“It’s given me the assurance that we’ll be able to rebuild.” — John Crewe, pastor of Lahaina United Methodist Church, on financial support from United Methodists and others after the Maui wildfires.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
United Methodist connection at work for Maui
DALLAS (UM News) — Two newly chartered United Methodist churches are among many taking up special offerings for relief work in Maui, Hawaii. This comes after Aug. 8 wildfires there devastated the town of Lahaina, including Lahaina United Methodist Church. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
North Georgia Conference
Staff members deliver on diaper challenge
ATLANTA — Bishop Robin Dease has invited the congregations of the North Georgia Conference to consider hosting a diaper drive this summer or fall. But first, she challenged conference staff to join her in collecting diapers throughout July as a staff service project. The staff delivered. Sybil Davidson has the story.
Read story
Bishop challenges churches to collect diapers
Louisiana Conference
Church offers shelter to wildfire evacuees
MERRYVILLE, La. — First United Methodist Church of DeRidder is hosting close to 60 families who had to evacuate one of the largest wildfires to impact Louisiana in several years. “I listened to sirens running all night long and people working together in incredible ways to help take care of those who have had to leave their homes, lost their homes or didn’t know if they’re still standing,” said the Rev. Laraine Waughtal. The Rev. Todd Rossnagel reports.
Read story
Global Ministries
Creating a sense of normalcy for Ukrainian refugees
ATLANTA — Something as simple as a volleyball tournament can deliver a sense of normalcy to children who are refugees from the war in Ukraine. So that’s what happened in Moldova recently, with support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Funded by a grant from UMCOR, refugee children also are getting education help. Christie R. House reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Candler School of Theology
Candler professor tapped to lead Harvard Divinity
ATLANTA — Marla Frederick, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion and Culture at Candler School of Theology, has been chosen the next dean of Harvard Divinity School. She will begin in January and will teach at Candler this fall. Candler is one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries in the U.S.
Read press release
EVENTS
Thursday, Sept. 14
What Every United Methodist Child Should Know About Generosity
Sunday, Oct. 1
World Communion Sunday
TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK
Regionalization plan heads to General Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — A key United Methodist leadership body has given unanimous approval to submitting a proposal for worldwide regionalization to the denomination’s top lawmaking assembly. The legislative package aims to give Africa, Europe, the Philippines and the U.S. equal standing in church decision-making. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Read press release
Church, government unite to fight monkeypox
TUNDA, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Church in Eastern Congo has strengthened its health system with the help of the Congolese government. The church’s Tunda General Hospital is housing a monkeypox research laboratory for the government to help combat the monkeypox epidemic that has been raging in the region since 2021. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
Read story
Korean American faith leaders discuss church future
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The status and future of the Korean American United Methodist Church and the upcoming special gathering of the Association of Korean American Methodists were the main topics at an Aug. 15 Zoom meeting of Korean American faith leaders. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports.
Read story
Finance board votes on bishop, agency pay
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The board of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency approved a cost-of-living adjustment for bishops and increased the agency employees’ pay scale. The General Council on Finance and Administration board also received an update on giving so far this year.
Read story
Read press release
United Methodists join prayer vigil for gun reform
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Gun reform supporters, including United Methodist clergy and church members, gathered for an early morning prayer vigil at the Tennessee State Capitol on Aug. 21. The gathering came as lawmakers began a special legislative session focused on public safety and mental health after a mass shooting at the Covenant School here in March. The Rev. Ingrid McIntyre, a United Methodist pastor, helped organize the vigil. Mike DuBose has photos.
See photos
New 2023 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2023 annual conference reports. New this week are the Iowa and Oklahoma Indian Missionary conferences.
Read reports
Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.