Dear Colleagues in the shared ministry of Jesus Christ: You are invited to experience a time apart, a time of renewal, of hope and infilling from God’s Holy Spirit. I invite you to come apart with your colleagues for a 24 hour retreat from 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Sept. 22 to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23.

Location: Marywood Retreat and Conference Center 235 Marywood Drive St. Johns, FL 32259 Our colleague, Tony Chance, will be with us to lead in worship and share his own story, and Campus to City Wesley will also provide worship support. Contact the District Office at (904) 396-3026 to register your participation, for room assignment or for more details.

Yours in faith and hope and love,

Tim

September 2012 Newsletter

United Methodists in Florida will get their first chance to hear newly appointed Bishop Ken Carter preach during the upcoming episcopal installation service

September 15, 2012 11:00 a.m. First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801

Bishop Carter is expected to preach and celebrate communion as part of the worship service, which will begin at 11 a.m. A reception will follow. Everyone is welcome to attend the installation service for Bishop Ken Carter at First UMC, Lakeland, on Sept. 15. Reservations by Sept. 7 are appreciated, but not required. Email RSVPs to Winnie Dean at the Florida Conference wdean@flumc.org.

Child care for children 3 and younger will be provided from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., but reservations are required. To make a reservation, email Zana Griffey at zgriffey@firstumc.org by Sept. 12. For updated information, visit the Florida Conference news site.

Bishop Ken Carter

Bishop Ken Carter 1

Figure 1

Page 2 North East News

Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Herbert, VP-Exec. Director

This month featuring

Harmony New Church start!

Rev. Gary Priddy, Pastor Currently meeting at New Berlin Elementary School

3513 New Berlin Rd. Jacksonville Worship 10 a.m. Sundays

Youth Group 4-6pm Sundays Web page: http://harmonyumc.com

Welcome, Rev. Gary Priddy, new pastor at Harmony New Church Start in north Jacksonville! Gary and Michelle come to us from Kent Island United Methodist Church, Chester, Maryland, where Gary served in two capacities: first, as Director of Youth Ministries and most recently as Pastor for Family Ministries. Prior to entering the ministry Gary taught school plus coached football and lacrosse. Michelle is a licensed athletic trainer and is pursuing a counseling degree. Gary and Michelle, married 17 years, have two lovely children: Kyle, 16, and Katherine, 13. Gary earned a BBA and MBA at Mississippi State University in 1990 and 1992, and in May, 2012 was graduated from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Gary is the “Second Plant Pastor” for Harmony, following Rev. Marguerite Matthews, the Plant Pastor. Gary “hit the ground running” immediately meeting with his core leaders, praying and discussing how to best reach the Harmony community. He has developed an excellent “First 90 Days Plan” that shows great promise! We’re blessed the Holy Spirit led Pastor Gary to the North East District! Welcome, Gary, Michelle, Kyle and Katherine!

Saturday Sessions September 29, 2012 8:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.

& October 6, 2012

9:00 a.m.-2:30p.m. (both days required)

First UMC-Starke 200 N Walnut

Starke, FL 32091

This course fee is $30.00 which includes materials and lunch. Registration will begin at 8:00am on Saturday, September 29, 2012 with the first session starting at 8:30a.m.

Please click here for event brochure or for more information contact Patrice Peterson, District Lay Servant Ministries, Director at (904) 553-2217 or email leaveit4pat@yahoo.com.

North East News Page 3

DLC has had so many miracles lately. We would like to share them all with you but here are a few of the most amazing.

Josiah, who has Downs Syndrome and seizures, took 8 independent steps before graduation! Mekhi, also with Downs, is talking in sentences at the age of 3. Kayden, at age 2, is now standing more and beginning to imitate sounds. London has had multiple surgeries for her cleft lip but at one is saying words and naming objects. Zechariah and Madison both have spina bifida but they are determined to walk any way. Zechariah just got new braces for his legs and is pulling up to stand and trying to cruise on furniture. Madison also got new braces and is now walking with a walker. Sophia is standing more, coming to her teachers when called and beginning to imitate word sounds, in spite of the diagnosis of Rhett Syndrome. In our after school program miracles are happening too. Zackery is taking piano lessons and had his first concert last month. He is blind but his awesome grandmother who is raising him knows he has talent. Brandon, who is 15 and has cerebral palsy is also musically inclined. He has memorized the songs on the Christian radio station. Mr. Eric plays in the classroom and is singing along. There is nothing more beautiful! DLC also celebrated their annual graduation with 11 graduates for 2012. The ceremony was held at Murray Hill United Methodist Church on August 9th. Parents, grand-parents, sisters, brothers, teachers, friends, staff and board members were all in attendance to celebrate our awesome children! After the ceremony everyone gathered in the fellowship hall to celebrate with cake and hors d’evouvres.

