LEADERSHIP UPDATE of the
Southeast Region
Volume
3, Issue 10
November & December 2008
Pastors:
Distribute to your delegates, leaders & congregation
The Advent Conspiracy
Whenever I become aware of a great
resource which I think can help us as pastors and congregations to become more
inwardly healthy and outwardly focused, Im eager to share it. So, in the
spirit of giving this upcoming holiday season, I want to pass along to you
information about The Advent Conspiracy, a grass-roots movement to turn
Christmas upside down or actually right-side up.
In 2006 four church leaders recommended that
their churches combat the consumerism of the holiday season and instead
recapture the true meaning of giving and love, as they focused on the ultimate
Gift of Christmas - Christ. Certainly, they felt, the $450,000,000,000 spent
annually on Christmas presents (yes, $450 billion), could at least in part be
reclaimed for Kingdom purposes. Realizing that Jesus became poor so that we
might become rich, these pastors challenged their churches to redirect some of
their holiday giving to relieve suffering in the world. These churches
designated their Christmas Eve offerings to dig wells, thereby providing the
gift of fresh water living water to alleviate sickness and death around the
globe. They were aware that 1.8 BILLION people die every year from diarrheal
diseases, and 3,900 children die DAILY from water-born diseases . . . making
unclean water the #1 global killer. An amazing fact is that for just
$10,000,000,000 (1/45th of what is spent on Christmas shopping),
everyone in the world could have access to clean water.
Word about the Advent Conspiracy spread. Last
year, in 2007, 700 churches in 17 countries signed up to also participate in
the Advent Conspiracy. Who knows how many individuals and congregations will
participate in 2008. To introduce your congregation to the Advent Conspiracy,
go to www.adventconspiracy.org.
There is a short video clip that you can use to challenge your congregation to
re-think their holiday spending, and then as individuals and as congregations,
you can make your own choices of how or to whom you might donate funds or
perform acts of love.
Certainly as Free Methodists, there are many
ministries which immediately come to mind as worthwhile recipients. In our own
southeast region, the Katrina recovery
effort in Mississippi led by Pastors Greg Nitchman & Tommy Gammill is
in need of work teams as well as prayer and financial partners (email: greg@hopenet.ws,
website: www.hopenet.ws)
. Haiti was devastated this fall by
tropical storms and hurricanes the need for clean water, and the rebuilding
of homes, churches and schools has just begun. Make sure to show the Help
Haiti Heal DVD that was sent to each congregation. Then, too, the
persecution and martyrdom of Christians in India
due to extremists, has left many homeless, living in fear of their lives.
Respond to the needs in Haiti or India by sending a check to PO Box
535002, Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002, marked:
1)
Bishops
Famine & Relief Fund India or Haiti (FMCNA) OR
2)
Operation
Hope India or Haiti (FMWM Free Methodist World Missions)
Or
give electronically through either the FMCNA or FMWM websites
This coming holiday season, trade the stress
and pressure of consumerism, for heart-felt experiences of compassionate
service, celebration, and life-changing gift giving.
Supt Darrel Riley
SOUTHEAST REGION
RESOURCES & REMINDERS:
ANNUAL ON PURPOSE
PROCESS:
As you continue ministry this fall, make sure you set aside time with your
church leadership to complete the ANNUAL On Purpose Process during November or
early December. This is a time to evaluate 2008 ministries, and to hear from
God before you begin planning for 2009. The Annual On Purpose Process Form
is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese at our regional website: www.seregionfmc.org, then click on the Forms & Resources tab.
FM CLASSES in
Ÿ
Two
intensive classes will be offered at Asbury Seminary, Orlando Campus for 3
days. Both courses will be taught at the same time on Thursday Saturday, Jan
22 24, so select one class and share transportation. Contact Supt. Riley
immediately at 407-277-1428 if interested, as a minimum number of students is
required for either class:
FM History & Polity taught by
Supt. Riley
Wesleyan
Theology taught
by Wes King
Ÿ
Additional
classes are available at the World Ministries Center in Indianapolis:
January 5 10: FM History & Polity, Minor
Prophets, or Pastoral Care
January 12 17: Letters from Roman Prison, Wesleyan
Theology,
Homiletics, or Evangelism
Call 1-800-342-5531, ext. 308 for
information and registration for an Indianapolis
class. Reduced
registration fee & housing IF registered by December 1, 2008
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
TO LEARN & BE INSPIRED in 2009:
Ÿ
Feb. 2 4: Kingdom
Encounter Reaching the World conference, with an emphasis upon
multi-cultural ministry and globalization at Asbury Seminary, Orlando. Register
by Dec 1 for $99 early bird rate; after that, the cost becomes $125. Check out
details at www.asburyseminary.edu/kingdom-encounter
Ÿ
April 21 23: NCC Exponential 2009,
National New Church Conference at First Baptist Church, Orlando FL is an
incredible gathering for church planters, innovative outside the walls
ministries, and resources/vendors to make ministry easier. Check out the 2009
speakers and workshops at www.exponentialconference.org. Register as
part of the SAC group rate (contact Peggy Riley) and receive $20 off the
following prices:
$129 if registered by Dec 1 for Super Early Bird
rate
$159 if registered by Feb 15 for Early Bird
rate
$199 if registered by March 31 for Regular
rate
$249 after March 31 for Late rate
Ÿ
August 6 7: Willow Creek Leadership Summit,
simulcast sites throughout FL. Theres no better conference for learning Godly
leadership principles. Make this conference an annual priority.
