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May 21, 2004

By Pamela Crosby*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - As Orientation 2004 embarks upon the subject of "journey" to help college students search for careers and a fulfilling life, the 26-year-old magazine approaches a new path of its own.

For the first time, high school and college students, campus ministers, counselors and other Orientation readers can buy the yearly magazine online, using major credit cards.

"We expect that 2004 will be a banner year for Orientation because of this accessibility," said the Rev. Luther Felder, a staff member of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. "The online bank card service will give our readers a contemporary means to broaden the conscientiousness of the millennials with whom they share the magazine."

The annual magazine is designed to assist graduating high school seniors with the transition to college. It offers practical tips about campus life, how to locate campus ministers or chaplains, and how to ask for help. The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry's Campus Ministry Section and Office of Interpretation jointly produce the magazine.

The 2004 issue's theme, "Get a Life! Not Just a Job," offers information to help students figure out their call and what the future holds.

The issue also features Grammy winner Alison Krauss, "Marching to the Beat of Her Own Fiddle Chop." In the article, "A Different Drumbeat: Following Dreams, Taking Risks, Making a Difference," Helen R. Neinast talks with five people whose search for fulfillment wasn't motivated by monetary success. In "Career and Calling: Making a Life, Not Just a Living," Steven G.W. Moore writes that the search isn't neat and tidy and "requires a hunger and desire to know ourselves and God, and a willingness to serve."

The magazine, made available in campus ministry centers and dorm lounges, can be used for discussion starters during orientation week, with study groups, and by student support and peer ministry groups.

Customers can buy the magazine, using MasterCard or Visa, by going to the board's Web site, www.gbhem.org/orientation. Cost is $3 per single copy, plus shipping and handling; discounts are available for group orders. For more information, call (615) 340-7404 or visit the site.

*Crosby is a staff member of the Office of Interpretation at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

News media contact: Linda Green · (615)742-5470 · Nashville, Tenn.·E-mail: newsdesk@umcom.org