Video: ‘Look what God can do’


An East Tennessee pastor says God guided her congregation to respond to the needs of families displaced by Hurricane Helene. The Rev. Sarah Varnell, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, says the church’s response started small and has grown into a community-wide effort, with the church becoming a safe place for people to come and get supplies. “Look what God can do,” she said.

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Elias Torres cleans up flood damage from Hurricane Helene at Cedar Key (Fla.) United Methodist Church. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. 

Florida churches begin Helene recovery efforts

United Methodists across the southeastern U.S. are responding in communities that were devastated by Hurricane Helene. UM News photographer Mike DuBose traveled with church leaders and relief workers in Florida this week to document as they began assessing damage and planning relief efforts.
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A view of Valle Crucis United Methodist Church in Valle Crucis, N.C., shows water over the stairs of the entryway after flooding caused by Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina and other parts of the southeastern United States last week. Bishop Ken Carter, who leads the Western North Carolina Conference, said it’s estimated that more than half of the 44 counties in the annual conference have been affected. Photo courtesy of the Western North Carolina Conference. 

United Methodists offer relief after Helene

Church members are beginning the long, slow recovery following Helene’s devastating storm surge and flooding in the southeastern U.S. Conferences are busy supporting survivors.
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Instructor Marion McAuley (center facing camera) teaches students how to drive screws with an electric drill at the Women in Construction program in Biloxi, Miss. An initiative of  Moore Community House —  a National Mission Institution supported by United Women in Faith — the program prepares women for careers in the skilled trades. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Program helps women build construction careers

In a job market rife with low-paying hospitality jobs, getting hired as a construction worker offers a path to a better life for women. An innovative Mississippi program, supported by United Women in Faith, helps them get there.
Faith Sharing
Image by sebastiano iervolino from Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News

Social media graphics from UM News

Graphic for Pentecost available to download and share on social media.
Global Health
Sinnika A. Bangura (right), a staffer at the Lowell and Ruth Gess United Methodist Church Eye Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, applies dilating eye drops to a young child with the support of his parents. The eye drops are administered to widen the eye pupil in preparation for examination. The United Methodist eye hospital was established in 1984 by Dr. Lowell Gess, a U.S. missionary. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

Church hospitals restore sight, health in Sierra Leone

The United Methodist Church’s medical facilities provide a wide range of care, drawing patients from neighboring countries as well.

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