UMC Featured News & Stories

Vietnamese pastor spreads God’s word around world
The Rev. Bau Dang has spent 10 years translating the Bible into Vietnamese, and he holds Sunday services in four languages. Letter to King notes major shift in U.S. ethos on race
Bishop Woodie White sees signs of progress and cause for hope 40 years after King’s death. More refugees crowd into South African church
Central Methodist Mission in Johannesburg relies on UMCOR help to handle increasing demand. A Hope That Brings Healing(GBGM)

Band-aid solutions are often considered to be a superficial answer to huge problems in our society, but for the Ismailova family, UMCOR’s gifts of basic medical, school and clothing supplies were the balm they needed to heal and gain hope.

Mission leader voices concern on Kenya
Bishop Felton E. May is asking all groups in Kenya to put peace ahead of personal or party gains. UMCOR is Still a Beacon of Hope for Tsunami Survivors
Thousands of people affected by the 2004 tsunami are now well on their way to recovery thanks to the generosity of United Methodists and others who gave as a show of concern and support . Agency provides racial/ethnic empowerment grants
The Commission on Religion and Race provides more than $1 million in grants for 33 programs. Commentary: Church at impasse on homosexuality
The Rev. Russ Whaley urges United Methodists to move beyond the stalemate. United Methodists revive summer mission internship
Young adults will be able to serve in short-term mission settings in the U.S. WCC leader calls for end to violence in Kenya
The Rev. Samuel Kobia supports election investigation and dialogue in his home country. 'Debaters' movie resonates with United Methodists
Trading pews for movie recliners, churchgoers at a sneak preview react exuberantly to Denzel Washington's "The Great Debaters." 'The Great Debaters' movie spotlights black colleges
Actor and director Denzel Washington discusses his latest film project, while also putting in a word for historically black colleges. Copy of 'Debaters' movie resonates with United Methodists
Trading pews for movie recliners, churchgoers at a sneak preview react exuberantly to Denzel Washington's "The Great Debaters." Hope for Sudan’s Next Generation
During times of war, young people often miss out on the opportunity to receive an education. Sudan is one such country that has been plagued with wars for approximately 40 of its 50 years of independence. Church holds Christmas party for day laborers
While debate rages over immigration, a Virginia church invites laborers in from the cold for food, gifts and holiday fellowship. Church preserves Nativity built by German POWs
United Methodist Men at an Iowa church preserve a symbol of peace—and a piece of history. United Methodists looked outward, inward, in ’07
During a challenging year, United Methodists responded to suffering around the world and defined a new vision for mission and ministry. Britain celebrates Charles Wesley's life, legacy
On the anniversary of Charles Wesley's 300th birthday, worshippers gather in London to celebrate the life of the prolific hymn writer. Church hymn-singing has evolved over centuries
Once illegal in the Church of England, hymn-singing has become integral to Christian worship and theological understanding. Hispanic group decries hostile climate for immigrants
Noting Jesus was born to parents journeying to a foreign land, a church group asks United Methodists to remember the plight of immigrants. Southeastern Jurisdiction tackles diversity issues
A United Methodist gathering works to bring ethnic groups from diversity into community. Workshop aims to develop servants, not suckers
When panhandlers or the homeless ask for a handout, how can you help in a Godly way? Churches remember murder victims, pledge shalom
United Methodists in Baltimore hold a special worship service for the city's 269 homicide victims this year, along with their families. Ghanaians find home through London fellowship
Ghanaians immigrating to England from West Africa receive support and encouragement through a Methodist fellowship in London. Santa’s sleigh raises money for mission work
A Santa's helper turns a Chevy Astro Van into a souped-up "sleigh," making kids smile while generating funds for church missions. United Methodist finance leader plans to retire early
Sandra Lackore, chief finance executive for the denomination, will retire Dec. 31 instead of next June as earlier planned. Black clergy team explores needs in New Orleans
Team hears concerns about absence of African-American volunteers in Katrina recovery. Personal stories behind Nativity sets enhance exhibit
A church in Tullahoma is featuring a display of 100 Nativity scenes, each with a special story. Pan-Methodists raise concerns about Pickens’ dismissal
Members of the United Methodist ecumenical agency are questioning the process that led to the executive’s dismissal. Pastor experiences racial threats, cross burning
A Tennessee pastor suffers a heart attack after finding a noose and a burning wooden cross on his porch. Task force seeks ways to increase Hispanic clergy
Barriers prevent many Latinos from pursuing ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church, speakers say. Bishop sends letter to Congress on Philippines
Bishop Felton May asks for assurance that U.S. military aid isn’t being used in ways that violate human rights. Center offers hope for young mothers in need
In the Latvian countryside, United Methodists provide sanctuary and support for teen mothers. United Methodists help Korean community own homes
Hyepin Im and her husband, Jin Kim, offer services aimed at moving people from poverty to self-sustenance. United Methodists’ global relationships enter ‘new phase’
Globalization is changing how the church relates to other religious bodies, says Bishop William Oden. In tight economy, Africa University acts to keep staff
The school’s directors adopt a staff retention policy, as many professionals leave Zimbabwe for better opportunities. United Methodist bishop prays for shooting victims
Bishop Felton E. May questions gun violence in today’s society following two shootings in Colorado. University honors Murapa's 10 years of service
Alumni, church leaders and others say farewell to Rukudzo Murapa, who led Africa University through a decade of growth. Young adults seek to put faith into action, leader says
People between the ages of 18 and 30 represent "a passionate movement" in the church, a United Methodist executive says. Africa University names interim leader
Fanuel Tagwira, the dean of agriculture and natural resources, has been named interim vice chancellor of the pan-African school. Ministry gives hope to AIDS orphans in Africa
A program called Giving Hope is doing just that, providing AIDS orphans with the seeds needed to sow their future. United Methodists respond to mall shooting
Nine people are left dead and several others are wounded, including a member of First UMC in Omaha (pictured). Church’s interfaith commission dismisses leader
The Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns chooses not to re-elect the Rev. Larry Pickens. Commentary: Profiling delegates is disservice to Body of Christ
Paul Black takes aim at a survey of General Conference delegates that seems to “counts heads” before the assembly. United Methodist free clinic opens in New Orleans
Based at a local church, the clinic provides medical care and other help to area residents. Group urges compassion for immigrants
Iowa faith leaders are calling on U.S. presidential candidates to address immigration in a way "that respects human dignity." 'Johnny Appleseed' organizes tree-planting project
Tom Sisulak has launched “The 1,000 Tree Planting Project” as a way to promote stewardship of God’s creation. Women’s Division supports call to drop torture case
The United Methodist entity joins a call to drop charges against the San Francisco 8. Bush brings AIDS message to Maryland church
Visiting a United Methodist church for World AIDS Day, President Bush calls for increased U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS overseas. Fort Worth awaits General Conference delegates
"Cowtown" is preparing a Texas-sized welcome to United Methodists looking for some cowboy culture during General Conference.

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