LEADERSHIP UPDATE of the Southeast Region

Volume 5, Issue 1 January 2011

Pastors: Please distribute this to your delegates, leaders & congregation

BY CHOICE, NOT BIRTH

Recently I had the opportunity to preach in 2 different churches. Although these churches were on opposite coasts of FL, they both had a greeting time which ended in the singing of the same chorus, Im so glad Im a part of the family of God. It was great to see young and old, year round residents and snowbirds, expressing their joy in being connected as Christ followers and as a local congregation.

As everyone sang, my thoughts turned toward my past. For 10 years I pastored in a denomination that was not a good fit for me, and then the next 17 years were spent serving in two independent churches. A wave of gratitude overwhelmed me as I sang, for the pivotal time when God graciously led me to the FMC. I am a Free Methodist by choice, not birth. And I am thankful every day that I am part of this special family of believers.

As a pastor or lay leader, do you realize the amazing gift it is to be a part of our FM connectional family? I hope that in 2011 you will pray daily for our bishops, and fast on the 23^rd of each month for the July General Conference in New York (www.GC11.org) . As changes occur with Light and Life magazine, the FM web page, etc., lets thank God that our denominational leaders are seeking to serve us and the world in new and fresh ways.

Thanks, Pastor Tim Coleman (another FM by choice) for passing along this quote:

Our gifts, passions, and experience have greater influence through a worldwide denominational network. Through a denomination, we can provide resources to people we will never meet, reach places we will never go, and preach the Gospel to lost souls who are beyond our personal reach. We can find what we need and give as much as we want because the key to cooperation is to both give and receive. . . . A healthy denomination ultimately gives us strength. Its a home, not a prison. It allows us to share specific theological conviction, practice expressions of ministry relevant to our communities, and serve a common mission in the one thing that brings true unity: the Gospel.

Ed Stetzer (http://edstetzer.com/2010/06/called-to-be-free.html)

Supt. Darrel Riley

ANNUAL REPORTS DUE BY JANUARY 31

Its no surprise each year in January some annual reporting needs to be completed by church leadership. You will receive a hard copy packet with all forms, as well as electronic forms via email. Pastors and delegates should check this list twice to make sure all forms are turned in by January 31^st to the indicated recipient:

q On Purpose Process: SER Annual Reporting Form

Pastors are to send a copy of their Annual On Purpose Report to their District Leader AND Supt. Darrel Riley.

q Year End Report: 2010 statistics filed electronically with Indianapolis

Each January a statistical review of your church from the previous year needs to be filed on-line with Indianapolis in preparation for publishing a new Yearbook.

q 2011 Confidential Reports: In preparation for 2011 An Conf Appointments

Pastors and delegates need to submit their hopes regarding upcoming pastoral appointments at 2011 Annual Conferences to Supt. Darrel now, for MAC preparation.

REMINDERS, RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES

NEW WAVE CONTRIBUTION FORM & ADDRESS:

Pastors & Treasurers: Beginning in January 2011, there is a new WAVE CONTRIBUTION FORM. When filled out electronically, it automatically calculates your needed contribution; or calculate manually if filling out by hand.

Make out your monthly contribution check to: Free Methodist Church EAST

Mail to: WAVE Administration PO Box 707 Stafford NY 14143

Please dispose of all former forms, and use the new form (attached). SAC Treasurer Marge Lehman requests that SAC churches also send her a copy when making a contribution.

FM HISTORY & POLITY CLASS OFFERED in ORLANDO:

Contact Supt. Darrel immediately at 407-277-1428 if you plan to enroll in the 3 day FM History & Church Polity class being offered Thurs. Sat., Jan. 21 23 at Asbury Seminary in Orlando FL. Deadline to register: Monday, Jan 3. Class textbook list, lodging & meal information will be sent to all registrants. This class is a prerequisite for becoming a CMC.

