“If our Scripture and faith teaches us anything, it is that Christ came for times such as this.” — The Rev. Jill Colley Robinson, dean of the New England Conference cabinet.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Reviving Christmas cheer in dark times
LAKELAND, Tenn. (UM News) — In this second year of the pandemic and amid violence and natural disasters, United Methodist churches are getting creative in helping people experience Christ’s birth and love’s pure light. Heather Hahn reports on how churches are sharing Christmas joy.
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Filipino leaders push to elect new bishops
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines (UM News) — A year after extending its bishops’ terms, the Philippines Central Conference Coordinating Council is pushing for a special session to elect new bishops — with or without the General Conference in 2022. However, United Methodist leaders in the Philippines acknowledge that such a plan potentially faces hurdles under the Book of Discipline. Gladys P. Mangiduyos reports.
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Ask The UMC
Help for those facing homelessness
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Facing homelessness can be scary. Becoming homeless, especially as the result of an eviction, can have lasting effects on employment, health, personal credit and the ability to find a new home. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, shares three places people can turn for help.
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UM News: Churches see lots of need this Advent
Texas Conference
Clergy band offers a Christmas music gift
HOUSTON — At the end of a tough year, the clergy band of the Texas Conference has posted a hopeful and humorous Christmas music video. It puts a back beat and decidedly different lyrics to “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” The Rev. Reggie Clemons sings lead, with supporting vocals from, among others, Bishop Scott Jones.
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Judicial Council
Top court releases decision
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Judicial Council, The United Methodist Church’s top court, has released its last decision of 2021. Decision 1419 affirms a decision by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Committee on Appeals in an elder’s administrative appeal. The Judicial Council, which has been meeting online, also has begun deliberations on its fall 2021 docket.
Read Decision 1419
UM News: Judicial Council to review church-exit rules
Methodist Church in Britain
London mission, locals deliver meal kits via school kids
LONDON — In this video story featuring the South London Mission, Methodists work with a local record company, butcher, grocer and other volunteers to create weekly meal kits for hundreds of schoolchildren to take home and make with their families. UM News previously visited the mission, based at Bermondsey Central Hall, while reporting on a series about British Methodism.
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UM News: A century-plus commitment to South London
British Methodism: Staying Relevant in Wesley’s Homeland
Wespath Benefits and Investments
Reflections from retiring agency leader
GLENVIEW, Ill. — After 27 years as the leader of Wespath Benefits and Investments, Barbara Boigegrain reflects on her career in a video. She is preparing to retire at the end of 2021.
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UM News: Boigegrain ready for life after Wespath
PRESS RELEASES
Council of Bishops
Christmas message expresses hope for church
WASHINGTON — Council of Bishops President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey is optimistic that the new year will offer more opportunities for United Methodists throughout the world to engage in increased ministry and to be more loving. “As we enter 2022, we will continue to make room for all to be welcome,” writes Harvey, who also leads the Louisiana Conference.
Read press release
Read letter
Christmas Covenant
Supporters celebrate plan’s second anniversary
HARARE, Zimbabwe — Proponents celebrate the second anniversary of the Christmas Covenant legislation submitted to General Conference. The Christmas Covenant is a set of legislation and constitutional amendments aimed at establishing regional equity in the structures of the church while maintaining unity in connection. In a video, Bishop Rodolfo Juan of the Philippines explains his support for the plan.
Read press release
Watch video
RECENT HEADLINES
2021: The year in photos
United Methodists respond after devastating twisters
EVENTS
Monday, Jan. 10-Friday, Feb. 4
Online Lay Servant Ministries course: Planning and Leading Worship
Monday, Jan. 10-Monday, Jan. 31
Online course: Transforming the One-Room Sunday School Classroom
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