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Pensacola District Day ApartThursday, September 13, 2012"Faith and Money"Dr. Ross Dickens, Professor of Economics and Finance, University of South Alabama
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Pensacola
CEUs available / Lunch will be served
Cost: $20
More information to come...
Happy birthday this week to Rev. Andres Doimeadios!
News and Announcements
News Across the Alabama-West Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church:
Annual Conference Materials Are In the Mail
 Annual Conference materials for the Pensacola District were mailed Friday, May 11, to the local churches. Please make it a priority to provide these to your delegates as soon as possible.
If you receive incorrect name tag(s) please read: The list of delegates was downloaded from the database just prior to preparing the name tags and shipping. If you had changes in delegates and did not notify the district office (or did not update the database), you may receive incorrect name tags. If that is the case please contact the district office to reorder and to update the records.
Choir Director Needed - Trinity UMC (Fort Walton Beach, FL) - Trinity United Methodist Church of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, is accepting applications for the position of Director of Chancel Choir. This position is available June 25. Experienced applicants should either have a music degree and/or equivalent experience. This position is part-time, with responsibilities including leading music for two Sunday services and special services, directing the Chancel Choir, and others as indicated in the job description . A complete job description is available on the front page of our website at www.trinityfwb.com. Salary is negotiable, depending upon experience. Please send resume and references, etc. to Kevin Shular, Trinity United Methodist Church, 403 Racetrack Road NW, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547; or fax to 850-862-1103; or email to kevin.shular@trinityfwb.com. [This announcement was posted 5/17/12.]
Children's Minister Needed - Woodbine UMC
(Pace, FL) - Woodbine United Methodist Church is looking for a Children’s Minister (Pre-K-5th) who is able to take an already thriving children’s ministry to a new level of excitement. Familiarity with the “Orange Strategy” is a plus! Someone who has excellent stage presence and able to develop a worship experience by using creative sets, drama and storytelling so that the scriptures come alive. A person that would take on the responsibility of the vision for children & families and make that vision come a reality. Our Ministry Staff works together as a team and we are looking for the right team member. Someone who can also recruit, train, support & encourage a dynamic team of volunteers. We're looking for someone with a Bachelors Degree in related field and 3 years of Children’s Ministry experience, preferably with group organizational skills. If kids give you energy rather than zap it from you then this is the place for you! Please send your resume to the Children's Minister Search Team, 5200 Woodbine Road, Pace, FL 32571 or e-mail sallyobannon@bellsouth.net.
Worship Leader Needed - Woodbine UMC
(Pace, FL) - Woodbine United Methodist Church is seeking a Worship Minister for a dynamic and fast-growing community. Fully contemporary, Woodbine ministers to a total of about 450-500 people each week in our two services. Twenty years in the Pace, Florida area, Woodbine is aggressively seeking a talented and creative musician/leader to help us continue to grow God’s Kingdom in the Pace Community. Our Worship Minister will primarily be responsible for organizing and conducting rehearsals for weekly services as well as planning and leading special services throughout the year. Our Worship Minister will also need to be able to effectively recruit and train volunteers and work with the Lead Pastor and the staff as an integral member of a team approach. Woodbine’s Worship Minister will also be a resource as needed for other ministries as pertains to music and worship. Knowledge of Planning Center Online and Pro Presenter are preferred and our Worship Minister should have a degree in a related field and/or proven experience leading in worship. Interested candidates with a heart for the Lord and serving in an exciting environment should send their resume to the Worship Minister Search Team, 5200 Woodbine Road, Pace, Florida 32571 or e-mail sallyobannon@bellsouth.net.
Will You Help with Lodging for Tennessee Youth Choir?
(Rev. J. Z. Medley) - The youth choir at Hendersonville First United Methodist Church in Tennessee is looking for churches in Alabama and Florida to host them on their June 25-29 tour (Nashville-Huntsville-Birmingham-Pensacola and points in-between). The group will need lodging, so in-church would be good if showers are available. Please contact director Alyson Haley at alyson.haley@hfumc.org for more information or to extend an invitation from your church to host this wonderful group of talented young people. Thank you!
Happy 90th Birthday June 8 to Rev. Clifford Abbott
Friends and family of Rev. Clifford Abbott wish him a very happy 90th birthday June 8!!
Rev. Abbott became a Full Elder in the Alabama-West Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church in 1954. His clergy appointments include the Robertsdale-Marlow Charge (1947), Opelika: Pepperell United Methodist Church (1949), Tallassee: First United Methodist Church (1953), Fairhope United Methodist Church (1957), Toulminville United Methodist Church (1960), Marianna: First United Methodist Church (1963) , Montgomery: St. James United Methodist Church (1968), Enterprise: First United Methodist Church (1974), Andalusia District as District Superintendent (1979) , Pensacola District as District Superintendent (1981), Pensacola: St. Mark United Methodist Church (1985), retired in 1987, supplied for Pollard United Methodist Church (1990) , retired again in 1993, supplied for Mae Edwards United Methodist Church (1996), then retired again in 2003.
