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e-Review Florida United Methodist News Service e-Review Photo Gallery
July - September 2008
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Featured speakers and guests answer questions from participants during a panel discussion at the Small Church Advocacy Team retreat Sept. 12-13 at the Florida Conference Life Enrichment Center. Photo by Sarah Alsgaard. Photo #08-1013. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0920, 9/30/08
(Left to right) Altamease Douglas, Nancy Rusk and the Revs. Deborah Nelson and Corky Calhoun shared the success and challenges their churches have experienced with participants attending the Small Church Advocacy Team retreat Sept. 12-13 at the Florida Conference Life Enrichment Center. Photo by Sarah Alsgaard. Photo #08-1012. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0920, 9/30/08.
The Rev. Richard Burnham walks through the parsonage home of the Rev. Jeff and Sandy Craft at Bay Vue United Methodist Church in Crystal Beach, Texas, following Hurricane Ike. As the superintendent of the Southeast District of the church’s Texas Annual Conference, Burnham toured the area Sept. 24 to assess damage and recovery needs. Also on the tour was Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, who leads the conference. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose. Photo #08-1011. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0919, 9/27/08. 
United Methodist Bishop Janice Riggle Huie and the Rev. Donald Waddleton assess storm damage and recovery needs Sept. 24 in Surfside Beach, Texas. Hurricane Ike slammed into the Gulf Coast in Texas and Louisiana Sept. 13, damaging thousands of homes and leaving millions of people without electricity. Huie oversees the Texas Conference and its more than 700 churches. Waddleton is superintendent of the conference’s South District. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose. Photo #08-1010. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0919, 9/27/08. 
Jerry Harrington stands in front of what was his High Island, Texas, home, damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Ike Sept. 13. Harrington says he has lived on the Gulf Coast in Texas all his life, but doesn’t plan to rebuild. “This is the worst I have ever seen. I’m not going to build it back. I’m all right without my house, but I just can’t stand losing all my mementos,” he said as he walked through the rubble of his home. United Methodist Bishop Janice Riggle Huie and other church leaders toured the devastation Sept 24 to assess the damage and recovery needs. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose. Photo #08-1009. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0919, 9/27/08. 
Fellowship United Methodist Church was overflowing with supplies for victims of the wildfires that burned across the Palm Bay community in May. The church served as a distribution center at the city’s request. Photo courtesy of Fellowship United Methodist Church. Photo #08-1008. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0918, 9/27/08. Web photo only. Web photo only.
Greg Harford (left), a Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry staff member, and volunteer Samantha Aupperlee unload a donation of diapers from a local Baptist church at Fellowship United Methodist Church in Palm Bay, which was asked by the city to serve as a distribution center for supplies and food during the fires that burned the area in May. Photo courtesy of Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry. Photo #08-1007. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0918, 9/27/08. Web photo only. Web photo only.
The Rev. Shirley Groom (left) speaks with a wildfire evacuee at Fellowship United Methodist Church in Palm Bay, which was asked by the city to serve as a distribution center for supplies and food during the fires that burned the area in May. Photo courtesy of Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry. Photo #08-1006. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0918, 9/27/08. Web photo only. Web photo only.
Methodist church leaders touring the eastern province of Cuba provide mattresses and other supplies to people struggling to recover from hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which hit Cuba in late August and early September, respectively. “Our aid did not cover all needs, but the (supplies) were like a ray of light that emerged in the midst of so much darkness,” leaders wrote on The Methodist Church in Cuba’s Web site. Photo courtesy of The Methodist Church in Cuba. Photo #08-1005. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0916, 9/24/08. Web photo only.
Leaders of The Methodist Church in Cuba said many of the churches in the country’s capital have collected mattresses, clothes and other supplies for people affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Photo courtesy of The Methodist Church in Cuba. Photo #08-1004. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0916, 9/24/08. Web photo only.
Cuban Methodist Church Bishop Ricardo Pereira (right) and a team from his office provide relief in the central and eastern provinces of Cuba, which sustained heavy damages during Hurricane Ike. Many areas are still without electricity, and several sections of the national highway were flooded, making it difficult to reach affected areas. Photo courtesy of The Methodist Church in Cuba. Photo #08-1003. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0915, 9/24/08. Web photo only.
Reports from church leaders in Cuba estimate at least 10 Methodist churches were damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Ike. Photo courtesy of The Methodist Church in Cuba. Photo #08-1002. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0915, 9/24/08. Web photo only.
