United Methodist News
@umnews.bsky.social
We are the official news service of The United Methodist Church, which has members on four continents. We in The UMC wish to welcome you with "Open Hearts, Opens Minds, Open Doors."
United Methodist elected to worldwide role | “I am driven by passion to support, encourage, empower women and girls and being the voice of the voiceless," says Patricia Petudzai Mapani.
www.umnews.org/en/news/unit...
www.umnews.org/en/news/unit...
United Methodist elected to worldwide role | UMNews.org
“I am driven by passion to support, encourage, empower women and girls and being the voice of the voiceless.”
www.umnews.org
October 7, 2026 at 7:32 PM
United Methodist elected to worldwide role | “I am driven by passion to support, encourage, empower women and girls and being the voice of the voiceless," says Patricia Petudzai Mapani.
www.umnews.org/en/news/unit...
www.umnews.org/en/news/unit...
Women put faith into action across Zimbabwe | United Methodists and other Methodist women are responding to drug abuse, violence, trauma and poverty by offering practical support to women, girls and families.
www.umnews.org/en/news/wome...
www.umnews.org/en/news/wome...
Women put faith into action across Zimbabwe | UMNews.org
United Methodists and other Methodist women are responding to drug abuse, violence, trauma and poverty by offering practical support to women, girls and families.
www.umnews.org
October 7, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Women put faith into action across Zimbabwe | United Methodists and other Methodist women are responding to drug abuse, violence, trauma and poverty by offering practical support to women, girls and families.
www.umnews.org/en/news/wome...
www.umnews.org/en/news/wome...
United Methodists in the Arkansas Delta have grown more than a ton of food this year to give to those in need. Steve and Leah Williamson are doing their part at the Mustard Seed Garden, which is next to their church, Brinkley First #UMC.
arumc.org/2026/09/must...
arumc.org/2026/09/must...
Mustard Seed Garden Feeds Brinkley’s Needy Through Faith, Cooperation, Charitable Efforts - Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church
Methodists in the Delta have grown more than a ton of produce this year to give to those in need. Baptist volunteers are helping to distribute the harvest.
arumc.org
October 6, 2026 at 7:32 PM
United Methodists in the Arkansas Delta have grown more than a ton of food this year to give to those in need. Steve and Leah Williamson are doing their part at the Mustard Seed Garden, which is next to their church, Brinkley First #UMC.
arumc.org/2026/09/must...
arumc.org/2026/09/must...
Music leaders tackle ‘great divide’ in worship | Older church members often prefer the comfort of a traditional worship service. But presenters at the United Methodist-sponsored Fusion 2026 conference talked about modern options that might attract more young people.
www.umnews.org/en/news/musi...
www.umnews.org/en/news/musi...
Music leaders tackle ‘great divide’ in worship | UMNews.org
Older church members often prefer the comfort of a traditional worship service. But presenters at the United Methodist-sponsored Fusion 2026 conference talked about modern options that might attract…
www.umnews.org
October 6, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Music leaders tackle ‘great divide’ in worship | Older church members often prefer the comfort of a traditional worship service. But presenters at the United Methodist-sponsored Fusion 2026 conference talked about modern options that might attract more young people.
www.umnews.org/en/news/musi...
www.umnews.org/en/news/musi...
Applications are now open for the Ministry Support Fund, a new #UMC grant program for annual conferences to support clergy care, leadership development and conference ministries. www.resourceumc.org/en/content/n...
New Ministry Support Fund Will Strengthen Clergy Care and Development | ResourceUMC
Applications are now open for the Ministry Support Fund, a new grant program to support clergy care, leadership development and conference ministries. Created by the United Methodist boards of Higher…
www.resourceumc.org
October 5, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Applications are now open for the Ministry Support Fund, a new #UMC grant program for annual conferences to support clergy care, leadership development and conference ministries. www.resourceumc.org/en/content/n...
Pastor’s ministry had length and depth | The Rev. Lamar Smith worked into his 90s as a United Methodist pastor, touching lives all along the way.
www.umnews.org/en/news/past...
www.umnews.org/en/news/past...
