wfn.org | United Methodists aid German playground

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

Sept. 2, 1999 News media contact: Linda Bloom*(212) 870-3803*New York
10-71BP{447}

NOTE: A photograph is available with this story.

By United Methodist News Service*

Contributions from United Methodists have helped create a children's
playground in Oranienburg, a city in eastern Germany.

The denomination's involvement began in November 1998, when United Methodist
Bishop Lindsey Davis of Atlanta visited "White City," a new housing
development in an area formerly used for Soviet barracks. The area's name
reflects the fact that all the barracks were painted white. The development
- home to some 3,000 people - had no playground because of a lack of
funding, and Davis promised his assistance.

Joining the bishop in providing financial help were the United Methodist
Women of First United Methodist Church in Marietta, Ga., and Sunday school
members at the Utopia (Texas) United Methodist Church. Volunteers from
United Methodist churches near the housing development and the local mission
church participated in the actual construction.

The playground was dedicated after a weeklong summer Bible school for the
children. Annagret Stransky, chairwoman of the Oranienburg parliament,
thanked the United Methodists for collecting money for the project.

# # #

*Information for this story was provided by Heinrich Meinhardt.

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United Methodist News Service
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