UM News Digest - March 11, 2026
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“The program continues to work to ensure that every pregnancy is a promise of life and not a source of anxiety.” — Dr. Marie-Claire Manafundu Diandja, coordinator of The United Methodist Church’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program in eastern Congo. |
Marie Otshumba, one of the beneficiaries of The United Methodist Church’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program, holds son Amisi alongside nurses at Lokole United Methodist Hospital Center in Kindu, Congo. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News. |
Prenatal care transforms grief into joy in Congo
KINDU, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s health program in Congo is restoring hope to women who have suffered repeated miscarriages. Supported by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the program combines clinical care, health education and family support to ensure a continuum of care from pregnancy through the early years of a child’s life. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports. |
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Minnesota Conference
New space better serves unhoused community
MINNEAPOLIS — People who are experiencing homelessness in Minneapolis have an improved option though Simpson Housing Services, a shelter started by United Methodists. The shelter has moved into a new building with 72 shelter beds, 42 apartments and services including improved dining options and a medical clinic. “I heard from one of our shelter guests that this space gave them the best night of sleep they’ve ever gotten,” said Elisabeth Loeffler, director of advancement and communications at Simpson. Reid Baumann has the story.
Read story
WTXL-ABC
Church’s free pickleball keeps kids connected
QUINCY, Fla. — Centenary United Methodist Church outside Tallahassee is offering free pickleball lessons for kids every Tuesday, giving them a chance to stay active and build community connections. The Rev. Danielle Upton says the program is designed to benefit both kids and their parents. “I think all the kids really like it. And they’ve been building relationships with each other, which is valuable to us,” she said. Tatyana Purifoy reports.
Watch video and read story
Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Bishops offer update on shared leadership
DES MOINES, Iowa — Bishop David Bard will remain primary bishop for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference until the end of this quadrennium. It was originally planned for Bishop Kennetha Bigham-Tsai to take on the primary role for the last two years as part of a shared leadership arrangement. The decision was made in the interest of continuity, the bishops said in a joint statement on March 9. Bigham-Tsai will continue to lead efforts in Illinois Great Rivers to connect with United Methodist institutions of higher learning, Wesley Foundations and other extension ministry sites, as well as nurture justice ministries and special initiatives.
Read update |
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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. |
What comes next after ‘Faithful Resistance’ march?
SICKLERVILLE, N.J. (UM News) — After the mountaintop experience of the Feb. 25 United Methodist-led “Faithful Resistance” march for immigrant justice in Washington, we now must do the work in the valley, writes the Rev. John W. Coleman. Next steps can include getting to know immigrant neighbors, offering them support, attending prayer vigils and engaging with lawmakers. “How can we be transfigured with newly inspired faith and fortitude for this ongoing struggle?” he asks.
Read commentary |
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| Higher Education and Ministry
One-stop catalog details Course of Study classes
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry has launched a new Course of Study Catalog that brings together course offerings from nine sites in one easily accessible location. The consolidated catalog features courses offered across three academic terms, helping licensed local pastors and conference leaders plan more effectively for the year ahead. Wendy R. Cromwell reports.
Read press release
See Course of Study catalog |
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| Council of Bishops
Webinar explores ‘leading courageously’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Council of Bishops, in collaboration with United Methodist Communications, has scheduled the webinar “Wesleyan Leadership: Lead Courageously” at 9 a.m. U.S. Central time March 21. The online event is the last of three webinars focusing on the denomination’s new vision statement to love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously. A recording will be available to the public.
Learn more and register
UM News: Commitment to serve joyfully defines church |
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| Graphic by Ben Ward, photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. |
UM News podcast: Finding unity in diversity |
| Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News |
Church trains young people to promote peace |
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