Florida United Methodist Review Online -January 5, 2001

Statistician takes close look at apportionments
   Seven hundred Florida Conference United Methodist churches have been asked to give approximately $17 million this year to support the ministries and missions of the conference. Ninety-three of those churches are responsible for more than 50 percent of the $17 million, with each asked to pay $50,000 or more.
   That report comes from statistics compiled by Dr. Randy Casey-Rutland, the conference’s treasurer and statistician.
   Statistics also show that 191 churches were asked to pay less than $5,000 each and together account for less than 3 percent of the conference’s budget. Full Story

African pastor hopes to bridge cultures

The Rev. Chris Chikoore, 38, former superintendent of the Harare East District in the Zimbabwe (Africa) Area of the United Methodist Church, says many African youth and young adults think America is a land of rampant marital infidelity, high-speed car chases and guns. Americans, he says, think Africa is a land of wild animals, wars, violence, naked people and people wearing animal skins.
"The media is a very powerful weapon," he said. "What we think of America when we see those movies and soaps is not what’s here. What people see of Africa…it’s not like that. The misconceptions are a two-way flow." Full Story

Miami Beach church uses arts to reach out

"For the first time in my life I sang "Ave Maria," at Evensong," church and choir member Jennifer Hudson said. "It was a beautiful moment for me — so many voices uplifted in song and praise! I believe that connecting a community through the arts, especially when the artists are actually a part of that community, helps to instill a sense of togetherness, understanding and pride."
That experience was part of a new program at St. John’s United Methodist Church here called The Arts at St. John’s. Full Story

Church offers hope to hill
One Tallahassee District church serving an African-American neighborhood is using tangible methods of offering people the serving and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Ray of Hope United Methodist Church here is planning the next installment of its "Free Market," a ministry that provides donated clothing, appliances, furniture and other items to people who need them. Full Story

Get it in Print - send story ideas on local church news to Tita Parham or Michael Wacht

News at a Glance

Conference receives check for new ministry

Scholarship program reaches new heights

Archivist elected first woman president

Back Issues

Back Issue
Guide

REVIEW SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Click Here for REVIEW Subscription forms

Communication
Helps

Get Free Email

Setup Your Own
Local Church
Web Site