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UM News Digest - March 14, 2025
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“We merge the beauty of timeless traditions with the energy of modern expression, creating a space where ancient hymns and contemporary rhythms join hands.” — The Rev. Richie Butler, pastor of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas.
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A young family attends St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas in February. Photo courtesy of St. Luke Community United Methodist Church.
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Spirit of service helps Black churches thrive
HOUSTON (UM News) — In the second of a four-part UM News series on legacy Black United Methodist churches, John W. Coleman spotlights two Texas churches that are serving their communities through creative ministries and outreach. Trinity United Methodist Church in Houston is celebrating its 160th anniversary this month, while St. Luke Community United Methodist Church in Dallas demonstrates ageless energy at 92 years old. |
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Four of the 8 stained-glass windows at Trinity United Methodist Church in Houston designed by noted African American artist Jean Lacy. Photo courtesy of Trinity United Methodist Church.
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Members of the United Women in Faith Program Advisory Group celebrate the announcement of Assembly 2026, scheduled for May 15-17, 2026, in Indianapolis. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
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Women’s group plans assembly, calls for justice
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Women in Faith kicked off plans for Assembly 2026 in Indianapolis and heard a rousing call to act now for racial justice. “I believe that United Women in Faith can make a difference because we’ve been making a difference for 241 years,” said deaconess and activist Garlinda Burton. Audrey Stanton-Smith reports.
Read story
Dakotas Conference
Caregivers connect over coffee
WATERTOWN. S.D. — Monday afternoons are a favorite time of the week for some of the women at First United Methodist Church. It’s the time a coffee klatch gathers at the church to support each other as caregivers. “I am a caregiver for a husband who is disabled,” said Roxie Shultz, an organizer for the group. “On Monday afternoons, someone comes to my house and is with him, and I go to Coffee and Conversations. I needed a group that I could have conversations with and connect with.” Doreen Gosmire has the story.
Read story
Church and Society
Kaleidoscope Kids spread the love
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Youth at First United Methodist Church of Olympia have received cards from across the globe for their project God is LOVE! The cards, which feature stories about how God’s love is showing up in communities, are displayed on a wall in the Kaleidoscope Kids ministry area of the church. Bishop Julius C. Trimble, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, sent a letter to the children. Kaleidoscope Kids began in 2023 with just two children in attendance for weekly worship; now the average is 35. Brittney Gilleland reports.
Read story
North Georgia Conference, WJBF-ABC
Wesley Foundation helps with recovery
AUGUSTA, Ga. — This week, the North Georgia Conference is hosting students from the Virginia Tech Wesley Foundation as they spend their spring break serving in the Augusta area following Hurricane Helene. The students are working multiple sites doing debris cleanup and recovery work with nearby Marvin United Methodist Church serving as their basecamp. Sybil Davidson has the story as does Bria Smith of WJBF.
Read North Georgia story
Read WJBF 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. |
Greater Northwest Area
Immigrant with papers discusses church’s role
DES MOINES, Wash. — Immigrants come to the U.S. with hope, resilience and the desire for a better future. From his personal experience, the Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos shares how The United Methodist Church has a vital role in advocating for immigrant families. He writes that now is the time to act, listen, share stories and embody Christ’s call to love our neighbors.
Read commentary |
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Western North Carolina Conference
Lake Junaluska hosts Peace Conference
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — Lake Junaluska, the United Methodist retreat center, plans to host the Southeastern Jurisdiction Peace Conference on April 4-6. Through three days of worship, interactive plenaries, workshops, film screenings and informal conversation, the event aims to share strategies for people of faith to build bridges of peace.
Learn more and register |
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Wednesdays, March 26,
April 2 and April 9
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Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News
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Korean-led campaign raises funds for wildfire relief
LOS ANGELES (UM News) — Korean United Methodists mounted a campaign that raised more than $27,000 in aid for those suffering from the historic wildfires in Southern California. Korean and non-Korean congregations from across the United States provided support for the initiative, which was led by the California-Pacific Conference’s Korean caucus. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports.
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Photo courtesy of the Jerusalem District
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Family donates funds to build South Congo church
LUBUMBASHI, Congo (UM News) — United Methodism is “blossoming” in the South Congo Conference with the dedication of a new church building that can hold up to 800 worshippers. A United Methodist lay leader and his family donated the funds for the new structure. Bishop Owan Kasap credited the project’s success to faithful members who honor God through their generosity. Chadrack Tambwe Londe has the story.
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Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News
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Violence, vandalism strike church in Congo
BUKAVU, Congo (UM News) — Fighting in eastern Congo has affected United Methodist families and ministries, including an attack at United Methodist Irambo Health Center. The church hospital was ransacked by armed men. Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda calls for peace and strongly condemns the violence. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
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Composite by Lilla Marigza, UM News
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What’s new in the Book of Resolutions?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 2020/2024 Book of Resolutions has been restructured to align with the Revised Social Principles approved by the 2024 General Conference. In a new series, Ask The UMC’s the Rev. Taylor W. Burton Edwards explores the new and significantly revised resolutions within it, section by section. The first two parts now are available.
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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Email: [email protected]
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