“When you’re helping people who are without access to knowledge (about the vaccine) and without access to the vaccine, that’s part of mission and part of loving your neighbor.” — Kathleen Griffith, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
TODAY'S HEADLINES
United Methodist Communications
COVID-19 vaccines offer mission opportunity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Though the COVID-19 vaccine has become more available, particularly in the United States, misinformation, mistrust and lack of access keep some communities at risk. However, conversations about COVID-19 vaccines are opportunities for mission and churches can be part of the solution. Crystal Caviness reports.
Read story
Oklahoma Conference, Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference
Bishop recalls Methodist response to Tulsa Massacre
TULSA, Okla. — Bishop Jimmy Nunn, whose area includes the Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Missionary conferences, has released a pastoral letter about the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. It includes the good and bad of local Methodist response to the horrific event. The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference is offering a Facebook video suggesting ways to observe the anniversary.
Read letter
Watch video
Missouri Conference
Pastor rode the rodeo
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Of the many second-career United Methodist pastors, the Rev. Ben Lee is certainly unusual, maybe unique, in having a professional rodeo background. He knows the Bible, and he knows bulls. Fred Koenig reports.
Read story
United Methodist Men
Helping pastors through difficult transitions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A change in pastoral assignment marks a critical point in the life and ministry of pastors and their congregations, so it is important for pastors and churches to show grace at every step in the transition. The Rev. Rick Vance, United Methodist Men’s director of the Center for Men’s Ministry, offers some tips for how churches can support both the incoming and outgoing pastor.
Read story
No Daily Digest May 31
There will be no UM News Daily Digest on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. The digest will return on Tuesday, June 1. The staff at UM News wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend.
PRESS RELEASES
Western North Carolina Conference
Lake Junaluska to host Juneteenth festivities
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The Western North Carolina Conference plans to have a Juneteenth Freedom Celebration starting at 2 p.m. U.S. Eastern time June 19 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. The event will include worship, a look at African American history, food trucks and family activities.
Read press release
EVENTS
Sunday, May 30
Peace with Justice Sunday
Monday, June 7
South Georgia Annual Conference
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Looking to neighbors to fix neighborhoods
INDIANAPOLIS (UM News) — An activist who believes residents are the most important key to improving in-danger neighborhoods has won a Tom Locke Innovative Leader Award from the Wesleyan Investive. DeAmon Harges works to improve northwest Indianapolis and consults all over the world. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Read press release
Watch video
Filipinos join massive pantry movement
MANILA, Philippines (UM News) — When one woman began offering free food from a simple wooden cart during COVID-19, she probably never imagined her small act of generosity would grow into a massive community-pantry movement in the Philippines. Now, United Methodists from around the region are responding to the needs of their neighbors. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story.
Read story
Volcano eruption in Congo hits church, homes
GOMA, Congo (UM News) — United Methodist leaders are assessing the damage following the eruption of the Mount Nyiragongo volcano, which swept away a church and many homes. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
Read story
Trove of Methodist treasures comes to SMU
DALLAS (UM News) — Southern Methodist University’s Bridwell Library will soon be home to the entire World Methodist Museum collection, including John Wesley’s traveling pulpit and a number of his handwritten letters. Heather Hahn writes about some of the treasures of Methodism included in the collection.
Read story
Ask The UMC
Celebrating Korean pioneers in Methodist history
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Ask The UMC remembers two pioneering Koreans in Methodist history: The Rev. Ju-sam Ryang, the first Korean Methodist bishop, and Esther Kim Pak, the first Korean Methodist female doctor.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
California-Nevada Conference
Church art marks anniversary of Floyd's death
BERKELEY, Calif. — Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, Epworth United Methodist Church unveiled an art installation honoring the lives of African Americans killed during their interactions with police. The art on display is the culmination of church members' research into the lives of 18 individuals. Merrie Bunt has the story.
