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Birthdays
7 - Christine Hoffman
9 - Carolyn Rose Vaughan
9 - Joe Walker
10 - Richard Landon
11 - Craig Hammond
24 - John Mayeux
23 - Betty Battey |
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Anniversaries
5 - Mary & Don Ringland
26 - Jerry & Pat Partney
27 - Doug & Suzanne Zipperer |
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The Gulf Central District Newsletter
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Greetings!
As I mentioned in last November's newsletter, I do a periodic gratitude list. It helps me stay in touch with God's grace- to be reminded that I am a debtor and that I have much to be thankful for. I find myself reflecting again on the blessings of life. A few days ago I buried my Dad. I loved him and will miss him. I am grateful for his love and support. He was there for me during some very difficult times. I am also grateful for our last days together. They were spent in the intensive care unit, three days, Dad bleeding internally from an inoperable abdominal aneurism. The last day, a Saturday, we watched football all day. After two days of only being allowed clear liquids, the doctor said Dad could have some solid food. I immediately headed to Steak-N-Shake for Dad's favorite food- a chocolate milkshake, from his favorite food group- ice cream. Dad's last day of life was relatively comfortable (the hospital staff kept him relatively pain free) and it was spent the way he would want it, with his son watching football, drinking a chocolate milkshake. We also expressed our appreciation and love for each other. That night he died. I will miss him. But I am thankful for the life we had together, and I am thankful for our last day together.
In a few weeks we will all celebrate Thanksgiving. I will say a little prayer of thanksgiving for Dad on that day. I hope and pray you will explore your reservoir of blessings and be in an attitude of gratitude toward the source of all life and all blessings.
May God bless you.
John
p.s. Thank you for the many expressions of love and sympathy to me and my family over the last few weeks. I am very grateful. |
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Maggie Minute:
Charge Conferences are in full swing. Please, remember to sign all of the forms and to include a copy of the attendance sheet(s).
Calendar of Reports Due:
November 1: Equitable Compensation Forms. Due to Center for Clergy Excellence Office for churches requesting funds. November 30: Local Church Leaders data entry (incoming local church lay officers contact information for the year 2009) should be completed within two (2) weeks of your Annual Charge/Church Conference in the fall. Current leaders and contact information can be accessed via the church login on the Florida Conference [website]. Final updates and changes should be made on the hard copy list and sent to your district office no later than Nov. 30, 2009. Updates and changes in local church officers should be reported to your district offices as they occur throughout the year. | |
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District Training in February 2010
The Training events are coming together for February - soon you will be able to register on-line for the event and workshop you are planning to attend - see below the list of workshops and speakers. More details available on the District website [click here].
February 8 - First UMC, Bradenton, 6:30 - 8:30PM
February 9 - Heritage UMC, Clearwater, 6:30 - 8:30PM
February 11 - First UMC, Spring Hill, 6:30 - 8:30PM
Congregational Transformation
Feb 8 & 11: Jeff Stiggins, - "Worship Planning Team"
Feb 9: Phil Maynard
Disaster Training - Marilyn Swanson, Pam Garrison
Equipped to Minister - The important role of the church in disaster. Are you prepared?
Faith Community Nursing Building a Health Ministry - Grant Corrigan, RN FCN
What does being healthy have to do with building the kingdom of God in 2010? In the gospel of Matthew Jesus instructed his disciples to go out and teach, preach and heal! How is your church doing at fulfilling those three specific instructions of Jesus?
Finance - Mickey Wilson & Ron ByersAre you the church Financial Secretary, Treasurer, or member of the Committee on Finance? Then this class is a wonderful opportunity to learn about your "job" from the "master" and ask all those questions you have been wondering about and did not know whom to ask.
Lay Leader - Walter Dry and Helen Morrill
This class will be a discussion-based class for new and experienced local church lay leaders.
Missions - Pam Qualls United Methodist Cooperative Ministries
Whether you are a new missions committee member or have several years on the job, this workshop will have ideas and information for you.
Staff Parish Relations - Director of Human Resources Wendy McCoy (February 8 & 9 only)
"Human Resources Issues "in the Local Church.
Staff Parish Relations Committee - John Powers & Arch Johnston
This class will give Staff Parish Relations committee members an understanding of what is required of them and an overview of procedures for conducting this committee.
Trustees - Mark Thomas
"An interactive discussion about the organization and role of the trustees in supporting the vision and mission of your church.
United Methodist Children's Home - Stephen Hartsfield
We will explore the important role the Local Church Representative has as advocate for the Florida United Methodist Children's Home in their local Church.
Connecting with Young Adults in Today's World - Emily Oliver
Young people ages 18-35 are considered "the missing generation" from our churches. Come and hear about this vital group from a young clergyperson. |
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3 Colors of Spirituality Workshop
 Don't miss this event! November 9 - Largo, FL
Christian Schwarz is coming to the USA to introduce his new book on Passionate Spirituality.
