“We are proud of your accomplishments as your academic journey called for your resolve and determination to make it here.” — The Rev. Peter Mageto, Africa University vice chancellor, speaking during the university’s 29th graduation ceremony.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Africa University graduates its largest class
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — More than 950 students from 19 countries received degrees during Africa University’s 29th graduation ceremony, with women representing 60% of the class of 2023. The United Methodist university also saw the graduation of Collins Prempeh, the first Deaf student from the Institute of Theology and Religious Studies. Jeanette Dadzie reports.
Read story
AU: Graduate aspires to transform Deaf ministry in Ghana
Dakotas Conference
Rebirth after disaffiliation
DICKINSON, N.D. — United Methodists from the former Prairie Winds United Methodist Church are living out Wesley’s Covenant Prayer as they launch a new congregation. Prairie Winds voted in 2021 to leave the denomination amid longtime debate over LGBTQ inclusion. Doreen Gosmire and Dave Stucke offer a video update on the chartering journey of Dickinson United Methodist Church.
Watch video
Read previous story
Baltimore-Washington Conference
5 young adults start conference internships
FULTON, Md. — Five young adults have started summer internships with the Baltimore-Washington Conference. The conference’s IDEA Corp Internship program provides young adults with opportunities to serve in local churches and communities. Participants focus on inclusive, diverse, equitable and anti-racist work. They also write weekly journal entries.
Learn more
CBS News-Texas
Kindergartners pack meals at church event
RICHARDSON, Texas — Hundreds of kindergartners at the vacation Bible camp at First United Methodist Church Richardson came together to pack 10,000 meals for families in need. The church worked with Rise Against Hunger, a United Methodist partner working to fight food insecurity around the world. Kennedi Walker has the story.
Read story and watch video
PRESS RELEASES
IAMSCU
Asia Center for Wesleyan Studies debuts
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines — Wesleyan University-Philippines earlier this month held an event to launch the Asia Center for Wesleyan Studies. The center is dedicated to inter-disciplinary research that integrates Wesleyan theology with the arts and sciences. The Rev. Jeffrey Kuan was the keynote speaker for the launch.
Read press release
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.
Michigan Conference
Easing pastor transitions
LANSING, Mich. — Pastoral transitions can be challenging for incoming pastors as well as congregations. Glenn M. Wagner of the Michigan Conference Communications offers suggestions for both sides to help things go smoothly.
Read commentary
RESOURCES
North Carolina Conference
Resources for church transitions
GARNER, N.C. — Across the United States, bishops have fixed pastors’ appointments for the next 12 months. The North Carolina Conference lists 10 books and other resources that can help pastors heading to new appointments and congregations receiving new pastors.
See resources
RECENT HEADLINES
Quéssua Mission: Lighting the way in Angola
United Methodism lives on in Amarillo
EVENTS
Monday, July 10-Saturday, Aug. 26
Caring With Compassion: First Responders and Their Families
Thursday, July 20-Thursday, Aug. 17
Launchpad 2023: Regrouping in the Wake of Disaffiliation
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.