 RSVP Needed for June 3 Meeting and Dinner
For Local Pastors and Associate Members: (Fred Gandy) - I need your help in finalizing the plans for our meeting and dinner of the New and Revitalized Fellowship of Local Pastors on the first day of Conference … that’s Sunday, June 3rd. I certainly hope you are going to be able to attend. Here’s what I need: An email to me at jgrady2108@charter.net or a phone call at (334) 782-3210. I’m looking forward to our time together. I’ll be sending out an agenda the week before Conference. See you in Mobile. Blessings, Dinner and Meeting for Local Pastors and Associate Members
For Local Pastors and Associate Members: On June 3rd at 4 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile, AL, a special dinner is being prepared just for you. Several courses are being served which includes an appetizer to feed your spiritual hunger, a special salad will be served by Herb Sadler that will feed your leadership hunger. Included in the salad portion of your dinner you will hear about the Maxwell leadership training and how the program of Excellence can benefit the local pastor. Walter Cash will be serving the next course including the Alabama Course of Study and information about the Holy Land trip that is being planned especially for local pastors. Dessert will be served later after you have had time to savor your new knowledge. Between our fine meal and dessert, we will also have a business meeting to verify officers and representatives, ratify recommendations from the planning council and there will be time allotted for discussion. Opening Worship Celebration (Dessert) is being served at 7 p.m. in the Christ Center Gym.
As most of you know, normally we have our conference meeting and luncheon on Monday, however, this year we listened to our members. We have heard from many of you saying you would like to attend at least a portion of Conference including the meeting for the Fellowship of Associate and Local Pastors; but if you have a full time job during the week it’s impossible. This is your chance to experience a portion of Conference. If you have not been to the Opening Worship Celebration you are in for a special blessing. Please make every effort to join us on Sunday, June 3rd at 4 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile, AL. We need to get a head count for the caterer. Please send your RSVP to jgrady2108@charter.net. If you look on the conference web site, you will be able to review the 2012 Annual Conference Working Agenda. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. Fred Grady
AWF Annual Conference News Update
 May 9, 2012
Greetings from the Alabama-West Florida Conference! We are anticipating another wonderful annual conference in just a few short weeks. Many people have been hard at work to make this important event a success.
First, we would like to thank the staff of Christ United Methodist Church for hosting this year's event. They have tirelessly worked to ensure this year's conference will be a memorable event and have already handled so many details. Our sincere thanks goes to them! If you have not registered, please do so today! The deadline is May 18, and we must have an accurate head count. Click here to register. Any fees incurred during pre-registration need to be paid prior to attending. Checks/money orders can be made payable to AWFC and mailed to AWFC, Attn 2012 Annual Conference, 100 Interstate Park, Suite 120, Montgomery, AL 36109. Online payment is available prior to pre-registering by May 18. The Christ UMC campus is equipped with wireless Internet throughout the building for your convenience and is free of charge. There will also be a 4G hotspot available near the sanctuary. Please review the updated agenda so that you arrive in plenty of time. Click here to download. The opening worship service, memorial service, ordination and commissioning service, as well as the Bible studies, teaching sessions and business sessions, will be streamed live on the Web. To view on the appropriate day, go to www.awfumc.org/live. Please consult the agenda for start times. Should you wish to order a copy of one of these services, please complete the order form and return with your payment. [As a reminder, the clergy spouse's lunch will be held Tuesday, June 5 at 11:30 a.m. in the Hospitality Room. If you plan to attend you must RSVP by May 28. Contact the Mobile District Office at 251-345-3313 or admin@mobileumc.com.] The annual conference missional offering to be collected Sunday evening is for Imagine No Malaria. Click here for more. A special offering will collected for the Ministerial Education Fund at the ordination and commissioning service on Monday, June 6 at Dauphin Way UMC. Don't forget to join the conversation on Twitter by using #awfac12. We look forward to seeing each of you there. For further information about annual conference, go to www.awfumc.org/ac2012. Church Secretary Training Set
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A special training seminar on church administration and administrative duties will be held July 15-20 at the office of the General Council on Finance and Administration. The GCFA offers this program in support of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries, formed 30 years ago to “provide individual growth, professional development, continuing education, spiritual enrichment and work toward the betterment of The United Methodist Church.” Interested people may contact Cynthia Haralson, the GCFA staff person to PAUMCS, at (615) 369-2386 or charalson@gcfa.org. "John Wesley: The Man from Aldersgate" by BJ Johnston
(Daphne UMC Communications) - Join us for an incredibly wonderful evening as we go back into history with the one-man presentation by BJ Johnston on the dynamic life and ministry of John Wesley. Learn what happens when one person surrenders fully to the Lord's leadership! Dinner will be at 5 p.m., performance at 6 p.m. at the Daphne United Methodist Church Community Life Center. Click here to register. Reservations are required. Dinner tickets cost $5 for adults, $3 for children age 10 and younger, maximum $20 per family. Daphne UMC is located at 2401 Main Street, Daphne, AL 36526. For more information phone 251-626-2287. Lots more detail about this event here!
