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, …
Bishop Beverly Shamana dies at age 81
Bishop Beverly J. Shamana, a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church, died last week in California at age 81. Elected and consecrated to the Episcopacy in 2000 in the Western Jurisdiction, she was the second black woman elected as a …
Discussing Christian nationalism — carefully
The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol building by loyalists to President Trump determined to stop the certification of Joe Biden as president brought forth feelings of shock, sadness, fear — and support from some who identify as Christian nationalists. …
Death and Resurrection Series
What happens when we die? What happens next? Is there life after our lives here on earth, and what will it be like? And how do we honor the life and memory of those who have died? These are questions nearly …
Looking back to move forward
Historic St. George’s UMC in Philadelphia is featured in a national UMCom story about four historic congregations with deep roots in their communities that are living a new story. “Their histories are informing their ministries today and their plans for …
US bishops take on expanded assignments
Starting Sept 1, United Methodist bishops across the United States will take on additional work as some of their colleagues retire. With the second pandemic-caused delay of General Conference, the Council of Bishops also has postponed the jurisdictional conferences that elect …
Bishop Yeakel, caring leader, dies at 93
United Methodists remember Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel as a wise, caring leader who did not seek his own glory but instead sought to include others in glorifying God. He also was not afraid of change.