“When I am at home, I make clothes for everyone. I am learning a lot.” — Sixth-grader Muzia Monjane, who is studying tailoring at the United Methodist Tsalala Training Center in Mozambique.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Church center equips, empowers young women
MATOLA, Mozambique (UM News) — The United Methodist Tsalala Training Center is helping to give girls and young women the skills they need for a brighter future. The church-supported school teaches girls and teens seamstress skills and educates them about early marriages and other social issues. Alvin Makunike has the story.
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North Texas Conference
Plans take shape for new, unified conference
PLANO, Texas — A vision for unifying the North Texas, Central Texas and Northwest Texas conferences has been laid out by Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. and colleagues from the conferences. A timetable foresees the new conference being operational by January 2025. Pamela Hughes reports on next steps and priorities.
Read report and watch video
Greater New Jersey Conference
Street renamed to honor church’s former pastor
NEWARK, N.J. — Members of St. Paul Centenary United Methodist Church gathered with city officials Oct. 21 to rename a street adjacent to the church in honor of former pastor the Rev. José R. Fernández. Fernández, who was in attendance with his family, was affirmed for his work in sowing the first seeds of St. Paul Centenary’s Hispanic ministry 55 years ago, soon after his arrival from Cuba. Conference staff report.
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Arkansas Conference
Grants help churches support families
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — 200,000 More Reasons, an initiative of the Arkansas Conference, announced that 31 United Methodist churches received grants that will be used to benefit their local communities with feeding and literacy ministries. The funds will support food pantries, backpack programs, blessing boxes, book giveaways and more. Amy Ezell reports.
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PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Bishops plan to call special General Conference
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The United Methodist Council of Bishops plans to call a special session of the General Conference in 2026 for delegates to strategize and work toward bringing about the next vital expression of United Methodism. The decision comes after the Judicial Council’s recent revised ruling on when the next regular General Conference session should be scheduled. The bishops plan to unveil the specific call next year.
Read press release
UM News: Church court reverses call for extra General Conference
RESOURCES
Baltimore-Washington Conference
Learn sign language for the holidays
FULTON, Md. — The Rev. Leo Yates Jr., accessibility and inclusivity coordinator for the Baltimore-Washington Conference, will lead Signing for the Holidays, a free Zoom workshop at noon U.S. Central time on Dec. 9. Participants will learn holiday-related signs and a Christmas song in sign language.
Register for event
RECENT HEADLINES
The burdens of an alcoholic pastor
Boards’ move comes as agencies face challenges
EVENTS
Sunday, Nov. 26
United Methodist Student Day
Tuesday, Nov. 28-Friday, Dec. 1
Safer Sanctuaries Training
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