Nearly half a million homes in Cuba were damaged during Hurricane Ike, exacerbating an existing housing shortage and adding another blow to Cubans still struggling to recover from hurricanes that hit the island in 2004. Photo courtesy of The Methodist Church in Cuba. Photo #08-1001. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0915, 9/24/08. Web photo only.
Future campers get a chance to experience camp life during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Warren W. Willis Camp, held over the Labor Day weekend. Although it was a time to celebrate the impact the Florida Conference camping ministry has had on countless numbers of campers, team leaders and volunteers over the years, it was also a time to renew the commitment to providing a life-changing experience for future campers. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-1000. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0913, 9/19/08. 
Past campers and volunteers attending the 60th anniversary celebration of the Warren W. Willis Camp put hand motions to song during a sing-along the second day of the gathering, reminding them of their camping days. More than 250 people attended the Labor Day weekend celebration. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0999. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0913, 9/19/08. 
Joanie Joyner (left), Sara Beth Priest (center), and Garnet Smith Andrews are reminded of their camping days as they participate in a sing-along during the 60th anniversary celebration of the Warren W. Willis Camp, held over the Labor Day weekend. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0998. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0913, 9/19/08. 
The Rev. Dr. Waite Willis (center), Angelo Fuster (right) and Steve Jones practice before providing music for an informal sing-along the first night of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Warren W. Willis camp. Willis and Fuster are two members of a singing trio called the Rainbeaux, which also includes the Rev. Bob Gibbs, pastor at St Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Brandon. The group sang semi-professionally while in college and seminary. Willis is also the son of Warren W. Willis, for whom the camp is named. The elder Willis was instrumental in developing the Florida Conference camping ministry and camp facilities. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0997. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0913, 9/19/08. 
Past campers, counselors and volunteers are reminded of their days at camp through a “get-acquainted” game held the first day of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Warren W. Willis camp. More than 250 people attended the Labor Day weekend gathering. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0996. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0913, 9/19/08. 
Bishop Dick Wills, epsicopal leader of the Nashville Area, which includes the Memphis and Tennessee conferences, speaks with former camper and counselor Delia Halverson, a Christian educator and author who now lives in Georgia, at the 60th anniversary celebration of the Warren W. Willis Camp, held over the Labor Day weekend. Wills, who was elected bishop from the Florida Conference and attended the camp when he was in high school, provided one of the weekend’s messages. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0995. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0913, 9/19/08. 
Mike Standifer (left), director of the Warren W. Willis Camp, and the Rev. Roland Vanzant catch up during registration at the 60th anniversary celebration of the camp, held over Labor Day weekend. Vanzant was among the group that participated in the first summer camp program at the new camp when it opened in 1948. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0994. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0913, 9/19/08. 
La Piscine United Methodist Church began in September 2006 with 15 members and now has more than 150. The predominantly Haitian congregation serves the Golden Gate community of Naples and offers services three days a week and in both Creole and English. Photo courtesy of La Piscine United Methodist Church. Photo #08-0993. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0912, 9/16/08. Web photo only.
The Rev. Jeremy Rebman, pastor of Killearn Lakes United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, credits lay member Michelle Factor as playing a significant role in helping the church receive 29 people on profession of faith in 2007 and increase average worship attendance by 30 percent. Photo courtesy of Killearn Lakes United Methodist Church. Photo #08-0992. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0911, 9/16/08. Web photo only.
Michelle Factor received the 2008 Harry Denman Evangelism Award for laity for her efforts to connect with children and families in the neighbor surrounding her church, Killearn Lakes United Methodist Church in Tallahassee. Photo courtesy of Killearn Lakes United Methodist Church. Photo #08-0991. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0911, 9/16/08. Web photo only.
The Entronque de Herradura Methodist Church in Cuba lost its roof while Hurricane Gustav made its way across the island. Cuba church leaders estimate 10 churches lost their roofs and approximately 86,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. Photo courtesy of the Methodist Church in Cuba. Photo #08-0990. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0910, 9/11/08. Web photo only.
Hurricane Ike approaches eastern Cuba Sept. 7 as a Category 4 hurricane, with winds near 135 miles per hour. Photo by Jeff Schmaltz, NASA’s MODIS Rapid Response Team. Photo #08-0989. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0910, 9/11/08. Web photo only.
Eight-year-old Gary Wonders shows an art project created at G.G.’s House, a ministry of Ocklawaha United Methodist Church. The renovated house serves as a youth community center by providing at-risk children a safe place for fun activities, along with comfort and attention provided by senior volunteers. The house’s initials stand for “Grandma’s and Grandpa’s.” A UMNS photo by John Gordon. Photo #08-0988. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0909, 9/10/08. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0909, 9/10/08.
