United Methodist News Service

Tiny Hope Chapel in Charlotte, North Carolina, illustrates how United Methodism can move with the times by embracing the street-level Fresh Expressions movement.

Traditionalist voices have been calling for African United Methodists to oppose regionalization proposals and to support extending disaffiliation opportunities to their continent. But the Rev. Gabriel Banga Mususwa writes that African United Methodists can decide for themselves on these issues.

The Rev. Forbes Matonga writes that many African delegates will advocate against regionalization of The United Methodist Church, despite reports from the recent United Methodist Africa Forum gathering in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

A two-day online orientation gave delegates and other observers a preview of what to expect at The United Methodist Church’s top policymaking assembly. This first of two stories on the orientation looks at General Conference organization.

Friends and colleagues say the Rev. Carol Alois Ososo was a “statesman of integrity” who mentored countless young people and contributed to the growth of The United Methodist Church in Kenya. He died Feb. 19 at age 77.

Haven United Methodist Church in East Providence, Rhode Island, offers free music lessons and transforms the community. The church’s Community Music Project has become its most significant ministry.

In a time of declining church membership and giving, the way money is collected for United Methodist ministries could use a wider net that includes grants and being more entrepreneurial, say members of the denomination involved with the Fresh Expressions movement.

The Rev. Lovett H. Weems Jr. argues that those committed to another denomination should not try to influence decision-making at the upcoming United Methodist General Conference. He also says The United Methodist Church should follow John Wesley’s example of striving for unity, even where there’s disagreement on important matters.

The United Methodist Church’s financial leaders met to finalize the proposed denominational budget heading to General Conference. Their work included making more cuts while shoring up financial support for the bishops.

According to the superintendent of the Beni District, a faithful United Methodist woman and two of her children were among at least 13 people killed during the latest violence in the village of Komanda in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province.

An effort for church revitalization that is part of United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, Fresh Expressions held its first national conference. The strategies discussed included informal meetings in brew pubs, coffee shops, campgrounds, private homes and on digital platforms.

Called “Lakbayin” or “journey,” the Manila Area program aims to make disciples as mandated by the Great Commission (Matthew 28). Lessons can be contextualized according to geographic locations and local church situations.

An Abingdon Press book series by Levine, an acclaimed Jewish scholar of the New Testament, has been a hit with Sunday school classes and other small groups, yielding her speaking invitations from many churches.

The traditionalist groups plan to be active at the upcoming United Methodist General Conference, despite having aligned with the Global Methodist Church.

Flooding in the Masai and Morogoro districts affected over 6,300 people, including 300 members of The United Methodist Church. A local United Methodist congregation lost their temporary church.

Delegates to The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly say they have yet to receive critical information that they usually receive months ahead of the big event. General Conference organizers promise that the information is coming soon.

Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, provides Sunday worship service through the church’s conference phone line so participants who can’t attend in person can stay connected.

Three prominent United Methodists credit their accomplishments to the profound teachings of the church and their faith in God.

Meme for Palm Sunday is available to download and share on social media. The staff at UM News wishes everyone a blessed Easter season.