News from The Gulf Central District

With angry discourse regarding the health care reform debate receiving so much attention the past month, and with the death of Senator Ted Kennedy, whose great passion was that one day the United States would provide health insurance coverage to all its citizens, I am inspired to write not about the details of national health policy, but about how we disagree with each other in this country and in the church. Senator Kennedy's passing helped to inspire this because of the way in which he seemed to be able to be so passionate about his core convictions (rarely was he accused of being wishy-washy), yet so respectful of those with whom he disagreed. Senator Bob Dole, on the other side of the political spectrum, was someone else who had that capacity.

In my own experience as a local church pastor, I served a church for ten years, First UMC of Oviedo, that did not shy away from debate on issues of the day...war, abortion, minimum wage, immigration policy, treatment of homosexuals, race relations, health care reform, Teri Schiavo, and on and on. We had a broad spectrum of views and much disagreement. In fact, my wife's Sunday School class had a left-leaning former member of the American Communist Party along with a few John Bircher types, with plenty of folk in between (and believe me, they could be just as passionate about their views as those on the left and the right). While debate came close to getting out of hand a few times, the class learned how to be respectful of each other and how to be passionate without tearing apart the fabric of community. It's not an easy dance. They had to work at it.

First UMC of Oviedo held regular theological forums, led by professors from Asbury Theological Seminary, with much debate among church members on theological and social issues. Yet, we all managed to get along pretty well. Generally, throughout the church, people got along even in their differences (Differences over style of worship and worship times? Well, that's another story.) It helped that two of the most respected members of the church were on opposite ends of the theological and political spectrum- and they were good friends- sort of like Kennedy and Dole. These two church leaders modeled respectful behavior for the rest.

My role in all of this was to try as hard as I could to be respectful and open minded about other viewpoints when preaching, while also trying not be "milk toast". I have my passions and I'll bet you the members of First Church could tell you without hesitation what they are. But rarely was I accused of inappropriate haranguing or disrespecting fellow Christians who held opinions different from mine. But, it's not an easy dance.

Regarding the current health care delivery debate, any preacher worth his or her salt will take a stand for access to decent health care for all. The Bible is pretty clear about what the Catholic Bishop's have called "God's preferential option for the poor". But the details of how best to deliver that needs to be discussed respectfully and with open minds. I remember how during the Reagan administration there were those who were critical of supply- side, so-called trickle down economics (George H. Bush called it voo doo economics during the Primary campaign, and then got tapped to be Reagan's V.P.). Critics said the approach was unequal and unjust (some said it just didn't work). Defenders said that the critics were ideologues rather than people who truly cared about the poor. They pointed out that supply-side economics would benefit the poor more than more ideologically liberal economic approaches. What struck me in all this was that, at least on the surface, both sides seemed to share the value of taking care of "the least of these". They disagreed as to the best method of doing so.

In the church and in the nation, we have different points of view. But we are all beloved children of God. May we all learn how to be strong in our convictions while being respectful and loving members of the family. It's not an easy dance, but one well worth the effort.

Shalom,
John

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Conference Table to Focus on Clergy Excellence

Thursday, September 3, 10 am - 3 pm at Community of Faith UMC, Davenport

The next Florida Conference Table will be on the topic of "Clergy Excellence." The event will be held Thursday Sept. 3, from 10 am to 3 pm, at the Community of Faith Church in Davenport. This Conference Table event is open to all people interested in the topic.

The Conference Table concept was established by a resolution at the 2002 Florida Annual Conference. The first Conference Table was held in August of that same year.

This session will offer a space for true Christian conferencing around issues of clergy excellence - what it is, why it is important, and what helps or hinders it. The event will differ from previous Conference Tables in that it will utilize an "open space technology" format. This method for discussion is based on the idea that the circle is the fundamental geometry of open human communication and that participants are the best ones to shape the actual agenda and process of a work session. Participants will plan the meeting's program onsite based on the issues of importance to them in that time and space. Voluntary self-selection is central to open space technology in that each individual will be responsible for their own learning and input into the meeting. Those who attend will decide what topics to discuss, how it will be discussed and will design an action plan to help address the issues raised;Two United Methodist laity familiar with the process will serve as facilitators.

