UM News Digest - Feb. 3, 2025

Effort to reimagine Discipline moves forward
Korean, Spanish versions of Discipline halted
Super Bowl hunger challenge accepted

“People from all around the world are part of this group. … We are gathered together to come up with decisions that will lead our church.” — The Rev. Nelly W. Wright, on the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters.

The Rev. Nelly W. Wright of Liberia addresses fellow members of the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters about work to determine what in the administrative section of the Book of Discipline applies to the whole United Methodist Church and what can be adaptable. Photo by Heather Hahn, UM News.

Effort to reimagine Discipline moves forward

ATLANTA (UM News) — United Methodist leaders are evaluating what portions of the Book of Discipline can be adapted. A constitutional-amendment package, called regionalization, would extend the same authority central conferences have to adapt the Discipline to the U.S. But regardless of what happens with regionalization, the Discipline overhaul is heading to the next General Conference. Heather Hahn reports.

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UM News: Committee begins theological work

Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News

Korean, Spanish versions of Discipline halted

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Publishing House has announced it will cease publication of the Book of Discipline and Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation in Korean and Spanish, citing financial constraints and declining demand. The decision has sparked concern and disappointment among United Methodist leaders and congregations. In a letter announcing the change, the Rev. Brian K. Milford, president and publisher, outlined possible alternatives for producing the language editions and invited stakeholders to submit suggestions by Feb. 28. The Rev. Thomas E. Kim reports.

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Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey conferences
Super Bowl hunger challenge accepted
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi is suited up in Eagles gear and ready to go toe-to-toe with Bishop David Wilson in the Super Bowl Sacking Hunger Challenge, a contest to collect non-perishable food items for pantries and feeding programs. The Philadelphia Eagles will take on the Kansas City Chiefs for the championship Feb. 9 in New Orleans. Chiefs fans in the Great Plains and Missouri conferences and Eagles fans in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey conferences will compete to see who can contribute the most food.
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Read Great Plains Conference story

South Carolina Conference
Robotics program draws youth to church
MANNING, S.C. — A love for Legos has turned into a fruitful ministry for one Lowcountry church, bringing new members to their youth group and an exciting and innovative way to share values of Christian fellowship with young people. The ministry uses Lego building and robotics to teach Christlike values. Jessica Brodie has the story.
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Global Ministries
Mission agency commits to support of Gaza
ATLANTA — After more than 15 months of bloodshed, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries welcomes the ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. But for the Palestinian people, the path toward just and sustainable peace with full accountability is long. Roland Fernandes, the agency’s top executive, says the agency will continue to support the people in Gaza rebuilding their lives.
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Desert Southwest Conference
Church launches microgrants for urban farmers
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Zion United Methodist Church has launched a microgrant program to support urban farmers in the Las Vegas Valley. The program is part of the church’s commitment to food access and sustainability. Christina Dillabough has the story.
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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.

Arkansas Conference
Bishop shares message on immigration
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Bishop Laura Merrill, who leads the Arkansas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Missionary conferences, shares her experiences as a United Methodist pastor on the U.S. border with Mexico. She writes that “there must be ground between a completely open border and cruel policies that disregard the worth of people who live and work among us, helping our nation function.”
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Society of St. Andrew
Lenten devotions available for order
BIG ISLAND, Va. — The Society of St. Andrew, a feeding ministry and United Methodist partner, is offering free devotionals for the season of Lent. This year’s theme is “A New Day Dawns.” The daily devotionals will start Ash Wednesday, March 5, and conclude on Easter, April 20.
To learn more and order