2015 Florida Annual Conference

Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, Florida

2015 Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church

June 10 – 13, 2015 June 9: Registration

Workbook

Next Generations

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TO: Lay and Clergy Members of the Florida Annual Conference FROM: David Dodge, Chair; Annual Conference Program Committee RE: 2015 Florida Annual Conference Workbook “NEXT GENERATIONS” Soon the 2015 Annual Conference will be underway. Many levels of preparation are underway, and have been since early last summer, to make this year’s Annual Conference a successful connection to the generations to come for The United Methodist Church in Florida. We are hopeful that these preparations will result in you having a rich encounter with our Risen Lord as we gather together as the Body of Christ. Some of the highlights for this year’s Annual Conference include:

We will be meeting on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach. This will provide for us a unique opportunity to connect with the next generations of the Church.

Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior minister of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, will be addressing us three times. Adam has a particular calling to enable our denomination to reach future generations with the saving power of Jesus Christ.

There will be a 5K walk/run on Thursday morning on the beach. This will support Imagine No Malaria as well as to provide for fellowship and healthy living. Registration for this event is also on the website link.

We will be electing delegates to the 2016 General Conference in Portland, Oregon and the 2016 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. We will be electing nine lay and nine clergy delegates to General Conference. An additional nine lay and nine clergy persons will be elected to serve as alternates to General Conference. And the total group of eighteen lay and eighteen clergy elected will serve as delegates to Jurisdictional Conference. Finally, we will elect an additional seven lay and seven clergy to serve as alternates to Jurisdictional Conference. All of our balloting will be done with handheld electronic balloting devices which you will receive at registration.

Our District Orientations will be “virtual” again this year. Our communications team is producing videos that will be accessible to everyone and will describe the major concepts of this year’s Annual Conference. Your District may also choose to have a specific time of gathering and information previous to Annual Conference. If so, that will be communicated to you through your District Office.

This workbook is being provided to allow you to have adequate time and information to be fully prepared for this year’s Annual Conference. Please read the reports and recommendations carefully in order to be the best steward of our time together in Lakeland. If you have questions about certain aspects of the workbook you can contact the author of that section directly, or you can contact me and I will be glad to assist in any manner that I can. Foremost, I encourage you to prepare yourself spiritually for our time together. In John Wesley’s days Annual Conference was a time for “connection,” a time for us to come together to hear from one another about how it is with our souls. Today is no different. We need one another. And, because of our time together, we will be able to join in the words of the historic hymn of Charles Wesley,

“And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face? Glory and thanks to Jesus give for his almighty grace!”

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CAMERA READY WORKBOOK REPORTS

All content included in the 2015 Workbook is generate by conference departments, committees, ministries, etc. Reports are submitted for publishing as “camera ready.” The Florida Conference publishing staff does not edit camera ready reports.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

KEY TO NAME BADGE COLORS .......................................................................................... - 8 -

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ................................................................................... - 10 -

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY LAYOUT ................................................................... - 11 -

WELCOME AND GREETINGS FROM OUR BISHOP .......................................................... - 12 -

WELCOME AND GREETINGS FROM OUR CONFERENCE LAY LEADER ....................... - 13 -

2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPEAKERS ........................................................................ - 13 -

Rev. Sharma Denise Lewis ............................................................................................... - 13 -

Rev. Adam Hamilton .......................................................................................................... - 15 -

Rev. Bob Tindale ............................................................................................................... - 15 -

Robert McMichael .............................................................................................................. - 16 -

EVENT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ - 17 -

2015 FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE ....................................................... - 20 -

YOUTH ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................. - 21 -

YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE ........................................................ - 22 -

YOUTH HOUSING REGISTRATION ................................................................................. - 23 -

HOTELS FOR 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE .................................................................... - 23 -

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS HOUSING ................................................. - 24 -

PROCEDURES AND AGENDA REPORT ............................................................................ - 25 -

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP TEAM REPORT ....................................................................... - 26 -

CONFERENCE TABLE REPORT ......................................................................................... - 27 -

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CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON LEADERSHIP ................................................................. - 28 -

STANDING RULES ............................................................................................................... - 58 -

CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES ............................................................................................ - 60 -

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES .................................. - 60 -

CONNECTIONAL RELATIONS ......................................................................................... - 63 -

BOARD OF CAMPS AND RETREAT MINISTRIES ........................................................... - 64 -

BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAMPUS MINISTRY ........................................ - 66 -

BEYOND 50 ....................................................................................................................... - 68 -

SPIRITUAL FORMATION .................................................................................................. - 68 -

WOMEN’S RETREAT DESIGN TEAM .............................................................................. - 69 -

COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY................................................................. - 70 -

THE OFFICE OF MISSIONAL ENGAGEMENT .................................................................... - 72 -

MISSIONS ......................................................................................................................... - 73 -

METHODISTS UNITED IN PRAYER ................................................................................. - 74 -

EAST ANGOLA/FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP ....................................................................... - 75 -

FLORIDA CONFERENCE ADVANCE SPECIALS ............................................................. - 76 -

MISSIONARIES WITH COVENANT RELATIONSHIPS ..................................................... - 79 -

DISASTER RECOVERY MINISTRY .................................................................................. - 80 -

PRISON AND JAIL MINISTRY TEAM ................................................................................ - 80 -

HAITI – FLORIDA COVENANT.......................................................................................... - 81 -

HISPANIC ASSEMBLY ...................................................................................................... - 82 -

HISPANIC MINISTRY TEAM ............................................................................................. - 83 -

IMAGINE NO MALARIA ..................................................................................................... - 84 -

SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE ........................................................................................ - 86 -

SUMMER MISSION INTERN PROGRAM ......................................................................... - 87 -

COMMITTEE ON NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES (CONAM) ....................................... - 87 -

UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION .......................................................... - 89 -

COMMISSION ON RELIGION AND RACE ........................................................................ - 89 -

JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS .................................................................................... - 90 -

YOUNG ADULT MISSIONAL MOVEMENT ....................................................................... - 91 -

OUTREACH MINISTRIES ................................................................................................. - 92 -

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OFFICE OF CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY ....................................................................... - 94 -

NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT ...................................................................................... - 94 -

CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY ......................................................................................... - 96 -

SUMMARY OF STATISTICS BY YEAR ............................................................................. - 97 -

BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY ................................................................................................. - 98 -

REPORT OF CONFERENCE LAY LEADER ..................................................................... - 98 -

LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES ............................................................................................. - 99 -

FLORIDA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST MEN .................................................... - 99 -

FLORIDA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ............................................ - 101 -

MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED ......................................................................................... - 102 -

OFFICE OF CLERGY EXCELLENCE .............................................................................. - 102 -

BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY ................................................................................ - 105 -

BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................... - 106 -

MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUND .................................................................................. - 107 -

COMMISSION ON EQUITABLE COMPENSATION ........................................................ - 109 -

SHADE AND FRESH WATER ......................................................................................... - 114 -

INSTITUTE OF PREACHING .......................................................................................... - 115 -

CONFERENCE BOARD OF PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS .................................... - 115 -

HEALTH INSURANCE SUBCOMMITTEE ....................................................................... - 119 -

JOINT COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY .............................................................................. - 121 -

PREACHER’S RELIEF BOARD ....................................................................................... - 121 -

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COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ............................................................ - 122 -

PERCENTAGE OF 100% CHURCHES IN EACH DISTRICT 2014 ................................. - 122 -

GIFTS, SPECIAL OFFERINGS, AND APPORTIONMENTS RECEIVED FROM FLORIDA CONFERENCE CHURCHES ............................................................... - 123 -

FLORIDA CONFERENCE 2016 BUDGET DETAIL RECOMMENDED BY CF&A ........... - 124 -

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 .................................................................................. - 129 -

FLORIDA CONFERENCE 2016 BUDGET SUMMARY AS RECOMMENDED BY CF&A - 130 -

2016 REQUESTED APPORTIONMENTS ....................................................................... - 131 -

2014 HIGHEST APPORTIONMENT DOLLARS PAID ..................................................... - 132 -

LARGEST INCREASE IN APPORTIONMENTS PAID FROM 2013 – 2014 .................... - 133 -

LARGEST PERCENT INCREASE IN APPORTIONMENTS PAID FROM 2013 – 2014 .. - 134 -

APPORTIONMENTS PAID BY PERCENT AND ATTENDEE .......................................... - 135 -

REPORT OF 100% CONNECTIONAL GIVING BY DISTRICT ........................................ - 144 -

COMMITTEE FOR MINISTRY PROTECTION .................................................................... - 149 -

2015 PROPERTY/CASUALTY & WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE PROGRAM ................................................................................................ - 149 -

MINISTRY PROTECTION FINANCIAL RESULTS .......................................................... - 151 -

FLORIDA CONFERENCE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ........................................................ - 152 -

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE ........................................................................................... - 153 -

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY .......................................................... - 153 -

OUR EXTENDED CONNECTION ....................................................................................... - 155 -

AFRICA UNIVERSITY ..................................................................................................... - 155 -

ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ............................................................................ - 156 -

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY .............................................................................. - 156 -

CANDLER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY ............................................................................. - 156 -

DUKE DIVINITY SCHOOL ............................................................................................... - 157 -

FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE ................................................................................... - 160 -

FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME ................................................... - 162 -

FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION ............................................................. - 165 -

GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY .......................................................................... - 166 -

HINTON RURAL LIFE CENTER ...................................................................................... - 167 -

PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY .............................................................................. - 168 -

UNITED METHODIST CONNECTIONAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ............................ - 169 -

LAKE JUNALUSKA ASSEMBLY, INC. ............................................................................ - 173 -

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RESOLUTIONS ................................................................................................................... - 174 -

RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION LIMIT THE ADVERTISING OF SEXUALLY ORIENTED PRODUCTS ............................ - 174 -

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF FLORIDA FARMWORKERS ............................................................................................ - 175 -

ENCOURAGING JUST RESOLUTION PROCESS ......................................................... - 177 -

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT EQUALITY OF LOVE AND VALUE FOR BOTH BORN AND UNBORN CHILDREN ....................................................................... - 178 -

CREATION CARE RESOLUTION ................................................................................... - 179 -

PETITIONS TO GENERAL CONFERENCE ....................................................................... - 180 -

CLERGY PENSION PRESERVED .................................................................................. - 180 -

EXPEDITED EXIT ............................................................................................................ - 182 -

LIMITING APPORTIONMENTS ....................................................................................... - 184 -

WITHDRAW FROM THE RELIGIOUS COALITION FOR REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE .... - 186 -

GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE CROSS-CULTURAL DIALOGUE ................................... - 190 -

LAITY NOMIATIONS .......................................................................................................... - 192 -

CLERGY NOMINATIONS ................................................................................................... - 212 -

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KEY TO NAME BADGE COLORS YELLOW NAME BADGE – Can vote on all matters. Lay Members elected by their local church, charge or district; Lay Members by virtue of an office they hold such as District Lay Leader, District President of UMM and UMW, Conference Lay Leader, Conference President of UMM and UMW, etc. Diaconal Ministers and Deaconesses (according to the 2012 Book of Discipline and/or 2014 Florida Annual Conference Standing Rules)

BLUE NAME BADGE – Can vote on all matters FD – Full Deacon RD – Retired Deacon FE - Full Elder RE – Retired Elder GREEN NAME BADGE - Can vote on all matters except constitutional amendments and clergy relationships AM – Associate Member PL – Part-time Local Pastor FL – Full-time Local Pastor RA – Retired Associate Member PD – Provisional Deacon RP – Retired Probationary / Provisional Member PE – Provisional Elder

SALMON NAME BADGE – Can vote on all matters except constitutional amendments, clergy relationships, and delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference (color used only in election years) PD-Provisional Deacon who has not completed education requirements PE-Provisional Elder who has not completed education requirements FL-Full-time Local Pastor who has not completed Course of Study and service requirements PL-Part-time Local Pastor who has not completed Course of Study and service requirements

TAN NAME BADGE – No voting privileges on any matters. RL – Retired Local Pastor GRAY NAME BADGE - No voting privileges on any matters. AF – Affiliate Member OF – Full Member Other Denomination OA – Associate Member Other Annual Conf OP – Probationary Member Other Annual Conf OD – Deacon Member Other Annual Conf RO – Retired Other Conf/Denomination OE – Elder Member Other Conf/Denomination SY – Lay Supply

WHITE NAME BADGE (Obtained at Guest Services) – Guests of the annual conference; no voting privileges on any matters. This includes all non-voting guests such as clergy spouses, lay member spouses, guests of the conference, exhibitors, staff, and reserve lay members1 (who have not officially replaced a lay member from their church).

1 A Reserve Lay Member who is officially replacing the Lay Member from their church must complete a “Laity Credentials Form.” Forms can be obtained at the Registration Desk. They will be given their materials and name badge once this form is completed, signed by the pastor or district office representative, and submitted to the Registration Desk.

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Clergy Members in full connection (¶ 602.a)

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Provisional Clergy Members who have completed all of their educational requirements (¶602.b errata)

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Provisional Clergy Members who have not completed all of

their educational requirements (¶602.b)

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Associate Clergy Members (¶602.c)

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Affiliate Clergy Members (Standing Rules)

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Local Pastors who have completed Course of Study or an M.Div. degree and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment to a pastoral charge before the election (¶602.d errata)

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Full- and Part-time Local Pastors who have not completed Course of Study or an M.Div. degree and/or have not served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment before the election (¶602.d)

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Elders or Ordained Clergy from other denominations

serving under appointment within the Annual Conference (¶346.2)

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Lay Members: Elected Members representing congregations,

Members by Virtue of Office, At-large Members as designated by

districts, Youth Members (¶602.4)

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Official Representatives from other Denominations (¶602.9)

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Missionaries regularly assigned by the GBGM in nations other than the US & Certified Lay Missionaries from nations other than the US serving within the bounds of the Annual Conference (¶602.9)

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Conference Chancellor if not otherwise a voting member (¶602.10)

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Ordained Clergy or Provisional Members from Other Annual

Conferences and Other Methodist Denominations (¶346.1)

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Visitors, Spouses of Clergy & Florida Conference Staff

VOICE AND VOTE

Your name tag indicates your voice and vote status at Plenary

Sessions. Please wear your name tag in a visible location during these

sessions. Florida Annual Conference Members with both voice

(meaning they can speak in Plenary Sessions) and vote (meaning they

can make and amend motions and vote on motions) are as follows:

† If also a member of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, they may vote at Clergy Session

‡ If also a lay member of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and/or Committee on Investigation (¶602.6)

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BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY 640 Dr Mary Mcleod Bethune Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3012

http://www.cookman.edu/ Directions coming from the North: Take I-10 E toward LAKE CITY. 147.9 miles Merge onto I-295 S via EXIT 356 toward ORANGE PARK / ST AUGUSTINE. 20.2 miles Merge onto I-95 S via EXIT 61A toward DAYTONA BCH. 76.1 miles Merge onto US-92 E via EXIT 261A toward DAYTONA BEACH. 4.6 miles

Turn LEFT onto N LINCOLN ST. 0.2 miles

Turn RIGHT onto DR MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE BLVD. 0.1 miles

End at 640 Dr Mary Mcleod Bethune Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3012 0.1 miles Directions from the South: Merge onto I-95 N via the exit on the LEFT toward FT. LAUDERDALE / ORLANDO. 257.7 miles Take the US-92 exit- EXIT 261- toward DELAND / DAYTONA BEACH. 0.3 miles Merge onto US-92 E toward DAYTONA BEACH / AIRPORT. 4.2 miles

Turn LEFT onto N LINCOLN ST.

Turn RIGHT onto DR MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE BLVD. 0.2 miles

End at 640 Dr Mary Mcleod Bethune Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32114-3012 0.1 miles

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BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY LAYOUT

Map Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman University

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WELCOME AND GREETINGS FROM OUR BISHOP Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Welcome to the annual session of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. We join together during these days as disciples of Jesus Christ. Within the diversity across this spacious area, we express our discipleship with a Wesleyan accent. Two years ago we focused on this process of becoming disciples of Jesus Christ, and last year we celebrated the mission of God. This year, in 2015, we look to cultivating “Next Generations” of faith. Our conference will be marked by music and worship, study and prayer, legislation and conferencing, fellowship and laughter, business and visioning. We will license, commission and ordain men and women for set apart leadership in the church. We will send clergy into congregational and extension leadership for the coming year. We will make important decisions as an Annual Conference. We will prepare for the 2016 General Conference, in Portland, Oregon. And we will return to our local churches, more concious of our connection as Florida United Methodists. Gathering at the historic Bethune-Cookman University, we will be blessed by the teaching of Adam Hamilton, founding and lead pastor of the Church of the Resurrection (UMC) in Kansas City, one of the largest congregations in the United States. His presence with us will help us to focus on reaching new generations with the gospel. Sharma Lewis, district superintendent of the North Georgia Conference will preach the Opening Communion sermon, and Bob Tindale, senior pastor of Killearn UMC in Tallahassee, will give the Memorial sermon. We will also celebrate the conclusion of our Imagine No Malaria campaign, and highlight new initiatives in the support of younger clergy. I thank you for serving as a leader in the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. I welcome you to Daytona Beach, and wish you God’s richest blessings in these days! The peace of the Lord, +Ken Carter Resident Bishop, Florida Area The United Methodist Church

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WELCOME AND GREETINGS FROM OUR CONFERENCE LAY LEADER Welcome to Annual Conference 2015. As we reflect this year on “Reaching Next Generations” I believe it is important for us to personalize the ministry of mission in new and fresh ways. It is our intent to help you find renewed inspiration, helpful information, and instruction as we celebrate and connect as United Methodists serving where we are called. There continues to be a growing sense of personal calling within our church. There is a renewed desire to serve and understanding that each of us has a unique role to play in God’s plan for His Kingdom here on earth. Last year we experienced the blowing of the winds of change, new excitement, and inspiration in the air. New work began, and as we read in James 2:17 (NIV) “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” May your hearts be filled with the love of Christ for each other, passion for the presence of the Holy Spirit in you, and a longing to serve God and walk with Him daily. Russ Graves, FL Conference Lay Leader

2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPEAKERS June 10 Service of Word and Table

Rev. Sharma Denise Lewis The Rev. Sharma D. Lewis currently serves as the District Superintendent of the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District in the North Georgia Conference. This very diverse district includes 62 local church communities ranging in size from as few as 25 members to as many as 2,500 members. The churches of the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District, which are located in urban, suburban, and rural areas, are served by over 100 active and retired United Methodist clergy. In her present role as District Superintendent, Rev. Lewis assists the Bishop of the North Georgia Conference with the general act of superintending by providing spiritual and pastoral leadership, supervision, and administration to the clergy and laity in the churches of her district and beyond. Rev. Lewis, a second-career minister, has a distinguished record of service in the North Georgia Conference beginning with her first appointment in 1999 as the Associate (and subsequently Senior Associate) Pastor of the 8,000 member Ben Hill UMC in Atlanta. Her responsibilities at Ben Hill included the areas of evangelism and spiritual formation. Rev. Lewis instituted and carried out numerous evangelism events in the Ben Hill community helping to propel this church to become one of the fastest growing churches in our denomination at the time. In 2004, she was appointed as the first African-American and first female Senior Pastor of the Powers Ferry UMC, a cross-racial congregation in Marietta, GA. Rev. Lewis’ reputation as a strong spiritual and compassionate leader was bolstered by her service at Powers Ferry UMC. She led this community

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in the process of embodying the belief that they are empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the love of Jesus Christ through worship, outreach, and spiritual growth. In 2007, Rev. Lewis was appointed to serve as Senior Pastor of Wesley Chapel in McDonough, GA (a sprawling semi-suburban area about 30 miles from Atlanta). It was at this church that Rev. Lewis’ great passion for evangelism and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ was truly made evident. During her three-year tenure, over 600 new and restored members were added to Wesley Chapel, and worship attendance doubled. Her visibility as a strong spiritual and pastoral leader propelled her into numerous leadership roles in the local community, including Hands on Henry County and Many Hearts, Many Hands McDonough. Rev. Lewis’ remarkable pastoral leadership at Wesley Chapel enabled her to receive the Harry Denman Award for Evangelism in 2010, as well as the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award. Rev. Lewis is the first female to receive the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award. An Elder in Full Connection in the North Georgia Conference, Rev. Lewis has offered her gifts to The United Methodist Church in a variety of ways. Presently, she serves as the Vice Chair of the Wesley Woods Foundation Board, as a Board member of the United Methodist Children’s Home, Breakthru House, Branan Tower Advisory Board, Southeastern Jurisdictional (SEJ) Intentional Growth Center, Committee on Coordination and Accountability, SEJ Committee on the Episcopacy, North Georgia COE, and as the Cabinet Representative for United Methodist Women, Executive Church Development and the Committee for Equitable Compensation. Rev. Lewis has served as a Chairperson of the Ethnic Local Church Concerns Committee, Chairperson of the District Superintendency Committee (Griffin District, North Georgia Conference), the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Bishop’s Task Force, Vice-Chairperson of Church Development, Reserve Delegate to SEJ Jurisdictional Conference (2008), Delegate to the World Methodist Conference (2011), and member of Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church. In June 2011, the North Georgia Conference honored Rev. Lewis by electing her as the first African-American female to lead the Delegation to the 2012 General and Jurisdictional Conference. Rev. Lewis was born and raised in a loving Methodist family in Statesboro, Georgia. She comes from a long line of individuals who have answered God’s call to serve the church and to minister to God’s people. A graduate of Mercer University (B.S., Biology, 1985), the University of West Georgia (M.S., Biology, 1988), and Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (M.Div., 1999), Rev. Lewis worked as a research biologist and chemist prior to surrendering to God’s call upon her life. Active in the community, she was a vital part of the Metro State Women’s Prison Women of Faith Bible Study and Worship Services, Peachtree Pine Homeless Shelter, and has led mission experiences to Jamaica and Kenya and the Philippines. Rev. Lewis is a member of the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She has received the Delta Sigma Theta Pinnacle Award and the Torch Award. She is the recipient of the 2014 Gammon Theological Seminary Distinguished Alumna Award.

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June 11 & 12

Rev. Adam Hamilton Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He grew up in the Kansas City area, earned a B.A. degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts and a Master of Divinity Degree from Southern Methodist University where he was awarded the B’nai B’rith Award in Social Ethics. He was named one of the “Ten people to watch in America’s spiritual landscape” by Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. For his work in racial reconciliation Adam was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award. Named United Methodist Person of the Year for 2012 by the United Methodist Reporter for his leadership within The United Methodist Church. He’s received numerous other awards for community service. Hamilton launched The Church of the Resurrection with his wife and two children in 1990. It has since grown to over 18,000 adults and children in 2014 under his leadership. Today the church is the largest United Methodist Church in the United States with an average weekend attendance of 8,600. The congregation has a three-fold focus: Connecting with thinking people and inviting them to become followers of Jesus Christ, engaging in acts of justice and mercy in the community, and working to renew The United Methodist Church. Adam has written 21 books, published by Abingdon Press and Harper Collins, including When Christians Get it Wrong, Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus, Making Sense of the Bible, and Revival. Adam and LaVon have been married 32 years and have two adult daughters and a new granddaughter. June 12, Service of Remembrance

Rev. Bob Tindale Rev. Robert G. Tindale, Sr. is a 1977 graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary. He served as associate at Sebring, First, in Jacksonville at Inman Memorial-Marietta, in Tampa at Hillsborough, and for the last 29 years as the lead pastor at Killearn, Tallahassee. Bob has served on various district and conference committees including 12 years on the Board of Ordained Ministry and seven years as the first chair of the Committee on Clergy Effectiveness. Bob is married to Kathryn and their two children are Michelle and Glenn (Caroline), they have three grandchildren and love to cheer for FSU.