The session will not be web cast as previous Conference Tables, due to the unique format that will be utilized. To register for the Conference Table, [click here].

Don't Forget to Report! Missional Vital Signs

Pastors, please contact your MVS Reporter, making sure that they have begun their reporting for the church. If they need assistance to get started, please have them contact the District office, 941-371-6511 or toll-free 1-866-373-6511. Congregations should now be reporting data for Passionate Worship, Radical Discipling, Extravagant Generosity, Intentional Discipling and Salty Service. For complete information [click here]. The purpose of the MVS is to help congregations stay focused on the five practices of fruitful congregations and to track an indication of their effectiveness for each of these practices.

UMVIM Leader Training

September 11-12, 2009

Warren W. Willis Camp, Fruitland Park, Florida

Are you interested in leading a United Methodist Mission Team? UMVIM Leader training prepares volunteers to lead Volunteer in Mission teams to projects in the United States and around the world. You will learn the "ins and outs" of organizing a mission trip from recruiting the team, to picking the location, getting support, staying safe, planning the work and much, much more. You'll also enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship with other mission-minded folks in a beautiful camp setting.

Participants stay in dorm-style lodges with bunk beds. Cost is $55 per person and includes lodging, three meals (dinner, breakfast and lunch) and all training materials. Trainers include Sue Macchiarella, Florida Conference Chair for UMVIM, as well as trainers from the Southeastern Jurisdiction of UMVIM. For more information or to register, please visit the Web site: www.flumc.org/UMVIM.

Intentional Discipleship Workshop

September 11-12, 2009

The second series of training on Intentional Discipleship, "Deepening Your Effectiveness," will be held September 11 at First United Methodist Church in Port Orange, and repeated on September 12 at First United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda.

Information regarding registration is posted at flumc.org and on congregationaltransformation.com. Cost of each one-day workshop is $45 per person, including lunch and snacks. For additional information, contact Vicky Tica at vtica@flumc.org.

Alpha Course Offered

Begins Monday, September 14 at 6:30 PM

Faith United Methodist Church, 7215 1st Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34209 (941) 794-8067

We have dinner together, followed by a video, and then small group time for everyone to discuss any questions or issues. Alpha is for anyone who is searching for something more. It is a basic course in Christianity that will apply to anyone at any age wherever they may be in their spiritual journey.

Spiritual Formation Gathering on Prayer

Saturday, September 19 from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Palm Harbor United Methodist Church

District churches are invited to come and participate in this Saturday event, September 19th, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. Participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. Drinks will be provided by the host church. The day will be centered around experiencing prayer in different ways focusing on the body, mind, spirit and soul. Individuals will rotate between sessions with the day ending in a corporate worship session of a Taize worship with communion. Registration is requested. Please contact the church office at 785-7487 by Wednesday, September 16th. [See Flyer]

District Clergy Team Meeting

September 21 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

We have several topics to cover - while the clergy are meeting the spouses will meet in another room and we will come together for lunch.

COMMUNITY ARISE: Basic Disaster Ministry Training

Saturday, September 26 from 10 am - 4:00 pm
Trinity UMC, 3200 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205

Sponsored by the Disaster Recovery Ministry of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, this training provides an introduction to the unique and important role the faith community plays in disaster mitigation, preparation and response. You and your church will hear practical ideas on how to effectively respond to disaster in your community in cooperation with other churches, emergency management officials and the Disaster Recovery Ministry of the conference. You will understand the importance of communication and collaboration in meeting the needs of disaster survivors and the importance of being the church in the midst of crisis.

There is no cost for this training; however, registration is required for planning purposes. Lunch is provided. For more information call Disaster Recovery (800) 282-8011 Ext. 149.

To register, [click here] and follow the links.

