UM News Digest - Dec. 4, 2024

Pro wrestlers need God, too
The liturgical history of Lessons and Carols
Confronting hate: What do you wear?

“It’s the consistency in my presence, in my advocating on their behalf, that lets them know I’m a safe person that they can trust and come and talk to.” — The Rev. Steven Barber, chaplain to professional wrestlers in Alabama.

Rolando Perez (center) grimaces during a wrestling match with Jamesen Shook on Nov. 2 at the Priceville (Ala.) Event Center. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Pro wrestlers need God, too

PRICEVILLE, Ala. (UM News) — The Rev. Steven Barber has found a unique place to pursue his calling as a United Methodist pastor. He ministers to professional wrestlers, who spend long stretches away from family and are often tempted to pass the time in non-constructive ways while cooped up in small-town motel rooms. Barber shows up at wrestling events bearing bottled waters and a willingness to listen. Jim Patterson has the story.

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The Rev. Steven Barber (left) bumps fists with pro wrestler Cabana Man Dan before a match Nov. 2. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Ask The UMC
The liturgical history of Lessons and Carols
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Increasingly over the past four decades, United Methodist congregations with choirs have included a service of Lessons and Carols among their Advent or Christmas musical celebrations. While the music may be what draws people to the services, what actually drives the vigil form of worship historically is an extended period of listening to the Scriptures. The Rev. Taylor W Burton Edwards has more on the history of Lessons and Carols.
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South Georgia Conference
Conferences join for Advent devotionals
MACON, Ga. — In a demonstration of unity in action, laity and clergy in the North Georgia and South Georgia conferences have teamed up to share the message of Christ through daily Advent devotionals. The theme of this lay-led effort, appropriately, is unity. South Georgia Conference staff have the story.
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View devotionals

South Carolina Conference
Church clings to hope after suspected arson
DENMARK, S.C. — In the aftermath of a devastating fire, one South Carolina United Methodist church is clinging to hope and faith, certain God will use for good what someone meant for evil. Bethel Park United Methodist Church is a historic church that is dealing with damage from three suspected arson-related fires. The church building, including its sanctuary, is unusable for now. Jessica Brodie reports.
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Florida Conference
Keeping the faith through the Midweek Grind
LAKELAND, Fla. — Every Wednesday afternoon, a group of people in the LGBTQ community and their allies gather together at a local coffee shop and have coffee and conversations about life and faith. Midweek Grind is about creating a space of belonging before believing. Jessica Taylor writes about the Fresh Expression and how it helps with faith development.
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Northern Illinois Conference
Crews help clean up after hurricanes
VALDOSTA, Ga.— Early response volunteers from the Northern Illinois Conference converged on Valdosta after it was hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The work crews arrived in town Nov. 12 and stayed for over a week, cutting up trees that damaged homes, blocked roads and took out power. Victoria Rebeck reports.
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WBIR-NBC
United Methodist churches serve as warming centers
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Four churches in this eastern Tennessee city have volunteered to serve as warming centers on nights when temperatures are forecast to fall below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. They are all United Methodist. Anaiya Bobo and Avery Gingerich have the story.
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UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.

Photo by Ray di Pietro

Confronting hate: What do you wear?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — During a rally promoting unity, the Rev. Neelley Hicks, a United Methodist deacon, found herself in conversation with one member of a neo-Nazi group that showed up to protest the rally. The exchange between the two shows how fear, the need for belonging and distorted views about Christianity form a dangerous mix. This is the first of a three-part series on confronting hate.
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Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Make meaningful connections in Advent season
WASHINGTON — As the holiday season approaches, church leaders face heightened stress while preparing meaningful celebrations. Jessica L. Anschutz of the Lewis Center encourages church leaders to nurture spiritual connections, foster relationships with neighbors and guests, and actively invite people to engage in worship and ministry.
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Religion Communicators Council
RCC announces membership changes
CINCINNATI — Faith-based communications professionals are encouraged to join or renew membership in the Religion Communicators Council for 2025. The council announced that it is moving to a rolling membership model, and also shared information on new rates and a colleague referral program. The organization offers networking opportunities, monthly educational programming and an annual convention.
Learn more