e-Review archive
November 2006
 

The doctrine of the church and the small membership congregation

Nov. 2, 2006    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0567} NOTE: A headshot of Whitaker is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. An e-Review Commentary By Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker The commitment of the Florida Conference is to strengthen small membership congregations so they are vital in faith and effective in mission. Before we identify strategies to strengthen small membership congregations, we should understand them in the context of ecclesiology, or the doctrine of the church. There is one principle of ecclesiology that demonstrates the legitimacy of the small membership congregation. The principle is that each local church is the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church in its community. full story

A dream for Florida’s children … forever

Nov. 3, 2006    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0568} An e-Review Commentary By Pamela S. Davis The 2006 Florida Children’s Summit Oct. 6 was a dream come true. More than 1,000 advocacy-minded participants came together with a passion to network and learn about the critical concerns of our children through conversations, focus groups and dynamic speeches. A group of United Methodists from the Florida Conference were part of that gathering, but all United Methodists in the conference have a part to play in making the dream of helping our children grow to be healthy and happy a reality. full story

United Methodist gets ready for 100-plus-mile run for gambling awareness

Nov. 3, 2006  News media contact: Tita Parham* 800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0569} An e-Review Feature By John Michael De Marco** On Nov. 12 Robert Melo will begin to run a 101-mile stretch that pales in comparison to the spiritual distance he has already traveled toward progressive victory over gambling.             Melo, a member of Harvest United Methodist Church in Bradenton, plans to run about 15 miles a day, adding symbolism by selecting the location of a Ft. Myers Beach casino cruise ship as the starting point and the church as his destination. He calls the journey “going from a place of pain and suffering to a place of love, acceptance and forgiveness.” full story

Conference Table emphasizes role, importance of clergy

Nov. 7, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0570} An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** LAKELAND — While the conference has placed much emphasis on the role of laity in ministry at recent conference gatherings, the significance of clergy, their role and the responsibility they have in the life of the Florida Annual Conference will be the focus of the next Conference Table. Titled “Excellence for Ministry – A Focus on the Agenda for the Center for Clergy Excellence,” the Conference Table Nov. 28 will focus on the creation of a system that enables clergy to be resourced and supported throughout their ministry. full story

Youth launch hunger relief ministry, serve others

Nov. 8, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0571} An e-Review Feature By Jenna De Marco** While renewing their own hearts and minds in Christ youth attending the Florida Conference’s recent summer camps at the Warren W. Willis Youth Camp in Fruitland Park also found ways to change the world around them for the better. A hunger and poverty seminar offered during the camp experience proved life-changing for four high school girls from Orange Park United Methodist Church. full story

In Memoriam — Nov. 8, 2006 {0572}

Nov. 8, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0572} An e-Review News Item By Caryl Kelley** n George Carlton n Donald Brown n Marconis Navarrete n Laverne Proctor n Janet Graham n Bob Barber n Donald Kribbs n Ira Conley n Winston Wilson n Lister Grant n Gary Beam full story

In Brief — Nov. 10, 2006 {0573}

Nov. 10, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0573} An e-Review News Item This series includes: n FSC trustee gives $1 million gift for archive wing n Tampa United Methodist Centers becomes Cornerstone Family Ministries n Wanted: former campers to help repair windows at conference youth camp full story

Pastor lives to start growing Hispanic ministry

Nov. 10, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0574} An e-Review Feature By Steven Skelley** A popular country song recently carried the message “Live like you are dying.” The Rev. Rafael Ortega is doing just that. Diagnosed with a life-threatening disease and told he would die without a liver transplant, Ortega put his life, ministry and future in God’s hands. full story

Golden Cross funds fill needs of ministries, clergy

Nov. 16, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0575} An e-Review Feature By Jenna De Marco** Mary Harris felt God calling her to begin deaf ministry at her church, even though no members had yet requested those services. The Rev. Dan Parrish’s family was facing a health crisis and unexpected medical expenses. Golden Cross funds were there to help them both. full story

Honduras trip exceeds expectations, is eye-opener for team members

Nov. 16, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0576} An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** LAKELAND — A recent journey from the Florida Conference to Danlí, Honduras, was more than a mission trip. It was an opportunity to show and experience love in a whole new way. full story

Team experiences God’s grace during mission trip

Nov. 17, 2006    News media contact:  Tita Parham*     800-282-8011    tparham@flumc.org     Orlando {0577} An e-Review Commentary By Martha Gay Duncan On Sept. 4, 10 members of various United Methodist churches in Florida boarded a plane in Miami. Their destination: Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This was to be a first mission joining United Methodist Volunteers in Mission and Celebrate Jesus in their efforts to build the kingdom in Honduras, both physically and spiritually. full story

Jacksonville church partners with city to observe World AIDS Day

Nov. 19, 2006    News media contact: Tita Parham*  800-282-8011   tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0578} An e-Review Feature By J.A. Buchholz** Avondale United Methodist Church is working to make God’s love real in its community by reaching out to those impacted by AIDS. The church is providing an interfaith World AIDS Day service in its sanctuary Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in conjunction with the city of Jacksonville. The service will follow a candlelight walk through the neighborhood at 6:30 p.m. full story

To merge or not to merge: tough questions, living with the result

Nov. 28, 2006  News media contact: Tita Parham* 800-282-8011  tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0579} NOTE: A headshot of Stiggins is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. An e-Review Feature By John Michael De Marco** Seven months into the merger of her church with a struggling congregation, the Rev. Dr. Marta Burke is tired and hopeful. As pastor of Fulford United Methodist Church in North Miami Beach, Burke saw her congregation absorb Miami’s Rader Memorial United Methodist Church earlier this year after the latter church initiated the process. The merger has occurred in a season when several other larger conference congregations have united with struggling churches amid great promise. full story