Third Annual Stewardship Summit

Saturday, September 26 from 8am - 2pm

Stewardship Summit Looks At Spiritual Roots Of Global Economic Crisis

Harvest UMC, 14305 Covenant Way,Bradenton, FL 34202

The 2009 Stewardship Summit, sponsored by the Florida United Methodist Foundation will examine people's relationship to money and how the current economic crisis is intrinsically rooted in spiritual crisis.

The keynote speaker is financial expert Gary Moore, founder of The Financial Seminary and Gary Moore & Company of Sarasota. Moore has dedicated his life's work to helping people integrate personal financial management into a moral and spiritual framework. The program includes worship, keynote address, question and answer period, lunch and afternoon workshops designed to help you implement "best stewardship practices" in the local church. It is open to all laity and clergy in the Florida Conference. A registration fee of $50 covers all events, lunch, continental breakfast, snacks and materials for the day. [Click Here] for brochure.

Foundation staff will present four workshops, including:

"Creating Congregations of Givers: Developing a Theology of Stewardship for the Local Church" led by the Rev. John Peterson, vice president of Planned Giving.
"Becoming a Good Steward: Practicing Personal Financial Stewardship," led by Christian Burns, CFP�, vice president of Planned Giving.
"Next Generation Givers: Stewardship Practices for the Home and Family," led by Tom Wilkinson, vice president of Development.
"Stewardship De-Coded: Practical Ideas and Resources for Teaching Stewardship in the Local Church," led by the Rev. Bonnie Ogie-Kristianson, vice president of Stewardship.

Online registration is available at the Florida United Methodist Foundation [Website]. More information is available by contacting the Foundation toll free at 866-363-9673.

"Renewal" DVD Available from District Office

The Gulf Central District Office has a copy of the "RENEWAL" DVD that was shown at Annual Conference at the Green Film Festival.

RENEWAL is a powerful tool for everyone concerned about the current environmental crisis and the fate of life on our planet. The documentary and its website are creating many exciting and effective ways to:

�Engage people of faith in organized and individual environmental action
�Foster interfaith dialogue about environmental stewardship
�Break down barriers between secular environmentalist and people of faith

The DVD has nine segments totaling 90 minutes. If a church would like to show the films to their congregation or small groups, the DVD can be borrowed for a 2-week time period. The DVD can be purchased for only $20 from www.renewalproject.net.

15 Passenger Vans for the Bahamas Conference

The Bahamas conference would like to obtain any 15 passenger vans they can get. Five vans have already been sent and there are requests for three more. The most urgent is for a Haitian church in Nassau with seven hundred members and no transportation. There are three cars among them and one belongs to the pastor. It will be used to transport their people to the doctor, immigration, school church etc.

The Haitians have no money so if a church has any type of transportation to give, it would be deeply appreciated. The other two have about $5,000 and could pay something. However, they have to pay shipping for $1,500 and whatever customs charges them to bring it into the country. Sometimes they let it in free because it is for a church. I doubt they will do if for the Haitians because they don't want them there.

There are two shipping lines that will get the vehicles to the Bahamas, one in West Palm and the other in Ft. Lauderdale. I can either come get the van or tell the church how to take them for shipment. Thanks for you help in this project. Contact Gene Zimmerman for further information at eagzimme@yahoo.com.

Help Preparing Worship Services

Do you ever need to find just the right hymn for a worship service you are leading or to find a special hymn when you can only remember the first line and not the title? If so, you might be interested in the newly released The Reference Companion to The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing, which includes over 90 indexes to The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing.

The indexes range from hymns as service music by category, to non-English hymns, to women composers, to contemporary songs, to hymns from classical compositions. For more information or to order call 800.972.0433 or go to [click here]. Also available is Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette with fine new words and a listing of hymn tunes to use in singing them at [click here].