Pastor’s ministry had length and depth | UMNews.org
The Rev. Lamar Smith worked into his 90s as a United Methodist pastor, touching lives all along the way.
www.umnews.org
October 5, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Pastor’s ministry had length and depth | The Rev. Lamar Smith worked into his 90s as a United Methodist pastor, touching lives all along the way.
www.umnews.org/en/news/past...
www.umnews.org/en/news/past...
Is your church holding blessing of the animals this weekend? Here is a bit more about the saint who inspired what has become a fall ritual for many Protestant and Catholic congregations.
www.umnews.org/en/news/what...
www.umnews.org/en/news/what...
What St. Francis can teach United Methodists | UMNews.org
How much do you know about the reformer who influenced Christian ministry with the poor, preaching peace and, of course, pets?
www.umnews.org
October 4, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Is your church holding blessing of the animals this weekend? Here is a bit more about the saint who inspired what has become a fall ritual for many Protestant and Catholic congregations.
www.umnews.org/en/news/what...
www.umnews.org/en/news/what...
We in the #UMC wish you a blessed #WorldCommunionSunday. "Strengthen us for your service in the world, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — United Methodist Book of Worship.
October 4, 2026 at 1:15 PM
We in the #UMC wish you a blessed #WorldCommunionSunday. "Strengthen us for your service in the world, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — United Methodist Book of Worship.
As the Cornell University sexual assault investigation continues, United Methodists should be asking what is a faithful response, writes #UMC Status and Role of Women in a statement. gcsrw.org/staff-reflec...
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez also shares a pastoral word: www.unyumc.org/post/from-bi...
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez also shares a pastoral word: www.unyumc.org/post/from-bi...
Say Something Sunday: The Church & Cornell – GCSRW
If you have experienced sexual misconduct in the church call our confidential toll-free number 1-800-523-8390 for support.
gcsrw.org
October 3, 2026 at 7:32 PM
As the Cornell University sexual assault investigation continues, United Methodists should be asking what is a faithful response, writes #UMC Status and Role of Women in a statement. gcsrw.org/staff-reflec...
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez also shares a pastoral word: www.unyumc.org/post/from-bi...
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez also shares a pastoral word: www.unyumc.org/post/from-bi...
An invitation to reflect on the denomination’s future | Two participants in the coming Leadership Gathering raise questions about The #UMC’s structure, leadership and evangelism that could help frame discussions about the denomination’s future.
www.umnews.org/en/news/an-i...
www.umnews.org/en/news/an-i...
October 3, 2026 at 3:05 PM
An invitation to reflect on the denomination’s future | Two participants in the coming Leadership Gathering raise questions about The #UMC’s structure, leadership and evangelism that could help frame discussions about the denomination’s future.
www.umnews.org/en/news/an-i...
www.umnews.org/en/news/an-i...
Former lieutenant governor suspended from ministry
The Rev. Dale Caldwell resigned from elected office and now faces a United Methodist complaint over accusations of inappropriate behavior with women and ethics violations. He denies the allegations.
www.umnews.org/en/news/form...
The Rev. Dale Caldwell resigned from elected office and now faces a United Methodist complaint over accusations of inappropriate behavior with women and ethics violations. He denies the allegations.
www.umnews.org/en/news/form...
Former lieutenant governor suspended from ministry | UMNews.org
The Rev. Dale Caldwell resigned from elected office and now faces a United Methodist complaint over accusations of inappropriate behavior with women and ethics violations. He denies the allegations.
www.umnews.org
October 2, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Former lieutenant governor suspended from ministry
The Rev. Dale Caldwell resigned from elected office and now faces a United Methodist complaint over accusations of inappropriate behavior with women and ethics violations. He denies the allegations.
www.umnews.org/en/news/form...
The Rev. Dale Caldwell resigned from elected office and now faces a United Methodist complaint over accusations of inappropriate behavior with women and ethics violations. He denies the allegations.
www.umnews.org/en/news/form...
In its 2026 Clergy Age Report, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership =The Rev. Lovett Weems, who wrote the report, says the trends reflect cultural changes. lovettweems.substack.com/p/declines-i...
