“When General Conference (2019) was over, it was just a real sense of disappointment and feeling hopeless about moving forward.” — The Rev. Linda Brewster, Tuttle Road United Methodist Church, Cumberland, Maine, on possible disaffiliation.
NEWS AND FEATURES
9 New England churches consider disaffiliation
METHUEN, Mass. (UM News) — Citing the unchanging position of The United Methodist Church on LGBTQ policies, nine congregations in the New England Conference have notified Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar of their intention to begin an eight-month process of discernment regarding disaffiliation from the denomination. Linda Bloom reports.
Read story
Judicial Council sets October oral hearings
EVANSTON, Ill. — Two oral hearings have been set for Oct. 30, during the fall meeting of the United Methodist Judicial Council at the Hilton Orrington Hotel. The hearings, which are open to the public, are at 9:30 a.m. for Docket 3 and 11 a.m. for Docket 4. Both dockets involve requests from the United Methodist Council of Bishops related to actions of General Conference 2019.
See October 2019 docket
UM News: Court docket reflects busy conference season
Audit reveals Zimbabwe church’s farming potential
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe recently conducted a land audit to look for opportunities to use church properties for commercial farming and make agriculture more profitable. “This is a very important day in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area. We have been moving to try and upgrade our farms … I can assure you, change is coming,” said Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa. Chenayi Kumuterera has the story.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
Church without walls offers free monthly meal
TOLEDO, Ohio — The LifeLine Toledo church community meets in coffee shops and once a month at the Rev. Steve North’s home for a community meal open to the whole city. It serves people unlikely to show up for traditional church services.
Watch video
Global Ministries
Puerto Rico: Slow, steady progress after Maria
ATLANTA — Puerto Rico’s two-year recovery from Hurricane Maria has progressed slowly but steadily, thanks largely to the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and the expertise, partnerships and resources gained and shared. Its Rebuilding Communities With Hope (Rehaciendo Comunidades con Esperanza) ministry has deployed resources and work teams into 25 heavily populated areas, aided by the United Methodist Committee on Relief and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. John W. Coleman has the story.
Read story
Iowa Conference
French ministry celebrates first anniversary
SIOUX CITY, Iowa — A congregation of French-speaking United Methodists who meet at First United Methodist Church celebrated their first anniversary. Having grown into a vibrant congregation, the next goal is to develop leaders.
Read story
RESOURCES
Discipleship Ministries
'Chuck Knows Church' is back
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A free online teaching series, based on “Chuck Knows Church” and designed to help churches discuss critical issues, will be available starting Oct. 1. The 16-session video teaching series uses a study guide to help congregations learn about topics such as discipleship systems, evangelism, stewardship and church committees that work.
Enroll in course
RECENT HEADLINES
N.E.W. Plan would create 4 denominations
Bishop plays peacekeeping role in Central Congo
EVENTS
Monday, Sept. 30-Friday, Oct. 11
Online leadership course: Servants by Design
NEWS AND FEATURES
9 New England churches consider disaffiliation
METHUEN, Mass. (UM News) — Citing the unchanging position of The United Methodist Church on LGBTQ policies, nine congregations in the New England Conference have notified Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar of their intention to begin an eight-month process of discernment regarding disaffiliation from the denomination. Linda Bloom reports.
Read story
Judicial Council sets October oral hearings
EVANSTON, Ill. — Two oral hearings have been set for Oct. 30, during the fall meeting of the United Methodist Judicial Council at the Hilton Orrington Hotel. The hearings, which are open to the public, are at 9:30 a.m. for Docket 3 and 11 a.m. for Docket 4. Both dockets involve requests from the United Methodist Council of Bishops related to actions of General Conference 2019.
See October 2019 docket
UM News: Court docket reflects busy conference season
Audit reveals Zimbabwe church’s farming potential
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe recently conducted a land audit to look for opportunities to use church properties for commercial farming and make agriculture more profitable. “This is a very important day in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area. We have been moving to try and upgrade our farms … I can assure you, change is coming,” said Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa. Chenayi Kumuterera has the story.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
Church without walls offers free monthly meal
TOLEDO, Ohio — The LifeLine Toledo church community meets in coffee shops and once a month at the Rev. Steve North’s home for a community meal open to the whole city. It serves people unlikely to show up for traditional church services.
Watch video
Global Ministries
Puerto Rico: Slow, steady progress after Maria
ATLANTA — Puerto Rico’s two-year recovery from Hurricane Maria has progressed slowly but steadily, thanks largely to the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and the expertise, partnerships and resources gained and shared. Its Rebuilding Communities With Hope (Rehaciendo Comunidades con Esperanza) ministry has deployed resources and work teams into 25 heavily populated areas, aided by the United Methodist Committee on Relief and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. John W. Coleman has the story.
Read story
Iowa Conference
French ministry celebrates first anniversary
SIOUX CITY, Iowa — A congregation of French-speaking United Methodists who meet at First United Methodist Church celebrated their first anniversary. Having grown into a vibrant congregation, the next goal is to develop leaders.
Read story
RESOURCES
Discipleship Ministries
'Chuck Knows Church' is back
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A free online teaching series, based on “Chuck Knows Church” and designed to help churches discuss critical issues, will be available starting Oct. 1. The 16-session video teaching series uses a study guide to help congregations learn about topics such as discipleship systems, evangelism, stewardship and church committees that work.
Enroll in course
RECENT HEADLINES
N.E.W. Plan would create 4 denominations
Bishop plays peacekeeping role in Central Congo
EVENTS
Monday, Sept. 30-Friday, Oct. 11
Online leadership course: Servants by Design
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.