2008:
EVERY PERSON A
PASSIONATE PRAY- ER
Pray
daily for the following churches. Emails are included for sending greetings to
one another; check the Yearbook or contact the Rileys if you need postal
addresses. When you are the prayer focus, please contact the Rileys to share
your personal & church prayer requests.
|
NOV & DEC 2008 |
|
AL-GA or GCC CONFERENCE |
|
Oct
26 Nov 1 |
WPB: Pastor
Wayne Augustine (Mary) WEachOneReachOne@yahoo.com Ernie
Sullivan (Barb) Ernest_Sullivan@yahoo.com |
Pastor
Keith Cowart (Pam) keith@ccclive.org |
|
Nov
2 - 8 |
Presidential
Election Week |
Presidential
Election Week |
|
Nov
9 - 15 |
Winter Haven
Haitian Pastor
Roniel St. Fleur (Rose) 804 Glad Rd., Winter Haven FL 33880 |
Fayetteville, GA:
Fayette Community Church under
Supt. Darrel Riley |
|
Nov
16 - 22 |
Taylor Correctional
Institution Chaplain
Thomas Holman (Barb) Bay Pines VA
Hospital Chaplain
Dan Hummer (Linda) Chaplain
Rob McLaren (Dene) |
Huntsville, AL:
Acts Family Worship Center Pastor
Jeff Curry (Cyndi) MY
Doug Wall (Karey) afwc@comcast.net
|
|
Nov
23 - 29 |
Action Military:
Air Force Chaplain
Mark Williams (Monica) |
Macon GA Pastor
Paul Elder (Dottie) 982 Roundtable Lane Macon, GA 31220
|
|
Nov
30 Dec 6 |
FMWM: Greece Mike
& Maria Long Email: longmm@the.forthnet.gr Newsletter: http://mikenmaria.typepad.com |
Marietta GA:
Brazilian FMC of Marietta Pastor
Domingos Pereira (Nilva) pereiradomingos0106@yahoo.com.br |
|
Dec
7 - 12 |
FMWM: Spain Josh
& Susy Fajardo Email: JFajardoM@aol.com Newsletter: http://thefajardos.com |
Pleasant
Grove, AL: Faith FMC Pastor
Joe Shuffett (Wendy) joeshuffett@bllsouth.net |
|
Dec
14 - 20 |
FMWM: Haiti Jack
& Jeanne Acheson-Munos Email: haitiforchrist@yahoo.com Newsletter:
http://www.fmmhaiti.org/munos.html |
FMWM: Greece Mike
& Maria Long Email: longmm@the.forthnet.gr FMWM: Spain Josh
& Susy Fajardo Email: JFajardoM@aol.com |
|
Dec
21 - 27 |
Christmas Outreach
Opportunities |
Christmas Outreach
Opportunities |
|
Dec
28 Jan 3, 2009 |
Bishop David
Kendall & Lavone Bishop David Roller
& Yvonne Bishop Matt Thomas
& Marlene Supt. Darrel Riley
& Peggy riley661@yahoo.com |
Bishop David
Kendall & Lavone Bishop David Roller
& Yvonne Bishop Matt Thomas
& Marlene Supt. Darrel Riley
& Peggy riley661@yahoo.com |
INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE
NEWS:
Recent News:
Pastor
Daryl Smith was awarded the 2008
Professional Excellence Award by Spring Arbor University on October 10
congratulations!
Pastor
Valdir Mateos has moved to Orlando
to complete a counseling degree at Florida Christian University. We are pleased
to announce that Pastor Roberto Silva
of Edifying Lives Ministry in Boca Raton, has agreed to become the new
Brazilian District Leader.
New Addresses / Emails:
Dan Hummer (Clearwater-Largo & VA Hospital) is now DHummer@knology.net
Valdir Mateos now lives at 2560 Cypress Ct., Orlando FL 32811. Home phone:
407-426-7034. His cell phone & email remain the same.
Henley Perry (Nassau, Bahamas) is now hperry2008@hotmail.com
MENS RETREAT: Recently
38 men from 4 churches gathered for the 2nd fall SAC mens
retreat, held at the EBM in Summerfield. Attendees were challenged by Bible
teacher Lucien Behar, and Supt. Darrel Riley was the keynote speaker. Gourmet
meals were provided by Cornerstone mens ministry, led by Clearwater Largos
CMC Ed Foley.
