Notices — July 23, 2005 {0336}
e-Review Florida United Methodist News Service Notices — July 23, 2005 July 23, 2005 News media contact: Tita Parham* An e-Review News Item New fund gives members chance to rebuild Cuba's churches By Tita Parham ORLANDO — Two weeks ago Cuba was battered by 150 mph winds brought on by Hurricane Dennis. The storm caused an estimated 38 deaths in Cuba and Haiti and destroyed homes and crops, according to a release from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Another casualty of the storm was Cuba's Methodist churches. The southeastern part of the island received the brunt of the storm, and Cuba Methodist Bishop Ricardo Pereira's office reported eight Methodist churches in that area were destroyed. In response UMCOR has established a new Advance called Repairs of Cuban Churches and Structures, #08575N. Individuals who would like to help rebuild churches and parsonages that were damaged or destroyed may contribute to that Advance. Individuals who would like to help with general recovery efforts in Cuba and Haiti may give to UMCOR's Hurricanes 2005 Global, Advance #982523, and designate their gift to either Cuba or Haiti in the memo line. These funds will not be used to rebuild church structures. Individuals may place their contributions in church offering plates, with checks written to their local church or Florida Conference Treasurer and the Advance name and number in the memo line. Contributions may also be written and sent directly to UMCOR at P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. Credit card donations may be made by calling 800-554-8583. Health and Wholeness team needs church stories to share By Rev. Ginny Pearcy R.N.** MERRITT ISLAND — The Florida Conference Health and Wholeness Focused Task Team conducted a survey this year asking laity and clergy how it could best assist local churches in their efforts. More than 200 results showed churches were interested in hearing how other churches are ministering with and to individuals who are mentally or physically challenged, deaf or disabled, as well as all members in an effort to promote healthy living. In response the team created a section on its Web site that enables churches to share what they are doing in the areas of health and wholeness. That information will then be available to anyone interested in starting or expanding health and wholeness ministries in his or her church. Churches may share their stories by going to http://www.flumc2.org/page.asp?PKValue=580 and clicking on the link in the Share Your Success section. ### *Parham managing editor of e-Review Florida United Methodist News Service.
800-282-8011 tparham@flumc.org Orlando {0336} 
CUBA — The Methodist Church of Durañona was one of eight Methodist churches in the southeastern part of Cuba destroyed when Hurricane Dennis hit the island several weeks ago. Photo courtesy of the Methodist Church of Cuba, Photo #05-214.
**Pearcy is chair of the Health and Wholeness Focused Task Team.