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- 1Iowa Community Garden Wins Global Ministries EarthKeepers GrantβIowa Conference: Community Garden blossoms with Global Ministries EarthKeepers Grant
A community garden connected to the Iowa Annual Conference has received an EarthKeepers grant from Global Ministries, supporting its growth and environmental work. The funding will help the garden project expand, reflecting the United Methodist denomination's broader push for creation care and local sustainability initiatives. Details about the garden's location and plans for the grant money have not yet been shared.
- 2Idaho church cold case man linked to 1982 Tylenol poisoningsβMan found dead in Idaho church 40 years ago linked to 1982 Tylenol poisonings
Authorities say a man found dead in an Idaho church roughly 40 years ago has been linked to the 1982 Chicago-area Tylenol poisonings that killed seven people and triggered a national panic. The identification or connection, reported by Arizona's Family, revives one of America's most notorious unsolved criminal cases and is drawing renewed attention to decades-old evidence.
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Russia is deploying relics of Orthodox saints and medieval princes with its military, blending religious symbolism with the war effort. The practice reflects the close alignment between the Russian Orthodox Church and the armed forces, with sacred objects being used to inspire troops and frame the conflict in spiritual and nationalist terms.
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Sojourners, the Christian magazine, has published a piece arguing that church liturgy can be a way to honor and affirm trans lives. It urges congregations to reflect on how their worship language and practices include or exclude transgender people, framing liturgical reform as a matter of pastoral care and dignity. The piece speaks to ongoing debates within Christian communities about transgender inclusion.
- 5October 2026 World Report highlights Church members worldwideβOctober 2026 World Report shows Church leaders and members in action around the world
The Church's October 2026 World Report is out, compiling coverage of leaders and members in action across the globe. The roundup presents events, initiatives and activities involving Latter-day Saint congregations internationally. Church News published the item drawing attention to the report, which appears as part of the faith's regular coverage of its worldwide membership and leadership activities.
- 6Grand Blanc Latter-day Saints mark one year since church shootingβGrand Blanc Latter-day Saints mark 1 year since church shooting, grappling with trauma and healing
Members of the Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc, Michigan, are marking one year since a shooting at their church, reflecting on the trauma of the attack and their efforts to heal. Coverage from church-affiliated outlets focuses on how the community is coping with grief and rebuilding a sense of safety as the anniversary prompts renewed attention to the victims and survivors.
- 7Historic 1875 Cornerstone Preserved at St. James AME ChurchβSt. James African Methodist Episcopal Church Foundations and 1875 Cornerstone
The surviving foundations and 1875 cornerstone of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church have been highlighted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The remnants point to the church's long history as an African American religious institution, and preservationists are drawing attention to the site as an example of endangered Black heritage worth documenting and protecting.
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A woman has filed a lawsuit against a megachurch alleging she was sexually abused there decades ago. The civil suit reportedly relates to abuse said to have occurred years earlier, reopening allegations against the prominent congregation. Details about the church named, the parties involved, and the specific claims have not yet been widely reported, and the church has not publicly responded to the filing.
- 9Report finds nearly 1,000 Massachusetts children abused by Catholic clergyβCatholic clergy sexually abused nearly 1,000 Massachusetts children over decades, report finds https://www. theguardian.
A new report finds Catholic clergy in Massachusetts sexually abused nearly 1,000 children over several decades. The findings add to the long-running reckoning over clerical abuse in the state, where the Boston Globe's 2002 Spotlight investigation first exposed widespread cover-ups by church leaders. Readers are reacting with anger that abuse on such a scale persisted for so long, and with renewed calls for accountability from the Catholic Church.
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The Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce is hosting a career fair on Thursday at Crossroads Bible Church, giving local job seekers a chance to meet employers in one place. The announcement was carried by the Los Alamos Reporter, which shared the event details for area residents. Job fairs like this connect regional businesses with candidates, particularly in communities with limited hiring channels.
- 11Estate Planning Workshop Set at Chestnut Hill United ChurchβEstate planning workshop set at CH United Church
Chestnut Hill United Church is hosting an estate planning workshop, according to the Chestnut Hill Local. The session will offer attendees guidance on wills, trusts and related financial matters. Details on the date, speakers and registration were not provided. Local community members interested in planning their estates are expected to take part in the event.
- 12Report Says Hundreds of Catholic Clerics Abused Children in MassachusettsβHundreds of Catholic Clerics Abused Children in Massachusetts, Report Says https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/30/us/catholi
A new report alleges that hundreds of Catholic clergy sexually abused children in Massachusetts, according to the New York Times. The findings reignite long-running scrutiny of the Catholic Church's handling of abuse in the state where the Boston Globe's Spotlight investigation first exposed widespread clerical abuse in 2002. Readers are reacting with anger over the scale of the abuse and calls for accountability.
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A church in Batesville, Arkansas, has shut down its daycare program, according to regional news coverage from Jonesboro-based K8 News. The report confirms the closure but gives no stated reason, and it is not yet clear how many children or staff were affected or whether the program may reopen. Local families relying on the childcare service are likely to be impacted.
