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UM News Digest - April 9, 2025
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“I would say to all of you that even if you feel that America may be in despair, don’t give up.” — The Rev. Gary Mason, a Methodist minister who played a key role in forging peace in Northern Ireland.
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The John Henry Ensemble, led by the Rev. John Henry on trombone (left), plays a jazz concert on the evening of April 5 during the Peace Conference in Lake Junaluska, N.C. Photo by Crystal Caviness, United Methodist Communications.
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Building peace in a dangerously polarized US
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UM News) — A United Methodist Peace Conference drew some 200 clergy and laity to discuss breaking down national divisions. Participants heard about the dangers of Christian nationalism and polarization in the U.S. Heather Hahn has the story. |
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Cheryl Lowe (left) and Andrea Gauldin-Rubio hold their signs based on Scripture and the teachings of John Wesley at the Hands Off! rally on April 5 in Waynesville, North Carolina. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.
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Churchgoers rally against government overreach
WAYNESVILLE, N.C. (UM News) — A number of United Methodists at the Peace Conference joined in one of the nationwide Hands Off! protests against the Trump administration’s impact on government services and human rights. “There are policies that do real harm to real people,” Western North Carolina Conference Bishop Ken Carter said. Heather Hahn reports. |
Nigeria women’s group offers free health expo
SHONGOM, Nigeria (UM News) — More than 100 people received health care, medicine, food and other supplies during a day of outreach organized by The United Methodist Church’s women’s organization in the Northern Nigeria Conference. In addition to medical care, the women preached the Gospel, sang and led prayer sessions. Ibrahim Babangida has the story. |
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Holston Conference
2 congregations become ‘one family’
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — When two Kingsport congregations, one predominantly white and one predominantly Black, voted unanimously to become one on March 23, the crowd gathered in the sanctuary of Mafair United Methodist Church applauded at length. The joy was laced with some sadness. Annette Spence has the story.
Read story
United Methodist Communications
Meet another ‘Unsung Hero of Methodism’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Born in Ireland in 1820, Clementina Rowe developed a passion for mission work as a child. Eventually, she and her husband would help spread the Gospel in India and Mexico, and expand opportunities for female missionaries around the world. Philip J. Brooks has more on the life and travels of this early Methodist missionary in the Unsung Heroes of Methodism series.
Read story
Great Plains Conference
Podcast tackles Middle East conflict
TOPEKA, Kan. — The delicate path to a fair understanding of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people is being discussed on a new episode of the “In Layman’s Terms” podcast. Todd Seifert, conference communications director, speaks with Carol Ekdahl Garwood, chair of the Great Plains Conference's Holy Land Task Force.
Learn more
Listen to podcast |
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Church and Society
Board reaffirms justice work
TORRANCE, Calif. — Under the guiding theme of "Sacred Resilience, Disciplined Hope," the board of directors of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society met last month to strengthen its work and affirm the ongoing support of the agency’s mission. "Grounded in our Social Principles, we reaffirmed our commitment to racial equity, environmental justice, immigrant rights, economic dignity, and peace to carry this work back to our churches, conferences, and communities," said the Rev. Allison Mark, board president.
Read press release
Discipleship Ministries
Teaching children anti-ableism
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Applications are being accepted to be part of the Growing in Grace: Accessible Worship for All God’s Children program. The training aims to assist local churches, denominational leadership and parachurch organizations in forming children into anti-ableist Christians through worship. Those selected will receive $750 per year to implement lessons and/or improve accessibility in worship gatherings. Applications received by May 1 will receive priority consideration.
Read press release |
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Photo by truthseeker08, courtesy of Pixabay
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Death doula helps navigate end-of-life care
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Photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops
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Bishop Växby, post-Cold War leader, dies at 80
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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