Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church 
Paducah, Kentucky
October 12-20, 2012

“WATER IS LIFE. WATER IS BAPTISM. LIFE IN GOD REQUIRES WATER.”

Paducah, Kentucky, founded by William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame, is situated on the Ohio River just a few miles from where it empties into the Mississippi. Long known as the Four Rivers region, it has been a center of river commerce and culture from the time of the prehistoric Mound Builders to the contemporary barge traffic that transports materials down the Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Kentucky, and Mississippi Rivers all the way to New Orleans. The rich mix of history and a thriving arts scene propelled Paducah into being named the No. 1 Fan Favorite Distinctive Destination in America for 2011 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

During this Primetimers Event, talks and explorations will center on the activities and issues of an area whose lifeblood is navigable rivers. Highlights include a visit to Reelfoot Rural Ministries in Northwest Tennessee and an overnight visit to New Harmony, Indiana. New Harmony is located on the Wabash River and was home to two utopian societies.

Many other activities have been scheduled including visits to Fort Massac, Land Between the Lakes, Tilghman Civil War Museum, National Quilt Museum, River Discovery Museum, Hotel Metropolitan, and Lower Town Arts District. Afternoon options are a class with one of the Lower Town artists in her/his studio or a trip to visit Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site.

Service opportunities are plentiful and varied, including assisting the food bank of Paducah Cooperative Ministries and helping with various needs of Reelfoot Rural Ministries.

Participants can expect to gain a new understanding and appreciation of how inland waterways have been central to the development of our nation and how the people of heartland America are continuing to cherish and live out their heritage of faith, water, and the land. The Rev. Gregory Waldrop and Ann Fraley are waiting to share this place with Primetimers.

COME TO THE WATER

Event Code CW12

Event Host:
Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church 300 Fountain Avenue Paducah, KY 42001

Event Date:
October 12-20, 2012

Cost Per Person:
$1,000 – includes housing, meals, local transportation, supplemental accident insurance, entrance fees, and Global Ministries administrative fee. Participants are responsible for the cost of their transportation to and from the event.

Housing/Meals:
Rooms will be shared double rooms with private bath in a local hotel. The first meal will be dinner October 12, and last meal is breakfast October 20.

Transportation:
Persons flying to this event have the option of Barkley Regional Airport, Paducah (PAH) or Nashville International Airport (BNA). Hosts will meet all arrivals at Barkley Airport. Church bus transportation will be available from Nashville (140 miles) for an additional $50 roundtrip per person. Participants should not make travel plans until instructed to do so by the coordinator. Arrival at the event site or Nashville airport should be between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. October 12, 2012. Departure will be between noon and 4:00 p.m. October 20, 2012.

Estimated Physical Demands:
Participants should be able to walk short to medium distances and get into and out of a regular bus and/or van. No major stairways are expected.

Registration:
The registration deadline for this event is July 15, 2012. Please send completed registration form and non-refundable (unless event is cancelled by Global Ministries) deposit of $100 to:
Primetimers – Mission Volunteers 
General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, Room 320
New York, NY 10115

Registration minimum will be 12 persons and maximum 20 persons.

Download the Complete Primetimers Missions Document & Registration forms.

May 5-13, 2012

“WILLIAM AND JOHN - AN UNLIKELY PAIR”

Primetimers have been asking for an England Event for several years and here we have a wonderful combination that focuses on both William Shakespeare and John Wesley. Dr. Duane Cady is the leader and comes with several years experience leading student groups to England from Hamline University. He has just retired  after teaching aesthetics for many years including “Theater and Dramatic Arts  in England.”

During the week, there will be three theater performances, including two in London and one in Stratford. Primetimers will visit the John Wesley Chapel and Home in London, Oxford University in Oxford (where Wesley was educated), and a local Methodist church in Oxfordshire for a service project.

The itinerary will have three days in London then travel to Stratford-Upon-Avon for one day, to Oxford for two days, and return to London for the balance of the time. All overnight accommodations will be in mid-range hotels. Travel outside of London will be by motor coach.

The blending of emphases on the lives and heritage of Shakespeare and Wesley offers a unique opportunity for a new understanding and appreciation of these two men of history. The English theater and the historic Methodist church will have a new relevance for those Primetimers who take advantage of this experience.

LONDON, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, AND OXFORD, ENGLAND

Event Code LSO12

Event Host:
Dr. Duane Cady
Hamline University
1536 Hewitt Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104

Event Date:
May 5-13, 2012

Cost Per Person:
$1,900 – includes housing, breakfast and dinner meals, out-of-London transportation, supplemental accident insurance, entrance fees, theater tickets, and Global Ministries administrative fee. Participants are responsible for the cost of their transportation to and from England and for local transportation (subway, taxi, etc.), and noon meals.