- 14Culture Under Fire: Ukraine's Fight Against Russia's Erasure CampaignβCulture Under Fire: Ukraineβs Fight Against Russiaβs Campaign of Erasure
Attention is on Russia's targeting of Ukrainian cultural heritage alongside its military campaign. Reports describe the destruction or damage of museums, churches, monuments and historic sites across Ukraine, which officials and analysts frame as a deliberate effort to erase Ukrainian identity and history. The issue has drawn concern from heritage organisations and continues to fuel debate about cultural genocide and accountability for damage to cultural property.
- 15Columbia church pumpkin patch opens October 1βColumbiaβs First United Methodist Church pumpkin patch opens Oct. 1
First United Methodist Church in Columbia will open its annual pumpkin patch on October 1. The fall tradition draws local families and volunteers each year, with proceeds typically supporting church programs. The opening marks the start of the autumn season for the community.
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A Los Angeles church is hosting extreme wrestling, according to reporting by Annenberg Media. The story highlights an unusual pairing of a religious venue with a combative sports entertainment event, drawing attention to how the church is opening its space to unconventional community programming. Little further detail about the event, its organisers, or reactions from attendees and the congregation is available in the current coverage.
- 17Church ordered to pay $24 million in Serah Bellar caseβA βcult-likeβ church was ordered to pay $24M in the Serah Bellar case
A church described in court proceedings as 'cult-like' has been ordered to pay $24 million in damages in the case brought by Serah Bellar. The judgment resolves a legal dispute that drew attention to the congregation's practices. Details of the court's full reasoning and the church's response have not yet been widely reported.
- 18Baptist Church's Ties to Reformed Seminary Raise Harsh Theology QuestionsβChrist Reformed Baptist Church and the Link to International Reformed Baptist Seminary: Is Harsh Theology the Key?
Christ Reformed Baptist Church is under scrutiny for its ties to International Reformed Baptist Seminary, with critics questioning whether the institution's strict Reformed theology fosters harsh or authoritarian ministry practices. The discussion, surfacing on watchdog blogs focused on church abuse and accountability, asks whether the seminary's doctrinal culture shapes the conduct of pastors it trains. No allegations against specific individuals have been reported.
- 19Burlington Church Street businesses ask Gov. Scott for safety helpβChurch Street businesses appeal directly to Gov. Scott for public safety help
Businesses on Burlington's Church Street Marketplace are appealing directly to Vermont Governor Phil Scott for help with public safety concerns. The merchants are seeking state support to address safety issues affecting the popular downtown pedestrian area, taking their appeal beyond city officials to the governor's office.
- 20Haitian community in North Alabama avoiding church over ICE fearsβNorth Alabama Haitian community says fear of ICE is keeping people from church, home
Members of the Haitian community in North Alabama say fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is keeping people from attending church and staying in their homes. Local reports describe residents worried about deportation, with community members urging caution as enforcement activity affects daily religious and family life in the region.
- 21Pastor and Former 'American Idol' Contestant Convicted of Wife's MurderβCaleb Flynn, βAmerican Idolβ Contestant and Pastor, Convicted of Wifeβs Murder
Caleb Flynn, a pastor who once appeared as a contestant on 'American Idol,' has been convicted of murdering his wife, according to The New York Times. The case has drawn attention because of the contrast between his public role as a church leader and former television contestant and the violent crime for which he now faces sentencing.
- 22Marco Lutheran Church to Launch GriefShare Support ProgramβMarco Lutheran Church to Offer GriefShare
Marco Lutheran Church on Marco Island has announced it will offer GriefShare, a faith-based support program for people coping with the loss of a loved one. The sessions typically combine video teaching with group discussion, giving participants a structured space to process grief alongside others. Local outlets reported the church's plan to host the program for the community.
- 23Minnesota church honors Gilbert, dog killed in lawmaker shootingβWayzata church is honoring Gilbert, the service dog killed in lawmaker shooting
A church in Wayzata, Minnesota is honoring Gilbert, the service dog belonging to former state Representative Melissa Hortman, who was killed alongside her in a shooting at her home. The dog was put down after being wounded in the attack. The community gathering offers mourners a way to grieve both the lawmaker and her loyal companion.
- 24Pulaski Historical Society to honor Boyea Painting for Polish church workβPulaski historical society to honor Boyea Painting for work on Polish church
The Pulaski Area Historical Society in Wisconsin will honor Boyea Painting for its restoration work on a historic Polish church in the community. The recognition highlights the company's contribution to preserving a landmark tied to the area's Polish heritage, according to local outlet WLUK. Pulaski, founded by Polish immigrants, has long prized its church architecture as central to its identity.
- 25Shallotte church to hold pet adoptions and animal blessingsβChurch to offer pet adoptions, animal blessings this weekend in Shallotte
A church in Shallotte, North Carolina, is hosting a weekend event combining pet adoptions with blessings for animals. The congregation is inviting local residents to bring their pets for a blessing and to consider adopting an animal in need. It is a small community event rather than a controversy.
