UM News Digest - Sept. 25, 2026

UM News Digest - Sept. 25, 2026

$15M to local churches | New pastor dives in | Calling journey

“The biblical idea of jubilee is a transformative reset. It is about restoration. It is about removing burdens. It is about recognizing that sometimes something needs to change so that life and ministry can move forward again.” — The Rev. Van Stinson, executive director of mission and ministry for the Louisiana Conference.

Asbury United Methodist Church’s Wheelchair Ramp Ministry assists community members in need in Bossier City, La. Asbury is one of the churches benefiting from the Louisiana Conference’s new Jubilee Initiative, which will invest $15 million into local churches to help erase debt and support mission and ministry. Photo courtesy of Bryleigh Smith Photography.

Louisiana Conference invests $15M in churches
BATON ROUGE, La. (UM News) — Through its new $15 million Jubilee Initiative, the Louisiana Conference is helping local churches to pay off debt, fund mission and ministry, expand staffing and more. The multiyear endeavor is being funded through strategic reserves and interest earned from investments. Jim Patterson has the story.

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Holston Conference
First-time pastor dives into reviving church
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Aaron Collins is less than three months into his first-ever ministerial appointment at Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church. The 100-year-old church building needs extensive repair yet is a hub for essential ministry in a struggling community. Annette Spence has the story.
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UM News: Knoxville church banks on outreach

United Methodist Communications
Standing in solidarity with Indigenous people
MANILA, Philippines — The United Methodist Church in the Philippines continues to stand in solidarity with the archipelago’s Indigenous peoples as they struggle to defend their rights, protect their ancestral lands and uphold human dignity. Larren Jo Basillo and Jhoanna Kylle Ragasa report.
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New York Conference
Staying safe online in AI age
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Who hasn’t heard disconcerting reports of innocent and thoughtful people falling prey to clever requests for gift cards and other items of value? AI has made such cybercrime more sophisticated. Lisa Isom and Joy Duckett Cain share four rules to help churches avoid online scams.
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California-Nevada Conference
Cambodian caucus moves forward
OAKDALE, Calif. — More than 50 Cambodian American United Methodists, representing four California congregations, gathered for a picnic and planning for the future. During the gathering, they discussed forming a Conference Committee on Cambodian Ministry, marking a significant milestone toward strengthening spiritual outreach. The Rev. Vathanak Heang has the story.
Read story and see photos

UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.

Walking the journey of calling
YORKTOWN, Va. (UM News) — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s EXPLORATION offers young people space for discernment and holy wonder. The Rev. Lindsey B. Freeman, who has served on the design team for a decade, says the event is a gift to young people and the church.
Read commentary

Finance and Administration
Agency, 2 partners expand ministry support
FLORENCE, S.C. — Vanco, ACS Technologies and the General Council on Finance and Administration have worked together to expand ministry resources designed to help United Methodist churches streamline administration, reinforce stewardship, deepen engagement and support mission.
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The Upper Room
White to take helm at The Upper Room
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Elaine White has been named executive officer at The Upper Room. She most recently led the sales, marketing and fulfillment team at the organization, which publishes resources and provides programs and experiences that nurture spiritual formation. The Rev. Jeffrey M. Campbell, who has served as interim leader of The Upper Room since 2024 while also serving as top executive of Discipleship Ministries, said service is at the heart of White’s leadership.
Read press release

United Methodist Communications
World Communion Sunday resources available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On World Communion Sunday, Oct. 4 this year, United Methodists can join with Christians around the globe at the table of the Lord. As part of this Special Sunday, they also can raise funds to support United Methodist students in the United States and worldwide. United Methodist Communications has resources for churches to mark the day.
See resources