Housing/Meals:
All housing will be in local, mid-range hotels with double occupancy. Single room occupancy is available for an extra cost. The first meal will be dinner May 5, and the last meal will be dinner May 12.

Transportation:
Flights may be into either Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport. Participants are responsible for getting themselves to the hotel using subway, airport limousine, bus, or taxi. Arrival at the hotel should be mid-afternoon May 5 and departure by mid-morning May 13. Travel arrangements should not be made until instructed to do so by the event coordinator.

Estimated Physical Demands:
Participants should be able to walk several blocks at one time and get on and off a van and motor coach with little or no assistance. Stairs may be sometimes necessary, although there will be elevators in hotels and theaters. Luggage assistance may not always be available.

Registration:
The registration deadline for this event is March 1, 2012. Please send completed registration form and non-refundable (except in event of cancellation by Global Ministries) deposit of $100 to:
Primetimers – Mission Volunteers 
General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, Room 320
New York, NY 10115

Registration minimum will be 15 persons and maximum 25 persons.

Download the Complete Primetimers Missions Document & Registration forms.

UMCOR West Office and Depot
September 8-15, 2012

“BEING METHODIST IN A MORMON PLACE”

A unique opportunity awaits Primetimers who join the Rev. Brian Diggs at  UMCOR West in September. Rev. Diggs and the staff of the new UMCOR Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah, will host the group, lead the service time there, and share the history of United Methodism in Utah and a new understanding of the interfaith relationship between United Methodists and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).

The week spent in Salt Lake City will also offer opportunities to visit the Great Salt Lake, Temple Square (headquarters for the LDS Church), “This is the Place State Park” (a historic Mormon park), and Crossroads Urban Center (a United Methodist National Mission Institution since 1966).

Rev. Diggs is the co-author of “Sacramental Faithfulness,” a paper presenting The United Methodist Church’s position on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will bring to the Primetimers group the background and research for this work. LDS representatives will also make presentations.

Service time will be spent at the new UMCOR West Depot where Primetimers will assemble disaster relief kits. There is also the possibility of some service work at Crossroads Urban Center. Worship will be at First United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City.

Come and experience a week of much diversity, new service opportunities, and a better understanding of being Methodist in a Mormon place.

METHODISTS, MORMONS, AND UMCOR

Event Code BMMP12

Event Host:
UMCOR West Office and Depot 1479 South 700 West Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Event Date:
September 8-15, 2012

Cost Per Person:
$900 – includes housing, meals, local transportation, supplemental accident insurance, entrance fees, and Global Ministries administrative fee. Participants are responsible for the cost of their transportation to and from the event.

Housing/Meals:
Participants will be housed at the Episcopal Church Center of Utah. Rooms will be shared double occupancy with bath. Single rooms are available for extra fee of $24 per night. Meals will be divided between the Episcopal Center and the UMCOR Depot. Some meals will be in local restaurants as the schedule requires. The first meal will be lunch September 8, and the last meal will be breakfast September 15.

Transportation:
Flights should be into Salt Lake International Airport (SLC). Transportation to and from the airport will be provided with an UMCOR van. Participants should not make travel arrangements until instructed to do so by the coordinator. Arrival should be mid-morning September 8 and departure will be mid-morning September 15.

Estimated Physical Demands:
Primetimers will need to be able to travel in a shuttle/van – getting on and off with little or no assistance. Walking will be a maximum of one hour per day with few stairs. Help with luggage will be available. Salt Lake City sits at 4,500 feet above sea level. Altitude sickness is a possibility.

Registration:
The registration deadline for this event is June 1, 2012. Please send completed registration form and non-refundable (except in event of cancellation by Global Ministries) deposit of $100 to:
Primetimers – Mission Volunteers 
General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, Room 320
New York, NY 10115

Registration minimum will be 10 persons and maximum 20 persons.

Download the Complete Primetimers Missions Document & Registration forms.

Methodist Border Friendship Commission 

McAllen, Texas

March 18-25, 2012

“WALKING THE STATIONS AND REMEMBERING”

During the 2012 season of Lent, Primetimers will join together in the event “The Way of the Cross” and remember the story of who we are as God’s people. In both the Old and New Testaments, God’s people are called to remember. We are called to remember events, not for the sake of the event, but for what it means in our lives, as part of who we are and who we are to become. This event will allow Primetimers to explore and participate in this story as a living story that has not yet ended.

