e-Review archive
October 2005
 

District uses e-mail to help churches, storm survivors connect

Oct. 4, 2005    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0379} NOTE: This is one of a series of articles on local church and district-wide Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** ORLANDO — Churches are reaching beyond themselves to respond to people affected by Hurricane Katrina, but they need to know who needs help and exactly what kind of help is required. The Rev. Marilyn Beecher helps put those pieces together, then lets everyone know about them. full story

Katrina is just one more storm for local family

Oct. 7, 2005    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0382} NOTE: This is one of a series of articles on local church and district-wide Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. An e-Review Feature By Candie Whitney** ORLANDO — There aren't many people who can say they have experienced four major storms in a little less than 13 months. The Schiltz family can. After surviving hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne last year, the Schiltzes found themselves in the path of Hurricane Katrina after moving to Louisiana last June. full story

Florida depot asks for flood buckets, help identifying areas of need

Oct. 7, 2005    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0381} NOTE: This is one of a series of articles on local church and district-wide Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** MADISON — Florida Conference churches planning mission trips to areas hard hit by recent hurricanes shouldn't forget the Florida Conference Disaster Response Depot in Madison. Workers there say they can add to the supplies teams have already collected. They're also hoping teams can help identify communities that need the depot's resources. full story

Conference board chooses new health insurance carrier

Oct. 11, 2005    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0383} An e-Review Feature By Tita Parham ORLANDO — After nearly a year of planning and reviewing proposals the Florida Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits has chosen United Health Care (UHC) as the health insurance carrier for the conference. full story

Africa coordinator visits Tampa church, shares news of Upper Room Ministries

Oct. 12, 2005    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0384} An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** TAMPA — Roland Rink is truly spreading good news throughout Africa. It all began for Rink, a native of South Africa, in April 1991 when he attended a new church leadership program called Walk to Emmaus that had just begun in South Africa. full story

Preparations for Wilma are business as usual

Oct. 20, 2005    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0385} An e-Review Feature By Tita Parham After experiencing three hurricanes last year and hurricanes Dennis, Katrina and Rita this year, getting ready for another hurricane is nothing new for the storm-weary Florida Conference. Church leaders and members are seriously preparing for Hurricane Wilma, but many see it as just one more storm. full story

Opportunities — Oct. 22, 2005 {0386}

Oct. 22, 2005    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0386} An e-Review News Item n Documentary on child survival, narrated by Brad Pitt airs on PBS n United Methodists encouraged to observe United Nations Sunday n CROP WALKS assist in ending hunger locally, globally n Society of St. Andrew offers Advent devotions n UMCOR asks United Methodists to help provide relief in Pakistan, Central America n Asbury Seminary in Orlando dedicates facilities n Florida Southern College holds annual Bible Symposium n Harper to lead Mustard Seed Conference at Orlando retreat center n Florida United Methodist Association of Preschools holds annual conference n Gainesville church hosts second annual international gift festival n Spiritual Formation gathering focuses on prayer, the labyrinth n Igniting Ministry offers grants, media assistance n Book advocates faithful communication n Cokesbury offers conference for large churches n New Emory program combines faith, healing full story

Florida begins assessing damage after Hurricane Wilma

Oct. 24, 2005  News media contact: Tita Parham*   800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org   Orlando {0387} An e-Review Feature By Tita Parham ORLANDO — As the sun began to shine across parts of Florida hit by Hurricane Wilma, Florida Conference disaster response coordinators began the process of determining the extent of damage from the storm. full story

Conference churches begin cleaning up after Wilma

Oct. 26, 2005  News media contact: Tita Parham*   800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org   Orlando {0388} An e-Review Feature By Tita Parham ORLANDO — Now that Hurricane Wilma has passed and the emergency stage is over, churches and communities across the state are beginning the process of cleaning up. So far, 38 Florida Conference churches have reported damages ranging from broken windows and fences, leaks and downed trees to flooding in sanctuaries and portions of roofs collapsed. The majority of those churches are on the east coast of the state and further inland. full story

Miami area churches work on drying out, reaching out to community

Oct. 27, 2005  News media contact: Tita Parham*   800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org   Orlando {0389} An e-Review Feature By Tita Parham ORLANDO — The Rev. Debbie McLeod has been visiting churches and communities in the Broward County area of the metropolitan Miami area to assess damages and needs in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma. McLeod, superintendent of the South East District of the Florida Conference, is finding church members who are working hard to help their neighbors, despite their own challenges and a shortage of supplies. full story

The travesty is great, but our God is greater

Oct. 30, 2005    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0390} An e-Review Commentary By the Rev. John Hicks The youth at First United Methodist Church of Clewiston were selling pumpkins to go on a mission trip to help hurricane victims in Gulfport, Miss. With no electricity and all of the damage from Hurricane Wilma to the Clewiston area, including the youth minister's home totally destroyed, the decision was made to give the surviving pumpkins away and search for other ways to raise mission money at a later date. full story