“It’s very heartwarming to know you’re giving somebody joy through a book.” — Retired librarian Margaret Hudson, on volunteering for Canterbury United Methodist Church’s Books to Prisons Ministry.
NEWS AND FEATURES
North Alabama Conference
Book ministry connects church, inmates
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Canterbury United Methodist Church’s Books to Prisons Ministry serves inmate populations in the state and nationwide by providing books and magazines via U.S. Mail. Inmates write letters to request books, and 600-800 packages are sent each month. Bonds have formed between inmates and the program volunteers who sort, stack, catalog and mail out books. Lyn Cosby reports.
Read story
Dakotas Conference
Small congregation steps up to fight hunger
PRINGLE, S.D. — Pringle United Methodist Church, which has an average weekly worship attendance of 25, is making its mark by reducing hunger in the community. Spurred by the Rev. John McKnight, church members offer a weekly meal for the community, help supply a food pantry in nearby Hot Springs and raised $4,000 to help two schools provide free lunches for needy children. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
Kid chef makes the church doughnuts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Few things bring together families ― including those inside of congregations ― better than cooking for one another. Lily Buchanan, a 10-year-old chef, shares the recipe for the holey treat of air-fryer doughnuts that she likes to make for her Hillcrest United Methodist Church family.
Watch video
Erie News Now
Local church warms hands and hearts
WARREN, Pa. — Every year between November and February, Grace United Methodist Church helps those in need by placing hats, gloves and scarves on clotheslines in front of the church. Members of the church and community donate the items, and individuals who pass are able to select what they need. Jackie Palmer has the story.
Read story
NBC News
Pastor featured in report on segregated asylum
BALTIMORE — The Rev. Sonia King of Brooklyn Community United Methodist Church was featured in a report on Crownsville Hospital, which for decades was the only place that accepted Black Maryland residents suffering with mental illness. King talked about her experience as a Crownsville patient while she was in college. The community is working to turn the grounds of the segregated asylum into a memorial park. Antonia Hylton reports.
Watch video
PRESS RELEASES
Religion Communicators Council
Registration open for RCC Convention
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Early bird registration for the Religion Communicators Council’s annual convention is available through Feb. 29. In addition to celebrating the council’s 95th anniversary, the convention will include networking and learning opportunities. The April 4-6 gathering will be at Louisville’s The Brown Hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Registration ends March 25.
Learn more
To register
RESOURCES
Society of St. Andrew
Lenten devotions available for order
BIG ISLAND, Va. — The Society of St. Andrew, a feeding ministry and United Methodist partner, is offering free devotionals for the season of Lent. This year’s theme is “Hope Springs Eternal.” The daily devotionals will start Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, and conclude on Easter, March 31.
To learn more and order
RECENT HEADLINES
Church connects communities at refugee camp
Heartbreak, hope follow season of church exits
EVENTS
Monday, Feb. 5-Wednesday, Feb. 14
Congregational Leadership: Wesleyan Theology
Monday, Feb. 12-Friday, Feb. 16
Cultivating Faith: Gardening as Experiential Bible Study
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.