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.

Faith Stories

The Rev. Colleen Bookter, a United Methodist, dances in New Orleans Mardi Gras parades as a member of the dance krewe Sassyracs. “There is nothing like hundreds of thousands of people in the crowd cheering you on and dancing along with you,” she said. Photo by Nkechi Chibueze, courtesy of Bookter.

Pastor dances with joy in Mardi Gras parades

The Rev. Colleen Bookter, a United Methodist pastor, annually marches in New Orleans parades as part of Fat Tuesday festivities. It’s “a chance to be silly and sassy and celebrate community.”

Faith Stories

Athletes with Alaska Pacific University’s Nordic Ski Center practice cross-country skiing ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The United Methodist-related university in Anchorage, Alaska, has a tradition of sending cross-country skiers to the Olympics going back to 1972. Photo courtesy of APU Nordic Ski Center.

United Methodist school brings Olympic glory

Alaska Pacific University, a small college with strong United Methodist ties, is sending nine cross-country skiers to the 2026 Winter Games. The university also has a commitment to Alaska Native students.

Local Church

Brick by brick, persistent pastor builds own church

After decades worshipping under a tree in Zimbabwe, United Methodist congregation gets permanent sanctuary constructed by local pastor and his family.

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