wfn.org | `Primetimers' targets older United Methodists

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

March 17, 2000	News media contact: Linda Bloom·(212) 870-3803·New York
10-21-71B{153}

By United Methodist News Service

The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is creating a series of
mission-related experiences aimed specifically at older adults.

The "Primetimers" program draws upon parts of Elderhostel, United Methodist
Volunteers in Mission and other programs, adding elements of United
Methodist history, doctrine and polity. The Rev. Bud Heckman, board
executive, called it an ideal opportunity for active, older church members
"who might not want the rigors of a regular volunteers in mission trip."

Although the events involve a component of mission service, "the focus is on
education," he said. "They're learning about the United Methodist Church.
They're learning about the culture they're visiting."

For example, "Heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains," a May 21-27 seminar at
Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, N.C., will offer a chance to learn
about Appalachian culture through presentations, music and storytelling.
Participants also will learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee
people of western North Carolina and of the church; visit the Nantahala
National Forest Wildlife Refuge Area; and become acquainted with local
families through light work on home construction or repair.

An Oct. 29-Nov. 4 "Primetimers" program at the United Methodist Committee on
Relief (UMCOR) Depot in Baldwin, La., will offer an opportunity not only to
learn more about UMCOR's work and to pack some emergency kits but also to
learn about Acadian (Cajun) and Native American culture through
presentations and site visits.

Other pilot programs in the works for 2000, with tentative dates, are "A Hub
of Methodism," Nov. 2-6 at Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn.;
"Down By the Sea," Oct. 24-29 at Gulfside Assembly in Waveland, Miss.; and
trips to Armenia and the Holy Land in September. 

Heckman said he also is looking for groups, both on a national and
international level, interested in applying as host sites for the
Primetimers program in 2001. Those groups might include environmental and
natural resource centers, community ministries, traditional mission sites,
conference or retreat centers, United Methodist-related colleges and
universities and ecumenical or partner agencies affiliated with the church.

An average of 30 people is expected per site. More information is available
online in the "Features/News" section at http://gbgm-umc.org/vim. Heckman
can be reached by telephone at (212) 870-3825 or by e-mail at
bheckman@gbgm-umc.org.

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United Methodist News Service
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