When fear knocks, the church answers

What happens when immigration enforcement reshapes daily life — not in theory, but on the streets, in schools and inside churches?

This 12-minute documentary captures the lived reality of United Methodist congregations in Chicago navigating fear, loss and uncertainty amid increased activity by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  

Pastors, lay leaders and families share stories of a church that adapts, protects and shows up. From food pantries emptying out because of fear, to pastors praying at sites of tragedy, to churches becoming sanctuaries of hope — this is what discipleship looks like on the ground.

Told in both English and Spanish, the story reveals the human cost behind policies, the quiet courage of communities living under pressure, and the faith that moves beyond preaching into presence.

A four-story series also documents El Plan for Hispanic/Latine Ministry’s visits to congregations in the Chicago area.

Read series in Spanish (click Translate Page in the top right corner to read in other languages).

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Mission and Ministry
Holly Petti and her dog Paisley chat with people entering the Sanctuary at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Ark. The church has a designated dog greeter every Sunday in addition to numerous pet outreach ministries the congregation offers. Image from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Dog church welcomes people and pets

A United Methodist church in Little Rock celebrates Earth Day by recognizing God’s care for his people and the pets they love.
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.
Local Church
Participants stretch during a yoga class at First Church Fort Pierce, a United Methodist Congregation in Florida. Photo by Lilla Marigza UM News.

Yoga ministry stretches beyond church walls

At a United Methodist church in Florida, a free yoga class is helping people feel good and do good in their community and beyond.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved