NAME CHANGE: UMAP IS NOW THE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL ASSOCIATION

For more than 35 years, UMAP – the United Methodist Association of Preschools – has led the way in quality, faith-based early childhood education in the Florida Conference. It also worked with United Methodist churches and schools in other states 

As UMAP looked into the future of Christian Early Childhood Education, we realized how important it is to be more inclusive of all faith-based preschools across Florida.

So, as of May 1 this year, UMAP transitioned into the Christian Preschool Association, enabling it to include all denominations.

The organization, which has been providing accreditation and training for over 35 years. It is one of a small number of organizations in the state that has been designated a Gold Seal Accrediting Agency, enabling it to accredit high-performing schools.

If those schools participate in the state’s School Readiness program, Gold Seal accredited schools are paid by the state at a higher rate, due to their high-quality programs.

The association hosts a director’s network group, where directors can support one another. It provides a “classified ad” page on its website for listing job openings, along with a virtual conference, in place of its annual in-person conference, for the past two years during COVID.

That enables teachers and directors to receive the in-service hours they require. More than 300 people attended the organization's annual conference earlier this year. The 2024 Conference will be held next February 9-10 at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center in Leesburg. More information can be found at www.christianpreschoolassociation.com

We are excited to, once again, focus on bringing awareness to those less fortunate.  This year, we continue with our hybrid event where we will pray, learn, and provide voice on the bills/issues being presented at the Tallahassee legislative session.

Join us all three days, or those days that you can!!!

The event begins with worship on Sunday, March 26, at 2 p.m., at St. Paul's UMC, in Tallahassee. We lift up in prayer, our work, and those we work for.  This event is live, however, we are working to livestream.  We will also record and post on this website, after the event.

Monday, March 27, at 10 a.m., we will hold a virtual presentation on the bills we would like to lift up.  Speakers and presenters will bring forth history, information, and a call to action.  CLICK HERE to register for this event.

Tuesday, March 28,  (time TBD) if you are in the Tallahassee area, we will walk to the Capitol together.  Our goal is to be able to meet with a few legislators, sit in on some committee meetings, and experience Children's Week through the eyes of Storybook Village.

CLICK HERE and let us know if you plan to attend this event.

Should you wish to learn more about Children's Week, CLICK HERE.
Watch this page for more information as it develops.

Here are some powerful and thought-provoking direct quotes from our advocates:

• Once we become aware, we become responsible

• Food should never be a punishment

• Make advocating personal

• Remember to “name drop” that we are a part of a very large coalition

• This work cannot stop as long as one child is forced to go to bed  hungry 

• It is a marathon not a sprint.  Never stop advocating.

• Talk about being in partnership with those in power on works of God.

As always, if you have been in contact with your legislator, have a success story, or have an advocacy, email us at ConMin@flumc.org and let us know!  

Starting this month… “John Wesley for Lunch” is a brand-new monthly series of theological learnings and lively interaction featuring an expert “John Wesley Fellow” scholar.

Grab your lunch and join Rev. Dr. Elmer M. Colyer on Thursday, March 23, for a 90-minute interactive webinar filled with learning and discussion time centered around Wesley’s Participatory Trinitarian Spiritual Respiration. 

Click here to register. 

PUT ASIDE YOUR DISCOMFORT TO CARE FOR OTHERS

You are my witnesses, says the Lord, my servant, whom I chose, so that you would now and believe me and understand that I am the one.” Isaiah 43:10 (CEB)

Rev. Joy Dister-Dominguez
Seminar Leader for The Caring Congregation

Three years ago I attended the 5-day Academy of Spiritual Formation put on by the Upper Room (I highly recommend attending!); it was held at the Methodist camp on Lake Texoma, a beautiful setting. I have been looking forward to this time away for several months; I needed a renewal for my soul, and counted down the days until it started. Plus, a few of my best friends would be in attendance, how fun is that?

