UM News Digest - July 31 2026

UM News Digest - July 31, 2026

Inclusion revives church | Dungeons & Dragons | Connectional Table

“From the very first time we walked in, we felt welcomed, accepted. We’d gone to other churches where we felt tolerated.” — Glenda Gladden, a member of Glendale United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn.

Mark Lynes shares a message of love while holding a sign through the open sunroof of a vehicle in the Nashville (Tenn.) Pride Parade. Lynes is a member of Glendale United Methodist Church in Nashville. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Inclusivity brings church back from the brink

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — In 2017, Glendale United Methodist Church was down to 12-25 worshippers a week. Members believed that changes had to be made or their church would eventually close. So, Glendale leaned into its identity as a Reconciling church that welcomes everyone, including LGBTQ people. It’s working. Jim Patterson reports and Mike DuBose has the photos.

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Laura Wenger and James Poland share a laugh at the start of a Dungeons & Dragons game on July 19 in the youth room of Glendale United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News.

Embracing role-playing games at church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Once a scourge to conservative Christians, Dungeons & Dragons and other role-playing games are now sometimes hosted at United Methodist churches, where players say it can reinforce things they learn in church. “It is a way to connect to people,” said James Poland, a member of Glendale United Methodist Church. “It really forms a community in itself.” Jim Patterson has the story.
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Greater New Jersey Conference
Faith Action Center launches
OCEAN GROVE, N.J. — New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, a United Methodist licensed local pastor, joined in launching the New Jersey Faith Action Center, which aims to help faith communities coordinate and build capacity in serving vulnerable state residents. “To see a room full of people committed to abundant life in New Jersey was the most powerful part of the launch,” said the Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm. Emily Wilton has the story.
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UM News: Pastor prepares to step into N.J. elected office

Africa University Development Office
Online campus widens Africa University’s reach
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Africa University’s online learning platform is making it possible for students to further their education without giving up their jobs or relocating. Launched in 2024, the Africa University Global Campus is extending the United Methodist school’s reach beyond its home campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Tim Tanton has the story.
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South Carolina Conference
Pillowcase-dress ministry finds new path
COLUMBIA. S.C. — For decades, a sewing circle at Ashland United Methodist Church made thousands of pillowcase dresses for children in Haiti. Unrest in Haiti made the mission impossible — until an article in the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate led a reader to connect the ministry with a new path to children in need. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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Dakotas Conference
Refining worship for neurodivergent children
WATERTOWN, S.D. — A new sensory-friendly ministry at First United Methodist Church in Watertown is coming to the aid of neurodivergent children who are sometimes overwhelmed by church services and events. The church is developing sensory friendly supports and accommodations across its ministries, including vacation Bible school, youth group, children’s church and weekly worship. Barb Goldammer has the story.
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Council of Bishops, Connectional Table
Bishop Rapanut to chair Connectional Table
WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops has selected Bishop Carlo A. Rapanut to be the next chair of the Connectional Table, a leadership body that coordinates denominational ministries and resources. Rapanut, who leads the Desert Southwest and New Mexico conferences, will assume the role in October. He succeeds North Katanga Area Bishop Mande Muyombo, who has chaired the body since December 2022 and is now president-designate for the Council of Bishops. The Council of Bishops and Connectional Table jointly made the announcement.
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