UM News Digest - Feb. 24, 2025

Can Fresh Expressions rescue the lonely?
From prisoner to pastor
Books to mark Black History Month

“People are motivated by a deep moral compass and spirituality and want to be in community with others.” — The Rev. Michael Adam Beck, director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church and author of “Never Alone: Sharing the Gift of Community in a Lonely World.”

Loneliness is an epidemic according to a 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General. Image by WOKANDAPIX, courtesy of Pixabay.

Can Fresh Expressions rescue the lonely?

OCALA, Fla. (UM News) — A new book by the director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church diagnoses humanity as suffering from deep loneliness. The Rev. Michael Adam Beck believes that gathering people around common interests can combat loneliness and isolation. Groups can find community through hobbies like comic books, finding a good cup of coffee or a love of tattoos. Jim Patterson reports.

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The Rev. Michael Adam Beck leads The United Methodist Church’s Fresh Expressions movement. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Michael Adam Beck.

From prisoner to pastor

OCALA, Fla. (UM News) — When it comes to loneliness and alienation, the Rev. Michael Adam Beck knows of what he speaks. Born addicted to drugs and abandoned by his parents, he hit bottom while imprisoned in solitary confinement in a Florida jail. Beck rose above it, and believes he can help others do the same. Jim Patterson has his story.

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South Carolina Conference
Books to mark Black History Month
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate’s book-publishing arm, the Advocate Press, has seven books that can help United Methodists reflect on Black history and celebrate works by Black church members.
Learn more

Michigan Conference
New building will serve youth
DETROIT — A 55,000-square-foot building will undergo renovations starting this spring so it can bring better mental health services to youth. It will feature therapy rooms, educational spaces and recreational areas to provide a holistic approach to mental health care. The facility also will afford room for transitional housing for older youth aging out of the foster system, parenting classes, adoption services and offices for dozens of programs to serve the needs of up to 2,200 youth. Faith Green Timmons has the story.
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Finance and Administration
Agencies collaborate to support Discipline translations
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The board of the General Council on Finance and Administration, in conjunction with the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, has authorized the approval of a one-time $125,000 grant to facilitate the publication of the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline and Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation in Korean and Spanish. The grant is a response to a denomination-wide appeal by The United Methodist Publishing House for alternative funding for the Spanish- and Korean-language versions. The grant supplements additional resources dedicated to the project by the Publishing House.
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Read previous UM News story

Church World Service
Haitian protected status threatened
NEW YORK — A move by the White House to revoke the temporary protected status of half a million Haitians living in the U.S. is being questioned by Church World Service. The decision, which goes into effect in August, will put immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for decades at risk of deportation to a nation in turmoil. Church World Service, of which The United Methodist Church is a member, is calling for the Trump administration to reinstate protections for Haitians and other immigrants who cannot return to their home countries safely.
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North Georgia Conference
Wellroot holds workshop on teen outreach
DULUTH, Ga. — United Methodist-related Wellroot Family Services welcomed more than 400 youth-serving professionals from more than 150 organizations across Georgia for a workshop on engaging teens. United Methodist clergy and laity from the North and South Georgia conferences were among those who attended the summit.
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UM News includes in the Digest various 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.

Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Reimagining discipleship at table of grace
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Stephen E. Handy says Jesus captured the imaginations and hopes of people around a simple table. The lead pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church says Christians can nurture discipleship in others by simply breaking bread together and sharing a story of hope.
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Reconciling Ministries Network
Online gathering explores DEI
CHICAGO — Reconciling Ministries Network sees its work not only as advocating for LGBTQ equality but also racial justice. The group plans to have a “Virtual Porch” online gathering exploring DEI, which stands for diversity, equity and inclusion; what the Bible says about the topic; and why the Trump administration is taking aim at it. The gathering, titled “This is the DEI that the Lord Has Made,” is scheduled for 7-8 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Feb. 25.
To register
Coming later this week: UM News’ Heather Hahn talks with leaders of Reconciling Ministries Network about their hopes to help the church live into a more inclusive future.

United Methodist Communications
Resources for UMCOR Sunday on March 30
ATLANTA — Individuals and congregations are encouraged to support The United Methodist Church’s collective relief work by giving to the UMCOR Sunday offering. Gifts given on UMCOR Sunday, March 30 this year, help strengthen the church’s global humanitarian response by underwriting the administrative costs of the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Learn more and download resources