Director Pat Frost holds 3-year-old Jaden Porter during an activity at G.G.’s House, a ministry of Ocklawaha United Methodist Church. The renovated house serves as a youth community center by providing children, many from broken homes, a safe place for fun activities, along with comfort and attention provided by senior volunteers. The ministry’s initials stand for “Grandma’s and Grandpa’s.” A grandparent of eight, Frost wanted to extend that same kind of love to children who are not able to get as much one-on-one attention at home. A UMNS photo by John Gordon. Photo #08-0987. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0909, 9/10/08.
Children enjoy a craft project at G.G.’s House, a ministry of Ocklawaha United Methodist Church. The renovated house serves as a youth community center by providing at-risk children, many from broken homes, a safe place for fun activities, along with comfort and attention provided by senior volunteers. The house’s initials stand for “Grandma’s and Grandpa’s.” A UMNS photo by John Gordon. Photo #08-0986. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0909, 9/10/08.
KeTia Harris helps a camper put on make-up for a clowning presentation at Riverside Retreat summer overnight camp. Harris was one of four college students working as mission interns in a pilot program this summer with the Florida Conference Camps and Retreat Ministries. Photo by the Rev. David Berkey. Photo #08-0985. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0908, 9/10/08. Web photo only.
Leland McKeown, chairman of ministries and missions for the Florida Conference United Methodist Men, looks at a New Testament he calls his “Leesburg New Testament,” which has been signed by about 100 men’s retreat speakers, including several bishops. McKeown was president of the Florida Conference men’s group from 1947 to 1952 and conference lay leader for four years beginning in 1952. He says he has attended men’s retreats continuously since 1973. Photo courtesy of Leland McKeown. Photo #08-0984. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0907, 9/6/08.
Florida United Methodist men participate in the first men’s retreat in 1948, held at the Lake Alfred hotel. A Florida Conference United Methodist Men’s archives photo. Photo #08-0983. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0906, 9/6/08.
Florida United Methodist men participate in the first men’s retreat in 1948, held at the Lake Alfred motel. A Florida Conference United Methodist Men’s archives photo. Photo #08-0982. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0906, 9/6/08.
Bishop James W. Henley addresses a group of men at a United Methodist Men’s retreat in 1966 in the field house at the Warren W. Willis United Methodist Camp in Fruitland Park. Henley served as bishop of the Florida Conference from 1960 to 1972. A Florida Conference United Methodist Men’s archives photo. Photo #08-0981. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0906, 9/6/08.
Members of the Deltona Fire Department Search and Rescue team deliver food and medications to stranded residents of this Volusia County community six days after the initial landfall of Tropical Storm Fay. FEMA photo by Barry Bahler. Photo #08-0980. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0904, 9/3/08.
Volunteers at Estero United Methodist Church unload flood buckets in preparation for floodwaters receding in Lee County. The church also received 500 health kits for distribution. Photo by Lamar Kent. Photo #08-0979. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0904, 9/3/08.
The Rev. Lyndol Loyd baptizes Travis, the son of Heather and Jim Bridges, during worship Aug. 2 at LifeSong Church in East Orlando. The 350-member congregation was among eight United Methodist churches studied in early August during the 2008 School of Congregational Development in Orlando. Each church illustrated strengths in congregational development and ministry for the school’s 350 participants. A daughter campus of University Carillon United Methodist Church in Oviedo, the 22-month-old church is centered on “lifestage” ministries for children, teens and adults. A UMNS photo by Linda Green. Photo #08-0978. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0903, 9/2/08.
The Rev. Lyndol Loyd, pastor of LifeSong Church, shares his vision of the new United Methodist congregation in East Orlando, centered on “lifestage” ministries for children, teens and adults. The 350-member congregation was among eight United Methodist churches studied in early August during the 2008 School of Congregational Development in Orlando. Each church illustrated strengths in congregational development and ministry for the school’s 350 participants. Launched in 2006, LifeSong is a daughter campus of University Carillon United Methodist Church and located in a shopping center in a fast-growing suburb. A UMNS photo by Linda Green. A UMNS photo by Linda Green. Photo #08-0977. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0903, 9/2/08.
The eye of Tropical Storm Fay hovers near the east coast of Florida Aug. 20 at 2:35 p.m. (EST), and clouds from the storm stretch hundreds of kilometers eastward over the Atlantic and northward over Georgia and South Carolina. Photo by NASA/Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team. Photo #08-0976. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0902, 8/22/08.
