UM News Digest - May 7, 2025

UM News Digest - May 7, 2025

Bishops work to put new vision into action
Church ‘gives sight’ to 250 in Guatemala
Helping Native American groups honor a hero

“As we go forth, let us love boldly as Christ loved us, breaking barriers, healing wounds and extending grace to all.” — Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone.

Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone, who also leads the Indiana Conference, officiates at Holy Communion at closing worship for the Council of Bishops meeting May 2 in Chicago. Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops.

Bishops work to put new vision into action
CHICAGO (UM News) — United Methodist bishops spent much of their spring meeting exploring how they can help fellow churchgoers to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously. Their meeting looked at loving boldly through an embrace of the Nicene Creed, serving among immigrant populations and empowering church leaders. Heather Hahn reports.

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South Carolina Conference
Church ‘gives sight’ to 250 in Guatemala
IRMO, S.C. — One Midlands church has made it possible for more than 250 people in Guatemala to see. Union United Methodist Church launched a “Give Sight” mission campaign in February to raise funds for Healing Guatemala’s Cataract Camps, held in April. Healing Guatemala is a medical mission in Guatemala supported by the Columbia District and founded by Dr. Luke Rhyee, a United Methodist pastor. Union was able to more than triple its goal, and funds continue to roll in. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, UM Insight
Helping Native American groups honor a hero
CARLISLE, Pa. — When Native American participation in the opening ceremonies of the annual Jim Thorpe Sports Days tournament at the U.S. Army Barracks was abruptly canceled due to President Trump’s executive order forbidding diversity, equity and inclusion programs at federal facilities, a nearby United Methodist church stepped in. Carlisle United Methodist Church collaborated with Native American groups and two United Methodist conference committees on Native American ministries to celebrate Native sports hero Thorpe and the painful but proud Native American heritage of the barracks. John W. Coleman has the story.
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California-Pacific Conference
Korean caucus makes second wildfire donation
PASADENA, Calif. — The California-Pacific Korean Caucus has made a second donation to Altadena United Methodist Church to support efforts to help communities recover from wildfires that struck California in January. The $6,010 in donations comes after the caucus delivered $17,597 and gift cards to the conference in March. The second donation was presented May 4 at Altadena United Methodist. The Rev. Brian Suk-Boo Lee, chair of the conference’s Korean caucus, has the story.
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UMC.org
Explore the emotions of a broken heart
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “One of the things about aging is the whole idea of compounded loss, whether it’s friends and family members who are dying or moving away, or you are downsizing, and that means the loss of possessions that you once cherished,” says United Methodist Missy Buchanan in her new book, “Feeling Your Way Through Grief: A Companion for Life After Loss.” Laura Buchanan has the author’s tips for acknowledging grief and finding a way forward.
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United Methodist Men
Men’s and Scouting gathering set for summer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Workshops, worship, rest, recreation and fellowship will all be part of the Men’s & Scouting National Gathering, set for July 31 to Aug. 3 at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simon’s Island in Georgia. Attendees are encouraged to invite others to participate. Registration is $150, with price breaks for those involved in Scouting.
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United Methodist Communications
Student Day moved to May
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — General Conference last year moved the celebration of United Methodist Student Day to any Sunday in May, to better align with graduation season in many academic settings. Contributions received through this special Sunday support scholarships for United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.
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