"We are a modern-day church of Pentecost." — The Rev. J. Kabamba Kiboko on her Ohio congregation's growth internationally.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Social media takes disciple-making global
CINCINNATI (UM News) — Even as the pandemic forced churches to close their buildings, social media opened new doors for making disciples across continents. United Methodist churches in Ohio and Texas are just two examples of congregations that now have international reach. Heather Hahn and the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez report.
Read story
Read related stories:
Virtual worship is here for good
Pandemic challenges music ministers, choirs
Virus alters but does not stop Sunday worship
Social media: Take a cue from John Wesley
Helpful resources:
United Methodist Communications offers proven tips and tricks to grow and strengthen your ministry using social media
Read resources
Ask The UMC
How can we livestream worship legally?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Livestreaming can be an effective way for church and community members to remain connected with worship, but there are a number of legal copyright issues to consider. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has some suggestions.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
BBC News
British Methodists allow same-sex marriage
BIRMINGHAM, England — The Methodist Church in Britain now allows same-sex marriage. By a vote of 254 to 46, the denomination's Methodist Conference on June 30 supported a change to its definition of marriage. The Methodist Church in Britain has a concordat relationship with The United Methodist Church and sends four official voting delegates to the United Methodist General Conference. Harry Farley has the story.
Read story
Florida Conference
Churches respond to devastating condo collapse
SURFSIDE, Fla. — United Methodists in Florida are stepping up to help however they can after the catastrophe at the Champlain Towers South in Surfside. Sometimes, help means taking action. Other times, it is offering an open ear to those trying to make sense of what just happened. Joe Henderson reports.
Read story
Global Ministries
Missionaries work through COVID-19 crisis
ATLANTA — Seven new missionaries couldn't take part in their normal commissioning service because of COVID-19, but they served through the crisis as safely as they could. Some were confirmed virtually and others had small in-person ceremonies. Sara Logeman has the story.
Read story
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 the UM News staff.
Pastoring while Black
DENVER (UM News) — Along with driving while Black and walking while Black, clergy of color also face hostility for pastoring while Black. Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Conference tells how the Rev. Nathan Adams of Denver was singled out by opponents of a community outreach program held at Park Hill United Methodist Church.
Read commentary
We are God's Family: Personal Encounters with Racism
PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Domingos named Africa University chancellor
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council of Bishops is congratulating Bishop Gaspar Joao Domingos of the West Angola Episcopal Area on his election as chancellor of Africa University. He will be inaugurated at the school's virtual graduation ceremony at 9 a.m. Central Africa Time on July 3. Domingos is preceded by Bishop John Yambasu, who died Aug. 16, 2020, in a car accident and was inaugurated as chancellor posthumously.
Read press release
RECENT HEADLINES
Cooperative church efforts aid Congo volcano recovery
Rural churches emerging from coronavirus
EVENTS
Sunday, July 4-Sunday, Aug. 1
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.