“Engaging with the Aeta community … gave us compelling experience and real-world perspective on indigenous resilience during disasters. We learn from their stories, practices and experiences.” — Phine M. Cedillo, Manila Area disaster-management coordinator
TODAY’S HEADLINES
Climate issues connect church, Indigenous communities
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in the Philippines is working with Indigenous communities to prepare for disaster and address climate change. Engaging with the Aeta and other Indigenous communities offers opportunities to learn from each other and coordinate response plans. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story.
Read story
Missouri Conference
Pastor was a repo man
BOLIVAR, Mo. — These days, the Rev. Rex Warren is a United Methodist pastor, but he used to run a dairy and for years made a living repossessing cars, trucks, planes and boats. Fred Koenig writes about the colorful run-up to Warren’s ministry career.
Read story
Global Ministries
UMCOR continues earthquake response
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Committee on Relief continues to work with its humanitarian partners to aid earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria. UMCOR has released initial solidarity grants to International Blue Crescent and Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue to help provide shelter, food and first aid kits to those who have been displaced. Winter weather and a cholera outbreak are complicating the response. Susan Clark reports.
Read story and watch video
To donate
CNY Central
Church charity receives $2,000 grant
WATERVILLE, N.Y. — The It Takes a Village diaper bank at Waterville United Methodist Church started early in the COVID-19 pandemic, providing diapers for five families in need. It has now grown to give out 1,000-1,500 diapers a month, and those grateful parents have paid it forward by donating enough second-hand clothing for the church to open a thrift store as well. The ministry was recently spotlighted by CNY Central news and given a $2,000 grant.
Watch video
PRESS RELEASES
Arkansas Conference
Women’s group elects first Black president
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Maybelline Strong of Little Rock has been elected to serve as the first Black president of the United Women in Faith for the Arkansas Conference. Strong has previously served in various leadership roles with United Women in Faith, formerly known as United Methodist Women.
Read press release
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 UM News staff.
Medium.com
Why are we so afraid of resurrection?
DALLAS — Jessica Vittorio, a General Conference delegate, writes about turning to God to deal with her anger about the ongoing separation of The United Methodist Church. She writes that she has come to realize “it is in the face of the fear and pain that accompany death that resurrection brings the most glorious hope and victory.”
Read commentary
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Share your thoughts on communication ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The research team at United Methodist Communications wants to understand church members’ attitudes, behaviors and perspectives around the work that the communications agency does for the denomination, including current resources. The team has created a questionnaire that should take about 10 minutes. The results will help guide the strategic work of the agency. Questions can be sent to Teresa Faust at [email protected].
Take survey
EVENTS
Wednesday, Feb. 22-Monday, April 3
Online course: Biblical Storytelling Weekly for Lent
Wednesday, Feb. 22-Friday, April 7
Online course: Acts as a Lenten Journey
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
With new lungs, he leads a new church
JASPER, Texas (UM News) — The Rev. Jerry Neff, 68, is officially retired and had a double lung transplant less than a year ago. But he and his wife are driving three hours every weekend so he can lead the new United Methodist Church of the Pines. It consists of East Texans who are staying United Methodist after their churches disaffiliated. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Haitians find comfort in faith in face of violence
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (UM News) — The mission volunteer coordinator for the Methodist Church of Haiti says the country is in chaos and ruled by gangs, but people continue to worship God despite the dangers. While United Methodists and their partners are providing support, more help is needed, says David Draeger, noting that the most critical need is food. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
Read story
Ministry partner’s outreach grows in Haiti
MIZAK, Haiti (UM News) — Haitian Assets for Peace International, a ministry partner with United Methodist congregations in the Michigan Conference, continues to thrive despite the challenges the country is facing. HAPI has added healthy heart initiatives alongside maternal health care, vocational training and other empowerment programs. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story
Methodism overdue for becoming 'woke,' author says
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (UM News) — The Rev. William B. Lawrence embraces a controversial word and lays out the history of racism within Methodism in his new book, “When the Church Woke.” Lawrence — a church historian who also has been a pastor, district superintendent, seminary professor and theological school dean — talks with Sam Hodges about the book.
