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“I pray that we continue reconciliation among all the members, including the breakaway group, for the sake of the church as Christians. We will focus on mission and ministry and make good use of the building for our ministry.” — Dr. KP Chung, a lay leader of the newly named Woori Naperville United Methodist Church. |
| Photo by the Rev. Nadan Jo, Woori Naperville United Methodist Church |
Dispute over church property resolvedNAPERVILLE, Ill. (UM News) — United Methodists in the Northern Illinois Conference are celebrating a settlement reached between the conference and a breakaway faction of the former Naperville Korean United Methodist Church. Bishop Dan Schwerin, episcopal leader of the conference, said he is grateful for the resolution and the conclusion of this painful time. The remaining members of Naperville Korean have formed a new faith community and returned to worship at the site under a new name. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports. |
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Hollering for Change: Celebrating campus ministry
SEVERNA PARK, Md. (UM News) — Since it’s homecoming season, the latest installment of the “Hollering for Change” series spotlights campus ministry. The Rev. Dr. Tori Butler speaks with Jalyn Betts, director of the Wesley Foundation of Langston University, and the Rev. Jacob Cogman, United Methodist chaplain at Howard University, about the ministry of meeting young people where they are and the uniqueness of serving at a historically Black school.
Watch video
Dakotas Conference
Church rebuilds after storm
MADISON, S.D. — The congregation at Madison United Methodist Church is making great strides as they rebuild after a storm severely damaged their building. A May 2022 derecho made it necessary to move weekly services to its fellowship hall while the sanctuary is restored. “When you go through a hardship, it brings people closer together,” said Dave Daniel, a member and lay leader at the church. Rebecca G. Trefz has the story.
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South Carolina Conference
Churches join with food bank to feed hungry
COLUMBIA, S.C. — From a soup kitchen in Columbia to a backpack ministry in the Upstate, United Methodist churches across South Carolina have long stepped up to supply neighbors experiencing food insecurity with the food they need. Many of these churches rely on the state’s largest food bank in carrying out their ministries. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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ToBeEncouraged.com
Bishop discusses faith, voting and justice
WASHINGTON — The “Be Encouraged” podcast has been a vehicle for Bishop Julius C. Trimble to spread hope and encouragement. Upon Trimble’s retirement from the episcopacy and election to lead the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the latest podcast episode delves into faith, voting and justice. Trimble emphasizes the importance of voting not just as a civic duty but as an expression of faith.
Listen to podcast
Alabama-West Florida Conference
Churches see a promise in group effort
PENSACOLA, Fla. — One in 16 children in Escambia County, the westernmost county in Pensacola, is homeless. That is where Family Promise, a nationwide nonprofit, and its partner United Methodist churches are stepping in to help families find the stability and shelter they need. The Rev. Kelli Hitchman-Craig has the story.
Read story |
United Methodist Communications
Celebrating All Saints Day
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nov. 1 is All Saints Day, a sometimes-overlooked holy day in United Methodist congregations. The day offers an opportunity to reflect on the church’s history and remember the people who have influenced our faith.
Learn more
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| Bishops set to gather, plan for future
WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church will meet Nov. 3-8 at Epworth by the Sea in St. Simons Island, Georgia, to discuss the future of the denomination and review decisions made by General Conference held earlier this year. About 100 active and retired bishops from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America are expected to attend. The agenda for the semi-annual gathering also will include honoring deceased colleagues, continuing work to dismantle racism, promoting discipleship and strengthening mission strategies.
Read press release
Commission on the General Conference
General Conference leadership changes hands
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Commission on the General Conference, which plans the denomination’s top legislative gathering, is transitioning leadership. The Rev. Gary Graves will conclude his service as General Conference secretary this week and pass on the responsibilities to the Rev. Aleze Fulbright, elected by General Conference earlier this year.
Read press release |
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| UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff. |
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| | How will U.S. United Methodists vote?
WASHINGTON (UM News) — Mainline Protestants are diverse politically. While there is no way to predict how members will vote in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, voting data for counties where United Methodist churches are located can offer insight. The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr. explains.
Read commentary |
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| | Photo by Linda Bloom, UM News |
Judicial Council: Season of church exits is over
LOS ANGELES (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s top court ruled that a church closure cannot be used as a method of disaffiliation. The Judicial Council also struck down as unconstitutional changes to the church-closure law. The two rulings were among five the church court released dealing with church exits and closures. Heather Hahn reports. |
| | Map by United Methodist Communications |
Court rules against bishop-assignment guidance
LOS ANGELES (UM News) — In a narrow ruling, The United Methodist Church’s top court said a committee’s recommendation for a bishop to serve in the Northeastern and Southeastern jurisdictions went beyond what General Conference approved. The Judicial Council also released rulings on deaconess voting rights and a property dispute in Liberia. Heather Hahn reports. |
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| Photo courtesy of the Commission on Archives and History Facebook page |
New LGBTQ+ Heritage Center helps church remember
MADISON, N.J. (UM News) — Raising poignant memories of the past and needed funds for the future, the Oct. 23 inauguration of the new LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage Center marked a step forward for inclusivity in the church. Ashley Boggan D., top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, described the event as a call “to build a church where all people are seen, heard and valued.” John W. Coleman reports. |
| Photo courtesy of Garrett Seminary
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Commentary: To revitalize church, invest in deacons
EVANSTON, Ill. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church can revitalize itself by investing in deacons, writes the Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera, president of Garrett Seminary. “Particularly as churches and vocational ministers find themselves in increasing economic precarity, deacon ministry is swiftly becoming a sustainable home for clergy,” he says. The denomination “cannot continue to treat deacons as a second class within the ordination hierarchy.” |
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