FEBRUARY 6th SUPER SALAD BOWL to REBUILD HAITI:

On January 12^th, we will be at the one-year mark from last years devastating earthquake in Port au Prince. Much as been accomplished this past year due to your generosity, but the rebuilding of Haiti will take continued prayer and involvement. On Super Bowl Sunday, February 6, all churches are being challenged to organize a Soup or Salad luncheon, pig roast, crayfish boil, or other appropriate regional meal after morning worship or at game time. Funds can be designated for your choice of worthy FM Haiti projects:

Sawyer Water Filters @ $50 each, order thru www.childcareministries.org (ICCM)

Drill a Fresh Water Well: www.ClearBlueProject.org DVD to view and download

*Structall Pastors Home @ $5,000 contact Leland Sayers 863-858-2768

*Structall ICCM School @ $15,000 - contact Leland Sayers 863-858-2768

* DVD segments on Structall projects are on the homepage of www.seregionfmc.org

Haiti Feeding Program: www.childcareministries.org (ICCM)

Lets top last years $12,000 contributions from the Southeast Region.

NATIONAL FM TRAINING EVENT in FL on MARCH 1 2

Each year a special speaker is brought in to train FMC pastors and lay leaders in a 2 day National Church Consultant Training Event. This year Bishop Matt Thomas will be the speaker on the theme: TURNING THE CHURCH INSIDE OUT: Strategies to Lead an Outreach Focused Church Some of the topics to be covered include the following:

The Role of the Pastor in Leading the Local Church in Outreach

Developing Leaders for Church Growth

Sable Growth Potential of Multi-Cultural Churches

The Daily Practice of Evangelism

This event will be held Tues, March 1: 8:30am 5:45pm, and Wed, March 2: 8:30am - noon at St. Pete: Cornerstone (Host Pastor: Rex Bullock). The registration cost for this event is as follows: $79 / individuals $99 / couples. Some limited free lodging is available through Cornerstone members for Mon & Tues nights, so sign up early. See the attached brochure and complete the Registration Form.

EVERY PERSON A PASSIONATE PRAY-ER

In 2011 may we be

INWARDLY HEALTH and, OUTWARDLY FOCUSED congregations

comprised of Spirit FILLED AND SPILLED believers

who work together to RIP THE ROOF and bring others closer to Jesus.

JANUARY 2011	SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE	AL-GA or GCC CONFERENCE
Jan 2 8	Boca Raton: Edifying Lives Ministry CPP DL & Pastor Roberto Silva (Creuzeli) drrobertosilva@comcast.net	Acme, LA: Acme FMC Pastors Wade & Cindy Robinson Chapel37chick@yahoo.com
Jan 9 15	Bradenton: Orange Grove Pastor Steve Bell (Emily) Bellsj@aol.com	Deville, LA: Marthas Chapel DL & Pastor Monty Bower (Jo) mlbower@suddenlink.net
Jan 16 - 22	Brandon, Cristo La Senda CPP Pastor Sergio Peralta (Hicy) cristolasenda@hotmail.com	Deville, LA: New Hope FMC Pastor Fred Summers (Faye) frednfaye@suddenlink.net
Jan 23 29	Brevard Co.: Abundant Life CPP Pastor Jose Hernandez (Ada) jose.hernandez@asburyseminary.edu	Jonesville, LA: Oak Grove Pastor Emitte Belgard (Beverly) emittebelgard@hotmail.com
Jan 30 Feb 5	Cape Coral Community Church Pastor David Rigby (Linda) david@capecoralchurch.com	Olla, LA: Antioch Delegate E. W. Nugent; Buddy Manning 485 Hwy 770 Olla LA 71465

SOUTHEAST REGION MISSIONARIES:

Keep current with our missionary families at www.fmwm.org (then click on Missionaries).

Josh & Susy Fajardo (Spain) JFajardoM@aol.com

Mike & Maria Long (Greece) Longmm@the.forthnet.gr

The Longs are currently stateside and in the southeast region in January:

Jack Munos (Haiti) haiti4christjak@yahoo.com

Rick & Cookie Ireland (Haiti) rick.ireland@yahoo.com

GULF COAST CONFERENCE DATES:

January 5 9 MISSIONS WEEK with MIKE & MARIA LONG

Wed, Jan 5: Shreveport: Central FMC

Thurs, Jan 6: Winnsboro: Liddieville FMC

Fri, Jan 7: Oak Grove and Acme FMCs

Sat, Jan 8: Marthas Chapel will hold the Conference wide Big Fat Greek Missions Rally

Gumbo supper at 5:00pm, immediately followed by music & program at 6:00pm

Sun, Jan 9: AM at Pineville: Edgewood FMC, and PM at Deville: New Hope

February 4 6 GCC PASTORS WEEKEND with SUPT RILEY

Fri, Feb 4: Pastors & Spouses Dinner out on the town together

Sat, Feb 5: Retreat Day for GCC Clergy & Lay Leaders; training at Oak Grove.

