Each week, Wesleyans and Wesleyan churches are featured in online news publications. If you see a news item that relates to Wesleyans, please forward the link to communications@wesleyan.org.

Houghton grad appointed to coronavirus task force

Dr. Deborah Birx, a 1976 graduate of Houghton College, has been appointed “to the U.S. Coronavirus Task Force as the coronavirus response coordinator for the White House.”

Michigan pastor ministering during virus outbreak

Formerly addicted to drugs, Pastor Brendan Maroney of Shoreline Wesleyan Church, is doing his best to check on those who usually depend on support groups for encouragement and support during the coronavirus outbreak.

OKWU faculty member launches podcast

Dr. Josh McNall, professor of pastoral theology at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, released a new podcast called “Outpost Theology.” The podcast will attempt “to wrestle with those cultural issues the church most often finds itself having to deal with.”

Lyon installed on NAE board

Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, general superintendent emerita and ambassador of The Wesleyan Church, has been named vice chair on the board of the National Association of Evangelicals.

Tri-State District Wesleyans honored

Officer Korie Plummer, who attends First Wesleyan Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, was recently honored by the Bartlesville Police Department. Veronica Santillo (goes by Nikki), who serves with her husband, Rev. Paul Santillo, at Heritage Community Church in Rogers, Arkansas, was honored by the Springdale School District for her work as a school counselor.

Pugh named provost at SWU

Dr. April Pugh has been named the new provost at Southern Wesleyan University.

OKWU holds Dunn Institute

Oklahoma Wesleyan University hosted the annual Dunn Institute, a training “designed to aid church leaders in maximizing their ministry’s effectiveness, specifically doing this by providing practical, theologically based training in the financial aspects of church leadership.”

Pastor passionate about rural ministry

Rev. Dave Hansen is lead pastor of Lakeview Community Church in Lakeview, Michigan, and is passionately serving in a predominantly rural area.

South Carolina church helping deliver meals to area students

Providence Wesleyan Church in Summerville, South Carolina, is delivering meals personally to area children who need meals school closures amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

Pennsylvania church offers service in unique way

Bethany Wesleyan Church in Cherryville, Pennsylvania, used a local drive-in theater to host its church service on March 22 during the coronavirus outbreak.

IWU athlete named first “player of the year” in school history

Kyle Mangas, a junior at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), made history when he was named the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. He is the first IWU athlete to be given such a title in the school’s history.

History of South Dakota church remembered

The history of Redfield Wesleyan Church in Redfield, South Dakota, is remembered as its first church building is torn down.