Worship

Faith Stories
Raquel Martínez, editor of “Mil Voces Para Celebrar,” the Spanish United Methodist hymnal, is being remembered for her musical contributions and leadership in The United Methodist Church. She died April 12 at the age of 86. She is pictured at right at the launch of the hymnal in 1996, and at left, at the celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2021. Photos courtesy of the Martínez family; photo composition by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.

Remembering Raquel Martínez, editor of Spanish hymnal

With a ministry deeply rooted in music, Martínez helped to communicate the Gospel beyond language barriers. She died April 12 at age 86.
Worship
Dr. Brett McKinley Pardue. Photo courtesy of the author.

Grace doesn’t grab: Why consent belongs in worship

If a sanctuary cannot honor a boundary, it cannot credibly preach liberation, writes Dr. Brett McKinley Pardue, artist-theologian in residence at North Raleigh United Methodist Church.
Worship
Amber stained-glass windows illuminate the Bible that sits on the altar of Glendale United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. Starting with Good Friday and into the Easter season, United Methodists and other Christians have new recommended Bible readings for worship. Photo by Steven Adair, United Methodist Communications.

Stopping anti-Judaism in lessons about Jesus

Starting with Good Friday and into the Easter season, United Methodists and other Christians have new recommended Bible readings. The changes aim to halt the use of Scripture to justify persecution of Jewish people.
Church Growth
Taeron Flemming, a mime and community pastor at The Well Church in Washington, D.C., performs Feb. 26 during the Fresh Expressions United Methodist National Gathering 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Ocala, Fla. Flemming teaches mime as a Fresh Expressions ministry. Photo by Brian Rose, Church of the Restoration in Reston, Va.

Fresh Expressions movement gains momentum

United Methodist ministries set in tattoo parlors, yoga studios and restaurants are reaching people outside the sanctuary.

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