- 26Victor Marx's church appearances raise IRS compliance questionsβVictor Marxβs frequent church appearances raise IRS compliance questions
Victor Marx, a Christian minister and humanitarian worker, is under scrutiny over whether his frequent speaking appearances at churches comply with IRS rules. Questions centre on rules limiting political activity and endorsement by tax-exempt religious organisations, and how his regular pulpit presence fits within those constraints.
- 27Church joins eight humanitarian groups in new collaborationβHow the Church turned competition into collaboration for 8 global humanitarian organizations
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped turn what was once competition among eight global humanitarian organizations into a collaborative effort, according to Church News. The initiative aims to coordinate aid work and resources rather than duplicate them. Details about the groups involved and specific projects remain limited, and the broader reaction to the announcement is not yet clear.
- 28Nashua Unitarian Universalist Church marks 200 yearsβUnitarian Universalist Church celebrates 200 years of worship, activism, and community in Nashua
The Unitarian Universalist Church in Nashua, New Hampshire, is celebrating its 200th anniversary, marking two centuries of worship, activism, and community service in the city. The congregation is reflecting on its long history of social justice work alongside its religious life, with the milestone drawing attention from local residents and civic groups proud of the church's role in the community.
- 29Baptist Minister Says Black Church Blocks Black Women From LeadershipβBaptist Minister Says Black Church Champions for Civil Rights to Reign but Hesitates to Let Black Women Lead
A Baptist minister argues that while the Black Church has long championed civil rights, it still hesitates to let Black women take on leadership roles. The remarks highlight a long-running tension within Black religious communities between their activism for racial equality and the limited opportunities given to women in ministry and church hierarchy, prompting debate over gender equity in religious institutions.
- 30First victim testifies in church leader abuse trialβFirst victim testifies in trial of church leader accused of abusing four minors
The trial of a church leader accused of abusing four minors has begun, with the first victim taking the stand to testify. The case centers on allegations that the defendant abused four children in connection with his role in the church. Further details about the identity of the defendant, the location of the trial, or the nature of the testimony have not been made available.
- 31Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church in Adams closed indefinitelyβNotre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church indefinitely closed in Adams, Mass.
Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church in Adams, Massachusetts, has closed indefinitely. The parish building is no longer holding services, and local coverage offers no immediate explanation for the closure. Residents of the small Berkshire town are left awaiting word on the church's future, whether the shutdown is temporary or the first step toward a permanent closure.
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A church calendar for the year 2026 has been released, setting out the dates of religious observances and feast days for the coming year. Because Easter and other movable feasts shift annually, such calendars are issued ahead of time so congregations can plan services and events.
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A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation in Grand Blanc, Michigan, has donated 40,000 pounds of food to FISH, a local charitable organization. The large-scale contribution will support food assistance efforts for families in need across the Grand Blanc and Genesee County area, highlighting the role of faith communities in local hunger relief.
- 34Gainesville church art exhibit puts local artists on displayβChurch art exhibit showcases local artists in Gainesville
A church in Gainesville, Florida is hosting an art exhibit featuring works by local artists. The event, covered by regional news outlet WCJB TV20, highlights the congregation's effort to support the local creative community by giving artists a public space to show their work.
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Maddox Church is being talked about, with references surfacing on wrestling-focused media outlet Flowrestling. Beyond the name appearing there, no further details about what happened, who is involved, or why the church is drawing attention are available at this time. People appear to be searching for information about Maddox Church and any connection to wrestling events or personalities.
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The Falls Church News-Press has published a piece titled 'From Facebook to Falls Church: Connecting Your Data'. Beyond the headline itself, no further details about the article's content or claims are available, so it is unclear what specific data practices or connections are being discussed.
- 37Boulder Junction Community Church opens outdoor pavilionβBoulder Junction Community Church opens outdoor pavilion for community gatherings
Boulder Junction Community Church has opened a new outdoor pavilion intended to host community gatherings. The facility gives residents and church members an open-air venue for events, meetings and celebrations in the Boulder Junction area. The opening was reported by local television station WJFW. Details about the pavilion's size, cost or programming schedule have not been made available.
- 38Mormon church begins rebuilding one year after shooting and fireβChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begins rebuilding on the 1-year anniversary of shooting and fire
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has begun rebuilding on the one-year anniversary of a shooting and fire at one of its properties. The milestone prompted the church to mark the date with the start of construction work. Further details about the location, casualties, or the circumstances of the attack were not provided.
- 39Tuscaloosa church runs 'Pearls for the Girls' program for young girlsβTuscaloosa church teaches girls confidence, etiquette through βPearls for the Girlsβ
A church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is teaching girls confidence and etiquette through a program called 'Pearls for the Girls'. The initiative focuses on building self-esteem and social skills in young participants, and local news coverage has highlighted the church's efforts to support girls' personal development in the community.
- 40Haverhill Presbyterians Complete Property SaleβHaverhill Presbyterians Complete Sale; Say Proceeds Offer Local Benefits
The Presbyterian congregation in Haverhill has completed the sale of its property, with church leaders saying the proceeds will be used to benefit the local community. Details of the buyer and sale price have not been disclosed. Members say the funds will support local initiatives going forward.