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Worship Leader

Robert McMichael Robert Henry McMichael, III, is a 5th generation Atlantan. A product of the Atlanta Public Schools, Robert is a 1999 graduate of Morehouse College, and a 2009 graduate of Gammon Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. Robert has distinguished himself as a writer, lecturer, vocalist and organist. He has served in numerous capacities in churches throughout the Atlanta area. As Organist, he has served at the Mallelieu United Methodist Church, East Point, GA, (now East Point First Mallelieu UMC) and at the Hoosier Memorial United Methodist Church, his home church. He has served the Cascade United Methodist Church as Director of the Women’s Chorus and Praise and Worship Leader. He also served the Historic Central Ministries United Methodist Church where he served as Minister of Music, Worship and the Arts. He currently serves the Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church in Marietta as Worship Leader/Ministerial Assistant. As a baritone soloist, Robert has been featured at many recitals and concerts. One of his proudest moments when he was chosen to be a part of the Chorus that performed Brahms’s Nanie at the Woodruff Arts Center under the direction of the late Robert Shaw. In July of 2001 he co-chaired a delegation that traveled to the Ivory Coast of West Africa to take the Gospel message in song and to begin discussions on how the then “Methodist Church of Cote’Ivoire” and The United Methodist Church could merge. Within two years of the initial conference, the Methodist Church of Cote’Ivoire became a part of The United Methodist Church. Robert is also a Realtor ® with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Buckhead West Paces office. He is one of Metro Atlanta's leading Real Estate Consultants. Robert is an active member of several community and civic organizations; the NAACP; the Boys and Girls Club of America; the American Guild of Organist; the Hampton University Choir Director’s/Organist Guild; and the National Academy of Religion. Robert enjoys water sports, reading, writing, and especially cooking. He is married to the former Dina Bagby, and they have 4 children, Chandler, Preston Tyler and Logan. They reside in the East Cobb area of Metro Atlanta. Robert has adopted as his life’s theme, “Love, The More Excellent Way!”

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EVENT INFORMATION Welcome to the 2015 Florida Annual Conference Event! Registration for clergy and laity will begin on Tuesday, June 9, at 1:30 p.m. at Bethune-Cookman University. Information for check-in for Bethune-Cookman University campus housing and meal tickets (pre-registration required) will be available at a later date. All information contained in this Workbook is available at the Florida Conference website (http://www.flumc.org). Please check the website often for updates and additional information on the 2015 Florida Annual Conference Event. 5K Race: 6:30 AM on Thursday, June 11. For more information contact Sarah Miller, sarah.miller@flumc.org; or Jad Denmark, jad.denmark@flumc.org. AGENDA: A basic schedule for the week can be found on page 20 of the Workbook. A pocket agenda will be available at registration. CHILD CARE: First UMC Port Orange, 305 Dunlawton Ave, Port Orange, 32127. Check our web-site, www.flumc.org, for more information CLERGY SESSION: Will be held in Moore Gym, 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 10. COKESBURY: The Cokesbury book exhibit of The United Methodist Publishing House is located in the Performance Arts Center Lobby. COMMUNION: Holy Communion will be celebrated during the Service of Word and Table, Wednesday evening, June 10, with Rev. Sharma Lewis, preaching. It will also be celebrated on Wednesday through Friday morning at 7:45am in the Prayer Garden. GUEST SERVICES: Located in the lobby of Performance Arts Center. Services offered include: guest name badges, information about the conference, hearing impaired devices, order forms for the 2015 Journal and computer kiosks for online orders. HEARING-IMPAIRED: Signing for the hearing impaired will be provided for all sessions of Annual Conference. Hearing impaired devices will be available at Guest Services. HOUSING:

Bethune-Cookman University: Residence halls will close at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. Pre-registration is required. Complete information and registration forms can be downloaded from the conference website at www.flumc.org (click on the Annual Conference 2015 link) and are available on page 24 of this Workbook.

Daytona Beach Accommodations: Information for Daytona Beach area hotels/motels can be found on the conference website at flumc.org (click on the Annual Conference 2015 link).

INTERNET: WIFI access is available throughout the areas in use. Courtesy computers are available to check your email. Power strips for charging your phones or computers will be available in the halls.

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INTERPRETERS (LANGUAGE): To use the services of an interpreter, you may pick up a receiver and earpiece at the Interpreters’ Table, located in the rear of the Arena. JOURNAL ORDER FORMS: Order forms for the 2015 Florida Annual Conference Journal can be found at Guest Services. Orders paid by check may be placed in the designated box at Guest Services or left with an attendant at the Guest Services Desk (main lobby). All credit card orders must be placed online. Computer kiosks will be available at Guest Services for online orders. Order forms are also available on the conference website at www.flumc.org (click on the Annual Conference 2015 link). LAITY SESSION: The Laity Session will be held in the PAC auditorium Wednesday, June 10, 10:00 a.m. MEALS: Bethune-Cookman University: Sodexo Food Service will offer several concession stand options for the purchase of food during Annual Conference. Portable and permanent concession stands will be open throughout each day and evening and will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner items for purchase. No advance reservation or payment is required. Special Meals: Individual groups meeting during Annual Conference are responsible for the promotion and sale of tickets for their own event. Information about each gathering and contact and/or reservation information can be found on the conference website at flumc.org (click on the Annual Conference 2015 link). Many groups welcome interested guests to participate in their meal time activities. If interested in a particular group, contact the person listed on the Conference website group meals link for information about attending. MEMORIAL SERVICE: The Service of Remembrance will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 12, in the Performance Arts Center Auditorium. The Memorial Service will be webcast live via Internet enabling those who are not able to attend the service to see and hear the service. To view the Memorial Service, click on the webcast button on the home page of the Conference website, www.flumc.org, 10:30 a.m., June 12. MINISTRY TABLES: The Ministry Tables will be held in the Lobby of The Performance Arts Center. For more information visit our web-site www.flumc.org. NAME BADGES – VISITORS AND GUESTS: We encourage and invite all visitors and guests to wear a name badge while attending the Florida Annual Conference Event. If you know of someone who will be attending as a guest direct them to flumc.org (click on the Annual Conference 2015 link) to complete a Guest Name Badge request form before they come to the event. This will ensure that their guest name badge will be ready for them at Guest Services in the lobby of the Performance Arts Center when they arrive. Visitors and guests may also have a name badge made on-site at Guest Services any time after 1:30 p.m. on June 9. OFFERING: The 2015 Annual Conference Offering will be directed equally to two deserving causes: Imagine No Malaria and Ordinand Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. PARKING: More information will be available soon. Please check our web-site at www.flumc.org.

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PRAYER GARDEN: The Prayer Garden located in the Holmes Business Center is for your spiritual fulfillment and enjoyment. You are invited to take time throughout the conference to meditate, pray and rest in the Lord. The Prayer Garden is sponsored by the Spiritual Formation Team. PRINTED MATERIALS: Printed materials requiring conference action must be in the hands of the Conference Secretary in printed form 24 hours in advance. Such pages should be prepared and duplicated for distribution at the expense of the submitting party. Printed materials should be taken to the ushers table located at the East end of the Arena. Only those materials that the lay and clergy members will use during the annual conference may be distributed. REGISTRATION: Registration for all clergy and lay members will be at Bethune-Cookman University in the Holmes Business School Building (behind the Performance Arts Center) beginning Tuesday, June 9, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Registration will close at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. SPEAKERS: (See also pages 12 - 16) Speakers for this year’s annual conference are:

Wednesday evening: Service of Word and Table, Rev. Sharma Lewis

Thursday evening: Rev. Adam Hamilton

Friday morning: Rev. Adam Hamilton

Friday morning: Memorial Service, Rev. Bob Tindale

Friday afternoon: Rev. Adam Hamilton

Friday evening: Ordination, Service, Bishop Ken Carter

Saturday morning: Closing Session, Bishop Ken Carter VIDEO AND AUDIO TAPED SESSIONS: All sessions of the Annual Conference are video and audio taped, including worship services, debates and discussions. Order blanks will be available online and on-site during Annual Conference. VISITATION DURING CONFERENCE SESSIONS: Ushers will close off the Arena each morning when the sessions begin. Visitation may take place outside the Arena. WHEEL CHAIR FACILITIES: Bethune-Cookman University is equipped for persons who are physically challenged. See an usher for assistance. WORSHIP BOOKLET: A Worship Booklet will be included in the Welcome Packet you receive on-site during registration. Please bring this with you to all worship services. WORSHIP SERVICES: Annual Conference worship services are coordinated by the Worship Team, led by Kandace Brooks. All worship services will be held in the Performance Arts Center unless otherwise directed. YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Special activities have been scheduled for youth (ages 12-18 or those still in high school). Please refer to the Youth Agenda and Registration information found on pages 21 - 23 of this Workbook.

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2015 FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, June 9, 2015 1:30 pm Registration Opens in the Holmes Business Building Wednesday, June 10, 2015 8:30 am Meet and Greet for Nominees to General and Jurisdictional Conference Laity in the Performing Arts Center Clergy in the Moore Gymnasium 10:00 am Laity Session in the Performing Arts Center Clergy Session in Moore Gymnasium 1:30 pm Opening Worship and Plenary in the Performing Arts Center (with

balloting) 5:00 pm Dinner Break 7:30 pm Service of Word and Table with Rev. Sharma Lewis preaching (with

balloting) Thursday, June 11, 2015 6:30 am 5K run/walk on the beach – Breakers Ocean Front Park 8:30 am Plenary Session in the Performing Arts Center (with balloting) 10:45 am Retirement Service 11:30 am Lunch Break 1:30 pm Plenary Session (with balloting) – including a report on Imagine No Malaria 5:00 pm Dinner Break 7:00 pm An Evening of Music and Inspiration (with balloting) The Bethune Concert Chorale Rev. Adam Hamilton 9:30pm Young Adult Gathering with Adam Hamilton Friday, June 12, 2015 8:30 am Plenary Session (with balloting) – Rev. Adam Hamilton 10:30 am Service of Remembrance – Rev. Bob Tindale 11:30 am Lunch Break 1:30 pm Plenary Session (with balloting) Anniversary Celebrations and Rev. Adam Hamilton 5:00 pm Dinner Break 7:30 pm Service of Licensing, Commissioning and Ordination with Bishop Carter

preaching Saturday, June 13, 2015 8:30 am Final Plenary Session (with balloting) with Bishop preaching the closing

worship

Noon Adjournment

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YOUTH ACTIVITIES Thank you for registering for the Annual Conference Youth Delegation! Below you will find important information regarding the event. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kelly Minter (kminter@flumc.org). See you in June! Student Expectations:

- The youth members to Annual Conference are required this year to sleep and take their meals ON CAMPUS at BCU, the cost of which is $100 for the lodging and all meals beginning with dinner Tuesday through breakfast Saturday.

- You will be on time for and participate in all activities during this event. - You will abide by the rules set by the event leader and adult chaperones - Youth members will not be allowed to leave campus (unless on an official youth delegation

outing!) until the event is over. - If you drive to AC 2015, you will leave your car parker at BCU for the duration of the event.

You will not be permitted to drive your vehicle during the event. Dress Code: While we do not have a mandatory dress code, we encourage you to strive for business casual. This means nice jeans or pants, fingertip length or longer shorts, and a presentable, clean shirt or top. The event room will be chilly, so you will want to bring some layers. Please no excessively torn jeans or t-shirts. No clothing with suggestive messages. We may all be receiving “youth delegation” t-shirts, and if we do we will wear them together on Thursday What to bring:

- Completed medical form, expectation sheet, and retreat waiver – these forms will be sent to you by April 15

- Lunch on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday is included (You may also bring spending money for the snack bars at BCU)

- Sleeping bag or twin size sheets - Clothing for 5 days of conference session - Clothing for hanging out on campus (shorts rule still applies) - Personal clothing items and personal care items

Staying informed: During the event, there will be a good amount of social media interaction. If you have a twitter account, please notify Kelly so she can add you to the newsfeed. Download the AC 2015 YAPP. This will put all of the important information right on your phone! Just go to your app store and download “yapp box”. Then use code W5HSK8 to download the Yapp. This will have ALL of the details for the event at your fingertips…so don’t forget to download it! If you have any questions, need directions, etc, please contact Kelly Minter. Contact information: Kelly Minter, event coordinator Email: kminter@flumc.org; Phone: 407.694.2167

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YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE (Tentative, subject to change) Tuesday, June 9 1:30 p.m. Registration opens. Register and check-in. 3 p.m. Youth Delegation Orientation, dinner, and evening activities Wednesday, June 10 7 a.m. Breakfast opens 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Laity Session (Performance Arts Center (PAC)), lunch, Plenary Sessions 5:00 p.m. dinner and evening activity Thursday, June 11 6:30 a.m. 5K run (optional) 7 a.m. Breakfast opens 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Plenary sessions, lunch break, plenary sessions 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Dinner and evening worship Friday, June 12 7 a.m. Breakfast opens 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Plenary sessions, lunch break, plenary sessions 5:00 - 10:00 p.m. Dinner and evening activities Saturday, June 13 7 a.m. Breakfast opens 8:30 a.m. Plenary Session 1:00 p.m. Scheduled adjournment More information regarding the Youth Delegation will be released by Kelly Minter as it becomes available. Check back often to the Conference Website at Annual Conference 2015. Click on the ANNUAL CONFERENCE tab and then the YOUTH INFORMATION tab. Please direct specific questions related to the Youth Delegation to Kelly at kminter@flumc.org. If you are interested in becoming a Youth Chaperone at the 2015 Florida Annual Conference, please contact Kelly Minter at kminter@flumc.org or by phone (407-694-2167).

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YOUTH HOUSING REGISTRATION Every youth member to Annual Conference 2015 must reside on Bethune-Cookman's campus, and take their breakfast and dinner there. The youth price of $100 reflects your combined price for housing and a meal plan beginning with Tuesday dinner. It does not include lunches on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Please bring money for your lunch. This applies to youth (up to and including age 17) and the most recent graduates (members of graduating class of 2015 who are also 18 years old). For more information go to: http://www.flumc.org/youthinformation You may register online at: https://florida-reg.brtapp.com/2015ACYouthHousing

HOTELS FOR 2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Please mention your reservation is for the Florida Annual Conference event for the rates

negotiated by ConferenceDirect.

Courtyard by Marriott

1605 Richard Petty Boulevard

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

(386) 255-3388

Rate: $129

Hampton Inn Daytona Beachfront

1024 North Atlantic Avenue

Daytona Beach, FL 32118

(386) 944-2570

Rate: $129

Hilton Daytona Beach/Ocean Walk Village

100 North Atlantic Avenue

Daytona Beach, FL 32118

1-800-HILTONS

Rate: $129

Holiday Inn Resort Daytona

1615 South Atlantic Avenue

Daytona Beach, FL 32118

1-866-889-0970

Rate: $129

Homewood Suites Daytona Speedway

165 Bill France Boulevard

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

(386) 258-2828

Rate: $98

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Hyatt Place Ocean Front

3161 South Atlantic Avenue

Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

(386) 944-2010

Rate: $129

Residence Inn Daytona Beach Speedway

1725 Richard Petty Boulevard

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

(386) 252-3949

Rate: $139

The Shores Resort & Spa

2637 South Atlantic Avenue

Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

(866) 934-7467

Rate: $139

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS HOUSING There will be campus housing available at Bethune-Cookman University. For information, contact Noel Fegumps at (386) 481-2173 or fegumpsn@cookman.edu.

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PROCEDURES AND AGENDA REPORT The following is recommended for approval: 1. The authority for procedure of the 2015 Florida Annual Conference is the following: (a) the 2012 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; (b) the Standing Rules of the Florida Annual Conference, 2014 Journal, page 209 ff.; and (c) Robert’s Rules of Order. 2. The Pocket Agenda for the 2015 Florida Annual Conference event, received at registration, is to be the official agenda for the 2015 Conference. 3. Any member of the Annual Conference who wishes to be recognized shall stand at his/her place and wave the brightly colored card found in the Welcome Packet. When the Bishop recognizes that person, he/she goes to the designated numbered microphone and addresses the conference. The person must state her/his name, clergy or lay, and the name of the local church, district or conference organization he/she represents. David A. Dodge Agenda Chair

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STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP TEAM REPORT 1

2

Our work over this Annual Conference year (2014-2015) has been focused on a few projects 3 aligned with the purpose of the Strategic Leadership Team. The purpose of the Strategic 4 Leadership Team, as defined at its formation, is to “clarify the vision of the Annual Conference, 5 ensure this vision is accomplished, and ensure the alignment of all Annual Conference resources 6 and ministries with the vision.” 7 8 Fresh Expressions: 9 Fresh Expressions seeks to reach new people, in new places, in new ways. The Design Team 10 (chaired by Vance Rains and Audrey Warren) has already held their first “Pioneer Retreat” with 11 65 persons in attendance and will have their second “Pioneer Retreat” at the end of this month. 12 Pioneer Retreats continue to nurture and support those who are beginning Fresh Expression 13 through education, motivation, and fellowship. Members of the Design Team will go to England 14 this summer for an Exploratory Session with Fresh Expressions UK in preparation for a fall Vision 15 Day. A budget has been submitted for 2015/2016 and includes a potential shared employee to 16 support this work into the future. 17 18 Nehemiah Project: 19 The Nehemiah Project seeks to create a unified process for walking with churches toward closure 20 and regeneration with the hope of utilizing future gained resources to continue to create the 21 following legacies: support New Church Development as well as find innovative ways to continue 22 to invest in our vital African American churches, our vital churches in Immigrant Communities, 23 and our vibrant churches with high amounts of debt. 24 25 Economically Challenged Churches: 26 A Task Force met in November and created a list of draft recommendations that include unifying 27 the funding mechanisms for support of mission churches, updating the guidelines for Equitable 28 Compensation, adjusting terminology and creating an annual review process to ensure support 29 and vitality. 30 31 New Church Development: 32 Dan Jackson gathered with members of the SLT and other NCD leaders of NCD in November 33 and created a list of recommendations that were approved by the Cabinet with full implementation 34 planned by January of 2017. The recommendations include moving property management and 35 sales to regional real estate companies, reorganizing district and conference NCD committee 36 work to streamline and clarify the process for starting and resourcing new churches, creating a 37 comprehensive conference wide strategic plan, and pooling district investment funds so the 38 appointive cabinet can focus funds on places where new churches are most needed. 39 40 Other Finance and Administration: 41 In partnership with the Cabinet and CFA, an implementation task force will be finalizing past 42 finance and administration recommendations. These include continued work around best 43 practices, District investments, redesign of District apportionments and an insurance premium 44 adjustment plan. A future recalibration of the District NCD apportionments to include support of 45 long term missions in impoverished areas is being explored. 46 47 Future work includes work on the Teaching Church model and a plan for a Conference Strategic 48 Plan. 49

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The Strategic Leadership Team seeks the ongoing feedback from leaders around the Annual 1 Conference as we look to the future with great hope for what is yet to come. 2 3 Respectfully submitted, 4 Strategic Leadership Team 5 6 Members of the Strategic Leadership Team: Bishop Ken Carter, Alice Williams, Alisa Rushing, 7 Betty Gissendanner, Bob Bushong, Clarke Campbell-Evans, Dale Locke, Mickey Wilson, Rini 8 Hernandez, Russ Graves, Sharon Austin, Sue Haupert-Johnson, Annette Stiles-Pendergrass, 9 and Alex Shanks 10

11 12

CONFERENCE TABLE REPORT 13

14 The purpose of the Conference Table is to bring together leaders of Conference Boards, 15 Committees, Programs and Ministries for communication and collaboration, and to respond to 16 initiatives of the Strategic Leadership Team. The Conference Table met twice in these past twelve 17 months, on October 18, 2014 and February 21, 2015. We engaged in fruitful discussion on the 18 mission, vision, and resourcing of the Annual Conference and important new directions presented 19 by Strategic Leadership Team and Bishop Ken Carter. These new directions include: Fresh 20 Expressions; the Nehemiah Project; initiatives to address economically challenged churches; and 21 strategies for developing new churches. The Conference Table also provided input to the SLT on 22 important considerations for its future strategic planning. Work began on a Covenant for The 23 Election of General and Jurisdictional Delegates by the Florida Annual Conference. The 24 Conference Table empowered a small task force to complete that work on behalf of the Table. 25 26 It has been our privilege to serve as Co-Chairpersons and to guide discussions of the diverse 27 constituencies participating. 28 Respectfully submitted, 29 Debbie McLeod 30 Chuck Mallue 31

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CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON LEADERSHIP 1

Officers of the Conference 2 3 Director of Connectional Ministries: Sharon Austin 4 Conference Treasurer: Anthony “Tony” Prestipino 5 Chancellor: Paul Butler 6 Conference Secretary: Elizabeth Gardner 7 Head Usher: Rusty Belcher 8 Parliamentarian: Bob Grizzard 9

10 Conference Leadership 11

12 These Servant Leaders listed below were either; 13

1. nominated by the Conference Committee on Leadership and are presented to the Annual 14 Conference for election 15

2. elected by a particular agency of the conference or district or 16 3. designated by the bishop or other agent as defined by the Standing Rules. 17

18 Italics indicate clergy. Numbers and initials after a name indicates the year that a person first 19 joined the committee, the year that he/she is required to rotate off and the district. (For example 20 (06/14/NC), the person came on the committee in 2006. By Standing Rules, he/she is ineligible 21 to serve after 2014. He/she serves from the North Central District.) A number following the name 22 of a committee officer indicates the year that person assumed that office. 23 24 Conference Table 25 Co-Conveners: Chuck Mallue (13/21/EC); Debbie McLeod (13/21/NE) 26 Committee Chairpersons: David McEntire, BCRM; Terri Hill, BOOM; Gustavo Betancourt, 27 Hispanic Ministries; Tamara Isidore, Haitian Ministries; Will Clark, Religion & Race; Catherine 28 Thacker, Pensions/Health Benefits; Cary Hardee, Trustees; Isaac Newton, Youth/Young Adults; 29 Mike Kennedy, Global Mission & Justice; Susie Horner, Ministry Protection; Lyndol Loyd, Board 30 of Higher Education/Campus Ministry; Kim Uchimura, Finance/Administration; Russ Graves, 31 Conference Lay Leader; Dennis Vlassis, Florida United Methodist Foundation; Representative 32 from Commission on Status and Role of Women; Vickie Swartz, Committee on Native American 33 Ministry; Leah Pittard, Archives & History 34 Conference Staff: Sharon Austin, Director of Connectional Ministries; Mike Standifer, Director of 35 Camps/Retreats Ministry; Wendy McCoy, Director of Human Resources; Joel Pancoast, Director 36 of Ministries with Young People; David Fuquay, Director of Higher Education and Campus 37 Ministry; Gretchen Hastings, Director of Connectional Relations; Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global 38 Missions;Tony Prestipino, Treasurer; Craig Smelser, Controller; LaNita Battles, Claims/Risk 39 Manager; Mark Becker, President of Florida United Methodist Foundation; David Dodge, Ass’t to 40 Bishop; Ken Carter, Bishop 41 Members at Large: Chuck Mallue, Debbie McLeod 42

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Strategic Leadership Team 1 Chairperson: Kenneth Carter (12) 2 Class of 2016: Betty Gissendanner (13/21/SW); Alisa Rushing (13/21/GC); Alex Shanks 3 (12/20/SE) 4 Class of 2017: Sharon Austin (13/21/SC); Clarke Campbell-Evans (13/21/SC) 5 Class of 2018: Bob Bushong (10/18/EC); Dale Locke (10/18/AC); Alice Williams (10/18/EC) 6 Class of 2019: Rinaldo Hernandez (10/18/SW); Annette Pendergrass (10/18/EC); Russ Graves 7 (10/18/AC) 8 9

Standing Task Teams 10 11 “Beyond 50” Ministries 12 Contact person: Martha Virginia Spivey 13 AC - David Broadbent, Susan Forbes; Johnnie Faye Lane; Martha Virginia Spivey, NE - Deloris 14 & Earl Demps, NW – Pat Douglass; Katie Hewett, Jerry Smith; SE - Mary Mizell; Carmen Perez 15 16 Methodists United in Prayer (Formerly Cuba/Florida Covenant) 17 Chair: George Reed (14) 18 Vice Chair: Dan Christopherson (14) 19 Secretary: Renee Kincaid 20 Josias Andujar (AC); Rusty Belcher, Aldo Martin (EC); Karen Laukat (GC); George Reed (NE); 21 Sanford Mayo (NC); Terry Denham (NW); Paul and Ibis Griffith , Renee Kincaid, Roberto Lopez 22 (SC); Blanca Hermida, Roberto Pinera (SE); Dan Christopherson (SW) 23 Conference Staff: Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Mission 24 25 East Angola/Florida Partnership 26 Chair: Sandi Goodman (14) 27 Steve Hart (AC); Vaughan Harshman, Mike Baker; Tracey Nickens; (GC); Will Clark (NC); Don 28 Zeiser, Patsy Rabb, (NE); Armando Rodriguez (NW); Sandi Goodman, Edwin Castillo (SE); 29 Wayne Slockbawer (SW) 30 Conference Staff: Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Mission 31 32 Haiti/Florida Covenant 33 Chair: TBA 34 Daniel St. Louis (AC); Thomas Toussaint, Laura E. Burg (EC); Charlie Guyton, Lianne 35 Schraeder (NW); Pam Carter (SC); Jetro Jeune (SW) 36 Conference Staff: Greg Harford, UMVIM Coordinator; Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Mission 37 38 Spiritual Formation 39 Chair: Jim Cook (12) 40 Lew Arnold (GC); Donna Bauernschub (SC) Joan Bryant (NE); Jim Cook (NC); Joyce Estes (NW); 41 Kathy Houser (NE); Frances Jennings (NE); Trudy Corry Rankin (SC); Marilyn Swanson (SC); 42 Lynwood Walters (NC); Sharon Weaver (GC); Lia Icaza-Willetts (SW); Lucy Wray (GC) 43 44 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) 45 Coordinator: Greg Harford (12) 46 Brian Carr, Sam Auperlee, Annette Reyes-Burnsed (EC); Bruce Anderson (GC); Jim Watson 47 (NC); Derrick Scott (NE); Linda Bianco (NW); Beth Bostrom (SE), Jeannette Torres (SE), Cesar 48 Villafana (SE) 49 Conference Staff: Greg Harford, UMVIM Coordinator; Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Mission 50

