Do you want a better understanding of what is happening within The United Methodist Church? Would you like to find inspiration in stories of ministry and learn how our denomination is transforming the world? Would you like that information delivered in a concise and engaging format that accommodates your busy schedule? If so, The Recap: What United Methodists Need to Know is for you.
In September 2022, United Methodist Communications produced The Recap as a response to the increasing number of questions about the current state of the church. What started as a few experimental episodes became a regular monthly video series. Recently, the United Methodist Association of Communicators recognized the series during their annual awards presentation, which won first place in the Video News Story/General Agency category.
How it’s made
The Recap team – made up of ten United Methodist Communications staff members who bring well-versed backgrounds in media, journalism and production – captures stories of mission and ministry taking place across the globe within a five-minute video. Viewers can expect to find:
- Inspirational stories of United Methodists transforming the world
- Insights into the impact current events and issues have on the denomination
- Information about how to support featured ministries
- Opportunities to learn more about each story
Each episode contains three feature stories. While highlighting key updates and celebrations, important topics are also discussed, such as how The United Methodist Church is taking action to address gun violence and racial injustice.
In the first 13 episodes, viewers glimpsed the church at work – from United Methodists who traveled to Africa to learn about the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, a Festival of Nations in Nashville, Tennessee, creation care via beach cleanup in Kailua, Hawaii, and many others living their faith in various places.
Meet the team
It takes a lot of dedication and time to capture these amazing stories every month and then condense them into five minutes. Full productions take up to three weeks.
"Taking the lead from our partners with Member Communication, The Recap has been an opportunity for the full production team to come together and collaborate. From scheduling to set-up to producing/hosting to recording, final post-production/editing – it’s a great example of teamwork making the dream work," beamed Stacey Hagewood, director of the production team.
Laura Buchanan, senior content development specialist and executive producer of The Recap, gleans top headlines to identify stories for each episode. Sources include UM News, UMC.org, Ask The UMC, annual conferences, denominational agencies and others. Once the stories are selected, she builds a content plan and works to finalize it along with Joe Iovino, fellow executive producer and director of denominational content strategy.
“I read stories from across our connection, often from different continents, that share common ministry goals. Having the chance to connect those dots in a Recap feature is exciting. It helps all of us better understand the scope of the church’s work around the world and how we strive to make it a better place,” noted Buchanan.
“What a year it has been! So much happens in the course of a year. It always fascinates me,” reflected Chuck Long, co-host of The Recap.
Long noted that looking back offers “a chance to reflect on how many ministry moments, community outreach efforts and spiritual growth opportunities we were privileged to witness.”
Co-host Lilla Marigza and Long both have broadcasting backgrounds. Their years of friendship create a chemistry that takes each episode to the next level. Both bring their vibrant personalities and unique insights, and viewers can expect a different experience every month. Marigza also serves as the show producer, taking the content plan, collecting visual elements, and preparing scripts and storyboards for the taping and post-production editing.
Your story, on The Recap!
The final segment of each episode features a few recent social media posts from individuals and local churches around the world that include the #BeUMC hashtag.
"We really do look at all of those posts! Through the hashtag, we can see the great fellowship and service happening at the local church level, and we can share what's happening at a church in Kansas with viewers across the connection in Africa and the Philippines, and vice-versa,” added Marigza.
All United Methodists are encouraged to share their stories of community outreach, celebration and ministry, simply by including the hashtag #BeUMC on social media posts.
More to learn, together
Those who worked on the show during its first year expressed only joy and appreciation for the chance to help United Methodists become better acquainted with what’s going on within the church. The team is preparing to resume filming next year and is excited to continue telling the church's stories. Keep an eye out for a couple of special episodes that will help United Methodists broaden their awareness of General Conference.
“We are grateful for each person who travels with us on this monthly storytelling journey,” said Buchanan. “We hope everyone finds the information and inspiration they are searching for in The Recap.
Watch The Recap
All episodes are available online and can be viewed anytime.
*Angelika Woods is a senior public relations specialist for United Methodist Communications.
For 80+ years, United Methodist Communications has been leading the church in telling inspirational stories of God’s work in the world through The United Methodist Church, reaching new people, supporting local churches in vibrant communications ministry, equipping leaders and delivering messages of hope and healing.
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