One-day Internet Ministry Training Event

Saturday, October 3, Life Enrichment Center, Fruitland Park
"Weaving a Web of Connection: Internet Technology for Effective Ministry"

Presented by United Methodist Communications in partnership with the Florida Conference, this regional event covers the basics of starting a Web ministry in a local church, district or conference organization. The event is designed to assist local churches and other organizations to use Web and Internet technology for effective ministry. It is open to all people who want to learn how to use today's digital technology to reach seekers, visitors and stay connected with members.

The training is ideal for pastors, staff, volunteers, webmasters/webservants and communications teams. It is largely geared for beginner and intermediate skill levels, but advanced and professional techies will not be disappointed.

For more information and to register for Weaving a Web, go [HERE]. An event overview and schedule are available on this site. The cost for this event including registration, class materials, continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack is $75. Registration deadline: September 27.

2009 Apportionments

It is very important to include an Apportionment Giving Report when sending in a payment. This lets the Conference know where you want the money applied. This will help save you and the Conference headaches at the end of the year! [Click Here] for the form.

UM Cooperative Ministries

Backpacks Are Ready!

Some 230 children in the Gulf Central District are headed back to school with all of their supply needs met thanks to the work of United Methodist churches and United Methodist Cooperative Services. UMCM's Executive Director, Pam Qualls credits the youth groups of Anona UMC and Faith UMC, both of Largo, for packing the bags. Through various back-to-school events, Health Fairs, and school partnerships, the following churches have joined hands to contributed time, money and talents for this ministry to lower income children in our area. [MORE]

Ministers' Mates Retreat

November 5-7, 2009 at the Life Enrichment Center, Fruitland Park

All Ministers' Mates are invited to come and enjoy a special time away in November to have fun, connect with other Mates, and to celebrate your own journey of faith. The cost for the retreat and rooming at the LEC is $140 and must be mailed by September 30. Please download the brochure and the registration form [click here]. We'd also like to connect with you throughout the year on FACEBOOK, look for our group: Florida Conference UM Ministers' Mates. If you have any questions, please email Darlene Waller, Retreat Chair, at kraftylady1951@yahoo.com or call (386) 717-3586.

LEC Celebrates 30 Years of Ministry

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 pm guests will gather for dinner and a look at the center's future. The celebration will close with worship at 6 pm.

A special rate for lodging will be available the night before and after the celebration. More details will be provided in September. Information about the Life Enrichment Center and its ministry is available [here].

Our mission is to provide a sacred space filled with Christian hospitality, in a natural environment, that encourages life enriching experiences for all.

Clergy Day Apart

Monday, November 16, 2009
Bishop Tim Whitaker is inviting all clergy in the Florida Conference to come for a day of spiritual renewal, worship and conversations with colleagues, Monday, November 16th. There will be nothing to vote on; clergy are simply invited to come and connect with God and others before heading into a busy Advent season. The day will offer structured times of worship and reflection, as well as unstructured time to spend alone with God and in community with others.

More details are coming soon, but plan now to save the date: Monday, November 16, 9 am to 5 pm at the Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park.

Grant Opportunities: Older Adult Ministries

These grants will be available to local United Methodist congregations, districts, annual conferences, central conferences, and United Methodist-related institutions.

Intergenerational Ministry with older adults:

August 2009 - Applications available
December 15, 2009 - Submission deadline
June 2010 - Grant funds are awarded

Care-giving Ministry with older adults:
August 2010 - Applications available
December 15, 2010 - Submission deadline
June 2010 - Grant funds are awarded

Please note that grant applications for Intergenerational Ministry may only be submitted between August 1 and December 15 in 2009 and grant applications for Care-giving Ministry may only be submitted between August 1 and December 15, 2010. There will be no other opportunities for receiving grants during this quadrennium.

To receive your Older Adult Ministry Grant Application Form with procedures and criteria, contact:
Teri Kline, Project Coordinator,
Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries - GBOD
POB 340003
Nashville, TN 37203-0003
Telephone: 615-340-7177
Toll free: 1-877-899-2780 ext. 7177
Email: tkline@gbod.org.

Hurricane Season: Is Your Church Prepared?

