e-Review archive
December 2008
 

Churches see lower insurance premiums for second year

By Erik J. Alsgaard | Dec. 8, 2008 {0949} LAKELAND — For two years in a row Florida Conference churches are receiving some good news: lower insurance premiums. full story

Commentary: Stewardship in troubled times

An e-Review commentary by Tom Wilkinson | Dec. 9, 2008 {0950} NOTE: A headshot of Wilkinson is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. During the current financial crisis the United Methodist Foundation’s Tom Wilkinson says church members should do what they’ve always done when facing difficult economic times: keep giving. full story

Newly-elected Congressman says church has been strong influence

By J.A. Buchholz | Dec. 15, 2008 {0952} NOTE: A headshot of Bill Posey is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml. United States Representative-elect Bill Posey has always had close ties to Rockledge United Methodist Church, and he doesn’t anticipate that changing once he heads to Washington, D.C., in January. full story

Job loss, economy prompt church to reach out

By Sarah Alsgaard | Dec. 15, 2008 {0953} SARASOTA — Neighbors stopped by Crossroads United Methodist Church in Sarasota one day in November to get sleeping bags, workman’s boots and food. Organizers also hoped the visit gave them a little hope. full story

Florida governor weds at United Methodist church

By Erik J. Alsgaard | Dec. 15, 2008 {0954} ST. PETERSBURG — After bomb-sniffing dogs cased the sanctuary and state police officers sealed off the streets, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist left his bachelorhood behind, marrying Carole Rome Dec. 12 at First United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg. full story

Florida United Methodists recognized nationally, regionally in 2008

An e-Review News Item | Dec. 19, 2008 {0955} During 2008, several Florida Conference United Methodists were elected to national offices or recognized beyond the conference. full story

Analysis shows conference churches making strides

By Tita Parham | Dec. 22, 2008 {0957} NOTE: This is the first in a series of articles about churches that have experienced growth in professions of faith and average worship attendance, measures of two of the five practices of The Methodist Way. LAKELAND — An analysis of all Florida Conference churches earlier this year showed more than a few are making progress, despite denominational declines. full story

Opportunities — Dec. 22, 2008 {0956}

An e-Review News Item | Dec. 22, 2008 {0956} This series includes: Conference-related: • Speaker shows how native plants save lives • Young leaders ‘get ready for the ride’ • Camping ministry offers spring confirmation retreats • Five-Day Academy focuses on ‘desert spirituality,’ Luke’s Gospel • Society of St. Andrew announces gleaning opportunities Global/national: • Dell offers discount for United Methodists • Convocation builds bridges to future • Young People’s Ministries focuses on spiritual formation  • Youth feed hungry through Souper Bowl Sunday • Wesley Theological Seminary offers Urban Fellows Program in nation’s capital • New scholarship event offered by Candler School of Theology • Church, academic leaders gather to strengthen connections • ‘River Deep and Wide’ explores Gospel in interfaith, multicultural society • Discipleship University opens for large churches • Virginia teen lends voice to help African Methodist school students full story

Arts school encourages students to use talents for others

By Sarah Alsgaard | Dec. 23, 2008 {0958} ORLANDO — From ballet lessons for children to percussion classes given by a nationally-renowned percussionist, the School of the Arts run by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church strikes a positive note for children and adults. full story