UM News Digest - Sept. 28, 2026

UM News Digest - Sept. 28, 2026

UM News podcast | Disability Summit | Mission camps

“If we’re going to overcome differences and create a more just world, then we have to connect across the things that make us different — even when that involves a lot of discomfort." — Nate Abrams, lay leader from Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta.

Graphic by Ben Ward, photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Podcast spotlights connection across difference
ATLANTA (UM News) — The UM News podcast “Signs of Life” returns with the story of two congregations in Atlanta that embarked on a study of Howard Thurman’s book “Jesus and the Disinherited.” The congregations, one predominantly Black and the other white, brought together church members and leaders to explore racial healing and justice and foster community. Ben Ward has the story.

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Association of Ministers with Disabilities
Disability Summit focuses on belonging
METAIRIE, La. — United Methodists from across the connection gathered in person and online Sept. 25 for the 2026 Disability Summit. The hybrid gathering, organized by the Association of Ministers with Disabilities and Louisiana Conference leaders, offered a day of worship, learning, conversation and commitment to building a church in which people with disabilities can fully participate, lead and belong. The Rev. Leo Yates has the story.
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South Carolina Conference
Campers repair over 75 homes
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Nearly 1,000 volunteers, many of them teenagers, spent their summer swinging hammers across South Carolina. Their efforts gave more than 75 families safe homes in Salkehatchie’s 49th year. Founded in 1978, Salkehatchie brings youth, young adult and adult volunteers together to repair and rebuild homes for people in need. Jessica Brodie reports.
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Nashville Banner
Nashville church rolls with the punches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Edgehill United Methodist is one of many Nashville churches seeing its community change and adapting to serve new and old neighbors. Edgehill proudly touts its status as Nashville’s first intentionally integrated church and aims to welcome all. From prayer services to protests, the church’s congregation is deeply involved in Nashville’s faith and social justice community. Anna Blubaugh has the story.
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Lindsey Wilson University
University celebrates United Methodist roots
COLUMBIA, Ky. — United Methodist Bishop David Graves spoke to a standing-room-only crowd Sept. 23 as part of Lindsey Wilson University’s annual Church and University Celebration. Graves recognized the United Methodist-related university for educating about eight generations since its founding. The university has the story.
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Five Crow Press
Pastor pens daily Bible study
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Rev. Tim Bruster, a retired United Methodist pastor, has published “Grace & Peace,” a 365-day journey through the whole of the Bible. Each devotional pairs a Bible passage with a reflection and hymn. Bruster is also a member of the Judicial Council, the denomination’s top court.
Read press release
Order for groups and churches

Church and Society
Join book study on voting rights
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is hosting an online Pages for Progress book study on “Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America” by Ari Berman. The study begins Oct. 16 and continues Oct. 23 and 30.
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North Alabama Conference
Children’s Sabbath resources available
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The North Alabama Conference, as part of the Pan Methodist Campaign for Children in Poverty, invites congregations to celebrate Children’s Sabbath on Oct. 18. Children’s Sabbath is a way for a congregation to celebrate not only its own children but also focus on the realities of children beyond the church walls. If October doesn’t work for a church, the congregation can mark the day on any Sunday before Dec. 31.
See video and Children’s Sabbath toolkit