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NEWSLETTER
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MIDWEEK REVIEW
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UMC DAILY DIGEST
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UMC DAILY DIGEST
Texas Church to have AI-generated service
AUSTIN, Texas — A United Methodist church says its Sept. 17 worship service will be entirely generated by artificial intelligence, part of an effort to explore the implications of AI for society and spirituality. The Rev. Jay Cooper of Violet Crown City Church called the experiment "a one-time deal.” Chris O'Connell has the story.
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AUSTIN, Texas — A United Methodist church says its Sept. 17 worship service will be entirely generated by artificial intelligence, part of an effort to explore the implications of AI for society and spirituality. The Rev. Jay Cooper of Violet Crown City Church called the experiment "a one-time deal.” Chris O'Connell has the story.
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Plambeck wins bishop post in North Central
The Rev. Lanette Plambeck, the only endorsed candidate for bishop of the Iowa Annual Conference, was elected on the third ballot at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference. She received 102 votes of the 167 ballots cast. She needed 101 to be elected (60% of valid votes).
“I love our God, and I love The United Methodist Church,” Plambeck said. “I wasn’t born in it but was called to it, and I believe to the very depth of who I am and that our very best years are ahead of us, right here, right now.”
The North Central Jurisdiction consists of 167 delegates, an equal number of United Methodist clergy and laity, from the nine states forming the North Central Jurisdiction. The assignments of bishops in the North Central Jurisdiction will be announced later in the week.
Plambeck has been serving as the assistant to the bishop and director of clergy and leadership excellence in the Iowa Conference.
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Winders is director of communications for the Iowa Conference.
Find all of UM News’s coverage of the 2022 episcopal elections of The United Methodist Church on our landing page.
The Rev. Lanette Plambeck, the only endorsed candidate for bishop of the Iowa Annual Conference, was elected on the third ballot at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference. She received 102 votes of the 167 ballots cast. She needed 101 to be elected (60% of valid votes).
“I love our God, and I love The United Methodist Church,” Plambeck said. “I wasn’t born in it but was called to it, and I believe to the very depth of who I am and that our very best years are ahead of us, right here, right now.”
The North Central Jurisdiction consists of 167 delegates, an equal number of United Methodist clergy and laity, from the nine states forming the North Central Jurisdiction. The assignments of bishops in the North Central Jurisdiction will be announced later in the week.
Plambeck has been serving as the assistant to the bishop and director of clergy and leadership excellence in the Iowa Conference.
Read story
Winders is director of communications for the Iowa Conference.
Find all of UM News’s coverage of the 2022 episcopal elections of The United Methodist Church on our landing page.
United Methodist Communications
Ask The UMC: Is The United Methodist Church really … ?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has received many questions from congregations wondering about the future of the denomination and whether they should consider disaffiliating from it. These have included recurrent questions that reflect misperceptions or misinformation that congregations are receiving as they discern their next steps. This is the first of a series of articles offering accurate responses to such misperceptions or misinformation.
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Read more Ask The UMC
Ask The UMC: Is The United Methodist Church really … ?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has received many questions from congregations wondering about the future of the denomination and whether they should consider disaffiliating from it. These have included recurrent questions that reflect misperceptions or misinformation that congregations are receiving as they discern their next steps. This is the first of a series of articles offering accurate responses to such misperceptions or misinformation.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
United Methodist Communications
5 ways to overcome anxiety
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Take a one-minute break for self-care and learn five ways to overcome anxiety when feeling fearful or stressed. United Methodist Communications offers a guided space to pause and find the road back to peace.
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5 ways to overcome anxiety
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Take a one-minute break for self-care and learn five ways to overcome anxiety when feeling fearful or stressed. United Methodist Communications offers a guided space to pause and find the road back to peace.
Watch video
Ask The UMC
Why do we observe Passion/Palm Sunday?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Many United Methodists have some memory of the Sunday leading into Holy Week as being primarily about the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. However, since the adoption of The United Methodist Book of Worship in 1992, this final Sunday in Lent has been known as Passion/Palm Sunday. The main part of the service now focuses on reading the lengthy story of the final passion (suffering) of Jesus in his betrayal, arrest, trial and execution. Ask The UMC has more on the change and why it was made.
