Daily Digest - May 19, 2020


"Most people think the food security crisis is going to last at least another 18 months." — Rick Reinhard, Greater New Jersey Conference.

NEWS AND FEATURES

Tackling food insecurity caused by pandemic
PATERSON, N.J. (UM News) — From a large food distribution program in New Jersey to a North Macedonia center delivering meals, United Methodist-related food ministries are responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Linda Bloom reports in the first of a three-part series.
Read story
Coming May 20: African churches ease pandemic hunger blow

Florida Conference
Church shows the art of reaching out

ORLANDO, Fla. — Behind the brand names of Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios are people who are now out of work. With theme parks and theater groups closed, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is stepping up to ensure the artists who create so much fun can stay fed. Joe Henderson has the story.
Read story

South Georgia Conference
Conference's oldest clergy member turns 100

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Rev. Henry Erwin is the 17th Methodist minister in a family whose members trace their faith heritage all the way back to Francis Asbury. The oldest clergy member in South Georgia also just celebrated his 100th birthday by Zoom. Kara Witherow has the story.
Read story

PRESS RELEASES

California State University, San Bernardino
Conference features 5 women bishops

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Five United Methodist women bishops will discuss leadership during an online panel discussion, "Female Leadership in the Religious Realm," May 22 from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Pacific time. The panelists are Bishops Minerva Carcaño, Linda Lee, Tracy S. Malone, Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Mary Ann Swenson. The event is free, but registration is required.
Learn more
Register

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.

COVID-19 spotlights racial health care disparities
LAKELAND, Fla. (UM News) — Health care disparities because of race make childbirth a dangerous experience for many, writes the Rev. Sharon Austin in a commentary about how COVID-19 is bringing those inequities to light.
Read commentary

RESOURCES

United Methodist Communications
Video-editing training offered for church leaders

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Church leaders can learn how to use the Adobe Rush video-editing tool for their ministries through a new, free training program from United Methodist Communications. Adobe Rush can enable church staff and volunteers to produce ministry videos with a polished look, for posting on church websites and social media channels.
Learn more

RECENT HEADLINES

Clergywoman also nurse on COVID-19 front line

2017 series: Singing the spirit in Cuba

EVENTS

Thursday, May 21

Webinar: Systematic Racism and Discrimination During COVID-19


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