e-Review Daily News
  
 
Current, former residents say ‘thanks’ at Children’s Home centennial
Current, former residents say ‘thanks’ at Children’s Home centennial

May 9, 2008  News media contact: Tita Parham*
800-282-8011 
tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0852}

An e-Review Feature
By Steven Skelley**

 
ENTERPRISE — Nearly 2,000 United Methodists joined current and former residents and staff of the Florida United Methodist Children's Home March 15 to celebrate 100 years of caring for Florida's children. United Methodists will have another opportunity to celebrate at this year's annual conference event.

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East Angola Conference seeks 12 partner churches
East Angola Conference seeks 12 partner churches

May 9, 2008  News media contact: Tita Parham*
800-282-8011 
tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0851}

An e-Review Feature
By Steven Skelley**

After five years, four trips to Angola and a little more than $560,000 raised, the Florida Conference has a new goal in its partnership with the East Angola Conference: finding at least 12 Florida churches that will commit to partnering with churches in Angola.

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General Conference acts on wide range of issues
General Conference acts on wide range of issues

May 8, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0850}

NOTE: This article was produced and distributed May 6 by United Methodist News Service.

An e-Review Feature
By J. Richard Peck**

FORT WORTH, Texas — For 10 long days 992 United Methodists from around the world met to worship, pray together, celebrate and deliberate over more than 1,500 petitions to change the church’s laws and resolutions during the 2008 General Conference April 23-May 2.

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UMCOR starts response to Myanmar cyclone
UMCOR starts response to Myanmar cyclone

May 8, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0849}

NOTE: This article was produced and distributed May 7 by United Methodist News Service.

An e-Review Feature
By Linda Bloom**

NEW YORK — As the death toll rises in Myanmar, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is planning its response to the devastating cyclone in Southeast Asia.

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Pre-conference classes help members live ‘Methodist Way’
Pre-conference classes help members live ‘Methodist Way’

May 7, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0848}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

LAKELAND — This year’s annual conference event isn’t just a time of business. It’s also a time of learning — about what it means to make disciples "for the transformation of the world."

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General Conference ‘more unified’ in 2008, bishop says
General Conference ‘more unified’ in 2008, bishop says

May 5, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0846}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

FORT WORTH, Texas — Speaking with reporters on the final day of the 2008 General Conference, Florida Conference Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker said the 10-day assembly was “more unified” than the 2004 gathering. He credits cooperation between church leaders as having had a positive impact.

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Church has come long way, but more work to do, delegates say
Church has come long way, but more work to do, delegates say

May 4, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0845}

An e-Review Feature
By Tita Parham

 
FORT WORTH, Texas — After 10 days of early mornings, late nights and sometimes painful debate, Florida Conference delegates left the 2008 General Conference feeling they had accomplished much, but also knowing there’s still much more work for the church to do. 

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Cooperation among delegates holds line on general church budget
Cooperation among delegates holds line on general church budget

May 4, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0844}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

FORT WORTH, Texas — Thanks in part to the efforts of the Florida Conference delegation to the 2008 General Conference, the general church budget of The United Methodist Church for the next four years will increase only 4 percent.

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Florida delegation says continued dialogue on homosexuality issue critical
Florida delegation says continued dialogue on homosexuality issue critical

May 1, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0843}

An e-Review Feature
By Tita Parham

FORT WORTH, Texas — Feelings among the Florida Conference delegation were mixed, but for some members, actions taken at the April 30 afternoon plenary session of the 2008 General Conference were surprising and saddening.

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Angolan delegates thank Florida delegation for conference’s support
Angolan delegates thank Florida delegation for conference’s support

May 1, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0842}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

FORT WORTH, Texas — Members of the Florida Conference delegation to the 2008 General Conference met with two members of the East Angola delegation during a breakfast meeting May 1. The pair came to thank the Florida Conference for its past and continued support.

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Florida Conference delegates reflect on work at mid-way point
Florida Conference delegates reflect on work at mid-way point

April 28, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0841}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

FORT WORTH, Texas — As General Conference wrapped up its first week, several Florida Conference delegates shared their impressions of the work they’ve done so far and hopes for the work yet to come

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Immigrants should be treated humanely, United Methodists say
Immigrants should be treated humanely, United Methodists say

April 25, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0839}

An e-Review Feature
By Linda Bloom and Erik J. Alsgaard**

FORT WORTH, Texas — Amid signs proclaiming that “No human being is illegal” and “You shall love the sojourner,” about 300 United Methodists gathered for an April 24 lunchtime rally in the Water Gardens behind the Fort Worth Convention Center, host site of the 2008 General Conference. Florida Conference Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker addressed the group.

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Members from Florida church take prayer ministry to General Conference
Members from Florida church take prayer ministry to General Conference

April 24, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0838}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

Their purpose is singular: to pray for delegates attending the 2008 General Conference and the work of the entire assembly. The small group of members from Covenant United Methodist Church in Port Orange began that ministry weeks ago and has taken it to the quadrennial gathering, attending General Conference as “prayer delegates.”

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Bishop opens General Conference with ‘resurrection hope’
Bishop opens General Conference with ‘resurrection hope’

April 24, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0837}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

FORT WORTH, Texas — On the 40th anniversary to the day of the creation of The United Methodist Church, United Methodists from 129 annual conferences and 50 countries opened the 2008 General Conference with rousing worship. The message: United Methodists are called to live a life with hope — resurrection hope.

