Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Florida Conference, I am pleased to announce that a grand offering will be collected at the 2015 Florida Annual Conference event during June 10-13. Our theme this year is "Next Generations-Together in the Baptismal Waters" and I invite you to be a part of this special opportunity. This offering will support our commitment to the next generations in Florida and in the malaria-endemic world. In areas with high transmission of malaria, the most vulnerable groups are young children and pregnant women-whose immune systems are less able to fight the disease. Malaria exacts its largest burden on Africa's next generations. Half of our offering will support our No More Malaria campaign and half will support the continued growth and learning of Florida's newly ordained clergy. Imagine No Malaria (one-half). This will complete the Florida Conference's emphasis on this life-saving ministry, which is transforming the continent of Africa, where so much of the church's growth is taking place. This is a profound ministry of healing in the name of Jesus. Ordinand Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (one-half). We are beginning a tradition that once every four years the Bishop will take to the Holy Land (Israel and Palestine) those who have been ordained. Educational Opportunities has made a commitment to partner with us on this at cost. (Note: once every four years the Bishop also leads a pilgrimage to the Holy Land that includes laity and local pastors). This experience will add immeasurably to the teaching and preaching of clergy in their early years. We are asking local churches to receive an offering on May 24 (Pentecost) as a participation in this expression of God's mission. Thank you for your support of our efforts to engage the next generation in the mission of God and to develop leaders who have a heart for service and will make a difference in our world.
The peace of the Lord, Kenneth H. Carter, Jr. Florida Area Resident Bishop The United Methodist Church www.flumc.org |