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Updates from around the globe have personal significance for retired United Methodist pastor. He reflects on how his family has grown during his many years of ministry.

Jason E. Shelton, a sociologist and United Methodist in Texas, writes in his latest book that many Black churches would be more likely to thrive if they find the courage to modernize.

At The Village United Methodist Church in the Dallas area, leaders and members of the congregation are embracing a new, energetic worship service and having success connecting with young people.

<article class="media media--image display--large"> <div class="image-container"> <div class="field field-media-image"> <img loading="eager" width="430" height="323" alt="Rev. John Rozeboom (right) stands with a pastor at the refugee camp he visited in Uganda." class="lazyload" data-src="/sites/default/files/styles/default_mobile/public/2025-01/crc-news-graphics_2025-1-22_revival-in-africa.jpg?itok=RNNJflXA" /> </div> <div class="field field-image-caption">Rev. John Rozeboom (right) stands with a pastor at the refugee camp he visited in Uganda.</div> </div> </article> <br /> A visit to one of the oldest refugee camps in Africa yields warm memories for Rev. John Rozeboom and his hosts, the Ngendahayos.

[Church in Wales] An innovative church project, funded by the Church in Wales, has sparked extraordinary growth in youth ministry, engaging more than 160 children across three coastal parishes. Just a year ago, only two children were involved. The Faith Alive project from Bro Dwylan Ministry Area in the Diocese of Bangor combines regular family-friendly worship with hands-on activities for children and young people. A monthly Kids Club meets at the local community center, offering Bible stories, arts and crafts, games and a delicious picnic lunch provided by volunteers. Alongside regular activities, the project runs seasonal events to involve people who may be new to church. Activities include summer rock-pooling sessions exploring God’s creation, led by the Rev. Andy Broadbent, who is also a marine biologist; Halloween celebrations focusing on Christian traditions; and interactive Christmas activities including nativity displays and craft workshops. Funding has also enabled the creation of a welcoming family space at St. Mary and Christ Church in Llanfairfechan, complete with comfortable seating, a Lego table, children’s toys, library and art area. The impact has been significant. Where previously only two children attended, the Ministry Area now regularly engages with over 160 children through its events, with additional hundreds reached through joint community initiatives. Several new families have become regular worship attendees.

<article class="media media--image display--large"> <div class="image-container"> <div class="field field-media-image"> <img loading="eager" width="430" height="323" alt="Hope Community CRC in Surrey, B.C." class="lazyload" data-src="/sites/default/files/styles/default_mobile/public/2025-01/crc-news-graphics_2025-1-22_pickleball-at-church.jpg?itok=AD3Zs6-B" /> </div> <div class="field field-image-caption">Hope Community CRC in Surrey, B.C.</div> </div> <div class="field field-image-credit">Victoria Veenstra</div> </article> <br /> Hope Community Church offers its building as a place where people can enjoy physical activity away from the rain in Surrey, B.C.

<article class="media media--image display--large"> <div class="image-container"> <div class="field field-media-image"> <img loading="eager" width="430" height="323" alt="Indigenous Family Centre director Shannon Perez (left) with Marlene Wolters, a member of the Canadian Indigenous Ministries Committee. They show off craft supplies at IFC that will be used for summer programming." class="lazyload" data-src="/sites/default/files/styles/default_mobile/public/2025-01/crc-news-graphics_2025-1-22_indigenous-family-center-supports-parents.jpg?itok=AWfPCHCD" /> </div> <div class="field field-image-caption">Indigenous Family Centre director Shannon Perez (left) with Marlene Wolters, a member of the Canadian Indigenous Ministries Committee. They show off craft supplies at IFC that will be used for summer programming.</div> </div> <div class="field field-image-credit">Victoria Veenstra</div> </article> <br /> Every summer the Indigenous Family Centre organizes special programming for the families it serves, helping them step beyond the city and enjoy nature together.

[Melbourne Anglican] Muslim, Jewish, Arab and Palestinian people in Australia might be unable to practice their religion freely because of escalating hate crimes and racism across the country, faith and human rights groups say. The groups, including Human Rights Watch, Jewish Council of Australia, Australian National Imams Council and Amnesty International, denounced a recent series of hate crimes in a joint statement and warned that acts of Islamophobia and antisemitism, and anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism stoked fear in those communities. The groups said the incidents also prevented those communities from practicing their culture and enjoying their human rights. The recent attacks, including the vandalizing of a childcare center and two synagogues in Sydney, come after intensifying hate crimes against Jewish, Muslim, Arab and Palestinian communities. The organizations called on political leaders to stand up against the recent crimes and acts of discrimination, saying this racism included politicians’ denial of the seriousness of Islamophobia and racist language in the media. “Political leaders … should not seek to politicize racist attacks for political gain. Nor should political leaders cause further community division or vilification in their response to attacks. Human rights protections should not devolve into a game of political point scoring,” the groups said. They urged governments at all levels in Australia to support efforts to address antisemitism and Islamophobic acts and racist discrimination The groups also called on them to consult with human rights experts and affected communities, and to ensure that any restrictions on rights were legitimate, necessary and proportionate. In December, religious leaders from across Australia expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and denounced antisemitism after a synagogue in Melbourne’s south-east was firebombed. They urged Australians to reject hatred and violence to keep Australia a safe, flourishing and healthy democracy. Faith bodies, including the Victorian Council of Churches and the Islamic Council of Victoria, said they wanted people to embrace unity instead.

<article class="media media--image display--large"> <div class="image-container"> <div class="field field-media-image"> <img loading="eager" width="430" height="323" alt="Jonathan Eig" class="lazyload" data-src="/sites/default/files/styles/default_mobile/public/2025-01/crc-news-graphics_2025-1-22_january-series-eig.jpg?itok=_JWFkeSA" /> </div> <div class="field field-image-caption">Jonathan Eig</div> </div> <div class="field field-image-credit">calvin.edu</div> </article> <br /> Jonathan Eig opened the 2025 Calvin University January Series with a discussion on Martin Luther King, Jr. – a deep thinker, brilliant strategist, and committed leader.