The Land of Lincoln

The Church and the UN -
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

Dialogue with United Nations activists . . . Serve in a soup kitchen . . . Visit a renowned museum . . . Go to the theatre . . . Learn about ways United Methodists are addressing global issues . . . and much more!

Begin the Christmas Season with Primetimers in New York!

The Primetimers program is kicking off the Christmas season with a visit to New York! All interested mature adults (50+ years old) are invited to come see the lights and decorations of the city that never sleeps, while experiencing a time of service, learning, faith-filled reflection, and cross-cultural appreciation in the context of Christian mission. During a cultural "day on the town," participants will visit a renowned museum, dine out, attend the theatre, and much more! Throughout the week, Primetimers will have the opportunity to serve in New York soup kitchens and food pantries. These experiences will be coupled with a dialogue among participants and United Nations activists working on issues of peace and justice. Through the United Methodist Seminar Program on National and International Affairs, participants will come together at the Church Center at the United Nations to explore: current issues of today, how governments, churches, and society are responding to these issues, and ways to ‘think globally and act locally.’ Possible speakers include United Nations representatives, human rights advocates, and General Board of Global Ministries staff. It is a great way to begin the Christmas Season!

Event Code: 2CCUN

Event Date: December 1-5, 2002

Host Site: The Church Center for the United Nations

Location: New York City, New York

Cost per person: $575.00 [includes double occupancy room, breakfast, lunch, local transportation by public bus, insurance, entrance fees and a cultural "day on the town" with a theatre experience]. Single occupancy room available for additional $170.00. Three evening meals not included in charge.

Experience: Participants will learn through lectures from UN representatives, other lecturers and through visits w ithin the city of the current issues of today, how our government, church and society is responding to these issues and how we can think globally and act locally. Participants will learn what it is to become ambassadors for peace in the context of their local church and community. The cultural "day on the town" will include a visit to a renowned museum, a visit to Ground Zero, seeing New York decked out for Christmas, dining out and a theatre experience. Participants would need to be able to walk short distances but would not be required to climb or descend subway stairs. The hotel and Church Center have elevators but the Church Center does not have a handicapped accessible bathroom.

Mission service: In small groups, participants will work in soup-kitchens and food pantries

Rooms: Participants will be housed in double occupancy rooms unless single occupancy is requested and additional $170.00 is paid.

First meal: Breakfast on Monday, December 2, 2002

Last meal: Lunch on Thursday, December 5, 2002

Transportation: Participants should arrive at the Quality Inn, on West 94th Street corner Broadway, by 5 pm on Sunday, December 1, for orientation and dinner at a local restaurant [participants responsible for cost of dinner]. Travel directions will be provided upon registration.

Registration: Please send completed registration and deposit to: Primetimers Registrar, 2006 35th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310-4438.