Ministry

Local Church
The Rev. Changhyun Kim, pastor of Bonfire United Methodist Church and chef at The Table Korean Cuisine in Olathe, Kan., talks with customers as he delivers a takeout meal to a table during Friday dinner service. Kim has turned his passion for his native cuisine into a successful outreach ministry for Bonfire, a new congregation supported by the Great Plains Conference’s church development ministry. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News.

Church sets the table to connect beyond its walls

A Korean pastor and chef has turned his passion for his native cuisine into a successful outreach ministry for a church start-up.
Mission and Ministry
The Rev. Emily Kvalheim speaks on May 30 outside the Butler County Jail in Hamilton, Ohio, during a protest to draw attention to people being detained because of their immigration status. Kvalheim is a deacon in the West Ohio Conference and a member of the Task Force on United Methodist Immigration Ministries of Ohio. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Emily Kvalheim.

Deacons take God’s work beyond the church

Deacons are ordained United Methodist clergy called to carry God’s words and works outside church walls. This year marks 30 years since The United Methodist Church declared deacons to be a distinct, permanent order of ministry.
Mission and Ministry
Bishop Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo recognizes the legacy of women in ministry during the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico’s 11th Connectional Conference, held  June 25-28 in Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico. Despite the challenges facing Puerto Rico, Gabriel Montalvo said the denomination continues to experience growth. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.

Puerto Rico Methodists reaffirm mission

During its 11th Connectional Conference, members of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico committed to strengthening ministries amid U.S. challenges.
Mission and Ministry
The Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder offers a blessing to Julia Sugarbaker, a mini goldendoodle, at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. Snyder and co-author Gayle Fiser have written a book on how churches can start successful pet ministries. Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

How churches can adopt their own pet ministries

A new book by United Methodists shares practical guidance for congregations looking to build community connections by caring for pets and the people who love them.

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