Our Faith is Built on the Rock

“If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last.”

Luke 3:48 (The Message)

“He wants us to build our house on the rock rather than the sand, 
Because the storms are coming.  Is our core being flourishing in a grounded relationship
with one true and living God or are we just scraping out an existence the best we can?”

- JD Walt

We’ve got this ... our faith is built on the Rock who is our Center of the universe.  When the storms are present, our grounding is our faith.  We are fighting against principalities and powers not flesh and blood.  We know that all things work together for good for those of us who are called according to God’s purpose ... and we are.  This crisis is a time for us to work be the Church, united in love, compassion and peace.

We are being the Church in new and unfamiliar ways.  Yesterday, Atlantic Central District pastors gathered in four different meetings online to pray, read scripture, check-in, and share best practices.  So many good things were shared.  We are making “best practices” available to all pastors and churches over the next few days.

Here are some highlights to keep before you:

• No public worship through the end of the month, in response to the CDC’s guidelines; public worship to be determined after 3-31-20.

• We have a team of technology advisors who are available to assist churches and clergy during this season with $200 mini-grants for churches who apply to help with very basic technology.  Here is the link for the application: 
  
  https://florida-reg.brtapp.com/ACDistrictMiniGrantTechnologyAssistance

• Coaching calls will begin next week with every pastor to focus on a few key questions that they can share with their core leaders (spiritual life, relationships and checking in pastorally, ministry with the most vulnerable, financially sustainability and how to encourage giving).

Personal self-care – body, mind, and soul – are very important during this time.  Walking the neighborhood or beach, turning off the TV and exploring new interests, and reading scripture and practicing daily spiritual disciplines are ways to stay healthy.

If you have a need, please contact our Atlantic Central District Office and we will help connect you with the right person or information.  We are open.

Finally, please join me in this prayer from World Vision:

Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses. 

Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Please know I am praying for all our District churches and communities.  May God bless you +

Dionne

The Spring Clergy Meeting has been moved to Wednesday, May 20, 2020 from 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM at First - Melbourne. Lunch will be provided. All clergy must register no later than Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at the link below. Thank you!

Rev. Alex Shanks, Assistant to the Bishop, will be communicating information via a Webinar

March 31, 2010  l  5:30 PM 

The Conference will be sending information about the Webinar.

March reports are now due no later than May 31, 2020. We will be in contact with the church offices for specifics about these reports and what will need to be sent to our office. You do not need to wait until May 31 to submit the reports. Please send them as you have them ready. The Fund Balance Report is an online only report that is completed through your church dashboard. Please contact our office if you have any questions. 

Are there young adults in your church who want to explore pastoral ministry? 

Is your church committed to shaping the next generation of pastoral leaders?

Internship Program: Monday, May 25 - Friday, July 31, 2020

Intern Training Day: Friday, May 22, 2020 (Interns and Supervising Pastors)

Intern Reflection Day: Monday, August 3, 2020 (Interns Only)

Hours: 30 hours/week as scheduled with supervising pastor

Housing: Provided in a congregants home (if needed)

Transportation: Preferred

Salary: $3,500 ($1,500 host site and $1,500 Clergy Excellence)
Plus an additional $500 if the intern attends both the Orientation and Reflection Days

If someone wishes to apply, please have them register at https://florida-reg.brtapp.com/2020SummerPastoralMinistryInternshipProgramApplication

For more information please visit the Conference website at https://www.flumc.org/summerpastoralministryinternshipprogram

If you have any questions, please contact Holly Finley at hfinley@flumc.org or Sara McKinley at sara.mckinley@flumc.org or by phone at 863-688-5563, ext 134.