“In Zimbabwe, it is not a question of the economy being so low. It’s a question of how the Lord is working within the economy and within the people.” — The Rev. Alan Gurupira, administrative assistant to the bishop.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Despite challenges, church in Zimbabwe flourishes
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) — Despite social, economic and political challenges, The United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe continues to strive for financial sustainability, raising funds within membership. Priscilla Muzerengwa reports.
Read story
Ask The UMC
What did Wesley mean by ‘moving on to perfection?’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Understanding the meaning of sanctifying grace is key to understanding what John Wesley meant by “moving on to perfection.” Learn more in the latest installment of Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
Read story
Ask The UMC
New 2018 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — United Methodist News Service is posting annual conference reports. New this week are Arkansas, California-Nevada, Dakotas, Greater New Jersey, Great Plains, Louisiana and Missouri.
Read reports
BISHOP STATEMENTS
Baltimore-Washington Conference
Bishop Easterling issues statement on Annapolis shooting
BALTIMORE — “We cannot grow weary in well doing, and we cannot become numb to these acts of heinous violence,” writes Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, who leads the Baltimore-Washington Conference, about the mass shooting that left five people dead at Maryland’s Capital Gazette newsroom June 28. “As the facts continue to come to light and speculation as to motives is debated, one undeniable truth confronts us all — families once again grieve and mourn the senseless loss of life in our community.”
Read statement
Wisconsin Conference
Bishop Jung joins call for prayer for missionaries
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, president of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, joined the call for prayer for three missionaries in the Philippines. One has been detained since May 9 and the other two are unable to leave the country. Jung, who also leads the Wisconsin Conference, issued a statement and a video call for prayer.
Watch video
Read statement
Read UMNS coverage
Northern Illinois and Illinois Great Rivers conferences
Illinois bishops: Steer clear of sports betting
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Bishops Frank J. Beard and Sally Dyck, who lead the United Methodist conferences in Illinois, state their concerns on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision clearing the way for states to legalize sports betting. “Our concern for Illinoisans is the seduction of an easy way out of our state’s financial mess with unfunded pension liabilities and a backlog of unpaid bills,” the bishops write.
Read statement
RESOURCES
Way Forward Commission
More Way Forward video resources
WASHINGTON — The Commission on a Way Forward is releasing four more videos this week that document the experiences, hopes, dreams, concerns, approach and learnings of the 32-member Commission.
Read press release
Western Jurisdiction
Call to prayer for detained, separated families
LOS ANGELES — The Western Jurisdiction Immigration Task Force invites United Methodists to pray for immigrant and migrant families on the Fourth of July. The task force lists prayer resources as well as resources that can guide United Methodists helping their migrant neighbors.
See resources
RECENT HEADLINES
Church seeks release of detained missionary
Camp offers migrant youth fun, friendship
EVENTS
Monday, July 9-Thursday, July 12
Merging the Streams: Celebrating The United Methodist Church’s 50th Anniversary
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.