United Methodist News

12/09/2024

The Rev. Deen Thompson is an ordained elder again, decades after he was removed from ministry because of his sexual orientation. Thompson, a lay leader at Edgehill in Nashville, was draped with a stole Dec. 1 as acknowledgement of his returned ordination, which happened at the Louisiana Annual Conference earlier this year.

  Bishop Delores J. Williamston and Rev. Ali Young traveled Sunday to Nashville, Tennessee, to present Rev. Deen Thompson with a stole, marking his ...

12/09/2024

The latest episode of “The Recap” highlights how students and faculty at Wesleyan University-Philippines are helping to aid those affected by climate change and disasters, and the ongoing recovery effort from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.

Aid for those facing climate change | Committed support for missionaries | Disaster recovery efforts | Favorite UMC.org stories from 2024 |

12/08/2024

We in the wish you a blessed second Sunday of and pray for Christ's peace to prevail.

12/08/2024

Something wonderful happened to the Rev. Joyce Snyder when a group of young people asked the senior pastor at Union Chapel United Methodist Church how to become members. The question ultimately led to confirmation classes. Altogether, seven joined the church and three were baptized.

A group of kids aged nine to 16 convinces their pastor to lead confirmation classes.

12/07/2024

United Methodists in the West Africa Central Conference are holding bishop elections and you can follow balloting here. The Rev. Ande Emmanuel has been elected bishop of Nigeria. The Rev. Rev. James Boye-Caulker has been elected bishop of Sierra Leone.

Voting has begun in the West Africa Central Conference. UM News is tracking the balloting as it happens and will have coverage as the bishops are elected.

12/07/2024

An encounter with neo-Nazis shows how fear, the need for belonging and distorted views about Christianity form a dangerous mix, writes the Rev. Neelley Hicks.

An encounter with neo-Nazis shows how fear, the need for belonging and distorted views about Christianity form a dangerous mix.

12/07/2024

With the holiday season, church leaders face heightened stress while preparing meaningful celebrations. Jessica L. Anschutz of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership encourages church leaders to nurture spiritual connections, foster relationships with neighbors and guests, and actively invite people to engage in worship and ministry.

Jessica Anschutz encourages church leaders to foster relationships with neighbors and guests, and actively invite people to engage in worship and ministry.

12/06/2024

Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone has named the design team for the bishops' Leadership Gathering planned in April or May 2026.

Bishop Tracy S. Malone, president of The Council of Bishops(COB) of The United Methodist Church has named the Design Team to plan the COB Leadership Gathering that will take place in April or May of 2026.

12/06/2024

Increasingly over the past four decades, United Methodist congregations with choirs have included a service of Lessons and Carols among their Advent or Christmas musical celebrations. has more on the history of this service.

Ask The UMC is the information service of United Methodist Communications.

12/06/2024

The General Board of Global Ministries and UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief will prioritize support for migrants and refugees as the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, said top executive Roland Fernandes.

As the U.S. faces immigration policy changes, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

12/05/2024

The Rev. Steven Barber has found a unique place to pursue his calling as a United Methodist pastor. He’s made it his business to minister to professional wrestlers who work for small wrestling promotions in Alabama.

12/05/2024

When the Rev. James Jacobs, pastor of Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC, asked the congregation for out-of-the-box outreach ideas, one of the most successful has been “Wood for Good" — a firewood ministry.

By Rev. James Jacobs As Pastor of Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church in the State College District, I asked the parishioners...

12/04/2024

Following a natural disaster like Hurricane Helene, some victims can fall through the cracks between social services. In North Carolina, United Methodists have been providing an important safety net.

12/04/2024

The Advent readings pursue three different themes in the three different years. looks at how the Advent readings differ from year to year, but also how they are the same.

Ask The UMC is the information service of United Methodist Communications.

12/03/2024

We wish you a blessed and thank you for your generous support of ministries across the connection. Gifts to United Methodist Communications, specifically, helps UM News provide coverage of the 's impact around the globe.

https://www.resourceumc.org/en/agencies/communications/about-us/the-foundation/giving-tuesday?give=47E475DG

12/03/2024

We remember a dedicated evangelist. The Rev. Norest M. Nyakudanga became the first lay member in Zimbabwe to be honored with a posthumous ordination for decades of preaching in The United Methodist Church.

The Rev. Norest M. Nyakudanga became the first lay member in Zimbabwe to be honored with a posthumous ordination for decades of preaching in The United Methodist Church.

12/02/2024

With mostly new membership, the group that plans The ’s big legislative assembly hopes to turn the page on past mistakes and act with more transparency.

With mostly new membership, the group that plans The United Methodist Church’s big legislative assembly hopes to turn the page on past mistakes and act with more transparency.

12/02/2024

A new series of devotions by the Rev. Tiffany McDonald offers inspiration and insights each day of the Advent season through Scripture, poetry, music, reflection and prayer.

Find inspiration and new insights each day of the Advent season through Scripture, poetry, music, a reflection and a prayer. Take time to center yourself and focus on preparing for the birth of Christ.