United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Information
www.umcpresscenter.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9,2010
Nashville, Tenn. The second annual church-wide Change the World event, planned for May 14-15, 2011, is a call for United Methodists to make a positive difference locally and globally.
Modeling last year's success when 100,000 people from over 1,000 churches rolled up their sleeves to feed the hungry, aid the homeless, visit the lonely, get involved in a cause and more, organizers expect 2011's Change the World activities to feature at least 3,500 events that will mobilize a half a million volunteers.
"The phenomenal participation in last year's Change the World tells us that people are hungry to make a difference," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. "In ways big and small, United Methodists actively show love by serving others-especially the poor and the marginalized. The combined capacity of so many churches working together to make a life-changing difference on one weekend is a powerful concept."
During the May weekend, United Methodist churches are encouraged to create and participate in a service or fundraising event that helps bring about positive change, whether it's cleaning up school grounds, renovating homes or getting involved in global health issues like malaria. Churches can take advantage of existing ministries or initiate a new outreach event.
The Change the World event was originally created as part of the Rethink Church campaign by United Methodist Communications in partnership with the United Methodist Publishing House, based on a concept originated by the Rev. Mike Slaughter, who authored a book by the same name. Rethink Church seeks to utilize outreach events that embrace the concept of outbound church to make a positive difference in the world beyond the church doors.
For more information about Change the World, or to learn how you can create an event for your church, go to umcom.org/changetheworld.
Media contact:
Diane Degnan
[email protected]
615-742-5406 (w)
615-483-1765 (c)
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