UM News Digest - Aug. 24, 2026
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“Until now, we faced many difficulties traveling to bring the Gospel everywhere.” — The Rev. Kiboko Saleh, assistant evangelist in the East Congo Episcopal Area. |
Bishop Antoine Tambwe Kalema (center) poses for a photo with the 11 district superintendents from the Eastern Congo Conference who received new motorcycles as a gift from the bishop during the 2026 annual conference. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News. |
Bishop purchases motorcycles for pastors in Congo
KINDU, Congo (UM News) — After years of traveling the trails of Maniema on foot, by bicycle or on rented motorcycles, 11 United Methodist district superintendents now have their own vehicles to provide pastoral supervision to their communities. East Congo Bishop Antoine Tambwe Kalema purchased the motorcycles, which cost about $22,000, with his own money, reflecting his conviction to build first with local resources. Chadrack Tambwe Londe has the story. |
Church giving shows signs of stability
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The board of the United Methodist Church’s finance agency heard a midyear review on the state of the denomination’s finances. They also got an overview of the denomination’s budgetary process and made decisions related to both property and health insurance. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story |
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New England Conference
Old tradition offers new way to connect
LISBON FALLS, Maine — The newly formed Androscoggin Cooperative Parish gathered recently for a revival of the traditional Methodist camp meeting, taking a fresh step toward closer connection. Under Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton’s leadership, the churches of the New England Conference are organizing as cooperative parishes. The five United Methodist churches of the Androscoggin parish held their first joint worship, an outdoor service titled “Gathered by Grace: A New England Methodist Camp Meeting.” The conference has the story.
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Mississippi Conference
Churchgoers join in prayer vigil for Nolan Wells
BILOXI, Miss. — The first-floor pews and the balcony were packed with people, and many stood lining the walls of Greater St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church at the Nolan Wells National Prayer Rally on Aug. 19. Wells’ family, community and numerous clergy and believers, including United Methodists, gathered in solidarity to celebrate the life of the teen whose unexplained death occurred during a July 4 boating trip. Jasmine Haynes has the story.
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See prayer vigil photos |
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Iowa Conference
Remembering Bishop Yambasu
DES MOINES, Iowa — The sixth anniversary of the death of Bishop John K. Yambasu in Sierra Leone was marked by his nephew, the Rev. Sylvester Bob Sojiesa Holima. “We thank God for the years Bishop Yambasu was given for his ministry, his family, his friendship, his leadership, the people he mentored, the doors he opened and the vision he cast,” Holima said. The United Methodist Church’s Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, which assists African communities with sustainable agriculture initiatives and income generation, is named in honor of the bishop, who died in a road accident on Aug. 16, 2020.
Read tribute |
| Monday Memo
Pastor publishes reflections on faith, life
CUMMING, Ga. — A retired North Georgia pastor has written a book offering practical wisdom and spiritual encouragement. “Monday Memo: A Collection of Reflections on Faith, Life and Family” was written by the Rev. Terry E. Walton. “For years, these reflections have been my way of beginning the week with a word of encouragement and perspective,” Walton said. “I hope that readers will find comfort, inspiration and a reminder that God is present in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.”
Read press release |
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| United Methodist Communications
Help shape how United Methodist story is told
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Church is entering a pivotal season of renewal, and your voice matters. As part of a multiphase brand-messaging initiative, United Methodist Communications is listening to leaders, clergy and members across the connection to shape a message that reflects who United Methodists are and who they’re becoming. Share your perspectives on faith, community and what makes The United Methodist Church unique. The anonymous survey takes about 15 minutes and is open through Sept. 4.
Take survey
See related children’s resource |
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| Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News
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Zimbabwe circuit offers model for evangelism, growth |
| Screen shot courtesy of Highland Park United Methodist Church |
Highland Park leaders escalate response to lawsuit |
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