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Event helps churches put passion, purpose back into worship
Event helps churches put passion, purpose back into worship

April 23, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0836}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

GAINESVILLE — When it comes to worship, it’s not about you. That was the message during two recent conferencewide events focusing on passionate worship. The sessions helped worship leaders and pastors learn what it means for their services to be “transformative encounters with God.”

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Agency withdraws petition on divestment from Caterpillar
Agency withdraws petition on divestment from Caterpillar

April 22, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0835}

An e-Review Feature
By United Methodist News Service**

After direct meetings with Caterpillar Inc., The United Methodist Church’s social action agency says it will withdraw a petition calling for divestment from the heavy equipment manufacturer.

full story

Bishop appoints new director of Connectional Ministries
Bishop appoints new director of Connectional Ministries

April 20, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0834}

NOTE: Headshots of the Revs. Dr. Anne Burkholder and Elizabeth (Beth) A. Fogle-Miller are available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml.
 
An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

LAKELAND — Florida Conference Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker has announced that the Rev. Dr. Anne Burkholder will be leaving her position as director of Connectional Ministries for a new appointment. The Rev. Elizabeth (Beth) A. Fogle-Miller will become the new director effective July 1.

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General Conference news online lets United Methodists tune in from home
General Conference news online lets United Methodists tune in from home

April 18, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0833}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

LAKELAND — Watching and following the 2008 General Conference from the comfort of home — or the office or a hand-held device — will be a snap for United Methodists. This year, news and information about the assembly is never more than a few mouse-clicks away.

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Conference renews emphasis on social justice, spirituality
Conference renews emphasis on social justice, spirituality

April 17, 2008   News media contact: Tita Parham*
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0832}

NOTE: A headshot of Melinda Trotti is available at http://www.flumc.info/photo_gallery2.shtml.

An e-Review Feature
By Steven Skelley**

During the past decade the Florida Conference Connectional Ministries office has been streamlining its areas of emphasis in an effort to better resource local churches. Social justice and spiritual formation ministries have been in flux as part of that process. But with additional staff resources, the conference is renewing and redefining its focus on both.

full story

Event trains leaders to reach struggling families, children through day camps
Event trains leaders to reach struggling families, children through day camps

April 16, 2008   News media contact: Tita Parham*
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0831}

An e-Review Feature
By Steven Skelley**

ORLANDO — For Florida’s low-income families, the question of how to feed their children and find a safe place for them to spend the day during the summer is a big one. Florida Conference leaders are hoping to provide at least one part of the answer through summer day camps run by conference churches and ministries.

full story

United Methodists rally for children at state capitol
United Methodists rally for children at state capitol

April 15, 2008     News media contact: Tita Parham* 
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org    Orlando {0830}

An e-Review Feature
By Erik J. Alsgaard**

TALLAHASSEE — Breakfast. It’s a simple meal, but one of the most important of the day. It’s also a luxury for countless children across Florida. Florida Conference United Methodists took up that issue and many others on behalf of Florida’s children March 29-April 2 during the annual Children’s Week event in Tallahassee.

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Tampa church partners with mission to help children orphaned by AIDS
Tampa church partners with mission to help children orphaned by AIDS

April 11, 2008   News media contact: Tita Parham*
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0829}

An e-Review Feature
By Steven Skelley**

In October 2006 Paul and Derina Holtzhausen, natives of South Africa and members of St. James United Methodist Church in Tampa, invited Dr. Flip Buys to speak at their church about the needs of African children.

Now, the church is part of an international partnership that is improving the lives and futures of children devastated by AIDS.

full story

Global partnership takes aim at malaria deaths
Global partnership takes aim at malaria deaths

April 8, 2008   News media contact: Tita Parham*
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0827}

NOTE: This article was produced and distributed April 2 by United Methodist News Service.

An e-Review Feature
By Linda Bloom**

NEW YORK — United Methodist Bishop Janice Huie joined Ted Turner at the United Nations on April 1 as he announced an expanded global partnership between The United Methodist Church and Lutheran World Relief and organized by the United Nations Foundation to help end malaria deaths. The goal: $200 million.

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Military seeks ‘a few good’ pastors
Military seeks ‘a few good’ pastors

March 28, 2008   News media contact: Tita Parham*
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0821}

NOTE: See a related commentary by the Rev. Terri Jones, a military chaplain, at http://www.flumc.info/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000046/004642.htm and comments from military chaplains about their experiences at http://www.flumc.info/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000046/004643.htm.

An e-Review Feature
By Jenna De Marco**

Being a military chaplain is a rewarding, yet challenging calling, one that requires ministers to have a unique sense of mission to both the ministry and the military. The chaplaincy is also a challenge to recruiters trying to fill a shortage felt among all branches.

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Emergent church leader says ‘everything must change’
Emergent church leader says ‘everything must change’

March 28, 2008   News media contact: Tita Parham*
800-282-8011  
tparham@flumc.org  Orlando {0820}

An e-Review Feature
By Steven Skelley**

He was named one of TIME Magazine’s 25 most influential evangelical leaders in America. His message? The changes society needs must do much more than scratch the surface. They must be radical. Brian McLaren challenged Christians to heed that message at the “Everything Must Change” event earlier this month.

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