UM News Digest - April 13, 2026

UM News Digest - April 13, 2026

Bishops encounter hope in Ukraine
United Methodists confront Iran war’s impact
Church can happen anywhere

“The visit showed us how important a physical presence is. The people there felt it: We are not forgotten. The fact that we came as bishops was a sign of solidarity for them.” — Bishop Stefan Zürcher, on visiting Ukraine with his fellow European bishops.

(From left) Bishop Werner Philipp, local preacher István Pásztor from Hungary, Bishop Stefan Zürcher and Bishop Knut Refsdal stand under a Ukrainian flag at Nevytske Castle, north of Uzhhorod, during their visit to Ukraine on March 26-30. Photo courtesy of EmK-Öffentlichkeitsarbeit Germany, UM News.

Bishops encounter hope in Ukraine
LVIV, Ukraine (UM News) — European Bishops Stefan Zürcher, Werner Philipp and Knut Refsdal traveled to Transcarpathia and the city of Lviv to stand alongside United Methodist congregations and those displaced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The journey was about presence, solidarity and reminding people they are not alone, the bishops said. Michael Löffler and Sigmar Friedrich report.

Read story

On Good Friday (April 3), Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church in Cedaredge, Colo., displays on its steps a memorial showing pairs of shoes to represent the 168 children and teachers killed Feb. 28 in the bombing of the girls’ school in Minab, Iran. Virginia Unseld, an artist in the nearby Eckert neighborhood, designed the memorial. The Rev. Bob Anders Photos of the memorial went viral on social media. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Bob Anders, Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church.

United Methodists confront Iran war’s impact
CEDAREDGE, Colo. — With no agreement in sight, United Methodists are praying for peace as they’ve done since the beginning of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. They also are speaking out against disregard for human life. A Colorado church is among the congregations taking a stand, with a memorial that has garnered attention around the world. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story

United Methodist Communications
Church can happen anywhere
OCALA, Fla. — The sting of a tattoo needle might be a way to draw people to Christ, say church leaders such as the Rev. Michael Beck. He heads the Fresh Expressions movement in The United Methodist Church. In addition to tattoo ministries, attendees at the Feb. 26-28 National Gathering also explored dinner churches, yoga, mime, gaming and other ministries. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story
UM News: Fresh Expressions movement gains momentum

South Georgia Conference
Church supports local track team
BAXLEY, Ga. — While sports like football, basketball and baseball often receive strong support and funding, track and field programs are frequently under-resourced. Harper Chapel United Methodist Church is addressing this disparity by adopting the Appling County Middle School track and field team this season. The South Georgia Conference has the story.
Read story

Higher Education and Ministry
Fund helps Philander Smith train health leaders
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Support from The United Methodist Church has helped Philander Smith University turn dreams into reality. Maurice Gipson, the university’s president, points to the completion of the university’s Nursing and Health Professions Building as a prime example. The denomination’s Black College Fund provides annual support to 11 United Methodist-related historically Black colleges and universities. Wendy R. Cromwell has the story.
Read story

WesleyMen
WesleyMen celebrates 25th anniversary
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — This Easter season, WesleyMen launches its 25th anniversary celebration. The World Fellowship of Methodist and Uniting Church Men, also known as “WesleyMen,” is the global connecting point of men’s ministry for Wesleyan, Methodist and Uniting denominations. As part of the anniversary, WesleyMen has multiple activities planned under the theme “Offer Them Christ in Your Loaves and Fishes.”
Read press release

United Methodist Communications
Native American Ministries Sunday is April 19
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Through the Native American Ministries special Sunday offering on April 19, United Methodists can strengthen conference ministries and support scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained ministry. Churches also can celebrate Native American contributions to the denomination and society in general. United Methodist Communications offers resources for churches to mark the day.
See resources

Discipleship Ministries, Status and Role of Women
Celebrating 70 years of women’s clergy rights
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Discipleship Ministries and the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women have collaborated to produce worship and liturgical resources to mark the 70th anniversary of the Methodist Church granting ordained women full clergy rights. Resources include preaching notes, a liturgical overview and hymn suggestions.
See resources