wfn.org | Fall, winter programs planned for 'Primetimers'

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

July 28, 2000 News media contact: Linda Bloom*(212) 870-3803*Nashville,
Tenn. 10-71B {347}

By United Methodist News Service

The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries has scheduled a series of
mission-related seminars for older adults during the fall and winter.

Each "Primetimers" program combines Christian service and faith-filled
reflection with educational and culture opportunities.   

The first event, "A Hub of Methodism," takes place Oct. 2-6 at the
Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn. Participants will learn about
the history of the United Methodist Church and the center, receive tips on
organic gardening and papermaking and visit various sites in Nashville. 

An Oct. 1-14 Primetimers trip will take participants to Yerevan, Armenia, to
learn how the collapse of the Soviet system affected the lives of Armenians,
particularly older persons.  They will be hosted by the United Methodist
Committee on Relief (UMCOR) office in Armenia and will learn about the
mission, ministry and other work of the agency. Other offerings will include
the history and mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church, active for 1,700
years, Armenian music and the geology and volcanoes of Armenia.
Participants will serve the Armenian community by visiting elderly citizens
and assembling and distributing school supplies.

^From Oct. 29 through Nov. 4, Primetimers hosts "Down on the Bayou Tech" at
the UMCOR's Sager-Brown Depot in Baldwin,  La.  Participants will learn
about Acadian  (Cajun) and Native American cultures through presentations
and visits to sites.  They will also process emergency kits for national
disaster response and for international relief.

A Dec. 4-8 seminar is planned at the Church Center for the United Nations in
New York. Focusing on United Nations-related church work, participants will
visit advocacy groups and learn about non-governmental organizations and
alternative media.  They will work in small soup kitchens and food pantries
around the city.  

Other forthcoming programs include a trip to the Holy Land and a program at
Gulfside Assembly in Mississippi.

More information check  the Web site:
http://www.gbgmumc.org/vim/features/primepro.htm  Individuals may also
contact the mission volunteers office at the Board of Global Ministry by
e-mail at primetimers@gbgm-umc.org or telephone (212) 870-3825.

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United Methodist News Service
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