AC August 2019

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,

and I have remained faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT

            Monday morning, I set out on a three-mile run in 98% humidity and 78-degree temperatures … and it was only 7:15AM!  I like to run and have been running for 22 years.  But running in the summer heat is beyond challenging.  I am not a long-distance runner … have run a couple of races and while that’s been satisfying, my personal goal is self-care and nothing else.  The goal of Monday morning was simply to complete three miles … speed and time did not matter.

            As I ran three things happened.  First, with headphones in listening to music, I was spooked by a lawn service mower that sounded like it was right behind me.  My perception was off, but my heart dropped as I thought I was about to be runover!  Second, I changed courses because my original path was too sunny … I was seeking shade whenever possible which meant leaving my regular way for a new one that offered relief!  Finally, I doubled back part of the way so I could get home in the time I needed to.  I usually don’t like to go a way I’ve already been – more interesting to not see the same old things – but finishing on time took precedence over my need for fascinating sites.

            I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s imagery of the spiritual life as a race.  It resonates with me.  Like many of us, I know that I need to have the marathon image of ministry not the sprint, and I need to train regularly if I am going to finish the race set out before me.  I would add that there are going to be moments when we are “spooked” – legitimately scared – because we don’t understand what is behind us.  There will be times when we need to change our route because the original path has been overcome by the elements that will drag us down and restrict our running goal.  Lastly, doubling back – remembering that we are called by God to run this race in the first place - can be the best decision so we can make it home at the right time.  And while we can have the best laid plans but life happens and the need to course correct becomes apparent, our goal remains the same and is attainable when we walk with Jesus.

            As we begin to enter into the fall season with the start of school right around the corner, my prayer for each of us is that we would find some time to devote to self-care:  a run, a walk on the beach, a hike in the mountains … wherever you experience God’s presence away from the daily routine and schedule.  The goal is finishing our course in faith! 

            May God’s love and grace surround and uphold you +

            Dionne

Thank you to all I have seen on my clergy visits. It's been very enjoyable to get to know you and visit your church. For those who I have received commitments for future appointments, again thank you for being so accommodating to my schedule. For those I haven't yet seen or set an appointment, I'm still working on my schedule. At this time it looks like I am booked through October. So it will be later in the year or the beginning of the new year before I can get to you. Please be patient and know that I look forward to visiting. 

Dear sisters and brothers in the Florida Conference,

As we finish the summer and approach fall, we wanted to let you know about the following:

1. The Bishop’s Clergy Day Apart originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 10. All clergy from Florida are invited to attend the December 10 event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Lakeland. The focus will be on “God is With Us” and spiritual preparation during the season of Advent.
2. The Conference Table is scheduled for Saturday, October 26, at the Portico in Tampa. The morning portion of the Conference Table meeting (10 a.m. to noon) will be open to all clergy and laity in Florida to come and hear a presentation from Bishop Carter on “Growing the Center.” The presentation will be followed by table discussion. To register for this event please click here.

In the midst of this season of the church, we hope you will make plans to attend these events. More information about both events will be available soon.

On Mission Together,
The Florida Conference

DO NO HARM: MANDATORY QUADRENNIAL SEXUAL ETHICS TRAINING

To all Appointed Clergy of the Florida Annual Conference
Register for one of the Mandatory Quadrennial Sexual Ethics Training dates listed below:

     Tampa at St. James UMC on Tuesday, Sept. 24
     Jacksonville at Mandarin UMC on Thursday, Oct. 3              All training sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Gainesville at Trinity UMC on Wednesday, Oct. 9                 Lunch will be provided.
     Plantation at Plantation UMC on Tuesday, Oct. 22
     Orlando at St. Luke's UMC on Wednesday, Nov. 6            
                                         To Register: http://florida-reg.brtapp.com/DoNoHarmSexualEthicsTraining  

SEJ-BMCR Annual Meeting Registration & Info

R-10 and Counting, a comprehensive retirement planning seminar sponsored by the Florida United Methodist Foundation for clergy planning to retire within the next 10 years, will be held Sept. 9-11 at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland (72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801).  
 
Registrations will be accepted until Aug. 26, but prospective retirees are encouraged to register early because participation is limited to 30 clergy. Spouses are also encouraged to attend.
 
The popular, annual seminar spans two and a half days, providing information critical to retirement planning. It covers a range of topics, including what to expect in retirement, how to maintain wellness in a variety of areas, clergy taxes, Social Security, pension and benefits, financial planning, health insurance, housing issues, and estate planning. 
 
Ron Theodore, a benefit educator with Wespath Benefits and Investments, will provide information to help attendees anticipate their retirement income and stay financially healthy in retirement. The Rev. John Peterson CFP®, CASL®, the foundation’s vice president of stewardship and education, will help participants focus on strengthening their financial planning. And a panel of retirees will discuss what attendees can expect in retirement. Specialists in maintaining healthy lifestyles, Social Security issues, taxes, housing options and insurance will round out the seminar’s agenda. Participants will also have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with the Wespath benefits educator on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
The program begins Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. and ends Sept. 11 at noon. The cost is $70 for single participants and $95 for clergy attending with a spouse, including meals and materials. Participants must pay for their lodging, but the foundation has negotiated a rate of $178 at the Terrace Hotel for Sept. 9 and 10 and will reserve any rooms needed. Those wishing to take advantage of that rate should include payment with their registration fee.
 
Clergy may register online or download the registration form and send it to the foundation offices, attention Nadara Brock. More information is available at R-10 and Counting Seminar by contacting Brock at 866-363-9673, extension 7113, or nbrock@fumf.org.