May 26, 2012
"The World Is My Parish" Latino Festival
8 a.m.-noon at Richards Memorial United Methodist Church. Below is the flyer.
 Clergy Women's Luncheon June 4
Ladies, do you feel more like the "Giving Tree" and less like Luke 6:38? Take heart and be of good cheer! The Clergy Women's luncheon cordially invites you to "Laugh, Eat and Pray" Monday, June 4, 2012, during Annual Conference. Anita Renfroe will help us "disconnect" via her DVD "Two Thumbs Up." Rich fellowship, good company, a lunch we didn't have to cook! What more do you want? No cost to clergy. Guests are welcome and can laugh along for just the bargain price of $7.00! Register your name(s) now by emailing cmtperelli@gmail.com. Deadline to register is May 17. Don't wait and miss the chance to laugh out loud (LOL)!
Your Sisters in Christ,
Marg Perelli and Jean Tippit
 New Prayer Labyrinth at Blue Lake
On their their Facebook page, Blue Lake posted, "We now have an outdoor prayer Labyrinth at Blue Lake given in honor of Rev. Frank Scott by Brewton FUMC and Pollard UMC! It's truly a blessing and we hope that it will bless you the next time you are at Blue Lake."
General Conference Vote Ends Guaranteed Clergy Appointments
Tampa, FL (UMNS) - Many delegates were surprised and even shocked by how quickly a far-reaching proposal that takes away the security of guaranteed appointments for ordained elders breezed by The United Methodist 2012 General Conference. The item was approved as part of a large number of proposals in the assembly's April 30 consent calendar. The consent calendar is a tool used by General Conference to expedite legislation wherein recommendations from legislative committees with no more than 10 votes are grouped and passed together. GC2012 Radio audio reporting about it is here. Click here for more. Transcripts of each day's proceedings can be viewed here. Don't Let Toner Pirates Fool You!
 Copy Products Company of Pensacola is warning customers about Toner Pirates. If you receive a call from someone requesting your copier's model or serial number to verify purchase of toner or other equipment supplies, do NOT give them ANY information. These unscrupulous companies try to get your copier information so that they can bill you for toner you did not order, want, or need. If you are leary of a call requesting your information, ask for the person's name and the call-back number. Toner Pirates won't give you that information. Chances are they will hang up.General Conference Vote Rejects Bishop Term Limits and a "Set-aside" President
The General Conference voted against the petition for bishop term limits (#20983) and against the Council on Bishops' petition for a full-time president (#20314). You can view the petition text, amended text, rationale, and vote about term limits here... and about set-aside COB president here. See April 30's wrap-up here (page 2314) in May 1st's Daily Christian Advocate. Judicial Council Voids "Plan UMC"
A compromise restructure plan for The United Methodist Church, adopted earlier this week by the 2012 General Conference, was declared "unconstitutional" May 4. That unanimous ruling came from the nine-member United Methodist Judicial Council, which had been asked by General Conference to make a declaratory decision on the constitutionality of "Plan UMC." More here.
General Conference Addresses Petition about Considering School Schedules
The 2012 General Conference on the morning of May 3 overwhelmingly supported a measure to direct United Methodist boards and agencies, annual conferences and local church groups to consider the school schedules of young people. The vote was 682-251. The measure is nondisciplinary, so it's nonbinding. That vote followed the earlier defeat of an amendment aimed at strengthening the measure's language. The Global Young People's Convocation and Legislative Assembly, which met in Berlin in 2010, submitted the petition, 20437, to General Conference. Full story here.
General Conference Legislation
You can skim General Conference transcripts here or get a list here of what petitions were adopted and what petitions were rejected. Grief Support Group at Perdido Bay
(Pensacola, FL) - Perdido Bay United Methodist Church is offering a twice-a-month Grief Support Group. Please come to learn and to share with others in understanding the grief process, learning methods of coping with grief and working through your loss. The group is lead by Paula Butler with Covenant Hospice and held in the Community Center 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Registration is suggested but not required. There is no charge to attend. This will be an ongoing group open to people who have experienced the death of a loved one. For more information, or to register for this group, please call the church office at (850) 492-2135. (Posted 5/1/2012) See also: Perdido Bay Community Center Activities Summertime Safety Reminder about Playgrounds
(United Methodist Insurance) - With summer around the corner, this is a great time to review your playground safety. Following basic guidelines for installing and maintaining play equipment can save you liability in the future.
