wfn.org | Cooperative ministry event set for November in St. Louis

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

March 13, 2003	News media contact: Joretta Purdue7(202) 546-87227Washington 
   10-71B{139}

By United Methodist News Service

"Pathways with Promise" will be the theme of the sixth National Consultation
on Cooperative Projects, Ministries and Parishes Nov. 13-16 in St. Louis.

Held every four years, the consultation is designed for ministry leaders who
are exploring or working in cooperative arrangements, whether in rural or
urban settings. It will occur in conjunction with the Rural Chaplains
Association meeting Nov. 13-18.

Featured speakers will include Bishop William Morris of the Nashville (Tenn.)
Area on "Why Work Cooperatively?"; Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, president
of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, who will issue a challenge to do
cooperative ministry; and Michael Kinnamon, faculty member at Eden
Theological Seminary in St. Louis, who will tell "Why Cooperation Matters
Locally." 

Participants will choose from almost 40 workshops on practical aspects of
cooperative ministry. Some of the topics include handling transitions,
evaluating community assets, dealing with legal issues, using interns,
writing a covenant, doing faith-based initiatives, building multicultural
cooperatives, increasing community-organizing skills, doing spiritual
formation, worshiping together, and understanding the life cycles of
cooperative parish ministries.

A special track for leaders beyond the local church will be offered. Other
tracks or pathways will feature ecumenical cooperation, leadership
development, financial management, connectional issues, specific skills and
models of cooperative ventures. 

Registration is $175 per person and includes meals, except for two lunches.
More information is available from Lisa Jean Hoefner at (800) 593-7539, Ext.
26. For registration, contact Charlene Ugwu, P.O. Box 178176, Nashville, TN
37217-9998.

Details about the Rural Chaplains Association meeting are available from
Harold McSwain at hwmcswain@juno.com or (614) 882-6067.
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United Methodist News Service
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