Florida United Methodist Review Online

Church should help youth respond to call
Current trends in the Florida Conference indicate the conference may soon face a shortage of seminary-educated, ordained pastors.
One cause of that is the conference's failure to attract young people to the ministry, according to the Rev. Bob Bushing, chairman of the conference Board of Ordained Ministry and pastor of First United Methodist Church, Winter Park.
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People find redemption, rejection with Celebrate Jesus Mission
Teens try to give water away - FREE When the people of Lady Lake United Methodist Church visited their neighbors during last month's Celebrate Jesus mission in the Leesburg District, they found an opportunity to connect with many hurting and needy people and change the community's perception of the church.
Youth working with First United Methodist Church, Eustis, met resistance as they handed out bottles of water to area residents. The teens said they didn't take the rejection personally and hoped they were planting seeds for Jesus. Full Story

Computers draw youth to Sunday school
    Most children seem to love computers, but not as many feel the same way about church or, in particular, Sunday school. One teacher at North Merritt Island United Methodist Church has found a way to bring the worlds of computers and Christianity together.
    Les Cottrell teaches a class of about a half dozen third- to sixth-graders using eight fully-networked computers that incorporate the "Bible Zone" study series. Lessons guide students through a Bible verse and story, as well as an interactive play. Full Story

Merged church is greater than sum of its parts

    The Orlando District's Ocoee United Methodist Church averaged 60 people at its worship service each Sunday, while neighboring West Oaks United Methodist Church had about 145 between its two weekly services. The two churches merged June 10 to form Ocoee Oaks United Methodist Church, and worship attendance is now averaging more than 250 people.
    The Revs. Lew Arnold and Ernie Post, the church's pastors, aren't sure why attendance is up at a time of year when participation is typically lowest. They believe it is one more sign that God is blessing the union of the churches. Full Story

Conference wrap-up
Read a brief wrap-up of some important events that took place during the Dare to Share Jesus 2001 Florida Annual Conference Event.
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Photo supplement
Photo highlights from the Dare to Share Jesus 2001 Florida Annual Conference Event. photos

Conference announces appointments
The majority of appointments for the Florida Conference were approved June 1 during the Dare to Share Jesus 2001 Florida Annual Conference Event's last business session. Additional appointments were made following that session. For a complete list of pastoral appointments, click here.

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News at a Glance

United Methodist Women “kit-up” for disaster response

Opportunities

Disciple training goes to Orlando

Laity invited to discover God's call

Conference empowers laity for ministry

Adults take a hike

Miami college offers non-profit training

Cokesbury opens new store with savings

Short Bites

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