Read Q&A
Church brings health services to rural community
RUSAPE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Over 300 villagers were able to access a variety of free health services near their homes thanks to Runyange United Methodist Church. The outreach included medical and dental services, counseling and a spiritual revival program to nurture the soul. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
Read story
Commentary: Using our brains at General Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s General Conference can look to neuroscience and neuropsychology for insights into how to make sound decisions and feel good about them. The Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards suggests that managing the work in chunks, taking breaks and celebrating each step of progress can help boost morale and give delegates the stamina for making complex decisions.
Read commentary
Commentary: Disobedience predates sexuality debate
WASHINGTON (UM News) — Defiance of rules passed by General Conference goes back to the earliest days of the first Methodist denomination in the U.S. The Rev. Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr. writes about why the current debate over homosexuality is driving a church separation.
Read commentary
New annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News continues to post 2022 annual conference reports as they become available. New this week are the Mozambique Southeast and Mozambique North conferences.
Read story
Great Plains, Missouri, Eastern Pennsylvania conferences
Super Bowl prompts 'souper' food bank rivalry
GLENDALE, Ariz. — As the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, United Methodist fans have a food fight on their hands. Church members in the Great Plains and Missouri conferences are challenging fellow United Methodists in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey conferences to see who can collect the most for area food banks. Todd Seifert, Fred Koenig and John Coleman report.
Read Great Plains Conference story
Read Missouri Conference story
Read Eastern Pennsylvania Conference story
Watch Bishop John Schol video
United Methodist Communications
Fellowship jumpstarts student's diversity work
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Podcaster Michelle L. Eunice is passionate about bringing people together through media and entertainment. She received the United Methodist Communications’ Stoody-West Fellowship, which she credits with helping her better understand her calling. United Methodist Communications offers two religious communication education assistance opportunities: a $6,000 Stoody-West Fellowship and $2,500 Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial/Ethnic Minority Students. Applications are due March. 15. Brenda Smotherman has the story.
Read story
Learn more about scholarships
TODAY’S HEADLINES
Climate issues connect church, Indigenous communities
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in the Philippines is working with Indigenous communities to prepare for disaster and address climate change. Engaging with the Aeta and other Indigenous communities offers opportunities to learn from each other and coordinate response plans. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story.
Read story
Missouri Conference
Pastor was a repo man
BOLIVAR, Mo. — These days, the Rev. Rex Warren is a United Methodist pastor, but he used to run a dairy and for years made a living repossessing cars, trucks, planes and boats. Fred Koenig writes about the colorful run-up to Warren’s ministry career.
Read story
Global Ministries
UMCOR continues earthquake response
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Committee on Relief continues to work with its humanitarian partners to aid earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria. UMCOR has released initial solidarity grants to International Blue Crescent and Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue to help provide shelter, food and first aid kits to those who have been displaced. Winter weather and a cholera outbreak are complicating the response. Susan Clark reports.
Read story and watch video
To donate
CNY Central
Church charity receives $2,000 grant
WATERVILLE, N.Y. — The It Takes a Village diaper bank at Waterville United Methodist Church started early in the COVID-19 pandemic, providing diapers for five families in need. It has now grown to give out 1,000-1,500 diapers a month, and those grateful parents have paid it forward by donating enough second-hand clothing for the church to open a thrift store as well. The ministry was recently spotlighted by CNY Central news and given a $2,000 grant.
Watch video
PRESS RELEASES
Arkansas Conference
Women’s group elects first Black president
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Maybelline Strong of Little Rock has been elected to serve as the first Black president of the United Women in Faith for the Arkansas Conference. Strong has previously served in various leadership roles with United Women in Faith, formerly known as United Methodist Women.
Read press release
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 UM News staff.
Medium.com
Why are we so afraid of resurrection?
DALLAS — Jessica Vittorio, a General Conference delegate, writes about turning to God to deal with her anger about the ongoing separation of The United Methodist Church. She writes that she has come to realize “it is in the face of the fear and pain that accompany death that resurrection brings the most glorious hope and victory.”
