The "Totally Me!" weekend retreat offers parents and their fourth- and fifth-graders the chance to build a solid foundation of trust and communication while dealing with difficult issues, including self-esteem, decision making and the Christian response to sexuality.

Held March 17-19 at the Warren W. Willis Camp in Leesburg, it features worship, age-appropriate activities and time for parents and children to work together on lessons learned.

The cost is $65 per person. Register by March 3. Contact Carol Sue Hutchinson, director of the Conference Council on Ministries Discipleship Ministry office, at 1-800-282-8011, extension 141, or CHutchinson@flumc.org.

Bishop presents General Conference preview to retirees

All retired clergy, diaconal ministers and surviving spouses are invited to the 12th annual Retired Clergy Reunion March 27-29 at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg.

Retired Bishop J. Lloyd Knox will present a preview of the upcoming 2000 General Conference, and the Rev. David Dodge, executive director of the Florida Conference’s Division of Ministry, will speak on "Pension, Insurance and Housing." Classes on a number of topics will also be offered. Drs. Roosevelt Dell and James Maxwell will present the weekend’s devotionals.

The cost is $80 per person. Register by March 6. Contact the Rev. Trall Heitzenrater at 904-767-5568.

Board asks churches to honor retirees

The Preacher’s Relief Board is asking congregations throughout the Florida Conference to honor retired clergy and their spouses and widows Feb. 27. "These faithful servants deserve our gratitude, not just for their past service, but also for their continuing ministry," said the Rev. Billy Pickett, chairperson of the board.

The Preacher’s Relief Board helps pastors find adequate housing during their retirement, offers financial assistance to qualifying retirees and honors them at the annual conference event.

Contact the Rev. John Harrington, Mandarin United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, at 904-268-5549.

Short Bites…

Smaller churches and organizations active in or looking for ways to be involved in ministry to families in their communities are invited to "Maximizing Resources through Creative Collaboration" March 30, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and "Building Community & Achieving Social Change," May 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Both will be held at the Miami Dade Community College, Wolfson Campus. Each one-day seminar costs $20; preregistration is required. For more information, contact Dr. Carol Hoffman-Guzman at 305-237-3890.

United Methodists from the Lakeland, Orlando and Sarasota districts are invited to the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home’s "Day On Campus" March 18 for campus tours, a musical program presented by residents and a picnic lunch. Contact your local church’s Children’s Home representative or call the Children’s Home at 407-668-4774.

Wesley Group Home Ministries of Hallandale needs a full-time Resident Manager for a new six-bed group home for individuals with developmental disabilities. Applicants must have a high-school diploma or equivalency, a valid Florida driver’s license, and safe driver rating. Experience with developmental disabilities and CPR and first aid certification are preferred. Compensation includes a three-room efficiency apartment, housing, utilities and meals while on duty, medical insurance and $17,000 salary. Contact June Johns at 321-452-8783.