August 1, 2003

Edition

Clergy and laity are invited to attend a lecture by Dr. Robert Tuttle Sept. 24 at Asbury Theological Seminary’s Orlando campus from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The lecture, titled “Wesleyan Heritage Surfacing in the Modern Church,” is about using Wesleyan methodology in practical and relational ways in the church, as well as the community.

The lecture is part of the Florida Conference Celebrate Jesus Equipping Seminars. For reservations call 407-893-7305.

“Beginnings” from Abingdon Press will soon enter the market as a new evangelism resource. Its authors will lead two sessions of an introductory workshop for people interested in local church evangelism Aug. 14 and 15 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.

Both sessions will be streamed live over the Internet in an interactive format.

Beginnings uses a “relational evangelism” approach to reach people who have questions about Christianity and the church. The goal is to encourage a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is distinctively Wesleyan and provides an introduction to Christian faith and teachings.

Joining or forming a group that is set up to receive the live interactive feed requires participation over the Internet. Local churches, districts, conferences or other ministry areas may wish to form such a group. To learn more about forming or joining a group contact Jerome Smith or Barbara Gilbert at 828-452-2881, extension 600.

Register for the on-site workshop at Lake Junaluska by contacting Loy Lilley at 828-452-2881, extension 750. The registration deadline is Aug. 7.

The United Methodist Women will hold its annual spiritual retreat, themed “Count It All Joy,” Sept. 5-7 at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg.

The Rev. Candace Lewis, pastor of New Life Community United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, will be the retreat leader, using James 1:2 as the basis for her keynote address.

The cost is $100 per person, and the deadline to register is Aug. 18. For registration information contact Bonnie Reardon at 954-434-2653.

The application process has started for churches interested in applying for grants targeting young people through the Shared Mission Focus on Young People.

Churches can apply for a maximum of $15,000 per year for up to three years. Churches in the Central Conference [outside the United States] will receive $39,000, and $110,000 will sponsor church projects within the United States. These projects must be designed and implemented by young people between the ages of 12 to 30.

The application deadline is Nov. 15. The General Board of Church and Society issues the grants.

For more information visit http://www.idreamachurch.com/grants.asp 

It’s time for the annual Adult Appalachian Trail Hike. Two separate hikes will be available at the same time—one group backpacking on the Appalachian Trail and the other camping at one location, with day hikes and visits to area sites. The hikes are October 13-19.

The cost of the six-day activity is $110 and covers transportation, meals while camping, insurance and community gear. Hikers must furnish a warm sleeping bag, tent, sturdy hiking boots, personal gear and money for food while traveling.

The minimum age is 18. Requirements for participation are a love of the outdoors and the ability to enjoy physical activity that requires some exertion.

Group size is limited. Call the Florida Annual Conference at 800-282-8011 for an application or write to Florida United Methodist Conference, P.O. Box 3767, Lakeland, FL 33802, or e-mail Birk Mullinax at bmullinax@flumc.org. 

For additional information contact Adult Trail Hike co-coordinators Mary Ann or Gene Cantwell at 352-394-2506.

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© 2003 Florida United Methodist Review Online