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UM News Digest - July 23, 2025
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“This community dream has finally come true, marking a major turning point for access to health care in the region.” — The Rev. Japhet Nderibicuro, on a new church health center in Burundi.
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Dr. Lyduine Baradahana (left), Burundi Minister of Public Health, cuts the ribbon at the dedication of Gahambwe Health Center in Burundi’s Ruyigi province, alongside United Methodist Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera (center) and the Rev. Japhet Nderibicuro, superintendent of the Kinyinya District. Photo by Jérôme Ndayisenga, UM News.
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Church builds medical facility in Burundi
RUYIGI, Burundi (UM News) — Pregnant women, children and others in need now have access to lifesaving care with the opening of the Gahambwe Health Center. The project was led by The United Methodist Church of Burundi, with financial support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. In its first two months of operation, the center welcomed almost 5,000 patients, including over 3,000 children under the age of 5 and 258 pregnant women. Jérôme Ndayisenga has the story. |
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Kashalile Bony (right), a United Methodist from the Bethlehem Local Church in Kadutu, Congo, searches through the rubble of his burned-down house on Kaduru Avenue in Bukavu in eastern Congo. Photo courtesy of the Bukavu District.
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Fire devastates church families in eastern Congo
BUKAVU, Congo (UM News) — United Methodists are among nearly 1,500 families who lost their homes in a fire that ravaged a densely populated area of war-torn Bukavu. The Rev. Badeux Muunga, associate superintendent of the Bukavu District, described the scene as devastating. “Our hearts are broken to see so many families, including our United Methodist brothers and sisters, lose everything in an instant.” Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports. |
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Global Ministries
UMCOR and partners feed thousands in Gaza
ATLANTA — The United Methodist Committee on Relief is partnering with International Orthodox Christian Charities to bring food and water to Palestinians in Gaza displacement camps. The food is distributed to families in a central, safe place, with more than 3,500 receiving daily meals for several months. UMCOR has doubled its support for the humanitarian group as it opens another relief site in partnership with a Palestinian women’s organization. Christie R. House has the story.
Read story
ACT Alliance: Starvation or gunfire is not a humanitarian response
Council of Bishops
Bishops reschedule Leadership Gathering
WASHINGTON — In response to the denomination’s evolving needs, the Council of Bishops has rescheduled the planned Leadership Gathering from April 2026 to October 20-24, 2026. For now, the bishops plan to launch church-wide surveys, interactive webinars and regional gatherings, inviting every member — clergy and lay alike — to help advance the denomination’s new vision.
Read statement
UM News: Bishops unveil vision for United Methodist Church |
Missouri Conference
Holy Smokers go hog wild for men’s ministry
ST. LOUIS — The Holy Smokers men’s ministry at Salem United Methodist Church began by renting a grill for a pig roast to support the Costa Rica mission team. Now, the Holy Smokers estimate they have smoked 18½ tons of meat, providing 73,000 meals over the past decade. Fred Koenig has the story.
Read story
Dignity Memorial
Musician Bob Mangham dies at 77
NEW ORLEANS — A memorial service for Robert “Bob” Mangham is set for July 26 at First Grace United Methodist Church. Mangham, who died June 30 of heart disease, was well-known as a musician and storyteller who performed with the Goat Hill Gospel Gang and at his Full Moon-World Peace Parties. He was an active United Methodist who attended Broadmoor United Methodist in Shreveport, First United Methodist in Coushatta and First Grace United Methodist in New Orleans.
Read obituary |
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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. |
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
4 practices to help small churches stay nimble
WASHINGTON — Pastors in small-membership churches often face frustration when trying to implement change. However, the Rev. Allen T. Stanton notes that small churches can respond quickly to needs and opportunities. He identifies four practices to help small churches stay flexible.
Read commentary |
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Religion and Race
Recording of immigration webinar available
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has made available a recording of the webinar update on immigration. In response to the recent Supreme Court decision related to birthright citizenship, the United Methodist Council of Bishops and agencies organized the webinar, which has closed captioning in multiple languages.
Watch webinar
UM News: What churches need to know about immigration
United Methodist Communications
Ideas for making ‘Ordinary Time’ extraordinary
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The long period between Pentecost Sunday and the start of Advent, encompassing most of the summer and fall months, is known as Ordinary Time. Despite the name, this liturgical season is anything but ordinary, both in the life of the church and in the lives of congregants. Philip J. Brooks offers ideas for making the most of this season.
Read story
UM News: Bishops offer Pentecost gift to the church |
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Photo by Chenayi Kumuterera, UM News
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Church gift fuels student’s determination to succeed
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World graphic by Josy Dom Alexis; image for Annual Conference Reports, UM News
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2025 annual conference reports
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