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More at http://umc.org/videos/. Members of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church say their pastor has a gift for “making you get it.” The Rev. Ronnie Miller-Yow’s style of preaching resonates with all ages but especially young people. As chaplain of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Yow has many opportunities to help young people become leaders in their church and community. He also leads by example in his role as national president of Black Methodists for Church Renewal.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ At the age of 91, Bernice Bates has better flexibility than most 20-year-olds. Bates has been practicing yoga for more than half a century and was recently named the World’s Oldest Yoga teacher by the Guinness Book of World Records. Bates lost her husband 8 years ago but credits her longevity to the peace she gets from yoga and attending her United Methodist church. “My family is my church family,” says Bates.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ At the age of 91, Bernice Bates has better flexibility than most 20-year-olds. Bates has been practicing yoga for more than half a century and was recently named the World’s Oldest Yoga teacher by the Guinness Book of World Records. Bates lost her husband 8 years ago but credits her longevity to the peace she gets from yoga and attending her United Methodist church. “My family is my church family,” says Bates.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ The Rev. Keith Kaufold is a pastor in a tough Pa. neighborhood where drug dealers and school dropouts abound. Kaufold grew up nearby and can speak firsthand about addiction-- and redemption. "My addiction escalated where I found myself a heroin addict in my late teens, early 20’s. And, I heard a pastor say ‘God will turn your misery into your ministry.’ Kaufold created Eighth Avenue Place, an urban ministry in Homestead, Pennsylvania about a half-mile outside the city limits of Pittsburgh.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Seventy-five-year-old Ernestine Shepherd works out more than most people half her age. Shepherd runs ten miles a day and then lifts weights and works as a personal trainer. Shepherd is in the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe it or Not as the world’s oldest competitive female bodybuilder. Shepherd also travels the world as a motivational speaker. And she’s an active member of Union Memorial United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Ernestine considers it her ministry to inspire others to live healthy lives. Friend Cynthia Winkler says "She didn't start until she was in her fifties. So when I got to my fifties I said, 'Ooh, if Ms. Ernestine can do this maybe this is something I can do!'"

More at http://umc.org/videos/ A drive-thru prayer service is gaining traction in a suburb of Atlanta not just because of the convenience, but because of the connection it offers. Snellville United Methodist Church offers this outreach to anyone driving along busy Highway 78 at rush hour. Many of the people seeking prayer from the comfort of their cars are looking for hope outside of the traditional church setting.

More at http://UMC.org/Videos/ The ToyMakers of East Lake United Methodist Church in Florida make wooden toys, handmade dolls, stuffed bears and also recycle bikes for children who are going through critical times in their lives such as hospitalization, a family member in the hospital or other crises. The church purchased property in 2007 and has since staffed a workshop with volunteers from the ages of 14 to 92. They’ve made 25,000 toys which have been distributed around the world- -Nigeria, St. Croix, Jamaica, and many other places. Volunteer Gene Watson says “These children, life has hit them pretty hard. Just a simple toy can make a real difference in their life.”

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Many denominations struggle to keep young people involved. One 25-year-old now leads two United Methodist congregations and William Brewer's unique talents are bridging age and racial divides.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Tiffany Chartier has a disease that is robbing her of her sight. But she has found a way to help others with serious illness capture the positives in their lives.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Gaston Ntambo is a United Methodist missionary with "Wings of the Morning," which transports patients and medical supplies in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

More at http://umc.org/Videos/ Celebrities like Bono and George Clooney have made malaria more of a news story recently-- but for families struggling in Africa, the disease is an ever-present threat. The United Methodist Church is bringing hope to villagers in a remote part of the DRC, with more bed nets and a clinic for care. Sadly, the aid comes too late for one woman who lost most of her loved ones to a mosquito's bite. More at http://imaginenomalaria.org

