West Ohio Annual Conference

The Bridge of Hope Free Food Pantry will provide welcoming baskets containing necessities such as coats, caps and gloves, as well as a Bible and invitation to worship to workers during Lent. Photo courtesy of the West Ohio Conference.

Churches offer welcome to migrant workers

The Bridge of Hope Free Food Pantry supports migrant workers who work on farms in northeast Ohio. The food pantry is a ministry partner of an ecumenical group of seven churches.

Immigration

UM News is the official news gathering agency of the 13-million member United Methodist Church. Graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Churches help refugees resettle

Irfan Ali Shah Akhundzada moved his family out of Afghanistan and away from the Taliban to Columbus, Ohio, with the help of two churches. The churches helped set up a home and navigate language challenges. Amy Graham reports for the West Ohio Conference.

Local Church

Donald “Bud” Heckman, accused of sexual misconduct and abuse, withdrew under complaint from membership in the West Ohio Conference, effective June 10, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Religion Communicators Council.

#MeToo case ends with surrendered credentials

Donald “Bud” Heckman has left ordained ministry under complaint after facing an earlier complaint of sexual misconduct and abuse brought by four women.

Mission and Ministry

Custodian James Jimmerson disinfects pews to prevent any possible spread of the coronavirus at Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday, May 10, 2020, after online worship, which was recorded in the sanctuary. As churches consider returning to in-person worship, cleaning measures are one of many factors leaders will need to consider. “I believe my job, my part in this, is to make sure people are safe in here,” Jimmerson said. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Churches have much to consider before reopening

As many states’ shelter-in-place orders are being lifted, churches contemplate how — or whether — to return to in-person worship.

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