The annual Wesley Study Retreat offers Florida Conference clergy and their spouses the opportunity to experience the Wesleyan influences in England.

This year’s July 9-17 retreat is led by the Rev. Dick Wills, pastor of Christ Church United Methodist in Ft. Lauderdale, and his wife, Eileen.

Five scholarships are funded annually by a gift from Mr. And Mrs. B.W. Simpkins of Cocoa and cover transportation, lodging and most meals. Clergy serving full time in a pastoral appointment in the Florida Conference with at least five years of service and at least five years from retirement may apply.

Applications are available from the conference registrar’s office at 1-800-282-8011. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31. Clergy who have applied in the past but have not been selected may reapply.

Clergy and laity are invited to attend the Florida Christian Ashram Feb. 26-Mar 1 at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg. Ashrams, from the Indian word meaning "to be away from work," are Christ-centered international and interdenominational spiritual retreats. The Ashram movement began in India and was started by Dr. E. Stanley Jones, a Methodist missionary there.

Retired Bishop Richard Looney is the week’s evangelist, and Dr. Evelyn Laycock is the Bible teacher. The retreat will feature the premier showing of "The Life and Message of E. Stanley Jones" and Whitney Dough’s interview with country music singer Marijohn Wilkin.

The registration deadline is Feb. 8. For more information, contact registrar Karen Wenck at 941-255-1158 or 941-625-2753 in the evening.

Clergy and laity interested in leading an Alpha Course at their churches may attend an Alpha conference March 22-23 in Orlando.

Alpha is a 15-lesson course in basic Christianity that churches are using as an outreach and discipling tool.

The conference offers training in the principles and practicalities of Alpha and instruction on how to lead Alpha small groups. There is also a model Alpha evening.

For more information, contact Cindy Sholander at 407-678-8522 or MarkSholander@allsaintswp.com.