The Small Business Administration issued their guidelines on January 6 documenting how lenders will proceed with the PPP2 applications for non-profits. Presently, only churches who have not yet received a PPP1 loans are eligible to apply; but this process will …

New Lenten study to feature North District clergy
The Rev. Steve Morton, Superintendent of the North District, continues his tradition of producing and offering churches thought-provoking, video-recorded Lenten devotions featuring fellow clergy presenters. “For about a dozen years, first at Hopewell UMC and now on the North District,” …

Pickens to head PA Council of Churches
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches (PCC) has elected the Rev. Larry D. Pickens of Allentown, a longtime UM leader in ecumenical ministry and relations, as its new executive director beginning in January 2021. Dr. Pickens, who for years led the …

Does Christmas have roots in pagan beliefs?
The belief that celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 emerged from a pagan holiday isn’t true, says a book on liturgical origins. And its third-century origins may have had North African roots. Read story

Protocol legislation tops agenda of top court
The UMC’s Judicial Council will decide soon if it can rule on the constitutionality of legislation for denominational separation. It will also revisit concerns over voting at the 2019 General Conference. Learn more…

Council urges no new US bishops for 4 years
Faced with a financial crunch and a potential denominational split, UM bishops want to postpone electing any new bishops in the U.S. and slow down adding more bishops in Africa. Read story
Churches urged to seek protection from Boy Scouts lawsuit
Churches have until Nov. 16 to seek protection from potential liability in a class action lawsuit against Boy Scouts of America over past sexual abuse claims. BSA has filed for bankruptcy. Learn more.

Is The United Methodist Church involved in politics?
The people called Methodists have been actively involved in social and political matters from their founding in 18th century England. Methodists were among the primary advocates for the abolition of slavery across the British Empire, the organization of labor unions to …

Conferences persevere under financial strain
Seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic, UM conferences—like the congregations they serve—are feeling the financial strain of decreased giving and increased needs, a trend that began before the pandemic. Learn more…