United Methodists over the past 12 months have marked the passing of influential church leaders, the inventor of a beloved children’s toy, and the woman believed to be the last remaining U.S. Civil War widow. Here are 39 remembrances, listed in order of date of death.
United Methodists reach settlement in Boy Scouts’ Bankruptcy Case
United Methodist leaders have reached a settlement in the matter of the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) pending bankruptcy proceedings. Upon final court approval, the settlement would resolve any claims of sexual abuse that may have occurred…
Five things you may not know about Christmas
We know the stories in the Bible, attend Advent and Christmas Eve worship each year, listen to tons of Christmas carols, and have seen just about every Christmas movie and special. We United Methodists know a lot about Christmas, but like most things …
Family throws surprise Christmas party for 250 women
With joy and jubilation, the Mutoko East 2 United Methodist women’s organization received an early Christmas surprise from the Mukandi family. During the Nov. 27 festivities at Bwanya United Methodist Church, the family thanked God for protection and healing from …
United Methodists respond after devastating twisters
United Methodists in Kentucky, Tennessee and neighboring states are coming to terms with the devastation of a string of tornadoes Dec. 10-11, while also mobilizing quickly to provide food, emergency shelter and other relief. The storm system that struck on …
Church exits, COVID lead to steep budget cuts
What does a predicted denominational split and an unpredictable pandemic mean for The United Methodist Church’s bottom line? The General Council on Finance and Administration board grappled with that question as members revisited the denomination-wide budget that will go before …
AU theology graduate returns to serve in East Congo
Faithful United Methodists in the East Congo Conference welcomed home the first student from the conference to graduate from Africa University in Zimbabwe. Pastor Raphaël Makanga Mikuwa received a scholarship in 2016 to attend the United Methodist university. Hervé Tshoso …
Inspiration, expertise for Black churches
When the leaders of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century declare that ministry going forward needs to be done from the “right side,” they’re not referring to politics. The full, mildly irreverent title of SBC21’s Dec. 1-2 conference in Houston is “Shift Happens: …
Judicial Council to review church-exit rules
The UMC’s top court will address a new church law that allows congregations to leave with property and the deadline for submitting legislation to the pandemic-postponed General Conference.
Group gets immersion in Native history, concerns
The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference offered visitors from nine states a deep dive into Native American ministries and challenges. Read about immersion experience.