“Our mission is to change the trajectory of the lives of underserved children and their families through a holistic ministry that includes discipleship, early literacy and health.” — The Rev. Jill Daniel, describing a Texas Conference initiative that includes planting child care centers.
TODAY’S HEADLINES
Conference takes on ‘child care deserts’
LINDEN, Texas (UM News) — The Texas Conference has been planting child care centers in underserved areas, in partnership with local United Methodist churches. The fifth such center opened Oct. 18 in Linden. “Where there are child care deserts, the church and other community partners are essential to the welfare and education of our young people,” said Bishop Scott Jones. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
Watch local TV news report
North Georgia Conference
Looking at stained glass in a new way
SNELLVILLE, Ga. — When COVID-19 closed the sanctuary, the Rev. Tracy Rollins Sever of Snellville United Methodist Church posted photos of the church’s stained glass windows on social media. The response led her to offer a new prayer and study initiative called “Visio Divina: The Beauty of the Stained Glass Windows.” She talks with the conference about ways churchgoers might use stained glass to connect with God.
Read Q&A
West Ohio Conference
Church makes space in digital world
BEAVERCREEK, Ohio — Aley United Methodist Church had dipped its toes into the digital pool, but it took the coronavirus pandemic to dive into the deep end. Thanks to communications grants from the West Ohio Conference and Miami Valley District, the church enhanced its video equipment and increased internet capabilities for online services while making sure to balance the needs of those attending in-person worship. Conference staff reports.
Read story
Wesleyan Investive
Pandemic alters but doesn’t halt church’s outreach
HARTFORD, Conn. — In the early days of the new millennium, the leaders of North United Methodist Church had a clear vision for a piece of property that was next door to the church but wasn’t for sale. Through saving and investing, the church was ready to bring its vision to life when the property did hit the market. Though the coronavirus pandemic forced the church to reimagine its plans, it found new ways to serve the community as a COVID-19 testing and vaccination site and a farmer’s market with fresh produce.
Read story
PRESS RELEASES
Scarritt Bennett Center
New leader at Scarritt Bennett
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — An attorney and Baptist pastor was selected as the new executive director of the Scarritt Bennett Center. The Rev. Sondrea L. Tolbert succeeds Sarah Wilke, who led the conference, retreat and education center for five years. Tolbert established Pink Sunday Nashville in Middle Tennessee to raise breast cancer awareness. Scarritt Bennett Center’s campus is owned by United Methodist Women.
Read press release
RESOURCES
Explore United Methodist photos
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — UM News has thousands of images of The United Methodist Church in action around the world. These images are free to use for United Methodist organizations that provide an identifying credit.
See photos
EVENTS
Tuesday, Oct. 26
Tuesdays at the Table: How do we experience God in a complex world?
Saturday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Oct. 31
Celebrating Asbury’s Voyage to the Americas 250 Years Ago
TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK
Ministry connects seniors with today's technology
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The ability to use cell phones and computer tablets became more important to seniors during the coronavirus pandemic. That's why the Best Years Club for seniors at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church is offering classes on just that. Students who finish the training are getting free tablets. Grant money from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries is financing the project. Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
UM News: Churches weigh options to reach seniors
Sermons revived 25 years after pastor’s death
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (UM News) — The Son of a Preacher Podcast repurposes the work of the late Rev. Wallace A. Stark, whose treasure trove of 1,300 sermons delivered in Iowa churches was inherited by his son. GW Stark boils the sermons down to a 12-minute or so podcast. He says many are pertinent to events today. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
UM News: Podcasts give churches ‘germ-free’ way to minister
Exploring Asbury’s influence on the role of bishops
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Ask The UMC) — The role of bishops in The United Methodist Church owes much to the pioneering work of Francis Asbury, one of American Methodism’s first bishops. Asbury set the precedents and laid the groundwork for much of what United Methodist bishops do today, writes Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
UM News: Celebrating Asbury’s impact on 2 shores
Guidance for sexual harassment survivors
CHICAGO (UM News) — A new website offered by the Commission on the Status and Role of Women offers step-by-step guidance on the complaint process for people who are considering pursuing sexual misconduct charges against a church official. The Do No More Harm site strives to make the system put forth in the United Methodist Book of Discipline more clear. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
Read press release
'Nerd' church builds community without a building
DENVER, N.C. (UM News) — As churches in the pandemic era have gotten creative with online worship, Checkpoint Church was designed to be exclusively virtual. The congregation doesn't even have a building. Aaron Cross has the story.
Read story
UM News: Online gamer ministry offers unique outreach
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.