UM News Digest - Nov. 18, 2024

Our changing climate
Helping fishing communities in the Philippines
Bishops zero in on challenges ahead

“We knew extreme weather would become more frequent and intense, and we’re seeing the impacts now more than ever. We know it is going to get worse. We know the most vulnerable among us will suffer the most. And we know without a doubt that God is calling the church to get to work.” — The Rev. Jenny Phillips, director of environmental sustainability for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News

Our changing climate

CALUMPIT, Philippines (UM News) — The year 2024 will almost certainly be the hottest year on record. Global warming impacts livelihoods, economies, habitats and, at a micro level, a neighborhood in the Philippines where flooded streets force schoolgirls into makeshift after-school rafts, and fishermen struggle to maintain their way of life. United Methodist News is documenting the denomination’s response to climate change through a series of dispatches from sites most impacted by global warming. UM News photographer Mike DuBose offers a photo essay from a recent visit to the Philippines.

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Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News

Filipino United Methodists help fishing communities

TANZA, Philippines (UM News) — Fisherfolk and their families who depend heavily on the sea for their daily sustenance and livelihood are feeling the effects of climate change and natural and man-made disasters. United Methodists are among those stepping in to offer relief and speaking out on the need for creation care. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports on relief efforts there, with photos by Mike DuBose.

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Bishops zero in on challenges ahead

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — As The United Methodist Church starts a new season after this year’s General Conference, bishops discussed ministry needs ahead. Those include faith formation, financial concerns and care for immigrants after the recent U.S. presidential election. Heather Hahn reports.

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Holston Conference
4 stories to give hope in hard times
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After a divisive national U.S. election and ongoing strife in the denomination, United Methodists need stories of hope more than ever. Annette Spence has four such stories from the Holston Conference, including updates on church growth, new ministry and storm relief.
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Indiana Conference
Church helps homeless youth
INDIANAPOLIS — A church in Indianapolis is using its real estate to help young people who are homeless. Lawrence United Methodist Church is leasing unused space in the church to Outreach Indiana, which helps people ages 14 to 24 needing shelter. “We are not only providing for practical needs, but we are building relationships with youth and showing them that they are valued and loved,” said Elaine Bolton, director of programs at the church. Indiana Conference staff have the story.
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Greater New Jersey Conference
Program brings generations together
CHERRY HILL, N.J. — The Rev. Minho Cho and members of Unity in Christ United Methodist Church, inspired by multigenerational housing projects in Sweden, are creating intentional spaces where young people and seniors interact with each other on a regular basis. They hope that this project — called YES (Youth Engaging Seniors) — will improve the mental health of both populations. The Rev. Sarah Borgstrom Lee has the story.
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Global Ministries
Combat injustice as a Global Mission Fellow
ATLANTA — Applications for The United Methodist Church’s Global Mission Fellows program are being accepted until Jan. 15. The program places young adults, ages 20-30, in social justice ministries for two years of service. Only applications for the international track are being accepted. Those selected for the next cohort will begin onboarding in the spring and start service in August.
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Finance and Administration
Webinar looks at new US overtime rule
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The U.S. Department of Labor has altered overtime pay eligibility for salaried workers. Updates to the law begin Jan. 1. The new rule raises the wage threshold for overtime exemption, which might affect various United Methodist ministries. Churches are not exempt from U.S. overtime rules. The General Council on Finance and Administration plans to have a webinar on overtime eligibility at 1:30 p.m. U.S. Central time Dec. 3.
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