“Bob’s impact was universal. No one could escape the fallout from his incessant hopefulness.” — Neil Alexander, president and publisher emeritus of the United Methodist Publishing House, about Bishop Robert Spain.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop Spain, tireless counselor, dies at 96
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (UM News) — Bishop Robert H. Spain, who served as the United Methodist Publishing House’s chaplain well into his 90s, is being remembered for his faithful and energetic ministry. He previously was bishop of United Methodists in Kentucky from 1988 to 1992 and served again as bishop in South Carolina in 1995-96. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Read Council of Bishops press release
Desert Southwest Conference
Garden ministry grows out of fire’s ashes
LAS VEGAS — The burning of Zion United Methodist Church’s sanctuary stoked a new fire for ministry and renewal. The historically Black congregation, in partnership with Energy Tree, has developed a renowned community garden — an oasis in the desert. Christina Dillabough has the story.
Read story
Florida Conference
Helping churches bridge technology gap
LAKELAND, Fla. — The pandemic forced many congregations to invest in technology to stream live services. The problem was that many small rural churches didn’t have the finances to buy the necessary equipment. The Florida Conference has been working to alleviate the financial burden. Joe Henderson reports.
Read story
Religion News Service
Hillary and Chelsea Clinton talk faith in series
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In the new AppleTV+ series “Gutsy,” Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea take time to talk about their United Methodist faith, including their formative experience at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock. The two also highlight the faith of the women they feature in the series based on their bestseller, “The Book of Gutsy Women.” Adelle M. Banks reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
United Methodists represented at WCC gathering
KARLSRUHE, Germany — More than 60 representatives of The United Methodist Church attended the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly, which was Aug. 30-Sept. 9. In addition to the voting delegation, United Methodists from throughout the connection participated as presenters, participants and stewards. The Rev. Jean Hawxhurst, ecumenical staff officer for the Council of Bishops, reports.
Read press release
UM News: World Council of Churches assembly focuses on reconciliation
RESOURCES
Amplify Media
Preparing to celebrate Advent
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Amplify Media plans to present two new Advent studies during a webinar at 1 p.m. U.S. Central time Sept. 15. The webinar will include a conversation between the Revs. Adam Hamilton and Susan Robb. Hamilton’s new study is “Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist,” and Robb’s new study is “The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God’s Voice in Advent.”
Learn more and register
United Methodist Communications
Tips for securing media coverage
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Every week, United Methodist churches share good news and engage in serving their local communities. Effectively communicating with the local news media is one of the best ways to get a church’s story in front of the public. Aaron Crisler interviewed religion reporters about their tips for securing coverage.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
Russian-speaking congregation supports Ukrainian refugees
Ask The UMC: More disaffiliation questions answered
EVENTS
Thursday, Sept. 15-Saturday, Oct. 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Saturday, Sept. 24
Training: It’s Your Story to Tell! Storytelling for Legislative Advocacy
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop Spain, tireless counselor, dies at 96
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (UM News) — Bishop Robert H. Spain, who served as the United Methodist Publishing House’s chaplain well into his 90s, is being remembered for his faithful and energetic ministry. He previously was bishop of United Methodists in Kentucky from 1988 to 1992 and served again as bishop in South Carolina in 1995-96. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Read Council of Bishops press release
Desert Southwest Conference
Garden ministry grows out of fire’s ashes
LAS VEGAS — The burning of Zion United Methodist Church’s sanctuary stoked a new fire for ministry and renewal. The historically Black congregation, in partnership with Energy Tree, has developed a renowned community garden — an oasis in the desert. Christina Dillabough has the story.
Read story
Florida Conference
Helping churches bridge technology gap
LAKELAND, Fla. — The pandemic forced many congregations to invest in technology to stream live services. The problem was that many small rural churches didn’t have the finances to buy the necessary equipment. The Florida Conference has been working to alleviate the financial burden. Joe Henderson reports.
Read story
Religion News Service
Hillary and Chelsea Clinton talk faith in series
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In the new AppleTV+ series “Gutsy,” Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea take time to talk about their United Methodist faith, including their formative experience at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock. The two also highlight the faith of the women they feature in the series based on their bestseller, “The Book of Gutsy Women.” Adelle M. Banks reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
United Methodists represented at WCC gathering
KARLSRUHE, Germany — More than 60 representatives of The United Methodist Church attended the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly, which was Aug. 30-Sept. 9. In addition to the voting delegation, United Methodists from throughout the connection participated as presenters, participants and stewards. The Rev. Jean Hawxhurst, ecumenical staff officer for the Council of Bishops, reports.
Read press release
UM News: World Council of Churches assembly focuses on reconciliation
RESOURCES
Amplify Media
Preparing to celebrate Advent
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Amplify Media plans to present two new Advent studies during a webinar at 1 p.m. U.S. Central time Sept. 15. The webinar will include a conversation between the Revs. Adam Hamilton and Susan Robb. Hamilton’s new study is “Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist,” and Robb’s new study is “The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God’s Voice in Advent.”
Learn more and register
United Methodist Communications
Tips for securing media coverage
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Every week, United Methodist churches share good news and engage in serving their local communities. Effectively communicating with the local news media is one of the best ways to get a church’s story in front of the public. Aaron Crisler interviewed religion reporters about their tips for securing coverage.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
Russian-speaking congregation supports Ukrainian refugees
Ask The UMC: More disaffiliation questions answered
EVENTS
Thursday, Sept. 15-Saturday, Oct. 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Saturday, Sept. 24
Training: It’s Your Story to Tell! Storytelling for Legislative Advocacy
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