"That day I received the firm affirmation I was doing what I was called to do, being in a small community sharing the Gospel wherever, whenever, however it needs to happen." — Margie Briggs, lay minister and author of “Can You Just Get Them Through Until Christmas?”
NEWS AND FEATURES
Lay minister writes 'turnaround story' of small churches
CALHOUN, Mo. (UMNS) — Lay minister Margie Briggs writes about her 10 years of ministry with Calhoun and Drake’s Chapel United Methodist churches. She offers insight into how small congregation churches can make big differences in their communities. Kathy L. Gilbert reports.
Read story
Florida Conference
Relief for Puerto Rican evacuees
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The United Methodist Church has been quick to respond in the three months since back-to-back hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged Puerto Rico. Among those helping displaced families in Florida are members of the Holston Conference. Suzanne McGovern reports on relief efforts.
Read story
East Ohio Conference
73 years of music
GREENTOWN, Ohio — Greentown United Methodist Church celebrated the service of Juanita Woods, who retired after serving as choir director off and on for nearly three quarters of a century.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Higher Education and Ministry
United Methodist scholarship applications open
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry has opened scholarship applications for college, university and seminary studies in Fall 2018. You need only to submit one application per year. That application will be screened for all possible eligible programs. The applications are due by March 7.
Learn more
Commission on Religion and Race
2018-2020 grants awarded
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race will award $463,025 to projects developed by local churches, annual conferences and seminaries in all five U.S. jurisdictions.
Read press release
RESOURCES
Reconciling Ministries Network
'Faith at the Intersections'
CHICAGO — “Faith at the Intersections: A Collection of Writings on Justice for Black and LGBTQ Communities in and Beyond The United Methodist Church” is a new resource from Reconciling Ministries Network. It features works by the Revs. Gil Caldwell and Pamela Lightsey, as well as retired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert.
Read online version
COMMENTARIES
Shifting Margins blog
The power of the Wesley Covenant Prayer
CHAPIN, S.C. — Retired Bishop Kenneth L. Carder reflects on how the Wesley Covenant Prayer helped him cope with two major challenges in his life and took him to a deeper commitment in Christian faith.
Read blog post
RECENT HEADLINES
Wesley nurses offer care, prayer
Bishop: Support United Methodist president-elect in Liberia
EVENTS
Here are some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection. If you have a United Methodist event to share, you can add it to the calendar with this submission form.
Monday, Jan. 8-Friday, Feb. 2
Online training: Surviving the caregiver marathon with grace
Wednesday, Jan. 10
Webinar for local church leaders and members: What’s my job?
Share your story or tips with us at [email protected].
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.