NEWS AND FEATURES
Planned denomination gets name
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Traditionalists committed to leaving The United Methodist Church have chosen "Global Methodist Church" as the name for the denomination they plan to launch. The group also unveiled a logo and website. Sam Hodges reports.
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Another GC2020 delay brings relief, chagrin
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Delegates expressed mixed emotions after a second postponement pushed General Conference to 2022. The delay, prompted by the pandemic, has put on hold any plans to split The United Methodist Church as well as any proposals to change restrictions related to LGBTQ people. Heather Hahn reports.
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UM News: General Conference postponed until 2022
Church responds to chaplain's call to help soldiers
WASHINGTON (UM News) — United Methodists responded generously when an Episcopal priest put out word that National Guard soldiers deployed in Washington needed help occupying themselves during downtime. Wesley Theological Seminary and others came through with Bibles, games and 150 copies of a new book about courage. Jim Patterson has the story.
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UM News: Assault on US Capitol dismays United Methodists
Tennessee Conference
Hope after destruction
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — One year after deadly tornadoes ripped through Middle Tennessee, killing 25 people and injuring more than 300, the Tennessee Conference's Tornado Recovery Connection continues to help survivors rebuild their lives. Cindy Solomon has the story, and Mike DuBose has photos from a remembrance service at East End United Methodist Church, which was heavily damaged by the storms.
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See photos
UM News: Tennessee tornadoes take lives, damage churches
Discipleship Ministries
Service planned for the Rev. Junius Dotson
HOUSTON — Discipleship Ministries invites United Methodists to join in celebrating the life of the Rev. Junius B. Dotson at 11 a.m. U.S. Central time March 6. Dotson was the agency's top executive for more than four years and took on leadership roles across the denomination. The service will be streamed from Houston.
To watch
Read UM News obituary
United Methodist Communications
Race, racism and the church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two of the authors of "I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist." talk with the Rev. Joe Iovino about the importance of confronting racism both within the church and throughout society. The Rev. Rudy Rasmus of St. John's United Methodist Church in Houston and the Rev. Jevon Caldwell-Gross of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis share their experiences and discuss the state of the church in the latest installment of the "Get Your Spirit in Shape" podcast.
Listen to podcast
UM News: Black United Methodists want changes
Global Ministries
Walking the Appalachian Trail for UMCOR
ATLANTA — Health issues haven't deterred Jimmy Dillon from his quest of walking the Appalachian Trail to raise money for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. He's hiked more than 800 miles of the 2,198-mile trail despite heart issues, cancer and swelling limbs. Dan Curran reports.
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Virginia Conference
Spotlight on trailblazing Bishop Kelly
GLEN ALLEN, Va. — Bishop Leontine Turpeau Current Kelly remains revered and loved by many in the Virginia Conference and around the global denomination even nine years after her passing. Madeline Pillow White recounts the ministry of The United Methodist Church's first African American female bishop.
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Watch video on Facebook
Read Ask The UMC: Pioneering Black women in Methodism
California-Nevada Conference
Conference settlement with Glide approved
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño announced that the settlement between the California-Nevada Conference and the Glide Foundation has received the approval of legal authorities. Under the settlement agreed to in November, the California-Nevada Conference retains control of a $4.5 million trust and receives an extra $1.5 million from the Glide Foundation while Glide Memorial departs the denomination but retains its building.
Read Bishop Carcaño's announcement
UM News: Legal settlement means Glide leaves denomination
Holston Conference
Knoxville church building closed by city
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Leaders at Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church are working with city inspectors to get its property open after it was declared "unfit for human habitation." The church is the site for vital community missions and may be ready to reopen on a limited basis as early as next week, said the Rev. Ann Robins. Annette Spence has the story.
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South Carolina Conference
Food ministry starts amid COVID-19
NEWBERRY, S.C. — O'Neal Street United Methodist Church is now home to a new food ministry: God's Abundance for All People. The ecumenical endeavor hopes to distribute food weekly, but operating a new food ministry during a pandemic has been a challenge. The Rev. Darlene L. Kelley has the story.
