Mission and Ministry

When the doors were not yet open

It’s been 25 years since the rollout of The United Methodist Church’s brand promise of “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” Despite controversy, it remains relevant today.

The Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder offers a blessing to Julia Sugarbaker, a mini goldendoodle, at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. Snyder and co-author Gayle Fiser have written a book on how churches can start successful pet ministries. Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

How churches can adopt their own pet ministries

A new book by United Methodists shares practical guidance for congregations looking to build community connections by caring for pets and the people who love them.

Theology and Education

Safe, comfortable campus housing for female students is in high demand at Africa University, given its rural location and the lack of reliable public transportation. The United Methodist Church’s Upper New York and Susquehanna conferences have approved a project to raise $1.5 million to build a new women’s dormitory at the university. Photo courtesy of Africa University.

Conferences team up to raise $1.5M for Africa University dorm

The United Methodist Church’s Upper New York and Susquehanna annual conferences approved a project to build a women’s dormitory in response to a pressing need for student housing.

Global Health

Dr. Damas Lushima, wearing a mask and a Global Ministries vest, stands in front of the Ebola treatment center at the Rwampara General Referral Hospital in Bunia. As health department coordinator for the East Congo Episcopal Area, he oversees The United Methodist Church’s integrated response to the 17th Ebola outbreak affecting Ituri Province. Photo courtesy of the Eastern Congo Health Council.

Church steps up Ebola response in Congo

Facing a deadly Ebola flare up, the East Congo Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church is rolling out an integrated response — spiritual, medical and community based — to protect the most vulnerable populations.

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