2006 Annual Conference Event Articles
  
 
Annual Conference Event 2006
Annual Conference Event 2006

The 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event is June 1-3 at the Lakeland Center. Its theme is “Witness With Power,” derived from the first two chapters of the Book of Acts, and it will feature a strong emphasis on the ministry of laity.

This year's session will be just three days, ending Saturday instead of Sunday, in part, to enable pastors to be with their congregations on Pentecost Sunday. 

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New plans for camps presented at annual conference
New plans for camps presented at annual conference

May 17, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0487}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles on news related to the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By John M. De Marco**

Florida United Methodists will soon learn significant details about an effort to integrate ministry with management at the conference’s four camp and retreat centers.

Lay and clergy delegates attending the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland will hear what’s in store for each site through a presentation based on what conference leaders are calling an ambitious master plan.

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Shorter annual event offers much to celebrate, address
Shorter annual event offers much to celebrate, address

May 19, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0488}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles about news related to the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — The upcoming annual gathering of more than 2,000 United Methodists from across the state offers the potential to prove good things do come in small packages.

Themed “Witness With Power,” based on the first two chapters of the Book of Acts, the 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 at the Lakeland Center features a strong emphasis on the ministry of the laity. Although it will be one day shorter than last year’s gathering, the conference will conduct its business as usual.

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Leadership Connection makes progress during first year
Leadership Connection makes progress during first year

May 22, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0490}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles about news related to the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

Lifelong United Methodist Frances Jennings has been a part of many church-related committees, but she’s never been as pleased as she is to serve on the Leadership Connection.

“I think it’s going great,” she said of the first year. “It’s the most exciting committee I’ve ever served on. I’m impressed with the people, and it’s a real joy.”

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Watson aims to inspire laity at annual gathering
Watson aims to inspire laity at annual gathering

May 25, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0491}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles about news related to the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

While some argue the people called United Methodist have strayed from their Wesleyan heritage, others say Dr. David Lowes Watson is the man to help the church return to its legacy.

Watson’s message will be an important part of the time more than 2,000 Florida United Methodists will spend at the conference’s annual gathering June 1-3 in Lakeland. Themed “Witness With Power” based on the first and second chapters of Acts, the event will feature a strong emphasis on the ministry of the laity.

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Clergywomen reflect on anniversary, their role in ministry
Clergywomen reflect on anniversary, their role in ministry

May 27, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0492}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles about news related to the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By John M. De Marco**

Laity and clergy attending the annual gathering of Florida United Methodists in Lakeland June 1-3 will pause to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Methodist Church granting full clergy rights to women.

In light of that upcoming celebration and in honor of the historic milestone, Florida Conference clergywomen have been reflecting on their ministry experiences over the years.

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Covenant with Haiti set to be signed at annual gathering
Covenant with Haiti set to be signed at annual gathering

May 27, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0493}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles about news related to the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

There’s a partnership with East Angola and a covenant with Cuba. Now, Florida United Methodists have a chance to form an equally active relationship with Haiti.

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Blood mobile sets up shop at annual conference
Blood mobile sets up shop at annual conference

May 27, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0494}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles about news related to the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

The Rev. Virginia (Ginny) Pearcy knows the importance of donating blood.

Years ago Pearcy was ill with a condition that caused her to require two units of blood every five to six weeks. Eventually she had restorative surgery, but until that time, blood donated by strangers kept her alive and sustained her quality of life.

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Finance and administration team nominates new treasurer
Finance and administration team nominates new treasurer

May 28, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0495}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles about news related to the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By Tita Parham

ORLANDO — The Florida Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A) has completed its search for a new conference treasurer and director of administrative services and is recommending Milton (Mickey) E. Wilson for the position.

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Florida United Methodists make headway during first days of annual meeting
Florida United Methodists make headway during first days of annual meeting

June 4, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0496}

NOTE: This is an overview of the first two days of the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — The 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event kicked off its annual meeting June 1 at the Lakeland Center, with an estimated 2,000 lay and clergy delegates from across the state participating.

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Last sessions of annual gathering offer celebration, debate
Last sessions of annual gathering offer celebration, debate

June 6, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0500}

NOTE: This is an overview of the last sessions of the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — With one day less than previous years to conduct the business of the conference, clergy and laity attending the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event spent the last sessions recognizing the commitment of individuals to ministry and addressing serious financial and societal issues.

