2026 Annual Conference Summary With a sense of readiness for the Holy Spirit, Annual Conference 2026 opened in a worshipful Celebration of Ministry service. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi welcomed Yina Park as a sister in Christ through the waters of baptism. …
Grace UMC’s daily prayer inspires creative approach to apportionments
Last July, Grace United Methodist Church in Philadelphia began a new prayer practice. Every weekday at 7am, they gather for a half-hour community prayer call that anyone can join by phone. The ministry, called “Grace without Walls,” extends beyond church …
Exciting news from Camp & Retreat Ministries: an inspired summer awaits
This year, our Camp & Retreat Ministries directors formed a task force to create a brand new curriculum for our overnight summer camp programs at Gretna Glen, Innabah, and Pocono Plateau. Throughout the winter months, a dedicated team of staff …
Divided We Fell, Together We Rose: How a Food Bank Came Back to Life
At first glance, the church appears much like any other United Methodist congregation—its sign bearing the familiar cross and flame, tall columns welcoming visitors, and a carillon marking the hours. Yet beyond this ordinary exterior lies a story shaped by …
UMC Council of Bishops condemn shooting at White House Correspondents Dinner
For Immediate Release April 27, 2026Statement from the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church expresses deep sorrow and grave concern following the shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner …
Preaching Institute Summit inspires preachers through community
Every preacher knows the moment. It’s late in the week. The sanctuary is empty. A passage of scripture sits open on the desk, waiting for clarity that hasn’t quite arrived yet. Somewhere between prayer, study, and the weight of Sunday …
Black caucus wrestles with immigration injustice
Before Deborah Bass began her chairperson’s address to open the annual meeting of United Methodism’s Black membership caucus last month, she treated her audience to the sound of R&B vocalist Marvin Gaye’s 1971 signature song, “What’s Going On.” She smiled …
Three Questions?
In April 2001, I was appointed by the first Korean-American bishop, Hae-Jong Kim, to plant a new Korean-American church in the Greater Pittsburgh area. This ministry was intended to serve Korean immigrants, second-generation Korean Americans, and intercultural families. Before my …
Undies for Easter campaign affirms dignity, creates connection
Ahead of Easter each year, Rev. Marilyn Schneider, EPA’s Prison Ministries Coordinator asks Rev. Carmelo Urena, the Head Chaplain of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP), what he needs most. Each year since 2022, except for one year when toiletries …
Staying Alive: Eddystone UMC, a congregation with heart
In the fall of 2025, Eddystone United Methodist Church was worshiping through a nine-week sermon series entitled “12 Steps for Christians” based on the spiritual wisdom of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Each Sunday, Pastor John or Pastor …