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United Methodist News Briefs

Written: 4/8/2005

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)-From CDs/DVDs, audio/video sales and licensing, computer hardware and software, Web site development, church calendars, magazines, special church emphases and seasonal products, publications, news services, welcoming and advertising and training, United Methodist Communications fulfills its obligation of informing and spreading hope and inspiration to the 10 million members of the United Methodist Church. Beginning April 1, Igniting Ministry, the church's four-year-old media effort, will introduce "Expression Packages," a series of advertising and welcoming resources to help church leaders understand and implement the biblical, emotional and strategic themes to keep hearts, minds and doors always open.

Funds needed to complete Russian seminary

NEW YORK (UMNS)-Emergency efforts are underway to develop a plan that will complete a UM theological seminary building in Moscow and assure the institution's future operations. Approximately $350,000 is needed to complete and furnish the building, said the Rev. Sam Dixon, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. The mission agency and the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry are partners in the effort to complete construction and to develop a strategy to underwrite the school's $160,000 annual operating cost.

Contributions toward both the completion of the seminary structure and toward seminary operating costs can be made through the Advance for Christ and His Church. Donations can be made through any local United Methodist church or sent directly to Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO, New York, NY 10087-9068. For seminary building construction, indicate "Building, Advance12173N." For seminary operations, indicate "Seminary Program, Advance 12174A."

United Methodist association links to senior drug program

DAYTON, Ohio (UMNS)-The United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries is providing an efficient link for low-income seniors to the current Medicare drug program. The link allows seniors to be enrolled in the program by church volunteers, family members or any other person with Internet access. Seniors whose income is no more than $12,569 if single ($16,862 for a married couple) are eligible for a $600 credit toward their prescription drug costs if they are enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B. The credit will be reduced to $450 for those who are not enrolled by March 31. It is available only to those who do not have an insurance drug benefit. The association has added software created by DestinationRx to its Web site, www.UMAssociation.org, to provide enrollment for the drug credit. Enrollment is offered in cooperation with Medicare and discount drug card sponsors.

Minnesota bishop requests prayers for shooting victims

MINNEAPOLIS (UMNS)-In the wake of shootings on a Minnesota Indian reservation that left 10 people dead, UM Bishop Sally Dyck has promised the prayers of the church to the Red Lake tribe. "I have written to the Red Lake tribal chairman, promising him the prayers of United Methodists," Dyck, bishop of the Minnesota Area, told United Methodists in an E-mailed pastoral letter on March 22. She asked Minnesota United Methodists, in their church worship services held Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday, to pray for the people of Red Lake. On March 21, a teenage boy opened fire on his high school on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota, killing five students, a security guard and a teacher and wounding seven other students. He is believed to be the gunman who also shot to death his grandfather and his grandfather's friend. The boy ultimately took his own life at the school.

Mission leader appeals for gun control in wake of Minnesota shootings

NEW YORK (UMNS)-The Rev. R. Randy Day, chief executive of the mission agency of the United Methodist Church, made a strong appeal for gun control in the wake of the shooting of 10 people in rural Minnesota on March 21. He reiterated a denominational call for legislative action to limit the manufacture, sale, and possession of firearms, and urged schools, churches, and the entertainment industry, including video game makers, to do more to focus attention away from violence and gun use.