Making a Difference - Feb. 25, 2009
CHARLOTTE HALL - Mt. Calvary UMC was one of dozens of churches throughout Maryland that observed "Dress Red Day," Feb. 8, to focus on heart health awareness for the African-American community.
Heart disease is the number one killer of African-American women in America. One out of every three black women will die from heart disease, three times the rate of the number two killer, breast cancer.
"The sea of red was beautiful to witness as the New Generation choir was decked out in red, the pulpit ministers and even the men of the congregation wore red ties or red shirts," said Lay Speaker Denise Whalen-White.
After the Rev. Sandra Greene added to the festivities by baptizing two babies, one her own grandchild, the congregation sampled a heart healthy meal, as members made commitments to treat their hearts better.
Burned church begins building
BALTIMORE - Reconstruction began mid-January on Mt. Vernon UMC's church following a devastating fire caused when lightning struck the belfry in August.
Firefighters stopped the fire in the stone and frame building built in 1879, but water damaged the interior extensively, then autumn rains saturated it more.
"We lost our plaster walls, floors and carpet and the pews were damaged beyond repair," said Betty Callahan, the church treasurer and lay leader. "But we will come back."
The congregation agreed to spend an initial $200,000 to stabilize the Gothic Revival building, using 10 percent of the $2 million in insurance funds that covered the structure.
The repairs, which are now completed, will seal the building from the elements while decisions are made regarding restoration.
The congregation is currently worshipping at Good Shepherd UMC in Hampden.
D.C. pastor appears on The Daily Show"
WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Rev. Dean Snyder, pastor of Foundry UMC, made an appearance on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," Jan. 28.
He was featured in a report by "Daily Show" correspondent Wyatt Cenac about the Obamas' search for a new church. Cenac visited and compared several area churches, including Foundry.
The crew spent four hours at the church, trying "to get every conceivable laugh into their video," Snyder said. "It was a fun thing to do, I'd do it again."
Food for body and soul fed homeless
WESTMINSTER - Union Street UMC recently served dinner to 80 homeless adults, teenagers and children from the three homeless shelters in the area. The dinner included turkey and stuffing, potatoes, vegetables and dessert and was accompanied by gospel music.
One guest commented that he thought it would be just soup to eat, so he brought his own crackers.
The church also distributed coats, hats, gloves and scarves. "And more importantly, they were given spiritual manna from Heaven, as the Gospel of Jesus Christ was delivered through spiritual tracts, prayer and personal testimonies and Christian fellowship," said the Rev. Daryl Foster.
In the news
BALTIMORE - New Covenant Worship Center received two grants recently from the denomination's Ministries with Young People. One for $4,300 supports Change Around, an 18-week leadership program to train young people in photography, videography, editing and Web site development. A second for $5,000 is for the Kuumba Ensemble Performing Arts Academy, a year-round academy as a pilot project designed to recruit and train young people to become creative arts leaders and instructors. The Rev. Herbert Brisbon III is pastor.
NEW YORK - The United Methodist Church has been officially registered in the Central Asian Republic of Kyrgyzstan, a requirement before a church can operate. Kyrgyzstan is part of the Central Asia Mission Initiative of the General Board of Global Ministries.
AMERICUS, GA. - Millard Fuller, 74, the founder of Habitat for Humanity in 1976, died Feb. 3 after a brief illness. He won the 2004 World Methodist Peace Award in recognition of his contributions to peace, reconciliation and justice. Fuller said no other honor has been "more meaningful" since it is a peace award and comes from Methodists, who are involved in larger numbers in Habitat than any other faith group or denomination.
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