e-Review Daily News
    

Men’s group gives group home a boost

By Sarah Alsgaard | July 2, 2009 {1040} HALLANDALE, Fla. — Wesley Group Home doesn’t stand out from any other house in its quiet Hallandale neighborhood, except for a sign out front that reads “Larry’s Home.” Florida Conference United Methodist Men are hoping to help it stand out a little more, at least among the conference’s members. full story

Annual Conference Wrap-up: Care for environment, amendments among main focus

By Tita Parham and Mary Lee Downey | June 26, 2009 {1039} DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — More than 1,700 Florida Conference clergy and laity gathered at Bethune-Cookman University June 10-13 to consider the Christian response to environmental issues and tackle the business of the conference. full story

Bible study leader says Christians must care for creation because God does

By J.A. Buchholz | June 25, 2009 {1038} DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. —  The Rev. Pat Watkins says the idea of using less energy and recycling are not things only “tree huggers” should be doing, but actions all Christians should be taking because of their belief in Jesus Christ. full story

Conference ministries put face on discipleship

By J.A. Buchholz | June 24, 2009 {1037} DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Laity and clergy attending the June 12 session of the 2009 Florida Annual Conference Event were able to meet people whose lives have been changed through local church and conference ministries, giving them a glimpse of the way those ministries are making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. full story

Church structure, membership top list in debate on amendments

By Jenna De Marco | June 17, 2009 {1036} The results of votes cast June 12 at the 2009 Florida Annual Conference Event show a majority of clergy and lay members oppose constitutional amendments that would change the structure of The United Methodist Church and language related to membership. full story

Financial health of conference is good, leaders say

By Jenna De Marco | June 14, 2009 {1035} In his report to laity and clergy at the annual conference session, Florida Conference Treasurer Mickey Wilson said the financial leadership of the conference has made the changes the conference needs to endure the economic slowdown and be ready for an uncertain future. full story

Guest preacher says healing planet may heal souls

By Jenna De Marco | June 13, 2009 {1034} Caring for the earth is not a choice made by a select few, but an intentional mission and call that belongs to all Christians, says the Rev. Dr. Denise Honeycutt, and it’s time to get started. full story

Conference members consider their call to care for creation

By J.A. Buchholz | June 13, 2009 {1033} DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Green living. Global warming. Climate change. Those issues are heard in the news nearly every day. They were also the topic of discussion during the opening of the 2009 Florida Conference session, along with factors that don’t often surface in the secular debate: the Christian contribution and response. full story

Creation care stars at pre-conference film festival

By J.A. Buchholz | June 11, 2009 {1031} DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The idea of advocating for and protecting the environment is not just a social issue, but a faith-based belief that hits at the core of Christianity. That was the message behind a first-ever Florida Conference green film festival. full story

Members celebrate lifetimes of ministry

By Jenna De Marco | June 12, 2009 {1032} The Rev. Dr. Rick Neal says the conferencewide memorial service for clergy and clergy spouses marks a “bittersweet occasion” for all members. full story

Workshops give clergy, laity insights on reaching their communities

By Mary Lee Downey | June 11, 2009 {1030} DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Churches in the Florida Conference are working hard to transform the world, and a series of workshops a day before the official start of this year’s annual conference session gave them additional tools to fulfill that mission. full story

Clergy spend retreat with homeless

By Erik J. Alsgaard | June 10, 2009 {1029} JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It’s not unusual for clergy to gather in a retreat setting for fellowship, edification and spiritual support. It is unusual when that gathering is held at an inner city rescue mission. Yet that’s exactly where more than 30 clergy from the North East District of the Florida Conference met recently for one of their quarterly meetings. full story

Disaster response ministry receives governor’s award, asks churches to prepare

By Mary Lee Downey | June 5, 2009 {1027} The Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry received Florida Gov. Charlie Crist’s 2009 Humanitarian Award for its work in disaster response. Ministry leaders say that work couldn’t have been done without the help of local churches, and that’s why it’s more important than ever for local churches to be prepared for this year’s storm season. full story

Survey shows barriers to women senior pastors still exist

By Erik J. Alsgaard | June 3, 2009 {1026} WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Results of a recent survey conducted by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry show clergywomen have made progress in breaking through the stained glass ceilings in ministry, but they also identify barriers still to overcome. full story

Name change, focus on community help church grow

By Sarah Alsgaard | June 2, 2009 {1025} TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The sense of caring visitors feel and a name change that’s helping avoid confusion with a nearby church have drawn people to Deer Lake United Methodist Church, doubling the church’s growth. full story

United Methodists speak out for children during advocacy event

By Erik J. Alsgaard | April 15, 2009 {1002} NOTE: An e-Review video news story of Florida Advocacy Days is available at the end of this story. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — More than 140 United Methodists and people of other faiths gathered at the Florida Capitol in late March to speak for children and others who normally wouldn’t have a voice in the halls of state government. full story