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Decreased giving puts finances on shaky ground
A prolonged financial deficit for the Florida Annual
Conference could lead to a significant cut in ministry and
staff, according to Dr. Randy Casey-Rutland, the Florida
Conference's treasurer.
Through the end of September the conference has spent nearly
$640,000 more than it has received, and the Florida Conference
Council on Finance & Administration (CF&A) is using a small
amount of accumulated undesignated funds from previous years
to stay afloat, according to Casey-Rutland.
Casey-Rutland said the shortfall is the result of reduced
apportionment giving "across the board in just about all
categories" on top of an increased budget and higher
expectations for ministries, services and benefits.
"There is a gnawing negative impact of always receiving far
less than budgeted," Casey-Rutland said. "We fall behind in
facilities maintenance and improvements, we have to borrow
money…and there are many ministry opportunities missed, both
here in Florida and around the world through our connectional
apportionments."
Full Story
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Nominee for bishop says time is right
 The
Rev. Dr. Richard "Dick" Wills thought he had missed his window
of opportunity when he withdrew his name as a nominee for the
office of bishop four years ago.
Now, after being elected a delegate to the 2004 United
Methodist General and Southeastern Jurisdictional conferences
at the annual conference event last May and nominee for the
office of bishop by the Florida Conference's delegates at
their first meeting Sept. 13, he says this time feels right.
"This is God's timing. It's the right timing or I don't think
this would have happened," he said. "I have great peace with
this…"
Full Story
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Tampa youth choir hits streets of New York City during summer tour
 Erin
Moore always looks forward to traveling with the youth choir at
Tampa's St. James United Methodist Church each summer.
This year Moore, 17, was one of the church's 23 youth choir members
who toured New York City and performed in such popular areas as
Battery Park and Washington Square, in addition to homeless
shelters.
The trip was more than an opportunity for the choir to get away from
home, however. It gave them a chance to deepen their own
relationship with Christ and experience other cultures, according to
Mark Deen, director of worship arts at the church.
"They get to see hurting people who need the love of Christ, people
who need food, shelter," Deen said. "…Their eyes are opened."
Full Story
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Evangelist of the Year brings conference to its feet
 At
the 2003 Florida Annual Conference Event last May 10-year-old
Brittany Cott was center stage accepting the Denman Award for
Evangelist of the Year.
In a situation that would have intimidated many adults, Cott
appeared at ease. Standing on a box to reach the microphone, she
brought the crowd to its feet as she challenged the audience to
evangelize wherever they are.
"I don't really work at it," she said. "When I talk to people it
just comes out. It's easy for people to get out there and tell
people about their churches. It's not just what pastors do…"
Full Story
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