UM News Digest - March 23, 2026

UM News Digest - March 23, 2026

Church brings aid, hope to Tanganyika
How does the church lead courageously?
EarthKeepers promote creation care in Philippines

“Ministry is not limited to the pulpit but is lived out in places where people feel forgotten, voiceless and broken.” — Tanganyika Area Bishop Nelson Kalombo Ngoy.

Richard Mushitu, the Tanganyika Episcopal Area’s Disaster Management coordinator, helps distribute bags of flour during an emergency humanitarian aid distribution organized by The United Methodist Church. Photo courtesy of the Tanganyika Area Disaster Management Office.

Church brings aid, hope to Tanganyika
KALEMIE, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Church has provided emergency aid in the Tanganyika region, which has been challenged by devastating floods and the fallout from conflicts in eastern Congo. Bishop Nelson Kalombo Ngoy and a disaster management team delivered food and other relief to more than 700 people, including those living at three camps for internally displaced people. Jenovic Mandandj and Kudzai Chingwe report.

Read story

How does the church lead courageously?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — In a webinar, United Methodist leaders explored how the church can create space for churchgoers to bravely go wherever the Holy Spirit leads. The webinar focused on the new United Methodist vision statement’s call to “lead courageously.” Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Learn more

UMC TV
EarthKeepers promote creation care in Philippines
DAVAO, Philippines — The Davao Episcopal Area launched its first Gilas Kalikasan (EarthKeepers) Learning Institute and inducted 57 EarthKeepers during a four-day gathering. The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries program connects faith and sustainability, enabling participants to launch projects like community gardens, solar energy projects and recycling initiatives. Touch Barrientos, Kyla Ragasa and Matthan Bang-asan have the story.
Watch video

Holston Conference
Sager Brown closing concerns mission workers
ALCOA, Tenn. — When the United Methodist Committee on Relief announced that Sager Brown Depot would close, many Holston Conference mission workers were sad and concerned while fondly remembering the times they traveled to the Louisiana warehouse. Earlier this year, UMCOR announced it would no longer operate the Sager Brown Depot, starting January 2027. Annette Spence reports.
Read story
UM News: Sager Brown Depot to close as UMCOR shifts relief kit work

Baltimore-Washington Conference
Faith leaders take advocacy to Maryland legislature
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Clergy and lay leaders from across the Baltimore-Washington Conference gathered March 11 at Asbury United Methodist Church for the conference’s annual Legislative Advocacy Day, preparing to meet with lawmakers and speak on issues ranging from health care access and gun violence prevention to immigration justice and creation care. Alison Burdett has the story.
Read story

Northern Illinois Conference
Ignite program reveals ministry opportunities
GLENVIEW, Ill. — A program held March 13-15 at Wespath Benefits and Investments showcased opportunities to serve through The United Methodist Church. About 80 people, ranging from teenagers to seasoned adults, attended workshops including “Church Planting/Fresh Expressions,” “What Is Ordination and Is It Right for Me?” and “How to Pay for Seminary.” Kayln Merritt, a junior in high school, said she’s interested in mission work after attending a presentation by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Victoria Rebeck reports.
Read story

St. Mark United Methodist Church
7 Black women bishops lead Good Friday event
HANOVER, Md. — All seven active African American women bishops of The United Methodist Church plan to gather at 7 p.m. U.S. Eastern time April 3 for the Good Friday service at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Hanover. The bishops will join in a service that commemorates the seven last sayings that Jesus uttered at the crucifixion.
Learn more

United Methodist Communications
Live ‘Recap’ celebrates church’s vision
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — At noon U.S. Central time on March 24, a special live broadcast of “The Recap” will focus on The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement. Viewers can join the livestream on Facebook and YouTube and submit questions to be answered during the live feed. Produced by United Methodist Communications, the video series helps United Methodists better understand what is going on in the church, find inspiration in stories of ministry and learn how the denomination is transforming the world.
Learn more
UM News: Bishops unveil vision for United Methodist Church

Discipleship Ministries
Anti-ableist symposium set for September
DURHAM, N.C. — The Growing in Grace Symposium 2026, an event dedicated to learning how to be anti-ableist disciples, is set for Sept. 22-24 at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church. There will be keynote speeches, panels and learning labs, as well as storytelling, singing, preaching and the arts, all exploring what it means to build worshipping communities where people of all embodiments truly belong. Cost to register is $200 until April 15, and $250 thereafter.
Learn more