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Women’s Retreat Design Team 1 Chairperson: DeDee McLeod 2 Class of 2016: Sheryl Francavilla (13/16/SC); Jeanette Hamblen (13/16/ SE); Dedee McLeod 3 (13/16/EC); Debbie White (13/16/SW) 4 Class of 2017: Tabatha Parish (SC); Marjorie Pocock (AC); Natalie Stephens (GC) 5 Class of 2018: TBD 6 Ex officio: Mary Best (AC); Deborah Davis (NW); Mary McLendon (EC); Lisa McNamee (GC); 7 Katherine Reinecke (09/12/SC) 8 Conference Staff: Sherri Lingle, Program Coordinator, Connectional Ministries 9 10

Focused Task Teams 11 12 Kid Min 13 Co-Conveners: Melissa Cooper, Katie Pestel 14 Tracie Ashley; Domenic Bisesti; Kathy Bradshaw; Holly Carter; Melissa Cooper; AJ Glenn; Julie 15 Guiles; Monique McBride; Judi New; Heather Pancoast; Katie Pestel; Carrie Yoder 16 17 Prison/Jail Ministry 18 Cleve Bell (15/19/SE); Dave Conn (15/19/SC); Travis Greene (SC); December Hall (EC); Steve 19 Hart (11/19/AC); Stephen Hoffman (SW); Laura Ice (15/23/GC); Alan Jackson (GC); Dan Jackson 20 (15/23/SC); Cindy Lane (12/20/SC); Donna Ross (AC); David Williamson (NE); 21 22 Young Adult Missional Movement 23 Chair: Rachael Sumner (15) 24 Rachael Sumner (15/23/AC); Molly McEntire (15/23/SC); Jeremy Hearn (15/23/SC); Rwth Fuquay 25 (15/23/SC); Keri LaBrant (15/23/GC); Nancy Metz (15/23/SW); Rikka Lively (15/23/SW); Laura 26 Forleo (15/23/EC); Faniel Pradel (15/23/SE) 27 28

Conference Ministry Groups 29 30 Committee on Haitian Ministry 31 Chair: Tamara Isidore 32 Vice Chair: Joanes Martin 33 Secretary: Rosemary Gagliardi 34 Haitian District Representatives: Jocelyn B Adhemar (AC); Jude Jean Baptist (SW); Jean 35 Jacques-Pierre Gilles (NC); Tamara Isidore (GC); Eliantus Valmyr (EC) 36 Non-Haitian District Representatives from districts with Haitian Ministries: Marilyn Beecher (EC); 37 Nancy Gray (SC); Ed Ritter (SW) 38 Ex officio Members: District Superintendents in Districts with Haitian Congregations 39 By Virtue of Position: Immigration Law Consultant: Janet Horman (SE) 40 41 Hispanic Assembly 42 President: Cesar J. Villafana 43 Vice President: Oscar Negron 44 Treasurer: Rafael Plaza 45 Secretary: Mercedes Andrades 46 Director of Education, Ana Andujar; Director of Evangelizm, Diogenes Hernandez; Director of 47 Youth activities, Ambar Ramirez; Family Camp Director, Leticia Zulon; Hispanic Ministry team 48 representative, Gustavo Betancourt 49 50

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Hispanic Ministry Team 1 Chair: Gustavo Betancourt (11) 2 At-Large Members: Gustavo Betancourt (11/19/SE); Luz Maldonado (11/19/SW); Nancy Mayeux 3 (11/19/GC); Director of Missional Engagement; Cesar Villafaña, Chair of the Hispanic Assembly 4 5 Outreach Ministries Committee 6 Chair: Pamela Qualls 7 Vice Chair: Brent McLaughlin 8 Secretary: Deborah Brown 9 Community Outreach Ministries (NE): Jim Young 10 Cornerstone Family Ministries, Inc. (SC): Cathy Capo Stone 11 Christians Reaching Out to Society (AC): Ruth Mageria 12 Grace Place for Children and Families (SW): Dave Tobiasz 13 Halifax Urban Ministries, Inc. (EC): Troy Ray 14 Church & Community Connection (EC): TBD 15 Branches (SE): Brent McLaughlin 16 UM Cooperative Ministries of Madison County (NW): Deborah Brown 17 UM Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast, Inc. (GC): Pamela Qualls 18 Director of Missional Engagement, Clarke Campbell-Evans 19 Social Justice Committee: Chair – Sarah Miller 20 21 Shade and Fresh Water 22 Officers: 23 Co-Chairs: Lucy Wray (GC) and James Holden (SW) 24 Secretary: Lew Arnold (GC); 25 Treasurer: Mark Whittaker (GC) 26 Spiritual Director: Trudy Rankin (SC) 27 Board Members: Martha Gay Duncan (SC); Dawn Fryman (EC); Dionne Hammond (AC) 28 Clergy Excellence Advisors to Board: Wayne Wiatt, Rwth Fuquay 29 Spiritual Directors: Jim Cook, Dr. Trudy Corry Rankin, Lynwood Walters, Lucy Wray 30 31 Disaster Ministry Advisory Team 32 Conference Coordinator: Pam Garrison 33 Clark Edwards, Mary Lou Rothfuss, Jim Watson (AC); Morris Davis, Sherie Sayre (EC); Marvin 34 Hammontree, Bill Knight, Bruce Lee (SC); Holley Hooks (NE); Marian Sotore (SW) 35 District Disaster Response Coordinators: Open (AC); Jeff Campbell (EC): Open (GC); Al Tomek 36 (NC); Marvin Hammontree (SC); Jim Mitts and Fred DeWitt (NE); Open (NW); Cesar Villafana 37 (SE); Open (NW) 38 Conference Staff: Pam Garrison, Disaster Recovery Ministry 39

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Conference Mission/Ministry Priorities 1 2 Congregational Vitality 3 To be presented at Annual Conference 4 Cabinet Representative, Gary Spencer 5 Conference Staff: Director of New Church Starts, Dan Jackson; Vitality Specialist, Janet Earls 6 7 Missions 8 Chair: Mike Kennedy (12) 9 George Reed, Chair of MUIP; Sandi Goodman, Chair of East Angola/Florida Partnership; Pam 10 Carter, Chair of Haiti/Florida Covenant; Greg Harford, Conference Mission Volunteers 11 Coordinator; Larry Rankin, Missionary support; Judith Pierre-Okerson (14/22/SE), UMW 12 Representative 13 At Large: Carl Bergeson (13/21/NC); Gail Christy Jones (14/22/NW); Jeff McClendon (14/22/NE); 14 Mariam Mengistie (15/23/ECMi); Shakeria Mitchell (15/23//NE); Marsha Mullet (14/22/GC); 15 Armando Rodriguez (14/22/NW); Mission Director 16 Conference Staff: Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Missions, Clarke Campbell-Evans, Director 17 of Missional Engagement 18 19 Social Justice 20 Chair: Sarah Miller 21 Pam Qualls, Outreach Ministry Chair; Immigration Chair (TBD); Beth Potter (Human Trafficking); 22 KeTia Harris; Alma Manney, Rosemary Uebel; John Banks 23 At large: Beth Bostrom (14/22/SE); Dwayne Craig (14/22/SC); Kenya Monroe (14/22/GC); Mike 24 Plett(14/22/SC); St Claire Moore (15/23/SC); Anne Winn (14/22/NC) 25 Conference Staff: Harold Lewis, Director of Multi-Cultural and Justice Ministries; Clarke Campbell-26 Evans, Director of Missional Engagement 27

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Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry 1 Chairperson: Lyndol Loyd (12) 2 Vice Chairperson: Mike Crawford 3 Secretary: TBD 4 Finance: Dick Scheaffer 5 Scholarship: Nathan Adams 6 Campus Ministry Representative: Narcie Jeter 7 Bethune-Cookman Representative: David Allen 8 Class of 2016: Patti Aupperlee (08/16/AC); Drew Dancey (12/20/EC); Bob Douglass (11/19/SC); 9 Mike Fordham (08/16/NC); Willie A. Miller, Jr. (12/20/AC); Richard (Dick) Scheaffer (08/16/NC) 10 Class of 2017: Allen Johnson (12/13/NC); Lyndol Loyd (09/17/EC; Cynthia Sucher (13/21/NW); 11 Melissa Stump (09/17/AC); Jon Tschanz (13/21/EC) 12 Class of 2018: Nathan Adams (10/18/SE); Will Finnin (10/18/AC); Anderson Foote (14/22/NE); 13 Sharyn Ladner (14/22/SE); Allison Manning (14/22/SC); Glenn Bosley-Mitchell (10/18/SE) 14 Class of 2019: Amanda Blount (13/21/SC); Starr Clay (15/23/NW); Yari Galano (15/23/SW); Jim 15 Manuel (13/21/EC); Yvonne McShay (13/21/SC); Steve Painter (15/23/NE) 16 Student Representatives: 17 Ex officio: FSC Church Relations Director: Michael Crawford; Cabinet Representative – Tim 18 Smiley; Director of Connectional Ministries; Director of Higher Education and Campus Ministries; 19 Conference Trustees; General Board of Higher Education and Ministry: Teresita Matos 20 21 Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries 22 Chairperson: David McEntire (12) 23 Vice Chairperson: 24 Secretary: 25 Class of 2016: Wayne Curry (08/16/NW); David Cruz (12/20/SE); David McEntire (12/20/SC); 26 Paul Nessler (08/16/GC) 27 Class of 2017: Pennie Emmanuel-Funches (13/21/NE); Chris Haden (13/21/SC); Corey Jones 28 (13/21/EC); Vivian Kitchen (09/17/SC); Audrey Warren (13/21/SE) 29 Class of 2019: Hunter Short (11/19/NC); Jack Tilk (12/20/NW) 30 Class of 2015: Danny Bennett (15/23/SC); Linda Bowling (15/23/SW); Kim Latsa (15/23/EC); 31 Steve Schneeberger (12/20/EC); Adam Zele (12/20/GC) 32 Ex officio: Director of Connectional Ministries; Conference Treasurer; Conference Trustees 33 Representative; Camps and Retreats Ministries Executive Director 34 Cabinet Representative: Gary Spencer (AC) 35 36

Disciplinary Ministry Priorities 37 38 Commission on Archives and History 39 Chairperson: Leah Pittard (12) 40 Vice Chairperson: 41 Secretary: Larry Loveday 42 Archivist: Nell Thrift 43 District Representatives: Linda Mobley (10/18/NE); Anita Campbell (11/19/EC); Idella Gaston 44 (14/22/NC); Elaine McCreary (11/19/NW); Morita Hadlock (11/19/SC); Betty Wilson (14/22/SC); 45 Larry Winebrenner (10/18/SE); Leah Pittard (09/17/SW) 46 At-Large: Opal Winebrenner (10/18/SE) 47 Ex officio: Nell Thrift; Kenneth Minton; Larry Loveday; Tom McClary, Consultant; Ivan Corbin – 48 SEJ Commission; Daphne Johnson, Historical Society 49

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Commission on Religion and Race 1 Chairperson: Will Clark (14) 2 Vice Chairperson: Geraldine McClellan 3 District Directors: Eliantus Valmyr (09/17/EC); Sandra Brooks (13/21/GC); Lenny Schultz 4 (08/16/NC); Scott Farman (08/16/NE); Edwin Santos (13/21/EC); Bob Williams (13/21/NW); 5 Michelle Blume (08/16/SC); Reginia Johnson (09/17/SE); Lia Icaza-Willetts (13/21/SW) 6 Class of 2016: Verona Matthews (12/20/AC); Geraldine McClellan (08/16/NC); Maggie McDuffie 7 (12/20/NE); Mary Mitchell (12/20/NC); Becky O’Neal (08/16/GC); Dawn Worden (12/20/GC) 8 Class of 2017: Jamie Faberlle (13/21/EC); Carolyn Thomas (13/21/NC) 9 Class of 2018: Will Clark (10/18/NC) 10 Class of 2019: Oswald Sands (11/19/SE); Erin Austin-Holliday (11/19/SC) 11 Members At Large: General Board representative, Bob Bushong 12 13 Commission on the Status and Role of Women 14 Chairpersons: Secretary: Dollie Strong 15 Members At Large: Dollie Crist (09/17/AC); Lauren Dundle Dancey (15/23/EC); Tammy Denmark 16 (10/18/NW); Gwen Dixon (11/19/NW); Rebecca Eppler (15/23/NE); Barbara Green (09/17/NE); 17 KeTia Harris (12/20/SE); Kyle Henderson (11/19/AC); Anna Hernandez (11/19/SC); LeeAnn 18 Inman (09/17/EC); Robin Masden (12/20/SC); Karin Nordlander (12/20/AC); Alyce Parmer 19 (14/22/NW); Nadine Richmond (13/21/EC); Ginny Roebuck (09/17/SC); Sabrina Tu (10/18/SC) 20 United Methodist Women Representative: Rosemary Uebel (GC) 21 Cabinet Representative: Director of Connectional Ministries 22 Ex officio: Carlene Fogle-Miller, member of General COSROW 23 24 Committee on Native American Ministry 25 Chair: Vickie Swartz (13) 26 Vice Chair: Ed Taylor 27 Secretary: Marsha Taylor 28 Treasurer: Dian Barreras 29 Class of 2016: Cindy Suter (12/20/GC); Thom Barlow (12/20/SC); Ed Taylor (12/20/NC); Marsha 30 Taylor (12/20/NC) 31 Class of 2018: Dock Green Silverhawk (14/18/SC); Jeff Swartz (14/18/GC); Vickie Swartz 32 (14/18/GC); Dale Taylor (14/18/NW) 33 Class of 2019: Dian Barreras (15/19/SC) 34 35 Conference Connection on Youth Ministries (CCYM) 36 Roster through 2015: Mary Newton (12/14/NC); Sorm Dakota (13/14/NC); Michaela Allbritton 37 (13/15/NC); Sam Johnson (13/15/NC); Lauren Andrews (12/16/NC); Jackson Bernet (13/16/NE); 38 Callie Brown (11/15/NE); Coulter Brooke (11/16/SC); Ian Keller (12/16/NE); Nicole Billing 39 (13/16/SC); Katlyn Stephen (14/16/NC); Jared Zack (14/16/SC); Martine Gelb (12/17/NE); Matt 40 Gibson (15/17/NE); Mary-Louise Parkkila (11/17/EC) 41 2015 Table Membership: Emily Felgenhauer (13/17/SC); Jason Williams (13/17/GC); Manu 42 Bhatnagar (13/17/SE); Mike Edwards (13/17/SW); Ruth McFarland (15/19/NC) 43 Class of 2016: Emily Edwards (13/17/EC); Scott Folsom (13/17/SW); Kyle Aycock (13/17/EC); TJ 44 Zimmerman (14/18/SC); Justin Rimondi (14/18/NE) 45 Class of 2017: AJ Glenn (13/17/NC); Brit Holdren (13/17/SW); Maresi Brown (13/17/GC); Justin 46 Cox; Emily Givens (14/18/NC) 47 At Large: Joel Pancoast (NC); Kelly Minter (NE); Steve Schneeberger (EC) 48

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Small Membership Church Ministries 1 Class of 2019: Barbara Awoniyi (15/23/NW); Gary Brady (15/23/NC); Sarah Campbell (15/23/NC); 2 John Newbold (15/23/NE); Steve Nolin (15/23/AC); Dan Rosier (15/23/NW) 3 Conference Staff: Janet Earls, Congregational Vitality Specialist 4 5 Board of Lay Ministry 6 Conference Lay Leader: Russ Graves (12) 7 Associate Lay Leader - Reaching Next Generations: Rachael Sumner (12) 8 Associate Lay Leader – Intergenerational Focus: Derrick Scott (12) 9 Associate Lay Leader – Leadership Development: Alice Williams (14) 10 Lay Member at Large – Executive Committee: Suzy Baad (14) 11 Secretary: Bill Clark (10) 12 Treasurer: Chet Klinger (12) 13 Chairperson of the Lay Leadership Nominations Committee: 14 District Lay Leaders: Charlie Blose (AC); Alice Williams (12/16/EC); Suzy Baad (12/16/GC); 15 Lenny Schultz (09/13/NC); Bob Holzkamp (11/15/NE); Jim Crosby (10/14/NW); Dan Rosier 16 (12/16/NW): John Reever (10/14/SC); Michael Sullivan (12/16/SE); Nancy Metz (14/18/SW) 17 Associate Lay Leaders: Rachael Sumner (12/16/AC); Chris Wolf (13/17/GC); Idella Gaston 18 (10/14/NC); Rose Muller (12/16/NE); Cindy Wells (SC); Clausette Emmanuel (10/14/SE); Oswald 19 Sands (12/16/SE); Benny Aguilar (14/18/SW); and Wade Sperry (12/16/SW) 20 Lay Members Representing the Annual Conference: Carl Bergeson 21 Lay Woman: Elizabeth Petty (14/18/NE) 22 Young Adult Representative: Jeremy Hearn (12/16/EC) 23 Young Adult Representative: Molly McEntire (12/16/SC) 24 Youth Representative: Brooke Coulter (13/16/SC) 25 Youth Representative: Kaytlyn Martinez (13/16/EC) 26 Older Adult Representative: Rodney Akers 27 Cabinet Representative: Tim Smiley 28 By Virtue of Position: Director of Lay Servant Ministries: Lynn Campbell; Director of Lay Renewal: 29 Richard Barnes; Hispanic Assembly Representative: Michelle Maldonado; President, United 30 Methodist Men: John Rogers; President, United Methodist Women: Kay Roach; Chair-Network 31 on Youth/Young Adult - Isaac Newton; Scouting Coordinator: D. R. Walker; 32 Ex officio: Florida Area Resident Bishop, Kenneth Carter; Director of Connectional Ministries, 33 Sharon Austin 34 Past Conference Lay Leaders: Sharon Luther (SW); Bill Walker (EC); Terrell Sessums (SC); Mary 35 Alice Massey (NE); Jody Moxley (AC); Frank Furman (SE) 36 Staff Liaison: Sherri Lingle, Program Coordinator 37 38 Lay Renewal 39 Conference Director: Richard Barnes (08/16/AC) 40 41 Lay Servant Ministries 42 Conference Director: Lynn Campbell (12) 43 Associate Conference Director: Rod Groom 44 Directors: Linda Cumbie (15/23/NE); Dottie Graves (13/21/AC); Jim Boesch (15/23/EC); Terry 45 Fitzgerald (15/23/GC); Gail Kantz (11/19/SC), Jacki Haack (12/20/SE); Gene Louise Fisher 46 (09/17/SW) 47 Associate Director: Debe Gantt (15/23/AC); Jo Moffat (13/21/EC); Sherri Woodstuff (15/23/NC) 48

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Committee on Disability 1 Jill Stefan 2 3 United Methodist Men 4 President: John Rogers (13) 5 First Vice President: 6 Second Vice President: Darryl Coppenhaver (13) 7 Secretary: Bill Fritchman (11) 8 Treasurer: Charlie Perry (11) 9 Cabinet Representative/Conference Lay Leader: Russ Graves 10 Directors: John Dowell, Joel Fears, David Smith, Russ Tabbert 11 Ex-Officio Members: Rodney Akers, Past President; Don Heishman, Registrar; D.R. Walker, 12 Conference Scouting Coordinator 13 District UMM Presidents: Leland Oathout (EC), Lou Amandola (GC), Jerry Curry (NC), Stan 14 Monroe (NW), Ken Blackman (SC), John Delaney (SW) and Continued Vacancies in AC, SE 15 Chairman of Standing Committees: John Rogers (Nominating Committee), Charlie Perry (Finance 16 & Personnel), John Dowell (Ministries and Missions), John Rogers (By-Laws), TBD 17 (Scholarships), Bill Fritchman (Publicity) and Russ Tabbert (Charters & EMS) 18 Members at large: John Dowell, Joel Fears, David Smith, Russ Tabbert 19 20 United Methodist Women 21 President: Kay Roach (NW) 22 Vice President: 23 Secretary: Linda Parrish (AC) 24 Treasurer: Ethel Ewing (13/SC) 25 Secretary of Program Resources-Kenya Monroe (SC) 26 Chair, Committee on Nominations: Ruth Jean-Pierre (15/23/SE) 27 Spiritual Growth - Nancy Kerce (NW); Social Action Liaison-Rosemary Uebel (GC); Haitian 28 Coordinator: Magdala Edmond (12/20/SW); Korean Coordinator –Jiyeon (Sophia) Pak 29 (15/23/SC); Hispanic Coordinator: Kathy Guevara-Acosta (15/23/SE); Dean, Missions u: Ruth 30 Jean-Pierre (15/23/SE); UMW National Office Director,: Judith Pierre-Okerson (11/19/SE); UMW 31 National Office Program Advisory Group – Annabelle Bricker (13/21/SE); SEJ Member of the 32 Committee on Nominations Paulette Monroe (13/21/SC) and Dianne Springer (14/22/GC) 33 Class of 2015: Mae Griner (13/21/NC); Leah Pittard (SW) 34 Class of 2016: Gwen Dixon (13/15/NW); Alma Manney (13/16/EC) 35 Class of 2017: Marilyn Holsipple (NC); Ruth Jean-Pierre (SE) 36 Class of 2018: Sookkyuing Chae (15/23/SW); Denise Morrell (15/23/NE) 37 Resident Bishop: Kenneth Carter; Cabinet Representative: Robert Gibbs 38