 In several states and jurisdictions, there are very specific laws relating to installation and maintenance of playgrounds. In some cases plans must be approved and the playground and equipment must be inspected by authorities before they may be playgrounds (e.g. churches, homes, etc). However, in most places, very few regulations exist, especially when it comes to private organizations. As a result,  many times the installation is not well-planned and the playground and equipment not adequately maintained. Therefore, churches should take extra steps to make sure that they are meeting acceptable standards when it comes to playgrounds and equipment. While there are many areas to be considered, the following basic guidelines are recommended:
INSPECTIONS
Churches, made up mostly of volunteers, find it more difficult to stay diligent with inspections. Therefore, it is critical that someone, as part of their job description, be charged with either doing the inspection or making sure it is completed. Document the inspection and place the form in a file.
ACCESS
Church leadership will need to discuss their views on when and to whom the playground is accessible. Is it for church children only? If so, can they play on it when there are no adults around to supervise? If it is open to the public, are there liability issues that need to be discussed with the church's insurance agent? If it is to be off-limits to the public, is signage or a fence going to be needed?
COMMUNICATION
Leadership, parents and even neighbors should understand the guidelines for the playground area. Get input and make a decision and stick to it. Address concerns and violations quickly and fairly.
While a playground may be viewed as a great way to reach out and be a part of the neighborhood and community, careful planning, assembly, inspection and use is vital to the ongoing success of such a project. For more extensive information or for a project of larger magnitude, a visit to the internet or the services of a contractor may be in order.
This article from the May 2012 newsletter will eventually be posted here on the United Methodist Insurance newsletter archives page. See also: How to Perform a Church Facility Self-Inspection
New CEO Announced for The United Methodist Children's Home
 The board of directors of the United Methodist Children’s Home is announcing the appointment of Dr. K. Blake Horne as the agency’s new President/CEO effective May 16th, 2012. For the article visit http://www.umch.net/.
Blue Lake Seeks Full-time Program Director
(Andalusia, AL) - Blue Lake United Methodist Assembly is accepting resumes for the position of Full Time Program Director. Blue Lake is in the Conecuh National Forest in south central Alabama and is the Conference camp for the Alabama West Florida Annual Conference. Those desiring to apply should have the following:
The Program Director at Blue Lake is part of a team whose responsibility is to vision, create, and implement relevant and inspired Christian programs for all ages. Program promotion, leadership training, communication and partnering with Conference churches and agencies also are a part of the job description. A working knowledge of camp operations, staffing best practices, and curriculum development is desired. Applicants with experience in the Camping and Retreat Certification Program will be given special consideration. Resumes will be accepted until May 30, 2012. Please send cover letter, resume, and references to Phyllis Murray, 8500 Oakwood Lane, Andalusia, AL 36420 or director@bluelakecamp.com.
A Note to Moving Pastors
First is this request from the Episcopal Office and Cabinet, that if you will be getting a new local church appointment, please go to the Vital Congregations website and review the statistical data for your new congregation. This will help you see a current snapshot of your congregation before you arrive. Second, please review The Right Start page. It is a "checklist" of items to help you navigate a smooth transition, including an IMPORTANT MEMO from the Conference Benefits Coordinator and information about Moving Guidelines & Expenses.
Letter to Annual Conference Youth Delegates and Pages
Download here the letter that the Alabama-West Florida Conference sent to Annual Conference Youth Delegates and Pages. For the required forms mentioned in the letter please contact Traci@awfumc.org or call the Office of the Alabama-West Florida Conference at (888) 873-3127 (toll-free) or (334) 356-8014.
Lighthouse Private Christian Academy Is Expanding to Gadsden Street UMC
The Lighthouse Private Christian Academy (LPCA) is expanding and will be opening at Gadsden Street United Methodist Church August 23, 2012. They will be sharing the Shepherd's Building with the Gadsden Street Children's Center. Enrollment is now underway for kindergarten through 8th grade. Here is a video announcement on the Academy's website. Here is announcement on Gadsden Street UMC's website. The UMC Pensacola District Office is still located at Gadsden Street United Methodist Church.
GBUMC Celebrates Record Number of Baptisms (Dr. Lester Spencer, Gulf Breeze UMC) - I want to give the Lord thanks for blessing us with an awesome Easter! Our worship attendance was amazing as 5,649 people attended one of our eight Easter services on this past Resurrection Sunday! And we were blessed to witness close to 100 folks being baptized with approximately 80 of those at the 6am Easter Sunrise Service in the Sound at Flounders on the beach! All the pastors agreed that we had never had so much fun at Easter ... doing the baptisms together!! [This article was printed in the 4/23/12 AWFC NewsCONNECTION.]