Passionate spirituality has been the most frequent minimum factor in hundreds of churches the past few years. Christian Schwarz is coming to America to reveal the results from over 3 years of intensive research and mentoring by nine spiritual mentors. Pastors, church health team members, NCD coaches and denominational leaders will learn together how to strengthen this quality characteristic both personally and in the life of the church.
We have made these workshops affordable: only $25.00 per person or $100.00 for a team of five. Click here to register or call us at 1-800-253-4276.
Each workshop will begin at 9:00 AM and end at 1:00 PM.
Coffee break included and everyone will receive a free copy of
The 3 Colors of Your Spirituality book. Lunch is on your own. |
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District Job Available
The Gulf Central District is seeking a part-time Congregational Transformation Coordinator to serve as "lead coach" by providing support for the implementation of transformational processes in the Gulf Central District. The successful candidate will come alongside other coaches, pastors and churches to re-ignite or spark incarnational transformation within the Gulf Central District by providing a supporting connection for hurting churches and an encouraging connection for thriving churches.
Key responsibilities include: presenting the transformational process and the variety of tools available upon request, supervise the regular monthly reporting for the Missional Vital Signs and assist local churches in interpreting their Vital Signs as well as assisting congregations and coaches with stalled transformational processes by helping assess next steps.
The successful candidate is a DCD coach and Refocus Network facilitator, trained in peacemaking and mediation with demonstrated excellence in local church leadership. Bachelors degree required. Applicants must have a passion for congregational transformation and knowledge of United Methodist theology and polity. EOE. Reply by November 13, 2009 for consideration. Fax resume to 727-585-2038 or e-mail DS-GC@flumc.org. |
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 30 Years of Ministry
Join the Celebration! Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park, Fla., will celebrate its 30th Anniversary November 15, 2009. All clergy and laity are invited to attend. The celebration will begin at 2 p.m. with an open house, tours of the Life Enrichment Center and other planned programs. At 5 p.m. guests will gather for dinner and a look at the center's future. The celebration will close with worship 30th anniversary video and memories at 6:30 p.m. To make a reservation to attend, please contact LEC at 352-787-0313 or by e-mail at lecretreats@gmail.com. Information about the Life Enrichment Center and its ministry is available at http://www.lecretreats.org. |
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Register for Clergy Day Apart
Monday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Life Enrichment Center, Fruitland Park
Bishop Tim Whitaker is inviting all clergy in the Florida Conference to come for a day of spiritual renewal, worship and conversations with colleagues. There will be no business or voting; clergy are simply invited to come and connect with God and others before heading into a busy Advent season. [Click here] to register. |
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Crosstrainers Retreat (6th-12th Grades)
 November 13-15, 2009
Crosstrainers is a classic fall retreat at the Warren Willis Camp. The retreat features worship, games, activities, and time to hang out with friends from around the state of Florida. The speaker this year will be the Rev. Kirk Dana, youth minister at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland. The band will feature Warren and Patrick Willis and other artists from the band WSU. Cost for Crosstrainers is $100 per person. As an incentive to bring your whole youth group, the camp offers one free registration for every 15 paid registrations. Registration is available online at www.warrenwilliscamp.org. Click on the "attend" tab to find the retreat you wish to attend. For more information about this retreat or other retreats offered at Warrren W. Willis, contact Joel Pancoast at joel.pancoast@warrenwilliscamp.org, or call 352-787-4345. |
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Farm Workers Annual Soup Supper
November 21, 2009 at 5 PM
Pinellas Support Committee of the National Farm Worker Ministry cordially invites you to join us in Solidarity with the Farm Workers at our Annual Soup Supper at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 3200 N. McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, FL 33761
Keynote Speaker: The Reverend Charles McKenzie
Reverend McKenzie has been an advocate for farm workers issues for many years. He has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Farm Workers in Action, and in their quest for self-determination.
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Announcing The CERMA Project
The New Horizon Methodist School in Paraguay.
The General Board of Global Ministries, the global mission agency of The United Methodist Church, has evaluated, approved, and endorsed The CERMA Project as an Advance project. New Horizon Methodist School has proved to be a successful program with dramatic results in changing hearts toward Christ and giving hope to families and children. Through a curriculum that strives for academic excellence, this very poor community is being motivated to make education a top priority.
