“I think superhero characters address the same concerns that religion addresses.” — The Rev. Mike Friedrich, who has written comic book stories about Batman, Iron Man and other superheroes.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Deacon went from superheroes to God
BERKELEY, Calif.(UM News) — The Rev. Mike Friedrich is a United Methodist deacon with a Marvel-ous past. Friedrich, who now works to redevelop church properties in the California-Nevada Conference, is being belatedly recognized for his contributions to the comic book industry. He helped create characters — including Thanos — and wrote for DC and Marvel comics as a young man. Jim Patterson reports.
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Texas Conference
Ministry storytelling increases generosity
KATY, Texas — A storytelling method that the Rev. Pat Sparks calls the “Life Changing Story” serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of the ministries at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, as well as a call to members to be generous and keep up the good work. Lindsay Peyton has the story.
Read story
Board of Global Ministries
UMCOR aids Chignik communities
ATLANTA — When Chignik communities were devastated by a lack of all salmon species in 2018, the United Methodist Committee on Relief stepped in to help. Partnering with the Bristol Bay Native Association, UMCOR funded a food security program to source, transport and deliver food, pantry and household items throughout the winter months and into this summer’s fishing season. Christie House reports.
Read story
Justice for Our Neighbors
JFON clinic opens in Hawaii church
HONOLULU — Nearly one in five residents of Hawaii is an immigrant, and the state is home to more than 50,000 immigrants who are eligible to become U.S. citizens but have not yet applied. To help this underserved community, United Methodist immigration ministry Justice for Our Neighbors has opened The Legal Clinic in the offices of First United Methodist Church of Honolulu. The soft opening was June 20 — World Refugee Day — and legal services will begin in September, when their staff attorney is on board.
Read more
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Ideas and aids for back-to-school ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Over the next two months, students and teachers across the United States will be returning to the classroom. As preparations for the back-to-school procession begin, United Methodist congregations will be blessing backpacks, collecting and distributing school supplies, hosting seasonal events and offering support for teachers. ResourceUMC shares what some churches are doing.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Northern Illinois Conference
5 clergy get renewal grants
CHICAGO — Five United Methodist clergy from the Northern Illinois Conference are receiving renewal grants from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary's College of Pastoral Leaders. This cohort of pastors will gather to offer each other support, co-create space for spiritual practices and direction, and retreat for renewal over the next two years.
Read press release
RECENT HEADLINES
2 bishops offer plan for denomination’s future
Slavery anniversary leads to new discussions
EVENTS
Thursday, July 18
Webinar: When is it time to talk about money?
NEWS AND FEATURES
Deacon went from superheroes to God
BERKELEY, Calif.(UM News) — The Rev. Mike Friedrich is a United Methodist deacon with a Marvel-ous past. Friedrich, who now works to redevelop church properties in the California-Nevada Conference, is being belatedly recognized for his contributions to the comic book industry. He helped create characters — including Thanos — and wrote for DC and Marvel comics as a young man. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Texas Conference
Ministry storytelling increases generosity
KATY, Texas — A storytelling method that the Rev. Pat Sparks calls the “Life Changing Story” serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of the ministries at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, as well as a call to members to be generous and keep up the good work. Lindsay Peyton has the story.
Read story
Board of Global Ministries
UMCOR aids Chignik communities
ATLANTA — When Chignik communities were devastated by a lack of all salmon species in 2018, the United Methodist Committee on Relief stepped in to help. Partnering with the Bristol Bay Native Association, UMCOR funded a food security program to source, transport and deliver food, pantry and household items throughout the winter months and into this summer’s fishing season. Christie House reports.
Read story
Justice for Our Neighbors
JFON clinic opens in Hawaii church
HONOLULU — Nearly one in five residents of Hawaii is an immigrant, and the state is home to more than 50,000 immigrants who are eligible to become U.S. citizens but have not yet applied. To help this underserved community, United Methodist immigration ministry Justice for Our Neighbors has opened The Legal Clinic in the offices of First United Methodist Church of Honolulu. The soft opening was June 20 — World Refugee Day — and legal services will begin in September, when their staff attorney is on board.
Read more
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Ideas and aids for back-to-school ministry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Over the next two months, students and teachers across the United States will be returning to the classroom. As preparations for the back-to-school procession begin, United Methodist congregations will be blessing backpacks, collecting and distributing school supplies, hosting seasonal events and offering support for teachers. ResourceUMC shares what some churches are doing.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Northern Illinois Conference
5 clergy get renewal grants
CHICAGO — Five United Methodist clergy from the Northern Illinois Conference are receiving renewal grants from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary's College of Pastoral Leaders. This cohort of pastors will gather to offer each other support, co-create space for spiritual practices and direction, and retreat for renewal over the next two years.
Read press release
RECENT HEADLINES
2 bishops offer plan for denomination’s future
Slavery anniversary leads to new discussions
EVENTS
Thursday, July 18
Webinar: When is it time to talk about money?
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