ANNUAL PASTORS &
SPOUSES RETREAT at
the Wycliffe Center was an incredible
3 days. Steve Harper, VP of Asbury Seminary, was a wonderful keynote speaker.
Worship leader Dawn Salmons, accompanied by husband Blair and Jon & Bev
Howery, inspired us through music. The times of small group sharing and prayer
were powerful.
Upcoming Dates:
Sat, Nov 8: Tampa Celebration will sponsor their 2nd Annual Drivers
and Divot Golf Classic to raise funds for 09 SAC youth camp scholarships. The
event will start at 1:00 at Northdale Golf & Tennis Club in Tampa. Everyone
is invited to participate. Contact Sean Burke, 813-263-5073, or Pastor Ed
Pannell, 813-843-0537, to register.
Fri, Nov 21: Finance Team meeting at Marge Lehmans home (5421 Sharon Trail,
Lakeland FL 33810) at 9:00am to discuss the 2009 SAC budget
Sat, Nov 22: West Coast District Holiday Gathering will take place at the home
of DL Rex and LaWanda Bullock (1718 Split Ford Dr., Oldsmar 34677) from 11:30am
2:30pm. Bring your favorite salad or dessert, as well as $10 per couple.
There will be a card exchange. RSVP to Carole at 727-343-7747 or
cskinney@tampabay.rr.com
Fri, Dec 5: District Leaders Mtg at the Riley home in Orlando; gather at
9:30am; meeting 10am lunch.
Sat., Dec 6: SAC BOA meeting at the
Riley home in Orlando to review 2008 and finalize plans for 2009. Gather at
9:30am; meeting 10am lunch.
January 09 Regional Training Events:
Send your Annual
On Purpose Report to your DL or bring to a Regional Training Event.
Sat, Jan 10: West Coast Regional
Training Event at St. Pete: Cornerstone, 9:30 lunch
Sat, Jan 17: South FL Region
Training Event @ Hialeah: Ministerios Nueva Vision, 9:30-lunch
Mon, Jan 19: Central FL Region
Training Event @ Orlando First, 6:30 supper 9:00pm
SOUTH ATLANTIC
CONFERENCE cont.
SAC Biggie 2009 Events:
Sat, Feb 28: SAC
YOUTH RALLY (10am 4pm) at
Fri-Sat, March 20 21: SAC
YOUTH WORKERS Retreat day or overnight; details TBD
Sunday, April 12: EASTER
Fri-Sat, April 24 25: ANNUAL
CONFERENCE at Light & Life FMC in
Thurs Sat, May 14 16, 2009: SAC LADIES RETREAT at the
Orlando. 2009 theme: Freedom in Christ. Mark your calendars!
Thurs Mon, June 11 15: SAC YOUTH CAMP: REFUEL at
AL-GA MISSION
DISTRICT:
SUNDAY, NOV 23: There will be a
2:00pm AL-GA MEG Bd. meeting with potential CMC candidates at Christ Community
Church in Columbus GA.
HOLIDAY GATHERINGS: Save the following
dates for a celebration dinner together:
Sunday evening, Nov 23: Georgia
Pastors & Spouses at 5pm in a restaurant in
Columbus. You will be
notified of details very soon.
Monday evening, Nov 24:
Alabama Pastors & Spouses will return to Baxters
Steakhouse. Dinner will begin at 6pm.
Address: 6092 Al Highway 157, Cullman, AL 35058 (exit 310). Phone: 256-739-9899.
PASTORS & SPOUSES
RETREAT: AL-GA
and GCC pastors will return to Edgewater
Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, FL on
Friday Sunday, Feb 20 - 22, 2009.
GULF COAST
CONFERENCE:
DEC 12 14 WEEKEND: Supt Darrel &
Peggy Riley will be in town to celebrate the holidays and prepare for the
coming year:
Fri, Dec 12: Administrative Co. Meeting at 6pm at
Edgewood FMC in Pineville.
Sat, Dec 13: Pastors & Spouses Holiday
Luncheon will begin at 11am at Marthas Chapel in Deville (thank you to host
pastor Monty Bower & those providing our meal!). Pastors are to bring
holiday cards & Christmas gift money for missionary family Mike & Maria
Long in Greece as last year.
Sun, Dec 14: Supt Darrel Riley
will preach in an area FM church.
PASTORS & SPOUSES
RETREAT: AL-GA
and GCC pastors will return to Edgewater
Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, FL on
Friday Sunday, Feb 20 - 22, 2009.
I AM THE CLAY: GCC Adults save Saturday,
March 7, 2009 so you can participate in a one day workshop led by spiritual
director Jane Knight, at the Pineville: Edgewood FMC. This will be a hands-on,
experience in renewal! A brochure will be available soon. All GCC Pastors are
to attend this event as it will take the place of our March 09 Pastors Meeting.