UMC Featured News & Stories

Six young people to address General Conference
Six United Methodists from 15 to 28 have been chosen to deliver the first Young People's Address at the 2008 General Conference. Bishop: Media contributes to drug abuse in Africa
A United Methodist leader says movies and the media have been instrumental in encouraging the spread of drug abuse in East Africa. Canadian church connects Filipino United Methodists
Filipinos with United Methodist roots have formed the denomination’s only congregation in northwest Canada. United Methodist ministry targets substance abuse
A denominational program is teaching churches they can do more to fight substance abuse than providing space for AA meetings. Racial, ethnic clergywomen to explore gains, barriers
A January gathering will discuss the findings of a 2004 study of the status of racial-ethnic clergywomen in the denomination. Transgender issue on Judicial Council's fall docket
The United Methodist Church’s top judicial authority will again be considering questions about sexuality at its fall meeting. United Methodists urged to divest from 20 companies
A task force is urging members to divest from companies identified as supporting Israel's occupation of Palestinian land. Japanese church gives $100,000 for United Methodist work
The Hiroshima Nagarekawa Church has given $100,000 to the Board of Global Ministries for mission work in East Asia. United Methodists seek change in tone at assembly
General Conference organizers endorsed “Guidelines for Holy Conferencing – What God Expects of Us” for the 2008 meeting. Prayers for Korean Mission Volunteers Held in Afghanistan

The staff of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries are in fervent prayer for the safety and quick release of the group of Korean Christian volunteers being held by the Taliban.

Commentary: God has a plan for Afghans, Koreans
The Rev. Jin Kook Lee says the 23 Koreans held hostage by the Taliban will impact missions in Afghanistan, Korea and around the world. Convocation addresses human rights in Philippines
The National Association of Filipino-American United Methodists has approved a resolution urging the U.S. government to condition continued foreign aid to the Philippines. Minneapolis churches respond to bridge disaster
United Methodists across Minneapolis are standing in solidarity with victims and families following the Aug. 1 collapse of a major bridge. United Methodists pray for Korean hostages
United Methodists are offering prayers and expressing concern about the South Korean Christians being held hostage in Afghanistan. Youth groups win film contest with stories of faith
Three United Methodist youth groups won top honors in an online film contest from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. Congregation in Japan Gives $100,000 for United Methodist Mission in East Asia

Hiroshima Nagarekawa Church, a congregation of the United Church of Christ in Japan, has given $100,000 to the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries for mission work in East Asia.

Film festival entry features New York congregation
"One Body, Many Parts," produced by a United Methodist in Troy, N.Y., is one of 10 films screened during the Oikumene Film Festival. Ministers promote environmental stewardship
The Rev. Mic McGuire turned a rusty 1971 Super Beetle into a model of efficiency that runs off of electricity instead of gasoline. United Methodists help honor ecumenical movement
Participants from 80 denominations and organizations celebrate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Faith and Order experience. Youth give back to make a difference for others
Youth 2007 participants fan out across Greensboro, N.C., to participate in mission and outreach projects. Names of derision deny God, youth told
United Methodist storyteller Ray Buckley reminds young people that God calls them beloved in a society that often says otherwise. Study: Clergy changes parallel membership decline
The number of elders in The United Methodist Church dropped 2.25 percent from 2000 to 2005, says a new study. Irish Methodist pastor receives Queen’s Honors
A peace activist is recognized for his work in Northern Ireland with a Queen’s Birthday Honors award in Great Britain. Restorative justice advocate Harmon Wray dies
The United Methodist crusader believed some of the most profound theology shared in the world takes place within the walls of prison. Louisiana Wesley Foundations Serve the World for Christ

Exposure to new cultures and church life in other countries provides Wesley Foundation students an educational experience not found in the classroom.

GBHEM Names New Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer

General Secretary Jerome King Del Pino is pleased to announce the appointment of John Lesesne as treasurer and chief financial officer of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

General Conference petitions lost through e-mail
Petitions sent via e-mail before noon on July 27 should be resubmitted to the 2008 General Conference due to technical problems. Methodists offer prayers in slaying of family
Mourners post messages of condolence in the killings of three Connecticut family members with strong United Methodist ties. Publishing House faces 'hard budget realities'
Rising costs and a projected decline in sales has forced United Methodist Publishing House to lay off 30 employees. South African Methodists offer hope to refugees
In Johannesburg, Central Methodist Mission is an oasis to the homeless, refugees and displaced people – many from Zimbabwe. Youth trace the walk of the Greensboro Four
Young people learn about the civil rights movement and stepping out in faith by walking in the footsteps of the Greensboro Four. US-2s Find Community Wherever They Go

The 53rd class of US-2 missionaries recently completed their service with the General Board of Global Ministries.

Primetimers in Appalachia: Learn about Mining, Help Henderson, and Renew the Spirit

This Primetimers event, sponsored by the Mission Volunteers Program Area of the General Board of Global Ministries and hosted by Henderson Settlement, was an opportunity for older adults to experience firsthand the ministry of Henderson Settlement and other mission schools and ministries in Appalachia, including Red Bird Mission and Pine Mountain Settlement School.

Seventeen Young Missionaries Commissioned To Service
On Sunday morning at the United Methodist Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew in New York City, 17 young adults kneeled and were commissioned for United Methodist missions throughout the world. Water Brings Life and Peace in Darfur

By the end of 2007, 600,000 people in Darfur will have access to water through new or refurbished water points because of UMCOR's programs.

U.S. House of Representatives votes to End War in Iraq

Learn more about actions you can take to support efforts to end the war in Iraq.

Texas ranch provides special place for special needs
Down Home Ranch is where adults with Down syndrome and autism can live, work and develop independence as grownups. Youth learn about realities of AIDS worldwide
A Youth 2007 workshop reminds United Methodist teens that people ages 15-24 are statistically most likely to contract HIV/AIDS. Ganta mission station seek funds for land survey
Staff members of the Ganta Mission Station in Liberia are raising money for a property survey to stop encroachment on station land. Muslims, United Methodists pledge to work for peace
Amid violence, Christian and Muslim leaders meet in the Philippines to discuss how to build a peaceful community. U.S. Civil Rights Threatened
Read about the importance of maintaining civil and political rights—important parts of our daily lives—in the United States. Vatican stance 'nothing new,' say church leaders
The Pope's reassertion of the primacy of the Roman Catholic Church should not significantly affect relations with United Methodists. Global gathering draws 6,200 United Methodist youth
Youth 2007 brings together youth and youth leaders from four continents for five days of faith-building and fellowship. Basketball teaches life skills, coach says
College coach Jevon Gilliard uses a basketball court at Youth 2007 to dispense his "basketball is life" philosophy to young people. Unconventional businessman invests profits in others
Founder of a successful travel business, Harold Taussig would be a multimillionaire today – if he hadn't given all the profits away. Emergency appeal aims to save refugees in Chad
Warning that malaria could kill thousands of refugees in Chad, the U.N. Foundation launches an emergency appeal through Nothing But Nets. Commentary: Help young adults bring passion
A United Methodist college student asks why so few young adults are sitting in our church pews. British Methodists call climate change a moral issue
Saying the poor are hardest hit by global warming, the British Methodist Church calls for action beyond lip service. Anglican-Methodist Covenant faces challenges
British Methodists are concerned about a lack of progress in implementing the Anglican-Methodist Covenant. Holsinger testifies before Senate committee
The United Methodist nominee for U.S. surgeon general stresses his commitment "to provide quality health care to everyone."

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