“The rainy season started in November, and many roads and bridges have already collapsed or have been cut off. With very poor road infrastructure, access to most of the territory represents a real challenge to the church and, even worse, to the most affected areas.” — Kephus Mtambo, on the church’s relief efforts in Malawi after Cyclone Freddy.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Malawi church continues response to Cyclone Freddy
BLANTYRE, Malawi (UM News) — More than a month after Tropical Cyclone Freddy romped through the southern Indian Ocean, survivors continue to mourn the loss of loved ones, homes, churches and entire communities. United Methodists are partnering with the government and others to meet immediate needs and plan for long-term recovery. Francis Nkhoma reports.
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Greater Northwest Area
Church presence grows in Canada
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Rev. Norman Feliciano serves as the lead pastor of a growing congregation serving predominantly Filipino and immigrant families across more than 110 miles of British Columbia. The Pacific Northwest Conference worked with the United Church of Canada and The United Methodist Church’s mission agency to establish a United Methodist presence in the province. Kristen Caldwell reports.
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Alabama-West Florida Conference
Lifelong United Methodist helps new church start
PRATTVILLE, Ala. — A half a century ago, Rebecca Crews and her husband were charter members of a new United Methodist congregation in their Alabama city. Now, Crews is once again a founding member of a new United Methodist church. The Rev. Kelli Hitchman-Craig has the story.
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Holston Conference
What pastors wish people knew about church exits
ALCOA, Tenn. — In the middle of the storm circling The United Methodist Church are pastors who are trying to keep their parishioners’ eyes fixed on Jesus despite the tug of wind and waves. Annette Spence of The Call asked five Holston Conference clergy members to share what they wish they could tell church members, right now, about disaffiliation.
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CommonWealth Magazine
Boston civil rights icon remembered
BOSTON — Mel King, affordable-housing activist, teacher and mentor, was honored April 11 at Union United Methodist Church. Massachusetts public officials, including the governor, U.S. senators, a U.S. congresswoman and current and former Boston mayors were among those who paid tribute to the United Methodist, who died March 28 at age 94. Michael Jonas reports.
Read story
See funeral booklet
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily 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.
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
4 ways to make Easter hospitality last the year
WASHINGTON — The Rev. Doug Powe, Lewis Center director, says special efforts to welcome visitors at Easter shouldn’t be set aside once the holiday is over. He outlines four ways the hospitality of the Easter season can be the launching pad for welcoming visitors throughout the year.
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RESOURCES
United Women in Faith
Leadership resources for women
NEW YORK — United Women in Faith has a new collection of resources to help women grow their leadership abilities. The 2023 Leadership Toolkit is available on the digital platform Bridge. To access the information, women need to establish an account with Bridge.
Read press release
Start a Bridge account
RECENT HEADLINES
Samoan congregation in Alaska celebrates new charter
Lighthouse Congregations offer hope amid schism
EVENTS
Monday, April 17-Friday, May 5
Online course: Planning for the Church Emergency
Thursday, April 20
Webinar: “Remaining & Thriving United Methodists”
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