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The published and unpublished verse of Charles Wesley teach us a great deal about our relationship with God.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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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

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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.

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