“(John Wesley) became a father to me when my own father refused to do a father’s part.” — Early Methodist preacher Sarah Mallet, in a letter noting that her family disapproved of her preaching and traveling.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Ask The UMC
Celebrating traveling preacher Sarah Mallet
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Sarah Mallet was one of a few women preachers accepted and encouraged by John Wesley in the early days of the Methodist movement. Despite physical and financial hardships, as well as attitudes and policies against female preachers, she traveled extensively, preaching for at least 55 years. Ask The UMC has more on this pioneer in Methodism.
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Read more from Ask The UMC
Oklahoma Conference
Young people respond to church’s welcome
TULSA, Okla. — St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has a sign that flashes messages such as “All Are Welcome.” While this attracted some young people to services, it was after church members attended Pride Parade in 2021 that an influx of 20-somethings started appearing in worship. The Rev. Emily Robnett reports.
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North Texas Conference
Women’s group backs Kenyan rescue center
PLANO, Texas — United Women in Faith of the North Texas Conference has become a key partner for the Jerri Savuto Rescue Center in Kenya. The center, which is nearing completion, will be a safe haven for girls fleeing forced marriage and genital mutilation. Named for a longtime United Methodist Board of Global Ministries missionary, the center has so far received more than $50,000 from individuals and churches across North Texas.
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New 2023 annual conference report posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2023 annual conference reports. New this week is the Liberia Conference.
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Read 2022 reports
PRESS RELEASES
Global Ministries
Louisiana depot ready for volunteers
BALDWIN, La. — UMCOR Sager Brown Depot, where thousands of volunteers have assembled relief supply kits, is open again and seeking volunteers after COVID-19 shut it down for an extended period. “Assembling a relief kit is one of the special ways people show their support for UMCOR,” said Roland Fernandes, top executive of United Methodist Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
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More information
Wesleyan Impact Partners
Locke Award winners announced
AUSTIN, Texas — The 2023 Locke Innovative Leader Award winners include the Rev. Tyler Sit, who leads New City Church in Minneapolis, a United Methodist church with a focus on community organizing and environmental justice. Another recipient is the Rev. Alisha Gordon, a Candler School of Theology graduate who founded a New York City nonprofit that advocates for Black single mothers. Wesleyan Impact Partners gives the awards, which are named for Tom Locke, former president of the Texas Methodist Foundation.
Read about all four winners
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Agency seeks ethnic panel volunteers
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications is seeking pastors and lay leaders with marketing and/or communication responsibilities to join an upcoming Asian leader panel. Panelists will be invited to take part in online surveys and focus groups throughout the year to share their experiences, build relationships and help grow The United Methodist Church. Those interested are invited to take a brief survey.
Take survey
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