UM News Digest - Oct. 26, 2026

UM News Digest - Oct. 26, 2026

Leadership Gathering ideas | Congo relief | Formation framework

“I am very hopeful for my generation and for the future generations who come up in The United Methodist Church.” — Whitley Henson, a young adult at the Leadership Gathering.

Bishop Ande Emmanuel of Nigeria (right) leads a celebratory dance line to the song “We Are Marching in the Light of God” at the close of the United Methodist Leadership Gathering on Oct. 24 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Canada. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

The Rev. Heecheon Jeon (center) raises his hands in praise at the conclusion of the United Methodist Leadership Gathering on Oct. 24 at Knox United Church in Calgary, Canada. He is joined by Rachel Shipley Blackwell (left) and the Rev. Anne Detjen. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

The Rev. Heecheon Jeon (center) raises his hands in praise at the conclusion of the United Methodist Leadership Gathering. He is joined by Rachel Shipley Blackwell (left) and the Rev. Anne Detjen. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Gathering offers 16 ideas for church future
CALGARY, Alberta (UM News) — After long hours of small-group discussion, Leadership Gathering participants revealed their recommendations for The United Methodist Church yet to be. The ideas tackled such efforts as evangelism, stewardship, decentering the U.S. and support for young people. Heather Hahn has the story.

Read story

Read press release

Volunteers from the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Disaster Management Office in the East Congo Episcopal Area supervise the sorting and distribution of food in the courtyard of Amani Parish in Goma, Congo. Photo by Jolie Shabani Mulebinge, UM News.

Helping families affected by war in Congo
GOMA, Congo (UM News) — The United Methodist Committee on Relief has been distributing monthly food kits to families affected by armed conflict in the region. A United Methodist orphanage, which houses 22 children, also received support during the six-month program. Jolie Shabani Mulebinge has the story.
Read story

Dakotas Conference
A new ministry model for solar oven group
MITCHELL, S.D. — A ministry that distributes solar ovens overseas is working toward making its local teams independent. The expense, logistics and travel time make it hard for U.S. teams to travel to sites where the ovens are needed. “We want local teams at each site to distribute ovens and teach people how to use and maintain the ovens,” said the Rev. Randy Harwood, director of Solar Oven Partners. Doreen Gosmire has the story.
Read story

Michigan Conference
$650K grant keeps recovery going
LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan Conference program that supports families throughout the long recovery process after disasters is receiving a $650,000 grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The grant to After the Storm will help communities still recovering after severe storms and flooding affected 44 counties in April. Faith Green Timmons reports.
Read story

Higher Education and Ministry
New framework for United Methodist formation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The University Senate of The United Methodist Church has approved a new Framework for United Methodist Formation, establishing a more comprehensive and flexible approach to preparing United Methodist candidates for ministry at approved non-United Methodist theological schools. “This new framework recognizes the changing landscape of theological education while strengthening our commitment to the intentional formation of United Methodist leaders,” said Roland Fernandes, top executive of the United Methodist boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Global Ministries.
Read press release

Finance and Administration
Updated audit guide available for local churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The General Council on Finance and Administration has released the fifth edition of its Local Church Audit Guide, a fully updated resource designed to help United Methodist congregations strengthen financial accountability, improve internal controls and fulfill audit responsibilities outlined in The Book of Discipline.
Read press release

Wesleyan Impact Partners
Monograph honors Bishop Huie
AUSTIN, Texas — Wesleyan Impact Partners, a nonprofit that invests in United Methodist ministry, has released “Resilience in a Liminal Time.” The free essay honors retired Bishop Janice Riggle Huie’s work and explores how leaders can meet profound uncertainty by building on what is.
Learn more
Download resource (PDF)