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“I used to introduce him, much to his discomfort, as the first president to use the White House for a stepping stone.” — The Rev. James Laney, former president of Emory University and a longtime friend of President Jimmy Carter. |
| Former President Jimmy Carter welcomes delegates to the Roundtable for Peace on the Korean Peninsula at The Carter Center in Atlanta in 2018. Carter died Dec. 29 at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. |
United Methodists remember President CarterPLAINS, Ga. (UM News) — President Jimmy Carter, whose Christian faith shaped his presidency and post-presidency, was a lifelong Baptist who maintained close ties with United Methodists over the years. United Methodists join in mourning the 39th U.S. president, whose legacy includes Habitat for Humanity homes, disease eradication and work toward peace around the globe. Kathy L. Gilbert has the obituary. |
Church dedicates new TV studio in PhilippinesMANILA, Philippines (UM News) — The United Methodist Church celebrated “a significant milestone” with the dedication of the new UMC TV Studios in the Philippines. In partnership with United Methodist Communications, the studio will serve as a platform for producing content that can reach congregations across the country and help dispel misinformation. “As we dedicate this space, we look forward to the new doors it will open for ministry and connection,” said Dan Krause, top executive of United Methodist Communications. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story. |
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Louisiana Conference
Amid grief, New Orleans pastors bring healing
NEW ORLEANS — United Methodist pastors across New Orleans are working to provide spiritual guidance and hope after the New Year’s violence in the French Quarter. As they prepare for Sunday services, the pastors are focused on addressing the grief and uncertainty while also helping the city heal. The Rev. Todd Rossnagel reports.
Read story
Read statement from Bishop Delores J. Williamston
Read AP story
Council of Bishops
Bishops address plight of migrants
WASHINGTON — In advance of President-elect Trump’s inauguration, the United Methodist Council of Bishops is encouraging the church in the U.S. to remain steadfast in defending human rights and welcoming migrants, immigrants and refugees. “We are living in a dark time that more than ever calls us to be the light of Christ,” says the bishops’ pastoral letter.
Read bishops’ letter
North Carolina Conference
Dismissal of church-property case reversed
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Court of Appeals found errors in a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit brought by members of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church after the North Carolina Conference closed the church in 2023. Members of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in Wilmington had requested a vote on disaffiliation when conference leadership closed the church under “exigent circumstances,” citing declining membership and missional activity. The conference later voted in support of the closure, and The United Methodist Church’s Judicial Council affirmed the closure process. After the appeals court’s Dec. 31 ruling, the conference said it is evaluating next steps.
Read North Carolina Conference statement
Read Court of Appeals decision (PDF)
UM News: Top court backs conference on church closure
World Council of Churches
Reaching out after South Korean plane crash
GENEVA — The World Council of Churches extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Korean people after a Jeju Air passenger plane crashed while landing Dec. 29 at Muan International Airport in South Korea. Of the 181 people aboard, 179 died.
Read statement
Wilson Memorial Service
Bergland, cowboy turned preacher, dies at 94
WILSON, N.C. — The Rev. John Bergland grew up in Montana working as a cowboy on ranches each summer. But the member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church had a conversion experience at a camp meeting that led him to ordained ministry. He served as a delegate to multiple General Conferences, including the Uniting Conference of 1968 that brought together the EUB and Methodists to form The United Methodist Church. He also wrote numerous books on sermons and published a feature on sermon prompts for The Circuit Rider, a United Methodist Publishing House magazine. Bergland died Dec. 9 at age 94.
Read obituary |
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| Phillips Theological Seminary
Powe named Phillips president
TULSA, Okla. — The Rev. F. Douglas Powe Jr., currently director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and evangelism professor at United Methodist-related Wesley Theological Seminary, has been named the next president of Phillips Theological Seminary. Powe is an ordained elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Phillips Theological Seminary is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and an approved seminary for United Methodist clergy candidates.
Read press release |
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| Higher Education Foundation
Scholarship applications now open
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. Separate from those offered by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the foundation’s scholarship program awards $2 million annually to nearly 1,000 students attending United Methodist-related institutions of higher education.
Learn more
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| | Photo by NoName_13, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News |
Notable United Methodists remembered |
| | Maps courtesy of Google; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News |
3 United Methodists killed in Nigeria |
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