November 13, 1998

Editon

Leaders learn to
transform church

"When church leaders use words like nominations, committee assignments and board meetings, many people think of a business rather than a ministry. Laity and clergy who attended the Oct. 19-21 SpiritGifts training explored ways they can help their churches begin operating less like corporations and more like spiritual communities.
     The three-day training retreat at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg was designed to help church leaders discover their own spiritual gifts and train them to help others discover theirs. . .        Full Story

Ads give wrong impression about Keys

      Recent radio and television advertisements are claiming that everything is back to normal in Key West; people should not be afraid to visit the tourist haven. While the ads may be good for business, theyÕre bad for relief efforts, says Ron Patterson, executive director of Christian Disaster Response."
      The ads on television and radio say everything is okay, and that kills the relief effort,"  Full Story

Florida clergy go back to school
    One week each year, Florida Conference clergy are invited to attend an event that offers continuing education, renewal and nurturing. It's called the School of Ministry, but for many who participate, it's more like a school reunion.
    Held Oct. 5-8 at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg, the theme for this year's school was "Spiritual Renewal for Spiritual Leaders." The week's goal was to help clergy "really connect with who we are". . .Full Story

Church meets community at bazaar
It had the ordinary bazaar components: face painting, popcorn machines, arts and crafts, home-baked goods, and entertainment. Then, there was the not so ordinary: a church intentionally creating a safe place where members could meet their unchurched neighbors and discover the needs of the community. "We were not inviting them into our world, but creating a space where the two worlds  could come together". . .     Full Story

Downtown church reaches out to
business community

      The hot Florida sun is at its brightest when the occupants of downtown Orlando office towers head into the streets looking for lunch or a midday break. Most find traffic, long lines and noise. A few have discovered a time of quiet meditation inside downtown's First United Methodist Church.
      Each Wednesday at noon, the church holds a midweek worship service for downtown business people. Between 15 and 40 gather in the sanctuary for a half-hour service that includes prayer, meditation and a brief message, said the Rev. E. Wayne Curry, the church's senior pastor.    Full Story

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Wesley scholar to speak at Florida Southern

Global consultation focuses on workers

Campers gather for Thanksgiving

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