If you would like to see some of these miracles for yourself, stop by for a visit or better yet, come volunteer for a few hours a week. I can guarantee you will be blessed by the incredible kids at DLC. You can also check us out on our website at www.dlcnl.org or on facebook.

Charge/Church Conference season is upon us once again. The forms became available on the Conference Web Page on August 24

th. Please review the District Specific forms.

All forms are due in the district office by Monday, October 1, 2012. Go to www.flumc.org, find Forms and Reports located at the bottom of the home page. Be sure to review the NE District Instructions. Click here to link directly to the DS instructions. Click here to link directly to charge conference forms start page. Please contact Faye Johnson or Kathy Macaulay if you need assistance.

Page 4 North East News

September 22 – First United Methodist Orlando

"The Stewardship Summit", which this year features Dr. Lovett H. Weems as keynote speaker, is an annual event open to all lay and clergy across the Florida Annual Conference. "Funding Your Congregation's Vision" is the theme for the one-day conference which will be held at First United Methodist Church of Orlando and streamed live to satellite locations at Grace UMC in Cape Coral, Hollywood Hills UMC in Hollywood, Trinity UMC in Gainesville and the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. Cost is $40 for individuals, $30 for groups of five or more and $20 for students. Fees cover all sessions, continental breakfast, lunch and materials.

Click to learn more & to register

Dr. Weems is distinguished professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D. C. He is the author of Focus: The Real Challenges That Face The United Methodist Church, Bearing Fruit: Ministry with Real Results (with Tom Berlin), and a revised edition of his classic Church Leadership: Vision, Team, Culture and Integrity, described by Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter of Harvard Business School as "an invaluable guide to churches seeking revitalization. His books Leadership in The Wesleyan Spirit and John Wesley's Message Today are used widely by United Methodist laity and clergy. He co-edits the online newsletter, Leading Ideas, available free here.

"The Clergy Guide to Personal and Church Finance" is a one and a half day program that is open to all conference clergy and their spouses. It will focus on the financial challenges facing clergy as they manage their own budgets and provide financial leadership for their churches. The seminar provides an overview of financial planning, investments and clergy taxes, estate planning, church financial leadership and how to practice stewardship in a culture of consumption.

Workshop presenters will include Mark Conner, CFP®, CEBS, Benefits Educator with the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (GBPHB) and Foundation staff members: Andy Craske, Rev. Bonnie Ogie-Kristianson, Rev. John Peterson, CFP®, Rev. Wee-Li Tan, ChFC® and Tom Wilkinson. The seminar will be headquartered at the Courtyard by Marriot, 1601 N. Congress Avenue, Boynton Beach. The seminar will convene at 1 p.m. Oct. 15 and end at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 16. Cost for the seminar is $195 for couples and $125 for individuals, and includes lodging, three meals and all materials. Deadline for registration is Sept. 24.

Online registration for both continuing education programs is available at the Foundation website, by clicking here. For more information, contact the Foundation toll free at (866) 363-9673.

North East News Page 5

Sustaining the Call: Introductory Courage & Renewal®

Retreat for Clergy & Congregational Leaders

An introductory one-day retreat is designed for those interested in discovering the personal and professional renewal fostered by the Circle of Trust® approach - as described in Parker J. Palmer's book, A Hidden Wholeness. This approach is rooted in the belief that effective ministry, service, and leadership flow from the deepest values of one's faith. The retreat will be offered at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, September 21 from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. The cost is $150-$175 (depending on when you register). Registration is available here. Click here for more information.