Read story
Minnesota Conference
Conference hires racial justice organizer
MINNEAPOLIS — The Rev. Dana Neuhauser is joining the staff of the Minnesota Conference as its first racial justice organizer. Neuhauser's work will include teaching on anti-racism, providing training and resources for cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments, and offering support for clergy of color. The Rev. Cindy Gregorson, director of connectional ministries, said the new position aligns with the conference's vision to "engage in the work of justice and reconciliation." Karla Hovde has the story.
Read story
United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries
Church camps are a go this summer
LITTLETON, Colo. — United Methodist camps are gearing up for a full summer of fun, friendship, learning and faith formation out in God’s creation. After the challenging summer of 2020, when most United Methodist camps were unable to host programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, camp ministries across the United States are delighted to be open for business in 2021. Jen Burch has the story.
Read story
North Texas Conference
AAPI group takes stage at coffee shop church
DALLAS — "Dumpling Warriors" is the name of a group of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders brought together by Union, a United Methodist coffee shop church. In a time of heightened awareness of discrimination against the AAPI community, they have bonded and shared their experiences through Union's Naked Stage platform. Monica Frazier reports.
Read story
Texas Conference
Prayer nets inspiring church interest
KILGORE, Texas — A fresh way to generate prayers and introduce people to the church is growing in Texas. At St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, “prayer nets” placed at the front and back of the church encourage people to put prayer requests in a box and tie a ribbon on the net. Church members pray for each card received. Non-church members are making some of the requests, and it’s hoped that they are encouraged to check out the rest of the church experience. Lindsay Peyton reports.
Read story
South Georgia Conference
Mom’s love of music lives on in church bells
DOUGLAS, Ga. — Douglas First United Methodist Church dedicated a new carillon bell system. The Kimbrel family gave the bell system in memory of Gwen Carver, organist Jane Kimbrel’s mother and a lifelong member of the congregation. Kara Witherow reports on the new carillon, which offers Douglas’ first church-bell chimes.
Read story
Michigan Conference
Chancellor helps conference with legal issues
LANSING, Mich. — The chancellor for the Michigan Conference says he has worked on more than 200 cases and given more than 500 opinions of legal issues facing the church. Attorney Andy Vorbrich has served 11 years as chancellor. Glenn M. Wagner has the story.
Read story
New 2021 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2021 annual conference reports. New this week are the Greater New Jersey and Sierra Leone conferences.
Read reports
North Texas Conference
Virtual mission trip builds relationships
PLANO, Texas — The North Texas Conference recently sponsored a virtual mission trip to Honduras, connecting online with United Methodists in that country for discussion about challenges there. Six North Texas Conference churches have formed partnerships with congregations in Honduras, which has lost almost 10% of its population to emigration.
Read story
Commentary: 'Only love can drive out hate'
NEW YORK (UM News) — In the midst of a rise in violence toward the Asian community, the Rev. Chongho James Kim writes that agape love is "the ultimate way for us to overcome hate."
Read commentary
Southeastern Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction to meet online July 21
MACON, Ga. — The Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops has called a special session of the jurisdictional conference to meet virtually at 9 a.m. U.S. Central time July 21. The purpose is to vote on a resolution from the Tennessee and Memphis conferences to unite to form the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. The agenda also includes a report on the jurisdiction's pandemic response and anti-racism work.
Read press release
Commentary: Nurture younger generations
CHICAGO (UM News) — It is crucial for Korean churches to create a safe space for young Korean Americans to develop their faith and their identity, writes the Rev. Dr. Heesung Hwang, who teaches religious education at Chicago Theological Seminary.
Read commentary
South Carolina Conference
Pastor’s book urges ‘tri-pandemic’ preaching
LAKE CITY, S.C. — The Advocate Press has released a new book by the Rev. Amiri B. Hooker titled “Preaching in the Midst Of: How Black Preaching Has Changed in the COVID-19 Pandemic.” His book, written while he was sick with COVID-19, addresses the need for “great Black preaching in the midst of a tri-pandemic of disease, racism and poverty.”
Read press release
To order book
Commentary: United Methodism's crisis of authority
LOUISVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists need the stability of established doctrine and the means to uphold it, writes the Rev. Jason Stubblefield. He suggests that emulating the Roman Catholic Church's magisterium could serve that purpose.
