Category: World

Salvaging Christmas amid coronavirus

After a nine-month struggle to do ministry in a pandemic, pastors use creativity and flexibility to celebrate Advent safe from the coronavirus.

Estimating financial impact of exits

Financial forecast …  a survey of conferences projects that a 20% decline in local church net expenditures will result in about $41 million less in requested apportionments by 2024.

Top court to consider Protocol

The Judicial Council has not met since the coronavirus pandemic began. They now plan to use video conferencing to address issues, including the constitutionality of Protocol legislation.

2020 one long emergency for UMCOR

The pandemic has not stopped UMCOR from doing disaster response training in 2020. UMCOR was able to conduct 72 mostly remote sessions that reached 1,287 individual volunteers.

Council urges no new bishops

The Council of Bishops wants to postpone electing any new bishops in the U.S. and slow down adding more bishops in Africa.

GC online options being considered

Joy Barrett serves on a new technology study team looking at online options to accommodate full participation of 900 delegates and leaders participating in the General Conference from four continents.

File claim now in Boy Scouts lawsuit

All churches that have chartered programs with Scouts, even if the programs aren’t currently active, are urged to file a “proof of claim” by 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern time on Nov. 16.

Leader says, ‘COVID needs no passport’

Special report by Dr. Muriel Nelson, chair of  COVID Emergency Response for the Liberia Conference. Deaths, so far, are low. She and the committee hope to keep it that way.

Faithfulness in face of fatigue

Fatigue is real across the nation and church as persons cope with natural disasters, a pandemic, and personal crises. UMCOR is addressing the suffering on the gulf coast. Dollars and volunteers needed.

Missionaries celebrate ties to Africa University

Larry and Jane Kies, missionaries serving at Africa University, talk with Bishop Laurie Haller about their greatest joys and challenges.