UM News Digest - Dec. 2, 2024

UMCOR assists vulnerable after Helene
How do Advent readings differ year to year?
Firewood ministry keeps community warm

“When the storm hit, there were nine families right here on the creek. The water rose so fast, the trailers overturned. They rolled.” — Al Miller, Disaster Recovery Team Leader.

Rosa Sistare helps explain preparations to winterize temporary housing in camping trailers for residents of the Grindstaff Trailer Park in Spruce Pine, N.C. Residents survived flash flooding that rolled their mobile homes onto their sides after Tropical Storm Helene caused nearby Brushy Creek to overflow its banks. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

UMCOR assists vulnerable after Helene

SPRUCE PINE, N.C. (UM News) — The United Methodist Committee on Relief helps vulnerable people regardless of their race, religion or status. Following Hurricane Helene, some families in Western North Carolina were reluctant to accept help because of their undocumented status. United Methodist volunteers were able to build trust and connect storm victims with the assistance they needed. Lilla Marigza has the story.

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Ask The UMC
How do Advent readings differ year to year?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Taylor W Burton Edwards with Ask The UMC looks at how the Advent readings differ from year to year, but also how they are the same. “The Advent readings pursue three different themes in the three different years, each with its distinct focus on cultivating spiritual practice, and all worthy of revisiting in three years’ time,” he writes.
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Susquehanna Conference
Firewood ministry keeps community warm
BELLEFONTE, Pa. — When the Rev. James Jacobs, pastor of Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church, asked the congregation for out-of-the-box outreach ideas, one of the most successful has been “Wood for Good.” Many people in the area heat their homes with firewood but may not be able to cut their own or afford to buy it. A church team contacted landscapers and tree trimmers to donate any trees they’ve cut down. It’s “the hands and feet of Jesus Christ ... using a chain saw and wood splitter,” writes Jacobs.
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North Alabama Conference
Children, teens make effort to join church
NORTHPORT, Ala. — Something wonderful happened to the Rev. Joyce Snyder when a group of young people asked the senior pastor at Union Chapel United Methodist Church how to become members. The question ultimately led to confirmation classes. Altogether, seven joined the church and three were baptized. North Alabama Conference staff have the story.
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Perkins School of Theology
Mid-career shift leads to homeless ministry
DALLAS — When Janet Collinsworth started classes part-time at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, she told ethics professor Rebekah Miles, she was there for knowledge not ordination. Collinsworth — now an ordained United Methodist deacon — is well into her ministry helping homeless women and their children toward self-sufficiency. Nancy George has the story.
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Mississippi Conference
The church goes to the fair
JACKSON, Miss. — Volunteers from the Mississippi Conference Office of Faith Community Formation shared the love of Christ with fairgoers during the 2024 Mississippi State Fair. For the second year, the conference purchased a booth inside the Mississippi Trade Mart. Matthew Johnson has the story on the impact of this evangelism effort.
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Michigan Conference
United Methodist senator to retire
LANSING, Mich. — U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, a United Methodist, is retiring after 50 years of public service. Stabenow acknowledges that her faith remains a great influence on her values and passion to serve. Her political career has included elected service in school, county, state and federal government. Glenn M. Wagner reports.
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California-Nevada Conference
Conference hosts missionary event
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California-Nevada Conference Center hosted the 2024 “Developing Developers of The United Methodist Church” event, gathering 42 participants to discuss effective church mission. Speakers included California-Nevada Conference Bishop Sandy Olewine and Missouri Conference Bishop Bob Farr. The Rev. J. Martin Lee reports.
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Global Ministries
Supporting migrants and refugees
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Committee on Relief will prioritize support for migrants and refugees as the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, said top executive Roland Fernandes. “Through comprehensive programs spanning global advocacy, church engagement, legal support and practical assistance, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity,” he said in a statement.
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United Methodist Communications
Get what you need from AI
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Artificial intelligence is everywhere. While some AI misuse leads to trepidation, many AI tools can be extremely helpful for busy communicators. Laura Buchanan offers tips for making AI work for you.
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