During our time together, we will (physically) walk the Stations of the Cross and remember. We will experience God’s mission on the US-Mexico border as we look at the significance of the events of each of the stations Jesus endured during the last hours of his life. In this journey on the border we will visit places and ministries of struggles, triumphs, injustices, justice, service, faith, hope, and forgiveness. We will:

• Work with immigrants
• Learn about issues of our border demographics, economics, education, health, way of life, and much more
• Look at issues facing our brothers and sisters in Mexico and hear from the
  Methodist Church of Mexico about its ministries and the issues it faces
• Work with and learn about ministries of justice, mercy, faith, and hope
• Experience the wonderful culture of the border area

To join this Primetimers Event during the season of Lent will surely be an opportunity for renewal of hope and perhaps new understanding as we walk the Stations of the Cross and remember.

THE WAY OF THE CROSS

Event Code WC12

Event Host:
Methodist Border Friendship Commission
c/o First United Methodist Church
4200 N. McColl
McAllen, TX 78504

Event Date:
March 18-25, 2012

Cost Per Person:
$1,000 – includes housing, meals, local transportation, supplemental accident insurance, project fee, and Global Ministries administrative fee. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event.

Housing/Meals:
Rooms and meals will be at San Juan United Methodist Church. The rooms are dormitory style but all beds are lower bunks. The first meal will be dinner Sunday, March 18, and the last meal will be breakfast Sunday, March 25.

Transportation:
Flights into McAllen International Airport (MFE) are preferred, and all major airlines fly into McAllen. Transportation will be provided to and from the airport and San Juan United Methodist Church. Participants should not make travel arrangements until instructed to do so by the coordinator.

Estimated Physical Demands:
Primetimers will need to be able to travel by van – getting on and off with little or no assistance. The ability to walk 3/4 mile will be required as we will be walking the “Stations of the Cross” at least twice.

Registration:
The registration deadline for this event is January 15, 2012. Please send completed registration form and nonrefundable (except in event of cancellation by Global Ministries) deposit of $100 to:
Primetimers – Mission Volunteers 
General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, Room 320
New York, NY 10115

Registration minimum will be 10 persons and maximum 12 persons.

Download the Complete Primetimers Missions Document & Registration forms.

Epworth by the Sea – St. Simons Island, Georgia
November 11-16, 2012

“HEAR THE SHOUTIN' – LISTEN FOR THE FOOTSTEPS”

A unique experience awaits those Primetimers attending this event at St. Simons Island, Georgia. The site itself is a beautiful, serene place and filled with Methodist history. Epworth-by-the Sea is named for the English boyhood home of John and Charles Wesley, and they both actually lived in Georgia in 1737. Time will be spent revisiting our Methodist heritage as tours and lectures are presented during these days.

The remainder of our time will be spent learning about an almost forgotten culture – the Gullah Geechee community of Sapelo Island. The Gullah people are descendants of former slaves of the 19th century on the island. We will travel to Hog Hammock by bus/ferry and visit the community of some 70 Gullah – having a typical lunch at Lulu’s Kitchen. A tour of Reynolds Mansion is also on the agenda.

The service portion of this Primetimers Event will also take place on Sapelo Island with University of Georgia Marine Institute. This will involve general upkeep of the grounds and facilities.

Finally a visit to Riceboro, Georgia, and a “Journey Into the Geechee Soul” will be the Thursday agenda. This is an opportunity to experience sweetgrass basket-making demonstrations, a performance of The Ring Shout, living history exhibits, and a Geechee Fry Lunch.

Perhaps it seems an unlikely combination of the Wesleys and the Gullah Geechee community, but they are equally part of the history and heritage influencing who we are today. Donna Chisholm and Cynthia Doehring are waiting to share this and much more with Primetimers in November 2012.

REMEMBERING, UNDERSTANDING, AND HONORING THE GULLAH GEECHEE CULTURE

Event Code GGC12

Event Host:
Epworth by the Sea 
100 Arthur J. Moore Drive 
St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Event Date:
November 11-16, 2012

Cost Per Person:
$800 – includes housing, meals, local transportation, supplemental accident insurance, entrance fees, and Global Ministries administrative fee. Participants are responsible for the cost of their transportation to and from the event.

Housing/Meals:
Participants will be housed in Pitts-Booth (in the center of the Epworth by the Sea campus – near the dining room). An elevator is available. Rooms may be single or double occupancy with private bath. The first meal will be dinner November 11 and the last meal will be lunch November 16.

Transportation:
Flights may be into Brunswick/Golden Isles Airport or Jacksonville, Florida Airport. Transportation to and from the airport will be the responsibility of the participant. Travel arrangements should not be made until instructed to do so by the event coordinator. Arrival should be mid-afternoon November 11 and departure from the event site after 1 p.m. November 16.

Estimated Physical Demands:
Participants will need to be able to travel on a bus, ferry, and boat – getting on and off with little or no assistance. Walking will be a maximum of 1 1/2 hours per day and terrain is flat island. Assistance with luggage is available if needed.

