“I’m leading the church to focus on mission, because when we are all busy doing mission, these issues (like homosexuality) will be secondary, and it will not divide us.” — Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop urges focus on mission, not divisive issues
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (UMNS) — Manila Area Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco said that if United Methodists can learn to respect one another’s differences, they can focus on what unites us: Christ and the mission of the church. Francisco spoke with UM News as part of “Seeing a Way Forward,” a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
Watch videos
Watch Seeing a Way Forward series
Church lay leader slain in Florida bank shooting
SEBRING, Fla. (UMNS) — The death of bank teller Marisol Lopez in a senseless shooting is drawing the community of her Nuevo Pacto United Methodist Church together in mourning. Lopez was known in her church and community as a positive person who “always had hope.” Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
Africa Initiative calls for global prayer, fasting
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Africa Initiative, an unofficial advocacy group in The United Methodist Church in Africa, is calling on United Methodists to pray and fast as part of the preparation leading to the special session of General Conference Feb. 23-26 in St. Louis. E Julu Swen reports.
Read story
Agriculture summit sparks new ideas, plans
JOHANNESBURG (UMNS) — About 80 people concerned with the future of agriculture in The United Methodist Church on the African continent gathered to map how to build sustainability, improve the current state in their episcopal areas, connect and learn from each other. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
Read story
Agriculture a ‘game changer’ for church in Africa
Coming next week: Bishops discuss state of agriculture in Africa
Alabama-West Florida Conference
Conference has big role at preaching festival
ATLANTA — Leaders of the Alabama-West Florida Conference ushered in what they expect to be a busy year with participation in the 2019 National Festival of Young Preachers. Bishop David Graves and the Rev. John Russell of St. John United Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama, preached during the ecumenical festival’s opening worship. Kari C. Barlow has the story of how the festival fits with the conference’s priorities.
Read story
Central Texas Conference
Defying U.S. trends, Central Texas sees growth
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Central Texas Conference for 11 consecutive months has seen average weekly worship attendance and professions of faith grow. Conference leaders attribute this growth in part to the conference’s WIG — that is, its Wildly Important Goal. Vance Morton has the story.
Read story
Zimbabwe Episcopal Area
Bishop scholarships help orphans attend AU
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — Two young men, both orphans, are attending Africa University thanks to scholarships provided by the Zimbabwe West and Zimbabwe East conferences. “Having the bishop’s episcopal scholarship supporting me not only gave me hope but strengthened my faith in my church,” said recipient Mike Chiranda. Chenayi Kumuterera has the story.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
European, Eurasian delegates unhappy with lobbying
After record giving, mixed news in 2018
EVENTS
Monday, Feb. 4-Friday, March 1
Online Lay Servant Ministries class: Leading Worship 101
NEWS AND FEATURES
Bishop urges focus on mission, not divisive issues
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (UMNS) — Manila Area Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco said that if United Methodists can learn to respect one another’s differences, they can focus on what unites us: Christ and the mission of the church. Francisco spoke with UM News as part of “Seeing a Way Forward,” a video series featuring different perspectives of church leaders on the work of the Commission on a Way Forward.
Watch videos
Watch Seeing a Way Forward series
Church lay leader slain in Florida bank shooting
SEBRING, Fla. (UMNS) — The death of bank teller Marisol Lopez in a senseless shooting is drawing the community of her Nuevo Pacto United Methodist Church together in mourning. Lopez was known in her church and community as a positive person who “always had hope.” Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
Africa Initiative calls for global prayer, fasting
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Africa Initiative, an unofficial advocacy group in The United Methodist Church in Africa, is calling on United Methodists to pray and fast as part of the preparation leading to the special session of General Conference Feb. 23-26 in St. Louis. E Julu Swen reports.
Read story
Agriculture summit sparks new ideas, plans
JOHANNESBURG (UMNS) — About 80 people concerned with the future of agriculture in The United Methodist Church on the African continent gathered to map how to build sustainability, improve the current state in their episcopal areas, connect and learn from each other. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.
Read story
Agriculture a ‘game changer’ for church in Africa
Coming next week: Bishops discuss state of agriculture in Africa
Alabama-West Florida Conference
Conference has big role at preaching festival
ATLANTA — Leaders of the Alabama-West Florida Conference ushered in what they expect to be a busy year with participation in the 2019 National Festival of Young Preachers. Bishop David Graves and the Rev. John Russell of St. John United Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama, preached during the ecumenical festival’s opening worship. Kari C. Barlow has the story of how the festival fits with the conference’s priorities.
Read story
Central Texas Conference
Defying U.S. trends, Central Texas sees growth
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Central Texas Conference for 11 consecutive months has seen average weekly worship attendance and professions of faith grow. Conference leaders attribute this growth in part to the conference’s WIG — that is, its Wildly Important Goal. Vance Morton has the story.
Read story
Zimbabwe Episcopal Area
Bishop scholarships help orphans attend AU
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — Two young men, both orphans, are attending Africa University thanks to scholarships provided by the Zimbabwe West and Zimbabwe East conferences. “Having the bishop’s episcopal scholarship supporting me not only gave me hope but strengthened my faith in my church,” said recipient Mike Chiranda. Chenayi Kumuterera has the story.
Read story
RECENT HEADLINES
European, Eurasian delegates unhappy with lobbying
After record giving, mixed news in 2018
EVENTS
Monday, Feb. 4-Friday, March 1
Online Lay Servant Ministries class: Leading Worship 101
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.