“With his humor, Ellison smuggled God’s word into the hearts of his listeners. He knew that when people laugh, their defenses go down, and they relax and become more open to receive the message.” — The Rev. Thomas Muhomba, on the late Rev. Ellison Kamupira.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Renowned Zimbabwean evangelist dies
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — The Rev. Ellison Kamupira endeared himself to thousands of Zimbabweans through his compassion, sermons and sense of humor. The evangelist and funeral chaplain died May 11 at age 75. Friends and colleagues remember the longtime United Methodist as a mentor who taught invaluable lessons on love, servanthood ministry and Bible study. Eveline Chikwanah reports.
Read obituary
Missouri Conference
Taking on Gen Z’s mental health crisis
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Chinwé Williams, a licensed professional counselor with experience coaching ministry leaders, gave a one-day seminar at Community United Methodist Church on the mental health challenges faced by Generation Z. “I’m beyond grateful that a church is having these sometimes tough conversations,” Williams said. Fred Koenig reports.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Helping people feel they belong
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — “Belong” is the theme of this year’s Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference. In keeping with that theme, the conference asked churches to share their ways of making guests of all ages feel like they belong. John W. Coleman shares some of the responses.
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Great Plains Conference
Mainstream UMC assesses General Conference
OLATHE, Kan. — The unofficial caucus Mainstream UMC held an in-person and livestreamed event on May 14, reflecting on the recent General Conference. Speakers included the Rev. Barry Dundas, who welcomed delegates’ removal of restrictions against full LGBTQ participation in The United Methodist Church. “For the first time in a long time, I have hope we can live out our calling and say all have a place here,” said Dundas, pastor of Olathe Grace United Methodist Church. David Burke reports.
Read story
The Aguilar Conversations
Podcast talks with UM News
NEW YORK — Heather Hahn, assistant editor of United Methodist News, talked with former community organizer and journalist Tony Aguilar of the podcast "The Aguilar Conversations: A Global Perspective" about developments at General Conference. They also spoke about what this means for The United Methodist Church going forward, given the experience of other mainline Protestant denominations in the U.S.
Listen to podcast
Watch on YouTube
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Digest 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.
Seeing God’s presence in journey to all 50 states
PASADENA, Calif. (UM News) — Dr. Larry R. Hygh Jr., a lifelong United Methodist, set a goal to visit all 50 states before his 50th birthday. He met the goal two years ahead of schedule with a trip to Idaho. Hygh said he has seen God’s presence in his travels and learned valuable lessons along the way: “One can see God’s handiwork in cornfields, on top of mountains, in the concrete and graffiti in urban areas, and on rural roads.”
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RESOURCES
United Women in Faith
Town hall set for May 23
NEW YORK — Sally Vonner, chief executive of United Women in Faith, will host a virtual town hall about what happened at General Conference. “Summer Town Hall: Moving Forward With Hope and Passion” is set for 8 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on May 23. People who wish to attend must register.
Register
RECENT HEADLINES
Program equips Korean pastors in cross-racial ministry
Climate justice legislation fares well overall
EVENTS
Wednesday, May 29-Thursday, May 30
Minnesota Annual Conference
Wednesday, May 29-Friday, May 31
Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference
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