wfn.org | UMNS Story #218 -- Title: Rural Life Sunday focuses on "God's Hea li

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Rural Life Sunday focuses on "God's Healing Power in Nature"

April 9, 1998 Contact: Joretta Purdue (202)546-8722 Washington
(10-24-71B){218}

by United Methodist News Service
	
The 1998 Rural Life Sunday theme, "God's Healing Power in Nature," calls
attention to the ties linking people's health to that of their
communities and the rest of creation.

Rural Life Sunday, observed annually by the United Methodist Church,
affirms the interdependence of rural and urban communities, celebrates
the rural heritage of the denomination and recognizes the ongoing crisis
in rural areas of the nation and the world. 

This year's theme has just been announced by the United Methodist Rural
Life Fellowship, and materials are available from the agency. Each
annual conference determines the date for its Rural Life Sunday.

"Psychological health and the health of the environment are deeply
intertwined," said economist John B. Cobb Jr. "The healing of persons
and of the biosphere are mutually dependent."

Naturalist, explorer and writer John B. Muir said in 1880, "In God's
wilderness lies the hope of the world -- the great fresh unblighted,
unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off,
and the wounds heal ere we are aware."

Eons earlier, Job said, "Ask the animals and they will teach you; the
birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth,
and they will teach you."

This year's Rural Life Sunday materials are designed to help
congregations celebrate God's creation, learn about the healing powers
of nature, and commit to restoring health to people and the biosphere.

Materials include a sample sermon by the Rev. Mel West titled "The
Majesty, the Mystery, the Mandate," a worship service, scriptural
references, quotes, action stories, worship aids, hymn suggestions and a
bibliography. The stories include accounts of a prison garden project
and a church garden project.

A packet of the materials is available for $5 from United Methodist
Rural Fellowship, 108 Balow Wynd, Columbia, MO 65203.

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United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/