Music

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.

Worship

The Rev. Cynthia Wilson (center, front) sings with choir members during a performance of “Gospel Mass” at the Shifting the Atmosphere conference May 2 at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. The Junius B. Dotson Institute for Worship and Music in the Black Church and Beyond, which is led by Wilson, partnered with The United Methodist Church’s Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century for this year’s event. Photo by John W. Coleman, UM News.

Black church leaders learn worship wisdom at institute

Junius B. Dotson Institute for Worship and Music in the Black Church and Beyond and SBC21 team up for “Shifting the Atmosphere” conference.

Faith Stories

Charles H. Webb was much honored in Indiana for his leadership of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He found time to play organ for his local United Methodist church and to serve on The United Methodist Church’s Hymnal Revision Committee. Webb died April 13 at age 93. Photo courtesy of Malcolm Webb.

Methodist prodigy became a maestro

Charles H. Webb, who died April 13 at age 93, served The United Methodist Church during a long, stellar music career.

Faith Stories

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.

Raquel Martínez embodies legacy of immigrant women on worship

Her accomplishments, including editing the Spanish United Methodist Hymnal, reflect the vital contributions of Latinas, immigrants to church music, education and mission.

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