UM News Weekly Digest

UM News Digest - Feb. 28, 2025 United Methodists stay connected amid conflict Churches multiply peace initiatives in Congo What’s new in the Discipline regarding bishops? “I’m used to singing and dancing for the glory of Jesus Christ. This situation prevents me from going to church anymore, but at least I receive God’s message through my phone, which sometimes comforts me.” — Masudi Kansilembo, a choir member at Kadutu United Methodist Church in eastern Congo. United Methodists Joséphine Kingombe and Masudi Kansilembo read messages sent to their phones by pastors in Bukavu, Congo. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News. United Methodists stay connected amid conflict BUKAVU, Congo (UM News) — With churches shuttered due to insecurity in eastern Congo, United Methodist leaders are using social networks to continue evangelism and deliver messages of hope. Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda, who leads the East Congo Episcopal Area, has called on church members to stay at home as much as possible to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports. Read story Young people hold a banner during a rally for peace in Kindu, Congo, in early February. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News. Churches multiply peace initiatives in eastern Congo KINDU, Congo (UM News) — Against a backdrop of violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, The United Methodist Church is stepping up initiatives to demand peace. Catholic and Protestant churches are mobilizing to promote reconciliation and seek lasting solutions to the security crisis, while young United Methodists are making their voices heard in the streets. Judith Osongo has the story. Read story Ask The UMC What’s new in the Discipline regarding bishops? NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, is examining changes made in the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline. The series will examine the changes in five different areas, with this installment, Part 2, exploring changes that affect United Methodist bishops. The Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards offers an analysis. Read story Read Part 1: Local churches, annual conferences, general agencies South Carolina Conference Youth Revolution draws hundreds COLUMBIA, S.C. — More than 900 young people gathered for the South Carolina Conference’s annual Youth Revolution spiritual retreat last month. In addition to worship and teaching, fun activities were held throughout the weekend, including performances from various youth groups. The Claflin University DREAM Gospel Choir performed praise music. Jessica Brodie reports. Read story ADVERTISEMENT 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. Discipleship Ministries How to craft giving statements NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Distributing quarterly giving statements is essential for fostering trust, ensuring compliance and nurturing generosity, writes the Rev. Ken Sloane of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries. He offers six tips to do it effectively. The first suggestion is to be sure to say “Thank you.” Read commentary ADVERTISEMENT Candler School of Theology Preaching conference set for March 25-27 ATLANTA — Emory University’s Candler School of Theology plans to hold the Bandy Preaching Conference 2025 on March 25-27 in person, with select sessions online. More than 20 scholars, pastors, musicians and artists are scheduled to lead the gathering with the theme “Sacred Symphonies: The Word and Song.” Learn more and register Methodist Theological School in Ohio Clergy invited to apply for anti-racism training DELAWARE, Ohio — Training to help clergy and ministry leaders develop an anti-racist conscience and act as change agents within their institutions is being offered at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Applications are being accepted through March 10 for in-person and online meetings that begin April 1. Flight, lodging and food will be reimbursed for the 10 to 15 students who are accepted. Future classes will be offered for lay leaders and youth. Read press release Monday, March 3 Webinar: A Wesleyan Response to Nicaea Sunday, March 30 UMCOR Sunday More United Methodist events Image by WOKANDAPIX, courtesy of Pixabay Can Fresh Expressions rescue the lonely?   OCALA, Fla. (UM News) — A new book by the director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church diagnoses humanity as suffering from deep loneliness. The Rev. Michael Adam Beck believes that gathering people around common interests can combat loneliness and isolation. Jim Patterson reports. Read story File photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News LGBTQ advocates aim to build on 2024 gains   NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Reconciling Ministries Network, after success at last year’s General Conference, hopes to help the emerging United Methodist Church live into a more inclusive future. The group has unveiled a new strategic plan for the next four years. Heather Hahn has the story. Read story Photo courtesy of the Rev. Michael Adam Beck Church leader’s journey from prisoner to pastor   OCALA, Fla. (UM News) — When it comes to loneliness and alienation, the Rev. Michael Adam Beck knows of what he speaks. Born addicted to drugs and abandoned by his parents, he hit bottom while imprisoned in solitary confinement in a Florida jail. Beck rose above it and believes he can help others do the same. Jim Patterson has his story. Read story Image courtesy Great Plains Conference Three-peat for Super Bowl giving   TOPEKA, Kan. — Unlike the Kansas City Chiefs, Bishops David Wilson and Robert Farr enjoyed victory in their latest Super Bowl endeavor. For the third consecutive year, the Great Plains and Missouri conferences collected more food donations during the Sacking Hunger Challenge than their Super Bowl rivals. Todd Seifert reports for the Great Plains Conference. Read story