United Methodist News Service – Recent Articles

• Church exits, COVID lead to steep budget cuts
  United Methodist financial leaders are trying to estimate what a proposed church split and ongoing pandemic mean for the denomination’s bottom line.
• Churches advised to oppose BSA bankruptcy plan
  A United Methodist legal team is still negotiating but says the current Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy plan doesn’t adequately protect churches that sponsored Scouting troops and could be liable in sex-abuse claims.
• AU theology graduate returns to serve in East Congo
  The United Methodist Church in the East Congo Conference recently welcomed home the first student from the conference sent to Africa University for theological studies.
• Kenyan orphans find hope in vocational education
  Participants, ages 17 to 22, learn life skills to support themselves financially and overcome poverty and insecurity.
• Spanish-language hymnal turns 25
  Mil Voces Para Celebrar was no mere imitation of the United Methodist Hymnal, offering new tunes, texts and rhythms for worship.
• Inspiration, expertise for Black churches
  Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century will offer tips on innovative ministries and better use of technology at its 2021 conference in Houston, which will be a hybrid live and virtual event.
• Storms destroy two church institutions in Zimbabwe
  Heavy rains and strong winds wipe out classrooms, offices, a clinic and teachers’ residences in both East and West annual conferences.
• Programs support, develop Native American youth
  An Oklahoma church and a public charter school are focused on teaching Native youth about their culture and equipping them to thrive.
• Group gets immersion in Native history, concerns
  Invisibility is a problem for indigenous communities today, and United Methodists from nine states resolved to help raise awareness and support Native American ministries.
• 5 theses for The United Methodist Church
  Deeply rooted problems plaguing the denomination will not be solved by legislation but by repentance and a return to radical obedience to Scripture, says one United Methodist pastor.