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Connectional Table
The Rev. Rudy Rasmus, senior pastor at St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston and editor of the book “I’m Black. I’m Christian. I’m Methodist,” at a food bank event with the singer Beyoncé, who grew up in that church. Photo courtesy of St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston.

Being salt and light

Christ calls upon his Church to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, offering joy and hope to all. The United Methodist Church stays true to its mission as Christ’s people by embodying his Beatitudes.

The Rev. Rudy Rasmus, senior pastor at St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston and editor of the book “I’m Black. I’m Christian. I’m Methodist,” attends a food bank event with the singer Beyoncé, who grew up in that church. Photo courtesy of St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston.

Social Concerns

Racism

Black United Methodists want changes

Black United Methodists are pushing for change in the denomination, and they aren’t interested in waiting much longer, according to a new book of essays.

Winnet Mandikisi, 19, works at a sewing machine at Home of Hope, the orphanage at Nyadire United Methodist Mission in Mutoko, Zimbabwe. Mandikisi, a college student, has been leading efforts to teach fellow orphans how to make masks to fight against COVID-19. Photo by Chenayi Kumuterera, UM News.

Mission and Ministry

Global Health

Zimbabwe orphan pays it forward during pandemic

Design student teaches children at church’s Home of Hope orphanage how to make masks to fight against COVID-19.

The Rev. Catie Newman prays with John W. Weaver in front of a neighbor’s wind-damaged home while a United Methodist volunteer team makes emergency repairs to his roof in Marion, Iowa. Weaver’s mobile home was severely damaged during a derecho windstorm Aug. 10. Newman is the disaster response coordinator for the Iowa Conference.

Disaster Relief

Mission and Ministry

Church leads storm recovery in Iowa

United Methodist volunteers are coming from all over Iowa and other states to help following an Aug. 10 derecho windstorm that left a 700-mile path of destruction.

Olivia (left) and Judah Brown hold sweet potatoes at First Fruits Farm in Louisburg, N.C. Owned by their parents Jason and Tay Brown, the farm supplies produce to Society of St. Andrew, which is helping get food to needy citizens. Photo courtesy of the Browns.

Mission and Ministry

Congregations

Feeding people is complicated but joyful

A former NFL player and an oceanographer are among those working to get fresh produce to where it’s needed.

2020: State of the Church report
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