United Methodist Communications

10/08/2026

"Make space for what’s real, even in worship.
Speak up.
Care for one another.
And do no harm."

General Commission on the Status and Role of Women challenges United Methodist leaders to speak up in response to continued stories of abuse against women.

"Now is the time for pastors and lay leaders everywhere to speak up. Say something on Sunday. If you don’t know where to start..."

They offer resources for initiating the communications:

If you have experienced sexual misconduct in the church call our confidential toll-free number 1-800-523-8390 for support.

10/08/2026

Pod Have Mercy is a weekly podcast from Chapelwood UMC - Houston featuring Senior Pastor John Stephens and Executive Pastor Matt Russell in thoughtful, candid conversations about faith, culture, and the changing church.

In Episode 241, John and Matt are joined by Bishop Tom Berlin and Rev. Rachel Billups for a conversation about Christian resilience, courageous leadership, innovation in ministry, and hope for the future of the church. Together, they explore what it means to build a faith that holds when life feels exhausting, how Christians can keep Jesus at the center amid competing cultural and political pressures, and why curiosity, experimentation, and tangible expressions of love matter for the church today.

The conversation draws from Berlin and Billups’ "Be Strong in the Lord: The Resilient Way of Christ," Berlin’s "Jesus Is Lord," and Billups’ work in "Dream, Dare, Disrupt," co-authored with Matt Rawle.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvwEaGzOcH3AatBvDQGwhHPXTKh0naqh2

10/07/2026

We're thinking about Advent. Are you?

We've gathered some great resources on Resource UMC to help you and your church prepare, share, and welcome with joy.

Plus, if you sign up for The Source newsletter, you'll get over 20 downloadable Advent-themed social media graphics:
https://www.resourceumc.org/en/topics/seasonal/advent

ResourceUMC helps churches and their leaders by connecting them with each other and with inspirational and informational content, resources and products tailored to their needs.

10/06/2026

In just a few weeks, bishops are bringing together some 300 United Methodists around the globe to help reimagine the denomination’s future.

Leadership Gathering organizers and participants are making final preparations for the first-of-its-kind United Methodist event. This article from United Methodist News provides several ways United Methodists can engage with the Leadership Gathering, whether or not they are in Calgary, Alberta.

Organizers are providing resources to help all United Methodists engage with the gathering intended to help faithfully reimagine the denomination’s future.

10/05/2026

October 12 is Indigenous Peoples' Day in the United States.

Learn more about the importance of this day of remembrance and see what vital facts you might need to communicate with your congregation--including what The United Methodist Church says about preserving cultures, languages, and traditions.
https://www.umcjustice.org/what-we-care-about/civil-and-human-rights/indigenous-peoples

General Board of Church and Society

Indigenous and native peoples deserve the right to their culture, spirituality, language, and tradition.

10/04/2026

🎧 The latest episode of the Compass Podcast is out, featuring a conversation with Dorcas Cheng-Tozun.

In the episode, we unpack what activism really looks like for introverts, deep feelers, and anyone overwhelmed by a noisy, unjust world. Discover new, sustainable ways to make a difference—without burning out—and explore how our unique personalities can serve the work of justice and faith.

Discover how Dorcas Cheng-Tozun empowers introverts and empaths to engage in justice work in sustainable, joyful ways.

10/02/2026

Ready to learn Canva--the free online graphic design platform.

In this series, we'll take you from account set up, to creating some of the content most commonly needed and produced by churches and ministries. More videos posted regularly:

Learn Canva! Whether you're new to Canva and need help setting up your account, or already have an account and just need some assistance with various tasks, we've got you covered. In this series, we'll take you from account set up, to creating some of the content most commonly needed and produced by...

10/01/2026

We are so pleased to share the latest episode of "Signs of Life".

The United Methodist News podcast returns with the story of two congregations in Atlanta that embarked on a study of Howard Thurman's "Jesus and the Disinherited." One congregation predominately black and the other white, participants explore together a story of new understanding and relationship.

The UM News podcast “Signs of Life” returns with the story of two congregations in Atlanta that embarked on a study of a Howard Thurman book. One congregation predominately black and the other white, participants explore together a story of new understanding and relationship.

09/30/2026

Mission Moments and More are devotions that demonstrate the connectional mission of the United Methodist Church. In each devotion, discover specific United Methodist mission and ministry and how they bring tangible change to the world. You'll find a guiding scripture, a newsletter snippet, a message tailored for children and an offering prayer to share our mission's impact. Consider using these in personal prayer time, in small groups or during worship.

The October Mission Moments and More are available now on Resource UMC :

Mission Moments and More are devotions that demonstrate the connectional mission of the United Methodist Church. In each devotion, discover specific United Methodist mission and ministry and how they bring tangible change to the world. You'll find a gui...

09/29/2026

Trunk or treat has become one of the most effective front-door events a church can offer.

The catch is that trunk or treat only works as outreach if people actually know about it, and that takes more lead time than most churches plan for. It's not too late to get your communications rolling for a successful event.

These tips will help get you caught up in spreading the word:

Learn how to plan and promote your church's trunk or treat with a simple communications timeline covering volunteer recruitment, promotion, and newcomer follow-up.