Daily Digest - June 14, 2023

“One of the things that will keep us together as United Methodists is mission.”Liberia Area Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Church empowers pig farmers in Liberia

GANTA CITY, Liberia (UM News) — Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. of the Liberia Area lauded the construction of a butchery plant for pig farmers in Nimba County and continued efforts to empower the church financially through agriculture. The butchery, valued at more than $20,000, is being built through a partnership between the North Carolina and Liberia conferences. E Julu Swen has the story.
Read story

Immigration Law & Justice Network
With church help, Ukrainians find safety

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Nearly 30 years ago, Tetiana was an exchange student in Michigan. After Russia’s invasion, her former exchange “sister” worked with the Immigration Law & Justice Network’s Michigan affiliate to bring the Ukrainian and her daughter to safety in the U.S. The Immigration Law & Justice Network, formerly National Justice for Our Neighbors, is a United Methodist ministry. 
Read story

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Retired church organist shares gift once more

LANCASTER, Pa. — Covenant United Methodist Church recently celebrated Dolly Kepner, a much-beloved retired musician who shared that gift with the church for 70 years, including 50 as its organist. Kepner, 92, retired last year after vision problems hindered her ability to play, but she returned to perform “How Great Thou Art” as the opening hymn during the congregation’s music appreciation service. John W. Coleman reports.
Read story

Baltimore-Washington Conference
Vandals damage church

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On June 8, vandals broke a glass window with a brick at Fowler United Methodist Church and came through the basement. They didn’t take anything, but they destroyed computers, damaged the mixing board, tore the cross from the wall and ripped every page out of every hymnal and Bible in the sanctuary. Police investigating the scene found several fingerprints and believe the same people may have been responsible for other incidents in the area. Baltimore-Washington Conference staff have the story.
Read story

The New York Times
Photo essay features Texas Wesley

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Wesley, the United Methodist campus ministry at The University of Texas, is the subject of a New York Times photo essay, part of a series that examines how young people find community. Asked why he first came through the doors of Texas Wesley, one student said: “I smelled the bacon and pancakes.” Eli Durst took the photos and Jennifer Harlan wrote the text.
See photo essay


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. 

Lewis Center for Church Leadership, Religion and Race
13 do’s and don’ts for cross-racial appointments

WASHINGTON — How can an incoming pastoral leader lay the groundwork for successful ministry in a congregation where most members are from a different racial or cultural background? The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race shares “do’s and don’ts” to help new clergy leaders in cross-cultural ministry partnerships.
Read commentary 


RECENT HEADLINES

Woman builds new life after 3 years in sanctuary


What to expect at the next General Conference


EVENTS

Thursday, June 22

ShareChurch online training: Rethinking Small Groups

Monday, July 10-Friday, Aug. 11
Online course: 12 Secrets for a Top-Notch Church Website


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.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now

UM News Digest - Feb. 21, 2025

Missionary strives to grow Madagascar church; Walking in the Wesleys’ footsteps; Top stories from the week

UM News Digest - Feb. 19, 2025

Program strengthens cross-racial ministry; Helping Congo flood survivors; Black Methodists’ contributions celebrated

UM News Digest - Feb. 17, 2025

Missionaries leave mark on agriculture, education; Liberians march for United Methodist Church; Responding to Los Angeles area fires

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved