“We had lost everything in the fire and did not know how we were going to get through it. This help gives us a new lease on life and allows us to start living again.” — Tamasha Salima, on receiving aid from The United Methodist Church in Eastern Congo.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church helps survivors of fire in Congo
FIZI, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Church has assisted 5,000 survivors of two fires that ravaged a camp for internally displaced people last year. Funding from the United Methodist Committee on Relief enabled the purchase of 74 tons of food and other supplies. Beneficiaries, many of whom fled unrest in the region, say the church’s support offers them hope for the future. Chadrack Tambwe Londe reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Updating the church toolbox for social witness
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Twelve years ago, the 2012 General Conference authorized the effort to make the Social Principles “more globally relevant, theologically founded and succinct.” Crystal Caviness reports on the results of that effort and some of the changes in the revised Social Principles going before General Conference delegates.
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Dakotas Conference
Church plant welcomes Ukrainian community
BISMARCK, N.D. — Ukrainians in North Dakota are finding community through the efforts of Mission Bismarck, a United Methodist church plant led by the Rev. Cory Thrall. The Fresh Expression is providing much-needed driving lessons to the immigrants, and offering an interpreter at church services. Thrall also recently baptized the church’s first Ukrainian baby. Dakotas Conference staff have the story.
Read story and watch video
Scarritt Bennett Center
MLK’s daughter calls for ‘heart change’
NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Bernice A. King, the daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, spoke April 2 at Scarritt Bennett Center — 67 years after her father did the same. King said that the polarization in American society needs to be transcended, with “heart change” to go along with legislative change. Cori Bechler has the story.
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Watch video
PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
Agency shares 2023 highlights
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications has released its 2023 Annual Report, which highlights the agency’s activities and initiatives supporting The United Methodist Church worldwide. “In 2023, we saw continued change that presented opportunities to celebrate the impact of our ministry,” said top executive Dan Krause. He noted the agency’s work countering disinformation, sharing messaging that reinforces and celebrates United Methodists’ core identity and equipping and training church leaders.
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See report
Finance and Administration
Ministry Brands named ministry partner
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration has named Ministry Brands, a technology company, as a United Methodist ministry partner. Ministry Brands provides technology and services such as help with online streaming, tailored for religious organizations.
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Learn more about ministry partners
RECENT HEADLINES
Fossil fuels divestment debate returns
Caring for people with memory issues
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