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Walking ‘The Way of the Cross'

SILVER SPRING - Pastor Oswaldo Cuevas, who serves the Hispanic ministries at Hughes UMC and Millian UMC, was one of the people who carried the heavy wooden cross along Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring in the early afternoon of Good Friday. The public witness was organized by the Rev. Rachel Cornwell of Woodside UMC, where "The Way of the Cross" walk started, and the Rev. Ken Hawes of Hughes UMC. The two organizers are co-chairs of the Baltimore-Washington Conference chapter of the Methodist Federation of Social Action.

About 20 people journeyed silently along the heavily-trafficked street, to retell the story of Christ's suffering, crucifixion and death as they stopped at eight places that provide social services to the community. These included the Metro station, Fire Station No. 1, Shepherd's Table, Ministries United of Silver Spring, Silver Spring Interfaith Housing and Health and Human Services.

90-year member celebrated

HANCOCK - Edna M. (Hixon) Divel, 92, has attended Catalpa UMC for more than 90 years, reported Donald F. Corbett, the SPRC chairman.

Youth share with street people

WALDORF - Eighteen youth from Good Shepherd UMC participated in a "30 Hour Famine" to help raise money for people suffering from hunger. They set a goal of raising $500 in pledges.

The youth started fasting for 30 hours on Friday, March 27, and Saturday morning filled 35 backpacks with sandwiches, prepared foods, fruit, snacks, juices, socks and blankets, then headed to the streets of Washington, D.C. to distribute the food to the homeless.

As the youth and their adult advisors met those in need, they heard stories of family, how to survive on the streets, lost jobs, hopes for the future, and faith that gets you through life on the streets.

One group had a prayer circle for a woman who asked for prayer. One group made a list as they asked each person they met if they had a prayer request.

The youth exceeded their fund-raising goal, receiving $1,536 in pledges.

In the news

PHILADELPHIA - Bishop Peggy Johnson of the Philadelphia Area, delivered her Holy Week messages to nearly 1,000 churches through six video messages, which she posted on YouTube, with the idea of making the Gospel accessible to those with hearing and sight disabilities. All messages were done in American Sign Language and for those with visual challenges, the text online is in large font type. Find the videos www.bishoppeggyjohnson.blogspot.com.

MUTARE, ZIMBABWE - Fanuel Tagwira, 51, has been named to lead United Methodist-related Africa University as its third vice chancellor. For the past 15 months he has served as interim in the position, during the unprecedented meltdown of the Zimbabwean economy. While others have closed, Africa University has remained open, providing effective teaching, learning and community service.

NASHVILLE - "Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: An Inquiry Approach" by Richard H Gentzler Jr. is a new book/resource from Upper Room Publishing. On the brink of a "longevity revolution," which includes the United Methodist bishops, pastors, lay volunteers, and the most generous givers, Gentzler contends that it's time to rethink older adult ministry. The 144-page book includes practical issues of programming, and topics of aging such as chronic conditions, depression, death and baby boomers, now reaching retirement. "They really do expect to stay young and see getting old as an option, rather than a result," he says. The book is available in paperback for $13. Go to www.upperroom.org/bookstore.