UM News Digest - July 6, 2026

UM News Digest - July 6, 2026

Youth retreats | Help for Venezuela | The Recap

“Churches are again prioritizing shared experiences for their students; and youth are hungry for spaces of belonging and authentic faith.” — Julia Royall Johnson, North Carolina Conference director of youth ministries.

Teens clap and sing during one of two UNITE youth retreats sponsored by the Missouri Conference in July 2025 at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. File photo by Schaefer Photography.

Conference youth retreats make comeback
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist conferences are attracting increasing numbers to their major annual youth retreats. After experiencing a slowdown post-pandemic, more young people from churches of all sizes are coming together to connect socially, emotionally and spiritually. Youth involvement in leadership at these gatherings is considered a key ingredient for success. John W. Coleman reports.
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Coming up: UM News reports from the 2026 Global Young People’s Convocation in Ireland.

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Bishop LaTrelle M. Easterling, who leads the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware conferences, prays for attendees at the March 2026 IGNITE youth retreat in Ocean City, Maryland. Photo by Alison Burdett, Baltimore-Washington Conference.

Minnesota Conference
United Methodists send help to Venezuela
MINNEAPOLIS — United Methodists are stepping up to help the people of Venezuela after two devastating earthquakes. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working with partners on the ground, and the Western North Carolina Conference also is collecting supplies. Reid Baumann reports.
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Baltimore-Washington Conference
Pioneering deacon becomes an elder
BALTIMORE — When the Rev. Leo Yates was ordained an elder during the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s 2026 Annual Conference session, the moment marked the culmination of a long ministry journey. As he co-authored the legislation that expanded United Methodist deacons’ sacramental authority, he simultaneously was discerning God’s call to become an elder. Alison Burdett has the story.
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UM News: Deacons explore new sacramental authority

Holston Conference
Clergywoman retires after reinstatement
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — One year ago, the Rev. Elaine Eberhart endured the wait to see if her fellow clergy would vote to reinstate her as an elder in the Holston Annual Conference. This summer, she walked across the Lake Junaluska stage with her wife during Holston’s service for retiring clergy. Annette Spence reports.
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Western North Carolina Conference
Remembering disaster relief team member
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — The Western North Carolina Conference is remembering Scott Smallwood, the construction manager for the conference’s regional disaster relief team, based out of Spruce Pine. The team has been working to help Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties recover from Hurricane Helene. Smallwood died in a motorcycle accident. Elizabeth Damico has a remembrance.
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Greater New Jersey Conference
Churches hold joint confirmation class
METUCHEN, N.J. — Fifteen youth from four United Methodist congregations in Greater New Jersey’s Raritan Shore District have completed a six-month joint confirmation class that brought together students, pastors, youth leaders, mentors and families. The Rev. Sooah Na, pastor at Centenary United Methodist Church in Metuchen, is one of the ministry’s founders. She and Steven Wegrzyn have the story of the joint ministry.
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United Methodist Communications
Recap spotlights world-transforming ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new episode of “The Recap” celebrates the way United Methodist ministry transforms communities around the globe. Featured ministries include an eye hospital in Sierra Leone, a program for women in construction, and outreach to jitney drivers in the Philippines. Produced by United Methodist Communications, this video series helps congregations gain a better understanding of what is going on in The United Methodist Church.
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Finance and Administration
Webinar explores I-9 tax forms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, plans to offer a webinar designed for supervisors, managers and administrative staff responsible for completing Form I-9 for new hires. The webinar is scheduled at 1 p.m. U.S. Central time Aug. 12.
Learn more and register

Resurrection, a United Methodist Church
Registration open for Leadership Institute
LEAWOOD, Kan. — Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, has scheduled Leadership Institute 2026 from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. The theme is “Momentum.” Speakers include the Revs. Adam Hamilton, Matt Miofsky, Winnie Varghese, Magrey deVega and Nicole Caldwell-Gross. Super Early Bird pricing is available through July 15.
Learn more and register