Russia 'Mini' Consultation

There was a meeting of hearts and minds on April 27 as 53 people from the NTC gathered at First UMC, Rockwall, to dialogue with Bishop Hans Vaxby on issues, hopes and the vision for The United Methodist Church in Russia. Bishop Vaxby leads the church in the Eurasia Episcopal Area, which includes Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.

The consultation started with a worship service in the sanctuary, led by Rev. Bruce Hargrave, associate pastor of First UMC, Rockwall. To the delight of those attending, the church organized a live video feed of their partner church?s congregation during the service.

Rev. Hargrave introduced the Russians who were present via the feed, who frequently waved and called out their greetings.

The Russia Initiative began in the winter of 1991-92 under the leadership of the General Board of Global Ministries. Today there are 104 churches and 112 pastors under appointment in the Eurasia Episcopal Area. Rev. Dr. James Althearn is serving as the U.S. consultant to the Russia Initiative. Dr. Bruce Weaver, NTC Retired and a pioneer in the UM Russia outreach, was the first to hold this position.

Many NTC churches sent representatives to the consultation. The Paris-Suphur Springs District showing was particularly strong. District Superintendent Rev. Keith P. Boone announced plans to sponsor another VIM team to Russia, scheduled for fall 2007, leaving Sept. 20. He invited the people attending to join the trip.

There are many ways churches in the U.S. can support the new churches in Russia. One way is by sending UMVIM teams to visit and serve in Russia. More than 6,000 United Methodists from the U.S. have visited the former Soviet Union since 1991.

Bishop Vaxby especially wanted to encourage U.S. churches to send work teams to Camp Voronezh. This campground needs a lot of repairs, and teams can stay and work on the grounds. Because of the complexities of Russia's Ministry of Interior rules, traveling and working in Russia present many challenges.

The Russia Initiative leadership team will identify ministry sites, provide orientation, assist in securing Russian entry visas and travel insurance, provide incountry logistical support, and other necessary documentation and help as deemed necessary.

Additionally, the Russia Initiative is looking for partner churches. Supportive churches covenant to contribute funds for the pastor's salary and program expenses. The average level of funding for each church is in the range of $6,000 to $7,000 a year. Many churches are not able to commit to that level of support, especially in the beginning, so they seek other NTC churches to "cluster" with them.

Rev. Leslie Herrscher, Stonebridge UMC, McKinney, said that Stonebridge is able to offer $1,590.44 towards their partnership responsibility with Lipetsk church in the Central Black Soil district. She said, "If any churches want to know where or how to get started with the Russia Initiative, please let them know that Jim (Athearn) and I are looking for churches to cluster with us so that the church can be fully supported, at $6,000 for this year."

For more information, please contact Margi Bishir, bishir@ ntcumc.org, 972-940-3438, 800-969-8201.