UM News Digest - Oct. 24, 2025

UM News Digest - Oct. 24, 2025 Faith, science converge in clean-water efforts UMCOR supports tree-planting project in Philippines Pioneers in Methodism: Jorge Lockward “Water should be available for all rural people, not just those who can afford it.” — Thy Leng of Cambodia, on efforts to improve access to clean water. The Rev. Paul Kong, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries Asia-Pacific regional representative, explains how rainwater-harvesting tanks are converted into drinking water during a WASH Academy, held Oct. 13-17 at Hope Vocational School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News. WASH Academy participants install rainwater-harvesting tanks Oct. 15 at Hun Sen Sa’ng High School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News. Faith, science converge in clean-water efforts PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (UM News) — During a United Methodist-supported WASH Academy, church and community leaders learned practical solutions for improving access to clean water. Hosted by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and its Korean nongovernmental organization partner Bridge of Hope, the event focused not only on providing clean water but also empowering people to secure it for themselves. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports. Read story Volunteers prepare trees for planting as part of a reforestation project on the island of Palawan in the Philippines. The flood relief project is sponsored by UMCOR and the Manila Episcopal Area. Photo courtesy of UMC TV. UMCOR supports tree-planting project in Philippines ELVITA, Philippines (UMC TV) — United Methodists are planting native trees in a flood-prone area on the island of Palawan. The reforestation project is a joint venture between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Manila Episcopal Area. Bread of Life United Methodist Church in the area has flooded several times in the past, and residents hope the tree planting will result in a long-term solution. Jhoanna Ragasa, Cedric Sagun and John Rey Velasco report. Watch video Ask The UMC Pioneers in Methodism: Jorge Lockward NASHVILLE, Tenn.  — Jorge Lockward, a worship leader with an extensive background in global music, liturgy and worship, is passionate about cultural diversity. Pioneers in Methodism traces Lockward’s early years and spiritual influences in the Dominican Republic, and the life-changing vision that provided his calling to music ministry. Vicki Wallace has his story.  Read story Council of Bishops Bishops urge prayerful action amid shutdown WASHINGTON — In a pastoral letter, the Council of Bishops laments how the ongoing U.S. government shutdown is causing harm to countless families, workers and communities. “This moment calls for our collective compassion, advocacy, and prayerful action,” says Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone in the letter on behalf of the bishops. The letter calls on members of the U.S. Congress and elected leaders to set aside partisanship and work for the common good. Read letter Coming up: UM News will have a story next week on how United Methodists are helping amid the shutdown. South Georgia Conference New deacon continues family legacy of faith  MACON, Ga. — This past June, the Rev. Maddie Henderson Herlong stepped forward to be ordained a deacon surrounded by the familiar walls of Vineville United Methodist Church that had witnessed every major milestone in her faith journey. What made this holy moment even more special was that her grandfather, the Rev. Don Kea, was among those who laid hands on her. Kelly Roberson has the story. Read story ADVERTISEMENT Michigan Conference Churches take Sunday worship into the field DETROIT — Detroit United Methodists spent a recent Sunday in the field instead of the sanctuary, replacing their typical worship service with a day of mission engagement. The Church Has Left the Building service projects included washing cars, visiting cats at an animal shelter and cleaning up school grounds. James Deaton has the story. Read story DC News Now Church leads way in affordable housing ARLINGTON, Va. — Central United Methodist Church in the Virginia Conference demolished its old building and has replaced the structure with 144 affordable-housing units, a day care and a new sanctuary. The new affordable housing is helping to address the D.C. area housing crisis. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia is sponsoring legislation to make it easier for houses of worship to embark on such projects nationwide. Max Marcilla has the story. Watch video ADVERTISEMENT Global Ministries New EarthKeepers to be commissioned ATLANTA — Seventy-two new EarthKeepers will be commissioned Nov. 4 during an online service. The Global Ministries EarthKeepers program equips United Methodists in the United States for environmental stewardship. Participants discuss theology, United Methodist resources, community organizing and antiracism, and then use what they learn to develop an environmental project for their churches and communities.  Read press release Finance and Administration Filipino church leaders focus on stewardship  MANILA, Philippines — More than 50 United Methodist leaders in the Philippines gathered for stewardship and administrative training on Oct. 13-14. With the two-day event, the General Council on Finance and Administration completes this year’s quadrennial training events.  Read press release and watch video Scarritt Bennett Center Pastor honored as ‘Tower of Justice’ NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Ingrid McIntyre received a 2025 Tower of Justice Award during Scarritt Bennett Center's Radical Change Banquet on Oct. 16. McIntyre co-founded Open Table Nashville, an interfaith nonprofit for the homeless. She is now on the staff of Belmont United Methodist Church and lead pastor at Glencliff United Methodist Church. Read press release 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. Upper New York Conference, Duke University Want to celebrate clergy? Support their health LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — October is Clergy Appreciation Month. At a time when many pastors struggle with burnout, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez urges laity to walk alongside pastors and support their overall health. “When pastoral leaders are holistically healthy, congregations flourish,” writes the bishop, who leads the Susquehanna and Upper New York conferences. The Duke Clergy and Religion Research Collaborative offers “do’s and don’ts” for caring for clergy and church staff. Read bishop’s commentary Read do’s and don’ts Monday, Nov. 3 - Friday Nov. 14 Online course: Bridge to Surviving Grief During Holidays Wednesday, Nov. 12 Webinar: Four Ways to Be Found — Building Your Church’s Online Presence More United Methodist events Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News Cross-cultural, cross-racial pastors seek revival   LOS ANGELES (UM News) — Weariness, stress and frustration at racism were among the challenges shared by clergy who gathered this month at Facing the Future 2025. The conference offered space for United Methodist clergy in cross-cultural and cross-racial appointments to recenter and envision ministry ahead. Jim Patterson reports. Read story Video image by Lilla Marigza, UM News Ministry offers seafarers home away from home   PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. (UM News) — Members of First United Methodist Church of Cocoa Beach are among those welcoming cruise ship workers on shore leave in this busy port city. The Canaveral Port Ministry provides food, transportation, mail service, prayers and other comforts from home. Lilla Marigza has the story. Watch video Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News Korean Ministry Plan sharpens mission strategies   TEANECK, N.J. (UM News) — The Korean Ministry Plan of The United Methodist Church gathered earlier this month to refine its mission priorities over the next four years: emphasizing church planting, leadership development, next-generation ministries, justice engagement and global partnerships. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports. Read story Photo courtesy of the Missouri Conference Arson suspected in church fire   LEETON, Mo. — Investigators suspect the Oct. 20 fire that gutted the 129-year-old building of Leeton United Methodist Church was intentionally set. Despite that trauma, the Rev. Ellen Lake is confident the congregation will move forward. Fred Koenig reports for the Missouri Conference, and Greg Dailey of KCTV has an update on the investigation. Read Missouri Conference story Read KCTV story