More at http://umc.org/videos/ The Reverend Edinson DeArco has taken his ministry on the road. When the Westchester, Ohio school system stopped busing, DeArco and volunteers from Mason United Methodist started a carpool to get students to school every day. The rides will allow some students to stay in school and become the first in their families to earn a high school diploma. DeArco says people helped him realize his own dreams as a boy. He wants to make sure students of today get their chance too.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Single moms may have difficulty finding time and money to make simple car repairs. Every Mother's Day, a group of volunteers donates a day of car service to single moms. Members of City on a Hill United Methodist Church pump free gas, check oil and tires, and even take prayer requests.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Pastor Kelly Clem's faith has been tested. On Palm Sunday 1994, a tornado hit the Alabama church where Clem was preaching. Twenty-two people, including Clem's young daughter, were killed. Today, Clem celebrates the healing she has done since that day and uses the experience to help others. When deadly storms recently tore through Alabama again, Clem was there to comfort those now suffering.

More at http://umns.umc.org/ After the deadliest single tornado in U.S. recorded weather history hits Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011, residents and volunteers talk about recovery. "The church is by no means destroyed and United Methodists will rebuild here in Joplin."

More at http://UMC.org/Videos/ Jim Gulley, A UMCOR consultant, recalls being trapped at Hotel Montana and speaks of work being done today in Haiti by The United Methodist Church. To find out how you can help, visit http://UMCOR.org/Haiti/

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Pastor Kelly Clem's faith has been tested. On Palm Sunday 1994, a tornado hit the Alabama church where Clem was preaching. Twenty-two people, including Clem's young daughter, were killed. Today, Clem celebrates the healing she has done since that day and uses the experience to help others. When deadly storms recently tore through Alabama again, Clem was there to comfort those now suffering.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Almost 40% of U.S. homeless are under the age of 18. Often these young people come from lives of abuse, drug dependency, and sometimes mental imbalances like schizophrenia. A medical team in Arizona has spent the last 10 years reaching out to homeless teens. The United Methodist Outreach Ministries of Phoenix supports a full-service clinic in an RV. Doctors treat everything from colds and flu, to referrals for depression and attempted suicide. They also offer gentle life coaching that has helped a lot of young patients go on to college, nursing school, and better futures. Medical Director Dr. Randy Christensen says, “My biggest dream is to continue to educate people on how worthwhile these kids are, how terrible their life has been before but just how much of success they can have if just given half a chance.”

More at http://umc.org/videos/ For years, Shane Stanford lived with a secret. When Stanford graduated from seminary and told people he was HIV-positive, even churches turned their backs. The experience tested the young pastor’s faith. Stanford remembers, “I wasn’t so much upset with God as much as with God’s people.” Twenty years later, Stanford is a husband, father of three, and a best-selling author, radio host, and lead pastor of a large United Methodist church. His story of turning fear and rejection into a positive life continues to inspire.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Each year on the day before Thanksgiving, Centenary UMC in Los Angeles has a Turkey Lock-In. Young people spend the evening cooking turkey dinners for shut-ins and low income families. On Thanksgiving, they deliver dishes with meat, vegetables and a side of caring to their neighbors. Jim Karita is one of the grateful recipients: “I wouldn’t have any Thanksgiving if it weren’t for these fellas with the church. We just appreciate what they’re doing for us.”

More at http://umc.org/videos/ The Christmas shopping season is almost over. But for many American families, it never began. 13 million children live in poverty in the U.S. – and this Christmas, there are efforts around the country to provide them gifts. Barry Simmons shows us what one church is doing in Nashville, Tennessee.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ A small California town recently turned city streets into a live illustration of the Christmas story. “Las Posadas” is a popular holiday tradition in Mexico which features a procession with people dressed as Joseph and Mary, complete with a donkey.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ It's a Christmas story no one could have imagined in the turmoil of World War II. While being held in a POW camp in the U.S., German prisoners constructed a very special holiday creation. One group is making sure it is not forgotten.

