“I’m very thankful to The United Methodist Church. … I will do my best to make my country, my family and all of you proud of me.” — Nikita Samsonenko, a Ukrainian refugee now studying at United Methodist-related Adrian College.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Michigan Conference
Churchgoers, college help refugee student
LANSING, Mich. — Nikita Samsonenko’s road to America from war-torn Ukraine has been eased by United Methodists, including a Prague women’s center, churches in Michigan and United Methodist-related Adrian College. Samsonenko is now a student at Adrian College. John E. Harnish reports.
Read story
Global Ministries
June 20 is World Refugee Day
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Committee on Relief began its work with refugees in the 1940s. Along with ecumenical partners, UMCOR continues that work today in keeping with the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger. The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has put together information on the church’s efforts to help people forced to flee their homeland.
Learn more
New England Conference
Bishop encourages Green Church Sunday effort
METHUEN, Mass. — New England Conference Bishop Peggy A. Johnson encourages churches across the connection to become part of the Green Church movement and celebrate Green Church Sunday on June 25. The movement was started in the New England Conference by the Rev. Bumshik Min, who serves Suncook United Methodist Church in New Hampshire.
Watch video and learn more
News12-Long Island
Church honors Black Civil War veteran
HAUPPAGE, N.Y. — Hauppage United Methodist Church now has a headstone to honor Alfred Griffin, who joined the U.S. Navy to fight for the Union during the Civil War. Griffin was born in Florida in 1830 and self-emancipated. Virginia Huie has the story.
Read story and watch video
PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
United Methodist to lead ecumenical group
PHILADELPHIA — The Rev. Jean Hawxhurst, United Methodist Council of Bishops ecumenical staff officer, has been elected president of the Churches Uniting in Christ. The ecumenical organization includes 10 member denominations that hold visible unity, racial equity and theological dialogue among their top commitments. Hawxhurst’s term lasts three years.
Read press release
RESOURCES
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee
Grants available for Deaf Awareness Month
DALLAS — September is Deaf Awareness Month, and the last week of September is International Deaf Awareness Week. The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee is offering $500 microgrants to help United Methodist churches and ministries encourage congregations to celebrate Deaf awareness. The deadline to apply is June 30.
Read more and apply
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