"Watching on a big-screen TV was OK, but it wasn't the same experience as you get in church at a service." — Jim Berg, staff parish chair at St. Paul's United Methodist Church Papillion in Papillion, Nebraska.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Churches begin returning to in-person worship
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (UM News) — As some United Methodist churches return to in-person worship, it seems likely that the virtual church experience will be the preference of some congregants going forward. Jim Patterson reports.
Ask The UMC
Does the church support workers' rights?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Methodism founder John Wesley preached to and cared for coal miners and other oppressed workers, opposed slavery and advocated for protecting people from dangerous working conditions. Today's Social Principles reflect the historic emphasis on worker justice, writes Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
Greater New Jersey Conference
Conference puts focus on ending racism
NEPTUNE, N.J. — The Greater New Jersey Conference plans to go "deeper, wider and further" to end the sin of racism with a $5.1 million investment to engage in social and racial justice in a plan called "A Journey of Hope." Heather Mistretta reports.
Read story
Florida Conference
In reopening preschools, no answer fits all
MANATEE, Fla. — Many United Methodist churches operate daycare centers and preschools, and with the new school year, they faced a simple truth: The challenges of COVID-19 are as varied as the churches seeking answers. Joe Henderson writes about how different churches approached questions around reopening.
Read story
Parkway Heights United Methodist Church
Church adapts for members 'North of 70'
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — The North of 70 Ministry for seniors was only months old when Mississippi saw its first COVID-19 cases. Since then, members of Parkway Heights United Methodist Church have stepped up to shop for seniors and regularly call older members who might need a listening ear. Brooke Bryan has the story.
Read story
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
National Justice for Our Neighbors
Young adults urged to ensure fair elections
ANNANDALE, Va. — National Justice for Our Neighbors communication manager Laura Sonnenmark encourages young people to register as poll workers, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic means many older adults will not be able to serve. "Now is the time for the younger generation, those who are not medically compromised, and especially those who speak a language other than English, to step up to ensure a safe, fair and orderly election for all voters," she writes.
Read commentary
RECENT HEADLINES
Colleges, seminaries reopen amid COVID-19
Churches embrace outdoor worship during pandemic
EVENTS
Wednesday, Aug. 26
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.