Sun, Feb 6: Supt. will preach at Pineville: Edgewood FMC

Mon Fri, June 13 17: GCC FAMILY CAMP at the Church of God Camp in Pollock LA

Sat, June 18: ANNUAL CONFERENCE at the Church of God Camp in Pollock LA

AL-GA MISSION DISTRICT NEWS:

CONGRATULATIONS to Jill Crosby, Jeffrey Davis, William Hart, Elizabeth Nitchman, Jeanne Nitchman, and Christina Solly for completing the FM History and Polity course.

GA District Pastors Mtgs: will be held at the following times and places

Thurs, Jan 20: Macon FMC from 9am 12:30 pm lunch (host pastor Paul Elder)

Thurs, Feb 10: Browns Mill FMC in Newnan 9am 12:30 pm lunch (host pastor Tim Coleman)

Sat Mon, Feb 26 28: Supt Darrel will be present for the following meetings:

Sun, Feb 27: Preaching in the morning at Faith FMC in Pleasant Grove, AL

Exec Team Mtg at Comfort Suites (125 Davis Loop Rd, Oxford, AL )

Mon, Feb 28: Combined AL-GA Pastors Mtg with Supt Darrel at the Comfort Suites

in Oxford, AL, 9:30am lunch (Central Time)

Sat, March 26: ANNUAL CONF with Bishop Roller at Columbus GA: Christ Community Church from 10:30am 3:30pm Eastern Time. Bring all your key leaders!

SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE NEWS:

JANUARY REGIONAL TRAINING EVENT LOCATIONS:

Bring your Annual On Purpose Report for your District Leader & Supt. Darrel

If you are unable to file online your 2010 Year End Report with Indianapolis, bring a

hard copy with you and it will be electronically filed for you.

Sat, Jan 8 South FL (9:30am lunch) West Palm Beach: Hope Fellowship (Jon Howery)

Mon, Jan 10 Central FL (6:30 supper 9pm) Orlando: First Spanish (Pastor Juan Grullon)

Sat, Jan 15 West Coast FL (9:30am lunch) St Pete: Cornerstone (Pastor Rex Bullock)

Lakeland: Light & Life FMC Winter Conferences:

January 16 23: Bible Conference with Dr. Dean Cook and Dr.Matt Zahniser

February 25 27: Missions Conference with Dr. Dan & Dee Snyder, Haiti missionaries

All services on Sundays are at 10:00am and 6:00pm, Mon Fri at 7:00pm, NO Saturday services

St. Pete: Cornerstone Missions Conference on January 23 30:

• Pastor Rex will open the Missions Conference in morning worship, Jan 23, at 10am
• Week nights: missions reports (Rhonda Stapleton on Wed) and message by Pastor Rex
• Bishop David Roller will close the Conference the following Sunday, Jan 30, at 10am

PASTORAL CHANGES:

Elder Jose Miguel Pereira (ASP Boca Raton: Edifying Lives) is returning to Brazil.

Co-Pastors Montana & Joy Mormur are turning their attention full time to biker ministry at The Spoken Word, which meets Sunday mornings at Junk Yard Saloon on Daytona.
ASP Nelson Hom has become interim lead pastor at Orange City: Living Water.

Completing 50 years of pastoral leadership, Pastor Harold Fisher is retiring. His last Sunday is January 9 at Dade City FMC. Send best wishes to him at his new home:

2222 Mateo St. Lakeland FL 33801 Cell: 352-345-3322 no email

Welcome to incoming elder Nick Clark, wife Zoanne, and their 3 grandchildren, who are moving to Dade City from Irvine, KY. Supt. Darrel will install Pastor Nick on January 16. Welcome the Clarks: the parsonage address is 13945 S 20^th St. Dade City FL 33525