Musical devotions: Hearing familiar hymns with new ears

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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Young People
LaShanda Evans sings during the Fusion 2026 Worship Music Conference at Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn. Evans is the worship team coordinator for United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, which sponsored the event. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Music leaders tackle ‘great divide’ in worship

Older church members often prefer the comfort of a traditional worship service. But presenters at the United Methodist-sponsored Fusion 2026 conference talked about modern options that might attract more young people.
Congregations
Worshippers sing traditional Shona hymns during a revival organized by the Women’s Fellowship of The United Methodist Church’s United Kingdom District, July 2-5 in Blackpool, England. The annual Chiringanyanza Revival brings together Zimbabwean United Methodists from across the U.K. for worship, fellowship and spiritual renewal. Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, UM News.

Church keeps UK Zimbabweans connected to home

The United Methodist Church’s growing United Kingdom District demonstrates that when faith crosses borders, it does not lose its roots.
Ecumenism
Sunlight filters through old-growth redwoods, some as tall as 300 feet, at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve near Guerneville, Calif. United Methodists are joining with Christians across traditions in adding a shared feast day and season that focuses on God, the Creator. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Creation celebration added to church year

United Methodists are joining with Christians across traditions in adding a shared feast day and season that focuses on God, the Creator. The season coincides with an ecumenical focus on addressing climate change.

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