More at http://umc.org/videos/. Single moms and widows in Flower Mound, Texas can get a helping hand whenever a household repair pops us. A group of 60 handy men from Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church respond to requests for help with anything from plumbing fixes to tree trimming. The Honey Dudes get their name from that familiar “honey do” list and their calling from a Bible verse. James 1:27 talks about looking after women and orphans. The men offer their services for free. Volunteers say they enjoy the work done through Honey Dudes and encourage men in other communities to form their own groups.

More at http://umc.org/jobministry/ John Harper has been a volunteer for the Job Networking ministry at Roswell (Ga.) United Methodist Church since 2001. He says the church is committed to helping those who are out of work. “We try to make people understand that number one, God will hear you and God will help you. And number two, you’re not alone.” See more videos at http://umc.org/videos/

More at http://umc.org/jobministry/ Roswell UMC near Atlanta invites hundreds of job seekers to their job networking ministry each month. Church member Katherine Simons says she hopes other churches will begin their own ministries to help those who are out of work. “If The United Methodist Church gets behind this and grows it and promotes it, we can change people’s lives in our country in a way that will impact us for years to come. Together we can change our future.”

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Soda Steve’s gives diners a taste of the world. Oklahoma restaurateur Steve Pool traveled all over doing mission work. Pool has built churches in South Africa and Vietnam and a hospice home in Costa Rica. The trips became the inspiration behind Soda Steve’s, a theme restaurant built to inspire people to volunteer. There’s a mission tip jar and a never-ending slideshow of photos from past work trips. Pool says he wants customers to go home with is the idea that, ‘Whether you live in the inner city or you live in a suburb, there are missions within ten miles of your house.” He hopes more people will find their own ways to help others.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Each October, a Massachusetts church transforms into Hogwarts School for a day. Staff members at Quincy Community United Methodist Church dress as favorite characters, including Hagrid, Mad-Eye Moody and Professors Trelawney and Snape. Guests can explore Gringott’s Wizard Bank, Diagon Alley and the Great Hall. Members say it’s all in good fun and the pastor says it draws people to their church for the first time. “In this day and age there are lots and lots of people who have never ever set foot in a church. We feel that the Harry Potter Extravaganza is a way to welcome people into our church.”

More at http://umc.org/JobMinistry/ He spent 15 months searching for his next job and in the interim Tyrone Griffin learned a lot of good advice to share. Today he volunteers in job networking ministries like the one at Roswell (Ga.) United Methodist Church. “I think one of the misconceptions alot of people have, and churches probably also is that job seekers only need jobs. You want a job, but what you also need is to know that somebody’s praying for you, somebody’s there for you. Sometimes you just need somebody to listen to you.”

More at http://umc.org/JobMinistry/ Volunteer explains program at Roswell (Ga.) United Methodist Church which pairs job seekers with mentors in their area of interest. “ It’s amazingly humbling to work in a job ministry. As soon as somebody walks in our door or makes that phone call and makes contact with one of us, they know that there are people out there that love them. And that’s because there’s a God out there that loves them.”

More at http://umc.org/JobMinistry/ A volunteer at the clothes closet at Roswell UMC Job Networking, Mizer tries to help people in their career search to wear appropriate professional attire to their job interviews. Clothing and shoes are donated and job seekers are treated as if they are in a boutique. “We have a fitting room. We have mirrors that they can come out and take a look at. And it’s very exciting and fun when we get an outfit someone feels good in. And you can just tell. They get a glow. And you really hope they’re gonna do well in the interview because they look terrific.”

More at http://umc.org/videos/ The U.S. jobless rate is bleak in California’s Silicon Valley, home to the dot-com boom that went bust. Unemployment has run as high as 10 percent in some parts of the area. While most workers find losing their jobs devastating, some are discovering an upside to their downsizing.

