UMC Featured News & Stories

Commentary: Mumbai moves on after attacks
Jacob and Glory Dharmaraj find that the people—and faiths—of Mumbai are resilient following terrorist attack. Firewood ministry warms hearts, homes in mountains
Church teams travel to the hills of North Carolina to chop firewood for people in need. Social action agency sets legislative priorities
The Board of Church and Society is focusing on health care, poverty, immigration, families and other key areas. 2009 legislative priorities for Board of Church & Society
The United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) has set its legislative priorities for the 111th Congress. United Methodism Lives in Small Town in Kazakhstan
The 20-member United Methodist congregation in Zhetigen, Kazakhstan, is filled with hope and enthusiasm in the new year. Mississippi looks back, forward after inauguration
United Methodists gather to recall lynchings in their state and look to the promise of a new era. UMCOR responds to Gaza relief needs
Humanitarian groups take advantage of a cease-fire to meet residents’ urgent needs for food and other supplies. Africa University students struggle to pay fees
With inflation at 230 million percent, Zimbabwe’s woes are squeezing students and their families. Methodist center diagnoses sleep disorders
New clinic opens at a time when some 70 million Americans are dealing with sleep-related problems. Churches serve up hospitality in historic week
Visitors to Washington experienced hospitality and forged friendships at area churches during inauguration week. Filipino church leaders support chief justice
Reynato S. Puno, a United Methodist, could be the target of impeachment efforts because of his human rights support. Church can be model for Obama team, McCurry says
The United Methodist Church can be a model for bringing people from different viewpoints together, former press secretary says. Copy of Churches appeal to and pledge support to new president on issues of peace and poverty
Several ecumenical Christian groups in the United States both appealed to and pledged to support the president in matters dealing with peace, poverty, and human rights. Faith leaders want to partner with Obama
U.S. leaders in the World Council of Churches offer their support in a letter to the new president. Students see hope for Africa in Obama presidency
In Zimbabwe, students at Africa University share their excitement about the new U.S. president. Texts of Prayers at Inauguration of President Obama
Two prayers were included in the inaugural ceremonies marking the start of the presidency of Barack Hussein Obama, the first African American president of the United States. Court docket includes Bush library, same-sex unions
The United Methodist Judicial Council will act on high-profile issues when it meets this spring in Denver. Pastor works pasture to raise food for poor
When he’s not in the pulpit, the Rev. Nels Ledwell can probably be found tending cattle for a nonprofit farm. Inauguration inspires hope, awe for United Methodists
Witnesses find themselves moved by the historic moment—and motivated to help President Obama bring about change. Lowery, Height join those on inaugural platform
Civil rights veterans Joseph Lowery and Dorothy Height share historic moment with new President Barack Obama. Churches provide hospitality for inauguration crowds
Congregations are welcoming Washington visitors with the theme: "Be the Change You Want to See." Bishop’s 33rd letter to King celebrates ‘unforgettable’ milestone
Barack Obama’s election as the first African-American U.S. president signifies more than a transfer of power, writes Bishop Woodie White. Analysis: United Methodists assess Bush presidency
George W. Bush’s tenure was marked by both agreement and conflict with his denomination’s policies. Churches sponsor missions to honor MLK holiday
United Methodist congregations and other churches are responding to the call for a national day of service. Faith leaders call for increase in U.S. 'living wage'
A campaign in the United States pushes for an increase in the federal minimum wage to $10 by 2010. UMCOR’s 100-Ton Challenge is Over Halfway Mark
Since the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) issued its 100-Ton Challenge for United Methodists to increase their purchases of fairly traded goods on World Fair Trade Day 2008, 56.5 tons have been purchased towards this goal. Publishing House to Reassess Funding for Hymnal Revision
Neil M. Alexander, President and Publisher of The United Methodist Publishing House, announced last week that the hymnal revision process begun at the 2008 General Conference will be slowed and reassessed in light of funding concerns in the coming months. Church keeps Zimbabwe hospitals open
With many public facilities closed, United Methodist hospitals continue to treat patients, and the church plans more aid. Convocation inspires pastors to build bridges
Nearly 400 African-American pastors hear challenges to use bridges for receiving God’s promise of a new future. Report shows collapse of Zimbabwe health system
A physicians’ organization blames the Mugabe government for the destruction of health, water and sanitation systems. Church civil rights leaders recall early struggles
The issue of racial equality has long challenged communities of faith. Benediction will be emotional, Lowery says
The Rev. Joseph Lowery says he will pray with his eyes open because he knows he “will see Martin smiling at us.” Commentary: A lesson from my daughter
The Rev. Linda E. Thomas tells how her 8-year-old daughter helped awaken in her a feeling of pride for America. Commentary: A word with the president
Election shows young people can make a difference, and it’s time for their voices to be heard, they say. Students expect Obama to be man of his word
College students say they will be watching the new president and realize they have a role to play too. Young people tie Obama vote to faith
Election shows young people can make a difference, and it’s time for their voices to be heard, they say. In letter to King, bishop rejoices over election of nation’s first African-American president
Woodie White shares a feeling of "joy beyond description" at historic moment. Obama embraced as symbol of U.S. diversity
United Methodists from different backgrounds say U.S. voters have acknowledged the country’s diversity. United Methodists consider a word with the president
What would you ask Barack Obama if you had 15 minutes with him? United Methodists share their thoughts. Tenn. ash spill creates concern for area churches
Four United Methodist churches are located near a coal-burning plant where a fly ash spill has created a 300-acre disaster. United Methodists look to assist civilians in Gaza
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working with other agencies to provide humanitarian aid as violence continues. 'Five Practices' book leads to church movement
What does it take to be a fruitful congregation? A bishop shares five themes at the Congress on Evangelism. Brooklyn Church Offers a Warm Welcome to Many Immigrants
When Pastor Pauline Wardell-Sankoh came to John Wesley United Methodist Church in 2000, she did not realize the extent of passion for immigration justice that had begun to take root a year earlier. Bish Schna-Z raps with UM bloggers
Bishop Robert Schnase and other online scribes explore the impact of blogging for the church. An Appeal on Gaza

Mission leaders call for Gaza cease-fire
Two United Methodist leaders urge President Bush to bring about a cease-fire between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. United Methodists will offer inaugural hospitality
Churches around Washington will hold special events and provide hospitality to visitors during the historic inauguration week. New Congress will have 53 United Methodists
Fifty-three United Methodists will serve in the 111th Congress, and the denomination still ranks third in total congressional membership. Recruiters explore ways to develop young clergy
Annual conferences have a lot of influence in helping young people hear the call to ministry, and 44 recruiters shared ideas for success. United Methodist members of 111th Congress
United Methodist senators and representatives are listed with their state and party affiliations.

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