Change the World April 24-25
What if…on one weekend all around the world, United Methodists came together to work with their local communities? What if…as we serve people locally, we unite globally to eliminate a preventable, treatable disease that kills one child every 30 seconds?
"We all want to see change in the world and by serving our local communities, we get to see that change up close and personal. But we can also touch those we do not see and may never meet. By raising awareness and funds, we can save lives and conquer malaria – a disease that the U.S. has already defeated.” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications.
On April 24-25, 2010, United Methodists around the world are invited to participate in Change the World, a weekend event that coincides with World Malaria Day on Sunday, April 25. Congregations are invited to schedule a community-based workday, and use World Malaria Day sermon starters (coming soon) on Sunday. A special offering is encouraged to support the fight against malaria.
Rev. Mike Slaughter, lead pastor at Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio has written a book called “Change the World: Recovering the Mission and Message of Jesus,” set to be released in February 2010. He emphasizes, “As the United Methodist Church, we have worried too much about getting numbers into our churches instead of getting the people in our churches out into the world in relative ways. Even our smallest churches can have incredible impact when they leave their four walls to serve the needs of their neighbors, alongside of their neighbors.”
United Methodists are known for their commitment to social action. To read about the work of faithful Christians committed to making a difference, see the story below from First United Methodist Church of Watauga, Texas. More will be posted in the coming days.
Be one who makes a change and together, we can change the world. To get involved go to rethinkchurch.org/changetheworld.