wfn.org | Curriculum Resources

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (395
notes).

Note 395 by UMNS on Oct. 17, 1997 at 15:29 Eastern (2309 characters).

CONTACT: Linda Green				   583(10-71B){395}
	    Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470	 Oct. 17, 1997

Curriculum writers challenged by people lacking 
knowledge of United Methodist way of life

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)  Curriculum planners are being challenged by
significant changes in local churches, governing members of the United 
Methodist Publishing House were told here during their semi-annual meeting
Oct. 14-15.
	The Rev. Duane Ewers, editor of church school publications, said there is an
increasing need for information about faith since many people joining
congregations have little background in the Bible, beliefs,  ethics or United
Methodism.
	In addition to information, he said there is a great need for "formation,"
helping people respond to the call to follow Jesus Christ.
	Ewers told the 33-member board that resources are being prepared to help
congregations as they seek to respond to the desire of people to "grow in
their spirituality and to become more intentional about being in small groups
that encourage them in their journey of faith."
	He also noted that fewer congregations and individuals want to "struggle with
some of the challenging and critical social issues of the day."
	Ewers said the vision of the curriculum developers is that of serving a
changing church where individuals:
7 are yearning for a meaningful relationship to God and others with vitality
and integrity;
7 have a growing desire for spirituality that results in a closer relationship
to God and other people;
7 desire to be equipped and encouraged in their daily discipleship.
	"We are committed to develop and/or make available teaching and study
resources that will be chosen, used, and valued by an increasing number of
congregations and persons with different interests, from various backgrounds,
and who desire different approaches to helping persons to be formed into the
image of Jesus," he said.
	He pointed to groups who need special attention as curriculum is developed. 
They include:
7 individuals and congregations who identify  themselves as evangelical;
7 generations such as the "baby busters", born between 1965 and 1980; and
7 people who need encouragement in the "practices of the faith" such as Bible
study, prayer, the sacraments and fasting. 
#  #  #

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