Lay Speaking Website
Trying to find the Pensacola District Lay Speaking Ministries website? The new URL is here.
AWF Conference E-newsletter April 9, 2012
View online here. Here are some articles from this edition:
Community Garden Helps Ex-offenders Give Back to Community
(Pensacola News Journal) - Darnell Wright remembers going to a Brownsville parking lot where he could hear the thudding beat of boom boxes, see cars with rims and candy paint jobs, and deal large amounts of drugs. Today, an area just down the street from that lot has been transformed into the REAP What You Sow Community Garden " a project first envisioned by U.S. District Judge Casey Rodgers to help ex-offenders after their release from prison. Click here for full article. Holy Land 2013
Join Bishop Paul Leeland and others from the AWF Conference for the trip of a lifetime in the Holy Land. Hear a message from him and learn more about the January 2013 pilgrimage here. Summer is Right Around the Corner
Spring is officially here which means summer is just around the corner. Be sure to check out the Blue Lake summer website to register, to find information about all the camps they are offering this summer, and to take a look at the summer brochure. Click here to visit the website. Do Numbers Matter?
(Ministry Matters) - All of us who support the mission of the UMC and work to achieve it continue to ask, how is success measured? How do we know if we are making progress and how do we define our faithfulness and fruitfulness in measurable terms? More. Upcoming Events:
Springtime by the Sea May 21-24
AWF Annual Conference June 3-6
SURGE into Missions: Christian Summer Youth Events June 14-July 22
UMCH Softball Tournament June 16
Generations Together at Epworth by the Sea June 22-25
Summer Church Music Workshop July 15-20
Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference July 18-20
September 8 & 15, 2012 (consecutive Saturdays)
Annual Fall Lay Speaking Training at Crestview First UMC
This training will offer one adult basic course, two advanced courses (course titles announced soon), and a Men's Ministry course that is also approved by the GBOD for Lay Speaker certification/recertification. As always, attendance is required both days to receive credit for the course. For more information contact Kurt Burgess, Director, Pensacola District Lay Speaking Committee, at (850) 586-5566. The Pensacola District Lay Speaking Ministries website (revised URL) is here. For more info visit the Lay Speaking Ministries page on the AL-West FL Conference website.
June 16, 2012
Annual Softball Tournament for the United Methodist Children's Home
See the flyer below for details or visit http://umch.net.
 Resources for Pastoral Transitions
from The Lewis Center: Bulletin Inserts in Preparation for Annual Conference
Please distribute these in your church - thanks!
UMCOR Kits bulletin insert - Click here to download and for info about bringing the kits to Annual Conference. Missions Offering bulletin insert - Click here to read about the 2012 Annual Conference Missional Offering, Imagine No Malaria. Here is the bulletin insert in color, here in black and white. How to Order the Clergy Directory & Journal
To order the Conference Journal and Clergy Directory ONLINE go here.
To order the Conference Journal and Clergy Directory using FORMS in hard copy:
To order the Pensacola District Directory:
The UMC Pensacola District Clergy Directory is available for our clergy and their administrative assistants, Pensacola District officers, other AWFC districts' staff, AWF Conference staff, and Episcopal Office staff. Please e-mail your request (at any time during the year) to office@umcpensacoladistrict.org.
Dedication of REAP What You Sow Community Garden
Dedication of the REAP Community Garden at Richards Memorial United Methodist Church was held Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. This is a HUGE project involving lots of cooperative work with and support from community groups, local attorneys, local officials, etc. Click here for pictures in the local paper ... here for the article.
Recently Published Book by Reverend Fred Zobel
 One of our retired ministers and a retired Navy chaplain, Fred Zobel, has recently published a book entitled Please Remember My Name...At My Funeral and bring some Chocolate Chip cookies with you. If you would like to purchase a soft cover book autographed by Fred ($12.00), please call him at 261-3568. Hard cover and soft cover and e-book versions can also be purchased via your local book store. The publisher is Author House. (It is here at Amazon.com ... here at Barnes & Noble.)
The book is divided into three parts with the first part about grief, several reflections on how we handle the loss of loved ones, a few observations about the clergy's role in providing grief ministry, and some thoughts and ideas about the healing process and experience of both celebration and mourning when a loved one dies. The other two parts contain several thoughts about events of the past along with several chapters about the full time RV lifestyle that Fred and Mary love and enjoy. All three parts are sprinkled with Fred's own brand of humor.
Assistance Available for WESLEY HEIRS Registration
If anyone in WESLEY HEIRS needs assistance in pre-registering for annual conference, please have them call me.
Peace~
Traci Herndon
Administrative Assistant
Phone (334) 356.8014, phone toll-free (888) 873-3127, or e-mail traci@awfumc.org
NewsCONNECTION
View the March 26, 2012, issue here.
