UM News Digest - Jan. 28, 2026

UM News Digest - Jan. 28, 2026

Brick by brick, persistent pastor builds own church
Know your rights when they’re under threat
Providing light, warmth in Ukraine

“Engage your members, show them by example, and let every brick you lay be a testimony of faith in action.” — Zimbabwe Area Bishop Gift K. Machinga.

United Methodist Birchenough Local Church in Birchenough, Zimbabwe, was planted in the early 1970s and the congregation worshipped under this muucha tree until a permanent sanctuary was completed in 2025. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Brick by brick, persistent pastor builds own church
BIRCHENOUGH, Zimbabwe (UM News) — After decades worshipping under a tree in Zimbabwe, a United Methodist congregation now has a permanent sanctuary thanks to the handiwork and persistence of their local pastor and his family. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.

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Pastor Zondai Chifamba greets Florida Sibiya after services at United Methodist Birchenough Local Church in Birchenough, Zimbabwe. Sibiya donated money to build a permanent sanctuary after decades worshipping under a tree. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Parchment image by Safwan Thottoli, courtesy of Unsplash; map image by OpenClipart-Vectors, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Know your rights when they’re under threat
ANNANDALE, Va. (UM News) —  United Methodist legal experts have released updated guidance for interacting with federal immigration enforcement, but they also note that asserting constitutional rights now carries more risks. Nevertheless, they also say that peacefully documenting immigration enforcement actions in public spaces is key to fostering accountability at a time when federal tactics face more scrutiny. Heather Hahn reports.
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Download guide in Spanish and English (PDF)

Regional Conference of Central and Southern Europe
United Methodists provide light, warmth in Ukraine
ZURICH, Switzerland — As the Russian war on Ukraine enters its fifth year, United Methodists in Ukraine and neighboring countries continue to help those in need. With many power and heating systems destroyed and temperatures dropping, the need is great. A United Methodist congregation in southern Germany has produced a supply of solar lamps that have made it to Ukraine via a United Methodist congregation in eastern Hungary. Urs Schweizer reports on that initiative and other efforts.
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Dakotas Conference
Church expands food ministry
BERESFORD, S.D. — Beresford Zion United Methodist Church is expanding its Share and Care food distribution ministry by devoting part of its facility to the cause. Zion has revved up its relationship with Feeding South Dakota, equipping the program to serve people in 10 counties in the state and provide more options, including fresh produce. Rebecca G. Trefz has the story.
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East Ohio Conference
Network aims to help break poverty cycle
CANTON, Ohio — The congregation of Westbrook Park United Methodist Church is making it their business to help people get training that will lead to jobs and longer-term careers. Elevate Life Network offers training in life skills and trades such as plumbing, medical bill coding and heat and air conditioning repair. All are industries that need more workers. Brett Hetherington has the story.
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United Methodist Communications
Communications ministry scholarships available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodist Communications has scholarships available for people interested in pursuing a career in religious communications. The deadline is March 15 to submit applications for scholarship and fellowship consideration.
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Resurrection, a United Methodist Church
Conference set to empower female clergy
LEAWOOD, Kan. — Female clergy are invited to the Lead(HER) conference featuring worship, practical skill-building and authentic community April 20-22 at Resurrection, a United Methodist Church. Breakout sessions will address leading in difficult contexts, self-defense training, compensation negotiation, reimagining God, expanding worship language and self-care. Cost is $249 until Feb. 16, then rises to $299.
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