Fall, winter programs planned for "Primetimers"

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://gbgm-umc.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.