The Church and Economic Recession
Religious communities around the world, including the congregations, institutions, agencies, and mission partners of The United Methodist Church, are being affected by the global economic downturn that began to be seriously felt in 2008.The series of articles here illustrate the affects and the responses of United Methodists to current economic conditions.
Job Loss Provides Opportunity to Serve Others
by Paul Black, UMNS on umc.org3/12/09: When Becci Monge's employment ended she asked God in prayer, "What is it you want me to do with my extra time?" God showed her she could help others with job loss and transitioning to new and different work.
Michigan Churches Adjust to Economic Downturn
by Ann Whiting, UMNS on umc.org
3/12/09: When United Methodist pastors in Michigan were surveyed, nearly all reported increased sensitivity to the plight of those most adversely affected by the economy and a parallel increase in helping local families.
Churches Offer Services to the Jobless
by Linda Bloom3/12/09: The economic crisis is pushing many congregations into new areas of mission ranging from assistance with food and housing, to career counseling, to families dealing with job loss.
United Methodists Join Rally Against Foreclosures
by Linda Bloom3/12/09: Clergy and foreclosure victims rode the "Recovery Express" bus caravan across eight cities to a rally and prayer service on Capitol Hill.
Hoosier United Methodists Offer Help in Downturn
by Dan Gangler3/12/09: About 16,000 people are out of work in Elkhart, Ind., many for the first time in their lives. Vehicle manufacturing is a big part of the city's economy; Elkhart is known as the "RV capital of the world."
Arizona United Methodist Facility Receives Federal Job Stimulus Grant
Global Ministries Release3/10/09: $1.3 million will go a long way at Wesley Community Center and its health clinic, Centro de Salud.
Mission Agency Reduces 2009 Operating Budget by Seven Percent
Global Ministries Press Release2/20/09: The General Board of Global Ministries is reducing its 2009 operating budget by $3.9 million, or seven percent, because of a combination of economic factors.
