In the life of our connectional dimension as Florida United Methodists, these are challenging times, indeed. Challenges are useful in that they prompt a sense of urgency. However, when you are under the oppression of the challenge, you yearn for "an easier way to get urgent!"

In the weeks that lie ahead, our conference will be doing a lot of looking at itself. The Dare to Share Jesus 2000 Florida Annual Conference Event and an initiative known as "The Common Table," which was suggested by the Conference Council on Ministries and affirmed by the Cabinet, will provide times for thoughtful examination and reflection. These will both follow General Conference, which provided yet another opportunity for examining ourselves for focus and effectiveness.