Denominational Notes

                                             Vol. IX, No. 1, January 1996

Church of Christ Mission Board Cuts: The United Church of Christ's Board for World Ministries, with a $2 million deficit and facing continued declines in income, has adopted a series of cost-cutting measures to save money without reducing programs. Officials of the 185-year-old agency – one of the oldest overseas mission agencies in the nation – said the measures, to be implemented over the next several years, will save $500,000 annually between now and the year 2000 and $1 million a year after that. The cuts will eliminate about a dozen administrative and support positions between now and 2000. Other measures include closing the board's New York headquarters office and moving it either to Cleveland or Indianapolis and doing more work in cooperation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). [Word & Way, 30 Nov. 1995]

Methodist Church Holds Sunday of 'no excuses': Hopkins (Minnesota) United Methodist Church held a "no excuses" Sunday morning service October 22, during which the church took special "excuse precautions." There were cots in the vestibule for those who say Sunday is the only day they can sleep in, blankets for those who feel church is too cold, and fans for those who find it too hot. The church provided hearing aids for parishioners who feel the pastor doesn't speak loudly enough, and cotton for those who say the pastor speaks too loudly. Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies created a familiar environment for those who had never seen a church without them, along with grass and trees for those who like to see God in nature - especially on the golf course. The announcement of the "no excuses" Sunday related, "Visitors welcome members expected." [Word & Way, 30 November 1995]