'To stop worrying about getting people into their church and start finding new ways to move people who are already there into God’s service'

by United Methodist Communications

On May 17-18, United Methodists from across the country and around the world will pull together for an event to help Change the World in both large and small ways. For the fifth year, local churches will take on service projects that improve the circumstances of others and spark public interest in volunteer activities.

On Change the World weekend, hundreds of United Methodist churches and thousands of church and community volunteers will deploy to parks, homeless shelters, food pantries, schools, health centers and more, to do what they can to help others. Since 2010, when the global service project began, countless volunteers from the U.S. and countries in Africa and the Philippines have completed more than 14,000 projects.

Churches look forward to Change the World weekend and end up developing projects that are sustainable by incorporating them into the life of their church and community. First United Methodist Church in Allen, Texas is coming back for another year and hoping to do 72 projects around their community with 2,000 volunteers.

“Thinking about last year still gives me goose bumps. Working with the Change the World committee strengthened my bond with some wonderful people … each one of them made incredible contributions!” said David Wuensch, Mission Chair. “As we approach this year’s Change the World Weekend, our goal is to develop each of our projects into ongoing projects throughout the year.”

“Over the past five years, hundreds of thousands of United Methodists have rolled up their sleeves to take action to help local communities or those around the world,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive at United Methodist Communications. “Change the World is an occasion to join hands and serve.”

Five years ago, the Rev. Mike Slaughter, United Methodist pastor and author, challenged church leaders to stop worrying about getting people into their church and start finding new ways to move people who are already there into God’s service.

With that invitation, United Methodist Communications began an effort to get congregations to move outside the four walls of sanctuaries and Sunday school classrooms to help others on a common weekend. So began the annual Change the World event.

Register your project now at umcom.org/changetheworld. Churches who register their project(s) now can receive a free promotional kit while supplies last. The kit includes sermon starters, a lawn banner, a Rethink Church t-shirt, and more. After registering for the event, you can submit new details or edit your event anytime at changetheworld@umcom.org.

Change the World is part of United Methodist Communications’ initiative to Rethink Church, which uses outreach events to encourage churches to make a positive difference in the world beyond church doors and provide opportunities for others to serve as well.