e-Review archive
May 2006
 

Bishop speaks on building human security

May 3, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0479} An e-Review Feature By Jenna De Marco** Though impossible to obtain absolute security in this earthly life, it is possible to improve security some by building relationships within a community. That assertion was made by Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker in his recent keynote address at the Church World Service Forum on Domestic Disaster Ministry March 27-31 at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, N.J. full story

Bishop leads updating of ‘In Defense of Creation’

May 3, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0480} An e-Review Feature By Jenna De Marco** The United Methodist Church continues to find ways to help its members grapple with the topic of security in the post-911 world. In another attempt to foster discussion on security, the executive committee of the Council of Bishops decided in January that a task force should take on the job of updating an important document called “In Defense of Creation: The Nuclear Crisis and a Just Peace,” according to Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker. full story

Military mission project blesses soldiers

May 8, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0482} An e-Review Feature By Steven Skelley** When a package Cheryl Price had sent her son was lost in the mail, God gave her a vision for a ministry that is now touching the lives of hundreds of soldiers. “I have a son who is in the Air Force, and he was sent to Korea just before Christmas so I had sent a package, and he never received it,” Price said. “He went to the post office every day and looked for this package. … I knew that there must be others in the same desperate situation looking and longing for a package from home.” full story

Opportunities — May 10, 2006 {0483}

May 10, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0483} An e-Review News Item n Aldersgate Sunday designated as Pray for Cuba Sunday n Disaster training offered for local church groups n Resources available to help churches reach out, strengthen welcoming ministries n Annual conference delegates have opportunity to give gift of life n Summer Camp plans to ‘renovate’ lives n Applications being accepted for mission trip to Honduras n Volunteers needed for Riverside camp events n Men’s rally for Christ celebrates ultimate ‘internet of faith’ n Celebrate Jesus needs summer mission team members n Arts at St. Johns offers ‘Conversations from a Hyphenated Florida’ n Clergy invited to renew their spirits by discovering the Sabbath n 2006 School of Christian Mission asks how to ‘harvest peace’ n Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center offers ministry and learning activities  n UMCOR requests donations of money, supplies, prayers n VBS kids asked to be heroes in fighting hunger  n United Methodist mission agency issues call for new missionaries n Interpreter magazine seeks clergy, ideas for feature articles n Music opinions requested full story

Fanciful fiction or challenge to Christian orthodoxy?

May 11, 2006    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0484} An e-Review Commentary By the Rev. David T. Waller A cinema event that will create quite a buzz is coming soon to a theater near you. Scheduled for global release May 19, the film “The Da Vinci Code” will vivify Dan Brown’s widely-received novel of the same name. full story

United Methodist church, interfaith team respond to hurricane survivors in Clewiston

May 12, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0485} An e-Review Feature By Nancy E. Johnson** As Florida braces for the next round of hurricanes, many of last year’s victims are still suffering. When an interfaith work team did a door-to-door assessment of damages in Clewiston, they found Maria.  Hurricane Wilma left Maria and her son in a desperate situation, but the Rev. John Hicks, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Clewiston, recognized her needs immediately. full story

Peace at last

May 12, 2006    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0486} An e-Review Commentary By the Rev. Glenn Galtere Wally (not his real name) was deteriorating very fast. He looked me in the eye and said, “Chaplain Glenn, maybe I’ll find some peace at last.” full story

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. full story

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. full story

Visitors and visited are changed after mission trip to Angola

May 20, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0489} An e-Review Feature By Jenna De Marco** Ties between the Florida and East Angola conferences became even stronger after a team of six from the Florida Conference traveled to Angola March 27-April 10. They shared both the tangible and intangible with the goal of being partners in ministry with United Methodists there. full story

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.” full story

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. full story

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. full story

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. full story

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. full story

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. full story