Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker announced May 11 that the Rev. David Dodge will become a member of the Florida Conference Cabinet effective June 1. Dodge is executive director of the Florida Conference Division of Ministry and a deacon in full connection with the conference.

"His addition to the Cabinet will improve communications between the District Offices and the Division of Ministry," Whitaker said in a memo to conference staff. "His membership in the Cabinet will also help facilitate a closer working relationship between the Cabinet and the Board of Ministry."

Whitaker said Dodge also brings the unique perspective of a deacon to a group that currently includes elders and two lay people.

"David is a very able servant of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church," Whitaker said. "I am grateful for his service to our conference, and I look forward to having him as a member of my Cabinet."

The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home in Enterprise attained EAGLE accreditation status from The United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries (UMA).

EAGLE, which stands for the Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence, is an intensive self-assessment and peer review process that encourages and recognizes excellence in Christian mission and ministry. EAGLE accredited facilities are reviewed based on seven business practices, three social principles and their Christian mission.

The term of accreditation is five years, and the EAGLE Program Committee monitors ongoing compliance.

The Rev. Dan Johnson, senior pastor at Gainesville’s Trinity United Methodist Church, gave the sermon at the baccalaureate service for United Methodist-related Florida Southern College’s spring graduation April 29. More than 50 MBA, evening-class and Orlando-campus students received their degrees during the service.

Tom Reuschling, president of Florida Southern, said he was excited to have the pastor of "one of the largest and fastest growing congregations in Florida" speak to the graduates.

Johnson has been a minister since 1974 and has served churches in Florida and New Jersey. He received his undergraduate degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and his master’s degree and doctorate from Princeton Theological Seminary. Trinity United Methodist Church has a membership of approximately 3,300.

The Rev. Dan Johnson, senior pastor at Gainesville’s Trinity United Methodist Church, gave the sermon at the baccalaureate service for United Methodist-related Florida Southern College’s spring graduation April 29.

Johnson has been a minister since 1974 and has served churches in Florida and New Jersey. Trinity United Methodist Church has a membership of approximately 3,300.

The Rev. Robin Johnson, an ordained deacon on staff at Port Charlotte United Methodist Church in Port Charlotte, was elected to the Board of Directors of Christian Educators Fellowship of the United Methodist Church.