"Her music has helped us a lot, because it also preaches to people ... It carries a lot of biblical meaning in today's world where COVID-19 has wreaked havoc among humanity." — Charles Kamutando of Hunyani United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, on 10-year-old church member Britney Sadete's music.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Talented 10-year-old inspires others during pandemic
CHITUNGWIZA, Zimbabwe — Ten-year-old United Methodist Britney Sadete released her first gospel album just days before the country was locked down to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Now, her music is providing an escape and message of hope for those struggling during the global pandemic. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
Read story
Ask The UMC
What is our end goal as United Methodists?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Salvation means much more than just assurance of being forgiven of our sins and going to heaven when we die, writes Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications. The goal of our journey of following Christ is a life transformed, forever with God as we live into his plans for us.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
Native American Comprehensive Plan
Preserving Native language and culture
WEOGUFKA, Ala. — United Methodist Marcus Briggs-Cloud is racing against time to revive the Maskoke Seminole language he considers key to his tribe's culture, history and identity. He has helped create an ecovillage on 577 acres of Alabama woods, "where we can be good to the earth, keep our language and culture alive and be able to live as a full-time Indian," he said. Ginny Underwood has the story.
Read story
Memphis Conference
Handbell solo brightens worship
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mullins United Methodist Church was surprised during its virtual worship by a handbell solo by the congregation's organist, Andre Duvall. He played 16 bells to brighten worship with "We, Thee Adore." Mary Beth Richardson has the story.
Read story
Watch video at 27:30 mark
PRESS RELEASES
National Justice for our Neighbors
States called to protect meatpacking workers
DES MOINES, Iowa — United Methodist Justice for Our Neighbors centers in Iowa and Nebraska are pressing their states to protect the health and safety of meatpacking workers, most of whom are immigrants and refugees. Since early April, 10,000 COVID-19 cases have been linked to meat-processing plants, and at least 45 people have died.
Read press release
RESOURCES
Discipleship Ministries
Applications open for various grants
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Discipleship Ministries offers several grant programs to further the priority of making disciples around the world. Applications for grants for Ministries with Young People and the Global Youth Service Fund are due June 1. Applications for Racial Ethnic Local Church Grants, which provide funding to strengthen ethnic congregations, are due Sept. 1.
Learn more
RECENT HEADLINES
Methodists led response in earlier epidemic
Faithful giving in a time of change
EVENTS
Thursday, May 14
Ecumenical webinar: What communities need to know about COVID-19 and reopening
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.