(Mary Catherine Phillips, AWFC). Here are some topics in this issue:
Foundation Takes Sting Out of Seminary Cost
(UMNS) - Anyone who has gone to college knows that the costs can sometimes create a bigger burden than the studying, lectures and exams. Worrying about finances can take away from the joy and excitement of learning. The costs can almost outweigh the benefits of the education. However, one foundation in the Alabama-West Florida Annual (regional) Conference has dedicated itself to those needing some help to serve God. Click here for full article. Episcopal Candidate Launches Web Site
Dr. Larry Bryars, current senior pastor at Shalimar United Methodist Church and Episcopal Candidate from the Alabama-West Florida Conference, has launched his Web site. Http://www.larrybryars.com is an informative place for people to learn more about Larry, including a personal statement, background, family and his time serving in the Methodist church. Also on the site is a video interview and online brochures. Mission Opportunity with Free Housing and Two Meals a Day
Your service is needed in the community of West Wilmer in the Mobile District. The West Wilmer UMC is a mission church of the United Methodist Church. The church is reaching approximately 35-40 children and youth each week. We are asking that you prayerfully consider bringing your work teams, your VBS program, and/or your youth group to provide daytime summer camp opportunities for the children or to conduct routine building maintenance. Showers are available and two meals a day will be provided. Sleeping bags, breakfast foods, love, and your God-given resources are all that is required. To schedule a couple of days of service this summer please contact Rev. Jennifer Gregory at 251.404.6893, e-mail jennifer_gregory@bellsouth.net, or Rev. Charles Fail at 251.391.8724, email cfail@birch.net. UM Foundation Accepting Applications
The Conference United Methodist Foundation has been instrumental in assisting families, organizations and churches in establishing a number of scholarship funds to benefit students within the AWF Conference. The large majority of funds available are designated to benefit our seminary students; however there are a few scholarships for undergraduate students. The United Methodist Foundation is currently accepting applications for the fall term. The application is available here. The deadline for applying is June 30, 2012 with scholarships awarded in late July. If you have questions about the application or establishing a scholarship fund, you may call the Foundation office at 334.793.6820. Society of St. Andrew VBS Mission Program
The SOSA Vacation Bible School page is here.
This year, the Society of St. Andrew introduces “It’s A Miracle!” as our Vacation Bible School mission program. Each day of VBS, your students will be introduced to one of Jesus’ miracles; from feeding the multitudes to cleansing the lepers. Included in your VBS packet are student sheets containing a short scripture story, facts about hunger and the SoSA ministry, Go Green statistics, mission adventure opportunities, and a pencil activity. We also include song suggestions, craft ideas, and yummy snack choices for each day of your VBS that compliment the “Miracle of the day!” All of the pages are reproducible, so you can make as many copies as you have students. This year, make the Society of St. Andrew’s Potato Project your VBS mission. Our complete VBS program is free of charge and there’s no obligation. You can order your packet by emailing The Rev. Jennifer Vestal Moore at Church@EndHunger.org or call (800) 333-4597. You can also order or download here. The Alabama-West Florida Conference NewsCONNECTION
(Mary Catherine Phillips, AWFC, Montgomery)
View the March 12 issue here. Here are some topics in in this issue:
Annual Conference News & Updates
Our Annual Conference page has been established on the conference Web site. Please visit www.awfumc.org/ac2012 to see the working agenda, awards, and more. New information on the Laity Banquet has now been added. Registration will be announced in the coming days.
Leading in Challenging Times
(Bill Wilson, Lewis Center for Church Leadership) - What if you knew that your congregation were on a collision course with its demise? What would you do? Whom would you tell? How would it change the way you lead? Would it affect your sense of urgency? Would it help you better distinguish between minor and major issues? The painful truth of the 21st century traditional congregation is that, without significant intervention, it faces a very grim future. Click here for full article. Alabama Rural Ministry Spring Update
Click here to learn more about the Alabama Rural Ministry summer opportunity for students to help run youth mission camps called "Extend." Also read more about registration for their 3rd annual Cycle of Service event. New Book Focuses on Core Issues and Concerns of The United Methodist Church
WASHINGTON, DC – A new book from Lovett H. Weems, Jr., engages the core issues and concerns that he feels must be addressed if the church is to follow God’s leading into the future. In Focus: The Real Challenges That Face The United Methodist Church, Weems, director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, illustrates what the UMC must “reset” about itself. He suggests the church start by asking these questions:
Weems challenges United Methodists not only to ask these hard questions, but to face up to the difficult decisions they require of us as they continue to seek God’s will for our lives together. More information about Focus: The Real Challenges That Face The United Methodist Church is available at http://www.churchleadership.com/resources/Focus.htm?id=focus1. The book was published this year by Abingdon Press, an imprint of The United Methodist Publishing House.
