Daily Digest - March 24, 2020


“What was important was the opportunity to be part of the ministry of GBGM and witness how our friends from all over the world worked together in spite of all difficulties.” — Bishop Pedro M. Torio Jr., Baguio Area, Philippines.

NEWS AND FEATURES

No travel? Not a problem for mission board
ATLANTA (UM News) — Across multiple time zones, directors of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries made a virtual trip for their spring meeting, joining a select few of the Global Ministries staff, who were spaced carefully around a conference room table at the mission agency’s headquarters. It was business in the time of the coronavirus. Linda Bloom has the story.
Read story
Read Thomas Kemper's report

Zimbabwe church keeps diaspora connected
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The Zimbabwean United Methodist Church is flourishing in countries far from home. The Zimbabwe Episcopal Area has planted churches in Australia, Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and the United Arab Emirates in support of church members displaced over the past two decades by political instability and economic turmoil. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
Read story

South Georgia Conference
Churchgoers hold Day of Giving Back

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — More than 150 people gathered at the Vashti Center on Feb. 22 for the inaugural Day of Giving Back. Before the coronavirus-related shutdowns, churchgoers did multiple mission activities at the United Methodist Women's center. Kara Witherow 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.

Possible steps after General Conference delay
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (UM News) — Postponing General Conference is the right thing to do, writes the Rev. William B. Lawrence, former president of the denomination's top court. However, he says that church's laws require certain actions this year and he suggests how to get that work done.
Read commentary

RESOURCES

Finance and Administration
Finance agency provides training, resources

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration will offer several resources to local churches and church leadership on livestreaming and giving at the local church level during these times of quarantine. At 3 p.m. Central time March 25, GCFA will hold a Facebook Live session on livestreaming. At 1 p.m. Central time March 26, the agency will have a webinar on "eGiving During Virtual Ministry."
Read press release
To register for giving webinar
To watch Facebook Live session

RECENT HEADLINES

Group looking at new General Conference dates

BMCR looks at separation plans, leadership views

EVENTS

Monday, April 13-Saturday, April 25

Online Lay Servant Ministries class: Come to the Table


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