAQ
UM News: New era for church and Boy Scouts of America |
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New Mexico Conference
Conference gives update on flood response
RUIDOSO, N.M. — The New Mexico Conference is responding to the needs in Ruidoso, a community dealing with floods after last year’s wildfires. All the homes in a trailer park were condemned. Alli Newsom has a video update featuring the Rev. Ross Whiteaker, Albuquerque District superintendent and the conference’s co-provost. She also offers ways United Methodists can help.
Watch video and read how to help
Florida, Alabama-West Florida conferences
Church camps share messages after Texas tragedy
FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. — The catastrophe at Camp Mystic in Texas has prompted United Methodist camps to respond. Joe Henderson of the Florida Conference reports on Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center’s safety plans. In a message, leaders of Blue Lake Camp in Andalusia, Alabama, also share their prayers as well as their continued commitment to safety.
Read Florida Conference story
Read Blue Lake Camp message
California-Nevada Conference
Church hosts Mexican Consulate
TAFT, Calif. — Taft United Methodist Church hosted the Mexican Consulate in late May. The four-day event, held in partnership with Faith in the Valley, allowed members of the community to take care of paperwork without the hassle and expense of traveling to the nearest consulates in Los Angeles or Fresno. Hanna Widlund reports.
Read story
New 2025 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2025 annual conference reports. New this week are the Desert Southwest, Iowa and Minnesota conferences.
Read reports |
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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. |
Troubledtimes call for revival of personalism
DOWAGIAC, Mich. (UM News) — Born in the 19th century, personalism has roots in the abolitionist movement, and it later informed the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As respect for human dignity has eroded, the world needs a revival of personalism, and a Wesleyan form has much to offer, writes the Rev. Dr. Christopher P. Momany.
Read commentary |
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File photo by Mike DuBose
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Giving Methodist women their due
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — A new book aims to bring Southern Methodist women and their social justice work to the forefront. “Southern Methodist Women and Social Justice: Interracial Activism in the Long Twentieth Century” features profiles of Mary McLeod Bethune, Bishops Leontine T.C. Kelly, Charlene Kammerer and six others. Jim Patterson has the story.
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Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News
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Mid Africa Central Conference elects 3 bishops
KITWE, Zambia (UM News) — The Mid Africa Central Conference, formerly the Congo Central Conference, has elected three new bishops to lead the East Congo, South Congo-Zambia and the new Tanganyika episcopal areas. Bishops Antoine Kalema Tambwe, Mujinga Kashala and Nelson Kalombo Ngoy were all elected July 12. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
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Phot courtesy of the Rev. Dr. Luan-Vu “Lui” Tran
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Commentary: Trust clause is connectional cornerstone
GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (UM News) — The trust clause has played a pivotal role in preserving The United Methodist Church’s unity, writes the Rev. Dr. Luan-Vu “Lui” Tran. He writes that the clause serves two purposes: legal and theological. Tran, who previously served on the denomination’s Judicial Council, is a pastor and assistant chancellor in the California-Pacific Conference.
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Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communicatiosn
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Need financial assistance? Start here
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When faced with financial troubles, many reach out to The United Methodist Church for assistance. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, fields those requests and offers suggestions for whom people can call when they need help paying for utilities, rent, food, clothing, medical bills, car repairs or other essentials.
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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Email: [email protected]
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