wfn.org | Christian educators examine their calling at national event

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Oct. 21, 2002  News media contact: Kathy Gilbert7(615)742-54707Nashville,
Tenn.	10-71B{480}

NORFOLK, Va. (UMNS) - Meeting on the banks of the Elizabeth River, more than
600 Christian educators renewed their baptismal vows and entered into a
five-day journey of study and reflection on what it means to be called to
their ministries.

The Christian Educators Fellowship, meeting at its national conference Oct.
3-8, worked under the theme "By Rivers of Living Water." 

In response to a Bible study on John Wesley's views of grace, several
fellowship members drafted a letter to President George Bush lifting up
biblical images of peace and relevant portions of the United Methodist
Social Principles. The letter urged the president to pursue peaceful
solutions to current conflicts. Carol Krau, of the denomination's Board of
Discipleship, led the Bible study.

Margaret Ann Crain and Jack Seymour from Garrett-Evangelical Theological
Seminary in Evanston, Ill., led focus groups in which participants discussed
their identity as Christian educators. A preliminary analysis of the focus
group results was presented at the fellowship's business meeting Oct. 7. A
more detailed report will be provided later.

The conference participants celebrated the formation of a new chapter at
Pfeiffer University, a United Methodist-related school in Misenheimer, N.C.
Workshops on such topics as "Girlfriend Theology," "Spiritual Formation in a
Digital Age" and "Basics of Youth Ministry" provided opportunities for
networking and continuing education.

At the concluding worship service, Bishop Violet Fisher, of the church's New
York West Area, sent the group out with the challenge, "Just don't sit
there, do something!"

The fellowship is a United Methodist organization that provides ongoing
support to Christian educators through local chapters, national events,
networking and advocacy. It is affiliated with the denomination's Board of
Discipleship.
# # #
Deb Smith, a member of the fellowship's board of directors and staff member
of the Board of Discipleship, provided information for this story.

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United Methodist News Service
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