If you already have a Disaster Plan for your church, congratulations! Please share that plan with the Conference office by fax (863-688-7233) or via email DisasterRecovery@flumc.org. The Conference office will scan your plan into our system for safe, offsite storage. In the event of a disaster, it will be ready for you without worry or concern about where you stored it. They will also email it back to you on May 14, 2010 so you can do a quick review and update any changes!

If you haven't had time to put a plan together and need assistance, please call 800-282-8011 X 149 or email at DisasterRecovery@flumc.org. They can help and have resources available to assist you. Check out their [website] for updates on what your Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry is doing to serve you better! There are training opportunities, volunteer opportunities, helpful links to other sites and so much more!

Please complete this [Quick Resource Survey] for your church and email or fax it (863-688-7233) back to the Conference office in the next week or so. The form asks for some basic information they can put in their database so that WHEN disaster comes, they will have a quick snapshot of where we have resources available to offer assistance.

Billing Info for: Insurance, etc.

Don't forget to go to flumc.org for your invoicing on health insurance, pension, worker's compensation and property/casualty every month. Look on the right side of the site for the box that says: "Billing Info for:".

PAUMCS 28th Annual Conference in Orlando 2010

April 15-18, 2010 at the Wyndham Resort, Orlando, Florida

The Florida Chapter of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) is excitedly looking forward to hosting the organization's 28th Annual Conference in Orlando in 2010. Each year, this conference provides hundreds of United Methodist Church administrative professionals with the opportunity to increase their knowledge in various areas of office skills and church polity. In addition to the continuing education aspect of these conferences, the participants are reinvigorated spiritually, inspirationally, and motivationally.

[Brochure available]

As an extra added attraction, a bus trip to the Kennedy Space Center will be scheduled for Wed., April 14. This is an option that will not be included with the initial registration fee. On Fri., April 16, the festivities will include a trip to SeaWorld for dinner. To accommodate free time activities on Sat., April 17, a one-day pass for the trolley service will be included in everyone's packet. The cost, per pass, to ride the trolley all day is $3. We anticipate approximately 300 people or more to attend the conference. If you would like to send a donation to cover the cost of a pass, please send your check or cash payable "FLUMC", Attention: Karen Kastor, 8628 111th St N. Seminole, FL 33772-3655.

It will be an exciting time for Florida to host this fantastic annual event, and we would like to welcome all of you to join us. If you would like to be a part of our host team, please contact me as soon as you can. We would love to have you. For more information contact:
Debbie Stouffer, Site Chair, Certified Church Secretary 2006
St. John's United Methodist Church, 6611 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, FL 34241
941-925-2661 Website: www.stjohns-sarasota.com.

District
Calendar

Sep 3: Conference Table - Clergy Excellence
Sep 7: Labor Day - Office Closed
Sep 14-17: Cabinet
Sep 15: Church Admin. Staff Training, Trinity UMC, Bradenton 10a-2p
Sep 17: Church Admin. Staff Training, St. Paul UMC, Largo, 10a-2p
Sep 24: Church Admin. Staff Training, First UMC, Hudson, 10a-2p
Sep 21: Clergy Meeting, St. Paul UMC, Largo, 10a-2p
Sep 21: Clergy Spouse Meeting, St. Paul UMC, Largo, 10a-2p

Oct 14-15: Cabinet

Nov 11-12: Cabinet
Nov 12-13: Clergy Retreat, TradeWinds, St. Petersburg Beach
Nov 16: Clergy Day Apart, Leesburg
Nov 25-27: Thanksgiving Break - Office closed

Dec 7: Retired Clergy Christmas Luncheon
Dec 8-11: Cabinet

Gulf Central District Training events for 2010
Finance, Trustees, Lay Leader, Staff Parish Relations, Methodist Way, Faith Community Nursing, Disaster Training, Missions, and the UM Children's Home
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

CALENDAR OF REPORTS DUE for 2009 is on the Conference website!! You can find this list by selecting the "CALENDAR" tab on the home page.