"Each of us individually and on behalf of the whole church are trying to make prudent judgments and decisions." — Bishop Elaine JW Stanovsky, Greater Northwest Episcopal Area, on precautions related to the coronavirus outbreak.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Adjusting to coronavirus threat
DES MOINES, Wash. (UM News) — United Methodists in the Seattle area are in the forefront as churches and conference staff try to adapt and take precautions as exposure to the coronavirus becomes a reality. The positive test result of a staff member's spouse for COVID-19 resulted in a decision to close the Pacific Northwest Conference office until March 27. Linda Bloom reports.
Read story
Wespath: Coronavirus and stock market volatility
Ask The UMC
How are decisions made at General Conference?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — At General Conference, delegates gather from all over the world to consider revisions to church law and the official ritual of the church and to adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, explains how the legislative body makes decisions.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
The Herald Bulletin
Butterflies are Easter tradition at Indiana church
ANDERSON, Ind. — Butterflies have become a tradition during Easter season at Bethel United Methodist Church, thanks to the Rev. Kristine Marshall, who is also an artist. She said the colorful giant wings in front of the church represent the freedom Jesus offers Christians. Don Knight reports.
Read story
Arkansas Conference
Church makes special-needs children a priority
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A new special-needs ministry at St. James United Methodist Church is providing "buddies" for people with cognitive, behavioral or developmental challenges to help them be comfortable at church. Sean Dunbar, the children's ministry coordinator for St. James, said the hope is to provide a culture of belonging. Sam Pierce has the story.
Read story
Tampa Bay Times
Parking lot sale brings windfall to church
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A decision by Christ United Methodist Church, struggling financially, to sell the congregation's parking lot netted a multimillion-dollar fund to put the church on a path to stability while further investing in ministries. And the church will get the use of up to 120 free parking spaces on Sundays when the structure replacing the lot is finished. Waveney Ann Moore reports.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
'Liberation Methodist Church' idea gets hearing
Church members worship together after tornadoes
EVENTS
Sunday, March 15
Deadline for Young Clergy Initiative grant proposals
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.