Lay Leaders

Emma Escobar, president of MARCHA (Associated Methodists for the Hispanic-Latino American Cause), speaks during the opening ceremony of the caucus’ 53rd annual assembly Aug. 1 in Chicago. The altar, prepared by the Spanish-Latino Ministries of the Northern Illinois Conference, offered a display of sacramental elements and colors as a liturgical expression of the diversity of races, cultures, theological interpretations, ages and genders that make up MARCHA. Photo by the Rev. Gustavo Vasquez, UM News.

MARCHA urges: Don’t just pray, organize

Clergy and lay leaders from the United Methodist Hispanic-Latino community gathered under unusual security conditions in Chicago to celebrate the caucus’ 53rd annual assembly.

General Church

Bishop Tracy S. Malone, president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, speaks during a mission consultation for Latin America and the Caribbean in Panama City. During the July 21-23 event, she highlighted the importance of strengthening the bonds of collaboration in missional work in the church.

Methodists across Americas reimagine mission

Leaders from 40 Methodist churches and ecumenical organizations met to identify areas for joint work to strengthen mission in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mission and Ministry

Sister Alegría (right) and Sister Confianza, members of the Amigas del Señor (Women Friends of the Lord) Monastery in Limón, Honduras, pray during evening compline. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

United Methodist nuns blend spiritual traditions

Laywomen Beth Blodgett and Prairie Cutting arrived on the Caribbean coast of Central America nearly two decades ago, determined to start a new spiritual community in a remote corner of Honduras. Paul Jeffrey has their story and photos.

Local Church

Lay leader Ed Zinkiewicz leads the congregation of West Nashville (Tenn.) United Methodist Church in prayer. Photo by Kathleen Barry, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Who may hold office in a local church?

Those who may hold office in a local church depends on the office in question.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now