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Read more Ask The UMC
Why do we observe Passion/Palm Sunday?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Many United Methodists have some memory of the Sunday leading into Holy Week as being primarily about the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. However, since the adoption of The United Methodist Book of Worship in 1992, this final Sunday in Lent has been known as Passion/Palm Sunday. The main part of the service now focuses on reading the lengthy story of the final passion (suffering) of Jesus in his betrayal, arrest, trial and execution. Ask The UMC has more on the change and why it was made.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
Ask The UMC
What should congregations know about disaffiliation?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With the 2020 General Conference postponed to 2024 and the announcement by the Wesleyan Covenant Association that it will launch the Global Methodist Church on May 1, there are many questions about disaffiliation. The Ask The UMC team has created a FAQ in an effort to provide clarity about the process and dispel confusion.
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Read more Ask The UMC
What should congregations know about disaffiliation?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With the 2020 General Conference postponed to 2024 and the announcement by the Wesleyan Covenant Association that it will launch the Global Methodist Church on May 1, there are many questions about disaffiliation. The Ask The UMC team has created a FAQ in an effort to provide clarity about the process and dispel confusion.
Read FAQ
Read more Ask The UMC
Global Ministries
Ukrainian United Methodists keep working
ATLANTA — The small United Methodist communities in Ukraine continue to help their neighbors amid the chaos and violence of the Russian invasion. Elliott Wright writes about the priorities of the current United Methodist humanitarian work and shares background on the Methodist history and presence in the country.
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Ukrainian United Methodists keep working
ATLANTA — The small United Methodist communities in Ukraine continue to help their neighbors amid the chaos and violence of the Russian invasion. Elliott Wright writes about the priorities of the current United Methodist humanitarian work and shares background on the Methodist history and presence in the country.
Read story
Ask The UMC
What does the church say about fasting?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While fasting is often associated with Lent, Methodists have never limited the practice to that season. John Wesley fasted weekly, from Thursday at sundown until receiving communion on Sunday. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on fasting and its history in the church.
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Read more Ask The UMC
What does the church say about fasting?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While fasting is often associated with Lent, Methodists have never limited the practice to that season. John Wesley fasted weekly, from Thursday at sundown until receiving communion on Sunday. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on fasting and its history in the church.
Read story
Read more Ask The UMC
Church court clarifies disaffiliation rules
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s top court released six decisions dealing with a new church law that allows congregations to leave with property if they meet certain conditions. Because of the pandemic, the Judicial Council has been meeting online and releasing decisions as they are completed. Heather Hahn reports.
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UM News: Church disaffiliations, court cases mount
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — The United Methodist Church’s top court released six decisions dealing with a new church law that allows congregations to leave with property if they meet certain conditions. Because of the pandemic, the Judicial Council has been meeting online and releasing decisions as they are completed. Heather Hahn reports.
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UM News: Church disaffiliations, court cases mount
KIWA Radio
Pastors shaved bald to support missions
SHELDON, Iowa — Two ministers at Sheldon United Methodist Church raised $9,300 for missions work by volunteering to publicly have their heads shaved. The Revs. Jacob Sandholm and Kevin Gingerich got the haircuts at the church’s annual pre-Valentine’s Day Italian meal served by the youth. Scott Van Aartsen has the story. Read and listen to story
Pastors shaved bald to support missions
SHELDON, Iowa — Two ministers at Sheldon United Methodist Church raised $9,300 for missions work by volunteering to publicly have their heads shaved. The Revs. Jacob Sandholm and Kevin Gingerich got the haircuts at the church’s annual pre-Valentine’s Day Italian meal served by the youth. Scott Van Aartsen has the story. Read and listen to story
Remembering Jay Weaver of Big Daddy Weave
Fans of popular Christian rockers Big Daddy Weave are mourning the death of Jay Weaver, bassist and co-founding member of the band and a lifelong United Methodist.
