UM News Digest - July 20, 2026

UM News Digest - July 20, 2026

US Regional Conference plans | Strengthening storytellers | Texas floods

“The energy in this group has been off the charts.” — Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, describing the committee that is organizing the U.S. Regional Conference.

Members of the Interim Committee on Organization for the U.S. Regional Conference, called I-ROC for short, stand together in front of the Upper Room Chapel at the conclusion of their first meeting together July 16-18 in Nashville, Tenn. The group is responsible for organizing the inaugural session of the U.S. Regional Conference, now planned for spring 2029. Photo by JP Penrod, General Council on Finance and Administration.

Members of the Interim Committee on Organization for the U.S. Regional Conference stand together in front of the Upper Room Chapel at the conclusion of their first meeting together July 16-18 in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by JP Penrod, General Council on Finance and Administration.

Planners set time for US Regional Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Organizers are beginning to plan The United Methodist Church’s inaugural U.S. Regional Conference, a body that sets policies specifically for the nation’s missional context. While excited about the work, the group faces some big challenges including finding ways to pay for the gathering. Heather Hahn reports.

Read story

Program strengthens storytelling in Africa
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Dozens of United Methodist communicators from 17 countries gathered at Africa University over the past several weeks to strengthen their storytelling and technical skills and build relationships as part of the first class of a new strategic communications program. The training is a partnership between United Methodist Communications and Africa University. Chadrack Tambwe Londe has the story.
Read story

The Africa University choir performs “The Dream Is Alive” during a July 17 graduation ceremony celebrating the United Methodist communicators who completed strategic communications training in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Photo courtesy of Africa University.

Communicators serve on front lines of crises
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Eight graduates of the recent strategic communications training share how they plan to use their new skills to serve communities facing conflict, disease and misinformation. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
Read story

Rio Texas Conference
Bishop: Hearts ache over flooding
HOUSTON — Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, who leads the Rio Texas and Texas conferences, is asking for prayers for those affected by flooding in Texas Hill Country and promises to let people know about service opportunities there going forward. “Almost one year ago, many of these same communities endured unimaginable loss, and now they face yet another season of grief and uncertainty,” Harvey wrote in a statement.
Read statement
See photos of flood response
Donate

Desert Southwest Conference
Bishop responds to Tucson mass shooting
PHOENIX — Bishop Carlo Rapanut, who leads the Desert Southwest and New Mexico conferences, released a pastoral message following the mass shooting July 19 that injured 10, including the suspect, in Tucson, Arizona. In his message, the bishop calls United Methodists to respond to gun violence with compassion, courage and action, grounded in church members’ shared commitment to building healthy churches for a healthy world.
Read pastoral message
CBS News: People injured in Arizona shooting

Southeastern Jurisdiction, South Carolina Conference
Special session called to unify conferences
DULUTH, Ga. — The Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference has called a special virtual session at 7 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Aug. 11. Delegates will vote on the unification of the North Georgia and South Georgia conferences. The newly elected delegations from this year’s annual conference sessions will represent North Georgia and South Georgia. Jessica Brodie of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate has the story.
Read story

East Ohio Conference
Camp No Limits delivers summer camp experience
JEFFERSON, Ohio — Children with disabilities got to experience the summer camp experience at Camp No Limits. Throughout the week, campers enjoyed classic activities including campfires, singing, arts and crafts and hands-on nature activities. Jefferson United Methodist Church also created two dedicated sensory rooms, providing calming, supportive spaces where campers could relax and recharge whenever needed. Lisa Ebersole reports.
Read story

North Georgia Conference
When pipes burst, new ministry formed
LaGRANGE, Ga. — At Christmas 2022, the pipes burst and flooded the children’s building at LaGrange First United Methodist Church. In response, United Methodists did what they do best — form a committee. But this committee didn’t just want to rebuild a structure. Members wanted to build up a community, which led to a new ministry for early learners. Meghan Walter has the story.
Read story

Endowing United Methodist Theological Education
Endowment hires part-time staff person
ZURICH — The Miracle Sunday Initiative has brought new awareness and strengthened support for the endowment for theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. As the effort moves into a new phase, the endowment’s board announces that it has hired Kristin Schol as a part-time staff person to help with communication and fundraising. The board is paying Schol out of a fund to cover administrative costs. Giving to Miracle Sunday supports scholarships for United Methodist African, European and Filipino theological students.
Read press release
Learn more