The Rev. Andy Johnson, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, Miss., and Carol McCracken, lay leader and director of adult ministries at Orange Beach United Methodist Church in Orange Beach, Ala., listen as staff members at First United Methodist Church, Clermont, explain both practical aspects of their ministries and the challenges they’ve faced in helping the church’s membership embrace a more outwardly-focused vision and mission. McCracken said she was hoping to learn how her 15-year-old church could improve its traditional service and further develop its contemporary worship. The visit to the “teaching church” was part of the 2008 United Methodist School of Congregational Development. About 450 people attended the school, which was held July 31-Aug. 5 in concurrent sessions in Orlando, Fla., and Grand Rapids, Mich. Photo by Tita Parham. Photo #08-0975. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0900, 8/19/08.
Dawn Fryman, director of children’s ministries at First United Methodist Church, Clermont, describes some of the ways the church is reaching out to the area’s children for church leaders from around the country touring the church’s campus. Fryman said the church strives “to connect kids to Christ and connect parents to Christ.” The group of about 15 guests visited the Central Florida “teaching church” as part of the 2008 United Methodist School of Congregational Development, held July 31-Aug. 5 in concurrent sessions in Orlando, Fla., and Grand Rapids, Mich. Photo by Tita Parham. Photo #08-0974. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0900, 8/19/08.
The Rev. Doug Kokx shares the steps members and leaders of First United Methodist Church, Clermont, took to embrace a mission and vision focused on their community with church leaders and pastors from around the country. The group of about 15 guests visited the Central Florida “teaching church” as part of the 2008 United Methodist School of Congregational Development, held July 31-Aug. 5 in concurrent sessions in Orlando, Fla., and Grand Rapids, Mich. Photo by Tita Parham. Photo #08-0973. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0900, 8/19/08.
First United Methodist Church of Clermont began a more concerted effort to reach out to its community about 10 years ago. Since then its average worship attendance has doubled, and the church is in the process of the largest building expansion in its 116-year history. Church staff and volunteers shared the church’s story and experiences Aug. 3 with a group of church leaders and pastors from around the country as part of the 2008 United Methodist School of Congregational Development, held July 31-Aug. 5 in concurrent sessions in Orlando, Fla., and Grand Rapids, Mich. Photo courtesy of First United Methodist Church, Clermont. Photo #08-0972. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0900, 8/19/08.
The Rev. Andy Johnson, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, Miss., takes notes while staff members at First United Methodist Church of Clermont share the success and challenges the church has experienced since members embraced a more outwardly-focused vision and mission for the church nearly 10 years ago. Johnson was one of about 15 church leaders and pastors from around the country visiting the Central Florida “teaching church” as part of the 2008 United Methodist School of Congregational Development, held July 31-Aug. 5 in concurrent sessions in Orlando, Fla., and Grand Rapids, Mich. Photo by Tita Parham. Photo #08-0971. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0900, 8/19/08.
Instead of using a disposable water bottle that will end up in a landfill, Somoleyah Roberts, 13, drinks from a reusable bottle at Riverside Retreat near Fort Myers. Twice a year, activities at the Florida Conference camp are structured around the theme of conservation. “We’ve got to teach the kids now not to waste and how to take care of the environment, so that they can raise their children to respect it in the same way,” camp director Martha Pierce says. A UMNS photo by John Gordon. Photo #08-0970. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0899, 8/18/08.
Steven Galloway, 17, and camp director Martha Pierce weigh a bucket of food scraps not eaten by campers at Riverside Retreat near Fort Myers. Twice a year, activities at the Florida Conference camp are structured around the theme of conservation. “We talk about how recycling affects landfills, how the waste affects landfills and ways they can go home and make changes that are positive,” Pierce says. A UMNS photo by John Gordon. Photo #08-0969. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0899, 8/18/08.
Sam Ruev, Megan Bowen and Aaron Lewis help Riverside Retreat camp director Martha Pierce plant a cypress tree at the United Methodist camp near Fort Myers. Twice a year, activities at the Florida Conference camp are structured around the theme of conservation. “We’ve got to teach the kids now not to waste and how to take care of the environment, so that they can raise their children to respect it in the same way,” Pierce says. A UMNS photo by John Gordon. Photo #08-0968. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0899, 8/18/08.
The Rev. Mont Duncan, director of New Church Development for the Florida Conference, leads a workshop during the 2008 United Methodist School of Congregational Development on how annual conferences can begin systemically planning for new church starts. The July 31-Aug. 5 training event was held in concurrent sessions in Orlando and Grand Rapids, Mich., and attended by about 450 United Methodist pastors, district superintendents, bishops and other leaders. Photo by Erik J. Alsgaard. Photo #08-0967. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0898, 8/13/08.