“I'm so sorry to bring this news,” said his brother Mike Weaver, lead vocalist for the band, in a statement on Jan. 2, after Jay died of complications from COVID-19 after years of health issues. “My heart’s broke.”
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Fans of popular Christian rockers Big Daddy Weave are mourning the death of Jay Weaver, bassist and co-founding member of the band and a lifelong United Methodist.
“I'm so sorry to bring this news,” said his brother Mike Weaver, lead vocalist for the band, in a statement on Jan. 2, after Jay died of complications from COVID-19 after years of health issues. “My heart’s broke.”
Read story
United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
Pastor interviews coach who inspired ‘Ted Lasso’
LEAWOOD, Kan. — The Rev. Adam Hamilton of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has shared the video of an interview he did with Donnie Campbell. Campbell coached actor Jason Sudeikis in high school and was a model for Sudeikis’ character Ted Lasso in the popular comedy TV show of that name.
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Pastor interviews coach who inspired ‘Ted Lasso’
LEAWOOD, Kan. — The Rev. Adam Hamilton of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has shared the video of an interview he did with Donnie Campbell. Campbell coached actor Jason Sudeikis in high school and was a model for Sudeikis’ character Ted Lasso in the popular comedy TV show of that name.
Watch video
“And we’re in a church that says we actually value the fact that maybe you see things slightly differently than I do, but I’m a better Christian because we see things differently. That’s what I love about The United Methodist Church.” — The Rev. Adam Hamilton, talking about how Church of the Resurrection stays together amid disagreement.
Adam Hamilton: Leading in polarized times
LEAWOOD, Kan. (UM News) — Ahead of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection’s 2021 Leadership Institute, UM News spoke to the Rev. Adam Hamilton about the pandemic, the proposed denominational split and how the congregation navigates its disagreements. Heather Hahn and Joey Butler have the story and videos.
Read story and watch videos
Adam Hamilton: Leading in polarized times
LEAWOOD, Kan. (UM News) — Ahead of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection’s 2021 Leadership Institute, UM News spoke to the Rev. Adam Hamilton about the pandemic, the proposed denominational split and how the congregation navigates its disagreements. Heather Hahn and Joey Butler have the story and videos.
Read story and watch videos
Creating a Culture of Renewal
Jesus offers model of how to unplug
CASPER, Wyo. — When Jesus took time for spiritual renewal, he went into the wilderness, writes the Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter. She suggests that to connect with God, Christians take some time away from their laptops, calendars and smartphones.
Read commentary
“Robinson’s a Methodist. I’m a Methodist. God’s a Methodist. We can’t go wrong.” — Actor Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey in the film “42,” about Jackie Robinson integrating Major League Baseball.
The two Methodists who integrated baseball
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The man who integrated Major League Baseball had a little-known ally in his quest. Jackie Robinson had his Methodist faith, something he shared with Brooklyn Dodger executive Branch Rickey, who recruited him for the task. Robinson never publicly lost his composure while dealing with death threats, racial abuse and physical danger. Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
UM News: Church TV show and Jackie Robinson
Maybe I’m Amazed
Hall of Fame coach talks faith with pastor
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Rev. James Howell, senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church, has launched a podcast titled “Maybe I’m Amazed.” In a new episode, he talks about faith, fame and fatherhood with Roy Williams, University of North Carolina and Hall of Fame basketball coach.
Listen to podcast
Find other episodes
Why I’m not leaving The United Methodist Church
By the Rev. Steve West
Feb. 17, 2020 | ARAB, Ala
A few weeks ago, hundreds of North Alabama Methodists who consider themselves traditional, orthodox, and conservative met at Clearbranch UMC to talk about splitting from The United Methodist Church.
I have had good interactions with the pastors who organized the meeting. They are my colleagues. They are part of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, an organization of 1,500 churches nationwide and about 60 clergy here in North Alabama planning to launch a new denomination a few months from now, once the General Conference in May allows for their gracious exit.
