Ministry

The Rev. Andy Oliver (left) of Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Fla., prays with Luis Blanco in front of the Tampa immigration office on Jan. 30, 2018. The congregation supported Blanco and his family during his deportation proceedings. Oliver continues to be in ministry with marginalized communities in Florida, including helping to lead weekly protests at detention centers in the state that are housing suspected undocumented immigrants. File photo courtesy of the Rev. Andy Oliver.

Pastor emulates Wesley in Florida

The Rev. Andy Oliver’s journey from burnt-out pastor to passionate activist has taken some interesting stops, including public relations and tending bar.

General Agencies

Shirley Watkins, a member of Travis Park United Methodist Church in San Antonio, Texas, addresses the 90th anniversary celebration of The Upper Room on Aug. 21 at The Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tenn. Watkins was one of three representatives from Travis Park, where the idea for The Upper Room devotional was born. Photo by Laura Buchanan, UM News.

The Upper Room devotional celebrates 90 years

From an idea born in 1935, the devotional guide has become a fixture in homes, churches, care facilities and other places around the world.

Mission and Ministry

A woman laughs as she shakes hands with the Rev. Edicance Marange after attending service at the United Methodist Hilltop Circuit in the Sakubva suburb of Mutare, Zimbabwe. The church has a new minibus that picks up older members from their homes and returns them after weekly worship services. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Zimbabwe church provides ‘lifeline’ for seniors

The United Methodist Hilltop Circuit offers a transportation ministry, special worship service and monthly visits to get older members involved in church life.

Local Church

Unhoused women wait for the doors to open on the morning of March 28 at First United Methodist Church of Austin, Texas. Each Friday, the women are able to get showers, pick out new clothing from donations the church has collected, have a meal or enjoy the luxury of sleeping in a safe environment. Once a month, they can get their hair washed, cut and styled. Photo by Andrea Turner, UM News.

Church provides pampering for unhoused women

Each Friday is a special day for 30-40 women without housing in Austin, Texas. That’s when they are treated to a spa day ministry hosted by First United Methodist Church.

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