Read commentary
TODAY'S HEADLINES
United Methodist Communications
COVID-19 vaccines offer mission opportunity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Though the COVID-19 vaccine has become more available, particularly in the United States, misinformation, mistrust and lack of access keep some communities at risk. However, conversations about COVID-19 vaccines are opportunities for mission and churches can be part of the solution. Crystal Caviness reports.
Read story
Oklahoma Conference, Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference
Bishop recalls Methodist response to Tulsa Massacre
TULSA, Okla. — Bishop Jimmy Nunn, whose area includes the Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Missionary conferences, has released a pastoral letter about the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. It includes the good and bad of local Methodist response to the horrific event. The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference is offering a Facebook video suggesting ways to observe the anniversary.
Read letter
Watch video
Missouri Conference
Pastor rode the rodeo
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Of the many second-career United Methodist pastors, the Rev. Ben Lee is certainly unusual, maybe unique, in having a professional rodeo background. He knows the Bible, and he knows bulls. Fred Koenig reports.
Read story
United Methodist Men
Helping pastors through difficult transitions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A change in pastoral assignment marks a critical point in the life and ministry of pastors and their congregations, so it is important for pastors and churches to show grace at every step in the transition. The Rev. Rick Vance, United Methodist Men’s director of the Center for Men’s Ministry, offers some tips for how churches can support both the incoming and outgoing pastor.
Read story
No Daily Digest May 31
There will be no UM News Daily Digest on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. The digest will return on Tuesday, June 1. The staff at UM News wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend.
PRESS RELEASES
Western North Carolina Conference
Lake Junaluska to host Juneteenth festivities
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. — The Western North Carolina Conference plans to have a Juneteenth Freedom Celebration starting at 2 p.m. U.S. Eastern time June 19 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. The event will include worship, a look at African American history, food trucks and family activities.
Read press release
EVENTS
Sunday, May 30
Peace with Justice Sunday
Monday, June 7
South Georgia Annual Conference
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Looking to neighbors to fix neighborhoods
INDIANAPOLIS (UM News) — An activist who believes residents are the most important key to improving in-danger neighborhoods has won a Tom Locke Innovative Leader Award from the Wesleyan Investive. DeAmon Harges works to improve northwest Indianapolis and consults all over the world. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Read press release
Watch video
Filipinos join massive pantry movement
MANILA, Philippines (UM News) — When one woman began offering free food from a simple wooden cart during COVID-19, she probably never imagined her small act of generosity would grow into a massive community-pantry movement in the Philippines. Now, United Methodists from around the region are responding to the needs of their neighbors. Gladys P. Mangiduyos has the story.
Read story
Volcano eruption in Congo hits church, homes
GOMA, Congo (UM News) — United Methodist leaders are assessing the damage following the eruption of the Mount Nyiragongo volcano, which swept away a church and many homes. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
Read story
Trove of Methodist treasures comes to SMU
DALLAS (UM News) — Southern Methodist University’s Bridwell Library will soon be home to the entire World Methodist Museum collection, including John Wesley’s traveling pulpit and a number of his handwritten letters. Heather Hahn writes about some of the treasures of Methodism included in the collection.
Read story
Ask The UMC
Celebrating Korean pioneers in Methodist history
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Ask The UMC remembers two pioneering Koreans in Methodist history: The Rev. Ju-sam Ryang, the first Korean Methodist bishop, and Esther Kim Pak, the first Korean Methodist female doctor.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
California-Nevada Conference
Church art marks anniversary of Floyd's death
BERKELEY, Calif. — Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, Epworth United Methodist Church unveiled an art installation honoring the lives of African Americans killed during their interactions with police. The art on display is the culmination of church members' research into the lives of 18 individuals. Merrie Bunt has the story.
Read story
Minnesota Conference
Conference hires racial justice organizer
MINNEAPOLIS — The Rev. Dana Neuhauser is joining the staff of the Minnesota Conference as its first racial justice organizer. Neuhauser's work will include teaching on anti-racism, providing training and resources for cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments, and offering support for clergy of color. The Rev. Cindy Gregorson, director of connectional ministries, said the new position aligns with the conference's vision to "engage in the work of justice and reconciliation." Karla Hovde has the story.
