United Methodist News Service – Recent Articles

• 2020 Great Plains Annual Conference
  May 30, via teleconference.
• Moving beyond protests to stamp out racism
  Amid protests and prayer vigils, United Methodists are joining the long-term struggle against oppression and toward reconciliation.
• Different vacation Bible school coming this summer
  Many churches are opting for a virtual vacation Bible school for the safety and health of children and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Pastor connects through protest hymn
  Sparked by the death of George Floyd and others, the Rev. R. DeAndre Johnson shares his own anguished song and finds an internet audience.
• Church aids flood survivors in Congo
  Donations from Switzerland Methodist Church, Wespath also help pastors and their families struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Statements against racism
  Since protests against police brutality and violence triggered by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others, United Methodist bishops and others have been speaking out.
• United Methodists preach, protest and decry racism
  Many United Methodists participated in protests in support of Black Lives Matter, calling for an end to police brutality and violence against people of color after the death of George Floyd in police custody.
• The risk the white church must take to address racism
  “The single greatest obstacle for the white church’s response to racism isn’t silence, it’s being lukewarm. It’s being shallow and timid in how we address racism in the church,” writes The Rev. Eric Mayle.
• Collection rates plunge as COVID-19 rises
  Giving to general church ministries plummeted in April as the denomination focused on slowing the disease and supporting local churches.
• From children’s song to church anthem
  “We Are the Church” is a song for Pentecost, yet the popular hymn almost didn’t make it into The United Methodist Hymnal.