Hurricane Ida’s and remnant storms resulted in reports of damages to UM buildings in Louisiana and the Northeast, but also cheering accounts of the denomination’s connectional strength. Read story
Despite Ebola lessons, COVID-19 challenges Africans
Health officials across Africa are struggling to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, despite lessons learned in the fight against Ebola. As with the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, they are striving to overcome public skepticism and other barriers, but they …
Hurricane Ida takes out church buildings
After ripping through parts of the Caribbean, Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc across southeast Louisiana early this week, including United Methodist-owned buildings among its targets. But the historic storm continued its destructive onslaught of roaring winds, devastating tornadoes and dangerous flooding …
A Wesleyan take on personal finance
Jesus talked a lot about money. So did John Wesley, Methodism’s founder. Now there’s a money-management program meant to reflect Wesleyan Christian values, one that draws on the expertise of a diverse group of United Methodists. It’s called Saving Grace, and advocates …
Funding for bishops improves but still shaky
The fund that supports The United Methodist Church’s bishops is no longer in immediate danger of going into the red. However, United Methodist financial leaders still warn of possible perils ahead for the Episcopal Fund — especially with a potential …
‘Fearless’ artist launches debut gospel album at 74
Retired from working for decades with children with disabilities and their families, Dorcas Muranda now is focused on sharing her musical gifts. She recently launched her debut gospel album, “Dombo ndiJesu” (“Jesus Is the Rock”), at age 74. Muranda, a …
Churches mask up, close doors as virus spikes
The Rev. Hammett Evans knew his Arkansas church needed to make a change after five fully vaccinated worshippers tested positive for COVID-19. The five experienced mild symptoms or none at all, said Evans, senior pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church …
Standing with Haiti amid quake and storm
United Methodists are reaching out with their prayers and pocketbooks as Haiti faces a devastating earthquake and encroaching major storm. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is collecting financial donations through its International Disaster Response and Recovery Advance #982450. The relief …
The Need for Worldwide Vaccine Access
Citizens of many countries are unprotected as COVID-19 cases rise. United Methodist and other faith leaders view access to the COVID-19 vaccine as a human right, along with other basic health care needs. But citizens in many countries remain unprotected …
Don’t count out small, rural churches
Bigger and younger is not always better when it comes to churches say United Methodist experts who counsel that community connections and effective ministry are better measures of a congregation’s vitality. Small, rural churches can be as impactful as megachurches, …