UM News Digest - March 26, 2025

UM News Digest - March 26, 2025

Churches confront mass federal layoffs
United Methodists grapple with loss of foreign aid
5 years after COVID, how have churches changed?

“I cannot stress enough how people in my church don’t take federal jobs unless they are in love with their country and really want to be in service.” — The Rev. Stephanie Vader, senior pastor of Capitol Hill United Methodist Church in Washington.

The Rev. Rachel Cornwell (center, wearing glasses) joins with the Rev. Donna Claycomb Sokol (at left, in clerical collar) and other D.C.-area pastors in a time of prayer and protest on Ash Wednesday on Capitol Hill. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Rachel Cornwell, Dumbarton United Methodist Church.

Churches confront mass federal layoffs
WASHINGTON (UM News) — Pastoral care, prayer and protests — these are some of the ways United Methodist congregations are supporting church members and others affected by the Trump administration’s drastic job cuts and slashing of government services. Many United Methodist churches also are adjusting their budgets to account for laid-off members’ strained finances. Heather Hahn reports.

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United Methodists grapple with loss of foreign aid
WASHINGTON (UM News) — United Methodists are feeling the effects of the dismantling of U.S. foreign assistance and speaking out about how such aid saves lives. Africa University and the United Methodist Committee on Relief are among the United Methodist ministries that have long worked with partners in the U.S. government. Heather Hahn reports.

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Holston Conference
5 years after COVID, how have churches changed?
ALCOA, Tenn. — Five years ago this month, COVID-19 rocked the world. A consequence of closing United Methodist churches as part of the U.S. shutdown to protect people was permanent loss of worshippers for many congregations. Despite the losses, some church leaders say the pandemic led them to develop new ways to reach their flocks. Annette Spence has the story.
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Arkansas and Oklahoma Indian Missionary conferences
Youth find fellowship at Veritas 2025
FORT SMITH, Ark. — Nearly 700 youth from three United Methodist conferences — Arkansas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma Indian Missionary — attended Veritas 2025 in Fort Smith. “Veritas” means truth, and a portion of the event was dedicated to the struggles of Native people, while also celebrating and giving respect to their rich heritage and spiritual wisdom. The event also included worship, breakout sessions and a Q&A with Bishop Laura Merrill. The Oklahoma Indian Missionary and Arkansas conferences report.
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Louisiana Conference
Statewide event celebrates LGBTQ community
BATON ROUNGE, La. — The Louisiana Conference put together a Sacred Worth event on March 23 to celebrate and affirm LGBTQ people in the community. Separate events were held at United Methodist churches across the state, including in Baton Rouge, Covington, Lafayette, Lake Charles, New Orleans and Shreveport. At each location, members fostered a welcoming environment for engaging conversations, community-building and spiritual encouragement. Louisiana Conference staff report.
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The Guardian
After LA fires, 3 faiths share worship space
ALTADENA, Calif. — In the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires, First United Methodist Church in Pasadena is sharing its facilities for worship with the Islamic Center of Southern California and the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center. “We are trying to cultivate an ‘island of grace’ in the midst of differences that we are told should divide us,” said the Rev. Amy Aitken, the church’s pastor. Lynda Lin Grigsby has the story.
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Council of Bishops
Bishops condemn attack on churchgoers in Nigeria
WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops decried a recent attack on Bishop Ande Emmanuel and other United Methodists traveling with him as they were engaging in ministry in the Nigeria episcopal area. The bishops expressed gratitude that Emmanuel and his team escaped physical harm, although a vehicle in their entourage was damaged. The bishops also implored United Methodists in Nigeria not to retaliate. UM News will have further coverage in the coming days.
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Publishing House, Discipleship Ministries
Input sought for improving worship resources
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Publishing House and Discipleship Ministries invite pastors, music directors and worship leaders from United Methodist churches in North America to share their insights. The two agencies are exploring innovative ways to access and select music and liturgical resources online, and they need input. Staff will set up a 30-minute Zoom interviews with those sharing their insights at their convenience. If interested, reach out to the Publishing House at UMWorshipResources@umpublishing.org.
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