Churches, Denominations and Religions: UM News Digest

Monday, August 10, 2026

UM News Digest - Aug. 10, 2026

UM News Digest - Aug. 10, 2026

Earthquake relief | New professions of faith | A deacon’s calling

“Every donation, every volunteer, every prayer and every act of kindness become a testimony that no family has to face tragedy alone.” — Bishop Israel M. Painit, Davao Episcopal Area, Philippines.

Suzette Marzo with the United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship prepares to distribute food to children during a relief operation in Sarangani province, Philippines, after a deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Southern Mindanao on June 8. Photo courtesy of Marife Cambel.

Relief reaches hard-hit areas after earthquake
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in the Philippines and church partners have provided food, supplies and other support to more than 700 families following a deadly June earthquake and subsequent flooding. Davao Area Bishop Israel M. Painit said pastors and volunteers also have provided spiritual care. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.

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North Alabama Conference
Vision leads to new professions of faith
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Not long ago, Center Grove United Methodist Church reported zero professions of faith. In 2024, the church formed a visioning team to answer the questions “Who are we?” and “Who has God called us to be?” A renewed sense of identity and purpose has led to new professions of faith. The conference has the story.
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North Georgia Conference
How cheddar biscuits led to a deacon’s call
EVANS, Ga. — The outrageous hospitality of Wesley United Methodist Church paved the way for God’s calling on Jessica Stevens’ life. She is now a United Methodist deacon in the Indiana Conference. It started with an invitation from a friend and warm cheddar biscuits served by smiling faces at the church. Meghan Walter has the story.
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UM News: Deacons take God’s work beyond the church

Ask The UMC
Simplifying local church structure
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Taylor Burton Edwards with Ask The UMC, the information service of United Methodist Communications, says he often receives questions about how to simplify the leadership structure of a local church. In the latest Ask The UMC Shorts video series, he provides guidance and points to paragraphs in the Book of Discipline that help offer an answer.
Watch video

Native American Inter-Tribal Caucus
Group calls church to honor sacred ceremonies
SELBYVILLE, Del. — The United Methodist Church’s Native American Inter-Tribal Caucus released a statement supporting the sacred traditions of the Northern Arapaho Tribe and all tribal nations. The statement follows a controversial sermon by a pastor at the nondenominational Foundations For Nations Church in Wyoming that denounced the tribe’s traditional Sun Dance ceremony and ceremonial pipe as “demonic.” While recognizing all people’s religious freedom, the caucus said that freedom also carries the responsibility “to speak about the sacred traditions of another People with humility, truth, and respect.”
Read statement (PDF)
Wyoming Public Media: Tribe tells church to leave

NBC-K5
Church condemns ICE detainee transfer
EDMONDS, Wash. — Leaders of Edmonds United Methodist denounced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after agents transferred a handcuffed detainee between vehicles in the church’s parking lot while families were dropping children off at a preschool. “It is a place of safety, and so to have that be violated is an affront to our values,” said the Rev. Jeremy Smith. Sharon Yoo has the story.
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Foundation for Evangelism
Evangelism foundation announces grant winners
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The Foundation for Evangelism awarded 17 grants to small or medium-sized churches or church-based organizations in the Wesleyan tradition. A total of $112,500 was distributed through $5,000, $7,500 and $10,000 grants. Among the recipients were six United Methodist churches.
Read press release