“We’re trying to keep them from burning out — to help clergy find ways to renew their spirits and stay renewed.” — The Rev. Sidney Tompkins, chair of the Florida Conference clergy care team.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Clergy care a priority in pandemic year
CASSELBERRY, Fla. (UM News) — This month marks the first anniversary of churches having to close their doors because of the pandemic, and for pastors, it has been a yearlong stress test. A grant from the Florida Conference let one pastor buy a bicycle, and other conferences have found creative ways to support clergy in taking time off and renewing themselves. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Arkansas Conference
Getting shots into seniors’ arms
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Oaklawn United Methodist Church provided building space and volunteers to help an elderly aid organization sign up seniors for COVID-19 vaccinations. Caleb Hennington reports.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
Chainsaws: An unlikely ministry partner
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A chainsaw might seem like an unlikely ministry tool, but for hundreds of United Methodists, wielding a chainsaw takes them into the mission field. For tens of thousands more affected by disaster, the sound of the saw offers caring and hope. Crystal Caviness reports.
Read story
Greater New Jersey Conference
Meeting neighbors in a South Jersey tabernacle
ERMA, N.J. — A Bible study on the book of Acts led members of Tabernacle United Methodist Church to create a ministry that provides basic necessities to community members. After coronavirus restrictions prevented the ministry from operating like a storefront, volunteers created bags filled with 12 essentials that are loaded into cars as clients arrive. Heather Mistretta reports.
Read story
Great Plains Conference
Churches hit by higher insurance costs
TOPEKA, Kan. — Winter storm damage is just one of the factors leading to insurance cost hikes for Great Plains Conference churches. The conference is offering grants to churches struggling to pay premiums. David Burke reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
The stories behind United Methodist stories
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications invites United Methodists to join in a special World Storytelling Day celebration on March 20 for a behind-the-scenes look at telling the stories of God’s work in the world. Storytellers include UM News photographer Mike DuBose as well as the Revs. Gary Henderson, Joe Iovino and Gustavo Vasquez. Videos will be released throughout the day.
Read press release
To watch online
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.
World Methodist Council
Reflecting on women leading Myanmar protests
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Young women are on the front lines of Myanmar’s protests seeking a restoration of democracy, writes the Rev. J. C. Park, president of the World Methodist Council. In a pastoral letter, Park reflects on this “fearless generation” and urges prayer for a flourishing Myanmar.
Read letter (PDF)
RESOURCES
Finance and Administration
Questions about the Episcopal Fund answered
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A public webinar on Feb. 13 led to multiple questions related to the Episcopal Fund, which supports the work of United Methodist bishops. Staff at the General Council on Finance and Administration and United Methodist Communications put together answers to frequently asked questions.
Read FAQ
UM News: Scrutinizing the proposed hold on new bishops
RECENT HEADLINES
Army chaplain returns to his native South Korea to serve
Book revisits pastor’s reticence on civil rights
EVENTS
Tuesday, March 23
PBS host Rick Steves on “Travel as a Spiritual Act”
NEWS AND FEATURES
Clergy care a priority in pandemic year
CASSELBERRY, Fla. (UM News) — This month marks the first anniversary of churches having to close their doors because of the pandemic, and for pastors, it has been a yearlong stress test. A grant from the Florida Conference let one pastor buy a bicycle, and other conferences have found creative ways to support clergy in taking time off and renewing themselves. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Arkansas Conference
Getting shots into seniors’ arms
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Oaklawn United Methodist Church provided building space and volunteers to help an elderly aid organization sign up seniors for COVID-19 vaccinations. Caleb Hennington reports.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
Chainsaws: An unlikely ministry partner
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A chainsaw might seem like an unlikely ministry tool, but for hundreds of United Methodists, wielding a chainsaw takes them into the mission field. For tens of thousands more affected by disaster, the sound of the saw offers caring and hope. Crystal Caviness reports.
Read story
Greater New Jersey Conference
Meeting neighbors in a South Jersey tabernacle
ERMA, N.J. — A Bible study on the book of Acts led members of Tabernacle United Methodist Church to create a ministry that provides basic necessities to community members. After coronavirus restrictions prevented the ministry from operating like a storefront, volunteers created bags filled with 12 essentials that are loaded into cars as clients arrive. Heather Mistretta reports.
Read story
Great Plains Conference
Churches hit by higher insurance costs
TOPEKA, Kan. — Winter storm damage is just one of the factors leading to insurance cost hikes for Great Plains Conference churches. The conference is offering grants to churches struggling to pay premiums. David Burke reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
United Methodist Communications
The stories behind United Methodist stories
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications invites United Methodists to join in a special World Storytelling Day celebration on March 20 for a behind-the-scenes look at telling the stories of God’s work in the world. Storytellers include UM News photographer Mike DuBose as well as the Revs. Gary Henderson, Joe Iovino and Gustavo Vasquez. Videos will be released throughout the day.
Read press release
To watch online
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.
World Methodist Council
Reflecting on women leading Myanmar protests
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Young women are on the front lines of Myanmar’s protests seeking a restoration of democracy, writes the Rev. J. C. Park, president of the World Methodist Council. In a pastoral letter, Park reflects on this “fearless generation” and urges prayer for a flourishing Myanmar.
Read letter (PDF)
RESOURCES
Finance and Administration
Questions about the Episcopal Fund answered
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A public webinar on Feb. 13 led to multiple questions related to the Episcopal Fund, which supports the work of United Methodist bishops. Staff at the General Council on Finance and Administration and United Methodist Communications put together answers to frequently asked questions.
Read FAQ
UM News: Scrutinizing the proposed hold on new bishops
RECENT HEADLINES
Army chaplain returns to his native South Korea to serve
Book revisits pastor’s reticence on civil rights
EVENTS
Tuesday, March 23
PBS host Rick Steves on “Travel as a Spiritual Act”
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