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The Ministry of the Ordained 1 2 Conference Board of Ordained Ministry 3 Chairperson: Terri Hill 4 Vice Chairperson: Tim Carson (12) 5 Secretary: Sara McKinley (12) 6 Registrar: Wayne Wiatt 7 Chair of the Order of Elders: Robert Laidlaw 8 Chair of the Order of Deacons: Monique McBride 9 Chair, Division of Deacons: 10 Chair, Division of Elders: David Allen 11 Chair, Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members: Susie Horner 12 District Representatives: John Gill (04/16/EC); David Miller (GC); Lee Lallance (04/16/NE); Susie 13 Horner (12/24/NW); Robert Laidlaw (08/20/NW); Tim Carson (04/16/SW); Sara McKinley 14 (04/16/SE) 15 Class of 2016: Steve Price (05/16/NE); Magrey DeVega (04/16/SC); Rob Harding (04/16/SC); 16 Michael Moore (04/16/NE); Vicki Walker (05/16/SC) 17 Class of 2020: Dan Bell (08/20/SE); Anne Burkholder (09/20/); Mark Caldwell (11/20/SE); June 18 Edwards (08/20/SC); Terri Hill (08/20/AC); Christine Holden (11/20/SW); Tracy Hunter 19 (08/20/EC); Jim Lake (08/20/AC); Monique McBride (11/20/NC); Tom McCloskey (08/20/EC); 20 Chris McNeill (08/20/NE); David Miller (08/20/GC); Brett Opalinski (08/20/SE); Jeremy Rebman 21 (08/20/NW); Sidney Tompkins (08/20/GC); Debbie Allen (11/20/SE) 22 Class of 2024: David Allen (12/24/EC); Arlindall Burks (12/24/GC); Melissa Cooper (12/24/NC); 23 Kevin James (13/24/EC); Richard Landon (12/24/GC); Montreuil Milord (12/24/SE); Tapiwa 24 Mucherera (12/24/EC); Simon Osulana (12/24/SE); Melissa Pisco (13/24/NE); Sam Ramirez 25 (12/24/SC); Armando Rodriguez (12/24/NW); Scott Smith (12/24/EC); Jay Therrell (12/24/SW) 26 Lay Members: Jill Barton (12/24/AC); Mark Capron (09/20/SC); Jim Cook (04/16/NC); Dave Elyea 27 (09/20/NW); Bill Gill (04/16/SC); Callie MacLeod (12/24/GC); Guy Minviel (09/20/SE); Sam Sheets 28 (12/24/SC); Patricia Thomas (04/16/NC); Debbie Allen (15/23/NC), Steve Price (15/23/GC); Lee 29 Lallance (15/23/SC) 30 Ex officio: Executive Director, Center for Clergy Excellence 31 Cabinet Representative: Bob Bushong 32 33 Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits 34 Chairperson: Catherine Thacker (14) 35 Vice Chairperson: Russ Barlow (11) 36 Secretary: Dick Mahaffey (14) 37 Treasurer: Mickey Wilson 38 Chair, Preacher’s Relief Board: Arch Johnson 39 Clergy: David Averill (13/21/NC); Clare Chance (12/20/NE); John Hicks (15/23/NW); John Simon 40 (08/16/SC); Doug McClain (15/23/AC); Cathy Thacker (08/16/SC) 41 Laymen: Scott Davidson (10/18/EC); Walter Dry (12/20/SC); Arch Johnston (08/16/GC); Tom 42 McCracken (14/22/NC); Dick Mahaffey (08/16/NC); John Rose 43 Laywomen: JoAnna Franz (15/23/SC); Lynn Hamilton (08/16/NW); Kyle Henderson (12/20/AC; 44 Karen Huff (14/22/NE); Irene Ingram-Bailey (14/22/NE); Linda Moss (12/20/AC); Patrice Peterson 45 (10/18/NE) 46 Ex officio: Conference Secretary; Conference Treasurer; Conference Human Resources 47 Cabinet Representative: Sue Haupert-Johnson 48

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Committee on Clergy Effectiveness 1 Chairperson: John Hill (13) 2 Secretary: 3 John Hill (08/16/AC); Dionne Hammond (15/23/AC); Bruce Jones (15/23/NE); Joanes Martin 4 (15/23/AC); Ben Stillwell Hernandez (15/23/EC); Sheryl Marks Williams (15/23/SE) 5 Ex officio: Director, Office of Clergy Excellence; Cabinet Representative–Annette Pendergrass 6 7 Committee on Disability 8 Chairperson: 9 Secretary: 10 Cabinet Representative: 11 Executive Director of Division of Ministry 12 Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits: 13 Conference Board of Ordained Ministry: Jim Cook (04/16/NC); June Edwards (12/20/SC); James 14 Lake (10/20/AC); Vicki Walker (12/20/SC) 15 16 Commission on Equitable Compensation 17 Chairperson: Brian Carr (12) 18 Secretary: 19 Class of 2016: Brian Carr (12/20/EC); Joel Fears (08/16/EC); Juan Ramos (08/16/SC) 20 Class of 2017: Suzy Baad (13/21/GC); Bruce Jones (13/21/NE); Ithamar Fonrose (13/21/EC); 21 Jackie McMillan (12/20/GC) 22 Class of 2018: Chris Akers (14/22/EC); Michael Frazier (14/22/GC); Janie McCluney (12/20/NC); 23 Jim Thomas (14/22/SW) 24 Class of 2019: Jay Kowalski (15/23/GC); Simon Osunlana (15/23/SE); Tom Ponton (11/19/SC); 25 C.J. Walters (15/23/SE) 26 Cabinet Representative: Craig Nelson 27 Director of Missional Engagement, Clarke Campbell-Evans; Conference Treasurer, Tony 28 Prestipino; Council on Finance and Administration Representative 29 30 Committee on Institute of Preaching 31 Chairperson: Matthew Hartsfield (15) 32 Vice Chairperson: 33 Treasurer: Lisa Degrenia (13) 34 Class of 2016: Lisa Degrenia (11/19/SW); Pete Ferrara (12/20/SC); Matthew 35 Hartsfield (12/20/SC); Kevin James (09/16/EC); 36 Class of 2020: Suzy Baad (13/20/GC); Rusty Bowman (13/20/NE); Bruce Jones (13/20/NE); Jay 37 Therrell (13/20/SW) 38 Conference Staff: Director Office of Clergy Excellence 39 Ex officio: 40 Emeritus: Gene Zimmerman 41

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The Stewardship of the Conference 1 2 Board of Trustees of the Florida United Methodist Conference, Inc. 3 President: Yoniece Dixon 4 Vice President: Dick Sargeant 5 Secretary: Viola Legge 6 Class of 2016: Ed Chappell (12/20/NE); John Legg (12/20/SC); Dick Sargeant (08/16/SC); 7 Mozelle Thomas (12/20/NE) 8 Class of 2017: Viola Legge (09/17/SC); Paul Machtel (09/17/AC) 9 Class of 2018: Courtney Ball (13/21/SC); John Griswold (13/21/AC); Michael Weaver (14/22NC) 10 Class of 2019: Yoniece Dixon (11/19/SC); Jim Luther (15/23/SW) 11 Ex officio: Florida Area Resident Bishop; Director of Connectional Ministries; Conference 12 Treasurer; Director, Higher Education and Campus Ministry; Chair, Higher Education and 13 Campus Ministry; Director, Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries; Chair, Board of Camps and 14 Retreat Ministries; President of Florida United Methodist Foundation; Attorney, Jim Meyer; 15 Cemeteries, Ed Dinkins 16 17 Council on Finance and Administration 18 President: Harriett Mayes (13) 19 Vice President: 20 Secretary: Charles Blose (13) 21 Class of 2016: Wayne Cook (08/16/EC); Brian Lohmann (08/16/AC); Kim Uchimurra (12/20/SC) 22 Class of 2017: Charles Blose (09/17/AC); Bob Grizzard (09/17/SC); Bob Matthews (09/17/NC): 23 Jim Mitchell (13/21/SW); Kelly Smith (13/21/EC); Bridget Thornton (13/21/SC) 24 Class of 2018: Harriett Mayes (12/20/SC); Sue Piirainen (14/22/SW) 25 Class of 2019: Russ Barlow (15/23/GC); Daniel Ivey (13/21/EC); Carolyn Williamson (15/23/NE) 26 Ex officio: Florida Area Resident Bishop; Conference Treasurer; Assistant to the Bishop; Director 27 of Connectional Ministries; President, The United Methodist Foundation, Inc.; Chairperson of 28 Ministry Protection, 29 Cabinet Representative: Walter Monroe 30 31 Ministry Protection 32 Chairperson: Susie Horner (12) 33 Vice Chair: Mark Arnold (12) 34 Class of 2016: Dennis Royer (12/20/SE) 35 Class of 2017: Tommy Martin (13/21/EC); Doug Townley (13/21/SC) 36 Class of 2018: Steve Edwards (14/22/NC); Susie Horner (10/18/NW); Daphne Johnson 37 (11/19/SC); Barb Riggs (14/22/SW) 38 Class of 2019: Mark Arnold (11/19/GC) 39 Representative from CF&A; Conference Trustees Representative 40 Ex-officio: Conference Treasurer; LaNita Battles, Claims/Risk Manager; Conference Chancellor; 41 John Powers, Cabinet Liaison 42

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Committee on Conference Nominations and Leadership 1 Chairperson: Bishop Kenneth Carter 2 Assistant to the Bishop; District Superintendents; Director of Connectional Ministries; Conference 3 Secretary; Conference Lay Leader; Conference President, United Methodist Men; Conference 4 President, United Methodist Women; President; Network on Youth/Young Adults 5 District Representatives: Alice Williams (12/20/EC); Suzy Baad (12/20/GC); Lenny Schultz 6 (09/17/NC); Jim Crosby (12/20/NW); NW alternate: Dan Rosier (12/20/NW); John Reever 7 (11/19/SC); Mike Sullivan (12/20/SE); Nancy Metz (14/22/SW) 8 9 Committee on Standing Rules 10 Chairperson: Steve Hart (14) 11 Vice Chairperson: 12 Class of 2016: Edward Kellum (12/20/SW); Glenn Bosley-Mitchell (12/20/SE); Jonathan Smith 13 (12/20/NE) 14 Class of 2017: David Juliano (13/21/SW); Linda Tice (13/21/GC) 15 Class of 2018: Steve Hart (14/22/AC) 16 Class of 2019: Mark Capron (13/21/SC); Chris Sanders (15/23/NE) 17 Ex officio: Conference Secretary; Director of Connectional Ministries; Bishop’s Representative: 18 David Dodge 19

20 Episcopal Oversight 21

22 Committee on Episcopacy 23 Chairperson: Bob Bushong (11) 24 Vice Chairperson: Walter Dry (12) 25 Secretary: Sharon Luther (12) 26 Laywomen: Paula Mims (13/21/SC) 27 Laymen: Walter Dry (08/16/GC); John Newbold (08/16/NE) 28 Clergypersons: Bob Bushong (08/16/EC); Catherine Fluck-Price (13/21/GC); Melissa Pisco 29 (10/18/NC); Audrey Warren (13/21/SE) 30 Conference Lay Leader: Russ Graves; Conference UMM President: John Rogers; Conference 31 UMW President: Kay Roach; Conference Youth President: Isaac Newton 32 Appointed by the Bishop: 33 Ex officio; SEJ: Sharon Luther (08/16/SW); Jorge Acevedo (04/20/SW) 34 CF&A Representative: Bob Grizzard 35 Board of Trustees Representative: Mozelle Thomas 36 37 Administrative Review Committee 38 Chairperson: Wayne Curry (12) 39 Members: Wayne Curry (12/20/NW); Dionne Hammond (12/20/AC); Gary Uplegger (12/20/NC) 40 Alternates: Chuck Englehardt (12/20/GC); Daphne Johnson (12/20/SC) 41

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Annual Conference Committees 1 2 Committee on Annual Conference Program 3 Presiding Bishop; members of the Cabinet; Conference Lay Leader; District Lay Leaders; 4 Conference Secretary; Annual Conference Coordinator; Worship Chair – Kandace Brooks 5 6 General Conference Legislative Committee 7 Chairperson: Anne Burkholder (12) 8 Class of 2015: Linda Tice (12/20/GC) 9 Class of 2016: Anne Burkholder (12/20); Shelly Denmark (13/21/EC) 10 Class of 2017: Mike Zdorow (13/21/SE); Debra Walker (13/21/SE) 11 12 Committee on Memoirs 13 Co-Chairpersons: Dennis and Ann White (15/23/NE) 14 15 Committee on Resolutions 16 Chairperson: Cynthia Weems (12) 17 Class of 2016: David Broadbent (08/16/AC); Cynthia Weems (12/20/SE) 18 Class of 2017: Melanie Fierbaugh (14/22/SC); Amy Kellog (14/22/SC) 19 Class of 2018: Matt Horan (14/22/SC); Mike McFadden (14/22/GC) 20 Class of 2019: Randy Strickland (11/19/NE) 21 Ex officio: Conference Secretary, Ken Minton 22 23 Election Procedures Committee 24 Chairperson: Ken Minton (SC) 25 Vice Chairperson: Janet Kelley (EC) 26 Corey Britt (12/16/SC); Tracy Hunter (14/22/EC); Sharon Luther (12/16/SW); Ken Minton 27 (14/22/SC); Peggy Wilkins (12/16/SW) 28 29

Extended Connection Leaders 30 (Boards of Directors and Trustees of Related Institutions) 31

32 Justice For Our Neighbors 33 Chairperson: Martha Rutland (15) 34 Vice Chairperson: Lynn Mawhinney (14) 35 Secretary: Helen Morrill (14) 36 Treasurer: Yvonne Lorah (14) 37 Parliamentarian: Anthony Caruana (14) 38 Anthony Caruana (11/19/GC); Walter L. Dry, Sr. (09/17/GC); Keith Ewing (14/22/SC); Brook 39 Haynes (14/22/AC); Yvonne Lorah (12/20/EC); Lynn Mawhiney (11/19/SC); Nancy Mayeux 40 (09/17/GC); Helen Morrill (14/22/SC); Denise Rogers (14/22/EC); Eliantus Valmyr (09/17/EC); 41 Elizabeth Weber (14/22/SC); Dawn Worden (12/20/GC) 42 Ex officio: Raphael Dessieu; Harold Lewis; Judith Pierre-Okerson; Melissa Bowe 43 Staff: Lina Restsrepo 44 Trustees, Florida United Methodist Children’s Home 45 President/CEO: Becky Dotson 46 Chairperson: Charles Lever (11) 47 Vice Chairperson: Alyson Morgan (07) 48 Secretary: Linda Tice (10) 49 Treasurer: Jerry Haralson (10) 50

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Class of 2014: Dan Bell (10); Trish Bell (10); Bonnie Bullard (10); Joyce Cooper (10); Jaime 1 Faberlle (13); Jerry Haralson (10); Beverly Hollis (10); Carlos Otero (14); Betsy Ouellette-Zierden 2 (14); Bo Sim (11) 3 Class of 2015: Kent Anderson (09); Vikki Ho-Shing (13); Kevin James, Sr. (14); Charles Lever 4 (11); Jacquie Leveron (13); Heather Pancoast (10); Michael Sims (13); Cindy Sisco (10); Terry 5 Sisco (10); Linda Tice (10) 6 Class of 2016: Jim Bernard (07); Brian Brightly (11); Scott Davidson (12); Ashby Green (14); 7 Doug Krenzer (13); Bob Laidlaw (11); Alyson Morgan (07); Charlie Perry (07); Dianne Sullivan 8 (07) 9 Ex officio: Florida Area Resident Bishop: Kenneth H. Carter, Jr.; President/CEO, FUMCH: Becky 10 Dotson 11 12 Board of Directors, Florida United Methodist Foundation, Inc. 13 Chairperson: Dennis Vlassis (13) 14 Vice Chairperson: Julia Mercier (12) 15 Secretary: Beverly Judge (13) 16 Class of 2015: Lawrence Q. Barriner, Sr. (13/NE); David Butcher (09/SC); Ann Eppinger (10/EC); 17 P. J. Gardner (12/SC); Beverly Judge (12/EC); Steve M. Price (13/GC) 18 Class of 2016: Michael L. Bell (13/GC); Markita Cooper (13/EC); Andy McEntire (13/SC); Dennis 19 Vlassis (07/AC); Thom Shafer (12/SW); Robert White (10/(EC) 20 Class of 2017: Julia Mercier (08/SW); Eduardo Cortez (10/NC); Charles Hackney (07/GC); 21 Geraldine W. McClellan (11/NC); Jane M. Zody (13/NW); Gustavo Betancourt (14/SE); Robert 22 Showalter (14/EC); Daniel Hager (14/GC) 23 24 Preachers Relief Board 25 Chair: Arch Johnston 26 Vice Chair: Cathy Thacker 27 Russ Barlow; Diane Croley; Duncan Gray; Lynn Hamilton; Wendy McCoy; Earline Millington; John 28 Simon; Tony Prestipino 29 30 Trustees, Florida Southern College 31 President: Anne B. Kerr 32 Chairperson: Robert L. Fryer, Jr. 33 Vice Chairperson: Richard T. Fulton 34 Secretary: Robert E. Puterbaugh 35 Assistant Secretary: Arthur J. Rowbotham 36 Treasurer: George W. Rogers 37 Assistant Treasurer: V. Terry Dennis 38 Recording Secretary: Joan M. Hillhouse 39 Trustees Emeriti: Charles W. Courtoy; James L. Ferman; Frank H. Furman, Jr.; Selma P. 40 Marlowe; E. Vane McClurg; J. Quinton Rumph; Charles W. Sahlman; T. Terrell Sessums; John 41 P. Simon; George A. Snelling; Lorraine Spivey; Robert L. Ulrich; John V. Verner 42 Chairman Emeritus of the Board: T. Terrell Sessums 43 Advisory Trustees: Nancy M. Cattarius; John V. D’Albora, Jr.; R. Fred Lewis 44 Serving Initial term (2014 – 2018): General Donald L. Kerrick; David P. Lyons; Thomas S. Petcoff; 45 David E. Rogers; Carole Weinstein 46 Nominated to serve an additional term (2014-2018): Robert L. Fryer, Jr.; Maida B. Pou; John A. 47 Rodda; Louis S. Saco, M.D.; Robert R. Sharp 48 Ex officio Trustees: Alumni President: Larry E. Stahl; Bishop Ken Carter; Conference Lay 49 Leader: W. Russell Graves 50

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Trustees, Bethune-Cookman University 1 President: Dr. Edison O. Jackson 2 Chair: Rev. John Harrington 3 First Vice Chair: 4 Second Vice Chair: Ken Carter 5 Third Vice Chair: Dr. Irving Matthews 6 Secretary: Mrs. Dorothye Henderson 7 Finance Chair: Dr. J.F. Bryan, IV 8 Institutional Advancement Chair: Joyce Moorehead 9 Educational Policies Chair: Dr. William Hogan, II 10 Nominations and Governance Chair: Rev. Dr. Kevin James, Sr. 11 Student Life Chair: Johnny McCray, Esquire 12 At large: Dr. Nelson L. Adams, M.D.; Mr. Robert L. Billingslea; Mr. Byrd Bonner, Esquire; Mr. 13 Arthur R. Brinson; Mr. Jacob F. Bryan, IV; Judge Prince Cartwright; Mr. Audley Coakley; Dr. Joyce 14 Cusack; Ms. Lois Fry; Rev. Dr. Robert M. Gibbs; Dr. Larry R. Handfield, Esquire; Rev. John 15 Wesley Harrington; Mrs. Dorothye Henderson; Dr. William E. Hogan, II; Rev. Dr. Kevin M. James, 16 Sr.; Mr. Gordon “Eric” Knowles; Dr. Irving J. Matthews; Mr. Johnny L. McCray, Jr. Esquire; Mrs. 17 Joyce Hanks Moorehead, Esquire; Mr. Ben Novello; Mrs. Joyce Odongo; Mr. Joe Petrock; Mrs. 18 Alexis Pugh; Dr. Lee E. Rhyant; Mrs. Madeline Scales-Taylor; Dr. Linda F. Wells, Esquire; Bishop 19 Ken Carter; Mr. Etienna R. “ET” Winzer; Rev. Dr. Eugene Zimmerman 20 Ex officio Status: President, Edison O. Jackson; AMs. Ebony Minter, SGA President; Russ 21 Graves; Rev. Annette Pendergrass; Dr. Alice Wood 22 Emeritus Status: Mr. Burney Bivens, Esquire; Mr. Matthew L. Brown; Mrs. Lee Bryan; Mr. Robert 23 C. Carter; Rev. Dr. Charles W. Courtoy; Dr. Nathaniel Davis; Bishop Robert E. Fannin; Rev. Dr. 24 McCoy Gibbs; Mr. James R. Gregg; Mr. David R. Hochstetler; Dr. Wendell P. Holmes, Jr.; Dr. 25 Michael P. Johnson; Mr. F. Michael Kyle; Dr. L. Gale Lemerand; Dr. J. Stanley Marshall; Dr. Mary 26 Alice Massey; Dr. La-Doris McClaney; Dr. Margaret McPhillips; Ms Jacquline Mongal; Dr. Patrick 27 David Roberts; Mrs. Kathleen C. Rydell; Mrs. Brenda Schofield; Rev. Hilton O. Smith; Mr. William 28 Giles Talley, Jr.; Ms. Evelyn B. Walker 29 30 Florida Conference Historical Society 31 Chair: Daphne Johnson 32 Vice President: Douglas Hallman 33 Secretary: Larry Loveday 34 Archivist: Nell Thrift 35 Chairperson, Archives and History: Leah Pittard 36

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DISTRICT LEADERS 1 2

The following Leaders, nominated by District Committees on Leadership (Nominations) are 3 elected at Annual Conference to serve in various capacities in both the conference and the district. 4 5

ATLANTIC CENTRAL 6 7 Leadership Council: (functions as Trustees, Finance, Visioning, and Leadership Development) 8 Chairperson: Marta Burke 9 Vice Chair: Marcus Zillman 10 Secretary: Patti Moxley 11 District Leader of Laity: Charlie Blose 12 Class of 2016: Marcus Zillman; Becky Oliver; Phillip Short 13 Class of 2017: Bill Messersmith; Ruth Mageria; Steve Hart; Jacquie Leveron; Mary Lou Rothfus, 14 Patti Moxley 15 Class of 2018: Willie Miller, Jr.; Ann Davis; Charline Pierre, Ivan Corbin; John Gill; Marta Burke 16 17 Congregational Vitality Team 18 Chair: Phillip Short 19 Vice Chair: 20 Leader of Laity: Charlie Blose 21 Class of 2016: Alexis Talbott; Betty Kniss; Joe Moxley; Damon Hart 22 Class of 2017: Bruce Kitson; Nancy Shore; Phillip Short; Pam Hall 23 Class of 2018: Bill Corristan; Ethel Logan 24 25 New Church Development 26 Chairperson: Marcus Zillman 27 Class of 2016: Bruce Kitson; John Welsh; John Denmark 28 Class of 2017: Marcus Zillman, Pam Cahoon 29 Class of 2018: Tom Tift 30 31 Committee on Ordained Ministry 32 Chairperson: Jim Lake 33 Vice Chair: Cliff Melvin 34 Secretary/Registrar: Patti Moxley 35 Class of 2016: Bruce Kitson; Mary Jo Bray; Craig Hammond; Kitty Eddy; Anne Godbold; Carol 36 Murphy; Emily McGee 37 Class of 2017: Jacquie Leveron; Clark Edwards, Steve Nolin; Betty Kniss; Gabe Wright; Tim May; 38 Tom Pope 39 Class of 2018: Jim Lake; Joanes Martin; Cliff Melvin; Ken Roberts; Barbara Porcher; Phyllis Day; 40 Ava Guy; Yvette Boodhoo 41

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Committee on Leadership (Nominations) 1 Chairperson: District Superintendent, Gary Spencer 2 Vice Chair: District Leader of Laity: Charlie Blose 3 Class of 2016: Verona Matthews; Jennifer Taylor 4 Class of 2017: Kyle Henderson; Mary Lou Rothfuss 5 Class of 2018: Patti Moxley; Willie Miller 6 7 Board of Location and Buildings 8 Chair: Kent Crow 9 Vice Chair: Bill Corristan 10 North Members: George Welch; Barry Richardson; Bill Corristan 11 South Members: Rainer Richter; Bruce Simpson; John Spillane; John Denmark, Kent Crow 12 13 Clergy Housing Committee 14 Class of 2015: Richard Jones 15 Class of 2016: Dave Golden, Joe Jursa 16 Class of 2017: Joy Tewold 17 Clergy Care Team (*Coordinator) 18 *Anne Godbold, David Branson, Fred Ball 19 20 CROS Ministries 21 Executive Director: Ruth Mageria 22 President: Eric Edlund 23 Vice President: Rev. Clark Edwards 24 Secretary: Nancy Edwards 25 Treasurer: Patti Alexander 26 Pam Davis; Lynn Freytag; Rick Miessau; Gary Spencer; Tony Zmistowski; Joseph Black; 27 Elizabeth Munnings; Nancy Edwards; Eric Edlund; Cynthia Kanai; Rev. Clark Edwards; Elizabeth 28 Bockmeyer; Patti Alexander; Nancy Hurd 29 30

EAST CENTRAL 31 32 District Leadership Council 33 Chair: David Harris 34 Vice Chair: Jaime Faberlle 35 Finance Chair: Scott Davidson 36 Secretary: Alice Williams 37 District Superintendent: Bob Bushong 38 District Lay Leader: Alice Williams 39 Class of 2016: Scott Davidson; Daniel Ivey; Jeanine Clontz 40 Class of 2017: Mike Briggs; Tony Rosenberger; Derek Scott 41 Class of 2018: David Harris; Jaime Faberlle; Larry Kirkwood 42 Class of 2019: Frank Mercer; Sarah Miller; Alice Williams 43 Ex Officio/Staff Liaison: Janet Kelley 44 45 Superintendency Committee: sub-committee of the DLT 46 Scott Davidson; Jaime Faberlle; David Harris; Alice Williams 47

