e-Review archive
January 2006
 

Churches show hurricane survivors spirit of Christmas

Jan. 3, 2006  News media contact: Tita Parham*   800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org   Orlando {0422} An e-Review Feature By Nancy E. Johnson** They lost almost everything. Many gave up hope. But this Christmas restored their faith. Thousands of hurricane survivors experienced the miracle of Christmas, thanks to the generosity of several United Methodist churches in Florida. full story

Santos heads to Nashville for new position

Jan. 4, 2006  News media contact: Tita Parham*   800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org   Orlando {0423} An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** LAKELAND — The Rev. Edwin Santos ended 2005 by saying farewell as director of Florida Conference Hispanic Ministries and embracing new challenges as director of Hispanic/Latino Ministries at the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) in Nashville. full story

Upcoming Conference Table tackles conflict resolution

Jan. 6, 2006  News media contact: Tita Parham*   800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org   Orlando {0424} An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** LAKELAND — Conflict is something many people avoid in personal, business and even religious settings, but an upcoming Conference Table of the Florida Conference aims to shed some light on the sensitive subject of conflict within the church. full story

HUM helps families end year on high note

Jan. 12, 2006 News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011 tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0426} An e-Review Feature By Jenna De Marco** Santa Claus showed up just before Christmas for some special deliveries at Halifax Urban Ministries (HUM) in Daytona Beach.   Santa and many other volunteers at HUM made the holiday merrier for about 800 families by giving each of them a Christmas dinner valued at about $25. Children from those families also received Christmas gifts, and HUM volunteers and staff threw a Christmas party for the kids while their parents picked up the meals. full story

Opportunities — Jan. 15, 2006 {0428}

Jan. 15, 2006    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0428} An e-Review News Item n Christian Unity week set for Jan. 18-25 n Ecumenical event celebrates week of prayer and unity, focuses on those in need n HCA kicks off second year, offers new round of Healthy Church classes n Conference Tables focus on resolving conflict, tapping into campus ministry n Credit Union invites UMs to grand opening celebration n Foundation seeks applicants for Sinclair Scholarship n Award-winning group performs in Clearwater n Pine Castle United Methodist Church invites clergy to time of renewal n Candler offers scholarships to divinity students n "Rebuilding" is theme for SEJ communicators annual conference n Candler celebrates Black History month with unveiling of book on hymns, poetry n SOSA provides free Lenten devotions n United Methodist TechShop offers computer, software savings n GBCS offers opportunity to support bishops' call to end war full story

Study shows greater commitment to clergy health needed

Jan. 15, 2006 News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011 tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0427} An e-Review Feature By John M. De Marco** The conclusion of a wellness initiative to improve the health and fitness needs of one district's clergy mirrors the hypothesis made at the effort's inception: pastors must become more pro-active in the crucial area of life-ministry balance. full story

Church connects with neighborhood youth through fitness center

Jan. 18, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0429} An e-Review Feature By John M. De Marco** In neighborhoods all across the county there are kids who have the opportunity to immerse themselves in after-school activities, like sports, and there are those with no place to go once school gets out. It's no different in the western Palm Beach County community of Belle Grade, but one neighborhood church is striving to catch the latter group of youth before they fall through the cracks. full story

Conference treasurer announces resignation

Jan. 20, 2006   News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0430} An e-Review Feature By Tita Parham LAKELAND — Dr. Randy Casey-Rutland announced early the week of Jan. 16 that he is resigning from his position as Florida Conference treasurer and director of administrative services effective May 5. full story

Conference resource center relocates to North Central District

Jan. 20, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0431} An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** The Florida Conference Resource Center has found a new home. Late last year the center's collection of videos and DVDs was moved from the conference center in Lakeland to the North Central District office in Gainesville. full story

Project Transition continues to help Katrina survivors

Jan. 26, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0432} An e-Review Feature By Jenna De Marco** Nearly five months after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, affected families continue to need help meeting their basic needs.   Thanks to Project Transition, an organization formed in the East Central District of the Florida Conference in wake of the disaster, they're getting it. full story

Tampa teachers' dream to live abroad comes true

Jan. 29, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0433} An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** TAMPA — It all started out very innocently. In December 2004 a couple, both teachers, told fellow teachers Suzanne and John Baskett their two-year stint in El Salvador was complete and suggested the Basketts consider taking their place. The idea immediately struck a chord. full story