Daily Digest - November 15, 2019

“Those cemeteries are sacred to us. Our children and our children’s children will be buried there. It’s very sad to think that wall will be put right next to it and destroy the cemeteries.”Ramiro Ramirez, on the border wall threatening historic Jackson Chapel United Methodist Church and two cemeteries.


NEWS AND FEATURES

Help sought to save historic church, cemeteries

WASHINGTON (UM News) — Ramiro Ramirez traveled with his wife and family from southwest Texas to tell the story of how the border wall threatens Jackson Chapel United Methodist Church and two cemeteries. They told the story for anyone who would listen, but especially for members of the U.S. Congress. Erik Alsgaard has the story. 
Read story

United Methodists decry ‘red-tagging’ of church council
MANILA, Philippines (UM News) — United Methodists are defending the National Council of Churches in the Philippines after the organization was labeled as a “front organization of local communist terrorist groups” by the Department of National Defense of the Philippine government. “I am bent on defending the council, which I believe is faithfully carrying out its prophetic role to proclaim the truth,” said Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan of the Davao Area, who serves as vice chair of the National Council of Churches. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
Read story

North Texas Conference
Pie shop a hit for special needs ministry

DALLAS — Chance’s Pie and Coffee Shop is a new part of Highland Park United Methodist Church’s Belong disABILITY Ministry. Special needs individuals and volunteers staff the shop. It’s named for the late Chance Urschel, who, despite severe disabilities, made acclaimed apple pies and loved sharing them. Since its September opening, the shop has sold more than 1,200 pies. Matt Jacob has the story.  
Read story

Iowa Conference
Iowa superintendents, assistants go virtual

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa district superintendents and their assistants are moving from physical to virtual mobile offices on Dec. 30 to lower administrative costs. The superintendents and their assistants will keep their telephone numbers and email addresses. Bishop Laurie Haller expects the superintendents to make regular and frequent visits with clusters of pastors and churches in their districts. Harlan Gillespie reports. 
Read story


PRESS RELEASES

North Central College
Graduate courses open to North Central students

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — Undergraduates at North Central College can take graduate religion courses at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary under a new deal between the United Methodist-related schools. 
Read press release


RECENT HEADLINES

Group of bishops calling for 'deeper conversations' 


Struggling Ghana church seeks support


EVENTS

Sunday, Nov. 17
 
Vespers & All That Jazz

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