The Rev. Bill Barnes, senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, welcomes church leaders gathered for the 2008 United Methodist School of Congregational Development. St. Luke’s and a United Methodist church in Michigan were host sites for the July 31-Aug. 5 training. The school used educational tracks, plenary gatherings and “teaching churches” to offer strategies and ideas for creating and developing disciple-making congregations. Photo by Erik J. Alsgaard. Photo #08-0966. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0898, 8/13/08.
Bishop Minerva Carcaño, episcopal leader of the Desert Southwest Area, delivers the keynote address at the 2008 United Methodist School of Congregational Development in Orlando. The school, held July 31-Aug. 5 in concurrent sessions in Orlando and Grand Rapids, Mich., was attended by United Methodist pastors, district superintendents, bishops and other leaders and supported by the boards of Discipleship and Global Ministries. Carcaño spoke about “the spiritual life of the Christian leader” as a life that “thinks and acts like Jesus.” A UMNS photo by Cassandra Heller. Photo #08-0965. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0898, 8/13/08.
The Rev. Craig Miller addresses seven myths about The United Methodist Church during a training event for church leaders in Orlando. He spoke during the 2008 United Methodist School of Congregational Development, held July 31-Aug. 5. Miller, a staff member of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship in Nashville, Tenn., is author of “7 Myths of The United Methodist Church.” He said belief in the myths prevents many United Methodist churches from growing. A UMNS photo by Cassandra Heller, Board of Global Ministries. Photo #08-0964. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0898, 8/13/08.
Summer camp team member Colette Mokry (right) enjoys free time on the dock at Lake Griffin at the Warren W. Willis youth camp during the last week of the 2008 summer camps. Although glad to get a break from the all-consuming job of being a member of the summer camp team for nine weeks, team members say they’ll miss the closeness and friendships of the team. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0963. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0897, 8/10/08.
Campers write about their camp experience during the last week of the 2008 summer camp program at the Warren W. Willis youth camp. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0962. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0897, 8/10/08.
The Florida Conference summer camp programs are for rising fourth-graders through high school students. Photo courtesy of the Florida Conference Warren W. Willis Camp staff. Photo #08-0961. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0897, 8/10/08. Web photo only.
Veteran summer camp team member Colette Mokry helps a camper record some of her thoughts about her week at camp during the last week of the 2008 Florida Conference summer camp program at the Warren W. Willis youth camp. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0960. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0897, 8/10/08.
Summer camp gives team members a chance to assume leadership roles and mature in their own faith. It’s also a time for them to just have fun. Photo courtesy of the Florida Conference Warren W. Willis Camp staff. Photo #08-0959. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0897, 8/10/08.
Singing and worshipping are a big part of the camp experience, just as they were in the early days of the Florida Conference summer camp ministry. Photo courtesy of the Florida Conference Warren W. Willis Camp staff. Photo #08-0958. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0897, 8/10/08.
The Rev. Dr. Waite Willis, his sister Diane Willis Stahl (left) and his mother, Evelyn, wait to be recognized during the report of the Florida Conference camp and retreat ministries at the 2008 Florida Annual Conference. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0957. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0897, 8/10/08.
Campers, team members and staff clear out vegetation on the shores of Lake Griffin during the early days of the development of the Florida Conference’s Warren W. Willis youth camp. Photo courtesy of the Florida Conference Warren W. Willis Camp staff. Photo #08-0956. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0897, 8/10/08.
For 60 years children, youth and young adults have been learning, growing in their faith and meeting life-long friends through the summer camp programs at the Warren W. Willis youth camp in Fruitland Park. Photo courtesy of the Florida Conference Warren W. Willis Camp staff. Photo #08-0955. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0897, 8/10/08.
The Rev. Dr. Walter Monroe shares with delegates attending the 2008 Annual Conference his team’s recommendation to hire a director of African-American Congregational Development. Monroe served as chairman of the African-American Comprehensive Plan task team. He is also pastor of Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church in Daytona Beach. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0954. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0896, 8/8/08.
Luella Lowe, president of the South West District’s United Methodist Women, teaches a class in the “Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival” study at the 2008 School of Christian Mission. Photo by Erik J. Alsgaard. Photo #08-0953. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0895, 8/8/08. 
Detricia Williams teaches one of the weekend youth classes in the Native American study “Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival.” Nearly 110 children, youth and young adults attended the School of Christian Mission this year at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach. Photo by Erik J. Alsgaard. Photo #08-0952. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0895, 8/8/08. 
