United Methodists to Change the World May 18-19

United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Information
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Nashville, TN 37203
www.umcpresscenter.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2013

United Methodists to Change the World May 18-19

Nashville, Tenn.: On May 18-19, United Methodists around the globe will unite in service with their local communities for the fourth annual Change the World weekend. Created by United Methodist Communications as an effort to Rethink Church by utilizing outreach to make a positive difference in the world, Change the World was observed in more than 1,500 locations internationally in 2012.

Local Change the World events vary and include raising funds for worthy causes such as Imagine No Malaria, building homes through Habitat for Humanity, packaging thousands of meals through STOP HUNGER NOW, assembling flood buckets for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and hosting health fairs as well as many other random acts of kindness.

"We know from research that churches that provide opportunities for service are viewed much more favorably because of their active approach," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. "By engaging in simultaneous service throughout the world, this movement puts the spotlight on the power of the United Methodist connection to demonstrate the positive difference we can make when we work together."

United Methodist Communications has created several free planning resources including a sermon series and ideas for service projects. The first 1,000 churches to register events online will receive a free marketing kit that includes a reusable lawn banner, multimedia bundle for the sermon series and a Change the World t-shirt.

To locate an event in your area, go to RethinkChurch.org. Join the Change the World conversation online on Facebook, or on Twitter and Instagram using #changetheworld and #rethinkchurch.

Change the World is based on a concept originated by the Rev. Mike Slaughter, author of Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus.

About United Methodist Communications
As the communications agency for The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Communications seeks to increase awareness and visibility of the denomination in communities and nations around the globe. United Methodist Communications also offers services, tools, products and resources for communications ministry.

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