UMC Featured News & Stories

South Indiana Annual Conference
The South Indiana Annual Conference met at Indiana University using the theme "Friends with Christ, Friends with Each Other" based on John 15:15. Volunteers stitch comfort clothes for wounded soldiers
A Florida church's sewing club provides an alternative to hospital gowns for soldiers recovering from their injuries. Native congregation celebrates new church
Prayers were answered on the Memorial Day weekend with the dedication of a Native American church. Tornado-ravaged Iowa picking up after storms
United Methodists are hard at work responding to the May 25 tornado that devastated Parkersburg, Iowa. Risk of disease multiplies Myanmar disaster
As relief agencies respond to cyclone, the government’s blockage of supplies takes a deadly toll. Four students receive campus ministry scholarships
The $15,000 in scholarships will help the four students improve their skills as campus ministers through advanced study. Michigan United Methodists offer hope to refugees
A congregation finds that co-sponsoring Iraqi refugee families leads to a deeper understanding of “what it means to be Christ.” United Methodist Bishop Homer Ellis Finger Jr. dies
The former president of the Council of Bishops is remembered as a “true statesman” of the church. He was 91. 'Recipe for Hope' campaign targets hunger
Bread for the World has created its own recipe to help address the growing global food crisis. Commentary: How can a Christian be in politics?
A former United Methodist minister who is now a Tennessee state senator shares how good government helped to save his children's lives. Long assembly welcomes lighthearted moments
Squirt guns, show tunes and straight talk from a 7-year-old added levity to the often-weighty days of General Conference. Church plans annual celebration of older adults
United Methodists will begin observing Older Adult Recognition Day next year. United Methodists affirm Native American nations
General Conference reaffirms tribal sovereignty in the U.S. and calls for non-gambling forms of economic development. United Methodists support initial relief in China
A United Methodist-supported relief team is distributing emergency supplies in several Chinese villages following the May 12 earthquake. Young people add voices to church policy
Though the church is graying, young adults were highly visible at General Conference, including the first-ever Young People's Address. Bishops can give deacons sacramental authority
Deacons may be able to administer communion and baptism in certain circumstances under legislation approved by General Conference. Church gives out prayer bears to struggling people
A small Virginia congregation's "prayer bears" ministry reminds those who are sick or hurting that they are being lifted up in prayer. Detroit Annual Conference
The Detroit Annual Conference met in its 40th annual session under the theme "Breaking into the Future." United Methodists refine ecumenical relations process
Changes approved by General Conference are designed to address the changing nature of relationships with other denominations. United Methodists stand with arrested workers
With 389 immigrant workers taken into custody at a plant in Iowa, church leaders call for a comprehensive U.S. immigration policy. Basketball scores big win in anti-malaria campaign
A basketball signed by United Methodist bishops nets almost $430,000 in an auction at the church's General Conference. General Conference shortens candidacy process
The candidacy process for ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church will be shortened by two years beginning next January. United Methodists name new ecumenical leader
The Rev. Stephen J. Sidorak Jr. is elected to lead the Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns. Assembly sets guidelines on clergy effectiveness
Bishops who question the effectiveness of a clergy person now have procedures for terminating the appointment. Communications agency awards scholarships
Milse Furtado is this year's winner of the Stoody-West Fellowship from United Methodist Communications. Pastor preaches recovery from alcoholism, addictions
"I’m an alcoholic. My name is Jo," says the Rev. Jo Campe, opening worship at two Minneapolis area churches serving the recovery community. Churches help families left behind after raids
United Methodists scramble to assist families torn apart by an immigration raid in Chattanooga, Tenn. Delegates call for world peace, end to war in Iraq
United Methodist assembly opposes “weaponizing” space and urges church members to promote peace. Missionary recounts aftermath in Chengdu
Unnerved by earthquake, students set up makeshift tents outside their buildings. United Methodists respond to China earthquake
The church’s relief agency works with the Amity Foundation to provide aid to Sichuan Province. Amendment would give voting rights to local pastors
A constitutional amendment would give local pastors, provisional members and associate members voting rights. Red Bird Missionary Conference
Bishop James R. King, Jr. presided over the Red Bird Missionary Conference session at Mary Helen United Methodist Church, Coalgood, Ky. UMCOR, conferences respond to U.S. storms
In an unusually active spring storm season, UMCOR works with United Methodist conference recovery ministries. Church volunteer teaches sign language to babies
Nancy Jayne of Whitesboro, N.Y., says her classes introduce parents and children to a whole new world of communication. Faith groups work toward relief in Myanmar
As aid trickles in to cyclone survivors in Myanmar, United Methodists and other faith-based groups cooperate on relief efforts. Awards go to United Methodist-related publications
United Methodist-related publications, writers and photographers garner 21 awards from the Associated Church Press. Myanmar bishop monitors situation at home
Bishop Zothan Mawia, visiting the United States, has been trying to respond to the May 3 cyclone from afar. Relief efforts for Myanmar continue
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is partnering with Church World Service on aid for the cyclone-stricken nation. Teens help homeless with fashion show
A youth group in North Carolina takes to the runway with its Love Thy Neighbor ministry. Commentary: Seeking balance at General Conference
"What we are doing … is a spiritual work," says the assembly's chief scheduler, urging the 2012 gathering to observe Sabbath. Liberia President Sirleaf addresses United Methodists
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says her country and her church share a common commitment to end poverty. Marines receive Strength for Service devotionals
A group of soldiers based in Fort Worth, Texas, are presented with copies during the 2008 United Methodist General Conference. UMCOR starts response to Myanmar cyclone
As the death toll rises in Myanmar, the United Methodist Committee on Relief maps out its response. United Methodists uphold homosexuality stance
After forceful arguments on both sides, delegates retain language in the denomination’s Book of Discipline. Agency focuses on centennial, health initiatives
Health, wellness and central conference pensions will be among board's future emphases. Assembly approves $642 million churchwide budget
General Conference approves a denominational spending plan built around four areas of mission and ministry. Bishop Ward: Wait, watch, receive God's spirit
Delegates urged to be witnesses to God's work in the world. Church rejects divestment from companies working with Israel
While rejecting divestment, General Confrence delegates urge advocating for peace in the Middle East. Church supports justice for migrants
United Methodists have adopted resolutions supporting justice for migrants worldwide and reform of U.S. immigration laws. Church tackles difficult subject of abortion
General Conference votes to continue membership with the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

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