September 17 & 18, 2012

This is a one OR two day event, whichever works best for you! We encourage all new youth workers (either new to our conference of new to your job) in the last year to attend this connectional and educational event! The cost is $35 for the one day and $80 for both days. Both prices include meals. Click HERE for registration, or HERE for more information

Page 6 North East News

Free Training for Leaders of Adult Classes and Small Classes

Leaders may register for these free webinars at www.gbod.org/adultseminars. September 18, 7:30-8:30 PM (EDT) How Adults Learn, Part 2:—The Behavioral Dimension of Learning Participants in this webinar will explore how the cycle of action/reflection/action contributes to effective learning with adults. November 13, 7:30-8:30 PM (EDT) How Adults Learn, Part 3:—The Cognitive Dimension of Learning Participants in this webinar will explore how the brain processes information, as well as how adults make meaning as an integral part of learning. For further information contact Carol Krau, Director of Adult Formation and Discipleship Toll free (877)899-2780 ext. 7171

Required Inclusivity Training for all Full Time Clergy

A letter of invitation was mailed from the Bishop's office regarding the mandated inclusivity training all full-time clergy need to attend in 2012. You may use CE or RA funds for the cost and it will count for your continuing education requirements for 2012. Also, Conference CE funds may also be available depending on whether or not you have used those funds recently. Every full-time clergy must attend one of these events. Date and Location: September 27-29: Bilingual Event Click Here to register. Christ UMC-Pompano Beach Campus

210 NE 3rd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33060

North East News Page 7

October 19-21, 2012 Grace Church, 13 Southeast 21

st Place, Cape Coral, FL 33909

Some of the best learning we can have as have as church leaders is a combination of inspiration and instruction. Grace Church wants to invite you to a "come and see" as well as a "come and learn" weekend.

Grace Church is a multiple-site, United Methodist Church with four campuses in Southwest Florida (Cape Coral/Fort Myers area). Grace Church has grown from 400 to 2800 in worship attendance, from one campus with two worship services to four campuses with thirteen weekly services.

During this weekend, you and your team will experience and learn about the vision and strategy of Grace Church with a focus on recovery (Celebrate Recovery) and compassion outreach ministries (Third Saturday Outreach). On Friday night, you will worship with 300-400 adults, youth, and children at Celebrate Recovery. On Saturday morning, you will join 150 volunteers as they reach out to thousands of neighbors at our Third Saturday Outreach when we give away thousands of pounds of food and offer more than a dozen other ministries. On Sunday morning, you will have an opportunity to worship at three of our four campuses.

For information or questions contact graceinactionweekends@gracechurch.com or register on-line at www.egracechurch.com

Rev. Jorge Acevido, Lead Pastor

Leesburg, FL There is a great lineup of speakers and music for these retreats. With some new and exciting speakers and music added to past popular favorites, we know you will have your spirits lifted and receive new challenges. Some reservations are already coming in, and reservations can be mailed in or made on line at the Conference United Methodist Men's website. We have attached [a flyer] containing the dates and main speakers and music leaders for these retreats. Shortly, there will be more information coming in a brochure and on the website showing additional opportunities involved in these weekends, so check back at www.ummflconf.org for more details.

Page 8 North East News

32nd Annual Fall Retreat - November 1-3, 2012

Life Enrichment Center, Fruitland Park Thursday evening through Saturday morning

Formerly known as Ministers' Mates, the Clergy Mates include the Spouses of active, retired or deceased clergy who have worked in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.

WANT TO KNOW MORE? - Email us at FLUMC-Mates@cfl.rr.com Call us at (386) 734-9224 For registration Candy Smiley at email:csmiley581@yahoo.com

We are half way through hurricane season and the best disaster response is to have a plan. Need help? Visit www.flumc.org/DisasterRecovery and you'll find a local church planning guide, a hurricane preparation checklist and links to other web sites offering helpful information.

Would your church be interested in learning more? We're always looking for churches to host disaster ministry training. Right now we're scheduling for late summer and fall. To learn more, give us a call at (800) 282-8011 Ext. 148 or email pgarrison@flumc.org or gharford@flumc.org

North East News Page 9

Risk Management News and Information

CLAIM REPORTING NUMBER: 800-282-8011 X 137 or X 199 (alternate number) DAMAGE MITIGATION / TEMPORARY REPAIRS: Please take all necessary measures to mitigate further damage to your facility. Please note that you do not have to wait for the field adjuster to arrive at your location to begin to dry out your facility or make temporary repairs. Keep all receipts for any temporary repairs completed and photograph or video all damage.