Read commentary
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Share your thoughts on communication ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The research team at United Methodist Communications wants to understand church members’ attitudes, behaviors and perspectives around the work that the communications agency does for the denomination, including current resources. The team has created a questionnaire that should take about 10 minutes. The results will help guide the strategic work of the agency. Questions can be sent to Teresa Faust at [email protected].
Take survey
EVENTS
Wednesday, Feb. 22-Monday, April 3
Online course: Biblical Storytelling Weekly for Lent
Wednesday, Feb. 22-Friday, April 7
Online course: Acts as a Lenten Journey
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
With new lungs, he leads a new church
JASPER, Texas (UM News) — The Rev. Jerry Neff, 68, is officially retired and had a double lung transplant less than a year ago. But he and his wife are driving three hours every weekend so he can lead the new United Methodist Church of the Pines. It consists of East Texans who are staying United Methodist after their churches disaffiliated. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Haitians find comfort in faith in face of violence
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (UM News) — The mission volunteer coordinator for the Methodist Church of Haiti says the country is in chaos and ruled by gangs, but people continue to worship God despite the dangers. While United Methodists and their partners are providing support, more help is needed, says David Draeger, noting that the most critical need is food. Kathy L. Gilbert has the story.
Read story
Ministry partner’s outreach grows in Haiti
MIZAK, Haiti (UM News) — Haitian Assets for Peace International, a ministry partner with United Methodist congregations in the Michigan Conference, continues to thrive despite the challenges the country is facing. HAPI has added healthy heart initiatives alongside maternal health care, vocational training and other empowerment programs. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story
Methodism overdue for becoming 'woke,' author says
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (UM News) — The Rev. William B. Lawrence embraces a controversial word and lays out the history of racism within Methodism in his new book, “When the Church Woke.” Lawrence — a church historian who also has been a pastor, district superintendent, seminary professor and theological school dean — talks with Sam Hodges about the book.
Read Q&A
Church brings health services to rural community
RUSAPE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Over 300 villagers were able to access a variety of free health services near their homes thanks to Runyange United Methodist Church. The outreach included medical and dental services, counseling and a spiritual revival program to nurture the soul. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
Read story
Commentary: Using our brains at General Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s General Conference can look to neuroscience and neuropsychology for insights into how to make sound decisions and feel good about them. The Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards suggests that managing the work in chunks, taking breaks and celebrating each step of progress can help boost morale and give delegates the stamina for making complex decisions.
Read commentary
Commentary: Disobedience predates sexuality debate
WASHINGTON (UM News) — Defiance of rules passed by General Conference goes back to the earliest days of the first Methodist denomination in the U.S. The Rev. Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr. writes about why the current debate over homosexuality is driving a church separation.
Read commentary
New annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News continues to post 2022 annual conference reports as they become available. New this week are the Mozambique Southeast and Mozambique North conferences.
Read story
Great Plains, Missouri, Eastern Pennsylvania conferences
Super Bowl prompts 'souper' food bank rivalry
GLENDALE, Ariz. — As the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, United Methodist fans have a food fight on their hands. Church members in the Great Plains and Missouri conferences are challenging fellow United Methodists in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey conferences to see who can collect the most for area food banks. Todd Seifert, Fred Koenig and John Coleman report.
Read Great Plains Conference story
Read Missouri Conference story
Read Eastern Pennsylvania Conference story
Watch Bishop John Schol video
United Methodist Communications
Fellowship jumpstarts student's diversity work
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Podcaster Michelle L. Eunice is passionate about bringing people together through media and entertainment. She received the United Methodist Communications’ Stoody-West Fellowship, which she credits with helping her better understand her calling. United Methodist Communications offers two religious communication education assistance opportunities: a $6,000 Stoody-West Fellowship and $2,500 Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial/Ethnic Minority Students. Applications are due March. 15. Brenda Smotherman has the story.
Read story
Learn more about scholarships
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.