wfn.org | Web site offers way to share prayers

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

March 19, 2003	News media contact: Kathy Gilbert7(615)742-54707Nashville,
Tenn.	10-71B{153}

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - People of faith can share their prayers during this
volatile time through the United Methodist Church's official Web site,
www.umc.org.

Beginning March 19, "A Call to Prayer" invites visitors to enter prayers,
their names and where they live. Selected prayers are being posted on the
site.

"In times of crisis, people around the world look to God for comfort and
guidance," said Larry Hollon, top staff executive of United Methodist
Communications, the church agency responsible for the Web site.

"God listens no matter how or where people pray. We are offering another
avenue - the Internet - for people of faith to offer their prayers. It is an
opportunity to voice humanitarian concerns for civilians in Iraq and the
families of persons serving in the armed forces in the U.S. and Great
Britain," Hollon said.

The Web site offers a special feature,	"Assisting Those in Service," marked
with a yellow ribbon and highlighting the work of United Methodist military
chaplains. 

"Assisting Those in Service" also includes "Letters Home" from United
Methodist military chaplains and United Methodists in the armed forces that
have been deployed. These journal entries examine the role of military
chaplains, and allow chaplains and other military personnel to serve as
working correspondents, sharing their struggles, triumphs and how they live
out their faith journey during times of military conflict. An e-mail option
enables readers to correspond with one or more of the military personnel.

Under "Leadership Resources," church leaders will find ministry tools,
including help in planning worship services. The section will expand as new
resources are developed, and it includes links to various United Methodist
agencies and institutions. A downloadable button is offered for congregations
and regional and denominationwide bodies to add to their Web sites for
linking to available resources.
 
An ongoing feature, "Struggle Toward Peace," is a comprehensive collection of
sources of information on United Methodist positions on issues of war and
peace. News stories, pastoral letters and denominational statements are
included. A special "Take Action" section allows visitors to the site to
e-mail the president and members of Congress, or to share thoughts on the
umc.org site. 

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United Methodist News Service
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