Musical devotions: Hearing familiar hymns with new ears

The published and unpublished verse of Charles Wesley teach us a great deal about our relationship with God. Image by Kathryn Price, United Methodist Communications.

Charles Wesley wrote more than 6,000 hymns that were sung by the early Methodists. Through these lyrics they learned about God, Jesus, discipleship, love, and so much more.

This is still true for United Methodists today. Spending time with the hymns of Charles Wesley, both those in the United Methodist Hymnal and others, can help us grow in our faith.

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Worship

Ask The UMC: How do the Sunday readings for Advent differ from year to year?

The Advent readings pursue three different themes in the three different years.

Worship

The St. John's United Methodist Church Choir in Lubbock, Texas, performs "My Soul Gives Glory to My God." Photo courtesy of St. John's United Methodist Church.

Ask The UMC: The liturgical history of Lessons and Carols

Increasingly over the past four decades, United Methodist congregations with choirs have included a service of Lessons and Carols among their Advent or Christmas musical celebrations. While the music may be what draws people to the services, what actually drives the vigil form of worship historically is an extended period of listening to the Scriptures.

Social Concerns

Since the Church’s inception, Methodists have been actively involved in social and political matters in order to build a more peaceful and just world. Graphic by Laurens Glass, United Methodist Communications.

Ask The UMC: Is The United Methodist Church involved in politics?

Can United Methodists be politically active? The Social Principles offer guidance about the interaction of church and politics.

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