Local Church

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

Raquel Martínez embodies legacy of Latina 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.

Local Church

Christ United Methodist Church in Bethel Park, Pa., serves fried fish sandwiches on Feb. 27 during one of the church’s annual Lenten fish fries. The profit the church receives from selling thousands of $16 dinners goes toward feeding local unhoused people and supporting the fast-growing congregation. Photo by Jenn Morgan.

United Methodists hooked on fish fries too

Borrowing from Catholic tradition, United Methodists in Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York and New Mexico are preparing and serving hundreds of fish dinners on Friday nights throughout Lent.

Local Church

(From left) Naoutane Ndecky, Senegal District women’s president, Abraham Basse, district lay president, and Eric Ané raise their hands in prayer during the dedication service at Temple Beth Shalom United Methodist Church in Diamniadio, Senegal. The ceremony marked the official inauguration of the new modern building, the result of a collective effort to provide United Methodists in the community with their own place of worship after 18 years of renting. Photo courtesy of the Senegal District.

Celebrating a new church building in Senegal

After 18 years of worshipping in rented spaces and experiencing a collapsed roof, community inaugurates Temple Beth Shalom United Methodist Church.

Congregations

Members of Marvin United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., pose during a bowling outing. Marvin United Methodist Church received a $100,000 grant from neighboring Sherwood Forest United Methodist Church to help make repairs on its building. Photo courtesy of Marvin United Methodist Church.

Church merger results in win-win-win-win

In North Carolina, United Methodists are making good things happen from an unhappy decline in membership in some of its churches.

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