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UM News Digest - March 28, 2025
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“We are a new monastic community, and we’re intentionally borrowing from some of the old monastic traditions.” — The Rev. Elaine A. Heath
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The Rev. Elaine A. Heath, a United Methodist elder and founder and “abbess” of Spring Forest, visits a herd of goats at the “intentional faith community” in Hillsborough, N.C. Photo by Jim Patterson, UM News.
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Growing a new kind of Christian community
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (UM News) — About 15 minutes from Duke Divinity School, one of its former deans is busy running and growing “an intentional faith community” at Spring Forest. The Rev. Elaine A. Heath has taken elements of communal farming, church, small businesses, retreats and monasteries as inspiration. About 12 people live on the property and 12 more are oblates, who participate in activities online and at annual get-togethers. Jim Patterson reports. |
Pastor creates the home she longed for as a child
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (UM News) — The Rev. Elaine A. Heath overcame a difficult childhood to make a successful career as a pastor and educator. Jim Patterson talks with Heath about her recovery from trauma and journey to Spring Forest. |
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United Methodist women in their fellowship uniform participate in a unity walk prior to the opening ceremony of the joint assembly of The United Methodist Church in Nigeria’s annual conferences March 17-23 in Jalingo. Photo by the Rev. Filibus Bakari Auta, UM News.
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Fights erupt over West Africa church property
JALINGO, Nigeria (UM News) — United Methodists in parts of West Africa remain locked in struggle with members of the Global Methodist Church, as both sides fight for control and ownership of United Methodist properties. In Nigeria and Liberia, the conflict has spilled over into the courts, where hearings are set for several property disputes. The tension also has resulted in violence in both countries, including an attack this week on vehicles carrying Nigeria Area Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel and other United Methodists. Eveline Chikwanah reports. |
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Illinois Great Rivers Conference
Pop-up kids camp helps after tornado
NEOGA, Ill. — After a tornado damaged school buildings on March 14, members of Grace United Methodist Church quickly put together a day camp for students. Activities included lessons about reptiles, the importance of community and an art project paired with a lesson on artist Vincent van Gogh. Local merchants contributed meals for the children. About 53 children participated. Paul Black has the story.
Read story
Western North Carolina Conference
Remembering Neill Caldwell, church journalist
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Neill Caldwell, who possessed a journalist’s eye and believer’s heart, died from an unexpected illness March 13. He was 65. During his long career in journalism, he worked as a reporter for United Methodist News Service and editor of publications for the Virginia Conference. Ken Garfield has this obituary.
Read story
South Carolina Conference
Native American elder program brings relief
COLUMBIA, S.C. — One longtime ministry to elderly Native Americans has expanded into a food relief endeavor that now reaches both Native and non-Native people alike across South Carolina, all in the name of Jesus. Elder baskets are plastic clothes baskets filled with nonperishable items and given to older people in need. Jessica Brodie has the story.
Read story |
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Reviving Faith podcast
Podcast explores church decline and renewal
ATKINS, Va. — The Rev. Natalie Justice of the Holston Conference is hosting a podcast where she talks with United Methodist pastors about the challenges of church decline and innovative strategies that are breathing new life into congregations. The podcast, titled “Reviving Faith: Addressing Church Decline and Embracing Renewal,” will be available each Monday. The first episode features the Rev. Matt Rawle, Louisiana pastor and prolific author.
Watch podcast on YouTube
Watch podcast on Facebook
Listen on Spotify
New 2025 annual conference report posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2025 annual conference reports. New this week is the Sierra Leone Conference.
Read report |
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Council of Bishops
Bishop Benjamin A. Justo dies at age 84
WASHINGTON — Retired Bishop Benjamin A. Justo, who served as a bishop in the Philippines Central Conference from 2000 to 2008, has died at age 84, the Council of Bishops announced. “The loss of Bishop Ben is profoundly felt by those whose lives he touched with his steadfast faith, wisdom and compassion. His ministry and legacy have left an indelible mark on the Church and the communities he served,” said Philippines Central Conference College of Bishops President Bishop Rodel Acdal.
Read press release |
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Photo courtesy of the Rev. Rachel Cornwell
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Churches confront mass federal layoffs
WASHINGTON (UM News) — Pastoral care, prayer and protests — these are some of the ways United Methodist congregations are supporting church members and others affected by the Trump administration’s drastic job cuts and slashing of government services. Many United Methodist churches also are adjusting their budgets to account for laid-off members’ strained finances. Heather Hahn reports.
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Courtesy Holman United Methodist Church
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Youth ministries help historic churches stay vital
LOS ANGELES (UM News) — Many historic African American Methodist churches grew during the Great Migration that brought Black citizens from the rural South to the North and West. Two such churches, St. Mark United Methodist in Chicago and Holman United Methodist in Los Angeles, established legacies of spiritual and social ministry that are still vital today. John W. Coleman reports in Part 3 of UM News’ series on legacy Black churches.
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Photo courtesy of the Rev. Stephanie Vader
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United Methodists grapple with loss of foreign aid
WASHINGTON (UM News) — United Methodists are feeling the effects of the dismantling of U.S. foreign assistance and speaking out about how such aid saves lives. Africa University and the United Methodist Committee on Relief are among the United Methodist ministries that have long worked with partners in the U.S. government. Heather Hahn reports.
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Image courtesy of the Louisiana Conference
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Bishop found her voice in the military
BATON ROUGE, La. — On the eve of her 17th birthday, Bishop Delores J. Williamston took an oath to serve her country in the Kansas Army National Guard. Her military career would span over two decades. Retiring as a sergeant first class, her years in uniform were the foundation of a profound commitment to leadership and ministry. The Louisiana Conference’s Rev. Todd Rossnagel has her story.
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