My son Keenan celebrated his 10th birthday last week. He brought a smile to my face when he proudly announced he was now an ‘adult’ and looking forward to attending college.

Half of me was thrilled by his enthusiasm; the other half quickly began calculating tuition costs for the year 2007. I know I’m not the only parent with anxiety about the rising costs of a college education, and after conversations with families throughout the Florida Conference, I’ve discovered many are unaware of financial aid opportunities available for United Methodist college students.

Congregational support for the United Methodist Student Day Offering enabled our denomination to award more than $4.1 million in scholarships and loans to United Methodist students last year. Of those, 98 Florida Annual Conference students received a total of $96,550.00 in financial aid from the General Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry. I’ve heard hundreds of testimonies from Florida students who reaffirm the importance of our church’s commitment to providing financial assistance for members who seek to fulfill their vocational dreams.

The United Methodist Loans and Scholarships Program is the church-wide educational service which helps make these dreams come true. To qualify for both loans and scholarships students must be full and active members of the United Methodist Church for at least one year prior to applying, be admitted to a full-time degree program in an accredited college or university, and maintain a 2.5 grade point average or higher.

The 1999 Student Day Offering is Nov. 28. Many of our congregations use this Sunday worship service as a time to celebrate and affirm our United Methodist college students. Churches invite students to participate by serving as liturgists, guest speakers, ushers and musicians.

Florida United Methodist churches collected more than $12,000 during last year’s Student Day. This November I hope to see a greater inclusion of our college students in local worship services and the offering topping the $20,000 mark.

A college education will open the door of personal opportunity for my son. I’m proud our Methodist heritage demonstrates both a passion and commitment to higher education. Your congregation’s involvement in the 1999 Student Day Offering will help our denomination continue to make a difference in the lives of our college students.