The East Central District is pleased to host Enoc and Edita Rodriguez from June 8 though June 22, 2008.  Enoc is the former District Superintendent of the Holguin and Las Tunas Districts in South Eastern Cuba and they have been wonderful hosts to our many Cuban Caravans over the past 6 years. They are available for some speaking engagements and visits during their stay. 

If you have an event during this time, especially on a week day or evening, that you would like them to attend, please contact Kim Shockley at kshockley@flumc.org, or call the district office at 407-896-2230 x 101

As an incentive for churches that still own and operate 15 passenger vans to transition to safer transportation, the Conference is offering a full "rebate" of the 2008 van premium ($4000), if the church sells  the van by June 1, 2008.  After June 1 through the end of the year, the Conference will "rebate" 50% of the van premium, ($2000). Questions should be directed to Mark Thomas, Director of Ministry Protection for the Florida Conference at 800-282-8011 Ext. 137

Have you checked out the e-Learning Training available for your local church on our Conference website?  Training is available for Staff/Parish Relations Committees; Finance Committees (includes Stewardship); Trustees; and Membership Secretary.  There is also an online Bible Study available. 

Click on the "e-learning" button above to learn more!

We want to feature your local church ministry and mission highlights on our Website. If you have a special Mission or Ministry event that you might share with the rest of the East Central District, please Contact our Webmaster, Michelle Colan at mcolan@flumc.org and share with her your article and picture.

The hurricane season is upon us. Can you do anything to evaluate and prepare your facility for the coming storm? You might be surprised. 

Hear what an expert from one of the world's largest disaster restoration companies. Presented by: Gina Dolezal, Regional Director Belfor USA
Gina is the regional director for the South East Region of the United States. A former FEMA and commercial property adjuster, Gina currently provides disaster recovery, project management, and continuing education classes. Belfor is the worldwide leader in disaster recovery service.

On April 27, Pastor John Gill of Tomoka UMC in Ormond Beach, issued a "Big Give" challenge to his congregation to raise a significant amount for the annual conference offering promoted by Bishop Whitaker. Gaining his inspiration from the Parable of the Talents and the just completed TV reality series, "Oprah's Big Give," Rev. Gill distributed 200 one dollar bills to those in worship, money that was designated from the mission budget of the church for the Bishop's Offering, and challenged each person to take their share of the offering and do something creative with it to multiply its value, and donating the results. It was expected that the $200 would at least be doubled (as in the parable), but the members were amazed when it was reported that after only two weeks [MORE]

Or anyone with fancy handwriting! Would you be willing to share your gift and time with the Florida United Methodist Children's Home? If so, please call Stephanie Perez at the Florida United Methodist Children's home for more information (386) 668-4774 ext. 2313.