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Annual gathering ends with debate over membership, homosexuality
Annual gathering ends with debate over membership, homosexuality

June 9, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0501}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles related to news from the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — The subject that constantly threatens to divide the church was front and center during the last hours of the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event.

Delegates spent a significant amount of time debating several resolutions related to allowing church membership to homosexuals.

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Bible study leaders issue call to action: get back to church’s mission, reach out
Bible study leaders issue call to action: get back to church’s mission, reach out

June 14, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0503}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles related to news from the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — One of the things Florida Conference Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker said he was looking forward to during this year’s annual conference event was “hearing our young clergy teach the Bible and share how they reach others for Christ.”

Whitaker had asked the Revs. Scott Smith and Melissa Pisco to talk about the importance of reaching out to non-churched people based on their experience as younger, new-church-start pastors.

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Service celebrates 50 years of ordaining women
Service celebrates 50 years of ordaining women

June 16, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0504}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles related to news from the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — The Rev. Dr. Mary Elizabeth Moore told clergywomen in the Florida Conference that the Christian community needs their light and salt.

Moore was the guest preacher during the June 2 service of ordination, licensing and commissioning at the 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event.

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Watson cries out for United Methodists to return to missionary roots
Watson cries out for United Methodists to return to missionary roots

June 25, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0506}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles related to news from the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland. See related article “Watson gives laity one-on-one time,” e-Review FUMNS #0507.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — The time is now, according to Dr. David Lowes Watson.

He said the church’s laypeople have been waiting quietly in the wings, but it’s time they reclaim their rightful place in the church.

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Watson gives laity one-on-one time
Watson gives laity one-on-one time

June 25, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0507}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles related to news from the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland. See related article “Watson cries out for United Methodists to return to missionary roots,” e-Review FUMNS #0506.

An e-Review Feature
By Tita Parham and J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — Each year at the annual meeting of Florida United Methodists, clergy and laity gather in their own sessions before the opening worship and first business session to discuss matters of importance to them.  

Dr. David Lowes Watson, a special guest speaker scheduled to address the entire body at the opening session later that afternoon, visited with lay delegates during their morning session June 1, giving them a preview of his message to come.

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Conference takes next steps in putting Haiti/Florida Covenant into action
Conference takes next steps in putting Haiti/Florida Covenant into action

July 13, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0517}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles related to news from the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — The Rev. Mullens Constant has fond memories of his Haitian homeland.

Constant, who is serving at Hallandale Haitian Mission in Hallandale Beach, came to the United States from Haiti seven years ago. He said he has deep feelings for his beloved and beleaguered country and is optimistic Florida Conference United Methodists may experience Haiti for themselves, now that the Haiti/Florida Covenant has been signed.

The next step is developing the framework to put that covenant into action.

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Florida Conference archives to receive permanent home at Florida Southern College
Florida Conference archives to receive permanent home at Florida Southern College

July 21, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0520}

NOTE: This is one of a series of articles related to news from the “Witness With Power” 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event June 1-3 in Lakeland.

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — It’s been a long time coming, but a vote by delegates at the 2006 Florida Annual Conference Event last June approved the deal for a permanent home for the collection of items making up the conference’s archives.

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On the Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops following Judicial Council Decision No. 1032
On the Pastoral Letter of the Council of Bishops following Judicial Council Decision No. 1032

July 21, 2006    News media contact:  Tita Parham*    
800-282-8011   
tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0521}

NOTE: A headshot of Whitaker is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml.

An e-Review Commentary
By Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker

At the 2006 Florida Annual Conference I made extemporaneous remarks regarding a pastoral letter of the Council of Bishops that was issued following Judicial Council Decision No. 1032. ... I attempted to provide some perspective on the pastoral letter of the Council of Bishops. I shall attempt to repeat what I remember saying and perhaps add other thoughts.

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Conference Table models way to discuss controversial issues
Conference Table models way to discuss controversial issues

Sept. 7, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0541}

An e-Review Feature
By J.A. Buchholz**

LAKELAND — As United Methodists we don’t have to agree on every subject, but we should respectfully agree to disagree without degrading each other.

That’s the rationale behind the upcoming Conference Table on Christian Conferencing Sept. 23.

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