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Committee on Leadership (Nominations) 1 Chair: Bob Bushong, DS 2 Class of 2016: Rebecca Hyvonen; Carol Smith; Owen Stricklin 3 Class of 2017: Brian Johnson; Sherry McElveen; 4 Class of 2018: Beth Gardner; Nancy Trinchitella; 5 Class of 2019: Laura Berg; David Harris; Frank Mercer; Miguel Velez 6 Ex-Officio: Staff: Janet Kelley; Alice Williams – Lay Leader 7 Committee on Ordained Ministry 8 Chair: Scott Smith 9 Vice Chair: Tom Nelson 10 Registrar/Secretary: Elizabeth Flynn 11 Class of 2016: Kevin James; Melynne Rust; Scott Smith; 12 Class of 2017: Kandace Brooks; Benjamin Stilwell-Hernandez; Kenneth Zimmerman 13 Class of 2018: Rusty Belcher; Wayne Cook; Jaime Faberlle; Beth Gardner; Eric McCrea; Tom 14 Nelson; Michael Pestel; Cindy Jaeger Ray; Gary Rideout 15 Class of 2019: Silas M’Mworia; Alice Williams 16 Ex Officio: Bob Bushong, DS; Janet Kelley 17 18 New Church Development Committee 19 Chair: Jennifer Stiles-Williams 20 Vice-Chair: Sarah Miller 21 Secretary: Rusty Belcher 22 Finance Chair: Scott Davidson 23 Class of 2016: John Fisher; Joyce Waldon-Bright; Jennifer Stiles-Williams; 24 Class of 2017: Scott Davidson; Janet Kelley; Sarah Miller; 25 Class of 2018: Lyndol Loyd; Sherri Pruitt; Julie Hutchingson 26 Class of 2019: James Govatos; Brad Cowherd; David Joseph; Brian Johnson 27 Alice Williams-Lay Leader; Bob Bushong, DS 28 29 Board of Location and Building: Subcommittee of NCD 30 Chair: TBD 31 Tom Bledsoe; Bob Caldwell; Ben Celones; Joel Fears; Alex Fernandez; Charles Gardner; 32 Tammi George; Barbara Seachrist; Bob Bushong, DS 33 34 Congregational Vitality Deploy Teams (Annette has this list) 35 Finance: Ron Beyer; Scott Davidson; Janet Kelley 36 Coaching: Jim Boesch; Michele Van Son 37 Plow Point Ministry: Jim Boesch; Mike Briggs; Bob Bushong; Wayne Cook; Janet Kelley; Eric 38 McCrea; Michele Van Son; Alice Williams 39 Bob Bushong, DS; Janet Kelley, Staff; 40 41 Church and Community Connection (Outreach Ministries) 42 Chair: Syl Johnson; 43 Director: TBD 44 Class of 2016: Lauren Dunkle-Dancey; 45 Class of 2017: Celeste Gilmore; Thomas Toussaint 46 Class of 2018: Syl Johnson; Brenda Rogers 47 Class of 2019: Carla Cox; Greg Harford; Alma Manney; Teresa Scott; Dee Spiller 48 Ex officio Members: Bob Bushong, DS; Janet Kelley, Staff 49

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Clergy Care Team (DS & Janet to work on this) 1 Coordinator: Bill Beebe 2 Jess Baker; Bill and Carol Beebe; Bess Bussey; Sharon and Geoff Dey; Bob and Carol Hahn; 3 Ann and Dave Hutchens; Aldo and Celia Martin; Bill and Colleen Pickett; Peter Whittier 4 Ex officio Members: Bob Bushong, DS; Janet Kelley, Staff 5 6 Methodist United in Prayer Task Force (Cuba Florida Covenant) 7 Co-Chairs: Robert Glasgow; Aldo Martin 8 Chris Akers; Carolyn Beekman; Rusty Belcher; Mike Coffey; Molly Glasgow; Bob Bushong, DS 9 10 District Lay Leader: Alice Williams (possible associate lay leader) 11 Legal Advisors: Randolph Rush 12 Disaster Response Coordinators: Jeff Campbell; Annette Reyes-Burnsed 13 Hispanic Ministries Coordinator: Jaime Faberlle 14 Scouting Coordinators: Doug Pickett; Phil Shehi 15 Lay Servant Ministry Coordinator: Jim Boesch 16 Lay Servant Ministry Coordinators Volusia/Flagler Area - Jo Moffat, Central Florida Area - 17 TBD 18 United Methodist Men District Pres: New President TBA 19 United Methodist Women District Pres: Lynn Campbell 20 United Methodist Women District Vice Pres: Linda Gustafson 21 22 The following elect their own officers: 23 24 Halifax Urban Ministries Board of Directors 25 Chair: Ted Serbousek 26 Vice Chair: Bill Turner 27 Secretary: Selma Barker 28 Treasurer: Sue Hale 29 Past Chair: Bill Turner 30 Executive Director: Rev. Troy Ray 31 David Barker; Ward Berg; Steve Braun; Lonnie Brown; Brad Carter; Jerry Cutter; Dr. Robert 32 Hammond; Duane Howe; Rev. Tim Mann; Dr. Timothy McNeil; Vivian Robinson; Bill Shaffer; 33 Dolores Smith; Gary Wandelt; 34 Ex officio: Rev. Dr. Bob Bushong, DS 35 36 Stetson University Wesley House Board of Directors 37 Chair: John Campbell 38 Director: Cindy Guiles 39 Student President: Dylan Stearns 40 Board Members: Mark Bitner; Tracy Blinn; Drew Dancey; Lauren Dancey; John Dill; Lisa Eddy; 41 Conya Hartman; Mike Rea; Claudia Sava; Lynn Thompson; 42 Rev. Dr. Bob Bushong, DS 43

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Central Florida Wesley Foundation Board of Directors 1 Director: Rev. Erwin Lopez 2 Associate Director: Charity Lopez 3 Assistant Director: Megan McCay 4 Board Chair: Phyllis Klock 5 Financial Director: Kim Short 6 Student Rep to Board: Matthew Young 7 Board Members: Chris Akers; Matt Armstong; Jeff Bergmann; Jose Hernandez; Matthew Kanagy; 8 Phyllis Klock; Jacob Liseno; Joe MacLaren; Jon Tschanz; Karisa Workman 9 Rev. Dr. Bob Bushong, DS 10 11

GULF CENTRAL 12 13 Leadership Council 14 Chair: Thomas (Jay) Kowalski 15 Vice Chair: 16 Secretary: Bob Martin 17 Lay Leaders: Suzy Baad; Chris Wolf 18 District Superintendent: John Powers 19 District Congregational Excellence Coordinator: Steve Potter 20 Ex officio: Maggie Corrigan 21 Class of 2016 Jackie McMillan; Bob Martin, David Rawls 22 Class of 2017 Tamara Isidore; Thomas (Jay) Kowalski 23 Class of 2018 David Baldridge; Steve Cole; Terry Fitzgerald 24 Class of 2019 Sue Eidschun, Gary Eldred, Ed Qualls 25 26 Committee on Leadership (Nominations) 27 Chair: John Powers 28 Vice Chair: Walter Dry. Sr. 29 Secretary: 30 Lay Leader: Suzy Baad 31 Ex. Officio: Steve Potter 32 Class of 2016 Carmelina Cordero; Grant Corrigan 33 Class of 2017 Pam Qualls; Kelly Smith 34 Class of 2018 B.J. Foster; Alan Jackson 35 Class of 2019 Chris Wolf 36 37 Committee on Ordained Ministry 38 Chair: Adam Zele 39 Vice Chair: 40 Registrar: Suzy Baad 41 Class of 2016; Roy Lowe, Chris Schmidt; Adam Zele 42 Class of 2017: Bill Goodwin; Patricia Masters, Linda Tice 43 Class of 2018 Sharon Davis, Mike Kennedy; Bob Martin 44 Class of 2019 Lynn Batista, Kimberly Brown, Jeremy Herrington 45

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Board of Mission and Church Extension 1 Chair: Steve Cole 2 Vice Chair: 3 Secretary: 4 Class of 2016 Debbie Weekes; Chris Kirk 5 Class of 2017 Phillip Hill Jr., 6 Class of 2018 Arch Johnston; Jack Stephenson 7 Class of 2019 Steve Cole, Rebecca Lehman 8 9 Congregational Vitality Committee 10 Chair: David Rawls 11 Coordinator: Steve Potter 12 Class of 2016 David Rawls; B.J. Foster 13 Class of 2017 Karen McDuff 14 Class of 2018 Michael Frazier 15 Class of 2019 Sharon Davis, Cathy Hart, Lynn Allen 16 17 Board of Location and Buildings 18 Chair: John Ekers 19 Vice Chair: 20 Secretary: 21 Class of 2016 Russell Allen; John Benson; Fred Marquis; John Ekers 22 Class of 2017 Steve Price, Paul Nesler, Suzy Baad 23 Class of 2018 Bob Bruso; Robert Dinwiddie; Scott Hinrich 24 Class of 2019 Arch Johnston, Sharon Patch 25 26 Clergy Housing Committee: 27 Chair: Patti Martin 28 Class of 2016 Sharon Powers; Arnett Smith 29 Class of 2017 Suzy Baad 30 Class of 2018 Patti Martin; Carol McQueen 31 Class of 2019 Helen Morrill, Joe Walker 32 33 District Leader of Laity: Suzy Baad 34 Associate District Lay Leader: Chris Wolf 35 36 Legal Advisors: Steve Cole; Joe Mason 37 Disaster Response Coordinator: Ron Luke 38 Cuba/Florida Covenant: Karen Laukat 39 40 United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/ Suncoast 41 Chair: Rosemary Uebel 42 Treasurer: Doug O’Dowd 43 Secretary: Roberta Lau 44 Executive Director: Pamela Qualls 45 Directors: John Ekers, Walter Dry, Sr., Valene Long, Lorena Walton 46

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NORTH CENTRAL 1 2 Leadership Council 3 Class of 2016: Stacey Spence, Larry Taylor, Lenny Schultz, Mary Gestrich, Nancy Case 4 Class of 2017: David Anderson, Ed Morrissey, Susan Gray, Mary Mitchell, Harry Holloman 5 Clarss of 2018: Rachel DeLaune, Dan Chapman, Karen Rice, Anthony Tatti, Sherlynn Woodstuff 6 Class of 2019: Robert Roseberry, Idella Gaston, Carolyn Thomas, Geraldine McClellan 7 8 Committee on Lay Leadership (Nominations) 9 Chair: Sue Haupert-Johnson 10 Vice Chair: Lenny Schultz 11 Class of 2016: Harry Holloman, Stacey Spence 12 Class of 2017: Larry Taylor, Sara McKinley 13 Class of 2018: Lenny Schultz, John Banks 14 15 Committee on Ordained Ministry 16 Chair: Debbie Allen 17 Secretary: (non-voting): Daryl Allen 18 Clergy: John Barham, Geraldine McClellan, Harold Hendren, Sara McKinley, Debbie Allen, Narcie 19 Jeter, Will Clark, Marilyn Anell, Sarah Campbell 20 Lay: Jim Cook, Gussie Campbell, Edna Nelson, Gary Sanders 21 22 Board of Campus Ministries Wesley Foundation 23 2015 – Gary Sanders, Debbie Allen, David Averill, Patsy and Warren Nelms, Harry Holloman, 24 Charlotte Emerson, Katherine Morgan 25 2016 – Emory Springfield, Dick Scheaffer, Shelton Davis, Esther Rodriguez, Mary Mitchell, 26 Miquell Mack, Janise McNair 27 2017 – Allen Johnson, Jean Chance, Gordon Green, Colby Marsh, Susan Harcourt Gray, Michael 28 Beck, Jim Cook 29 30 Superintendency Committee 31 Chair: TBA 32 Class of 2016: Debbie Allen, Susan Gray 33 Class of 2017: Edna Nelson, Harold Hendren 34 Class of 2018: Geraldine McClellan, Gary Sanders 35 36

NORTH EAST 37 38

Leadership Council 39 Class of 2016: Derrick Scott, Kelly Minter, Scott Farman 40 Class of 2017: Bruce Jones, Darrel Wyatt, Marilyn Myrick 41 Class of 2018: Steve Putnam, Avis Smith, Carol Stevens 42 Class of 2019: Steve Painter, Rose Muller, 43 Ex officio with vote: District Superintendent, District Business Administrator, District Lay Leader 44

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District Committee on Location and Building 1 Class of 2016: Mozelle Thomas, Ken Baker 2 Class of 2017: Libby Shorb, Mark Loveland 3 Class of 2018: Greg Grant, 4 Class of 2019: 5 6 District Committee on Superintendency 7 Class of 2016: Chad Sorenson, Barry Andrews 8 Class of 2017: Rose Muller, 9 Class of 2018: 10 Class of 2019: 11 12 Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development 13 Chair: Timothy Smiley 14 Class of 2016: Patrice Peterson, Stella Painter 15 Class of 2017: Larry Case, Larry Pope 16 Class of 2018: Karl Wiggins, Linda Cumbie 17 Class of 2019: Don Thompson, Jr., 18 Committee on Ordained Ministry 19 Chair: Mike Moore 20 Registrar: Debbie Moore 21 Barry Andrews, Bill Fackler, Mike Moore, Timothy Smiley, Pat Turner-Sharpton, Mike Wilkins, 22 Ryan Hall, Tony Chance, Charissa Jaeger-Sanders, Bill McRae, Kim Straughn, Carole 23 Rooks, Georgia Gaston; Alan Patz, David Moenning 24 25 New Church Development Committee 26 Chair: TBA 27 Class of 2016: Dianne Briery, 28 Class of 2017: Ruth Woo, Lawrence Barriner 29 Class of 2018: Randy Jordan 30 Class of 2019: 31 Ex officio with vote: District Superintendent, District Business Administrator, District Lay Leader 32 33 Church Vitality 34 Chair: Scott Farman 35 Bill Bailey, Charlie Sward, Linda Mobley, Bill Sparks, Karen Coleman 36 37 Clergy Housing Committee 38 Brenda Brown, Joan Bryant, Haley Jones, A. C. Myers, Kathy Nipper 39 Consultant: Doug Register 40 41 District Lay Leader: TBA 42 Associate District Lay Leader: Rose Muller 43 District Legal Advisor: Cecile Rider 44 Disaster Response Coordinator: Jim Mitts 45 District United Methodist Women President: Marie Rivera 46 District United Methodist Men President: Michael Maxwell 47 Cuba/Florida Covenant Coordinators: Loree and George Reed 48 District Youth Coordinator: Justin Rimondi 49

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NORTH WEST 1 2 NWD Leadership Council 3 Chair: Greg Doss 4 Class of 2016: April Henkel, Louise Kraus 5 Class of 2017: Greg Doss, Alinda Goodwin, Dennis Lewis 6 Class of 2018: Eunice Barbaree, Amber Tompkins, Jack Ladd 7 Chairperson / Representative of Congregational Vitality Committee 8 Chairperson / Representative of Hispanic Ministry Team 9 District Superintendent 10 11 Committee on Leadership 12 Chair: Robert Gibbs, D.S. 13 Jim Crosby; Katie Hewett; James Howes; Jack Pearce; Mary Helen Studebaker; Gail Christy-14 Jones, Deborah Brown. 15 16 Committee on Ordained Ministry 17 Chair: TBA 18 Vice Chair: TBA 19 Betsy Burch; Wayne Curry; Patty Daniels; Judy Galloway; June Gay; Barbara Hynes; Kenneth 20 Hamilton; William Rhoads; Susan Thompson; Billy Vinson; John Whitehead; Barbara Williams, 21 Robert Gibbs D.S. ; Jack Stroman; 22 Registrar: Billy Vinson 23 24 Congregational Vitality 25 Chair: David Elyea 26 Vice –Chair: TBA 27 Phil Brown; Kimberly Davis; Robert Gibbs (DS); Linda Hanson, James Howes; Alyce Parmer; 28 Charles Rockwood; Karen Russell; John Hay 29 30 Clergy Housing Committee 31 Chair: Ruth Herndon 32 Sam Adams; Eunice Barbaree; Tracy Laidlaw; Jeffrey Tate 33 34 Clergy Care Team 35 William Rhoads; Jack Stroman; John Whitehead; David Woerner 36 37

Wesley Foundation Board of Directors ‐ Florida State University 38 President: TBA 39 Vice President: Keith Tischler 40 Treasurer: Jimmie Duncan 41 Secretary: Judy Watson 42 Starr Clay; Chip Collette; John Cook; Jimmie Duncan; Leslie Elliott; Kevin Fox; Bill Fritchman; 43 Graham Hancock; Chip Huggins; David Jones; Morgan Maxwell; Sarah Mitchell; Tim Merchant; 44 Jim Parry;; Rachel Roettger; Alan Rowan; Adriane Tinsley; Mike West 45 46

Wesley Foundation Board of Directors ‐ Florida A & M University -TBA 47

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Hispanic Ministry Team 1 Chair: Leroy Irwin 2 Edwin Chiquillo; Bob Dehner; Amy Finley; Manuel Guerra; Patsy Pitts; Rich Reffner. Ex-officio: 3 D.S and pastors of Forest Hills and Glen Julia-Sycamore. 4 5 UM Cooperative Ministries of Madison County 6 Chair: Pat Warren 7

Vice‐Chair: Archie Strickland 8 Treasurer: Pat Ruttan 9 Secretary: Deborah Brown 10 Finance Secretary: Sue Hunter 11 MaryAnn Bellamy; Tim Blanton; Cynthia Brown; Marie Cone; Stuart Fenneman; Louanna 12 Forness; Linda Gaston; Michael Halley; Ruth Herndon; James Howes; Lacey Hudson; Ralph 13 Hudson; Jim Hunter; Sue Hunter; Mae Irby; Robert Laidlaw; Audrey Land; Kelly Lindbald; Francis 14 Mercer; Tom Morse; Charlie Peck; George Pridgeon; Chan Rains; Sonny Rollings; Paul Rowell; 15 Gary Sailer; Archie Strickland; Pauline Strickland; Mary Helen Studebaker; Margaret 16 Throgmorton; Charles Wooten; Peggy Wooten. 17 Ex Officio: Mary Helen Studebaker 18 Wisdom’s Wellspring Board of Directors 19 Sandy Darnell, Greg Doss, Kimsey Helms, Alison Jackson-Wood, Pam King, Laurel Parido; Alyce 20 Parmer; Sandy Poppell; Bob Wickham; Cindy D’Entremont; Linda Lee Jones; Kelly Kollen; 21 Leanne Little; Bob Paulsen; Maritza Soto 22 23 District Lay Leader: Jim Crosby; Co-Lay Leader: Dan Rosier 24 Legal Advisors: Sid Matthew, P.A. and Gwen Adkins, P.A. 25 Disaster Response Coordinators: John Sink; Lee Neely; 26 Directors of Lay Speaking Ministries: Esta Mae Bedenbaugh and Joyce Estes 27 Representative on the Conference Committee on Leadership: Jim Crosby 28 Methodist United in Prayer Coordinator: Terry Denham 29 Prison Ministry Coordinator: Mary Ann Walsh 30 United Methodist Women: Anja DeLoach 31 United Methodist Men: Stan Monroe 32 Scouting Coordinator: Kevin Hall 33 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Coordinator: Linda Bianco 34 35

SOUTH CENTRAL 36 Leadership Council 37 Chair: Jamie Westlake 38 Secretary: Laurie Hofts 39 Ex officio: Walter Monroe 40 Class of 2016: Jamie Westlake, Skip Wilson 41 Class of 2017: Pam Childs; Jeff Kantz; Matt Wallis, Erik Seise, Laurie Hofts 42 Class of 2018: Raphael Dessieu; John Reever, Debbie Salinger, Russ Rhoads, Steve Gardner, 43 Peter Cottrell 44 Class of 2019: Beth Potter 45 46 Clergy Housing Committee 47 Chair: Russ Rhoads 48 Class of 2018: Margaret Blanchard, Carol Sue Hutchinson, Cindy Wells 49 Class of 2019: Peter Salinger, Russ Rhoads, Leslee Coppock 50

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Committee on Leadership (Nominations) 1 Chair: Walter Monroe 2 Class of 2016: Val Hattery 3 Class of 2017: Laurie Hurst, John Reever, Laurie Hofts 4 Class of 2018: Jeff Kantz, Danny Bennett, Cindy Wells 5 6 Committee on Ordained Ministry: 7 Chair: Daphne Johnson 8 Ex officio: Walter Monroe 9 Registrar: Emily Oliver 10 Class of 2016: Rick Cabot, Tom Ponton 11 Class of 2018: Tim Machtel, Frank Johnson 12 Class of 2019: Charlie Rentz 13 Class of 2020: Daphne Johnson, Sam Ramirez, Emily Oliver, Sam Maihack, Mark Reynolds, 14 John Curtis 15 Congregational Vitality 16 Chair: Beth Potter 17 Ex officio: Walter Monroe 18 19 Congregational Excellence 20 Chair: Pam Childs 21 Class of 2016: Ernie Post 22 Class of 2017: Debbie Mak, Steve Polk 23 Class of 2018: Pam Childs, Mindy Schiller 24 Class of 2019: John Barolo, Beth Potter 25 26 Revitalization Team 27 Chair: TBD 28 Class of 2018: Linda Witt, Karen Peel, Rob Harding 29 Class of 2019: Beth Potter, Sharon Daniels 30 31 Assessment Team 32 Chair: Kathi Sheehan 33 Class of 2018: Norm Coffman, Nora Ramirez, Daphne Johnson 34 Class of 2019: Beth Potter, Kathi Sheehan 35 36 Disaster Prepardness Team 37 Chair: Marvin Hammontree 38 Class of 2019: Marvin Hammontree, Bruce Lee, Bill Knight, Cindy Wells 39 40 Finance and Trustees 41 Trustees Chair: Skip Wilson 42 Finance Chair: TBD 43 Treasurer: Carol Perrin 44 Class of 2016: Skip Wilson 45 Class of 2017: Peter Salinger 46 Class of 2018: Thomas Hofts, Ed Andrews 47 Class of 2019: Larry Powell, Laurie Hurst, Charles Carlton 48

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Location and Building 1 Co-Chairs: Peter Cottrell, Rob Rose 2 Class of 2017: Steve Livingston, John Hutto, Denie Garrett 3 Class of 2018: Peter Cottrell 4 Class of 2019: Kathi Sheehan, Rob Rose, Alan Jefferson, Bob Douglass 5 6 Missions Team 7 Chair: Val Hattery 8 Class of 2018: Cathy Thacker, Will Tolson 9 Class of 2019: Val Hattery, Molly McEntire 10 11 Multi-Cultural Team 12 Chair: TBD 13 Class of 2018: Raphael Dessieu, Ralph Hayes, Debbie Salinger 14 Class of 2019: Roberto Chaple, Sueng Lin Baik, Del McIntosh, Becky Johnson, Letra Davis 15 16 New Church Development 17 Chairs: Matt Wallis 18 Ex officio: Walter Monroe 19 Class of 2018: John Reever 20 Class of 2019: Matt Horan, Matt Wallis, Kathi Sheehan, Beth Potter 21 22 Superintendency 23 Chair: Walter Monroe 24 Class of 2016: Jamie Westlake 25 Class of 2018: David McIntire, Leonard Porter, Daphne Johnson, John Reever 26 27 Lay Leader: John Reever 28 Co- Lay Leader: Cindy Wells 29 Legal Advisory: Stephen Gardner 30 Director of Lay Speaking: Gail Kantz 31 Methodist United in Prayer Coordinator: Renee Kincaid 32 United Methodist Men: Ken Blackman 33 United Methodist Women: Margaret Masters 34 District Representative for Prison Ministry: Glenn Bengert 35 36 Wesley Foundation at University of South Florida 37 Executive Director: Erik Seise 38 Chair: Matt Horan 39 Vice Chair: Keith Harcomb 40 Treasurer: Bob Douglass 41 Ex-Officio: Janet Moore, Vicki Musser 42 Secretary: TBD 43 General Members: Justin Overstreet, Harvey Hunt, Alan Dobbs, Corey Britt, Thane Covert, 44 Emily Stumbo, Jerry McBride, Joey Herres, Jim Miles 45 Student Members: Paige Carlson 46

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SOUTH EAST – TBD 1 2

This report was not available at press time. If submitted, it will be posted online at 3 www.acflorida.org. Click the “Supplemental Workbook Reports” link for the reports not found in 4 this workbook. 5