ADJUSTERS: Damage claims will be handled by a professional adjusting company that specializes in catastrophe claims. Claims will be prioritized by the catastrophe response unit based upon the extent of damage and an adjuster will be dispatched to your location as soon as possible.

FURTHER INFORMATION: http://www.flumc2.org/pages/detail/1493

Thank you and stay dry.... Mark B. Thomas, CPCU, ARM Director of Ministry Protection, Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church 450 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33815 Phone: (800) 282-8011 ext.137; Fax (863) 686-7363

Have you ever looked frantically for your keys, only to find them in the lock of the door? Ever been on the verge of reporting a debit card stolen or lost, then finding it in the pocket of what you wore the day before? Searched high and low for your glasses and found them on top of your head? At times we can't find what is right in front of us because we overlook the obvious. Some think that God is only seen in big miracles or deep theological answers. However, simple reflection during our day sometimes reveals many instances of God's help and guidance in the common and ordinary. Did you see God today? We want you to share photos of where you saw God during your day. Submit your photos via Instagram and use the hashtag #whereisawgod. And, visit www.whereisawgod.org to be inspired by others' God sightings. Just look around, did you see God today? Use your smart phone camera, snap a picture and upload it to your Instagram account with the hashtag #whereisawgod. If you need instructions on how to set up and use Instagram, click here. Where have you seen God today? "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20 NIV

Page 10 North East News

Nursery Attendant Swaim Memorial UMC (San Marco area) is seeking someone who will work for a two hour period on Sunday mornings (10:30am to 12:30pm). There may be occasions during the week for further hours. The rate is $12.50 per hour. Please contact Kathy Hahn, Office Manager at 398-3204 and feel free to leave a voice mail.

Part-Time Youth Director Immediate need for Part-Time Youth Director for Faith UMC, 4000 Spring Park Road, Jacksonville FL 32207. Requirements are: 18 years of age or older, be able to dedicate 5-7 hours/week, be a practicing Christian, and an active member of a church. This position pays $75 - $100/week. If interested, please contact the church office at 904-737-3555 or email the Rev. Barry Andrews at faithumcpastor@comcast.net

Part-Time Praise/Worship Leader Orange Park United Methodist is looking for a part time praise/worship leader for their 9:25a.m. service. Applicant must play an instrument (i.e. guitar or keys) and have had experience in leading musical groups. Salary negotiable with experience of the applicant. Please send resumes to Dr. Mark Stallings, MOM: mstallings@opumc.net by September 30. Look for us at www.opumc.net We are excited about God's future for us!

Full-Time Youth Director Orange Park United Methodist Church is a large suburban church located just outside of Jacksonville. OPUMC is now looking for a full time Youth Director. If you are interested in this position, you can go to the church website, www.opumc.net, and click on the “Youth Director” tab for instructions. You can then download the job description and a copy of the job application. The position is open until it is filled.

North East News Page 11

C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

September 2012

*Recurring Monthly Reports 3 Labor Day, Conference Center and District Offices Closed 6 Pastor’s Team Meeting, 9 a.m. Spring Glen UMC, Jacksonville 6 Pastor’s Team Meeting, 6p.m. First UMC, Starke 10 Congregational Excellence Team Meeting, 1 p.m. Spring Glen UMC 24 District Committee on New Church Development Meeting, 10 a.m. District Office 24 District Leadership Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Orange Park UMC October 2012

*Recurring Monthly Reports 15 Health Insurance Adoption Agreement- All churches must return the adoption

agreement found at the bottom of the document either agreeing to participate or waiving participation in the Health Benefits Plan for Lay Employees in 2013. Eligible Clergy are required to participate. Click here for more information 22 District Committee on New Church Development Meeting, 10 a.m. District Office 22 District Leadership Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m. Orange Park UMC

31 Clergy Assessment Process “Understanding our Ministry Together” - The clergy assessment process for 2012 is available online at www.flumc.org under the Ministries Tab: Center for Clergy Excellence. Clergy and the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committees should meet in the fall to complete this process. The report is due to the District Office every year by Oct. 31. Click here for more information.

To access Calendar of Reports due for 2012 Click Here

Leadership Training Event

Lakewood United Methodist Church 6133 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, Florida 32216

More details coming soon!