We will be sending more information soon and look forward to sharing with you the amazing things that God is doing in a suburb of Paraguay's capital! Visit the Website at: www.paraguayschools.org
Contact our US based Non-profit agency: Samaritan Hands-Fairview UMC
Lisa Counts or Dr. Pastor Jerry Russell
Phone: 865-983-2080 | jelcounts@yahoo.com
The School Missionary Founders now semi-retired in the US:
Mark and Johanna Waltz
phone: 814-833-6779 | mwaltz2@roadrunner.com
School Director in Paraguay: Sue Givens
sue@paraguayschools.org | Skype computer: sue.givens | Skype phone: 330-470-0508
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The Interpreter 2010 Subscriptions
 Make sure your church returns the Interpreter 2010 enrollment form for five complimentary print and five digital subscriptions before November 20 to receive the January/February issue on time. We offer three different options for enrollment:
- Online: http://www.umcom.org/subscriptions/
- Fax your updated enrollment forms to: (615) 742-5499
- Mail updated forms to: Interpreter, P.O. Box 440229, Nashville, TN 37244-0229
Please take this opportunity to complete the online enrollment process now. If you have any questions, please contact customer service at 1(888) 346-3862. |
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UMVIM Leader Training
January 15-16, 2010
The next UMVIM Leader training is scheduled for January 15th and 16th at Lakewood UMC in Jacksonville. Go to www.flumc.org/UMVIM and you will find information there about the training and a link to the registration. |
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 Summer Camp 2010
Registration opens December 1
In an effort to allow churches and individuals to begin registering for Warren W. Willis United Methodist Camp earlier, camp staff has moved the opening date of summer camp registration to December 1st. In order to register and have your space at camp reserved, register online or fill out a paper application. Both options will be available at the camp's [Website] or a paper application may be obtained at your local church. A deposit of $75 for online registrations, and $100 for paper registrations, must be paid in order to hold your spot. For more information, call the Warren Willis Camp office at 1-866-UMCAMPS (opt. 3). |
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Confirmation Retreats - Spring 2010
February 26-28, 2010 ~ March 19-21, 2010
Registration for Spring Retreats will begin in December 2009. Confirmation Retreats are amazing opportunities for classes to receive sound teaching on the Confirmation Vows they will be asked on Confirmation Sunday, have fun playing games, worshiping, and being at camp with confirmands from around the state, and bond as a class on our Challenge Course's Low Initiatives. The Camp will take care of housing, meals, challenge course facilitation, meeting spaces, worship service, and a special activity on Saturday Night. For more information call the camp at 1-866-UMCAMPS or visit the website at www.warrenwilliscamp.org. |
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Tapestry III Event: Maturing Spiritually
 February 26-28, 2010 at LEC, Fruitland Park
Clergy and laity involved in ministry by, with, and for adults beyond the age of 50 should plan to attend this event hosted by the Beyond 50 Ministries Task Team. Tapestry III offers early bird registration until November 15th. A brochure for the conference can be accessed [HERE]. For further information, please contact Gulf Coast Central Representative: Marian Palmer by email mdpalmer@tampabay.rr.com or phone 813-814-0894. |
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Spiritual Direction Retreats 2010
For Covenant Groups
Shade and Fresh Water (offered by those holding certificates in Spiritual Direction) offers retreats for the purpose of strengthening existing covenant groups in the Florida Conference or helping those desiring assistance in developing a covenant group to deepen clergy spiritual friendships within an optimum covenant group experience. Please go to www.shadeandfreshwater.org for more information.
2010 Dates: January 17-18 ~ May 9-10 ~ August 8-9 ~ September 12-13 ~ October 3-4 |
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4U: A Cokesbury Curriculum Newsletter
Read the Fall 2009 edition of the 4U Newsletter. The 4U Newsletter is published by our office at the United Methodist Publishing House to keep Annual Conference and District leaders informed about new resources and other important information about resources and training opportunities.
Also, here is an additional document about the Live B.I.G. curriculum. There have been questions about the DVD's and this document should help to understand more about the curriculum this year. [Click Here]. |
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Calendar |
Nov 18: Health Insurance Open Enrollment Ends
Nov 5-7: Clergy Mates Retreat LEC
Nov 11: District and Conference offices closed for Veteran's Day
Nov 12-13: Clergy Retreat at the Tradewinds
Nov 13-15: Crosstrainers Retreat Warren Willis Camp
Nov 15: Celebrate the Life Enrichment Center's 30th Anniversary
Nov 16: Clergy Day Apart at Leesburg
Nov 26-27: District office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec 1: Summer Camp 2010 Registration Opens
Dec 7: Retired Clergy Christmas party
Dec 8-11: Cabinet
Dec 24-31: District and Conference offices closed for Christmas Holidays
Jan 7: Year End Statistics go live on Conference Web Page
Jan 15-16: UMVIM Leader Training, Lakewood UMC, Jacksonville
Feb 5-7: Clergy Kids Camp, LEC
Feb 8: District Training Event, First UMC, Bradenton
Feb 9: District Training Event, Heritage UMC, Clearwater
Feb 11: District Training Event, First UMC, Spring Hill
Feb 26-28: Tapestry III Event: Maturing Spiritually, LEC
Feb 26-28: Confirmation Retreat
Mar 19-21: Confirmation Retreat |
From the Church Mouse:
"Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. It is a choice based on the knowledge that we belong to God and have found in God our refuge and our safety and that nothing, not even death, can take God away from us. Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved and that nothing--sickness, failure, emotional distress, oppression, war, or even death--can take that love away." --Henri Nouwen | |
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