Members of Covenant United Methodist Church in Port Orange do interior repair work on a house in Clewiston that was damaged during a hurricane. They’re part of a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission team from the church — on their second weeklong trip to the area. They’ve been working with Community Rebuilding Ecumenical Workforce (CREW), the long-term recovery organization serving Glades and Hendry counties. United Methodist churches in Moore Haven and Clewiston were instrumental in CREW’s start-up. CREW also received a grant from the Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry. Photo courtesy of Covenant United Methodist Church. Photo #08-0951. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0894, 8/1/08. 
A member of Covenant United Methodist Church in Port Orange works on a house in Clewiston that was damaged during one of Florida's hurricanes. He’s part of a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission team from the church that has been working with Community Rebuilding Ecumenical Workforce (CREW), the long-term recovery organization serving Glades and Hendry counties. United Methodist churches in Moore Haven and Clewiston were instrumental in CREW’s start-up. CREW also received a grant from the Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry. Photo courtesy of Covenant United Methodist Church. Photo #08-0950. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0894, 8/1/08. 
Marilyn Swanson (standing) works with a staff member in the Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry office. Swanson is project director of the ministry. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0949. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0894, 8/1/08. 
The Rev. Beth Fogle-Miller (standing) gets to know Yohanka Cabezas and the work she does as a member of the Florida Conference staff. Learning about each conference staff member’s work and how it fits in with the overall vision and mission of the conference is one of the first tasks for Fogle-Miller as newly-appointed director of Florida Conference Connectional Ministries. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0948. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0893, 8/1/08. 
Sharon Luther is welcomed as the new Florida Conference lay leader following her election May 29 at the 2008 Florida Annual Conference. Photo by Caryl Kelley. File photo #08-0869. Originally accompanied e-Review Florida UMNS #0861/May 31, 2008. Also accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0891, 7/30/08. 
The Rev. Jose Nieves and Stacy Burdette, principal at Cypress Elementary School in Osceola County, pose with students who participate in the basketball program the pastor and principal started at the school. Nieves, a former youth pastor and high school basketball team chaplain, coaches the team, which plays in a local YMCA basketball league, and mentors the students. Photo courtesy of Jose Nieves. Photo #08-0947. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0889, 7/24/08. 
The Rev. Jose Nieves coaches students at Cypress Elementary School in Osceola County. Nieves is a former youth pastor and high school basketball team chaplain. He was named Osceola School District’s Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year for his efforts to work with the school’s principal to start a basketball program with a focus on mentoring the students. Nieves serves as associate pastor at Peace United Methodist Church in Orlando, leading the church's Hispanic congregation, Casa De Paz. Photo courtesy of Jose Nieves. Photo #08-0946. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0889, 7/24/08. 
The Rev. Jose Nieves receives an award for being Osceola School District’s Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year. Nieves, a former youth pastor and high school basketball team chaplain, worked with Stacy Burdette (left), principal at Cypress Elementary School in Osceola County, to start a basketball program at the school with a focus on mentoring the students. Nieves serves as associate pastor at Peace United Methodist Church in Orlando, leading the church's Hispanic congregation, Casa De Paz. Photo courtesy of Jose Nieves. Photo #08-0945. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0889, 7/24/08. 
Eddy del Valle (left), a member of Nueva Vida United Methodist Church in Ocala, works with Tracy Zielinski, administrative assistant in the Florida Conference’s South Central District, during Spanishtown. One-on-one conversations are the core of the weeklong Spanish immersion experience, sponsored by the Florida Conference April 28-May 3 at the Florida Conference Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park. Photo by Yohanka Cabezas. Photo #08-0944. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0888, 7/23/08.
The Revs. Amparito Garay (left), Miguel Vélez (center) and Gary Garay portray a typical Puerto Rican scene during Spanishtown April 28-May 3 at the Florida Conference Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park. Sharing traditions and cultures is part of the weeklong Spanish immersion experience. Photo by Yohanka Cabezas. Photo #08-0943. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0888, 7/23/08.
The Revs. Aldo Martin (right), retired superintendent of the Florida Conference’s former Lakeland District, and Kevin Witt, director of the General Board of Discipleship’s camps and retreats ministry, spend time together as guide and pilgrim during Spanishtown. Ten pilgrims — Anglo participants whose primary language is not Spanish — and 10 guides spent April 28-May 3 at the Florida Conference Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park for Spanishtown, a week of immersion in Spanish. Photo by Yohanka Cabezas. Photo #08-0942. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0888, 7/23/08.
