Change the World, April 24-25

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — United Methodists are encouraged to begin planning now to join in “Change the World,” a denomination-wide event on April 24-25 that prompts members to join with others in their communities to make a difference locally and globally.

During that weekend, United Methodist churches are encouraged to participate in a service or fund-raising event that effects positive, long-lasting change. The service could be revitalizing a food-pantry program, creating a new ministry to help the homeless, or increasing awareness of global health issues like malaria. Congregations can utilize existing ministries or initiate a new outreach event.

United Methodist churches are encouraged to participate in a service or fund-raising event that effects positive, long-lasting change.

“’Change the World’ challenges the people of The United Methodist Church to see the world holistically by giving and serving beyond the four walls of sanctuaries and Sunday school classrooms,” said Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. “Our hope is that not only will church members participate, they will invite neighbors in the community to work side-by-side with them to make a sustainable difference in diverse ways.”

On April 25, World Malaria Day, The United Methodist Church will formally launch a $75 million campaign called “Imagine No Malaria” to eradicate deaths caused by malaria. Congregations are being asked to host events such as campouts to experience sleeping under bed nets like families in Africa who rely on mosquito netting for protection against malaria. These events are to help raise awareness and funds that support “Imagine No Malaria.”

”Change the World” was created as part of the denomination’s Rethink Church campaign in partnership with the United Methodist Publishing House and Imagine No Malaria. The concept originated with the Rev. Mike Slaughter, lead pastor at Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio. Church Report named Ginghamsburg among the top 50 churches in the United States.

The way we love is by serving people especially the poor and marginalized.

Last October, Slaughter hosted the “Change the World” conference and authored a book by the same name that aligns with the vision of Rethink Church.

“The way we love is by serving people especially the poor and marginalized,” said Slaughter. “The church in the world needs the reputation of being a community that helps people … a community of people that gives hope and that functions as salt and light in its neighborhood.”

The Rethink Church campaign is seeking to utilize outreach events that embrace the concept of outward-bound church to make a positive difference in the world beyond a building’s doors. Rethink Church advertising will complement the April events, giving congregations an opportunity to take advantage of the attention generated by the ads.

For more information about “Change the World” or to learn how you can create an event for your congregation, go to Change the World.

”Imagine No Malaria” is a ministry of The United Methodist Church to eliminate death and suffering from malaria in Africa by 2015. With a goal of raising $75 million to improve health infrastructure and empower a sustainable victory over the disease. For more information, visit online at Imagine No Malaria.