A METHODIST PRIMER - LATIN AMERICA
Latin American Biblical University - San Jose, Costa Rica
May 8 - 15, 2010
Primetimers are going back to school - and what a unique opportunity this is. It provides the opportunity to study the history and the current status of Methodism in Latin America, as well as the contributions those Methodists have made through missions in that part of the world.
The event will take place at the Latin American Biblical University in San Jose, Costa Rica. Another focus of the event is the understanding of the role of UBL (Latin American Biblical University) in serving ministry in Latin America. And yet a final emphasis will bring an appreciation for the local environment and culture.
All this will take place in differing venues. Worship with the local Methodist Congregation and visiting other Methodist ministries in the San Jose area as well as Methodists on the Caribbean coast will give a Latin American understanding of our shared heritage. Presentations at the University’s main campus by leaders of the church will undergird that understanding as historical as well as current perspectives are shared. The campus is a small but very beautiful space on the eastern side of the metropolitan area of San Jose. Housing will be in a student residence hall with single rooms. Interaction with local students will also contribute to a better understanding of life as a student of the Bible and the implications to our lives.
Travel off campus will include a visit to Braulio Carrillo National Park and opportunities to see pineapple, banana and other agricultural production. Overnight stay will be at the Selva Verde Lodge in a tropical rain forest setting, pictured on the right.
A relaxing day of nature walks, boat rides and bird watching will be part of the off-campus time. The service opportunities for the Primetimers event will be participant’s choice between maintenance work on an apartment complex or work in the library or herb garden.
“Never too old to learn” will be the mantra for this Primetimers event. It will provide an exciting time to experience our shared Methodist understandings while learning to appreciate the differences. Surely all will come home with new interest in and love for our fellow Methodists in Latin America.
UBL students enjoying a meal at the home of Roy and Janet May, GBGM missionaries
A Methodist Primer - Latin America
EVENT CODE:
MPLA10
EVENT HOST:
Latin American Biblical University
Apartado 901-1000
San Jose, Costa Rica
EVENT DATE:
May 8-15, 2010
EVENT COST PER PERSON:
$950.00 (includes housing, meals, local transportation, supplemental accident insurance, entrance fees and a GBGM administrative fee). Participants are responsible for the cost of their transportation to and from the event. Also not included is $25.00 per person airport departure tax.
ROOMS:
Participants will be housed in individual rooms with a single bed and sink. Toilet and showers are communal. When away from the University, rooms will be shared with one other person. (Extra charge of $50 for single room). Laundry facilities are available, but detergent is not provided.
MEALS:
The first meal will be provided on 5/8/2010 and is dinner. The last meal will be provided on 5/15/2010 and is breakfast. All food prepared at the UBL is handled by cooks who have experience with international groups. If there are special requirements, it is important to note this on the registration form. The water from the faucets is considered drinkable, but bottled water is also available and offered to the groups.
TRANSPORTATION:
Participants should not make travel arrangements until instructed to do so by the Event Coordinator. Arrival should be between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on May 8, 2010. There will be a person waiting outside San Jose (SJO) airport with a sign with UMC and Primetimers and this service is provided by the host site. Departure should be between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on May 15, 2010. Extra days prior or following the event may be arranged with UBL for $20.00 per day - no food included but restaurants are within walking distance.
ESTIMATED PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE EVENT:
Persons with mobility limitations will be housed on the first floor of the residence hall. Participants should be able to get on and off regular buses and vans on their own. At the site of the environmental experience, there may be stairs, getting in and out of a boat and uneven trails for walking.
REGISTRATION:
The registration deadline is February 20, 2010. Please mail completed registration form and $150 deposit to:
Primetimers program
Mission Volunteers Office, GBGM
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1400
New York, NY 10115
REGISTRATION LIMIT:
Minimum participants : 10
Maximum participants: 20
EVENT COORDINATOR:
Janet May
Phone 011-506-8837-3880
E-mail: Janet.dap@ubila.net or jntmay@gmail.com
FACILITATOR/SHEPHERD:
Sandra Wilder
Phone 512-252-7287
E-mail: swilder@texas.net
Primetimers
A Mission Volunteers Program of the General Board of Global Ministries
The United Methodist Church
Call toll-free (877) 882-4724
E-mail: primetimers@gbgm-umc.org
Website: www.primetimers.info
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