Urban Conference Draws a Crowd

In late April, pastors and laypeople gathered at the International Christian Center, a Free Methodist fellowship in Kansas City, KS, to attend "Break Through! The New CUE" (Continental Urban Exchange). Sponsored by the Free Methodist Urban Fellowship (FMUF), this year's conference focused on increasing diversity by breaking down barriers raised against it: racial, socio-economic, linguistic and spiritual. Hailing from the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico, the diverse group was comprised of Anglos, African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans.

Prayer group at the conference

Pastor Howard Olver of Kingsview Free Methodist Church, Toronto, was the keynote speaker, stressing the need for multicultural churches and reconciliation among racial and cultural groups. David Kendall, Great Plains Conference superintendent, provided a biblical basis for breaking through barriers to authentic worship. Mercedes Reynoso, Puerto Rico Mission District superintendent, challenged attendees to accept God's call on their lives in a powerful message delivered in Spanish and translated into English. Juan Cordova, assistant superintendent for Hispanic ministry in the North Central Conference, cited cultural barriers that must be overcome within the church, challenging everyone in the group to examine personal presuppositions about other cultures' history, theology, symbols and worship styles.

Prayers throughout the conference were lifted in English, Spanish, Haitian, French and Navajo. Special music in Spanish and a ministry of mime complemented the focus on diversity.

Autumn, an attender of International Christian Fellowship with Erlinda Garcia, from Puerto Rico, who did a pantomime in the Friday evening service.

Workshop leaders included Olver, Reynoso, Pastor B. Elliott Renfroe (Creekside Free Methodist Church, Wheaton, IL) and Pastor Thomas Bassford (Trinity Fellowship, Olathe, KS).

FMUF President, Lieut Curry (pastor of the host church) brought the conference to a close with a plea for followers of Jesus to take the steps necessary for personal and interpersonal healing.

The NEW CUE continues a 30-year FMUF tradition of urban ministries' friends and supporters gathering for a time of networking, mutual encouragement, prayer, praise and worship. The March 2006 conference will be held in Portland, OR.

FMUF President, Lieut Curry

Currently serving on the FMUF Coordinating Council with Curry are Kathy Callahan-Howell (vice-president), Beth Scandrett-Leatherman (secretary-treasurer) and members-at-large Rose Brewer, Alma Cordova and B. Elliott Renfroe. U. Milo Kaufmann is Free Methodist Men's Ministries liaison with the organization and Helen Kaufmann handles publicity and communication.

For more about FMUF (formerly FMUM) visit www.freemethodistchurch.org/users/fmum/.