6 SOUTH WEST 7

8 Leadership Council 9 Chair: David Stauffer 10 Class of 2016: Bill Fisackerly, Terry Hixson, Luz Maldonado, Don Nations, Marion Sortore 11 Class of 2017: Jean Larsen, Jim Luther, Ted Sauter 12 Class of 2018: Art McClellan, Jeff Smith, Jerry Southwell, David Stauffer 13 Representative from the Congregational Vitality Committee 14 Representative from the NCD Committee 15 Ex officio with vote: District Superintendent, District Business Administrator, District Lay Leader(s) 16 Committee on Leadership (Nominations) 17 Chair: Rinaldo Hernandez 18 Vice Chair: Nancy Metz 19 Secretary: Sandy Voigt 20 Class of 2016: Julie Bullerdick, Michelle Maldonado, Dan Prine 21 Class of 2017: Sharon Luther, Wade Sperry, Danielle Upton 22 Class of 2018: Shelley Davidson, Gene Louise Fisher, Rod Groom, Nancy Metz, Rocky Walker 23 24 Committee on Ordained Ministry 25 Chair: Jay Therrell 26 Vice Chair: Vic Willis 27 Secretary/Registrar: Julie Bullerdick 28 Julie Bullerdick, Gale Cutshall, Ronald DeGenaro, Rinaldo Hernandez, Christine Holden, Lia 29 Icaza-Willetts, Dick MacMillan, Nancy Metz, Don Nations, Karolyn Nunnallee, Wes Olds, Brian 30 Smith, Joann Springer, Roy Terry, Jay Therrell, Vic Willis 31 32 Congregational Vitality Committee 33 Chair: Mike Loomis 34 Vice Chair: Dan Prine 35 Class of 2016: Ralph Cotten, Sam Carter, Shari Lacey, Mike Loomis 36 Class of 2017: Amy Harper, Dan Prine, Stuart Upton 37 Class of 2018: Brian James, Edward Kellum, Sheli Thompson Gauthier, Charley Watts 38 Representative from Leadership Council 39 Representative from NCD 40 Ex officio with vote: District Superintendent, District Business Administrator, District Lay 41 Leader(s), Congregation Vitality Specialist 42

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New Church Development 1 Chair: Nako Kellum 2 Class of 2016: Dan Christopherson, Nako Kellum, Sue Piirainen, Rick Stackhouse 3 Class of 2017: Neal Avirett, Larry Bender, Betty Gissendanner, Paul Kisner, Jim Thomas 4 Class of 2018: Kevin Griffin, Jennifer Hand, David Juliano, Danielle Upton 5 Chairperson/Representative from Leadership Council 6 Chairperson/Representative from Congregation Vitality 7 Ex officio with vote: District Superintendent, District Business Administrator, District Lay 8 Leader(s), Congregational Vitality Specialist 9 10 Clergy Housing Committee 11 Chair: Jim Luther 12 Vice-Chair: Tom Street 13 TC Beardsley, Victoria Guthrie, Tim Haas, Robert Hanson, David Harper, Jim Luther, Juan 14 Maldonado, Tom Moore, Shani Prine, Randy Randolph, Tom Street, Ron Weaver 15 16 Florida Gulf Coast Wesley Foundation Board of Directors 17 Members: Joy Bridwell, Alison Conger, Mike Edwards, Christine Holden, Sarah Holley, Chris 18 Mosteiro, Nancy Metz, Cathy Reuschel, Pamela Sebby, Jim Sloan, Mary “Peach” Sonne, Elaine 19 Thomas, Roy Terry 20 Ex-Offico Members: David Fuquay, Rinaldo Hernandez 21 22 District Disaster Coordinator: Open 23 Volunteers In Mission District Coordinator: Ray Bartholomew (2009) 24 Methodists United In Prayer Coordinator: Dan Christopherson (2012) 25 Scouting Coordinator: D.R. Walker (2014) 26 Director of Lay Speaking: Gene Louise Fisher (2012) 27 Lay Rep. on the Conference Committee on Leadership: Nancy Metz (2012) 28 Associate District Lay Leader: Wade Sperry (2012) 29 Associate District Lay Leader: Rod Groom (2015) 30 District Youth Coordinator: Mike Edwards (2010) 31 UMM: John Delaney (2014) 32 UMW: Shelley Davidson (2014) 33

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STANDING RULES 1

2 The following are proposed changes to the standing rules. 3 4 Proposed change 1. 5 Rule change to paragraph 406(6) 6 7 6. Assets of Discontinued or Abandoned Church Property. In compliance with Par. 2549(7) of The 8 2012 Book Of Discipline which requires the proceeds from the sale of discontinued or abandoned 9 local church property in urban settings to be used within urban transitional communities, the 10 Florida Annual Conference adopts this Standing Rule regarding the use or disposition of assets 11 from discontinued or abandoned local church property: A. If the property is located in an urban 12 center with a population of more than 50,000, title to discontinued or abandoned local church 13

property ‐‐ both real and personal, tangible and intangible ‐‐ shall be transferred to and held by 14 the Board of Trustees of The Florida Annual Conference Of The United Methodist Church, Inc. 15 The Board of Trustees shall oversee and make provision for the security of any property pending 16 its sale or transfer to another entity. Any use or disposition of property, real or personal, including 17 a sale or a transfer to another entity, shall be as directed by the Appointive Cabinet in collaboration 18 with the Director of Missional Engagement and with the consent of the Bishop, provided that the 19 assets must be used for new and/or existing ministries within urban transitional communities 20 within the Florida Annual Conference, and as required by The 2012 Book Of Discipline; B. If the 21 property is not located in an urban center with a population of more than 50,000, absent direction 22

from the Annual Conference to the contrary, title to all property ‐‐ real and personal, tangible and 23 intangible shall be transferred to the Board of Trustees of the Florida Annual Conference of the 24 United Methodist Church. Upon the sale of any real property, 25% of the net proceeds from the 25 sale will be deposited into the Conference New Church Development’s Endowment Fund (or 26 similarly named fund) and 75% of the net proceeds will be deposited into a to be created Cabinet 27 Development Fund. Distributions from the fund will be at the approval of the Appointive Cabinet 28 in consultation with the Director of New Church Development. The percentage breakdowns of 29 such proceeds are to be calculated after the repayment of any debts owed to the Annual 30 Conference, the respective districts, or any other creditors with legitimate claims against the 31 closed, abandoned, or discontinued churches. The Conference Committee on Congregational 32 Vitality may choose to waive the required 25% deposit into the Conference New Church 33 Development’s Endowment Fund if, in the opinion of the Committee on Congregational Vitality, 34 the needs of the Cabinet Development Fund are greater than the needs of the New Church 35 Development Endowment Fund. Income received from the property (lease and otherwise) after 36 the church's discontinuance or abandonment will be deposited in the Cabinet Development fund. 37 38 Proposed change 2. 39 Change for Camps and Retreats Representative 40 41 The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2012, ¶ 254 makes provision for the 42 nomination of a Campus Ministry Representative as part of the slate offered by the local church 43 Committee on Nominations and Lay Leadership to the Charge Conference. The Discipline states, 44 Every local United Methodist Church may have a campus ministry coordinator, who may have 45 membership on the church council. . . . The campus ministry coordinator in every church shall 46 also promote financial and other support of United Methodist Campus ministries, such as the 47 Wesley Foundations, within their local church. 48

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Further, the Committee on Nominations and Leadership form that we currently use states under 1 the heading: 2 3 Whether or not you use this form or one of the church’s design, all churches should nominate 4 persons to serve in the leadership positions listed in Sections A and B. Section C is to be used 5 as positions apply to each local church. Currently, the Campus Ministry Representative is listed 6 within Section A. We have interpreted this as an imperative even though the Discipline lists both 7 the position and its membership on the Church Council as ‘may have’. 8 9 The proposal adds a similar listing for the leadership position of Camps and Retreats 10 Representative by Standing Rule. The Discipline does not require same, possibly because we 11 don’t have as many camps as we do campus ministries. 12 13 1. We value our Camps and Retreats ministries in the FL Conference and appreciate their 14

formative role in introducing, shaping and facilitating the discipleship of children, youth, young 15 adults and older adults. 16 17

2. Our new Conference structure has enabled the Area Directors which includes the Directors of 18 Campus Ministries and Camps and Retreats Ministries to move toward closer alignment 19 regarding ministry initiatives in our Conference. 20 21

3. We are engaged in conversations around a Conference-wide Development model for 22 purposes of sustaining valued ministries. The team currently engaged in conversation 23 includes the Bishop, Director of Connectional Ministries, President of the Foundation and the 24 Directors of Campus and Camp and Retreats Ministries and others. 25 26

4. Adding the Camps and Retreats ministry leadership area to the group of elected officers in our 27 local churches will enhance and maintain the visibility of this ministry in the local church and 28 strengthen its ties and ownership within the Conference. This will become an essential 29 relationship for ongoing Conference-wide Development initiatives. 30

31 Proposed change 3. 32 33 Paragraph 424 to be changed to read as follows: 34 35 The following provision shall be added to the requirements of par. 637 of the Discipline: 36 37 The committee shall have 12 members comprised of three laywomen, three laymen, and six 38 clergy, insuring diversity and knowledge of the mission of the annual conference. Three persons 39 shall be nominated by the Bishop. Two of these members are ex-officio members from the SEJ 40 Committee on Episcopacy and shall be co-chairs of this committee. 41

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CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES 1

2 3

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES 4

5 Once again Connectional Ministries has been privileged to serve as the vision-center for our so 6 many of our vital Conference ministries. This vison-center provides a place for exploration and 7 coordination as our Conference strives toward excellence in Christ-centered ministries! 8 9 Our efforts toward equipping the church to engage in ministry includes consideration for the 10 Conference staff. This year’s efforts include staff participation in the following ventures, in addition 11 to the fulfillment of their work responsibilities: 12 13

Ongoing opportunities for Conference staff to engage in weekly prayer gatherings 14 Monthly (and holy season) chapel worship 15 Lunch and Learn gatherings to host and learn about global initiatives from missionaries 16

during their stateside visits. 17 Participation in Inclusivity awareness and training through the Beloved Community 18

curriculum. 19 Ongoing participation and support of KidsPack (providing food subsidies for school children 20

during the weekends) 21 Forging and strengthening relationships with our neighbors and renewing our membership 22

in the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. 23 Partnering with specialists in the areas of community empowerment through Polk 24

Ecumenical Action Council (P.E.A.C.E.) achieving justice and community accountability. 25 Convening the Expanded Directors of the Conference staff in order to foster a spirit of unity 26

and efficient streams of communication between ministry areas. 27 28 Collaborations between ministry areas extends beyond Conference staff areas. Conversations 29 pertaining to resourcing and aging, can result in effective intergenerational ministry initiatives. 30 While youth and more recently young adult ministries remain vitally important, an emphasis on a 31 resource team developed around Children’s Ministry is gaining ground. Our Spiritual Formation 32 and especially Beyond 50 Ministry (B50M) teams are generally assumed to attract people within 33 certain age groups. What might occur if the folks with expertise in leading Children’s Ministries 34 and folks with expertise and life experience in leading Spiritual Formation and Beyond 50 35 ministries would gather for discernment? What might we celebrate if the Spiritual Formation Team 36 specifically provided resources for young adults to participate in the annual Five-Day Academy? 37 These outcome create a climate for intergenerational ministry conversation, learning and mutual 38 appreciation. 39 40 Connection intact, we gathered, joined and supported several General Church initiatives and 41 availed ourselves of resources. 42 43

We hosted the national conference of Black Clergywomen of The United Methodist Church 44 (BCWUMC) last August and will host the national Black Methodist for Church Renewal 45 (BMCR), both in Orlando. 46

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Connectional Ministries and Clergy Excellence shared resources and sponsored four 1 young adult clergy to the annual General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) gathering 2 in Washington, D.C. (GBCS requested two representatives). 3

4 Connectional Ministries and Missional Engagement shared resources which enabled Kylie 5

Foley to attend a UM Comm technology and development justice event (Game Changers). 6 7

Participation in a Social Principles Consultation in Washington in January and in the Winter 8 Institute for Intercultural Communication. 9

10 Within and Among our Conference Ministries: 11 12

Connectional and Multicultural and Justice Ministries, along with Bishop Carter and the 13 expertise of Indieatlantic are working on a video project involving the response of 14 community leaders on the recent and tragic violent events in Ferguson, MO representative 15 of too many similar incidents and locations. 16

Partnered with Multicultural and Justice Ministries to provide grant assistance for 17 Committee on Native American Ministries. (CONAM). 18

Support for the collaboration of Conference New Church Development (NCD), Board of 19 Higher Education in Ministry (BHECM) and Conference Financial Services toward the new 20 proposed plan to demolish and provide new space to code for FSU Wesley. 21

Exploration toward a decision for videoconferencing technology enabling us to and reduce 22 costs and time for some of our travel to Conference committee and ministry team meetings. 23

Exploration toward a decision for selection of software that will assist us in tracking contacts 24 made and giving provided for Conference wide development initiatives. 25

Renewed and exciting partnership between the Conference and the FL UM Foundation 26 (FUMF) for providing stewardship resources, grants for new initiatives for clergy, as well 27 as support for new shared opportunities and ongoing local church stewardship leadership 28 and projects. We welcome new FUMF President, the Rev. Mark Becker and look forward 29 to our future ministry partnership. 30

Continued conversations between Cabinet-SLT and Conference Table toward discerning 31 a vibrant Conference vision, strategies and implementation toward fulfillment of goals. 32

Constant interface and grateful discernment with Connectional Ministries Program 33 Coordinator Sherri Lingle and Administrative Assistant Heidi Leab. 34

35 Going Forward: 36 37

Continued audit of Conference programs to ascertain compliance with current United 38 Methodist Book of Discipline. Making changes where indicated. 39

40 Supporting Congregational Vitality’s renewal and leadership of Small Membership Church 41

Ministries and effective metrics and resources for these congregations. 42 43

Supporting renewal of our Conference Committee on the Status and Role of Women. 44 45

Institution of a Young Adult lay leadership development initiative based on but not limited 46 to existing models in other Annual Conferences. 47

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We are delighted about and commend Connectional Relations for their leadership on the 1 launching the new Conference website! We anticipate a stimulating, informative, user-2 friendly experience as people navigate through the site. We look forward to a rich 3 experience of accessing people and program resources that will train and enhance our 4 Conference congregations and overall ministries. 5

6 I am humbled by the caliber of staff and the genuine faith and joy we have in serving the Church 7 every day. My role as Director of Connectional Ministries (DCM) has placed me in a position 8 where I regularly hear from others throughout the Connection, We look to FL, What is FL doing 9 about . . . ?, I know FL has . . . , FL has one of the healthiest . . . 10 11 I do not take for granted the pool of talents which have preceded me and now surround me. I 12 remain grateful to Bishop Carter, members and leaders of the Annual Conference for your prayers 13 and confidence in my leadership and the possibilities which lie before us. Praise the Lord! 14 15 Joyfully Submitted, 16 Sharon G. Austin, 17 Director of Connectional Ministries 18

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CONNECTIONAL RELATIONS 1

2

Our new website—People of the Florida Conference: Changing the World One Story at a Time—3 was designed, developed and launched over this past year. It is the only conference website in 4 the denomination that is storytelling focused, with sections dedicated to: individual churches and 5 ministries telling their stories; local church and ministry videos, and photos from local churches 6 and members—even a place for you to submit and share recipes! 7 8 Go to www.flumc.org for your news, videos and photos. Check out the year by the numbers! 9 10 Gretchen Hastings, Director 11

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BOARD OF CAMPS AND RETREAT MINISTRIES 1

Including Conference Youth Ministries 2 3

The Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries (BCRM) is privileged to report that your Florida 4 Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries continues to provide vital sites of transformative 5 ministry. Mike Standifer, Director, is spearheading our efforts, along with the other site directors, 6 staff and board as we remain committed to continuing the trajectory of operational sustainability, 7 telling our stories and programmatic growth. All four sites (Centenary Camp, Life Enrichment 8 Center, Riverside Retreat, and Warren Willis Camp) are working towards being financially 9 sustainable and are growing in ministry programs and participants. Apportionment dollars went 10 to support scholarships, new program development to reach more people, and overall 11 coordination of our statewide ministry. Summer campers (total for all four sites) exceeded the 12 4,000 mark for the fourth year in a row with 4,399 campers. 13 14 This past year marked an exciting time of facility growth. Centenary Camp had a great group of 15 volunteers from New Covenant UMC in The Villages. They renovated the girls’ dorm 16 shower/dressing area, painted all of the boys dorm bunks, laid tile in bathrooms and old office 17 area. The Life Enrichment Center’s major renovation of all lodging rooms was finished in 18 November 2014. All lodging rooms now have new door sweeps, ceiling fans, paint and 19 dehumidifiers. A beautiful new community room with air-conditioning, located where the screened 20 porch of the Gold room used to be, has recently been completed. A new playground was installed 21 near the Pearson & Cokesbury meeting rooms. By Annual Conference, Riverside Retreat should 22 have a new ADA accessible dock and walkway installed. This was funded by a generous grant 23 from Goodwill Industries and the Board of Trustees. It will be a great addition as all will be able 24 to access the river. The Warren Willis Camp added basketball and nine-square courts in the After 25 School Adventures area. A bouldering wall has also been installed as an additional activity for 26 campers and guests. 27 28 This past year also marked a time of celebration, sadness and excitement. Martha Pierce, 29 Director of Riverside Retreat, retired on April 1, 2015 after 15 years of ministry and service. We 30 are grateful for her leadership for the many years that she served and wish her well in retirement. 31 Our new Director, David Weber started in May 2015. We are excited about his leadership and 32 are looking forward to Riverside Retreat’s future ministry and growth. 33 34 The fourth annual Camping Sunday was held the last Sunday in February 2015, offering a chance 35 for each church in the conference to celebrate our camping ministry through the giving of 36 scholarships and encouraging excitement in congregations about summer camp. 37 Conference Youth Ministry Report 2014 – March 2015 38 39 Conference Youth Ministry Table: Our table is made up of youth workers from seven of our nine 40 districts. At the end of 2015 we will be recruiting youth workers from the AC, NW, and SE districts 41 to give our table a district representative from all nine districts. The table plans training events, 42 builds networks, and advocates for youth ministry. Our table meets four times a year at the 43 Conference Office. 44 45 Rooted: Annual Youth Worker Training Event: September 15-16, 2014 & September 21-22, 2015 46 - Rooted is an annual training event for veterans and new youth workers. It helps create 47 friendships in ministry, and it helps build a sense of connection in our conference. 48

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Refuel Retreats: In January 2014, the Conference Youth Worker Table brought in the staff from 1 LeaderTreks to facilitate their Refuel Retreat here in Florida. This retreat focused on how we can 2 face our leadership challenges, by helping youth workers lead themselves, lead their mission, and 3 lead up. In January 2016 the Conference Youth Ministry Table will bring LeaderTreks back to 4 Florida for another Refuel Retreat. 5 6 Youth Ministry Academy: The January 2015 Academy was a convention sponsored by the Youth 7 Ministry Institute, Ministry Architects, our Florida Conference, and two Episcopal Dioceses in 8 Florida. Kenda Creasy-Dean from Princeton Theological Seminary was our keynote speaker. 9 This event was a resounding success. There was professional instruction, excellent resource 10 sharing, and powerful worship. 11 12 District Training Events: There is a need for regional youth worker trainings on nights or 13 weekends. These trainings target part-time youth workers, volunteer youth workers, and 14 volunteer teams. Our Conference Table developed a curriculum that would be taught by veteran 15 youth workers in each location. In February and March 2015, we provided instruction at nine 16 different events in seven districts. It is our goal to provide these trainings in all nine districts in 17 2016. 18 19 Youth Ministry Institute: www.yminstitute.com - YMI continues to provide extremely valuable 20 services to our conference. YMI’s youth ministry training program, their free consultation services 21 and their youth minister search services help in so many ways. In the Florida Conference in 2014, 22 YMI staff visited with 61 local churches, conducted 11 pre-hiring focus groups, contracted with 19 23 churches for the two-year training and coaching program for their youth minister, contracted for 24 the youth minister search for five churches and consulted by phone with an additional seven 25 churches on a variety of youth ministry issues. 26 27 Conference Connection on Youth Ministry (CCYM) February 2014: Dare to RISE student 28 leadership retreat saw around 30% growth in attendance from the 2013 event. 29 30 Spring of 2014: CCYM graduated a large number of its members. 31 32 February 2015: Dare to ECHO student leadership retreat saw continued growth. 33 34 CCYM is holding a contest in 2015 to decide on a Youth Service Fund (YSF) project. YSF is a 35 General Board of Discipleship initiative that raises funds for service ministries for youth by 36 youth. CCYM and our Youth Delegation are led by Kelly Minter. 37 Conference Youth Ministry Report submitted by Joel Pancoast, Conference Youth Ministry 38 Coordinator www.flumym.org 39 40 Camps, Retreats & Youth Ministry change lives. More people came to our sites in this conference 41 year than any previous year. Our sites are working towards being financially sustainable and are 42 projected to achieve this goal in the future. New programs have started and are growing, new 43 and renovated buildings have emerged and the best is yet to come. 44 45 Faithfully submitted, 46 47 Mike Standifer, Director, Camps and Retreat Ministries 48 Rev. David McEntire, Chair, BCRM 49

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BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAMPUS MINISTRY 1

2

Our Florida Conference ministries on college and university campuses continue to serve more 3 students in more places than ever before as we move towards our vision of reaching every 4 student on every campus in each generation. With nine Wesley Foundations, Bethune-5 Cookman University and Florida Southern College, and new ministries at FAMU, FAU, and 6 Nova Southeastern being planned, we are effectively extending the ministry on campuses 7 across the Florida Conference. 8 9 Strategic Plan: 10

We have successfully implemented our 5-year strategic plan guiding our hopes and 11 dreams through 2015. The major goals included launching new campus ministries, building 12 stronger connection with local churches, and establishing greater expectations for fruitful 13 ministry. We made significant progress on these goals in the past year: 14

Plans to re-launch FAMU Wesley 15

Collaboration with New Church Development for a new ministry at FAU and Nova 16 Southeastern in 2016. 17

Completed year two of Missional Vital Signs for Wesley Foundations 18

BHECM Committees addressing critical needs like deferred maintenance, budget 19 allocations, communications, support of campus ministers, and our relationship with our 20 two church-related schools. 21

We are hard at work on our Strategic Plan for the 2016-2020 Quadrennium. 22 23 FAMU Campus Ministry: 24 We are pleased to announce the re-launch of our campus ministry at FAMU during the 2015-2016 25 Conference year. In the fall of 2011, FAMU Wesley was closed due to systemic issues that 26 prevented revitalization. All monies were held in reserve at the Florida UM Foundation for the 27 purposes of a re-launch. This past spring, an assessment was completed under the leadership 28 of Dr. Latricia Scriven. The assessment studied the unique missional opportunities of the campus, 29 student demographics, student life plan, and long-range development plans of FAMU, fiscal and 30 facility needs, support and cooperation FSU Wesley and nearby United Methodist churches 31 district, and other items that may impact the ability of a campus ministry at FAMU to fulfill the 32 mission of the church on campus. We look forward to unveiling the new FAMU ministry as the 33 recommendations of the assessment are implemented in the coming year! 34 35 New FSU Wesley Building 36 We are excited about the plans to provide FSU Wesley with a new campus ministry building during 37 the 2015-2016 Conference year. A resolution approved by BHECM, New Church Development, 38 the Conference Board of Trustees and the Cabinet has made a provision for the funds needed for 39 demolition and construction. That resolution recognized and affirmed the following: 40

FSU Wesley Foundation is a strategically important ministry of the Florida Conference, 41 developing a new generation of Christian leaders for The United Methodist Church; 42

two separate professional engineering assessments determined that the FSU Wesley 43 Foundation building and the Chapel of the Upper Room cannot be renovated and must 44 be demolished; 45

current repair and maintenance costs raising the urgency for immediate action on 46 demolition and new construction; 47

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the current location is an ideal setting for campus ministry and efforts to find a new 1 location were unsuccessful, as were efforts to re-develop the property through 2 commercial developers. 3

a 2013 feasibility study concluded that a capital campaign run by FSU Wesley could 4 not expect to raise the needed funds; 5

