UMC Featured News & Stories

Christians express concern over violence in India
Christians gathering in New Delhi promise not to forget the persecution their Indian brothers and sisters have suffered. Tailgaters promote 'First and Ten' for Jesus
"First and Ten" ministry provides tailgate worship services on football Sundays to connect fans with church. Number of mission volunteers increases
The number of people participating in UMVIM has increased from just under 20,000 in 1992 to more than 124,000 in 2007. UMCOR Collaborates to Bring Relief to Cuba
Earlier this month, the US government granted Global Ministries two licenses that give the agency permission to implement up to $1.1 million in humanitarian response. Economy threatens 'Cokesbury checks' for clergy pensions outside United States
A sputtering U.S. economy is jeopardizing financial support for retired United Methodist pastors in other parts of the world. United Methodists celebrate partnership, lives saved in Côte d’Ivoire health campaign
Church members from two continents join hands and voices to celebrate a weeklong health campaign to help West African children. Va. woman creates ministry from prison experience
Sarah Taylor credits homemade cookies for showing her Jesus' love as an inmate. Now she's doing the same for others. Church members among those fleeing wildfires
Elderly United Methodists are alerted by a church employee to flee their Southern California mobile home park. Connectional Table hones vision for next four years
Creating a place “for everyone born” was the mantra repeated throughout the meeting of the Connectional Table. Tents of Hope send message of love to Sudan
A United Methodist youth group from Houston paint a “tent of hope” for peace in Darfur, Sudan. One million nets: promise realized
In the midst of excitement, celebration, and worship, the dream of two bishops who live worlds apart began to be realized. Legacy of Leaders Summit
Historically Black Colleges and University officials met in Nashville to discuss how to promote their schools and the Black College Fund. Bishops adopt guidelines for granting deacons sacramental authority
The United Methodist Council of Bishops has approved guidelines for allowing deacons to administer Holy Communion. Documentary focuses on reaching the homeless
The key reason for homelessness is loss of family, says a pastor who provides a ministry that brings dignity to the person living on the street. Faith helps man turn trash into treasure
David Corner, 73, turns “garbage into gold” by diverting items meant for landfills to people in need around the world. Nets distribution campaign kicks off in Côte d’Ivoire
Thousands of parents waited in line Nov. 11 to receive a bed net that would protect their children from mosquitoes, which carry malaria. Faith groups call for end to immigration raids
United Methodist agencies sign letter to president calling for end to immigration raids which devastate families. Sixty years later, human rights remain a universal goal
Commentary asks United Methodists to remember and pray for victims of human rights violations. ‘Extraordinary ordination’ has no United Methodist status, bishops say
Council says the ordination of a lesbian and another woman who champions gay rights has no status in the denomination. Phone cards still helping soldiers remain connected
The people of The United Methodist Church have donated more than 13 million minutes of conversations with loved ones to U.S. servicemen and servicewomen. United Methodists look forward to nets outreach in Côte d’Ivoire
A worship service signaled the start of a week of distributing free bed nets to protect families from mosquito-borne malaria in Côte d’Ivoire. Ballot initiatives draw United Methodist advocacy
The church weighs in on hot-button election issues such as same-sex marriage, casino gambling and state income taxes. Bishops affirm church’s four areas of ministry focus
The centerpieces of United Methodist ministry for the next four years are affirmed by the denomination’s bishops as "God’s call to us." Commentary: Veterans Day is a time to support
The wounds of war go beyond lost limbs and broken bones, says a retired military chaplain calling on the church's help. Commentary: Beyond a black and white election
Barack Obama's election is more about leadership, vision and inspiration than race, says pastor, author Adam Hamilton. Commentary: Can Barack Obama change the importance of race for us?
Throughout his campaign, Barack Obama never rejected his ethnicity, but also never let it define him, says commentary writer Jeneane Jones. Local churches receive grants for global projects
The United Methodist social action agency awards more than $150,000 in grants to help ethnic churches engage in social justice ministry. Church leaders welcome Obama, urge prayers
United Methodists hail the U.S. president-elect as an agent of change, a bridge-builder and a "gift" to the world. Flood buckets, kits needed at UMCOR supply depot
A rash of 2008 floods and hurricanes in the U.S. have drained the inventory of supplies at UMCOR's Sager Brown Depot in Louisiana. Methodist bishops celebrate election, pray for Obama
With tears, hymns and prayers, a jubilant United Methodist Council of Bishops celebrates the election of Barack Obama as U.S. president. UMCOR to establish U.S. supply depot in Utah
A new supply depot in Salt Lake City will allow UMCOR to better serve church members and communities in the western United States. AIDS ministry in Kansas reaches out to Hispanics
Arturo Ponce has a life-and-death mission in the fight against HIV/AIDS through United Methodist Mexican-American Ministries. Online survey seeks responses from clergy spouses
The voices of clergy spouses are often not heard by the church, but one church agency is trying to remedy that. United Methodists receive licenses for work in Cuba
After weeks of diplomatic efforts, the United Methodist Committee on Relief can begin providing help to hurricane-ravaged Cuba. Election Day prompts online 'Conversation on Race'
Barack Obama's presence in the U.S. presidential race spurs a series of commentaries exploring race and racism. Palmer: Church is increasingly seizing change
In his first address, the president of the Council of Bishops says "the pain of remaining the same has begun to exceed the pain of change." Rejected pastors receive 'extraordinary ordination'
Two women who disagree with church law on homosexuality receive "extraordinary ordination" in an ecumenical service. Church court: Structural changes require legislation
The top court of The United Methodist Church addresses questions related to proposed changes in the denomination's structure. Couple exposes dark side of chocolate this Halloween
When Devin Tharp takes his toddler trick-or-treating, he'll educate his neighbors on the bittersweet truth behind chocolate. Chaplains provide ‘listening ears,’ ‘tender hearts’
Military chaplains care for the hearts and souls of soldiers while other military commanders oversee their physical and mental preparation. Cross opens doors for military chaplains to minister
Chaplains stand out because of what they wear and what they don’t carry. They wear crosses. They carry no weapon. Military chaplains extend church’s global outreach
In a five-part series, UMNS shares the stories of United Methodist clergy serving as military chaplains in the Pacific Rim. Fall Board Meeting, Board of Global Ministries
News and photos from the recent fall board meeting of the Board of Global Ministries and the Women's Division. Recent disaster responses highlight UMCOR, UMVIM relationship
In Louisiana and Texas the disaster response ministry dovetailed with a well-established volunteer network. GBHEM officers elected at board organizing meeting
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry elected new officers, heard the general secretary’s State of the Board Address, and attended a ministry fair during the Board’s fall 2008 meeting. Chaplains: Ministry to warriors is exciting, humbling
U.S. Navy Chaplain Douglas Waite shares his unlikely journey from being a '70s flower child to a military chaplain in Hawaii. Korea is fertile ground to reach young soldiers
While mainline U.S. churches struggle to reach the elusive age group, two chaplains in Korea have ample opportunities. Mike DuBose named UMAC Communicator of the Year
A slideshow shows why the denomination’s photographer is honored for his years of chronicling the church at work in the world. Detroit church spooks patrons to fund urban ministries
A haunted house isn't as scary as life on the streets, says one church that scares up money each Halloween for neighborhood ministries. Coastal churches contend with Ike’s aftermath
A veteran of Hurricane Rita, the Rev. James Moore finds himself in familiar territory following the latest storm.

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