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UMCOR supports tree-planting project in Philippines

United Methodists are planting native trees in a flood-prone area on the island of Palawan. The reforestation project is a joint venture between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Manila Episcopal Area. Bread of Life United Methodist Church in the area has flooded several times in the past, and residents hope the tree planting will result in a long-term solution. Jhoanna Ragasa, Cedric Sagun and John Rey Velasco report from the Philippines, with photos by Cheryl Regnim and Jerry Dumaya.

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News media contact: Julie Dwyer at newsdesk@umnews.org. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digest.

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Mission and Ministry
Holly Petti and her dog Paisley chat with people entering the Sanctuary at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. The church has a designated dog greeter every Sunday in addition to numerous pet outreach ministries the congregation offers. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Dog church welcomes people and pets

A United Methodist church in Little Rock celebrates Earth Day by recognizing God’s care for his people and the pets they love.
Social Concerns
Recipients of sun-powered ovens learn to adapt local recipes to the new cooking method. This photo was taken during a United Methodist Solar Oven Partners workshop for new oven owners in Bo, Sierra Leone, in December 2025. Photo courtesy of Solar Oven Partners.

Solar oven ministry changes lives

United Methodist Solar Oven Partners promotes renewable energy and improves health in vulnerable communities in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Sierra Leone and the Navajo Nation.

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