When I arrived, I found out that I was one of four assigned to our small sleeping room. Four beds, one bathroom, one sink, and four women. I don’t know about you, but I like my space to get ready in the morning and at night, and I immediately became anxious and thought, “This may be a tough week. This is not what I was looking forward to.”

About 24 hours into the week, my heart softened. Besides sharing a room with one of my best friends, I began to get to know another woman who I only met in passing. I remembered why I liked her. Then I began to get to know the fourth woman in our room; a young woman in process to become a pastor. She’s from Arkansas. We shared stories, and I listened to her hardships, and we began to bond.

About the third night, I finally realized why we were all four in a room together. We were there to witness to this young woman becoming a pastor. We were there to give her encouragement and care. It’s easy to feel inconvenienced or put out, but when we put aside our own desires and look at the bigger picture, perhaps there is an opportunity to witness to our faith, and care for those who need it. Perhaps you have been chosen for this time and space.

How are you putting aside your own discomfort to witness love and care to others?

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for showing us love and care, and help me to do the same for others. Help me to look past the discomforts, and give me courage to keep going. Amen.
 

POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN EAST OHIO CONFERENCE

The East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church is recruiting for two part-time positions of Office of Connectional Ministries Directors of Young People’s Ministries position.

We would greatly appreciate it if you would share this position with qualified candidates that you may know. Also, if applicable, we ask that you please post this to your website. 

The East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church announces a search and invites applications for two Part-Time (approximately 20 hours) Office of Connectional Ministries Directors of Young People’s Ministries.

The deadline for receiving applications is March 17, 2023.

The General Council on Finance and Administration is working with the East Ohio Conference to recruit for this position.  If you know of someone who might be interested, please have them: Click Here to Apply. 

 If you have any questions about the open position, please contact Monica Reid, Human Resources Generalist at 615-369-2313.

The East Ohio Conference is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.

CALIFORNIA-NEVADA CONFERENCE SEEKS DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY INNOVATION AND CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY. 
 
The California-Nevada Conference of The United Methodist Church announces a search and invites applications for Director of Ministry Innovation and Congregational Vitality.
 
The deadline for receiving applications is March 17, 2023.
 
The General Council on Finance and Administration is working with the California-Nevada Conference to recruit for this position.  If you know of someone who might be interested, please have them: View Job Here.
 
If you have any questions about the open position, please contact Tricia Baker, Executive Director of Human Resources at 615-369-2326.
 
The California-Nevada Conference is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.
 

FIRST UMC IN LAKELAND HELPS BRING ART TO THE COMMUNITY

First United Methodist Church in Lakeland has committed to a partnership with The Maguires of Lakeland and Platform Art to establish a significant public art installation known as Lake Morton Place.

The idea is to illustrate and celebrate the essence and endurance of the city’s first neighborhood. 

Elements will include depictions of the citizens and residents of the lake, and the lamppost will display directional signs and QR codes linking users to the websites of Lakeland’s creative community partners:

The overall design will feature a family picnic setting with stylized life-size characters representing men, women, and children surrounding a detailed street map of the historic neighborhood.

The intention is to strengthen the residents’ attachment to the neighborhood and warmly welcome visitors.

Officially designated as a historic district in 1985, the neighborhood continues to thrive and remains a modern version of its original form with a wide variety of architecture and living spaces that accommodate broad economic diversity. 

According to the designer, Michael Maguire, “While many such places tout historic preservation, this project will focus on historic perseverance, recognizing that the area is alive and well, not mummified;"

THE COASTAL VIRGINIA DISTRICT IS RECRUITING FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

The Virginia Coastal District of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church is currently recruiting for Administrative Manager.

The deadline for receiving applications is until the position is filled.

The General Council on Finance and Administration is working with the Virginia Coastal District and Virginia Conference to recruit for this position.  If you know of someone who might be interested, please have them send apply at: Click Here to apply.

 If you have any questions about the open position, please contact Cianta Hogan, Human Resources Manager at 615-369-2357.