“In these times, it's hard to be a leader. You are making hard choices that are so unforeseen.” — The Rev. Karen Yokota-Love, senior pastor of Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church in Seattle.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Pandemic presents challenge to church giving
SEATTLE (UM News) — Even when churches can't pass the plate, they still rely on offerings. But church leaders also want to be sensitive to the faithful's own economic needs in a time of rising unemployment. Heather Hahn reports on giving and COVID-19.
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Radio station extends reach in Côte d'Ivoire
ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire (UM News) — The United Methodist Church's Voice of Hope will now be broadcast throughout eastern Côte d'Ivoire with the assignment of a new frequency in Abengourou. Bishop Benjamin Boni announced the news during a celebration of the radio station's 10th anniversary. Isaac Broune has the story.
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Arkansas Conference
After tornado, churches spring into action
JONESBORO, Ark. — Relief efforts are underway after an EF3 tornado whipped through this Northeast Arkansas city, damaging hundreds of homes and businesses and injuring 22 people. In part due to the current COVID-19 social distancing efforts, no fatalities were reported. Caleb Hennington has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES
Acts of worship for Holy Week, Easter
WASHINGTON — The National Council of Churches joins with Christians Uniting in Christ and Christian Churches Together in sending a letter to U.S. congregations, asking them to join in specific acts of worship to mark Holy Week and Easter during an unprecedented time. The United Methodist Church is a member of all three groups.
Read letter and download resources
COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.
God's role in times of crisis
MOSS, Norway (UM News) — Much unhealthy theology emerges when people face all kinds of crises. The coronavirus pandemic is no exception, writes the Rev. Knut Refsdal, a district superintendent for The United Methodist Church in Norway.
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RESOURCES
Ask The UMC
Keeping congregations connected
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While nothing replaces being physically together, congregations can find creative ways to engage members and communities in prayer, worship and ministry. United Methodist Communications' Ask The UMC team offers tools to help church members stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Read more Ask The UMC
RECENT HEADLINES
Rev. Joseph Lowery, civil rights leader, dead at 98
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