UM News Digest - Aug. 15, 2025

UM News Digest - Aug. 15, 2025 Scouts, UM Men look to the future Church sheltered families during Katrina Singer brings church roots to Carnegie Hall “When men are spiritually equipped, they become catalysts for healing in families, strength in churches and hope in communities.” — The Rev. Rick Vance, who will lead United Methodist Men starting Oct. 1. Steven Scheid (left), director of scouting ministry for United Methodist Men, bows his head in prayer Aug. 2 before introducing Roger Krone (right), CEO of Scouting America. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News. Scouts, UM Men look to the future ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (UM News) — United Methodist Men held its first in-person National Men’s and Scouting Ministry Gathering since 2017 at Epworth-by-the-Sea, a United Methodist retreat center in Georgia. The event included workshops and worship services to build rapport and plan for the future. One main concern was reaching young men, especially at a time when online influencers appear to hold so much sway. Jim Patterson reports. Read story Vance named UMM’s top executive Marylin Mestayer explains that while she lost her home in Hurricane Katrina, her 150-year-old church remained standing. Video image by Lilla Marigza, UM News. Church sheltered families during Katrina BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (UM News) — Two decades ago, Hurricane Katrina made landfall near the Louisiana/Mississippi border as a Category 3 hurricane. The eyewall passed directly over Bay St. Louis. Several families in the coastal town had taken shelter on high ground in the sanctuary of the 150-year-old Main Street United Methodist Church. Lilla Marigza talks to survivors as part of UM News’ Hope Beyond the Storm series. Read story Baltimore-Washington Conference Singer brings church roots to Carnegie Hall NORTH BETHESDA, Md. — Catherine Wethington, award-winning coloratura soprano, drew on her own Methodist roots in curating a concert to honor Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The musical tribute debuted at Carnegie Hall earlier this year. Now, the Virginia United Methodist is bringing the concert closer to home Sept. 6 at the Strathmore’s Music Center in Maryland. Mittie Quinn has the story. Read story Mountain Sky Conference Bishop offers update on Colorado wildfires DENVER — In an update on the wildfires raging in Colorado, Mountain Sky Bishop Kristin Stoneking offers thanks for continued prayers for the people affected. She writes that “the most tangible way for churches to help right now is to make more UMCOR kits of all kinds to keep in their own churches for when the calls go out.”​​​​​​​ Read statement Learn about relief kits Great Plains Conference Elder helps mediation program LINCOLN, Neb. — The Mediation Center, with a United Methodist elder in a key position, helps landlords and renters resolve disputes before drastic actions such as evictions. The Rev. Casey Karges, executive director of the center, says the organization has United Methodist roots. David Burke has the story. Read story Missouri Conference Closed church is undergoing a resurrection LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — Resurrection: A United Methodist Church, the largest United Methodist church in the U.S., is now refashioning the building of Aldersgate United Methodist Church as one of its campuses. The grand opening of Resurrection Lee’s Summit is set for Oct. 5. Fred Koenig has the story. Read story WSFU Public Media United Methodists supply future flood victims TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The congregation of St. Paul's United Methodist Church spent July 26 putting together buckets of supplies to help future Florida flood victims. The goal had been to fill 100 cleaning buckets, but the group wound up with a final count of more than 130. Tom Flanigan reports. Read story UMCOR: How to assemble a cleaning kit Native American International Caucus Advocating for homeless people in Washington WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Church’s Native American International Caucus has issued a statement offering solidarity with the homeless community in the U.S. capital. “We cannot be silent when we hear that those without shelter may be forcibly removed, pushed far away or jailed simply for surviving in public view,” said the group. Read statement (PDF) Bishop responds to Trump’s D.C. takeover ADVERTISEMENT Religion and Race Grants awarded for immigration ministries  WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has awarded grants, totaling more than $160,000, to 17 initiatives across the United States that support immigrant communities and equip United Methodist leaders in those communities. Because of the potential risks faced in immigration justice work, the agency has decided not to publish the names or locations of grant recipients.  Read press release   ADVERTISEMENT Tuesday, Aug. 26 Webinar: Budgeting for music and worship arts Wednesday, Oct. 1 - Friday, Oct. 3 Leadership Institute 2025: Rise More United Methodist events Photo by J. Paul Manion, former Camp Glisson staff photographer Church camp celebrates 100 years   DAHLONEGA, Ga. (UM News) — United Methodist Camp Glisson in North Georgia is celebrating 100 years of woods, worship and waterfall hikes. To mark a century of church camp, Glisson is hosting reunions throughout 2025. Campers can come back, connect with friends and sing the old favorite camp songs again. Lilla Marigza reports. Read story Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News ‘Morning Service’ revives farming community   NYANYADZI, Zimbabwe (UM News) — From humble beginnings three years ago, a morning church service is meeting struggling people where they are. The service has drawn those facing addiction and other problems. Zimbabwe Area Bishop Gift K. Machinga described the ministry as “a powerful and Christ-centered form of evangelism.” Kudzai Chingwe has the story. Read story Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News Church provides food, hope at refugee camp   BLANTYRE, Malawi (UM News) — Dzaleka Refugee Camp is home to an estimated 57,000 people, many of whom are facing food insecurity. A monthly church program is offering vital health and nutrition services to the camp’s most vulnerable women and children. The ministry is supported by Resurrection, a United Methodist church with nine locations in the Kansas City area. Francis Nkhoma reports. Read story Photo by the Rev. Israel “Izzy” Alvaran, Reconciling Ministries Network Commentary: Church can be sanctuary for trans lives   COLUMBUS, Ohio (UM News) — Even as transgender people are being legislated out of public life in the U.S., United Methodist churches are opening their doors wider than ever. The Reconciling Ministries Network and the United Methodist Alliance for Transgender Inclusion are working to help the denomination become a sanctuary in the storm, the Rev. Dr. Joelle Henneman writes. Read commentary