Declines in Young Clergy Reflect a Changed Culture
What Do We Need to Learn?
lovettweems.substack.com
October 2, 2026 at 3:05 PM
In its 2026 Clergy Age Report, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership =The Rev. Lovett Weems, who wrote the report, says the trends reflect cultural changes. lovettweems.substack.com/p/declines-i...
If you produce your church bulletin or weekly newsletter in Microsoft Publisher, you already know the program is scheduled to retire in October. United Methodist Communications walks through alternatives that are free, low-cost or full-featured paid solutions.
www.resourceumc.org/en/content/a...
www.resourceumc.org/en/content/a...
After Publisher Bulletin and newsletter tools for every budget | ResourceUMC
Microsoft Publisher retires in October 2026. Discover free, low-cost, and full-featured alternatives to keep your church bulletin and newsletter running smoothly.
www.resourceumc.org
October 1, 2026 at 7:32 PM
If you produce your church bulletin or weekly newsletter in Microsoft Publisher, you already know the program is scheduled to retire in October. United Methodist Communications walks through alternatives that are free, low-cost or full-featured paid solutions.
www.resourceumc.org/en/content/a...
www.resourceumc.org/en/content/a...
Countdown begins to Leadership Gathering | Organizers are providing resources to help all United Methodists engage with the gathering intended to help faithfully reimagine the denomination’s future.
www.umnews.org/en/news/coun...
www.umnews.org/en/news/coun...
Countdown begins to Leadership Gathering | UMNews.org
Organizers are providing resources to help all United Methodists engage with the gathering intended to help faithfully reimagine the denomination’s future.
www.umnews.org
October 1, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Countdown begins to Leadership Gathering | Organizers are providing resources to help all United Methodists engage with the gathering intended to help faithfully reimagine the denomination’s future.
www.umnews.org/en/news/coun...
www.umnews.org/en/news/coun...
Be brave enough to let the light find you | Ännä White, a United Methodist lay member, shares how a former pastor’s honesty about depression allowed her to realize she didn’t have to be healed to find a home at church.
www.umnews.org/en/news/be-b...
www.umnews.org/en/news/be-b...
Be brave enough to let the light find you | UMNews.org
A United Methodist lay member shares how a former pastor’s honesty about depression allowed her to realize she didn’t have to be healed to find a home at church.
www.umnews.org
September 30, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Be brave enough to let the light find you | Ännä White, a United Methodist lay member, shares how a former pastor’s honesty about depression allowed her to realize she didn’t have to be healed to find a home at church.
www.umnews.org/en/news/be-b...
www.umnews.org/en/news/be-b...
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.
www.umnews.org/en/news/des-...
www.umnews.org/en/news/des-...
United Methodists lose homes in Congo fire | UMNews.org
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.
www.umnews.org
September 30, 2026 at 3:05 PM
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.
www.umnews.org/en/news/des-...
www.umnews.org/en/news/des-...
United Methodists from across the connection gathered in person and online Sept. 25 for the 2026 Disability Summit. The hybrid gathering offered a day of worship and work toward building a church in which people with disabilities can fully participate, lead and belong. amd-umc.org/news/
News - Association of Ministers with Disabilities
…………………………………….. Disability Summit Brings United Methodists Together for Justice, Belonging and Accessible Ministry By Rev. Dr. Leo Yates METAIRIE, La. — United Methodists from across the connection…
amd-umc.org
September 29, 2026 at 7:41 PM
United Methodists from across the connection gathered in person and online Sept. 25 for the 2026 Disability Summit. The hybrid gathering offered a day of worship and work toward building a church in which people with disabilities can fully participate, lead and belong. amd-umc.org/news/
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.
www.umnews.org/en/news/atla...
www.umnews.org/en/news/atla...
Atlanta: Connection across difference | UMNews.org
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,…
www.umnews.org
September 29, 2026 at 3:05 PM
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.
www.umnews.org/en/news/atla...
www.umnews.org/en/news/atla...
The United Methodist Church in the Philippines continues to stand in solidarity with the archipelago’s Indigenous peoples as they struggle to defend their rights, protect their ancestral lands and uphold human dignity.
www.umc.org/en/content/u...
www.umc.org/en/content/u...
