NEWS AND FEATURES
Ask The UMC
New series breaks down General Conference action
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — From 2021 to 2023, Ask The UMC produced a series of articles — “Is The United Methodist Church really…?” — seeking to address misinformation about disaffiliation. A new series, called “The United Methodist Church really is …” takes a proactive approach to discuss what The United Methodist Church is doing in light of the actions taken at the recent General Conference. This monthly series will focus first on legislation that has gone into immediate effect in the United States. Part 1 looks at decentering the U.S. and the United States Regional Committee. The Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards offers an analysis.
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South Carolina Conference
Church makes difference with Habitat
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Since the pandemic, the cost of affordable housing has continued to skyrocket, and a Habitat for Humanity house in South Carolina currently averages about $165,000 to build. Recognizing this problem, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity sought help from churches. Trenholm Road United Methodist Church was among the first congregations to answer the call. David Free reports.
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Greater Northwest Area
Church, nonprofit open community gardens
STANWOOD, Wash. — Stanwood United Methodist Church and Puget Sound Public Farms joined together on April 20 to open the Wild Goose Community Gardens. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to foster community engagement and provide resources that promote health and wellness,” said the Rev. Justin White, the church’s pastor. Greater Northwest communications staff have the story.
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United Methodist Communications
Post-General Conference edition of ‘The Recap’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of “The Recap” is an overview of the April 23-May 3 General Conference, which took place in Charlotte, North Carolina. It looks at key legislative actions and how they will impact the future of The United Methodist Church while celebrating key milestones, special addresses, ministry reports and a new president of the Council of Bishops. Produced by United Methodist Communications, the video series helps United Methodists better understand what is going on in the church, find inspiration in stories of ministry and learn how the denomination is transforming the world.
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COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Digest commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.
What we can, and cannot, do for the homeless
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (UM News) — A visit to a ministry for homeless people one evening after General Conference ended for the day was a good reminder that the main point of the meeting is how to impact people who need help, not a struggle for power. Reporter Jim Patterson describes his visit to Hope Chapel.
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UM News: Hope Chapel models Fresh Expressions
RESOURCES
Finance and Administration
Webinar looks at church-property potential
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In today’s landscape, leveraging church property can be a game-changer for ministries seeking to expand their impact. But it also presents unique challenges and risks. United Methodist Insurance and the legal team at the General Council on Finance and Administration plan to have a webinar about renting out church property to third parties. The webinar is scheduled for 1 p.m. U.S. Central time June 19.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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EVENTS
Monday, June 3-Friday, June 14
Online course: Let Us Explore ‘A New New Testament’
Monday, July 15-Friday, July 19
Online microcourse: Autism and the Church Part 2
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