"Combine the stress of starting a new job, moving to a different country and living in a pandemic all into one tightly wound bundle, (and) that's pretty much how this year has been." — Hannah Reasoner, a United Methodist missionary in Colombia.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Missionaries cope with coronavirus challenges
ATLANTA (UM News) — Travel bans and fear of COVID-19 complicated the service of United Methodist missionaries in 2020. Recruiting for the 2021 class has started, but a smaller number will be chosen and it remains to be seen if they'll be able to travel to their assignments. Jim Patterson has the story.
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Indianapolis Star
Bishop voices concern over Black woman's care
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Conference Bishop Julius C. Trimble said he is concerned about the experience of Dr. Susan Moore, a Black woman who described receiving inadequate care at a hospital in the IU Health system before dying of COVID-19. Trimble, who also wrote an op-ed published in the Indianapolis Star, is a member of the IU Health Board of Directors. Ryan Martin reports.
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Read Bishop Trimble's op-ed
New England Conference
Singing in the parking lot choir
WORCESTER, Mass. — For the choir members at Wesley United Methodist Church, singing in their cars means singing together — in real time — without the risk of spreading COVID-19 or online lag times.
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Baltimore-Washington Conference, The Washington Post
Calls for prayer before election certification
WASHINGTON — The Baltimore-Washington Conference is asking for prayer and for D.C.-area churches to illuminate their windows with candles ahead of expected protests when U.S. Congress meets Jan. 6 to certify the results of the country's presidential election. The Washington Post also reports that D.C. police have arrested a Proud Boys leader on a charge of burning Asbury United Methodist Church's Black Lives Matter banner during a Dec. 12 protest.
Read conference statement
Read Washington Post story
South Carolina Conference
Columbia church building sold
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The University of South Carolina is buying the building of Greene Street United Methodist Church for $1.1 million. The church, which averages about 20 worshippers on Sundays, may buy a new building, but a definite decision has not been made on how to use the proceeds. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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RESOURCES
United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
Higher education scholarships available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year. Through March 1, students are invited to apply for more than $2 million in funds available to help pay for attending colleges, universities or seminaries related to The United Methodist Church.
See media resources
To apply
RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Thursday, Jan. 7
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