“The United Methodist Church is a force for good in the world. Its commitment to supporting Congolese communities is an example to follow.” — Nkonko, chief of a village that houses a camp for internally displaced people in Kananga, Congo.
NEWS AND FEATURES
United Methodist church opens in displaced camp
KANANGA, Congo (UM News) — The atmosphere was festive in the Nkonko camp for internally displaced people as hundreds crowded around a new United Methodist church built by a local missionary couple. Church leaders said the new church is a symbol of hope for thousands of Congolese families living in the camp who were expelled from Angola. Cédrick Okandjo has the story.
Read story
Michigan Conference
Native cemetery reclaimed, restored
NORTHPORT, Mich. — A Native American cemetery was reclaimed and cleaned up by members of Northport Indian United Methodist Church. Valerie Maidens and members of her church have obtained ownership of the property and are committed to taking care of it. The congregation also is reaching out to its Native community through a prayer ministry and other projects. James Deaton reports.
Read story
Oklahoma Conference
Churches partner to abolish medical debt
OKLAHOMA CITY — Five million dollars of medical debt has been abolished for the western half of the state of Oklahoma thanks to Oklahoma Conference congregations. The Rev. Jennifer Long, pastor of Kingfisher First United Methodist Church, led the campaign after seeing an article about RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit that helps to relieve debt for thousands of individuals. Crown Heights United Methodist Church saw a post about the “Do All the Good You Can” campaign and jumped in to help. Conference staff have the story.
Read story
Greater New Jersey Conference
Disaster case managers are ‘light in the darkness’
NEPTUNE, N.J. — Helping people come back from the devastation of a natural disaster is hard work. But when people’s lives fall apart, disaster case managers give of themselves to help survivors get the assistance they need. Krista B. Jefferies reports.
Read story
Global Ministries
Malaria work continues in Africa
ATLANTA — The battle to combat malaria in Africa continues as a priority for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, with distribution of mosquito nets and training of young people ongoing. In Burundi, where malaria rates doubled in 2019, pastors and students at 20 local schools have been trained to spread malaria awareness, educating classmates and parishioners about symptoms and encouraging them to visit a health clinic at the first sign of disease. Global Ministries staff have the story.
Read story
Louisiana Conference
Pastor to attend climate change event
MANSFIELD, La. — The Rev. Emily Carroll, pastor of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, will be part of a delegation of United Methodists attending COP28, a United Nations climate change conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She plans to share how climate change has already affected members of her church and community in northwest Louisiana. Mark Lambert reports.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Archives and History
Matching grant announced for GivingTuesday
MADISON, N.J. — A matching grant from an anonymous donor doubles donations to the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History up to $5,000 on GivingTuesday. The commission is planning a variety of initiatives including online history courses, a multiday tour of top Methodist sites, an oral history project and resources for children. GivingTuesday, on Nov. 28, is a day when individuals are encouraged to make donations to nonprofits.
Read press release
Donate
RECENT HEADLINES
Exploring artificial intelligence and church
Bishops elect new leaders, plan for renewed church
EVENTS
Monday, Dec. 4-Friday, Dec. 15
Closing Conversations: An End-of-Life Care Guide
Monday, Jan. 8-Monday, March 4
Online course: Women Speak of God
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.