Local Church

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.
Local Church
Members of Black River Falls United Methodist and community guests enjoy  “Dinner Church” on March 18 at the rural Wisconsin church. The weekly ministry, which is celebrating its second anniversary, has become a place where strangers become friends and a small congregation reimagines its mission. Photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim, UM News.

Around the table, a church finds new life in rural Wisconsin

A small-town United Methodist church in rural Wisconsin embraces community outreach by serving meals, building relationships and redefining what it means to be church.
Church Leadership
Lufula Charlotte smiles as she receives her training certificate from United Methodist Bishop Antoine Kalema Tambwe during an official ceremony in Kindu, Congo. Lufula is one of more than 60 pastors’ wives who completed a leadership program supported by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Pastors’ wives help strengthen ministry in East Congo

The East Congo Episcopal Area has provided training to help wives of United Methodist clergy become leaders and drive community development in rural areas.
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.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Loading

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved