wfn.org | UMNS# 166-United Methodists need emergency funds to complete

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United Methodists need emergency funds to complete Russian seminary

Mar. 22, 2005

NOTE:  Photographs are available at http://umns.umc.org.

By Elliott Wright*

NEW YORK (UMNS) - Emergency efforts are underway to develop a plan that
will complete a United Methodist theological seminary building in Moscow
and assure the institution's future operations.

Officials of two of the denomination's general agencies are working with
the new bishop of Moscow to find funds to complete a complex that will
house both the seminary and the United Methodist offices for the Eurasia
Area.

The projected May dedication of the facility has been postponed because
of a shortage of money to finish building it. The spring academic term
also is in jeopardy because of a lack of operating capital.

Approximately $350,000 is needed to complete and furnish the building,
said the Rev. Sam Dixon, an executive with the United Methodist Board of
Global Ministries.  The mission agency and the United Methodist Board of
Higher Education and Ministry are partners in the effort to complete
construction and to develop a strategy to underwrite the school's
$160,000 annual operating cost.

The Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, chief executive for Higher Education and
Ministry, and the Rev. R. Randy Day, his counterpart at Global
Ministries, expressed deep appreciation to United Methodists who have
contributed toward the estimated $3.5 million final cost of the seminary
and center in Moscow.

"We must once again ask the generous members of our church in both the
United States and Europe to get out their checkbooks in support of our
new congregations in Russia and several other nearby countries," Day
said.

Del Pino said that his agency understands that an "educated leadership
is essential for United Methodism in the Eurasia Area. Toward that end,
it is important that our colleagues in Europe and the church in the USA
assume responsibility in completing the seminary project and in insuring
the sustainability of its programs."

Bishop Hans Vaxby, the new episcopal leader of the Eurasia Area, is
mobilizing support in Europe. Vaxby, who was elected in February, is
still in the process of moving from Helsinki, Finland, where he has been
a pastor, to Moscow.

"The seminary and conference center is the heartbeat of Eurasian United
Methodism," Vaxby said. "It provides the academic training and spiritual
formation of pastors; it houses Moscow Central United Methodist Church;
and it is the administration center for the Eurasia Episcopal Area. In a
city with escalating leasing costs, it saves a lot of money in the long
run."

The bishop added that he was "moved by the enormous investment of love
and money from agencies, seminaries, local churches and individuals in
the USA and Europe in the years past, and I hope and pray that we can
complete their dream."

United Methodism in Russia emerged in the early 1990s after the fall of
communism.  Today, there are 109 pastors, almost all of them Russian.
Major funding for pastoral support and other costs, including the
seminary project, has come through the gifts of annual conference,
congregations, and individuals, collectively known as the United
Methodist Russia Initiative.

Both the Board of Global Ministries and Board of Higher Education and
Ministry have assisted with seminary building costs, but neither agency
is currently able to contribute additional funds.

Contributions toward both the completion of the seminary structure and
toward seminary operating costs can be made through the Advance for
Christ and His Church. Donations can be made through any local United
Methodist church or sent directly to Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO,
New York, NY 10087-9068.  For seminary building construction, indicate
"Building, Advance12173N." For seminary operations, indicate "Seminary
Program, Advance 12174A."

*Wright is the public information officer for the United Methodist Board
of Global Ministries.

News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or
newsdesk@umcom.org.

********************

United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org