UM News Digest - June 9, 2025

UM News Digest - June 9, 2025

Wedding ban gone, church honors 3 gay couples
Los Angeles Area bishop speaks out for immigrants
Website aims to equip church stewardship

“I choose you again, in full knowledge of who you are — the ways you shine, and the ways you’ve grown.” — Part of the vow renewal spoken by three couples now able to celebrate their marriages in their church home.

Lindsey Dye pauses to wipe away Laura Smotherman’s tears as the couple renew their wedding vows during a service for three gay couples June 8 at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Wedding ban gone, church honors 3 gay couples
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — For Pride Month, Edgehill United Methodist Church held a vow-renewal service for three gay couples. The married couples, all leaders in the congregation, previously were unable to wed in their church home under denomination-wide restrictions that ended last year. Heather Hahn has the story, and Mike DuBose has photos.

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California-Pacific Conference
Los Angeles area bishop speaks out for immigrants
PASADENA, Calif. — As President Trump announced he would dispatch National Guard troops to the Los Angeles area, California-Pacific Conference Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank called on all Christ-following people to stand with immigrants but also to stay peaceful. “The immigrants targeted are not criminals, but people who showed up for court because they have been following the laws, people who went to work, children who went to school,” she wrote on June 7. The bishop, the Rev. Amy Aitken of First United Methodist Church in Pasadena, chancellor Lori Meaders and others were onsite at a demonstration June 8.
Read statement
See video on Instagram
AP: Community cleans up as National Guard arrives

Oregon-Idaho Conference
Church re-energizes ministry with solar power
GRESHAM, Ore. — Gresham United Methodist Church is buzzing with a tangible sense of hope as the congregation actively reimagines its future. The new energy is propelled by a recent revitalization effort and a groundbreaking commitment to solar power. The Rev. Troy Lynn Carter reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Aging faithfully: 10 ways to find purpose, support
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Finding purpose in life can help ease some of the challenges that come with aging. Having a clear direction and a goal for each day can lead to more happiness and better connections. Missy Buchanan, an author and advocate for older adults, shares ideas for aging adults, as well as congregations seeking to better support their older members. Laura Buchanan has the story.
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EducationNC
Child care center saved by collaboration
WILKESBORO, N.C. — A United Methodist church with empty space and a child care center needing a new home got together to help the center not only survive but also expand. The partnership was facilitated by the Ormond Center, a project at Duke Divinity School focused on helping churches assess their communities’ needs and find new ways to meet them. “I consider what happened there a miracle,” said Todd Maberry, former managing director of the Ormond Center. He said the model can be a blueprint for other communities. Liz Bell reports.
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United Methodist Communications
Website aims to equip church stewardship
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The website for the new United in Impact giving initiative, in support of The United Methodist Church, has launched and is now available to local churches for their awareness efforts. The initiative illustrates the power of giving through the connectional church and is a collaborative effort by United Methodist Communications, the General Council on Finance and Administration and Discipleship Ministries.
Read press release
See website

Church and Society
Immigration teaching tool available
WASHINGTON — A new Bible study on immigration may be downloaded for free from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. The purpose of the study is for participants to engage, connect and discuss immigration from a biblical perspective. The curriculum is designed to teach participants to recognize the call to being hospitable, understand the principle of God’s blessing beyond borders and navigate faithful risk and sacred welcome.
Learn more

Hope Springs Eternal
Pastor’s devotionals explore cancer journey
ATKINS, Va. — The Rev. Natalie Justice, a United Methodist pastor, podcaster and two-time cancer survivor, has published a 52-week devotional titled “Sunflowers in the Valley.” The devotionals aim to offer hope and faith through every stage of the cancer journey.
Learn more