More at http://umc.org/JobMinistry/ The U.S. jobless rate is bleak in California’s Silicon Valley, home to the dot-com boom that went bust. Unemployment has run as high as 10 percent in some parts of the area. While most workers find losing their jobs devastating, some are discovering an upside to their downsizing.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ - A United Methodist church in Atlanta has helped thousands of people find jobs. Twice a month, up to 450 job seekers come to Roswell United Methodist to network and build employment skills. Volunteers review resumes, improve LinkedIn profiles, even provide a clothes closet to find nice interview outfits. Jay Litton is one of the founders of Roswell’s Job Networking program. “The easiest thing in the world is to talk to somebody out of work. So I thought, ‘We’re gonna turn this into a ministry. And we’re gonna see if we can’t help people.’”

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Sam Lee spends Thanksgiving with strangers each year. Because he is grateful for the blessings in his life, this Tennessee restaurant owner shares his Korean food with the homeless of his community. It’s a Thursday ritual for him, and an immigrant’s year-round thank you.

More than 30 years ago, pumpkin farmer Richard Hamby agreed to let a church sell the pumpkins and share the proceeds. Today Hamby partners with churches and other non-profit organizations in over 1300 locations, in 48 states and is still growing. Many United Methodist churches offer pumpkins for sale around Halloween and the proceeds help fund mission trips.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ The Rays of Hope Children’s Grief Centre in Texas helps children who have lost a loved one, are experiencing a divorce, or coping with a parent being incarcerated. Because traumas can be hard to talk about, counselors help kids tell their stories through art and music in a supportive and loving environment. Vicki Jay is the Executive Director of Rays of Hope and a Stephen’s Minister at First United Methodist Church. “I wish every community could have a Rays of Hope, some way to serve children those have had losses and changes, some way to recognize that they’re grieving and to do something about it.”

More at http://umc.org/videos/. A pastor provides free counseling to recent Hispanic immigrants living with fear, or depression. The Rev. Lydia Muñóz is a trained therapist who now offers the Circles of Care ministry to provide free mental health support for immigrants facing long separations from family and constant fears of deportation. Weekly gatherings at the Plumbline Fellowship in Narberth, Pennsylvania are an important social outlet without the rigid structure of traditional church.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Children living with cancer are enjoying free vacations thanks to Surfside United Methodist Church in Myrtle Beach, SC. In the past 25 years, members have raised millions of dollars to provide trips to the beach and fun for cancer patients and their families. Parents say the years of chemo and treatments that young patients endure strains the entire family. Lisa Miller has two children diagnosed with cancer. “It takes their childhood away. So when you get the opportunity to come together as a family and just have fun, then that’s like giving them a little piece of that back.”

More at http://umc.org/videos/. To mark the tenth anniversary of 9/11, three Illinois United Methodist churches held an event to impact their community in a positive way. The idea behind Hope Fest 2011 was to reclaim September 11 as a day of hope. New Hope UMC, First UMC of Park Ridge, and First UMC of Des Plaines hosted several events including a blood drive, disaster relief training, and an opportunity for people to write ‘thank you’ notes to police and firefighters. Pastor Rich Darr of First United Methodist Church in Park Ridge said the idea was for church members to take church outside walls and “connect with God in service and outreach.” Learn more at http://RethinkChurch.org

More at http://umc.org/videos/ The 6400 U.S. military members who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan are honored at the Prayers for Peace memorial created by volunteers from Atlanta's Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. Gold ribbons represent those who lost their lives. Attached to each is a dog tag. Blue ribbons represent praying for peace for the people of Afghanistan and Iraq. Green ribbons represent prayers for peace. The memorial makes a very public statement on the church's front lawn. It's similar to one in New York City. Army Captain Brooks Askew is a member of the church and is grateful to have the reminder of military sacrifices. "We've been at this for 10 years now and a lot of people have grown cold to the fact that men and women are still dying. Stuff like this actually makes it more real."

