UM News Digest - April 15, 2026

UM News Digest - April 15, 2026

In prison, expectant mothers encounter grace
Remembering Raquel Martínez
Grace doesn’t grab: Why consent belongs in worship

“Prisoners also need hope, forgiveness and the good news message of Jesus Christ.” — The Rev. Susan Manyange, of Chitungwiza United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.

United Methodists hand over goods to inmates at Harare’s Chikurubi Female Prison. The church, with support from the Isaiah 58 prayer group in Australia, provided gift baskets to expectant mothers and other basic supplies to enhance their welfare. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

United Methodists distribute donations to inmates at Harare’s Chikurubi Female Prison. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.

In prison, expectant mothers encounter grace
HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — United Methodists in Zimbabwe are living out the command in Matthew 25 to visit, clothe and feed those who are imprisoned. The church’s Chitungwiza Marondera District provided baby welcome packs for expectant mothers housed at Chikurubi Female Prison. The prison outreach also included supplies for men incarcerated at Zimbabwe’s largest maximum-security correctional facility. Eveline Chikwanah has the story.

Read story

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. Photos courtesy of the Martínez family; photo composition by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.

Remembering Raquel Martínez, editor of Spanish hymnal
SAN ANTONIO (UM News) — Friends and colleagues are celebrating the “abundance of gifts” left behind by Raquel Martínez, a leader in sacred music and advocate for bilingual worship in The United Methodist Church. She died April 12 at the age of 86. “Her contributions to liturgy and worship have made an enormous impact on the life of the church, and her legacy will be felt every time the church sings for many generations,” said the Rev. Lydia Muñoz. The Rev. Gustavo Vásquez has an obituary.
Read obituary

South Georgia Conference
Church models ministry at Square One
SAVANNAH, Ga. — Trinity United Methodist Church sits between two of its historic city’s most visited museums. The popular square is also a place where unhoused people often sleep at night. Cale Robert Hall, a Trinity member, founded Square One Ministry to offer hospitality to those in need. The Rev. Stephanie Smith writes about the ministry.
Read story

Dakotas Conference
Christians Got Talent builds community
CANTON, S.D. — Christians Got Talent, a church talent show adapted from the television program “America’s Got Talent,” is a hit at Canton United Methodist Church. Laurel Laubach, worship coordinator at Canton, organized the program. Performers from ages 3 to 80 have taken the stage. “God gives gifts to everyone, not just a certain age group or type of person,” Laubach said. Anna Mutzenberger has the story.
Read story

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference
Faith Friends ministry gives caregivers respite
STROUDSBURG, Pa. — Once a week at Faith United Methodist Church, caregivers of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease get four hours to themselves while trained volunteers serve a meal and do other activities with their loved ones. “(Caregivers) just need time for themselves,” the Rev. Jack Tironi said. “That’s very important when you’re caring for someone, almost non-stop, 24/7, with memory care issues.” The Faith Friends program happens on Wednesdays. Emily Wilton has the story.
Read story

Ask The UMC
What does ‘ex officio’ mean?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Based on the email and live chat conversations that Ask The UMC has had over the years, there appears to be some confusion about the meaning of the term “ex officio.” An ex officio member of a given body is a member of that body just like all other members, and has voice and vote, writes the Rev. Taylor W Burton Edwards, but there are some exceptions. Ask The UMC is a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
Read story

UM News includes in the Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not UM News staff.

Grace doesn’t grab: Why consent belongs in worship
RALEIGH, N.C. (UM News) — Many congregations treat physical closeness as proof of spiritual health, writes Dr. Brett McKinley Pardue, artist-theologian in residence at North Raleigh United Methodist Church. However, he said, the church should be practicing consent when it comes to touch. “A church that asks first is not less affectionate. It is more trustworthy. And in a time when trust has been shattered in so many sanctuaries, that may be one of the most radical forms of evangelism left,” he writes.
Read commentary

Florida Conference
Bishop Berlin releases new book, study
LAKELAND, Fla. — The Florida Conference’s Bishop Tom Berlin is a prolific author. His latest book, “Jesus Is Lord: Living in the Lordship of Christ,” is scheduled to be released April 21. It’s a six-part study available in paperback and e-book from Abingdon Press and Cokesbury as well as other online booksellers. There is also a leader’s guide and a video available on DVD and Amplify Media. Joe Henderson gives an overview.
Read story
Order

Discipleship Ministries
Worship music conference set for fall
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A workshop on worship music for worship leaders and planners, pastors, music directors, singers and others is set for Sept. 24-26 at Belmont United Methodist Church. Fusion 2026 will offer guidance in integrating modern and traditional worship styles within The United Methodist Church context. Workshops will include arranging hymns to bridge across styles, cultural fusion in worship and designing worship for lasting impact.
Learn more
Register