The new facility will be a multi-purpose building with worship space, offices, prayer room, 6 commercial kitchen and storage. Construction is scheduled to begin by August 2015 and be 7 completed in one year. 8 9 FIU-MDC Wesley and University of Miami Wesley 10 This summer we bid farewell to both our campus ministers in Miami, Paul Massingill and Beth 11 Bostrom, who will be receiving new appointments starting July 1. With their departure, we will be 12 re-organizing our two Wesley Foundations in the South East District, merging the Boards of FIU-13 MDC Wesley and UM Wesley, and having the two new campus ministers serve as a ministry team 14 leading both ministries. 15 16 With over 230,000 students enrolled in University of Miami, Florida International University and 17 Miami-Dade College combined, we look forward to the ways the new campus minister team and 18 the new unified Board will cast a vision for a city-wide ministry reaching multiple, diverse 19 campuses and a new generation of student leaders! 20 21 Conclusion: 22 The Florida Conference is currently a leader in campus ministry but we can never be content to 23 merely maintain the status quo. Even as we strengthen our existing ministries with great leaders 24 and higher standards of accountability, we know that our vision for more ministries on more 25 campuses reaching as many students as possible is a missional imperative for the church and 26 the kingdom of God. 27 28 Rev. Dr. Lyndol Loyd, Chairperson 29 Rev. David Fuquay, Director 30

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BEYOND 50 1

2 The Beyond 50 Ministries Task Force of the Florida Annual Conference is partnering with First 3 United Methodist Church Winter Park to present a statewide conference designed to equip both 4 clergy and laity to minister to the growing population of those beyond 50. This event will be held 5 October 22 – 24, 2015 at First United Methodist Church Winter Park. 6 7 Not only will Great Expectations encourage and engage participants with passion and creativity, 8 but it also will tap into the spiritual gifts and talents of older adults as vital disciples of Jesus Christ. 9 10 Conference attendees will be inspired and entertained by our sought-after keynote speakers, 11 Missy Buchannan and Marc Middleton. Missy is an award-winning author who specializes in 12 issues of aging and faith. Marc is an author, TV/radio host, and Founder/CEO of Growing Bolder 13 – a national organization showcasing older adults doing extraordinary things. 14 15 Great Expectations for Boomers & Beyond also will be chock-full of fun and informative breakouts, 16 including sessions led by Will Randolph, Director of Aging and Older Adult Ministries at GBOD. 17 Sessions will focus on what’s next for those in the second half of life and their leaders. Plan now 18 to attend Great Expectations for Boomer & Beyond! 19 20 21

SPIRITUAL FORMATION 22

23 Find us on the NEW FLUMC website! 24 25 Looking at Spiritual Formation through a past, present, future lens allows me to start with a 26 couple who thought in exactly those terms during their lifetime. H. Melton and Adelaide G. Ware 27 were passionate about Spiritual Formation. They made the Prayer Chapel at the LEC one of their 28 earlier gifts. Within their wills they wanted to insure many other kinds of spiritual formation efforts. 29 Thanks to Bishop Carter, Bill and Robbi Walker, Trudy Rankin, Sharon Austin and Jim Cook for 30 leadership in accomplishing the Wares’ goals for their substantial gift to the Conference and 31 Spiritual Formation. The bequest they made to the Florida Conference will be utilized for grants 32 and scholarships in the area of spiritual formation. 33 34 The Spiritual Formation team was able to retreat during the fall of 2014 to look back on 35 accomplishments and look forward to a meaningful future of spiritual formation within Florida. 36 37 The Florida 5-Day Academy of Spiritual Formation is one of the major means for inviting greater 38 spiritual depth in the lives of its participants. Sponsored by the Spiritual Formation team, Upper 39 Room and the Florida Conference under Connectional Ministry, this year’s 5-Day was held in 40 early March. The Academy is a place to deepen one’s relationship with God through teaching, 41 prayer, daily Communion and covenantal fellowship. Forty-six attendees were inspired by the 42 teaching of Jerry Webber as he presented Meditations on the Parables of Jesus. Planning team 43 members were: Lew Arnold, Steve West, Gene Hendrix, Sarah Madsen, Ann Abbot and Kathy 44 Houser. 45 46 Next year, Steve Harper and Elizabeth Canham will be the faculty presenters with the 47 topics: Walking in Love and Praying with God’s Two books” Creation and the Bible 48 respectively. The dates for the 2016 Academy are March 6-11, 2016. The Retreat team 49

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consists of Marilyn Swanson, Retreat Leader; Jim Cook, Faculty Liaison; Kelly Smith, Worship 1 Leader; Lew Arnold, Covenant Group Leader; and Kathy Houser, Hospitality. The Academy is 2 for clergy and laity with an interest in Spiritual Formation. It is designed for both “head” and 3 “heart”, communicating knowledge about Christian spiritual formation and a context for 4 experiencing it. Limited scholarships are available. To find more information regarding 5 registration and a detailed description of the Academy, go to www.flumcsf.org. 6 7 Each year the Spiritual Formation team creates the Prayer Garden at Annual Conference to 8 coincide with the conference theme. This past year, the Prayer Garden’s morning communion 9 times were well attended by between 45 and 60 persons each morning. Totally, over 600 people 10 came through the Prayer Garden for Eucharist, personal prayer and walking the Prayer Labyrinth. 11 The team sees this expression of ministry as a very important part of its mission. 12 13 This fall the Spiritual Formation team is sponsoring a “fireside chat” with Bishop Carter. The 14 date is October 16 and 17 and the location is being finalized. 15 16 Spiritual Directors in the Conference are excited about the formation of Spiritual Director Days 17 at the LEC – these will be day long ecumenical gatherings of Spiritual Directors for support, 18 education and prayer. The directors will be offering their services at various Conference events 19 where Spiritual Direction can be a positive addition to the program – allowing for individual 20 Spiritual direction participation. 21 22 Candidacy Retreats, held by the Office of Clergy Excellence have included presentations of 23 spiritual formation and spiritual direction as well. 24 25 Spiritual Formation is being recognized as one of the essential foundations of ministry across 26 the board. We welcome all opportunities for inviting persons to grow in spiritual deepening. 27 28 Respectfully submitted, Jim Cook, Chairperson, Spiritual Formation team 29 30 31

WOMEN’S RETREAT DESIGN TEAM 32

33 The Women’s Retreat Design Team organized and completed 3 retreat weekends for almost 34 1,000 ladies attending from throughout the Central Florida Conference. Our theme for the 31st 35 Annual Retreat this year was “BELIEVE”. The Old Testament Scripture was Isaiah 43:10-11 36 (NLT), “But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the LORD. “You are my servant. You have 37 been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other 38 God – there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other 39 Savior.” The New Testament Scripture was John 11:25-27 (NLT), Jesus told her, “I am the 40 resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who 41 lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” “Yes, Lord,” she 42 told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come 43 into the world from God.” 44 45 The retreats were 3 days each in January, February and March and were held at the Life 46 Enrichment Center (LEC) in Fruitland Park. These retreats offered an opportunity for women to 47 break from day-to-day responsibilities to sing, pray, and renew their relationship with the 48 Lord. The weekend is trouble-free with all lodging and food provided by the LEC, a marvelous 49

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setting for prayer, study and reflection. Our objective is for these women to leave re-energized 1 and re-dedicated to their walk as Christians. Connectional Ministries, the Design Team and the 2 LEC were honored to orchestrate and attend the Women’s Retreats. We witnessed an amazing 3 transformation in many women and blessings bestowed on many others. It is a godsend to each 4 and every one of us every year. 5 6 Mary McLendon 7 Chairperson 8 9 10

COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY 11

12 This is a big year for the Commission on Archives and History and the Historical Society as we 13 are hosting the Southeastern Jurisdiction Historical Society annual meeting at Florida Southern 14 College and the Florida United Methodist Heritage Center, July 7-10, 2015. A Kaleidoscope of 15 Florida Methodism is the theme for the four-day event, with several presentations to highlight it: 16 Mark Tlachac, director, Child of the Sun Visitor Center, Florida Southern, keynote address and 17 tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Campus; Dr. Robert Tate, vice president for advancement at 18 Florida Southern, “Florida Southern: The Early Years”; Dr. Evelyn Bethune, granddaughter of 19 Mary McLeod Bethune, the legacy of her grandmother; “Through the Eyes of the Circuit Rider,” 20 excerpts from diaries; Dr. Larry Rankin, former secretary of global missions, Florida Conference, 21 “Early Methodism in Cuba”; and Icel Rodriguez, current director of global missions, “The Florida-22 Cuba Connection Today.” Worship and delightful entertainment will also be a part of this exciting 23 and much anticipated event. 24 25 Nell Thrift, archivist, directs the work in the archives. Receiving, organizing, and filing of local 26 church, district, and conference agency records are continuing, with the help of volunteers. The 27 archives is receiving records from churches that were closed at the 2014 Annual Conference. 28 Tours of the Heritage Center to learn about the history of the Florida Conference to help us move 29 forward in the 21st Century are encouraged. 30 31 Commission members continue to see that churches have up-to-date histories and an accurate 32 founding date for each church. A workshop for local church historians was held in the South West 33 District in April. The SEJ will have a Historic Preservation Workshop November 20-22 at Lake 34 Junaluska with the focus on disaster preparedness, which is essential in Florida. Everyone is 35 invited to attend, especially church historians and secretaries. The Commission has information 36 regarding the preservation of electronic records available to churches. 37 38 The Florida Conference Historical Society met during Annual Conference last year. The 39 Reverend Riley Short, retired, shared memories of his pastoral life. It was an entertaining and 40 inspirational evening. 41 42 Three members of the Commission attended SEJ events during 2014: Historical Society at 43 Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina, in June; Historical Society Executive Committee 44 meeting at Lake Junaluska and Commission on Archives and History annual meeting, both at 45 Lake Junaluska in November. Nell Thrift is secretary of the Historical Society and member of the 46 Commission; the Reverend Ivan Corbin is chairperson of the Commission; and Leah Pittard, is a 47 member of the Historical Society’s Executive Committee. 48

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The celebration of anniversary churches and clergy at the 2014 Annual Conference was led by 1 a circuit rider and his wife (Reverend Ivan Corbin and Anita Campbell, both of the Commission). 2 Each of the newly ordained elders and deacons received a copy of Robert M. Temple’s history 3 of the Florida Conference, Florida Flame, as well as cards giving the chain of their ordinations 4 back to Thomas Coke. 5 6 Again this year the Commission on Archives and History is leading the Annual Conference in an 7 anniversary celebration of churches and clergy.. Churches being recognized with their 8 identifying banners are: 9

1840—175 years Cherry Lake; First, Lake City

1865—150 years St. Stephens, Hastings; First, Lake Butler; First, Live Oak; Shingle Creek, Kissimmee

1890—125 years

Wesley Chapel, Arredondo; New Horizon, Haines City; Riverside Park, Jacksonville; Jennings; Old Town; Christ, Sanford; First, Seminole

1915—100 years Davie; DeLeon Springs; First, Dunedin; Englewood; Lake Panasoffkee; First, New Port Richey; First, Okeechobee

1940—75 years Wesley, Gainesville; Springhead, Plant City

1965—50 years

East Naples; Harris Chapel, Ft. Lauderdale; Calvary, Orange Park; Rockledge; St. John, Sebring; Steinhatchee; Gray Memorial, Tallahassee; Christ By The Sea, Vero Beach; Good Shepherd, West Palm Beach

1990—25 years Faith, Boynton Beach; Hope, Cape Coral; North Merritt Island, Merritt Island; Iglesia Cristiana Juan Wesley, Miami

Clergy being recognized with certificates are:

Ordained Deacon 1965

Richard D. Bingham; D. Douglas Clewis; Theodore W. Jennings,Jr.; Richard W. Neal; Jennings A. Neeld, Jr.; Joseph C. Powell; Peter C. Whittier; Richard J. Wills

Ordained Deacon 1990

Lawrence Q. Barriner; Gregory R. Doss; James E. Ellis; Craig Ford; Dennis C. Heiberg; David L. Hodges; Michael T. Hutcherson; Kenneth W. Kleckner, Jr.; Charlotte Bond Lewis; Catherine Fluck Price; Nora E. Ramirez; Rene Ramirez; Joseph R. Stiles; Floyd L. Waters; William H. Wolfe

Congratulations to these churches and persons who have served in their communities and 10 appointments in answer to God’s call to be in ministry and mission. 11 12 Leah Pittard, chairperson; www.flumcarchives.org. 13

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THE OFFICE OF MISSIONAL ENGAGEMENT 1

2 The Office of Missional Engagement launched into its second year focused upon our purpose of 3 “Equipping and collaborating with districts, local churches and outreach ministries to grow 4 disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of their local communities and the world through 5 missions and the pursuit of justice.” We have been accompanied in this endeavor with the two 6 revamped committees of Missions and Social Justice. 7 8 We have been developing along with our partners training opportunities to equip local church 9 leaders in to more effectively lead their congregations in these areas. We are currently developing 10 an Academy that will take place later this year at the Life Enrichment Center that will train leaders 11 of all experience levels. We co-sponsored along with St. Luke’s United Methodist in Windermere 12 a training in Understanding Cultural Intelligence. And finally in this area of training, the office will 13 be sponsoring a fundraising training event in the Fall for our partner ministries who want to better 14 equip themselves to underwrite their ministries. 15 16 One of the biggest things you could do to be a part of this new revamped focus upon missions is 17 to find a way to encourage your church, if they don’t already, to support a person in mission. 18 That will link your congregation to the story of God’s mission in the world that will be fostered by 19 a long-term relationship between you and the mission person you support. For national and 20 International missions, that support is $5/member or a max of $2,500 a year. For one of our 21 YAMMs, the support is $1/member or a max of $1,000/year. 22 23 This past year we have launched two new initiatives: The first of those is the Young Adult 24 Missional Movement. In its pilot year, we have 14 young adults, living in intentional Christian 25 community in three locations. The long term vision of this effort is to build a self-sustaining 26 movement of young adults who are investing a year or two in service. From the get-go this 27 movement is intentionally multi-ethnic with members from the beautiful diversity of our state. 28 29 The second new initiative is leading the Florida Conference’s contribution to the Imagine No 30 Malaria campaign. We are joining other conferences in helping the denomination cross the finish 31 line in raising $75 million. Our Conference goal is to save 250,000 lives. If your church has not 32 already made a pledge to support this effort, now would be a great time to do so. 33 34 We have been asked by the SLT to help redesign how the Conference works with churches in 35 impoverished situations. We are working with Equitable Compensation, NCD Mission support 36 and the districts to better implement how these churches on the front line of ministry among the 37 poor can be supported by the Conference and assure that the Conference doesn’t financially 38 support churches that have lost their missional vitality. 39 40 I give thanks to God for an amazing staff with whom to work and for dedicated laity and clergy 41 who make all of these efforts, represented in many of the other reports you will find in this 42 workbook, come to life as a part of the redeeming love of Christ through the witness and work of 43 our United Methodist Church in Florida. 44 45 Grace and peace, 46 Clarke Campbell-Evans 47 Director, Missional Engagement 48

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MISSIONS 1

2 Thanks be to God for the many ways the people of the Florida Conference are making disciples 3 of Jesus Christ. These disciples participate in the mission of God, through the power of the Holy 4 Spirit, to transform their local communities, our state and the world. The Missions Committee 5 strives to partner with the Episcopal Office and the Office of Missional Engagement to equip and 6 collaborate with local churches and districts to grow disciples through missions. 7 8 After our 2014 Annual Conference, the Missions Committee discerned two areas of focus for our 9 ministry over the past year. The first was to build a ministry team solely dedicated to fostering 10 support around the Conference for our current and future long-term missionaries serving around 11 the world. This team is now fully assembled and has embarked on its ministry together. I 12 encourage you to contact Committee member Larry Rankin at lrankin@flumc.org if you’d like to 13 serve in this ministry. 14 15 Our second focus area is to unveil in 2015 a weekend event of worship and enrichment for local 16 church mission leaders to celebrate God’s mission in the world, uncover new understandings of 17 Wesleyan mission, and leave transformed to share their passion in their local churches and 18 communities. By participating in this event, we envision local church mission leaders will also 19 develop relationships and build solidarity with others throughout the Conference who care deeply 20 about God’s mission in the world and leave with a wide and diverse sense of the way they can 21 engage their congregations in missions. Please contact me at 941.524.0303 or 22 michaelthomaskennedy@gmail.com to learn more or join us in this ministry. 23 24 The Committee also served in two other ways this past year. The Committee continued in its role 25 of overseeing the receiving of applications and determination of awards for the Alice W. Lockmiller 26 grant program. Lockmiller grants help UM churches and agencies reach out into their 27 communities to meet the needs of children, youth and their families in economic and/or social 28 distress. 29 30 The Committee also celebrated the fruitful ministries of the Conference’s Methodists United in 31 Prayer (Cuba), East Angola/Florida partnership and Haiti/Florida Covenant ministries, while 32 assisting them with charting a future course for each of their ministries. 33 34 The Committee gives thanks for the leaders and committee members who capably guide fruitful 35 ministry teams for the Young Adult Missional Movement (YAMM), Imagine No Malaria, our 36 relationships with East Angola, Cuba and Haiti, and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission 37 (UMVIM). You can read more elsewhere in this workbook about how God is powerfully at work 38 in each of these ministries. 39 40 Join us in praising and thanking God for changing hearts and lives through these ministries. 41 42 Mike Kennedy, Chairperson 43

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METHODISTS UNITED IN PRAYER 1

(Formerly Cuba/Florida Covenant) 2 www.flumc-missions.org 3

4 In 1996 a Task Force convened by Bishop Cornelius L Henderson drafted a sister relationship 5 covenant between the Cuba and Florida Methodist churches. In 1997, Bishop Henderson and 6 Bishop Francisco Gustavo Cruz ratified the Cuba-Florida Covenant at both Annual Conferences. 7 The ministry’s Task Force members met twice, in March and October. Both meetings were held 8 at the Florida Conference offices in Lakeland for one day. George Reed became the MUIP 9 Chairperson. Terry Denham was given a testimonial at the fall Task Force meeting for his 4 years 10 of faithful service as Chair. Bishop Ricardo Pereira, Methodist Church in Cuba was the special 11 guest at the October meeting. This gathering gave us the opportunity to exchange ideas with 12 Bishop Pereira about how to strengthen the ministry and make plans for next year’s caravan travel 13 and sister districts’ interaction. New Coordinators were added to the Task Force to cover the 14 support of the Havana Seminary. They are already working on promoting this through brochures 15 and other means. 16 17 Travel to Cuba has become somewhat easier due to U.S. government lifting some restrictions 18 and the Cuba government granting more religious visas through the Methodists Church in Cuba. 19 This year 24 teams with 143 persons traveled to Cuba. This showed a continuing interest in 20 supporting the ministry with the partnering of some new sister churches and strengthening the 21 relationships among others. Members of each caravan went to their sister churches for different 22 purposes, such as, participation in District Seminary activities, Clown ministry, Youth group 23 visiting Camp Canaan, attending Women’s conferences, Cuba church anniversaries, and others. 24 Donations to the Cuba ministry this year amounted to over $250,000 in support of pastors and 25 churches. 26 27 At the Florida Annual Conference in Lakeland, some MUIP Task Force members gathered at the 28 Exhibit Hall to share information and mission trip experiences with those who were interested in 29 the Cuba ministry. 30 31 The total number of churches appointed by the Methodist Church in Cuba Annual Conference is 32 approximately 400. Each one supports an average of 6-20 house churches and missions 33 numbering over 700 throughout the Island. The membership in the Cuba Conference has doubled 34 since 1996 to over 50,000 active disciples. Communications of the ministry continues to expand 35 with, not only a web page and emails, but also in Facebook, Global Missions blogs, etc. 36 37 The process of inviting Cuban pastors and laity to visit their partner churches in different Florida 38 districts has improved but some still experience delays in coming to Florida. However, many of 39 those who are approved now are granted a 5 year visa to return to the U.S without any further 40 church invitation. This year, 31 Cuban pastors and laity were hosted by their sister churches, 41 giving them an opportunity to experience our style of worship, and our churches’ hospitality. This, 42 more than ever, has become a vital part of keeping the relationships strong. 43 44 Currently, 179 Florida churches are in sister church relationships with 186 Cuba 45 churches. Although new sister church relationships were formed, others were dissolved for a 46 variety of reasons, so the ratio of Cuba and Florida churches partnerships (and the need to form 47 more) remains the same. There is still a majority of Methodist churches in Cuba waiting for a 48 partner church in Florida. The Florida Conference encourages all Florida churches that do not 49

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have partner relationships with a Cuba Methodist church to engage in a mission ministry through 1 the Methodists United in Prayer, laboring in Christ’s love to get 100% of churches in this 2 relationship. 3 4 Respectfully Submitted, Renee Masvidal Kincaid, Secretary, Methodists United in Prayer 5 6 7

EAST ANGOLA/FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP 8

www.flumc-missions.org 9 10 The East Angola/Florida Partnership provides a wonderful opportunity for people to answer God's 11 call to serve a mission in Africa. Lives are changed when we answer God's call and form lasting 12 cross cultural relationships that are held together by Christian love. 13 14 Our main emphasis continues to be on education at all levels from primary to post-secondary 15 education. We continue to provide financial aid to the Quessua High School and to the Hope for 16 the Children of Africa Middle School. We continue to financially support the feeding program for 17 the 50+ boys who live there. Currently, we have 5 Angola students on scholarship. Two are at 18 Africa University in Zimbabwe, two are in Luanda, Angola and one is in Saurimo. There are three 19 more students who have been approved for scholarships. One to study in Luanda, one at Africa 20 University and another in Malange. 21 22 Florida teams build relationships as they teach and provide the tools for jobs in construction, 23 welding, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting etc. for the boys. We have provided sewing 24 machines, fabric, accessories and instruction as we develop skills and activities that will empower 25 women. These are times of laughter and singing as we work together. 26 27 Harvest UMC and FUMC Homestead sent teams in June and October. A Florida Conference 28 delegation comprised of Armando Rodriquez and Clarke Campbell-Evans attended the Angola 29 Annual Conference in February 2015. We have teams scheduled for late July, early November 30 and third team with date pending. 31 32 The East Angola/Florida Partnership continues to enjoy a very close working relationship with the 33 Association of Alumnae and Friends of Quessua, AEAQ. They have provided financial support 34 and encouragement in all of our efforts. A recent wind storm caused terrible damage to Quessua 35 boarding house and school. The members offered that if we came all the way from the US, they 36 should do more. The Garcias hosted a time of sharing as we dined and discussed the needs of 37 Quessua. They eagerly offered to help provide clean water by immediately exploring viable 38 options and to address issues regarding our entry visas for Angola. They took note of this concern 39 and will make efforts to find an acceptable solution in the near future. The AEAQ met with the 40 Vice-Governor who promised to attend to the matters presented in a more supportive manner. 41 We are extremely grateful for the relationship we share with this group and for the interventions 42 that we pray will come to fruition. 43 44 We partner with the Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain Annual Conferences in the US and the 45 Angola Connection, a gathering of former missionaries to Angola and their relatives. A member 46 of this group created an endowment fund to benefit theology students. We are grateful for all who 47 join with us in fulfilling the goals of rebuilding Quessua following long years of civil war. 48

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Kenneth Koome from General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) is in a covenant relationship 1 with the Florida Conference. He continues to function as the Mission Financial Officer where he 2 oversees the distribution of GBGM funds to the mission. Ken also trains new leaders in the area 3 of finance. Ken is delightful and a great asset in our efforts. 4 5 Reverends, Doctors Leonardo and Cleivy Garcia are in a covenant relationship with the Florida 6 Conference. They continue to faithfully serve as our missionaries to East Angola in the community 7 of Quessua and to the surrounding villages. They are teachers at the Quessua School of 8 Theology where Cleivy also serves as Vice-Dean. The Garcias are also responsible for 9 overseeing the reconstruction of the boy’s dormitory. Cleivy and Leo graciously host teams from 10 our conference and others. Team members are made to feel at home as they enjoy the Garcia’s 11 warm hospitality. During times of readjustment in their jobs, Leo can be seen plowing fields as 12 Cleivy gathers others to assist in publishing literature to be used in teaching adults and children. 13 14 We give thanks to God for all of our partners in ministry as we continue to explore ways we can 15 build lasting relationships while empowering the beautiful people of Quessua. 16 17 Submitted by Sandi Goodman 18 Chairperson, East Angola/Florida Partnership 19 20 21

FLORIDA CONFERENCE ADVANCE SPECIALS 22

www.flumc-missions.org 23 24 The Advance is an official program of The United Methodist Church for voluntary, designated 25 contributions. Through The Advance, one may choose to support particular, approved mission 26 programs or mission personnel with financial gifts. One hundred percent of all Advance giving 27 goes to the chosen mission project or ministry. Contributions to the Advance are tax deductible. 28 29 Advance Specials related to Global Relationships 30 31 METHODISTS UNITED IN PRAYER (formerly CUBA/FLORIDA COVENANT) 32 33