Registration:
The registration deadline for this event is September 15, 2012. Please send completed registration form and nonrefundable (except in event of cancellation by Global Ministries) deposit of $100 to:
Primetimers – Mission Volunteers 
General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, Room 320

New York, NY 10115

Registration minimum will be 25 persons and maximum 35 persons.

Download the Complete Primetimers Missions Document & Registration forms.

Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas  
Browns Town, Jamaica
February 11-18, 2012

“WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD!”

Primetimers will join with World Beat Connection and return to Jamaica for a musical event early in 2012. Led by Lyndy and Judy Zabel, World Beat is a gospel/jazz group and Primetimers (along with Jamaican participants) will provide back-up vocal and instrumental support.

The group will perform concerts in area schools in the mornings and in churches of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas in the evenings. Music will be selected and mailed to participants prior to the event and it must be memorized. The ability to read music and to sing in tune is helpful. The ability to enjoy a crosscultural musical celebration of singing and dancing with gospel music is required.

A time away from rehearsals and concerts will be provided at the beach in Ocho Rios, so a swimsuit and sunscreen are appropriate. Reminder: A passport is required for entry into Jamaica.

This event is made possible through World Beat Connection – an Advance project of the Minnesota Annual Conference. Their mission is to promote cross-cultural awareness, bridge building, interfaith dialogue, and peacemaking through musical tours.

“What a Wonderful World” is the theme of the 2012 tour and those who join this group will surely agree as their instruments and singing blend with beautiful Jamaican voices (both young and old) in joy and celebration. When the wonder of God’s love is shared through music and dancing – as it will be – that love is magnified and multiplied without limit.

WORLD BEAT CONNECTION - JAMAICA

Event Code WBCJ12

Event Host:
Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas
Methodist Manor, P.O. Box 22 
Browns Town, Jamaica

Event Date:
February 11-18, 2012

Cost Per Person:
$1,000 – includes housing, meals, local transportation, supplemental accident insurance, entrance fees, Global Ministries administrative fee, and music. Participants are responsible for the cost of their transportation to and from the event.

Housing/Meals:
Rooms and meals will be at Hillcrest Diocesan Retreat Centre. A variety of accommodations are available (single, double, etc.). The first meal will be dinner February 11, and the last meal provided will be breakfast February 18.

Transportation:
Flights from the US will be into Montego Bay Airport. Participants should not make travel arrangements until instructed to do so by the coordinator. Transportation from the airport to the retreat center will be provided.

Estimated Physical Demands:
Primetimers will need to be able to travel in a bus – getting on and off with little or no assistance. The ability to walk short distances is also required.

Registration:
The registration deadline for this event is November 15, 2011. Please send completed registration form and nonrefundable (except in case of cancellation by Global Ministries) deposit of $100 to:
Primetimers – Mission Volunteers 
General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, Room 320
New York, NY 10115

Registration minimum will be 10 persons and maximum 25 persons.

Download the Complete Primetimers Missions Document & Registration forms.

Dear Friend of Primetimers,

Greetings from the Primetimers program of the General Board of Global Ministries. Primetimers offers educational and mission service opportunities for older adults.

I am excited to share with you the 2012 Primetimers Event listing. Each of the six events offers an opportunity to discover and be part of the exciting ways United Methodists are in mission across the United States and around the world. On this year’s list you will find new opportunities in the United States. We will visit Paducah, Kentucky; St. Simons Island, Georgia; McAllen, Texas; and Salt Lake City, Utah. The events outside the United States will take Primetimers to Jamaica for a musical journey and to England to learn more about the lives of both John Wesley and William Shakespeare.

To register for an event, please send a completed registration form and $100 deposit to the Mission Volunteers Office. You are encouraged to register early as some events are filled before their registration deadline.

Links to Specific Trips

Jamaica - Registration Deadline: November 15, 2011

McAllen, TX - Registration Deadline: January 15, 2012

London, England - Registration Deadline: March 1, 2012

Salt Lake City, Utah - Registration Deadline: June 1, 2012

Paducah, Kentucky - Registration Deadline: July 15, 2012

St. Simons Island, Georgia - Registration Deadline: September 15, 2012

If you have any concerns or questions about Primetimers or any of the specific events, please contact me – primetimers@gbgmumc.org or toll free at 1-877-882-4724. Additional information may be found on the website at www.primetimers.info.

Thank you for your interest and I hope to see you at an event  in 2012.

Nancy Eubanks
Consultant
Primetimers – Mission Volunteers General Board of Global Ministries
475 Riverside Drive, Room 320 New York, NY 10115

Download the Complete Primetimers Missions Document & Registration forms.