I respect their convictions. But I won’t be joining them. Here’s why. Read story
Jesus offers model of how to unplug
CASPER, Wyo. — When Jesus took time for spiritual renewal, he went into the wilderness, writes the Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter. She suggests that to connect with God, Christians take some time away from their laptops, calendars and smartphones.
Read commentary
“Robinson’s a Methodist. I’m a Methodist. God’s a Methodist. We can’t go wrong.” — Actor Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey in the film “42,” about Jackie Robinson integrating Major League Baseball.
The two Methodists who integrated baseball
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The man who integrated Major League Baseball had a little-known ally in his quest. Jackie Robinson had his Methodist faith, something he shared with Brooklyn Dodger executive Branch Rickey, who recruited him for the task. Robinson never publicly lost his composure while dealing with death threats, racial abuse and physical danger. Jim Patterson has the story.
Read story
UM News: Church TV show and Jackie Robinson
Maybe I’m Amazed
Hall of Fame coach talks faith with pastor
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Rev. James Howell, senior pastor of Myers Park United Methodist Church, has launched a podcast titled “Maybe I’m Amazed.” In a new episode, he talks about faith, fame and fatherhood with Roy Williams, University of North Carolina and Hall of Fame basketball coach.
Listen to podcast
Find other episodes
Why I’m not leaving The United Methodist Church
By the Rev. Steve West
Feb. 17, 2020 | ARAB, Ala
A few weeks ago, hundreds of North Alabama Methodists who consider themselves traditional, orthodox, and conservative met at Clearbranch UMC to talk about splitting from The United Methodist Church.
I have had good interactions with the pastors who organized the meeting. They are my colleagues. They are part of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, an organization of 1,500 churches nationwide and about 60 clergy here in North Alabama planning to launch a new denomination a few months from now, once the General Conference in May allows for their gracious exit.
I respect their convictions. But I won’t be joining them. Here’s why. Read story
Ask The UMC
How are decisions made at General Conference?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — At General Conference, delegates gather from all over the world to consider revisions to church law and the official ritual of the church and to adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, explains how the legislative body makes decisions.
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Diverse leaders’ group offers separation plan
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — A diverse, 16-member team of church leaders, including bishops and advocacy group leaders, has offered a proposal that would preserve The United Methodist Church while allowing traditionalist-minded congregations to form a new denomination. Proposal backers say it could end the denomination’s impasse over homosexuality. Sam Hodges reports.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — A diverse, 16-member team of church leaders, including bishops and advocacy group leaders, has offered a proposal that would preserve The United Methodist Church while allowing traditionalist-minded congregations to form a new denomination. Proposal backers say it could end the denomination’s impasse over homosexuality. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story
North Georgia Conference
Faith sustained MLB umpire during job crisis
ATLANTA — Major League Baseball umpire Paul Nauert endured a job crisis in 1999 when he was fired during a labor dispute, but his involvement with a United Methodist church gave him the perspective to use the time off to focus on his family. Now he is thriving personally and professionally. Rebecca Wallace has the story.
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Faith sustained MLB umpire during job crisis
ATLANTA — Major League Baseball umpire Paul Nauert endured a job crisis in 1999 when he was fired during a labor dispute, but his involvement with a United Methodist church gave him the perspective to use the time off to focus on his family. Now he is thriving personally and professionally. Rebecca Wallace has the story.
Read story
Iowa Conference
Church helps 93-year-old recover after flood
HAMBURG, Iowa — The pastor and members of Hamburg and Shenandoah United Methodist churches are helping 93-year-old Virginia Lynn rebuild her life after flooding destroyed most of her possessions. The Rev. Luke Fillmore had been Lynn’s pastor for just seven months before the tragedy struck.
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Church helps 93-year-old recover after flood
HAMBURG, Iowa — The pastor and members of Hamburg and Shenandoah United Methodist churches are helping 93-year-old Virginia Lynn rebuild her life after flooding destroyed most of her possessions. The Rev. Luke Fillmore had been Lynn’s pastor for just seven months before the tragedy struck.
Read story
Watch video