Mission

Unhoused women wait for the doors to open on the morning of March 28 at First United Methodist Church of Austin, Texas. Each Friday, the women are able to get showers, pick out new clothing from donations the church has collected, have a meal or enjoy the luxury of sleeping in a safe environment. Once a month, they can get their hair washed, cut and styled. Photo by Andrea Turner, UM News.

Church provides pampering for unhoused women

Each Friday is a special day for 30-40 women without housing in Austin, Texas. That’s when they are treated to a spa day ministry hosted by First United Methodist Church.

Church Leadership

The Rev. Cathy Stone (right), associate pastor of First United Methodist Church of Austin, chats with a volunteer March 28 at the church. Stone is the driving force behind the church’s efforts to cater to the needs of unhoused people. Each Friday, volunteers provide women with food and pampering. Photo by Andrea Turner, UM News.

Pastor finds contentment serving the unhoused

Mission work is “a critical part of who we are as United Methodists,” says the Rev. Cathy Stone.

Bishops

Bishops work to put new vision into action

United Methodist bishops spent much of their spring meeting exploring how they can help fellow churchgoers love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously.

Faith Stories

Susie and Ed Keefer pose with Miriam, age 4, in Kinshasa, Congo, in 2013. Shortly afterward, Miriam went home with the Keefers to the United States. The matching outfits were a gift from Dr. Rebecca Yohadi. Photo courtesy of Susie Keefer.

From mission volunteer to adoptive mom

When Susie Keefer traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2010, little did she know it would be the first of many mission journeys.

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