wfn.org | Convocation targets ministry to Hispanics

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

Feb. 15 1999        Contact: Linda Bloom*(212)870-3803*New York
10-32-71B{086}

By United Methodist News Service

A United Methodist convocation designed for non-Hispanic congregations
interested in ministries with Hispanics is planned April 8-10 at the Houston
Airport Marriott.

The event is sponsored by four denominational agencies - the Board of Global
Ministries, the Board of Discipleship, the Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, and the Board of Church and Society - in cooperation with the
Office of the National Plan for Hispanic Ministry. Participants will learn
about the national plan and have the chance to meet with church leaders
engaged in ministry to Hispanics.

At least 102 non-Hispanic congregations already have some type of ministry
with Hispanics, according to the national plan office. Reports from annual
conferences last year indicated that another 123 non-Hispanic congregations
were interested in such work.

The office cites several examples of congregations that have made ministry
with Hispanics an integral part of their community work: Centennial United
Methodist Church in Rockford, Ill.; Culmore United Methodist Church in Falls
Church, Va.; Beneke United Methodist Church in Houston; and Carrollton (Ga.)
United Methodist Church.

Some of these churches provide separate Spanish worship services for
Hispanics, as well as occasional joint services, while at the same time
integrating new Hispanic members into the church's membership and
fellowship. Others, such as First United Methodist Church in San Diego and
First United Methodist Church in Wilmore, Ky., have recently formed small
groups to begin reaching Hispanics in their communities.

Other congregations begin serving Hispanics through outreach ministries
before developing a worshipping congregation, or simply share facilities and
programs with an already-formed Hispanic congregation.
  	
The convocation has a $50 registration fee and is limited to 200
participants. For additional information, call (212) 870-3693, or send an
e-mail to Rlopez@gbgm-umc.org  .
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