“Pilgrims” from a variety of Christian denominations participate in Spanishtown, a week of immersion in Spanish sponsored by the Florida Conference April 28-May 3 at the Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park. Pilgrims are the Anglo participants whose primary language is not Spanish; guides, or guías, spend one-on-one time helping pilgrims learn as they experience the week. Photo by Yohanka Cabezas. Photo #08-0941. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0888, 7/23/08.
School children in Ibo Beach, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, eat food provided by Stop Hunger Now and funded by the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Founded in 1998 by the Rev. Ray Buchanan, a United Methodist minister from Virginia, the organization has provided more than $44 million in direct aid to more than 60 countries, including more than 5 million meals for the poor. A UMNS photo courtesy of Stop Hunger Now. Photo #08-0941. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0887, 7/22/08. 
Nurse Aja Simon, a member of First United Methodist Church, Lakeland, sits with an elderly woman who visited the clinic where Simon was volunteering after it had closed. Simon was part of a 13-member medical mission team that traveled to Haiti in March as part of the work of the Haiti/Florida Covenant. Photo courtesy of the mission team. Photo #08-0940. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0886, 7/22/08.
Nurses Bonnie Falk (left), a member of Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church, Wisconsin, and Sharon Smith, a member of First United Methodist Church, Homosassa, care for a patient wounded in a motorcycle accident. The two were part of a 13-member medical mission team that traveled to Haiti in March as part of the work of the Haiti/Florida Covenant. Photo courtesy of the mission team. Photo #08-0939. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0886, 7/22/08.
Ann Eckman, a member of First United Methodist Church, Homosassa, comforts a child while working as part of a 13-member medical mission team to Haiti. The team traveled to the country in March as part of the work of the Haiti/Florida Covenant. Photo courtesy of the mission team. Photo #08-0938. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0886, 7/22/08.
A member of the Florida Conference delegation welcomes Melba Whitaker back to the Florida Conference as a partner in ministry with her husband, Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker, during a reception July 18 following the announcement of the bishop’s reassignment as episcopal leader of the conference for another quadrennium. That announcement and the assignments of the 12 other bishops of the Southeastern Jurisdiction were made during the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference July 16-19. Photo by Tita Parham. Photo #08-0937. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0885, 7/20/08.
The Rev. Beth Fogle-Miller, newly elected director of the Florida Conference’s connectional ministry office, welcomes Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker and his wife, Melba (center), back to the conference during a reception July 18 following the announcement of Whitaker’s return as bishop of the Florida Conference for another quadrennium. The 504 delegates attending the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference approved the episcopal assignments of the Southeastern Jurisdiction’s 13 bishops July 18 during the evening session of the conference’s third day. Photo by Tita Parham. Photo #08-0936. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0885, 7/20/08.
During a reception July 18 after the announcement of his return as bishop of the Florida Conference for another quadrennium, Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker thanks members of the conference’s delegation to the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference and guests for their support and shares his vision for the conference’s ministry ahead. Photo by Tita Parham. Photo #08-0935. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0885, 7/20/08.
During a reception for Florida Conference Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker and his wife, Melba, July 18, the Rev. Sue Haupert-Johnson expresses the excitement felt by the Florida Conference’s 52-member delegation to the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference over the bishop's return to the conference as its episcopal leader for another quadrennium. Photo by Tita Parham. Photo #08-0934. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0885, 7/20/08.
Florida Conference Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker waves to the Florida Conference delegation after the announcement that he will be returning to the Florida Conference as its episcopal leader for another quadrennium. The 504 delegates attending the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference approved the episcopal assignments of the Southeastern Jurisdiction’s 13 bishops July 18 during the evening session of the conference’s third day. Photo by Tita Parham. Photo #08-0933. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0885, 7/20/08.
Retired Bishop Richard C. Looney, episcopal director of the Foundation for Evangelism, pays tribute to Bishop Earl G. Hunt Jr., former bishop of the Florida Area, during the service of remembrance July 17 at the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. Photo by Tim McDaniel. Photo #08-0932. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0884, 7/18/08.
Bishop Earl G. Hunt Jr. Photo #08-0931. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0884, 7/18/08.
Retired Bishop Joe Pennel greets the Rev. Dr. Paul Leeland (right) after his election as a bishop in The United Methodist Church July 17 at the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference. Leeland was elected on the sixth ballot with 298 votes. A total of 296 votes were needed for election. Photo by Mark Barden. Photo #08-0930. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0883, 7/17/08.
Florida delegates attending the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference prepare to cast their vote for bishop during the first ballot July 16. Photo by Erik J. Alsgaard. Photo #08-0929. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0882, 7/16/08.
