In 2000 the Advisory Committee of the Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary launched the Contributing to the Spiritual Renewal of Russia Capital Campaign. Under the Campaign leadership of Bishop Ruediger Minor and Bishop Marion Edwards, $2.5 million has been received toward the $4 million goal. Initial Campaign gifts have secured the purchase of a building to serve as the United Methodist Center in Moscow.

The facility will provide these essential needs: · a permanent home for the seminary with classrooms, library and computer access · dormitory space and kitchen/lunchroom · a chapel worship center · an episcopal office and seminary offices Artist rendering of renovated Russia United Methodist Center in Moscow.		• Send a Gift or Make a Pledge • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) • Request Information • Become a Partner Congregation (pdf form) • Photos of the Building Renovation

Since its opening the Seminary has occupied 1000 square feet of rented space in an office building. The meager accommodations provide a classroom, a small library area, plus an office for Bishop Minor, and the Rev. Tobias Dietze, seminary administrator, a secretary's work area, and a small corner which serves as a student coffee lounge.

Despite the lack of space the economic deprivations with which they live daily, these new pastors-in-training bring a heart-warming enthusiasm to the preparation for ministry and a deep dedication to gospel of Jesus Christ.

Therefore the United Methodist Church has purchased, through the Millennium Fund for Mission, a building to serve as a United Methodist Center in Moscow. The new facility, which is now being renovated, will provide approximately 16,500 square feet for classrooms, offices, a chapel, a library and dormitory space.

To support their work and to help build the United Methodist Church in the former Soviet Union, the RUMTS Advisory Committee seeks to raise endowment and capital funds for the Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary.

New Facilities for the Seminary ($2 million)

A top priority of the Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary has been a building in which to house the seminar. The staggering inflation plaguing Russia made renting a space economically unfeasible. This newly purchased building once renovated will house the Russia United Methodist Theology Seminary. Therefore the United Methodist Church has purchased a building to be the spiritual and theological center for the Russia United Methodist Church. The new facility, that began to be remodeled in 2000, provides approximately 16,500 square feet for classrooms, offices, worship area, and, hopefully, dormitory space. The building is located in an area that has easy access to public transportation. Thus the RUMTS will be established as a center of United Methodism in Moscow.

Send contributions to:
U M General Board of Global Ministries
Russia Seminary Building Fund
Attn: Peter Siegfried
475 Riverside Drive
New York, New York 10115
Advance No. 012173-8AN

Decades of Education

For the Russia United Methodist Theological Seminary to flourish in future decades it needs more than a building. An endowment is critical to assure the continuing ministry of equipping persons who have heard the call to ministry. Should missionaries ever again be expelled, Russian pastors will be trained to continue the mission and ministry of United Methodism.

The church keeps growing despite the hardships endured by ordinary Russian people, and so does the need for educating pastors and lay leaders.

While no gift is too small, special gifts will be designated:

• Friend of the Seminary with a $1000 or more individual gift
• Partner Congregation with a $10,000 or more gift by a church
• Naming opportunities begin at $12,000

Numerous materials and videos to interpret the Campaign needs and goals are available from Advisory Committee Chairperson Dr. Donald Messer at or 303-765-3188.

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