“This entire year has been a Holy Week of waiting in faith.” — The Rev. Raquel Feagins, associate pastor of La Trinidad United Methodist Church in San Antonio.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Lingering pandemic enlivens Easter creativity
LEWISVILLE, N.C. (UM News) — In this second year of the COVID-19 menace, United Methodist churches across the U.S. are embracing new ways to help people connect with Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. That includes one North Carolina church, which invited its community to an outdoor Stations of the Cross. Heather Hahn reports.
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Mission agency funds agriculture, refugee programs
ATLANTA (UM News) — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries approved allocations including $2 million for an agricultural fund honoring the late Bishop John K. Yambasu. The Global Ministries staff had more money to work with than they anticipated, after nearly a year of COVID-19 restrictions. Virtual meetings were held March 24-26. Jim Patterson reports.
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WAFF-TV
Tornado levels United Methodist church
OHATCHEE, Ala. — Palm Sunday was very different for Ragan Chapel United Methodist Church, whose building was destroyed by a tornado March 24. The same storm system claimed the lives of five people. The Rev. Danny Ross said the church plans to rebuild but will need help. Madison Scarpino reports.
Watch and read story
Discipleship Ministries
Global virtual choir sings Easter hymn
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than 400 United Methodists from around the world have joined in singing the favorite Easter hymn “Thine Be the Glory.” Even in the midst of the pandemic, church members can celebrate Christ’s resurrection together.
View or download video
History of ‘Thine Be the Glory’
PRESS RELEASES
Northeastern Jurisdiction
Interim reallocation of bishops announced
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Due to the inability to schedule jurisdictional conferences because of the continued postponement of General Conference, the College of Bishops of the Northeastern Jurisdiction has announced a plan for interim coverage of its episcopal areas. Eastern Pennsylvania Bishop Peggy Johnson and Susquehanna Bishop Jeremiah Park have announced their retirements and the interim plan will spread their episcopal coverage among the seven remaining bishops. The new coverage assignments become effective Sept.1.
Read press release
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.
Teddyray.com
On leaving ministry
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Rev. Teddy Ray, a United Methodist pastor and longtime blogger, shares about his midlife decision to leave ministry and go to law school.
Read blog post
RESOURCES
Council of Bishops
Bishops offer Holy Week devotions
WASHINGTON — United Methodist bishops are offering daily devotions during Holy Week, culminating with a Good Friday message by Council of Bishops President Cynthia Fierro Harvey. The devotions include a video testimony and journal page for discussion.
Watch devotions
Watch previous ‘Dismantling Racism’ Lenten devotions
RECENT HEADLINES
Black caucus: Racism still challenges church
New budget must wait for General Conference
EVENTS
Sunday, April 18
Native American Ministries Sunday
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