| School of Christian Mission offers timely topics By Barbara Coward
UMCONNECTION CORRESPONDENT The Baltimore-Washington 2004 Cooperative School of Christian Mission will be held on July 22-25 at the Clarion Conference Center in Hagerstown. 
The three mission studies for 2004: Prayer, Cuba, and Public Education. | Sponsored by the conference's United Methodist Women and the Board of Christian Presence in God's World, the school is designed to provide an educational experience for all who wish to expand their concepts of mission in today's world. Clergy and laity are invited to attend the workshops to learn more about missionary work against the backdrop of God's word, said Darlynn McCrae, dean of school. This year's theme, 'Prayer, Policy, and Politics,' will be explored through three relevant lessons on spiritual growth, social issues, and geography. ' Concerning Prayer' led by Rev. Terri Rae Chattin, will look at the many types of prayer and examine how prayer empowers mission work, enriches personal spirituality, and moves us to embody peace and justice. 'Public Education' will review key issues in public school education in the United States and celebrate models of church and public school partnership. Eliezer Valentin-Castanon, Jean Creek and Carletta Allen will facilitate this study. 'Cuba' will provide an overview of the history of Cuba and its churches. Thom White Wolf Fassett, Sheila McCurdy, Douglas Sands, and Kenneth Jones will lead a study about healing national relations with Cuba and nurturing a relationship with Cuban Christians. McCrae is impressed at how timely and relevant this year's studies will be. Consider the education focus, she said. 'With political candidates focusing on education, with the richest school districts spending 56 percent more per student than the poorest schools and with the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act, this year's public education study will be pertinent and informative,' she said. She is also excited about the study on prayer. 'In a world of high-tech, fast-paced lives, the spiritual-growth study will make participants stop and consider prayer, the biblical basis for it, and how to work it back into daily lives.' Throughout the workshop, participants will also have the opportunity to worship and sing in a choir, participate in focus groups and themed activities, obtain leadership updates and mission reports, purchase literature and other resources as well as meet new friends and greet old acquaintances. According to McCrae, one of the highlights of last year's mission school, which drew more than 270 people, was the Morning Glory devotion held at 6:00 a.m. in the outside pavilion. 'It was a perfect way to start the day by worshipping in song and prayer,' she said. Since attendance grew significantly each morning, there were numerous requests to retain the early morning devotional time and to include evening vespers in future workshops. This wish has been granted. The 2004 session will include evening vespers as well as a prayer center, a panel discussion on Cuba, and conference projects displays. What else is new? 'Rumor has it that one of the focus groups may feature a Cuban cuisine cooking class and that there will be a poolside Cuban banquet,' said McCrae.
The School of Christian Mission is held each summer and open to all members of the conference, including youth and young adults. 'All are invited to share in this mission education event,' said McCrae. For further information or to register, contact Margaret Pennington, business manager, at (301) 724-0071. The cost for the four-day workshop for commuters is $150, including registration and seven meals. For participants requiring accommodation, the cost runs from $233 to $398, depending on room occupancy. | 
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