UM News Digest - Sept. 3, 2025

UM News Digest - Sept. 3, 2025

Grandparents, kids connect at camp
Diaconal vision for Africa becomes reality
Making 285,000 meals in 24 hours

“A faith-filled life is really important, and church camp gives you those special times to talk about that.” — United Methodist Mark Jerman, on attending Grandparents and Me Camp.

Libie Mills helps her granddaughter Jordyn Lathrop write a story as part of Grandparents and Me Camp at Lake Poinsett in Arlington, S.D. Photo by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Donnette Gering helps granddaughter Amelia Polreis write a story as part of Grandparents and Me Camp at Lake Poinsett in Arlington, S.D. Photo by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Grandparents, kids connect at camp
ARLINGTON, S.D. (UM News) — A unique United Methodist summer camp gives grandparents and grandchildren one-on-one time to create stronger bonds and lasting memories. Grandparents and Me Camp includes days and nights of water sports, campfires and worship. Participants say the camp provides quality time to bond and share their faith. The camp is a mission of The United Methodist Church’s Dakotas Conference. Lilla Marigza has the story.

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Steven Odhiambo of the Kenya-Ethiopia Conference is consecrated as a home missioner by retired United Methodist Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala during the Africa Region Deaconess/Home Missioner consecration service on July 9 in Moshi, Tanzania. Photo courtesy of Laurel Akin.

Diaconal vision for Africa becomes reality
MOSHI, Tanzania (UM News) — For the first time, a United Methodist deaconess/home missioner consecration was held on African soil. Fifteen candidates were consecrated, with ministries including education, environmental justice, elder care and digital literacy. Deaconess Leah Wandera, who serves as Africa Region coordinator for the Deaconess/Home Missioner Office, said that 28 additional African candidates are currently in formation. Gad Maiga reports.

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Horizon Texas Conference
Making 285,000 meals in 24 hours
FLOWER MOUND, Texas — Volunteers at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church put together 285,000 meals during a 24-hour event. The meals were packed by more than 1,100 volunteers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “Failure just wasn’t an option,” said Michael Tuggle, who chaired the Rise Against Hunger Community Packathon. “It took a lot of prayer; a lot of pumping each other up.” Horizon Texas Conference staff have the story.
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Reconciling Ministries Network
Helen Ryde, LGBTQ advocate, dies
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Helen Ryde, a longtime leader in advocacy for LGBTQ equality, died unexpectedly in their home Sept. 2. For 13 years, Ryde worked with Reconciling Ministries Network. Ryde, a home missioner, also was a co-convener of the Queer Delegate Caucus at last year’s General Conference, secretary of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, and member of the Methodist Federation for Social Action’s racial audit team. Jan Lawrence, Reconciling Ministries Network’s executive director, has a tribute.
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Iowa Conference
Church reawakens with new identity
DES MOINES, Iowa — South Side Church and Community Center is the new identity of the former Norwalk United Methodist Church, and a lot more than the name has changed. After several years of looking inward, the congregation has relaunched as a church deeply rooted in its neighborhood. One key is its relationship with a local elementary school. Iowa Conference staff have the story.
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National Public Radio, Fox 9
Pastor welcomes grieving community
MINNEAPOLIS — Richfield United Methodist Church is located about four blocks from Annunciation Catholic Church and School, where two children were killed and 21 others were wounded during a shooting at the church on Aug. 27. The Rev. Nate Melcher of Richfield said justice and action are needed as much as compassion. Melcher led a grief support gathering over the weekend for community members. “Dealing with grief is a holistic process. It will take people coming together in different ways,” he said.
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Read Fox 9 story and watch video

Michigan Conference
Lake Louise camp rebounds after ice storm
BOYNE FALLS, Mich. — More than 1,600 saplings have been planted to repopulate Lake Louise Christian Community as part of the rebuild of the facility after a three-day ice storm in March. The storm felled trees and cut power at the campgrounds for 339 hours. Interestingly, registration for camping this summer was up, said Greg Lawton, director of camping and outreach at Lake Louise. Kay DeMoss has the story.
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Vincennes PBS
Prayer vigil protests immigration policies
VINCENNES, Ind. — United Methodists and other faith leaders gathered Aug. 25 outside Miami Correctional Facility for a prayer vigil to protest state and federal immigration policies. The demonstration followed a federal announcement that the north-central Indiana prison would house up to 1,000 immigrants detained during enforcement operations. The Rev. Matt Landry of Castleton United Methodist Church said they stood “in prayerful support and solidarity of our immigrant brothers and sisters.” David Foster reports.
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United Women in Faith
Registration open for 2026 Assembly
NEW YORK — Registration is now open for United Women in Faith’s Assembly 2026 on May 15-17 in Indianapolis. The keynote speakers are Stacey Abrams, nationally renowned political leader, voting rights advocate, bestselling author and active United Methodist, alongside her mother, the Rev. Carolyn Abrams, a retired United Methodist clergywoman.
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Register

Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Wesleyan changes name
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — United Methodist-related Virginia Wesleyan University will be renamed Batten University on July 1, 2026, the board of trustees has announced. The name change recognizes the contributions of the Batten family to the university. The university retains its connections with the Virginia Conference.
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Read conference statement