“We have intentionally reduced ongoing overhead expenses, the number of staff and our physical footprint, making the organization more agile to adjust faster to changes in the marketplace and respond to emerging ministry opportunities.” — The Rev. Brian K. Milford, president and publisher, United Methodist Publishing House.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Publishing House sees rebound
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Publishing House was hit hard by the pandemic as churches, unable to meet in person, slowed or halted orders of curriculum materials. But with COVID-19 case numbers down in the U.S., the self-supporting agency is seeing sales bounce back. The Publishing House also has reached a purchase agreement for its Nashville headquarters. Sam Hodges reports.
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Georgia laity question bishop in full-page ad
ATLANTA (UM News) — A group of North Georgia Conference laity placed a full-page ad in May 9’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution with an open letter to Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson seeking answers around the appointment dispute at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, LGBTQ inclusion and the future of the church. Heather Hahn reports.
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Michigan Conference
Finding a purpose as a deaconess
LANSING, Mich. — After losing her business, Michelle White found peace by dedicating herself to service as a deaconess. She walked to a United Methodist church three blocks from her home for Bible studies, ending up worshipping at the church and eventually became a deaconess. Together with her husband, she started 5loaves2fish as a ministry to feed people going through food insecurity. Kay DeMoss has the story.
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Greater New Jersey Conference
When a client becomes the host
BRIDGETON, N.J. — Fifteen years ago, the Rev. Ricardo Ramos was helped by an immigration clinic hosted by the New York chapter of Justice for Our Neighbors. Now, the pastor of two Bridgeton United Methodist churches has helped host the first clinic for the newly formed Justice for Our Neighbors of Delaware Valley and reflects on what it’s like to be on the other side of that table. Heather Mistretta reports.
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WTVF-CBS
Church pays off millions in medical debt
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — During the worst of the pandemic, Madison Street United Methodist Church found a way to continue its mission. Working with RIP Medical Debt, the church was able to wipe out millions in medical debt across Tennessee and Mississippi. Chris Davis has the story.
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Arizona Daily Star
Church collects 25,000 pounds of food
TUCSON, Ariz. — St. Mark’s United Methodist Church has collected 25,000 pounds of food since the pandemic caused shutdowns in March 2020. That’s more than 12 tons. The Arizona Daily Star has the story.
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RESOURCES
Texas Conference
Tech tips for churches on a budget
BEAUMONT, Texas — The Rev. David Johnson, associate pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church, offers advice on free or low-cost apps and other technologies that can help pastors and churches with organization, communication and even Christian formation. Lindsay Peyton reports.
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RECENT HEADLINES
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Church leaders urge stronger pandemic response
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