May 19, 2012
Charity Golf Tournament at Foley
 This tournament will be held at the GlenLakes Golf Club, Foley, Alabama - 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. tee time. Shot Gun Start / 4 Person Scramble Format with surprises. $50.00 per player, which includes 18 holes of golf, range balls, cart fee, plus a meal and door prizes afterwards. For more info and registration forms contact Rev. Jim Batchelor at (251) 964-5241 or revjim@gulftel.com, or visit http://loxleyumc.org. This event is sponsored by Baypines District United Methodist Churches and Habitat for Humanity.
May 20, 2012
UMCH Golf Tournament at Daphne
This is a fund-raiser for the United Methodist Children's Home. 4-person scramble at Lake Forest Yacht & Country Club, Daphne, AL. Contact Robert Powell at (334) 718-2193 or robert@umch.net or Paul Johnson at (251) 626-9324 or TheGolfSwingStudio@bellsouth.net.
 May 25, 2012
Trinity UMC Golf Tournament at Fort Walton
The "Fairway to Heaven" 2012 Golf Tournament will be at the Fort Walton Beach Pines Golf Course, 1967 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. 1:00 pm shotgun start. Playing a fun scramble formal all golfers can enjoy! Open to ALL men, ladies and juniors. Entry fee includes green fees, carts, refreshments, PRIZES and sponsors promotions. All proceeds go to help Trinity UMC missions. The event page is here.
Worship @ the Water
From The Bay Planner March 2012 - J. Mason-Smith: We all continue to be amazed at what God is doing at the Flora-Bama® Worship @ the Water service. Christmas was the first ever Flora-Bama® Christmas Pageant with our crowd well over 300 in attendance. The next week we had to move the service up an hour to 10:00 a.m. to accommodate the annual Flora-Bama® Polar Bear Dip. The service was especially relevant as we had two new followers baptized on the beach. I loved to see as Pastor Jeremy and I came out of the water the crowd of nearly 500 on the beach witnessing the baptism, and scanning the balconies of the condos to see everyone watching these new Christians be born in renewal of their faith! Since the new year began, the numbers in attendance have continued to rise; now exceeding 400. God is working miracles every Sunday at the service. The Perdido Bay UMC outreach is drawing in many who have never been into a church - or who have not been to church in years. The Rudder team, the group from PBUMC who steers the service, continues to be in ministry to those who are reaching out to follow Christ by turning around their lives. I recently shared what we are doing through this ministry with a group of pastors in the North Alabama UMC Conference. As I explained to them, I believe that this type of outreach - to take worship to the people instead of trying to get them to come to a church building - is the right direction and follows the Wesleyan model.
Congratulations to our 2011 Pensacola District All-Star Churches!
Each year the Pensacola District Office recognizes churches in the district that paid 100% of their connectional giving, saw a net gain in membership for the year, and also had more than 50% of the membership on average in worship. The congregations receiving "All-Stars" distinction for 2011 are listed below. To see previous years' honorees click here.
UMW Ribbons for Missions
United Methodist Women of the Alabama-West Florida Conference are selling ribbons as a new way to supplement their mission giving. These ribbons make nice bookmarks and gift to tell someone "thanks" or "I appreciate you." In the Pensacola District they may be purchased from our District UMW Treasurer, Margaret Lawson. More information is on page 2 of the February 2012 District UMW newsletter, The Vision.
United Methodist Men - Chartering
Click here for UMM newsletters, information about annual chartering re-certification, and more.
3.0 Missional Summer Internship
The 3.0 Missional Summer Internship (a partn District Hispanic Ministry at Navarre
Pensacola District Hispanic Pastor Andres Doimeadios is expanding outreach in the Navarre area. Click here for the flyer, in Spanish, promoting Friday 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer at 1752 Sea Lark Lane, Navarre, FL 32566.
News from The Journey Church in Crestview
(Rev. Sean Peters) - "As we approach the end of our first official month as a new church, we have much to report and celebrate...."
October 2011: "The Journey Continues"
(Rev. Sean Peters) - "There are several exciting things happening that I wanted to update you on. We are a little over three months in to this great adventure of starting a new church in Crestview, and we can report that the Lord is good all the time...."
