14th Russia Initiative Consultation, March 5-7, 2009, San Diego, California

The General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church
is pleased to announce and invite you to attend:

THE RUSSIA INITIATIVE CONSULTATION XIV

When:
March 5-7, 2009
Opening plenary Thursday at 2:30pm – Adjourn on Saturday at 10:00am

Where:
Marriott San Diego Mission Valley Hotel
8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, CA 92108
Hotel reservation center: (800) 228-9290
Front desk: (619) 692-3800
Online hotel reservations: http://cwp.marriott.com/sanmv/russianinitiative/
Airport: San Diego (SAN)

Host Conference: California-Pacific Annual Conference

Theme: Led by the Spirit into the World

Purpose:
.Inspire and encourage the commitment for mission and ministry with the people of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia
.Strengthen relationships with friends in the Russia Initiative
.Shape the vision for the future
.Provide an opportunity for new churches to become involved

Consultation agenda highlights:
.Address by Bishop Hans Växby, Eurasia Episcopal Area
.Address by Rev. Edward Paup, General Secretary, General Board of Global Ministries
.Delegation of youth, students, young adults – emerging leaders of the Eurasia UMC
.Celebration of the 120th anniversary of the first Methodist ministry in Russia
.Information sharing with participants in Eurasia conferences and districts
.Workshops on various spiritual formation and social outreach ministries in Eurasia
.Celebrate achievements, share stories, hopes and encouragement with US and Eurasian friends

Who is invited?
.All Russia Initiative participants – lay and clergy
.Local church, district, conference and general agency leadership
.Persons desiring to learn about the Russia Initiative for the first time
.Partner Churches are encouraged to sponsor delegates from Eurasia or to contribute to the travel expense fund for the delegation of youth, students and young adults

Pre-registration and hotel reservation
You can download the forms from the GBGM Russia Initiative Consultation website:
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/initiatives/russia/consultation/

For additional information, contact:
Dr. Jim Athearn, Coordinator, Russia Initiative
116 Frasher Drive, Clear Brook, VA 22624
Tel: 540-662-2066
E-Mail: jimathearn@gmail.com