Western North Carolina

Al Tompkins and Carolyn Koontz talk with Anita McKinney on the porch of her home in Newland, N.C. Screengrab by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

‘I’m blessed’: Church crews respond to storms

United Methodists from Moneta, Virginia, got to work in Western North Carolina, helping with recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene caused massive flooding in the region.

When a group of teens accepted Brian Edwards’ invitation to play basketball in the church gym at Muir’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Greensboro, N.C., it blossomed into a weekly event complete with dinner and fellowship. Photo courtesy of United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina.

Basketball invite leads to ministry

An invitation to play basketball in the church gym led to the Spark After Dark ministry at Muir’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Greensboro, N.C. Spark After Dark now attracts dozens of youth for open gym time, dinner and fellowship on Sunday nights.

Local Church

Three crosses stand above the cemetery at Israel United Methodist Church near Montrose, W.Va., in 2015. Leaders of rural churches have expressed concerns about the impact that decisions made at the special General Conferences could have on rural and small congregations. File photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.

Rural group lists concerns on plans before GC2019

United Methodist Rural Advocates is not endorsing a plan but sent a letter of caution to General Conference delegates.

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