Read story
United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries
Church camps are a go this summer
LITTLETON, Colo. — United Methodist camps are gearing up for a full summer of fun, friendship, learning and faith formation out in God’s creation. After the challenging summer of 2020, when most United Methodist camps were unable to host programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, camp ministries across the United States are delighted to be open for business in 2021. Jen Burch has the story.
Read story
North Texas Conference
AAPI group takes stage at coffee shop church
DALLAS — "Dumpling Warriors" is the name of a group of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders brought together by Union, a United Methodist coffee shop church. In a time of heightened awareness of discrimination against the AAPI community, they have bonded and shared their experiences through Union's Naked Stage platform. Monica Frazier reports.
Read story
Texas Conference
Prayer nets inspiring church interest
KILGORE, Texas — A fresh way to generate prayers and introduce people to the church is growing in Texas. At St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, “prayer nets” placed at the front and back of the church encourage people to put prayer requests in a box and tie a ribbon on the net. Church members pray for each card received. Non-church members are making some of the requests, and it’s hoped that they are encouraged to check out the rest of the church experience. Lindsay Peyton reports.
Read story
South Georgia Conference
Mom’s love of music lives on in church bells
DOUGLAS, Ga. — Douglas First United Methodist Church dedicated a new carillon bell system. The Kimbrel family gave the bell system in memory of Gwen Carver, organist Jane Kimbrel’s mother and a lifelong member of the congregation. Kara Witherow reports on the new carillon, which offers Douglas’ first church-bell chimes.
Read story
Michigan Conference
Chancellor helps conference with legal issues
LANSING, Mich. — The chancellor for the Michigan Conference says he has worked on more than 200 cases and given more than 500 opinions of legal issues facing the church. Attorney Andy Vorbrich has served 11 years as chancellor. Glenn M. Wagner has the story.
Read story
New 2021 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2021 annual conference reports. New this week are the Greater New Jersey and Sierra Leone conferences.
Read reports
North Texas Conference
Virtual mission trip builds relationships
PLANO, Texas — The North Texas Conference recently sponsored a virtual mission trip to Honduras, connecting online with United Methodists in that country for discussion about challenges there. Six North Texas Conference churches have formed partnerships with congregations in Honduras, which has lost almost 10% of its population to emigration.
Read story
Commentary: 'Only love can drive out hate'
NEW YORK (UM News) — In the midst of a rise in violence toward the Asian community, the Rev. Chongho James Kim writes that agape love is "the ultimate way for us to overcome hate."
Read commentary
Southeastern Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction to meet online July 21
MACON, Ga. — The Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops has called a special session of the jurisdictional conference to meet virtually at 9 a.m. U.S. Central time July 21. The purpose is to vote on a resolution from the Tennessee and Memphis conferences to unite to form the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. The agenda also includes a report on the jurisdiction's pandemic response and anti-racism work.
Read press release
Commentary: Nurture younger generations
CHICAGO (UM News) — It is crucial for Korean churches to create a safe space for young Korean Americans to develop their faith and their identity, writes the Rev. Dr. Heesung Hwang, who teaches religious education at Chicago Theological Seminary.
Read commentary
South Carolina Conference
Pastor’s book urges ‘tri-pandemic’ preaching
LAKE CITY, S.C. — The Advocate Press has released a new book by the Rev. Amiri B. Hooker titled “Preaching in the Midst Of: How Black Preaching Has Changed in the COVID-19 Pandemic.” His book, written while he was sick with COVID-19, addresses the need for “great Black preaching in the midst of a tri-pandemic of disease, racism and poverty.”
Read press release
To order book
Commentary: United Methodism's crisis of authority
LOUISVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodists need the stability of established doctrine and the means to uphold it, writes the Rev. Jason Stubblefield. He suggests that emulating the Roman Catholic Church's magisterium could serve that purpose.
Read commentary
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