“Joseph Echols Lowery was a special Methodist preacher, a true giant of the faith and a voice for social justice and the Gospel dictated by the one who came anointed to bring liberation to the disinherited.” — The Rev. William Bobby McClain on Lowery’s death.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Renowned United Methodist civil rights leader dead at 98
ATLANTA (UM News) — The Rev. Joseph Echols Lowery, a United Methodist pastor who loved to preach and never feared speaking truth to power, died at his home on March 27. He was 98. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story
United Methodist Committee on Relief
UMCOR gives supplies to first responders
ATLANTA — Needed supplies stored at the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Sager Brown Depot are being distributed to first responders in Louisiana as part of the agency’s effort to help fight the COVID-19 outbreak. The supplies include more than 80,000 masks. Dan Curran reports.
Read story
Church of the Village
Bishop’s wife dies of COVID-19
NEW YORK — United Methodists are mourning the passing of the Rev. Sherrie Dobbs Johnson, a former district superintendent in the Greater New Jersey Conference and wife of retired Bishop Alfred Johnson. She died March 27 of complications related to COVID-19. The Church of the Village has a remembrance.
Read remembrance
Love Your Neighbor Coalition
Calling for justice amid pandemic
NEW YORK — As the church confronts a global pandemic, the Love Your Neighbor Coalition urges United Methodists to act for justice for those most at risk from COVID-19 and its effects.
Read statement
PRESS RELEASES
Finance and Administration
Board hears update on new coronavirus-related law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The U.S. Families First Coronavirus Response Act affects paid leave offered by churches and other employers with between 50 and 500 employees. The General Council on Finance and Administration board on March 27 heard an update on the law. The finance agency has compiled answers to frequently asked questions.
Read press release
Wrestling with budget after GC2020 postponed
Higher Education and Ministry
Student loan payment suspensions available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A three-month suspension of student loan payments is being offered by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus. The pandemic may cause financial hardship for many paying off student loans.
Read press release
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
UMCom to offer daily tech tips for local churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As churches shift to digital ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic, United Methodist Communications is posting a week of daily Local Church Learning Sessions on the ResourceUMC and UMCom Facebook pages. Topics include tips for using technology such as Zoom and Facebook Live, electronic giving and utilizing text messaging as a connectional tool.
View resources
RECENT HEADLINES
Podcasts give churches ‘germ-free way’ to minister
Zimbabwe church keeps diaspora connected
EVENTS
Wednesday, April 22
Webinar: 5 things to know about ministering to those with early dementia
NEWS AND FEATURES
Renowned United Methodist civil rights leader dead at 98
ATLANTA (UM News) — The Rev. Joseph Echols Lowery, a United Methodist pastor who loved to preach and never feared speaking truth to power, died at his home on March 27. He was 98. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story
United Methodist Committee on Relief
UMCOR gives supplies to first responders
ATLANTA — Needed supplies stored at the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Sager Brown Depot are being distributed to first responders in Louisiana as part of the agency’s effort to help fight the COVID-19 outbreak. The supplies include more than 80,000 masks. Dan Curran reports.
Read story
Church of the Village
Bishop’s wife dies of COVID-19
NEW YORK — United Methodists are mourning the passing of the Rev. Sherrie Dobbs Johnson, a former district superintendent in the Greater New Jersey Conference and wife of retired Bishop Alfred Johnson. She died March 27 of complications related to COVID-19. The Church of the Village has a remembrance.
Read remembrance
Love Your Neighbor Coalition
Calling for justice amid pandemic
NEW YORK — As the church confronts a global pandemic, the Love Your Neighbor Coalition urges United Methodists to act for justice for those most at risk from COVID-19 and its effects.
Read statement
PRESS RELEASES
Finance and Administration
Board hears update on new coronavirus-related law
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The U.S. Families First Coronavirus Response Act affects paid leave offered by churches and other employers with between 50 and 500 employees. The General Council on Finance and Administration board on March 27 heard an update on the law. The finance agency has compiled answers to frequently asked questions.
Read press release
Wrestling with budget after GC2020 postponed
Higher Education and Ministry
Student loan payment suspensions available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A three-month suspension of student loan payments is being offered by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus. The pandemic may cause financial hardship for many paying off student loans.
Read press release
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
UMCom to offer daily tech tips for local churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As churches shift to digital ministry during the COVID-19 pandemic, United Methodist Communications is posting a week of daily Local Church Learning Sessions on the ResourceUMC and UMCom Facebook pages. Topics include tips for using technology such as Zoom and Facebook Live, electronic giving and utilizing text messaging as a connectional tool.
View resources
RECENT HEADLINES
Podcasts give churches ‘germ-free way’ to minister
Zimbabwe church keeps diaspora connected
EVENTS
Wednesday, April 22
Webinar: 5 things to know about ministering to those with early dementia
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