More at http://umc.org/videos/ In World War II, a million U.S. service members carried a little blue book. “Strength for Service to God and Country” is a daily devotional for the military. In recent years, Americans have been serving long tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and the books are in demand again. Senior Master Sergeant Michael Lewis reads an e-version on a Kindle while he is deployed in Iraq. Lewis says the daily devotion helps him “connect with God every single day.” United Methodist Men raise funds to provide copies of “Strength for Service” free to men and women serving all over the world. More at http://www.strengthforservice.org/.

More at http://umc.org/911 In the unfolding deadly drama of September 11th, and since, many people have felt their faith greatly tested. United Methodist Army Chaplain Terry Bradfield is trained to offer prayer and guidance on a battlefield - not in an office building. But on September 11, 2001, he found himself working with the mortuary teams at the Pentagon. Here are some of his reflections of the days following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

More at http://umc.org/911 In the unfolding deadly drama of September 11th, and since, many people have felt their faith greatly tested. United Methodist Army Chaplain Terry Bradfield is trained to offer prayer and guidance on a battlefield - not in an office building. But on September 11, 2001, he found himself working with the mortuary teams at the Pentagon. Here are some of his reflections of the days following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

More at http://umc.org/911/ We all remember where we were when we heard the news about the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania plane crash. The anniversary of those events is a time for all of us to reflect on what’s happened and what has been learned. We go now to John Street United Methodist Church, the oldest United Methodist church in lower Manhattan … and the closest to Ground Zero.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Forty plane passengers became heroes on 9-11 when they battled terrorists for control of Flight 93. The hijacked plane never reached its intended target, presumed to be the U.S. Capitol or the White House. Instead it crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Since that fateful day, more than a million tourists have visited the site in rural Shanksville. Members of the local United Methodist church organized volunteers to give informal tours. A decade later, these ambassadors still share the story of what happened on property many consider “sacred ground.”

More at http://umns.umc.org/. Arlette Kitenge left Rwanda when she was four years old. It was a brutal time of fighting between Hutus and Tutsis, two tribes within the country. Her family came to the United States searching for freedom and happiness. “My parents wanted to provide a home where we would be stable, be able to go to school and not have to move constantly as we had done for so many years after leaving Rwanda.” She was in the fourth grade when terrorists struck sites in the U.S. and she “really got terrified because what came to mind was the war’s happening all over again. The war has followed us to the United States.” Her family now lives in Tennessee and her story is part of coverage marking the 10th anniversary of the attacks. See more at http://umc.org/911/.

More at http://umc.org/videos/ The Rev. Myrna Bethke watched the news unfold on September 1, 2001 and thought of her brother working on the 95th floor of the North tower. Her brother died that day and Bethke made a decision to rise above her personal grief and anger. She turned her attention to members of her United Methodist church who were grieving. And she later traveled to Afghanistan with other 9/11 family members as a peace ambassador. She will mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks at Ground Zero, where she will be one of those chosen to read the names of the deceased aloud.

More at http://umc.org/videos. Forty plane passengers became heroes on 9-11 when they battled terrorists for control of Flight 93. The hijacked plane never reached its intended target, presumed to be the U.S. Capitol or the White House. Instead it crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Since that fateful day, more than a million tourists have visited the site in rural Shanksville. Members of the local United Methodist church organized volunteers to give informal tours. A decade later, these ambassadors still share the story of what happened on property many consider “sacred ground.”

More at http://umc.org/videos/ Young and vibrant and female, The Rev. Kimberly Greway doesn't fit the mold of most prison chaplains. The United Methodist is Director of Chaplain Care for 3,000 inmates at the Allegheny County Jail in PA. Greway says her calling is to help those trying to turn their lives around. She champions the HOPE program, a group in which prisoners can find support and accountability. The HOPE program has been shown to reduce the recidivism rate among participating inmates from 65 to 18 percent. Participants form pen pal relationships and fund scholarships for school children in Africa. Greway says these relationships give the prisoners a sense of pride that they have done something good even while incarcerated.