UM News Digest - Jan. 26, 2026

UM News Digest - Jan. 26, 2026

US pastors stand against federal crackdown
What does it mean for the church to love boldly?
Grants help pantries feed more neighbors

“They forget that under all of this cold, there is a beating heart of love that no federal agency can kill.” — The Rev. Mariah Furness Tollgaard, senior pastor of Hamline Church, a United Methodist congregation in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Clergy members lead a demonstration against U.S. immigration-enforcement tactics at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Jan. 23 in St. Paul, Minn. Photo by Jack Jenkins, Religion News Service.

US pastors stand against federal crackdown
MINNEAPOLIS (UM News) — United Methodists from across the U.S. joined in a Minnesota protest Jan. 23 against federal violence. Now with federal agents responsible for another U.S. citizen’s death, pressure for accountability is mounting. Heather Hahn reports.

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Read Council of Bishops statement

What does it mean for the church to love boldly?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Church scholars and leaders joined to explore how Wesleyan theology shapes who United Methodists are around the globe. They also discussed how theology informs the denomination’s vision to “love boldly.” The webinar, available now as a recording, is the first in a series of three leading up to the bishop’s Leadership Gathering in October. Heather Hahn has the story.
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Global Ministries
Grants help pantries feed more neighbors
ATLANTA — As cuts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture hit emergency food banks and school meal programs, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program added new restrictions, United Methodist volunteers stepped up to increase food security in their communities. With grant support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries’ Feeding Our Neighbors program, church pantries stretched their dollars and provided additional food to meet demand. Christie R. House reports.
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Missouri Conference
Churches combine efforts for youth
WRIGHT CITY, Mo. — When two churches in the same area found that they were competing for youth group participants, they decided working together was a better way to go. The Rev. Kim Purl of Immanuel United Church of Christ reached out to the Rev. Meagan O’Brien at Shiloh United Methodist Church, and a two-church youth group was founded. Now other churches are also getting in on the fun. Fred Koenig has the story.
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UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.

Greater Northwest Area
Pastor faces being a preacher with no voice
DES MOINES, Wash. — Facing the loss of her voice and a terminal cancer diagnosis, the Rev. Kathy Neary reflects on preaching as a gift, struggle and sacred collaboration with God. In silence, she discovers deeper listening, gratitude and a lifelong practice of wrestling with the Divine — one that continues even as her life’s horizon narrows.
Read commentary

Missouri United Methodist Foundation
Nate Berneking to lead foundation
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Following a national search, the Missouri United Methodist Foundation has named the Rev. Nate Berneking as its new president and chief executive officer. He has served for nearly 13 years as the Missouri Conference’s director of financial and administrative ministries. He takes on his new role March 1, succeeding David P. Atkins, who is retiring.
Read press release

United Methodist Men
Tips for observing Scout Sunday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Scout Sunday is set for Feb. 8, and United Methodist Men is offering suggestions to mark the occasion. Scouts from the church could collect offerings that day, read Scripture or even preach.
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