United Methodists stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples | UMC.org
The UMC in the Philippines stands in solidarity with Indigenous peoples as they defend their rights, protect their ancestral lands, and uphold human dignity.
www.umc.org
September 28, 2026 at 7:32 PM
The United Methodist Church in the Philippines continues to stand in solidarity with the archipelago’s Indigenous peoples as they struggle to defend their rights, protect their ancestral lands and uphold human dignity.
www.umc.org/en/content/u...
www.umc.org/en/content/u...
Louisiana Conference invests $15M in churches | As part of its new Jubilee Initiative, the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church is helping local churches to pay off debt, fund ministries, expand staffing and more.
www.umnews.org/en/news/loui...
www.umnews.org/en/news/loui...
Louisiana Conference invests $15M in churches | UMNews.org
As part of its new Jubilee Initiative, the Louisiana Conference is helping local churches to pay off debt, fund ministries, expand staffing and more.
www.umnews.org
September 28, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Louisiana Conference invests $15M in churches | As part of its new Jubilee Initiative, the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church is helping local churches to pay off debt, fund ministries, expand staffing and more.
www.umnews.org/en/news/loui...
www.umnews.org/en/news/loui...
On #WorldCommunionSunday, Oct. 4 this year, United Methodists can join with Christians around the globe at the table of the Lord, and can raise funds to support United Methodist students in the United States and worldwide. www.resourceumc.org/en/umc-resou...
World Communion Sunday Pastor and Leader Kit | ResourceUMC
The World Communion Sunday Kit provides a full package of ready to use resources to help your church celebrate World Communion Special Sunday and define how we give, why we give and the impact we…
www.resourceumc.org
September 27, 2026 at 7:32 PM
On #WorldCommunionSunday, Oct. 4 this year, United Methodists can join with Christians around the globe at the table of the Lord, and can raise funds to support United Methodist students in the United States and worldwide. www.resourceumc.org/en/umc-resou...
We in the #UMC wish you a blessed fourth Sunday in the #SeasonofCreation with Paul's preaching to the Athenians in Acts 17:24. "The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands."
September 27, 2026 at 1:15 PM
We in the #UMC wish you a blessed fourth Sunday in the #SeasonofCreation with Paul's preaching to the Athenians in Acts 17:24. "The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands."
The Rev. Aaron Collins is less than three months into his first-ever ministerial appointment at Magnolia Avenue #UMC in Knoxville, Tennessee. The 100-year-old church building needs extensive repair yet is a hub for essential ministry in a struggling community.
www.holston.org/article/love...
www.holston.org/article/love...
September 26, 2026 at 7:32 PM
The Rev. Aaron Collins is less than three months into his first-ever ministerial appointment at Magnolia Avenue #UMC in Knoxville, Tennessee. The 100-year-old church building needs extensive repair yet is a hub for essential ministry in a struggling community.
www.holston.org/article/love...
www.holston.org/article/love...
Walking the journey of calling | The #UMC @gbhem.bsky.social's EXPLORATION offers young people space for discernment and holy wonder, writes the Rev. Lindsey B. Freeman. www.umnews.org/en/news/walk...
Walking the journey of calling | UMNews.org
The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s EXPLORATION offers young people space for discernment and holy wonder.
www.umnews.org
September 26, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Walking the journey of calling | The #UMC @gbhem.bsky.social's EXPLORATION offers young people space for discernment and holy wonder, writes the Rev. Lindsey B. Freeman. www.umnews.org/en/news/walk...
Elaine White has been named executive officer at The Upper Room. She most recently led the sales, marketing and fulfillment team at the #UMC organization, which publishes resources and provides programs and experiences that nurture spiritual formation. www.upperroom.org/news/elaine-...
Elaine White Named Executive Officer of The Upper Room
The Upper Room is pleased to announce that Elaine White has been named the organization’s new...
www.upperroom.org
September 25, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Elaine White has been named executive officer at The Upper Room. She most recently led the sales, marketing and fulfillment team at the #UMC organization, which publishes resources and provides programs and experiences that nurture spiritual formation. www.upperroom.org/news/elaine-...