OANOKE, Ind.--United Christian Ministries, founded by Ray and Peggy Wooten in Birmingham, Ala., in 1996, is on its way to Roanoke, Indiana, a suburb of Fort Wayne.

Mr. Wooten told The Journal that, although he hates leaving friends in Alabama, he is excited about the move.

"Peggy and I have served in the Birmingham area for 18 years [as a pastor and regional pastor in the Worldwide Church of God, as a pastor of an independent congregation and as founder of UCM], and we have many dear friends in Alabama," he said.

"But we look forward to continuing our ministry in an area of the country that is closer to our children."

The Wootens have already found a home in Roanoke and have begun the move, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of December.

Although UCM will continue to maintain an office in Birmingham, the "main facets" of the ministry will originate from Indiana beginning in January, Mr. Wooten said. "We are definitely not retiring."

Mr. Wooten plans to conduct a weekly church service by telephone from his studio and hold a monthly congregational meeting.

The new address of UCM in Indiana is P.O. Box 608, Roanoke, Ind. 46783, U.S.A. Mr. Wooten says he is happy to announce that UCM's toll-free number, (888) 985-9066, will not change.