UM News Digest - May 15, 2026

UM News Digest - May 15, 2026

Bikes in Congo • From pastor to governor’s race • Annual conference primer

“I can now easily go to church, my workplace and the market to provide for my family. This support restores hope to those of us who are too often marginalized.” — Ngoy Wa Ngoy Jean, on receiving an adapted bicycle from The United Methodist Church.

Bishop Mande Muyombo (right) helps a woman settle into her new adapted bicycle in Kamina, Congo. At left are lay leader Kiluba Yolola Elie and Pastor Joseph Kasongo Mukolomone. Photo by Yamba Kisonga Barthélémy, UM News.

Adapted bicycles break barriers in Congo
KAMINA, Congo (UM News) — In the streets of Kamina, creaking bicycle chains and ringing bells now resonate like a hymn to freedom. The United Methodist Church distributed 97 adapted bicycles to people living with disabilities, thanks to support from The United Methodist Church, including partner congregations in the U.S. Bishop Mande Muyombo sees the initiative as part of the church’s new strategic vision to love and serve the most vulnerable. Yamba Kisonga Barthélémy has the story.

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Gubernatorial candidate Olu Brown (left) mingles during a campaign event. The retired United Methodist pastor is running in the May 19 Democratic primary election in Georgia. Photo courtesy of the Olu Brown campaign.

Gubernatorial candidate Olu Brown (left) mingles during a campaign event. Photo courtesy of the Olu Brown campaign.

Retired pastor running for Georgia governor
ATLANTA — Olu Brown, a United Methodist and retired pastor of a prominent church outside of Atlanta, is campaigning for the Democratic nomination for governor in Georgia. In an interview with UM News, Brown said he believes his successful run as pastor of Impact United Methodist Church has sharpened the same skills he would need to lead the state. Jim Patterson reports.
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Ask The UMC
Understanding annual conferences
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It’s annual conference season in The United Methodist Church. But what is the annual conference and what does it do? The Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards of Ask The UMC, the information service of United Methodist Communications, explains how the gatherings strengthen local churches and extend ministries beyond what individual churches can do alone.
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Wisconsin Conference
Garage sale marks 40 years
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Sun Prairie United Methodist Church hosted its 40th annual garage sale, raising approximately $31,000 to support local organizations and community initiatives. The week before the sale, more than 100 volunteers sorted, organized and priced thousands of items. Shoppers browsed a wide variety of bargains while enjoying homemade cinnamon rolls, coffee and grilled bratwurst. Amanda Hinthorn has the story.
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Iowa Conference
Trustees seek to sell conference center
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Board of Trustees for the Iowa Annual Conference is seeking approval to sell its Iowa Conference Center. The building was built in 2005 for about 48 staff and frequent gatherings. Today, seven to eight people work there, due to post-pandemic workplace changes. With operating and maintenance costs rising, the board plans to ask members at its June session to grant permission to explore and execute the potential sale. Conference staff have the story.
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Global Ministries
Women rising again in Honduras
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Women in Honduras gathered recently to explore God’s purpose and calling for their lives and form a new National Board of Methodist Women. The “Arise and Shine” event was organized with women of the Methodist Church in Honduras, a Global Ministries Mission Initiative, to encourage and strengthen the national women’s organization and its ministries. Karen Plaza has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
Peace with Justice Sunday set for May 31
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Peace with Justice Sunday, set for May 31 this year, is a Special Sunday with offering designated to support ministries that work for peace and fairness around the world. It’s a day when the church speaks out against violence and inequality and renews its commitment to be peacemakers — just as Jesus taught. United Methodist Communications has resources to mark the day and answers to frequently asked questions.
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