UMC Featured News & Stories

Hiwassee College appeals for support after losing accreditation
The Tennessee school must raise $4.4 million by April, says head of trustees. Crisis situation threatens survival of Zimbabweans
A crisis of medical, political and economic proportions is threatening the resiliency and survival of the people of Zimbabwe. United Methodists elect bishop for Sierra Leone
The Rev. John K. Yambasu, has been elected bishop of the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone. Bishop Yemba named chancellor for Africa University
United Methodist Bishop David Kekumba Yemba is the new chancellor of Africa University and chairman of its board of directors. Ike survivors welcome donated Christmas decorations
A United Methodist church in Texas organizes giveaways of Christmas decorations for families who lost everything in the storm. United Methodists Gather for Detention Center Vigil in New York City
Saturday, Dec. 13, some 100 United Methodist Women members and United Methodists from across New York Conference held a vigil at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in lower Manhattan calling for an immediate end to raids, detentions and deportations of immigrants. Secret Santas offer holiday gift help to parents
A group of would-be elves share a covert mission to benefit North Carolina children, just in time for Christmas. West African youth explore leadership, peace building
Liberian Bishop John Innis encourages young people to follow God’s call, love the church and pray for their leaders. Young people grants support creative ministries
Young people of The United Methodist Church award more than $200,000 in grants to their peers across the globe. Feeding the Poorest of the Poor Just for Love
The tiny United Methodist community in Strumica, Macedonia, feeds some of the city's poorest of the poor on a regular basis, and a society that is predominantly Eastern Orthodox and Muslim has taken notice. Book offers 'how-to' guide to interfaith connections
A new book co-edited by a United Methodist pastor offers a practical guide to connecting with people of other faiths. Church helps Tongan women become nurse's aides
Since 1999, Kilohana United Methodist Church in Honolulu has helped train women to care for the sick and elderly. Retired tour buses shelter Hawaii’s homeless
United Methodist Utu Langi converts old tourist buses into mobile shelters for the homeless on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. Commentary: Eliminate ‘pay to play’ politics
Bishop Gregory Palmer calls for reform and prayer in response to Blagojevich scandal. Campaign offers life-saving help to Ivoirian families
Villagers in Côte d’Ivoire gladly receive free mosquito nets, vaccinations and other services. Malaria initiatives join for 1st time in Côte d’Ivoire outreach
Staff with Nothing But Nets and UMCOR’s Malaria Control Program collaborate to protect children. Partnerships provide model for future health efforts
United Methodists join forces with government and nonprofit agencies for unprecedented campaign. Storms, nets, worldwide assembly dominate 2008 for United Methodists
Despite devastating storms, a disappointing economy and declining membership, United Methodists find reasons for celebration in 2008. Church Clinic Sponsors AIDS Day Observance in Guinea
More than 3,000 people in three communities took part in World AIDS Day observances sponsored by a United Methodist clinic in the West Africa country of Guinea. Interpreter debuts digital magazine in January
The United Methodist ministry magazine's upcoming issue will be offered in a digital format, in addition to the printed publication. Church economic advisers assess recession's impact
The United Methodist Church faces significant challenges in 2009, but finance leaders project a recovery late next year. UMCOR launches new response to Zimbabwe crisis
The United Methodist relief agency initiates a multi-pronged plan to respond to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. 2008: The Year in Photos
A retrospect of The United Methodist Church—its people, events and ministries—by United Methodist News Service. Faithful son leaves $2 million to small rural church
John Ferguson lived in a trailer and drove an old pickup truck. Now the frugal farmer's money is going to a United Methodist church in Pa. Christmas Eve special reflects meaning of Jesus' birth
United Methodists are among "Voices of Christmas," a CBS television special from the National Council of Churches. Commentary: Remembering the Rev. Harry Long
A Muscogee Creek Indian, the United Methodist pastor is remembered as a spiritual giant and a voice for Native Americans. Penny Project uses pocket change to enact change
United Methodist youth in Michigan realize a penny really can make a difference in the lives of Africans infected with HIV/AIDS. Hundreds Tested for HIV/AIDS in Kenya
In Nakuru, Kenya, World AIDS Day marked an important event as more than 2,000 Kenyan residents lined up for HIV/AIDS testing. Five Events Strengthen Academy, Church Ties
Leaders from United Methodist churches and higher education institutions will gather this spring at five events in each jurisdiction to discuss how the church and the academy can work together more closely. Large Korean Methodist Church built on prayer
With a membership of 120,000, Kumnan Methodist Church in Seoul is saving souls for Christ as the world's largest Methodist church. San Diego church mourns deaths of jet crash victims
A United Methodist pastor remembers Young Mi Yoon as a devoted Christian, wife and mother. Korean women pray for 'nest' to live out final days
Sunlit Sisters’ Center offers elderly women shunned by society a place of hope, comfort. United Methodists note passing of Russian patriarch
The head of the world’s largest Orthodox Christian church is remembered by United Methodists leaders as an icon in the ecumenical movement. Peru seminary program to serve Andean region
A new theological program based in Lima will provide pastoral training in Latin America's Andean region. Through Changing Years, Marcy-Newberry Continues Community Commitment
United Methodist Women-supported Marcy-Newberry Association, Inc., in Chicago, Ill., marks the beginning of its 125th year of working with the community Dec. 9. Prison ministry reaches out to those feeling forgotten
United Methodists in a Tennessee church go behind prison walls to visit inmates and explore Scripture together. United Methodist mobile campaign tested in Pittsburgh
The United Methodist Church tries to woo a younger audience as it tests a new mobile advertising strategy this Christmas. New Points of Hope: UMCOR to open new supply depot in Utah
After months of research, anticipation and community support, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has finalized plans to establish a material supply depot in the western part of the United States. Commentary: Tragedy in Mumbai: Is religion a source of violence?
In the wake of Mumbai’s terrorist tragedy, we must seek openness and humility in our own faith traditions, so that we may accept and affirm others in more cooperative, peaceful relationships. Dec. 1 presents opportunity to support Global AIDS Fund
Church members can observe World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, by making a donation to the Global AIDS Fund through the Advance. ZOE helps AIDS orphans support families
In Rwanda, the ZOE program is helping orphan-led families generate income by raising cash crops of rice and coffee. Case may decide direction of social action agency
A District of Columbia court is weighing testimony in decades-old debate over United Methodist building funds. Conferences sign partnership for mutual support
United Methodists on two continents enter partnership Council for Korean United Methodists provides “a seed of hope”
Korean Methodists Council brings hope to local church Economy’s effect on church giving, budgets uncertain
While praying for the best, United Methodist finance leaders are bracing for the possibility of less during a bad economy. German United Methodists re-elect Bishop Wenner
Preparing to begin an eight-year term, Bishop Rosemarie Wenner rallies church leaders in Germany to greater efforts in evangelism. United Methodist bishops elected in Philippines
Two new bishops and one current one will oversee the church's work in the Philippines following episcopal elections in Manila. United Nations panel discussion targets malaria
UMCOR's chief participates in a U.N. panel discussion and describes how United Methodists are playing a role in the fight against malaria. Commentary: Why Advent is the perfect time to focus on global AIDS
Why is World AIDS Day observed at the beginning of Advent on Dec. 1? Knowledge is Power in the Fight against Malaria
Along with the mosquito net, Magan and the tens of thousands of parents like her learned some malaria basics from the United Methodist Committee on Relief-trained volunteers from the United Methodist Church of Côte d'Ivoire and Texas.

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