Bishop Larry Goodpaster, episcopal leader of the Alabama-West Florida Conference, tells 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference delegates during his mediation in preparation of the first ballot to elect a bishop that scripture offers three clues to guide the process: be still, pay attention and seek God. Delegates must elect a bishop to replace Bishop J. Lawrence McCleskey of the Western North Carolina Conference, who is retiring at the end of this quadrennium. The first ballot was taken during the opening session July 16. Photo by Woody Woodrick. Photo #08-0928. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0882, 7/16/08.
Bishop Charlene Kammerer, episcopal leader of the Virginia Annual Conference, urges delegates attending the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference to “let us lay aside all thoughts of power and rightful place at this table where Jesus is host” before the service of communion and in preparation of the first ballot to elect a bishop. Delegates must elect a bishop to replace Bishop J. Lawrence McCleskey of the Western North Carolina Conference, who is retiring at the end of this quadrennium. Photo by Erik J. Alsgaard. Photo #08-0927. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0882, 7/16/08.
Florida Conference Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker and Bill Walker (right), co-leader of the Florida Conference delegation, help serve communion to delegates and guests July 16 during the opening session of the 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference at Lake Junaluska, N.C. Photo by Erik J. Alsgaard. Photo #08-0926. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0882, 7/16/08.
Concerned church leaders meet to begin organizing the BOLD Justice initiative. BOLD Justice (Broward Organized Leaders Doing Justice) is an ecumenical group of congregations, including several United Methodist churches in South Florida, dedicated to improving their communities. It operates as the newest Florida affiliate of a national organization called Direct Action and Research Training (DART). A BOLD Justice meeting in February — called Nehemiah Action — drew a crowd of more than 1,500 people to discuss affordable housing and dental care issues. Photo courtesy of Al Mizell. Photo #08-0925. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0881, 7/14/08. Web photo only. 
Members of the BOLD Justice initiative meet in September 2007 to report the top community needs that emerged during listening sessions held at people’s homes the summer before. BOLD Justice (Broward Organized Leaders Doing Justice) is an ecumenical group of congregations, including several United Methodist churches in South Florida, dedicated to improving their communities. It operates as the newest Florida affiliate of a national organization called Direct Action and Research Training (DART). A BOLD Justice meeting in February — called Nehemiah Action — drew a crowd of more than 1,500 people to discuss affordable housing and dental care issues. Photo courtesy of Al Mizell. Photo #08-0924. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0881, 7/14/08. Web photo only.
Photo by Brendel, Wikipedia. Photo #08-0923. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0881, 7/14/08. Not available for reuse. Web photo only.
The Rev. Po-Hsiung “Andrew” Yang (left) is recognized with other pastors of new churches during a business session of the 2008 Florida Annual Conference. Yang launched New Life Chinese Mission, the first Chinese-speaking congregation in the Florida Conference. Photo by Caryl Kelley. Photo #08-0922. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0879, 7/10/08. 
The Rev. Scott Weichl baptizes a soldier. Because Weichl serves as a military chaplain in a non-combat area, his day-to-day ministry includes counseling and administrative and supervisory tasks. He serves the Army, assigned to NATO, with soldiers dispersed in 13 countries. Weichl is an ordained Florida Conference elder and served as pastor of two Florida Conference churches from 1986 to 1992. Photo courtesy of Scott Weichl. Photo #08-0921. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0878, 7/7/08. Web photo only. 
The Rev. Scott Weichl baptizes an infant while serving as a military chaplain in Germany. Weichl is an ordained Florida Conference elder. He served as pastor of two Florida Conference churches from 1986 to 1992. Photo courtesy of Scott Weichl. Photo #08-0920. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0878, 7/7/08.
Mark R. Waring, the region risk control consultant at Arthur J. Gallagher, the conference’s insurance broker, conducts a site visit at First United Methodist Church, Lakeland. Waring and Mark Thomas, director of the Florida Conference Ministry Protection department, visited 11 churches in the South Central District in March 2007 to assess the churches’ “physical and procedural practices that may cause or contribute to accidents, injuries or other potential threats,” Thomas said. It was part of a new program Ministry Protection offers that provides on-site evaluations of local churches to determine any hazards or safety deficits on the property. Photo by J.A. Buchholz. Photo #08-0919. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0876, 7/2/08. 
The Florida Conference Ministry Protection department recently began a partnership with Cardiac Science to provide automatic external defibrillators to churches. It’s one of many ways the Ministry Protection department is helping churches provide the safest environment for the people they serve. Photo courtesy of Ministry Protection. Photo #08-0918. Accompanies e-Review Florida UMNS #0876, 7/2/08.