“Methodism has had many divisions, and now we're in this moment where we have a chance to redefine who we are, and that's a really cool opportunity. … We have that moment again, if we're brave enough to do it.” — Ashley Boggan, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Eventful 20 years added to Methodist history
MADISON, N.J. (UM News) — “American Methodism,” a history of the denomination and its predecessors, has been updated for the first time in a decade. A new chapter relates the battle over sexuality and other challenges such as technology, the COVID-19 pandemic and budget cuts. Ashley Boggan, top executive at the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, offers her insights on the updated book. Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
Virginia Conference
Video showcases Wesley and circuit riders
GLEN ALLEN, Va. — “John Wesley and the Circuit Riders” wouldn’t just make a great band name. Their time in the saddle is a key reason why Methodism spread quickly in Britain and the American colonies. Madeline White and Virginia Conference staff share a bit of Methodist history with help from a horse named Jimmy.
Watch video
United Methodist Communications
New ‘Recap’ shares stories of hope
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of “The Recap” features stories of hope even in the midst of local church disaffiliations, including a New York church’s migrant ministry and an update on The United Methodist Church’s newly elected bishops. Produced by United Methodist Communications, “The Recap” is a video series offering a snapshot of the latest news in the church.
Watch episode
Higher Education and Ministry
Women chaplains celebrate 50 years
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Jan. 12 celebration in Arlington, Virginia, marked the 50th anniversary of women being admitted to the military chaplaincy. Women make up less than 5% of chaplains in the armed services. The United Methodist Endorsing Agency, part of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, oversees the process for clergy to become chaplains and pastoral counselors.
Read story
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.
The Daily Times
Connection crucial to United Methodist identity
MARYVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Jonathan B. Jonas, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, writes about why the connection of The United Methodist Church is important. “I grieve that this beautiful, mission-driven fellowship is unrecognizable in the mischaracterizations of those choosing to leave it,” he writes.
Read commentary
RESOURCES
Amplify Media
Webinar looks at finding Christ in the Psalms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In “Finding Jesus in the Psalms,” Barb Roose examines six psalms, finding connections between the psalms and the life and death of Jesus. She will preview the book and Lenten Bible study at a free webinar scheduled for 11 a.m. U.S. Central time Feb. 9.
Learn more and register
RECENT HEADLINES
Yambasu Agriculture Initiative empowers farmers
Ask The UMC answers disaffiliation questions
EVENTS
Monday, Feb. 20-Friday, March 31
Biblical Women, Lenten Longing and 21st Century Lives
Wednesday, Feb. 22-Friday, April 7
Online course: Acts as a Lenten Journey
NEWS AND FEATURES
Eventful 20 years added to Methodist history
MADISON, N.J. (UM News) — “American Methodism,” a history of the denomination and its predecessors, has been updated for the first time in a decade. A new chapter relates the battle over sexuality and other challenges such as technology, the COVID-19 pandemic and budget cuts. Ashley Boggan, top executive at the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History, offers her insights on the updated book. Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
Virginia Conference
Video showcases Wesley and circuit riders
GLEN ALLEN, Va. — “John Wesley and the Circuit Riders” wouldn’t just make a great band name. Their time in the saddle is a key reason why Methodism spread quickly in Britain and the American colonies. Madeline White and Virginia Conference staff share a bit of Methodist history with help from a horse named Jimmy.
Watch video
United Methodist Communications
New ‘Recap’ shares stories of hope
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The latest episode of “The Recap” features stories of hope even in the midst of local church disaffiliations, including a New York church’s migrant ministry and an update on The United Methodist Church’s newly elected bishops. Produced by United Methodist Communications, “The Recap” is a video series offering a snapshot of the latest news in the church.
Watch episode
Higher Education and Ministry
Women chaplains celebrate 50 years
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Jan. 12 celebration in Arlington, Virginia, marked the 50th anniversary of women being admitted to the military chaplaincy. Women make up less than 5% of chaplains in the armed services. The United Methodist Endorsing Agency, part of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, oversees the process for clergy to become chaplains and pastoral counselors.
Read story
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.
The Daily Times
Connection crucial to United Methodist identity
MARYVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Jonathan B. Jonas, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, writes about why the connection of The United Methodist Church is important. “I grieve that this beautiful, mission-driven fellowship is unrecognizable in the mischaracterizations of those choosing to leave it,” he writes.
Read commentary
RESOURCES
Amplify Media
Webinar looks at finding Christ in the Psalms
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In “Finding Jesus in the Psalms,” Barb Roose examines six psalms, finding connections between the psalms and the life and death of Jesus. She will preview the book and Lenten Bible study at a free webinar scheduled for 11 a.m. U.S. Central time Feb. 9.
Learn more and register
RECENT HEADLINES
Yambasu Agriculture Initiative empowers farmers
Ask The UMC answers disaffiliation questions
EVENTS
Monday, Feb. 20-Friday, March 31
Biblical Women, Lenten Longing and 21st Century Lives
Wednesday, Feb. 22-Friday, April 7
Online course: Acts as a Lenten Journey
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