(Rev. Sean Peters) - I have been planting
 my new church, The Journey, for the past six months. It is something I have always wanted to do from the moment I began pursuing a call to full-time vocational ministry in 2003. I was elated when the Conference informed me last year that I would be appointed to start a new church in July. I began to immediately map out what my new church was going to look like and the strategic process that I would implement in order to ensure that The Journey would become successful. That was in June. It is now February, and I have learned a lot. Here are a few lessons I've learned that may help potential new church start pastors or any pastor for that matter when heading into a time of change or renewal. Click here for the full post. Sean's blog was also selected to be a featured blog post on www.umc.org.(Rev. Sean Peters) - Last month I w
 rote a post on lessons I have learned as a church planter in my first 6 months. It seemed to have struck a cord with some, so I plan to continue posting about the lessons that I am learning in the hope that it may help or encourage others of you who are on this same journey of church planting or church revitalization. I realize that 6 months doesn't seem like a very long time, but I believe that the first year in the life of the new church is absolutely crucial to its sustainability and longevity. The full blog post is here. News from Blue Lake: "20 for 12" Bulletin Insert
Would you be willing to send Blue Lake $20 each month in 2012? How about a one-time donation of $20 or more? If you like Blue Lake pass it on! Please print copies of this bulletin insert and distribute it in your church bulletins and newsletters, place some on your vestibule table, and clip some on bulletin boards around your church so that folks can pledge. Thank you!
One day a year is not enough for LOVE! Win the hearts of your loved ones by giving a gift that lasts all year. Let them know what a difference they have made in your life by giving a gift in their honor to Blue Lake’s 20for12. Let's make a difference for Blue Lake and those we love.
FREE 2012 Planning Calendars
(GBOD) - Start the year off right with a clean, fresh 2012 planning calendar FREE from GBOD. Give copies to your church staff, committee chairs, committee members, choir members. Includes lectionary readings for all Sundays and major liturgical dates as well as holidays and observances of the church and civil calendars. Click here to download. GBGHEM Georgia Harkness Scholarships
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry along with the AWF Conference encourages female students in our annual conference to submit applications for the Georgia Harkness Scholarship Program. Scholarship recipients will receive a $5,000 award that can be applied to tuition, fees, and room and board. Additional information can be viewed here. PUMCM: More Volunteers Are Needed
Pensacola United Methodist Community Ministries is in desperate need of volunteers. They are seeing a higher than average number of inquiries for assistance and in an effort to meet the needs of those seeking help, a call is going forth for those who are able to serve. Specifically, PUMCM needs persons to help with food preparation on Mondays and Thursdays beginning about 7:30 or 8 a.m. and at noon on Wednesdays. Additionally, persons are needed to help with food service on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00. If you are unable to assist in person, but do like to bake, they would welcome desserts also for the meals.
Opportunities for service are also available in the clothes ministry as persons are needed to sort donated clothes and assist clients with clothes selection. This takes place on Monday and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 and also on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. If you have any questions about any of the opportunities for service please call (850) 433-0151. According to reports in the October 2011 Bridges to Circles newsletter, "Social Service agencies are closing right and left. Funding for essential services is decreasing, while need is not only increasing, it is accelerating." Click here for the newsletter.
Pace Area Chamber Honors Rev. Mark Dees
(January 17, 2012) The Rev. Mark Dees of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church was recognized as Community Leader of the Year at the the 13th annual Pace Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet Friday night at the Farmer’s Opry House, Chumuckla. Congratulations, Mark! The full article is here.
A Tour of the Great Cathedrals of Europe II: A Journey of a Lifetime Sept. 13
Calling all organ enthusiasts, musicians, and/or those wishing to visit Italy, France, and Normandy! Enjoy luxurious accommo-dations and first-rate guided sightseeing of some of the most beautiful and oldest cathedrals as well as some of the greatest museums of Europe. In Rome you will visit the museums at the Vatican as well as be part of a Papal audience. Join Dr. David Ott and others on this "one of a kind" tour September 13, 2012. Dr. Ott will be performing an original composition on some of the oldest and largest organs in Europe. He will bring the extraordinary talent of today to the great instruments of old. This tour is being conducted by Educational Opportunities. Continue here for more information and to register, or contact Nancy Ross at (850) 936-9388 or janaross@bellsouth.net.
Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form
According to the website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), all U.S. employers must complete and retain a Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States. This includes citizens and noncitizens. We are advising all pastors under appointment to complete the I-9, but do not mail it to us. Keep a copy at the church where you serve. More information and the form are at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
FREE Resources for Churches
 (United Methodist Communications) - What does it really mean to be a United Methodist? You will find the answer to this question - and more - in the following resources:
(LOTS of great downloads, some listed below)
Telling Our Mission Story: Put a Face on Your Apportionments (requires JAVA software)
“Together We Can: The People of The United Methodist Church” United Methodist Handbook
These free resources are available to you and are shipped via UPS at no charge. Order online at www.umcgiving.org/store, e-mail csc@umcom.org, or call toll free (888) 346-3862. These materials are made available through congregations’ generous support of the World Service Fund apportionment.
New Worship Service Hours?
If your worship and Sunday School times have changed, please log-in and update your Local Church information. Your District Superintendent is visiting churches, and your Church Locator Page will need to show the correct information. Thank you!
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