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West Virginia Conference
Bishops initiate conversations on racism
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball joined three of her predecessor West Virginia bishops in "Front Porch Conversations," a video series inviting individuals and congregations into a conversation to raise awareness regarding racism and the work needed to eliminate it. The videos were created in response to a request from West Virginia pastors for resources to begin such conversations with their own congregations. The series has downloadable questions that can be used for group or personal study and reflection. Audrey Stanton-Smith reports.
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View resource
Missouri Conference
Dealing with a backlog of grief
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The Rev. David Howlett and his wife, Elaine, are experts in grief ministry, operating The Mourning Center at Christ United Methodist Church. They predict a lot of grief will surface once the pandemic lifts and congregations regather, with notable absences of those lost to COVID-19. They've created a guide for how churches can meet the need. Fred Koenig reports.
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Read guide (PDF)
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
A vision of new United Methodism
DALLAS (UM News) — Just as the world will face a new normal due to ways that COVID-19 has changed us, the new United Methodism will definitely be different, writes the Rev. Stanley R. Copeland. "New United Methodism will be made up of a large and expansive Lord's Table where all — centrist, traditionalists and progressives — are welcome."
Read commentary
It is time to separate
PARKERFIELD, Kan. (UM News) — With the future of the church moving even further into the future, the Rev. Stephen W. Rankin says he believes the time has come to separate. "As Genesis 25 says of Rebekah's twins, we are like two nations struggling in the same womb," writes the former university chaplain.
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Can a divided church serve a divided society?
WILSON, N.C. (UM News) — As The United Methodist Church heads toward possible separation, the Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth reflects on what history can teach us. Comparing the denomination’s current opposing stances on homosexuality to its division over slavery in the 1800s, he writes that the church could serve as a powerful witness by remaining united in a polarized society.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Resources support UMCOR Sunday
ATLANTA — March 14 is UMCOR Sunday. This special offering underwrites the administrative costs of the United Methodist Committee on Relief so that all designated gifts will go to the project givers specify. Resources, including worship ideas, are available to help churches celebrate the day.
See resources
Higher Education and Ministry
Rick Steves talks 'Travel as a Spiritual Act'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Travel author and public television host Rick Steves will join the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry at 8 p.m. U.S. Central time March 23 for a live discussion on "Travel as a Spiritual Act." Steves plans to discuss why he believes experiencing people from different places and cultures has a unique way of shaping faith while promoting curiosity, empathy and — ultimately — growth.
To register
Drew Theological School
Online seminary fair planned March 25
MADISON, N.J. — All 13 U.S. United Methodist seminaries and theological schools plan to hold a spring seminary fair at 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time March 25. The online event is an opportunity to hear what each school has to offer. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry also plans to offer information on scholarships and financing a degree.
To register
World Council of Churches
Prayer effort for incarcerated women
GENEVA — In the month of March, the World Council of Churches is encouraging its fellowship and partners to join the Lott Carey "31 Days of Prayer for Women’s Empowerment," which is also the ninth anniversary of the Global Women’s Prayer Guide. The guide features 31 days of prayer for incarcerated women and girls around the world.
To download prayer booklet (PDF)
Society of St. Andrew
VBS program focuses on feeding hungry
BIG ISLAND, Va. — The Society of St. Andrew has made planning for this year's vacation Bible school a little easier. The United Methodist-supported hunger relief ministry is offering free VBS curriculum with a hunger-action theme. Organizers can download the Abundance Orchard program or order printed materials.
Get resource
Learn more
Higher Education Foundation
Deadline extended for scholarship applications
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Applications for scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation have been extended to March 19 to take into consideration challenges faced in this time of pandemic. Applicants must be United Methodist members and planning to attend a United Methodist-related school full time for the 2021-22 academic year.
To apply
Learn more
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