United Methodist News Service – Recent Articles

• United Methodists lose homes in Congo fire
  In a region already hit by insecurity and an Ebola outbreak, The United Methodist Church is scrambling to shelter those left homeless and assessing other needs.
• Atlanta: Connection across difference
  The UM News podcast “Signs of Life” returns with the story of two congregations in Atlanta that embarked on a study of a Howard Thurman book. One congregation predominately black and the other white, participants explore together a story of new understanding and relationship.
• UM News Podcast Season One
  This Fall on season one of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. 
• Walking the journey of calling
  The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s EXPLORATION offers young people space for discernment and holy wonder.
• Louisiana Conference invests $15M in churches
  As part of its new Jubilee Initiative, the Louisiana Conference is helping local churches to pay off debt, fund ministries, expand staffing and more.
• Court cases test United Methodist governance
  The Baltimore-Washington Conference filed a federal lawsuit against a church to defend The United Methodist Church’s trust clause. Meanwhile, developments continue in the Texas lawsuit involving Highland Park United Methodist.
• Church builds on Ebola response in Congo
  The United Methodist Church’s health coordination team is constructing a 50-bed treatment center and reaching thousands through a large-scale community response.
• Suicide is a public health crisis. How can faith communities respond?
  Faith leaders need help in recognizing the signs that a parishioner may be contemplating suicide. To help address this need, the E. Stanley Jones Foundation and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries have developed a free online training course for clergy and lay leaders.
• How small congregations can flourish
  Small churches are an asset for The United Methodist Church, argues a new report from Wesleyan Impact Partners. The report profiles nine U.S. congregations that are outsized in their community impact.
• Church expands access to clean water in Liberia
  Through its Water for Life initiative, the Liberia Conference is installing wells and sanitation facilities throughout the country to help reduce waterborne diseases and improve safety and equity for women and girls.