UM News Digest - May 8, 2026

UM News Digest - May 8, 2026

Celebrating bishop moms | Faith and Zumba | AU’s new board

“My mother taught me all things are possible with God’s grace. She has always instilled in my sister and I that it is possible to be a successful career woman, enjoy life and be a present mother and wife.” — Alexis Malone Woolery, oldest daughter of Bishop Tracy S. Malone.

Bishop Tracy S. Malone (far right) celebrates her oldest daughter’s wedding in 2023. From left are bride Alexis Malone Woolery and her sister, Ashley Malone Brown. Photo by Sekoprince Studios.

Bishops’ children shed light on life with their moms
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Ahead of Mother’s Day this weekend, the daughters of four United Methodist bishops share what life is like when their mothers are the leaders of hundreds of churches. The bishops’ children say the best gift for their moms might be the gift of time. Annette Spence has the story.

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Five-year-old Crystal Buta participates in a Zumba class at Chisipiti United Methodist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe. The women’s organization at Chisipiti launched the all-ages dance classes to foster community and combat rising stress and anxiety. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Five-year-old Crystal Buta participates in a Zumba class at Chisipiti United Methodist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Drawing closer to God through dance
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — A United Methodist church in Zimbabwe is hosting Zumba classes to help community members shake off stress and connect physically and spiritually. The program is a ministry of Rukwadzano RweWadzimai, the women’s organization at Chisipiti United Methodist Church. Bishop Gift K. Machinga said the classes demonstrate that spiritual care and physical health belong together. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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Africa University board members and staff celebrate during a dinner to mark the end of the March meetings at the United Methodist-related university in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Photo courtesy of Africa University Advancement and Public Affairs Office.

AME member joins Africa University development board
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Monifa McKnight, an entrepreneur and educator from Maryland, is the first non-United Methodist to sit on the executive board of Africa University (Tennessee) Inc. The African Methodist Episcopal lay member hopes to provide a bridge between the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the 34-year-old Pan-African institution. Eveline Chikwanah reports on Africa University’s spring meetings.
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Kentucky Conference
Prom-dress ministry shows girls their worth
GLASGOW, Ky. — The dress was there. But stepping into it meant stepping into a version of herself she was not sure she believed in. That moment, when fear and possibility stand face to face, is one Courtney Benefield has watched repeatedly unfold at Cinderella’s Closet, a prom-dress ministry of First United Methodist Church in Glasgow. Kentucky Conference staff have the story.
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United Methodist Communications
Close generation gaps, deepen relationships
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Most United Methodists already participate in multigenerational aspects of church including worship. Intergenerational ministries go deeper by nurturing relationships between people of different ages. Laura Buchanan shares how churches can bring people of all ages together.
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The Daily Times
Church helps refugee family find home
MARYVILLE, Tenn. — A South Sudanese refugee family is moving into a Habitat for Humanity home, thanks in part to First United Methodist Church in Maryville, and the Holston Conference’s connection to East Africa for many years. The new homeowner, Mathiang Gutnyin, came to this country as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan. He is now a U.S. citizen. Melanie Tucker has the story.
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The Spokesman-Review
Japanese American church shows resilience
SPOKANE, Wash. — The Japanese American congregation of Highland Park United Methodist Church spans 125 years of Spokane history — starting with sugar beet workers gathering for English lessons and hymn singing in 1901. Its history of resilience also includes the Rev. Shigeo Shimada’s ministry through internment and reconciliation. May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Jesse Tinsley reports.
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United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy
Association recognizes two United Methodists
CENTENNIAL, Colo. — The United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy has named the Rev. Joretta Marshall and Joy Allen of Plymouth, Minnesota, as the 2026 recipients of the Bishop Karen Oliveto and Robin Ridenour Inclusiveness Award. Lifelong United Methodists, Marshall and Allen have faithfully served the church despite historically discriminatory policies against LGBTQ people — policies rescinded at the 2024 General Conference. The awardees will be honored at a special brunch at 9:30 a.m. U.S. Mountain time May 30 at Hope United Methodist Church in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Tickets cost $30.
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