UMC Featured News & Stories

Women's Division elects new treasurer

Martha Sherman Knight is the new treasurer of the Women’s Division of the Untied Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, effective April 3.

Commentary: Interviewing pastors ‘an awful job’
Brent Olson finds working with a conference board of ordained ministry “awful” in all senses of the word. Teen’s testimony shines under ‘Jeopardy!’ spotlight
Becky Kralle of New Jersey identifies Jesus as her hero and gives a tithe of her game-show earnings. Church remembers Evangelical United Brethren roots
Forty years after their merger with Methodists, former Evangelical United Brethren members recall the denomination of their youth. Neighborhood house assists Katrina survivors
A neighborhood ministry in East St. Louis, Ill., is one example of how UMCOR funds continue to help displaced Katrina survivors. Africa University endowment reaches $44 million
United Methodist generosity helps the Zimbabwe school surpass its endowment fund-raising goal. Awards honor champions of historically black colleges
The Black College Fund honors two United Methodists for giving hope to 11 historically black colleges and universities. Caucus says empower black churches, communities
The annual meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal encourages modeling Wesleyan practices at the grassroots level. Assembly delegates to consider over 1,500 petitions
Advance materials help the nearly 1,000 delegates get familiar with upcoming General Conference legislation. Seminary teaches art of digital communication
United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, is helping its students prepare for serving a digital culture. Filipino church leaders criticize alleged corruption
United Methodist leaders call for new leadership in the Philippines in the wake of new allegations of government corruption. Dyck joins search committee for new WCC leader
A United Methodist bishop is part of a World Council of Churches committee searching for a successor to the Rev. Samuel Kobia. Elderly Mozambique women robbed of blankets, food
A theft points to the need for secure, permanent housing for 42 tenants of Hanhane Women’s Shelter in rural Mozambique. Pew study raises questions for Methodist leaders
A new survey shows that United Methodism is losing more members than it's gaining, while also becoming older, whiter and wealthier. Commentary: John 3:16 vs. 'religious marketplace'
A new study of U.S. religion draws criticism that faith choices are increasingly focusing on satisfying personal needs. Religious organizations ask Bush to stop U.S. torture
United Methodists join faith leaders in urging U.S. President Bush to sign legislation against using brutal interrogation tactics. Chaplain helps troops readjust to home life
Soldiers returning home from Iraq “are dealing literally with a form of trauma,” says Lt. Col. John Morris. Commentary: Casualty reports beg to be read
Chaplain Thomas H. Phillips tells how receiving military casualty reports has changed his life. British Methodist keeps Parliament in order
Ruby Beech balances roles as assistant sergeant at arms in Parliament and vice president of her denomination. NCC sets Middle East peace as a top priority
The ecumenical organization is also pursuing a new strategic plan following last fall’s restructuring. United Methodist youth raise $830,000 for the hungry
Teaming up with young people across the U.S., 25,000 United Methodist youth participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring. Across Lands
Moe Aung, his wife Naw and their three children fled their home in Myanmar (Burma) and sought shelter in a Thailand refugee camp where they remained for five years.
Bishop promotes clusters to reconnect the connection
United Methodist churches in Florida band together in clusters to encourage connectional relationships with each other. Holston, East Africa conferences sign Sudan covenant
Holston Annual Conference becomes the first United Methodist body to be in mission in south Sudan. President visits Liberia, home to extensive United Methodist health work

President and Mrs. George W. Bush’s February tour of five Africa countries was concerned in large measure with health issues, and from a United Methodist perspective Liberia was an excellent last stop.

Assembly music leaders branch out together
Marcia McFee and Mark Miller are drawing inspiration from the assembly’s tree logo as they plan worship for the event. Commentary: A new generation rises above tragedy
A campus shooting in America's heartland leads to reflections about the upcoming generation of leaders in the church and the world. European Methodists establish Methodist E-Academy
The new Methodist E-Academy aims to provide theological education via the Internet, particularly for prospective pastors in Europe. Commentary: Sharing 'my civil rights story'
After 85 years and three distinct careers, W. Astor Kirk shares his experiences––particularly to help today's young black professionals. Retired teacher inspires supply shipment to Zimbabwe
Having taught at a South Carolina high school for 28 years, Francie Markham now works to provide for high school students in Africa. Mission Study Consistent with Church’s Stand for Israel-Palestine Peace (UMW)
Women’s Division and the General Board of Global Ministries call the Israel-Palestine mission study consistent with the denomination’s stand for peacemaking in a Feb. 19 joint statement.
Border consultation lays groundwork on immigration
Effective ministry and advocacy related to immigration must begin on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, say church leaders. Listening post explores Native American issues
In the first in a series of "listening posts" on issues faced by Native Americans, United Methodists share stories of evangelism. Commentary: Finding new ways to attract new clergy
The Rev. Meg Lassiat urges the church to invite young people into meaningful service by using their gifts and talents in ordained ministry. Church offers 'ministry of presence' to shaken campus
United Methodists provide counseling, hold prayer vigils and offer other support after shootings at Northern Illinois University. Members are the essence of NCC, says new leader
The Rev. Michael Kinnamon plans to focus on the essentials of ecumenism as new chief executive of the National Council of Churches. Shooting victim was living out her call, family says
Northern Illinois sophomore Ryanne Mace, 19, was a top student with a heart for helping others. UMCOR Builds Hope After Tsunami
Abu described how the wave came towards him like a mountain, and how he unsuccessfully tried to warn other people to run.
Research: ‘Open hearts’ campaign helps perceptions
The church's "open hearts, open minds, open doors" campaign is effectively communicating key United Methodist characteristics. United Methodists discuss the hard conversations
A JustPeace workshop explores how to talk about divisive issues in constructive ways that bring people together. College student: ‘I’ll never forget’ tornado aftermath
Buried for three hours under tons of rubble left by an F-4 tornado, Jordan Thompson finds new brothers and a deeper belief in God. Continued Kenya violence disrupts food supply
After helping thousands of displaced Kenyans, UMCOR appeals to United Methodists for additional donations to buy food. United Methodist team fulfills commitment in Kenya
A Volunteers-in-Mission team from the southeastern United States arrived in Nakuru just as violence broke out there. Fifty Million Bibles Printed in China

There is unprecedented church growth and revitalization with churches being reopened and newly built in China at a steady rate of 50 per month over 30 years.

Artist creates icons of the civil rights movement
United Methodist Pamela Chatterton-Purdy celebrates heroes of the U.S. civil rights movement in her latest exhibit. Pastor, family killed in crash following storms
The Rev. Michael Welch was ministering to tornado survivors in Macon County, Tenn., as he and his family died in a traffic accident. Methodist Church of Southern Africa to build seminary
Calling for a rebirth in clergy leadership, the Rev. Peter Storey talks about a new Methodist seminary to open next year in South Africa. Nikolaev heads Moscow United Methodist seminary
As its new president, the Rev. Sergei V. Nikolaev hopes the Russian seminary will lead the denomination’s development in Eurasia. U.N. Foundation invites church to apply for grant
The United Methodist Church will apply for up to $5 million to underwrite a campaign to strengthen its global health ministries. Indiana church reaches out to pet lovers
The Pet Caretakers’ Ministry gives grieving pet owners a place to turn for prayer and support.

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