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UM News Digest - March 27, 2026
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“All that I am and all that I have done is by God’s grace.” — Raquel Martínez, on her life and ministry in The United Methodist Church.
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Two important moments in Raquel Martínez’s ministerial life: at right, the launch of the “Mil Voces Para Celebrar” hymnal in 1996, and at left, the celebration of its 25th anniversary in 2021. Photos courtesy of the Martínez family; photo composition by the Rev. Gustavo Vásquez, UM News.
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Martínez embodies legacy of Latina women on worship
SAN ANTONIO (UM News) — In celebration of Women’s History Month, Raquel Martínez’s life demonstrates the vital contributions of Latina women to the worship, education and mission of The United Methodist Church. Her musical ministry, including editing the Spanish United Methodist Hymnal, reflects decades of service and dedication. Her experience as an immigrant also informs her pastoral approach. The Rev. Gustavo Vásquez has her story. |
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Michigan Conference
Art project recognizes victims of gun violence
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — The Soul Box art exhibit at Church of the Dunes United Methodist Church recognizes and honors 1,406 victims of gun violence. Each box pays tribute to someone who died because of an accident, violence or suicide involving a gun. Made and decorated by volunteers, the boxes were woven together to create a 32-foot-long display. Madelyn Steinbeck has the story.
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South Carolina Conference
Churches respond as Iran war rages on
COLUMBIA, S.C. — As the death toll rises across Iran, Israel and surrounding nations after the United States and Israel launched widespread airstrikes Feb. 28 against Iran, United Methodist churches in South Carolina are doing what the church does best in times of uncertainty and fear: turning to prayer. Jessica Brodie reports.
Read story |
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Higher Education and Ministry
Faith and funding fuel health equity
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is spotlighting each of the 11 United Methodist-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S., supported by the Black College Fund. New this week is Meharry Medical College. Founded in 1876 by members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Meharry was the first HBCU in central Tennessee and the first with a medical department. Today, the college remains committed to advancing health equity through research, education and care for those most in need. Wendy R. Cromwell reports.
Read story
Read more in series
UM News: Meharry provides vaccines and peace of mind
Wesleyan University-Philippines
University forum addresses Middle East conflict
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines — In response to the growing repercussions of global conflict in the Middle East, more than 500 employees and student leaders of United Methodist-related Wesleyan University-Philippines gathered March 20 for “CHASE-ing HOPE: WUP’s Response to the Escalating War,” a panel discussion and forum led by the John Wesley Academy and Critical Thinking Center. Panelists talked about the war’s ripple effect on the Philippines, including soaring oil and gas prices, rising food costs and threats to overseas Filipino workers.
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| 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. |
Virginia Conference
Welcoming Easter guests
GLEN ALLEN, Va. — The Virginia Conference shares guidance from Western North Carolina Conference Bishop Ken Carter for welcoming guests on Easter Sunday. “Don’t make fun of people who only attend church this time each year; they are telling you that, when it matters, yours is their home church,” Carter writes.
Read commentary |
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Mississippi Conference
Bishop Lewis Logan receives honor
JACKSON, Miss. — The Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College in Atlanta has announced it is inducting Bishop Sharma D. Lewis Logan. The board, housed at King’s alma mater, honors clergy and lay leaders who embody the prophetic witness, moral courage and commitment to justice that King championed. The induction is scheduled at 11 a.m. U.S. Eastern time April 9.
Read press release
Church and Society
Bishop Trimble plans retirement transition
WASHINGTON — Soon to reach the mandatory retirement age for United Methodist agencies’ top executives, Bishop Julius C. Trimble has announced his plans to retire on June 18 and then serve as interim top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society through 2028. His goal is to ensure a smooth recruitment and transition process for his successor.
Read press release
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United Methodists hooked on fish fries too
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Photo courtesy of the Senegal District
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Celebrating a new church building in Senegal
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United Methodist News is sent by United Methodist Communications
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