e-Review archive
March 2010
 

Grant gives pastor, congregation chance for renewal, look to future

By Larry Macke | March 1, 2010 {1144} NOTE: A headshot of the Rev. Bob Brown is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. A $50,000 Lilly Endowment grant is giving the Rev. Bob Brown an opportunity to spiritually recharge and the congregation he has served for nearly three decades a chance to envision ministry for the future. full story

Leaders say passionate leadership is key to church’s future

By Kitty Carpenter | March 2, 2010 {1145} WINTER PARK — With the words of John Wesley ringing in their ears, more than 250 laity and clergy were reminded of what it means to be a passionate leader and the critical role transformative leaders will play in the church’s future. full story

Commentary: Digital culture demands relevance, change

An e-Review commentary by the Rev. Larry Hollon | March 9, 2010 {1147} NOTE: A headshot of Hollon is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. This commentary was first featured as a Jan. 12 post on Hollon’s blog.   The Rev. Larry Hollon wonders if The United Methodist Church can survive in today’s digital culture, and if so, in what form it will exist and how it will adapt to be relevant in a new cultural reality. full story

Cutler Ridge seamstresses ‘sew comfort’ for soldiers

By Jenna De Marco | March 9, 2010 {1146} A group of women from Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church near Miami is trying to make the lives of military men and women a little easier. And they’re doing it with needle and thread. full story

Personalia

An e-Review News Item | March 10, 2010 {1148} • Florida United Methodist receives national scout award • Floridians recognized by United Methodist Association for outstanding leadership full story

Opportunities

An e-Review News Item | March 12, 2010 {1149} This series includes: Conference-related: • Cornerstone laces up for 30th Annual Wonder Walk • Asbury Seminary Florida offers open house, preview weekend • Youth workers invited to learn to ‘speak to teenagers’ • Parents, children discuss human sexuality • United Methodist Credit Union offers scholarships • Foundation offers financial seminar for clergy • Ministry helps clergy strengthen covenant groups • Gathering celebrates Native American heritage, ministry • UMVIM offers mission training • Warren Willis Camp shifts summer camp schedule • Prison ministry volunteers needed Global/national: • Hunger society urges participation in Feinstein Challenge 2010 • Intentional Growth Center helps youth stay committed to confirmation • Event helps small membership churches ‘reach, keep’ members • United Methodists unite to change world • Conference helps leaders ‘rethink church,’ chart new course • Leaders trained on human sexuality curriculum for children • Virtual classes on leading mid-sized church launch in April • Older adults celebrate springtime by the sea • Student Forum focuses on social justice advocacy full story

Seville congregation takes church to soccer fields

By Jenna De Marco | March 15, 2010 {1150} Changing a seldom-used church baseball field into a community park transformed the community around Trinity United Methodist Church in Seville. It also changed the way church members see themselves in their community. full story

Leaders begin examining health, structure of denomination

By Jenna De Marco | March 19, 2010 {1152} Is The United Methodist Church unwell? That’s a question leaders across the denomination are considering as they examine the health of the denomination and possible changes to its structure. full story

Florida Conference begins restructure

By John Michael De Marco | March 19, 2010 {1153} NOTE: A headshot of Frank North is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. Significant structural changes to the Florida Conference will position it to more effectively serve local congregations. That’s according to the Rev. Beth Fogle-Miller, director of the conference’s Connectional Ministries office, who is spearheading the moves after 15 months of studies and discussions. full story

Opportunities

An e-Review News Item | March 22, 2010 {1154} This series includes: Conference-related: • Conference charges laity, clergy to ‘witness to world’ Global/national: • Foundation announces new church recognition award • Special Sunday celebrates gifts, contributions of Native Americans • Youth invited to ‘surge’ into summer full story

Historic church makes commitment to ‘go green’

By Derek Maul | March 23, 2010 {1155} Leaders at a historic United Methodist church in the Nokomis area of Sarasota are taking a modern approach to church stewardship, launching the first steps of an ambitious green initiative. full story

Florida United Methodists prepare to speak out for children

By Derek Maul | March 26, 2010 {1156} Florida United Methodists are gearing up to make sure state representatives don’t forget the needs of Florida’s children during the upcoming legislative session in Tallahassee. full story

Congregational transformation changes name, focus

By Jenna De Marco | March 31, 2010 {1157} NOTE: Headshots used in this story are available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. After nearly 15 months of study and discussions, the Florida Conference is revamping its structure and the way it carries out its ministries. The conference’s Office of Congregational Transformation is undergoing changes of its own as part of that process. full story

Pastors create redevelopment model for struggling churches

By Jenna De Marco | March 31, 2010 {1158} NOTE: Headshots of the Rev. Dr. Phil Maynard and Rev. Dan Campbell are available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. A redevelopment model created by two Florida Conference pastors is one new tool struggling churches will soon have at their disposal to re-evaluate their ministries and find new life. full story