“The message and goal (for vacation Bible school) remain the same, but COVID-19 has given us permission to change things. We are rethinking almost every aspect to make sure it works for now.” — Kari Blackburn, director of children’s ministry at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church in Hilliard, Ohio.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Congregations eagerly embrace VBS opportunities
COLUMBUS, Ohio (UM News) — Vacation Bible school, a favorite summer staple for churches big and small, is back in 2021, and United Methodists are optimistic. Learning from 2020 experiences, many churches are reopening their doors to the community while others continue virtual VBS. Some have opted for evening classes or all-outdoor events. Barbara Dunlap-Berg has the story.
Read story
Dakotas Conference
Oil changes and prayers for single moms
BISMARCK, N.D. — A United Methodist who spends time each winter in Florida brought back an idea that became a new ministry at Legacy United Methodist Church. Twice a year, volunteers treat single moms with an oil change for their cars, and while they’re waiting the moms have lunch and perhaps connect with a prayer partner. In the meantime, their children are fed and entertained with games and craft projects. Doreen Gosmire reports.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
Take a cue from John Wesley on social media
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Social media can be a place to share our faith while also finding likeminded persons who encourage us in our lives. Navigating these spaces, however, takes care and intention. Though he predated social media, John Wesley may have given us the simplest directive for how to interact: Do no harm, do good, communicate grace. Crystal Caviness reports.
Read story
Minnesota Conference
Testing new clergy supervision process
MINNEAPOLIS — A pilot program of a new style of clergy supervision is being tested in Minnesota. The “reflective supervision” system is being launched by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and The Wesley House in England. The process is designed to give clergy safe space to explore challenges in their ministry and personal life. Similar pilot programs are happening in Iowa, Tennessee and the Great Plains Conference. Karla Hovde reports.
Read story
Connectional Table
UMW’s Olson speaks about COVID, racism
NEW YORK — Harriett Jane Olson, chief executive of United Methodist Women, answers questions about the future of Methodism and the response of United Methodist Women to COVID-19 and racism during an interview with the Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai.
Watch video
New 2021 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2021 annual conference reports. New this week are the New England, Oregon-Idaho, Peninsula-Delaware and Western North Carolina conferences.
Read reports
PRESS RELEASES
Iowa Conference, Simpson College
College takes stand on inclusion
INDIANOLA, Iowa — Simpson College has affiliated with Reconciling Ministries Network, which works for the inclusion in The United Methodist Church of people of all sexual orientations and gender identity. Simpson is the third United Methodist-affiliated college or university in the U.S. to align with RMN.
Read press release
Read statements
RECENT HEADLINES
Anti-racism campaign marks one year
Young musicians praise God and share their faith
EVENTS
Monday, Aug. 2-Friday, Aug. 13
Lay Servant Ministries course: Becoming Accountable Disciples
NEWS AND FEATURES
Congregations eagerly embrace VBS opportunities
COLUMBUS, Ohio (UM News) — Vacation Bible school, a favorite summer staple for churches big and small, is back in 2021, and United Methodists are optimistic. Learning from 2020 experiences, many churches are reopening their doors to the community while others continue virtual VBS. Some have opted for evening classes or all-outdoor events. Barbara Dunlap-Berg has the story.
Read story
Dakotas Conference
Oil changes and prayers for single moms
BISMARCK, N.D. — A United Methodist who spends time each winter in Florida brought back an idea that became a new ministry at Legacy United Methodist Church. Twice a year, volunteers treat single moms with an oil change for their cars, and while they’re waiting the moms have lunch and perhaps connect with a prayer partner. In the meantime, their children are fed and entertained with games and craft projects. Doreen Gosmire reports.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
Take a cue from John Wesley on social media
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Social media can be a place to share our faith while also finding likeminded persons who encourage us in our lives. Navigating these spaces, however, takes care and intention. Though he predated social media, John Wesley may have given us the simplest directive for how to interact: Do no harm, do good, communicate grace. Crystal Caviness reports.
Read story
Minnesota Conference
Testing new clergy supervision process
MINNEAPOLIS — A pilot program of a new style of clergy supervision is being tested in Minnesota. The “reflective supervision” system is being launched by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and The Wesley House in England. The process is designed to give clergy safe space to explore challenges in their ministry and personal life. Similar pilot programs are happening in Iowa, Tennessee and the Great Plains Conference. Karla Hovde reports.
Read story
Connectional Table
UMW’s Olson speaks about COVID, racism
NEW YORK — Harriett Jane Olson, chief executive of United Methodist Women, answers questions about the future of Methodism and the response of United Methodist Women to COVID-19 and racism during an interview with the Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai.
Watch video
New 2021 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2021 annual conference reports. New this week are the New England, Oregon-Idaho, Peninsula-Delaware and Western North Carolina conferences.
Read reports
PRESS RELEASES
Iowa Conference, Simpson College
College takes stand on inclusion
INDIANOLA, Iowa — Simpson College has affiliated with Reconciling Ministries Network, which works for the inclusion in The United Methodist Church of people of all sexual orientations and gender identity. Simpson is the third United Methodist-affiliated college or university in the U.S. to align with RMN.
Read press release
Read statements
RECENT HEADLINES
Anti-racism campaign marks one year
Young musicians praise God and share their faith
EVENTS
Monday, Aug. 2-Friday, Aug. 13
Lay Servant Ministries course: Becoming Accountable Disciples
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