Dear Friends:
Tomorrow the specially-called General Conference of the United Methodist Church will commence. 864 delegates from across the globe are gathering in St. Louis, Missouri for this event. Like all other general, jurisdictional, and annual conference meetings of the UMC, there are equal numbers of clergy and lay delegates. Please be in prayer for them and for the United Methodist Church. The Trinity Chapel will be open each day during the conference for prayer (February 23-26).
Our bishop Ken Carter has written a poignant statement as he prepares to participate in this General Conference that he has encouraged all churches in our Florida Conference to read.
In addition,
here
is a website you may find helpful to learn more about the conference.
To watch sessions from the conference via live stream, go
here
.
I hope that you are planning to join us next Wednesday, February 27, for a time of worship and celebration, as we give thanks for the ministries of Rev. Lenora Rousseau and Ted Grueser. As a sign of our appreciation, we are receiving a special offering for each of them:
As Lenora and her family move to Texas to be reunited with Aaron, she has plans to launch a virtual ministry to reach people beyond the traditional spaces for church. Just as you outfitted Aaron for his calling as a Navy Chaplain last fall, you can help outfit Lenora for this new season of ministry, providing a gift toward the purchase of equipment and certifications that will benefit her work. Please make your gifts to Trinity and designate it specifically for "Lenora Rousseau love offering."
During Ted's five years as Trinity's Director of Missions, many persons have had the opportunity to travel with Ted to both share and receive God's love in other parts of the world. To celebrate Ted's passion and commitment to international missions and his work in countries around the world, we invite you to contribute to build a well in an underdeveloped country in Ted's honor. Please make your gifts to Trinity and designate your offering specifically to "Ted's well."
To participate in either of these offerings, you can make your gift
here
on the Trinity website by next Tuesday, February 26. We look forward to presenting both these offerings at next Wednesday's celebration.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we conclude February's message series on The Lord's Prayer.