Advance # 100070 supports Methodists United in Prayer (formerly Cuba/Florida 34 Covenant) by covering travel costs for Cuban Christians visiting Florida and ministries 35 related to the Covenant. 36 37

Advance # 100135 supports the Cuba Methodist Seminary. 38 39

Advance # 100140 provides support for retired pastors of the Methodist Church in Cuba. 40 41 EAST ANGOLA/FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP 42 43

Advance # 100130 supports missionaries of the Cuban Methodist Church serving in the 44 East Angola United Methodist Conference. 45 46

Advance # 100125 supports the feeding program of the East Angola Boarding 47 House/Orphanage. 48

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Advance # 102020 provides scholarships for East Angolan students to attend Higher 1 Education institutions. 2 3

Advance # 100145 provides scholarships for students at the School of Theology in 4 Quéssua, Angola. 5 6

Advance # 100090 supports the ongoing reconstruction of the Quessua Mission and 7 churches throughout East Angola. 8 9

Advance # 100120 supports a variety of ministries and projects related to the East 10 Angola/Florida Partnership. 11

12 HAITI/FLORIDA COVENANT 13 14

Advance # 102060 supports theological training for pastors in Haiti, children’s education, 15 feeding programs, etc. 16

17 UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION 18 19

Advance # 100180 provides resources for training, trip planning, consultation and 20 guidance, mission scholarships for youth, church grants and matching grants for mission 21 experiences. 22

23 Advance Specials related to Outreach Ministries 24 25

Advance # 510004 – Branches (SE) seeks to partner with churches and organizations to 26 create and expand ministries of compassion and justice in the communities of South East 27 Florida. 28 29

Advance # 510002 - Christians Reaching Out for Society, Inc. (AC) partners with 30 congregations to share God's love through tangible acts and justice ministry. 31 32

Advance # 410010 - Church & Community Connection (EC) engages local congregations 33 in being in mission in their parishes. 34 35

Advance # 510021 - Community Outreach Agency (NE) engages with all the churches in 36 the district to promote outreach ministries in each parish. 37 38

Advance # 510006 - Cornerstone Family Ministries (SC) touches the lives of over 20,000 39 families across the state each month through programs for children, families and seniors. 40 41

Advance # 510025 - Grace Place for Children and Families, Inc. (SW) is a comprehensive 42 child care and family ministry that ministers to at-risk children and families in the Naples 43 area. 44 45

Advance # 510016 - Halifax Urban Ministry (AC) provides emergency food assistance with 46 “feed a family” bags of nonperishable food, with snack bags for homeless people, with daily 47 hot meals and with daily bread. 48

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Advance # 102030 - Justice for Our Neighbors concentrates on providing assistance to 1 persons needing immigration legal services. 2 3

Advance # 510001 - Madison County Outreach (NW) offers a variety of services and 4 resources for small membership churches in the area. UMCM built and manages the 5 Florida Conference Disaster Response Supply Depot. 6 7

Advance # 510008 - UM Cooperative Ministry/Suncoast (GC) supports local 8 congregations to respond to critical needs in their communities and provides direct services 9 to refugee and immigrants. 10

11 Other Conference Advance Specials 12 13

Advance # 510000 - Alfalit International, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian literacy ministry 14 working in Florida, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. 15 16

Advance # 510017 - Carver Heights Ministry is an educational and health ministry with at-17 risk children and youth of African American and Latino backgrounds in Leesburg. 18 19

Advance # 510018 - Celebrate Jesus, Inc. coordinates clusters of local congregations to 20 engage in relational evangelism by training and deploying local church laity and clergy. 21 22

Advance # 112010 - Disaster Recovery coordinates volunteers, resources, and pastoral 23 care with local congregations to prepare for and mitigate disasters. 24 25

Advance # 510013 - Florida United Methodist Children’s Home provides services to 26 families and to children from birth into adulthood. It provides school-aged children who 27 have been victimized by abuse, neglect or family trauma, a family-style home, education, 28 counseling, recreation and ministry opportunities. 29 30

Advance # 410005 - Habitat for Humanity Projects in Florida enables low-wage earner 31 families to afford quality homes through sweat equity. 32 33

Advance # 100110 - Haitian Committee on Ministry supports the strengthening of Haitian-34 American congregations in the Florida Conference through training of clergy and laity and 35 in the formation of missions as opportunities arise. 36 37

Advance # 510003 - Jim Russo Prison Ministry works with persons recently released from 38 prison. It fosters Christian living values in a home and family setting. 39 40

Advance # 510005 - National Farm Worker Ministry of Florida sponsors ministries with 41 migrant workers and their families, through congregational life, Christian education, and 42 life skills, vocational training, and advocacy. 43 44

Advance # 100170 - Shade & Fresh Water is a ministry to clergy and their families dealing 45 with transition. 46

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Advance # 510019 - Society of St. Andrew (the Potato Project) is a gleaning, produce 1 distribution and hunger education ecumenical ministry that involves volunteers in gleaning 2 farmer’s fields. The food is shipped to food distribution cooperatives for the hungry people. 3 4

Advance # 510010 - Wesley Group Homes for Adults with Special Needs, South East 5 District, is a group home for mentally and emotionally challenged adults. Offerings support 6 the programs and maintenance of this home. 7

8 9

MISSIONARIES WITH COVENANT RELATIONSHIPS 10

www.flumc-missions.org 11 12 Africa 13 Leonardo and Cleivy Garcia– East Angola 14 Kenneth Koome – East Angola 15 Delbert and Sandy Groves – Zambia 16 17 Asia 18

Emmanuel Barte and Beverly Fronda‐Barte – Laos 19 Jonathan McCurley – Japan 20 21 Central America and the Caribbean 22 Connie DiLeo – Dominican Republic 23 Gordon Fletcher Anderson – Cuba (Retired, Individual Volunteer) 24 Carmen Melendez – Mexico 25 26 South America 27 William Llanos and Rocio Barcenas – Argentina 28 29 Europe 30 Britt and Alison Gilmore – Ireland 31 32 Middle East 33 Alex and Brenda Awad – Palestine/Israel 34 35 United States 36 Gordon and Teca Greathouse – Missionaries in Residence, GBGM 37 Kim King Torres – Florida City, Florida 38 Steven Riddle – Red Bird Missionary Conference 39 Robert Amundsen – Red Bird Missionary Conference 40 41 Missionary candidates with GBGM 42 Margaret Kartwe-Bradley 43 Josias Andujar 44

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DISASTER RECOVERY MINISTRY 1

2 Equipping churches to prepare for disaster continues to be a high priority for Disaster Recovery 3 Ministry. This is accomplished through training, leadership development and consistent 4 communication. 5 6 From June 2013 to June 2014, 184 volunteers representing 33 churches attended “Disaster 101: 7 Basic Disaster Ministry Training”; 49 volunteers were trained and certified -- and 29 volunteers 8 recertified -- as early responders for the Florida Conference and UMCOR, bringing our total 9 number of early response team volunteers to 304. Additionally 147 volunteers have been trained 10 by UMCOR to provide spiritual and emotional care in disaster. 11 I was again honored to serve as co-chair of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Disaster Academy 12 planning team. The Disaster academy was hosted by the North Georgia Conference in February 13 2014 with six volunteers from four Florida churches attending. As always it was a great time of 14 building relationships, sharing experiences and learning new competencies. 15 16 Disaster-trained volunteers continued to maintain their readiness through ministry in their local 17 community and beyond. This included mission in Pahokee, Tampa, Bartow, the children’s home, 18 our camps and more. 19 20 Disaster ministry is all about getting to know your community and getting connected – to the 21 community and the conference – before disaster happens. It’s about building relationships and 22 meeting needs. 23 24 The churches and volunteers involved in disaster ministry embody that vision. I am grateful for 25 the many ways they engage in this unique ministry of preparation and waiting, knowing that it is 26 not if but when the next disaster will occur. 27 28 In ministry with you, 29 Pam Garrison, Florida Conference Disaster Response Coordinator 30 31 32

PRISON AND JAIL MINISTRY TEAM 33

34 The Prison and Jail Ministry Team made great progress toward clarifying their mission and role 35 as a task force of the annual conference: to promote Christ-centered ministries of prevention, 36 healing and restoration. Two goals were adopted to live into that mission. 37 38 The first goal is to initiate “No More Throw Away Kids”, a partnership with the African Methodist 39 Episcopal church to provide a mentor (“faith friend”) for every incarcerated child in Florida. JFJ 40 Ministries, a community ministry of Van Dyke UMC, will provide the training and the initial roll out 41 is planned for fall 2014. 42 43 The second goal is to explore opportunities over the next three to five years for re-entry 44 partnerships in our communities that would provide holistic, faith-based processes to assist men 45 and women transitioning from prison back into their communities. There seem to be many small 46 ministries that assist with re-entry for ex-offenders but frankly, the need is overwhelming. The 47 vision of the team is to work with these existing ministries and, where appropriate, encourage new 48

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ministries, and connect them to the community in ways that can engage more churches and more 1 community wide resources. 2 3 Extensive research as well as an intentional effort to develop relationships with prison and prison-4 related ministries and agencies will be essential. Educating our churches and helping them find 5 ways to assist that are within their capacity will also be crucial. The goal is not to re-invent but 6 rather to identify what is working and see how the local church, as well as the conference, might 7 enhance and/or add to existing, effective programs to strengthen and sustain them for the long 8 term. We believe this approach has the potential to involve the whole church – not just a few 9 interested people -- in a variety of functions and contexts. 10 11 The next steps are to begin the challenging work of implementing these goals. 12 Pam Garrison, Prison Ministry Staff Liaison 13 14 15

HAITI – FLORIDA COVENANT 16

17 The Haiti Florida Covenant Committee continues to make progress toward establishing deeper 18 connections between our conferences, pastors and churches. Most significantly, during the past 19 year we have completed two major conferences in collaboration with the Institute of Preaching, 20 Candler School of Theology, the Haiti Florida Covenant Committee, and the Methodist Church of 21 Haiti. We were greatly assisted in the development and implementation of the conferences by 22 Sharon Harbottle and Dr. John Harbottle, British Methodist missionaries serving in Haiti, and the 23 Christian Education offices of the Haiti Methodist Church. 24 25 The conferences were designed for local pastors in Haiti to help them develop skills in preaching. 26 The majority of Methodist churches in Haiti are served by local pastors, under the supervision of 27 approximately 15 seminary trained Circuit Superintendents, making this type of instruction 28 extremely useful. The first preaching workshop, held in Petit Goave, Haiti in late June, 2014 was 29 attended by over 75 local pastors in the region. We were so very fortunate to hear lectures from 30 Dr. Ed Phillips, Associate Professor of Worship and Liturgical Theology, as well as Rev. Courtney 31 Smith, a graduate student in preaching, both from Candler School of Theology. The three day 32 event brought together leadership from both the Florida Conference and the Haiti Methodist 33 Church and participants were deeply appreciative and complimentary of the event. Since the 34 response was so overwhelmingly positive the two subsequent workshops, originally scheduled 35 for subsequent years in 2015 and 2016, were combined so that all the remaining local pastors 36 from other areas of Haiti would have the opportunity to share in this enriching experience. So in 37 January 2015 we gathered to share the same material with two more groups of pastors from other 38 areas of Haiti. Over 100 local pastors attended these workshops, as well as the leadership from 39 the central offices of the Methodist Church of Haiti, including President Gesner Paul. The two 40 final workshops were held back to back in early January 2015 to accommodate the schedules of 41 the Candler faculty in attendance, and were held at the College Freres Campus in Petionville. 42 Again the events were very well received. 43 44 While the development of new covenant relationships on a church to church basis in the last year 45 has slowed, we have made tremendous progress in establishing deeper connections and 46 relationships with Haiti leadership. One very real, but unforeseen benefit of the preaching events 47 was the ability to meet the vast majority of local pastors in Haiti and interact with them in a short 48 period of time, something which would have been difficult to impossible otherwise. We are 49

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thankful to the Institute of Preaching for their help in making these events possible, and to Greg 1 Harford from the Conference Staff who labored tirelessly along with Sharon Harbottle in Haiti to 2 prepare and implement the many details of the workshops. 3 4 We hope that in the coming year the connections we have made will develop in greater 5 collaborative ministry between our churches, pastors and conferences. 6 7 Pam Carter, Chairperson 8 9 10

HISPANIC ASSEMBLY 11

12 Blessings in the Name of our Savior: 13 14 The Executive Committee of the Hispanic Assembly is honored to report during the year 2014 15 many miracles were witnessed by the Hispanic faith community and our Annual Conference 16 brothers and sisters. Last year, and during Annual Conference (AC), the Hispanic Assembly 17 presented a resolution in reference to the DREAM Act of 2012 (DREAMER) students and their 18 inability to obtain grants and student loans from the Global Board of Higher Education and Ministry 19 (GBHEM) due to their legal status in the US. After the resolution was approved, it was sent to 20 Bishop James E. Dorff and the Board members. On November 24, 2014, GBHEM changed their 21 application process to included DREAMER students from our congregations affording them the 22 opportunity to attended colleges and universities. To date, 15 DREAMER students from all of the 23 US were able to apply for the GBHEM grants and loans 24 25 The Academia Latino-Hispana of the Florida Conference prepared laity and clergy in biblical, 26 theological and administrative areas which provided tools for developing new leadership in our 27 Conference. In 2014, a total of 965 students took courses in three campuses. The Academia, 28 with facilitators from the Hispanic Ministries National Plan, provided training for Modular 29 Courses I, II, and III in South Florida. Clergy and laity from Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania and 30 North Carolina participated in these trainings and became facilitators of the modules. During the 31 2014 AC, Bishop Ken Carter recognized the certification of 14 new Lay Missionaries that 32 completed their modules. The new graduates provide the AC with more talent able to work with 33 the Hispanic communities around the State of Florida. 34 35 The Academia has many goals for the coming years. Of which, one is to bring the Course of 36 Study to South Florida with the intention to be accessible to local pastors as well as other Spanish 37 speaking members belonging to other conferences. In addition, Academia has a goal to open 38 more campuses in South Florida and in the South West district as well. 39 40 During 2014, several retreats and workshops took place in Central and South Florida, with 41 outstanding attendance. Topics covered included, but were not limited to, Advent, Lent, and 42 Social Justice. The Family Camp celebrated at the L.E.C. in Leesburg, Florida was outstanding 43 where more than 421 brothers and sisters were in attendance. The Rev. Victor Gonzalez from the 44 Cuba Annual Conference was the facilitator and he developed a spiritual revival and bonding for 45 the attendees. The youth group had their own activities within the Family Camp retreat which was 46 a blessing for them. Many of them gave their lives to the Lord and the Spirit filled the place with 47 His presence. 48

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In 2015 the Youth representative of the Hispanic Assembly will be exploring the Spanglish 1 program at the California-Pacific Annual Conference. This program is targeted for young students 2 between the ages of 14 to 25 and who are from third and fourth generation Hispanics born in the 3 US. Spanglish will fill up the generational gap between the Anglo and Hispanic cultures and the 4 program is set to go live in late 2015. 5 6 Work continues for His Kingdom through the expansion of sources, training and equipping 7 servants for His mission. We thank God for having a connectional ministry and for the help from 8 the AC, our Bishop and his Cabinet as well. 9 10 In His Service, 11 Rev. Cesar J. Villafaña, O.S.L. 12 President, Hispanic Assembly 13 14 15

HISPANIC MINISTRY TEAM 16

17 The Hispanic Ministry Team is committed to develop new ministries for the Hispanic – Latino 18 communities as per the Comprehensive Plan. 19 20 To accomplish this goal, during 2014 the HMT continued focusing on the training of our Hispanic 21 – Latino pastors and laity leadership through the “Academia Hispano – Latina” 22 23 In 2014, the first group of 30+ laity leaders completed the requisites to become Lay Missioners. 24 Also in 2014, a group of 12+ pastors completed the requisites to be certified as National Plan 25 Facilitators. The initial purpose for equipping these groups of laity leaders and pastors is to 26 strengthen our existing missions and congregations in areas such worship and liturgy, Bible, 27 theology and administration among other courses. 28 29 In 2014, we participated in the National Hispanic Caucus MARCHA (Methodist Associated 30 Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans). In the meeting, the MARCHA membership voted 31 on the resolution to organize a caucus that will represent the Hispanic – Latino missions and 32 congregations in the South East Jurisdiction of the United States of America. The Hispanic 33 Ministry have been involved in the development of this caucus. 34 35 Also in 2014, the Hispanic Ministry Team have attended all of the Hispanic Assembly meetings 36 and supported all of their events throughout 2014. 37 38 In 2015, we will continue to discern in other opportunities for our Hispanic – Latino ministries. 39 40 In Christ, 41 Gustavo A. Betancourt 42

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IMAGINE NO MALARIA 1

2 From the moment we kicked off Imagine No Malaria in The Florida Annual Conference last June, 3 we knew God was going to do some amazing things around this Annual Conference! 4 5 FLUMC is the 32nd Annual Conference in The United Methodist Church to join the effort in 6 stopping the preventable disease, Malaria. Imagine No Malaria is the effort of our denomination 7 to raise $75 Million by General Conference 2016. From the official kick off in 2010, we have 8 surpassed $65 Million! 9 10 The Imagine No Malaria campaign in The United Methodist Church began at the 2008 General 11 Conference as a continued effort of the Nothing But Nets campaign with Sports Illustrated and 12 The NBA. 13 14 Approximately 60% of United Methodists have participated in some way with Imagine No Malaria. 15 This has become the largest mission we’ve set a goal on! It’s an exciting time for United 16 Methodism as we desire to see an end of malaria in our lifetime! 17 18 As United Methodists here in Florida, we cannot wait any longer. There is an urgency with malaria: 19 one person dies every minute as this disease affects mainly the hardest to reach and poorest 20 people in Africa. In the Sub-Saharan parts of Africa, 75% of Africans are infected every year. 21 What is difficult to understand is that over 90% of deaths are children under 5 and pregnant 22 women. Many parents do not name their children until the children reach 5 years of age because 23 the parents know just how deadly malaria is. 24 25 Shortly before Annual Conference 2014, individuals with a passion for Imagine No Malaria were 26 selected to lead our Conference’s effort with Imagine No Malaria. Our Steering Committee 27 presented a goal to the Annual Conference of 250,000 lives saved (based off $10 buying an 28 insecticide treated bed nets). 29 30 Here are some interesting facts since last Annual Conference: 31 32

1. 72% of churches in Florida have officially signed on to raise money, pray faithfully, or 33 spread awareness about Imagine No Malaria as of March 2015! 34

35 2. Churches have officially pledged to save 63,439 lives (and many are saving even more!) 36

37 3. The average church goal is to save 132 lives from malaria. 38

39 This is great news! However, we are encouraging churches to continue with the efforts, even if a 40 goal is surpassed. Many churches across the country have integrated Imagine No Malaria into a 41 long-term funded mission of the church. 42 43 What are some ways to continue to live into the call for Imagine No Malaria? 44 45

Save more lives! Join the Impact 100 club! (Go to imagineflorida.org for more info on 46 Impact 100) 47

Add Imagine No Malaria to your church’s calendar each month and have a special activity. 48 (imagineflorida.org has ideas!) 49

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Prayerfully consider a doubling or tripling of your original goal. (Many churches have 1 already done this!) 2

Incorporate the children and youth ministries to participate! (Ideas for children/youth are 3 found at imagineflorida.org) 4

Remember, 100% of donations go to save lives! 5

Pray for the families in Africa who are losing loved ones to this preventable disease. Pray 6 and ask God for direction in ways to be the church as it relates to Imagine No Malaria. 7

8 Our Florida United Methodist Churches are gaining momentum! 9 10 Here are some examples of how God is at work in our Conference: 11 12

1. Harris Chapel UMC pastor, Juana Jordan preached about casting our net to the other side 13 of the boat. The congregation was encouraged to try new things in ministry and trust in 14 God. In one Sunday, Harris Chapel surpassed their total goal of saving 100 lives by saving 15 over 130! Great work Harris Chapel! 16

17 2. First UMC in Mt. Dora has a young man who has committed to saving 100 lives through 18

his public high school by raising money and awareness. Because of their success so far, 19 Mt. Dora UMC increased their goal from saving 500 lives to 7,500. With God, ALL things 20 are possible! 21

22 3. First UMC in Lake Wales has participated in parades, local service clubs, hosted open 23

movie nights, and is committed to inviting their community to Imagine No Malaria as they 24 seek to save 1,000 lives! First UMC Lake Wales has a “Never Give Up” attitude! 25

26 Lastly, I personally wish to thank Kylie Foley, our Conference Field Coordinator for Imagine No 27 Malaria who never gives up and has a profound passion for Imagine No Malaria and sharing God’s 28 love to all. I would also like to thank Bishop Ken Carter and Clarke Campbell-Evans for their 29 incredible support in this campaign. I also would like to thank our wonderfully talented Steering 30 Committee for their commitment and determination to see this campaign through. Lastly, I wish 31 to thank our District Superintendents, District Representatives, District staff members and our 32 churches who have supported this mission and ministry that we share together as United 33 Methodists. 34 35 To God be the glory for what God is doing in The Florida Annual Conference and Imagine No 36 Malaria! 37 38 Rev. Jeffrey St. Clair, Steering Committee Chair, Imagine No Malaria 39

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SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE 1

2 The Florida Annual Conference Social Justice Committee was established at the 2014 Annual 3 Conference. This committee was birthed from the former Global Missions and Justice Conference 4 Committee. Now two committees – Conference Missions and Conference Social Justice – are 5 able to focus on their specific ministry initiatives and action items as well as partner the 6 committees’ work when opportunities arise. 7 8 The Conference Social Justice Committee has spent their inaugural year intentionally discerning 9 the vision and the work to which this body has been called. We hear God’s call to motivate 10 members of the Florida Annual Conference in their response and ability to respond to social justice 11 concerns in our immediate communities, in our conference, in our nation, and in our world. We 12 seek to motivate these responses by lamenting social injustices that cripple God’s people, by 13 listening to the stories of those who have been harmed, by learning from those who have walked 14 paths of hardship and restoration, and by leading our conference in educated, intentional, and 15 prayerful responses to help transform social injustices into justice of all God’s people. 16 The Conference Social Justice Committee desires to attend to our work with a committee 17 membership that is representative of the beloved community of our conference and we are 18 working alongside the Conference Committee on Nominations to make this desire our reality. 19 20 The Conference Social Justice Committee launched Will They Know: A Social Justice Blog of 21 Florida United Methodists during 2014. The purpose of the blog is to provide space for reflection 22 and dialogue on social justice passions and concerns of the clergy and laity in our Annual 23 Conference. Members of the committee, clergy, laity, and conference staff, including Bishop Ken 24 Carter, contributed devotional posts. We felt this blog could be the first of many offerings from the 25 Committee to the Annual Conference to help raise awareness, stir conversation, and lead our 26 Annual Conference in Christ-like responses to matters of justice. 27 28 The Conference Social Justice Committee is committed to taking the necessary time to fully 29 discern and fully develop our vision and the scope of our work. I am immeasurably grateful for the 30 guidance and presence of Rev. Clarke Campbell-Evans and Rev. Dr. Harold Lewis on our 31 committee. I am thankful for the faith-filled members of this committee, for their boldness in 32 responding to God’s call towards justice in their lives, and for their partnership in our work 33 together. I look with great joy towards where God is leading out committee and trust that as we 34 live this life and lead our Annual Conference that we will embody the hope imbued in John 35 Wesley’s Catholic Spirit, “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of 36 one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may.” 37 38 Respectfully Submitted, 39 Rev. Sarah B. Miller; Chair, Conference Committee on Social Justice 40

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SUMMER MISSION INTERN PROGRAM 1

2 Forty young adults served in community outreach ministries across Florida last summer as part 3 of the Conference’s Summer Mission Intern Program. The outreach ministries included CROS 4 Ministries in Palm Beach County, Grace Place for Children and Families in Naples, Branches 5 United Methodist Mission in Florida City, Riverside Retreat in LaBelle, and Centenary Camp in 6 Quincy. Many of the interns served in cross-cultural settings. They engaged issues of poverty 7 through relationship-building, dialogue and critical thinking, prayer, and reflection. The words of 8 one intern summarize the overall purpose of this valuable program: “This internship has really 9 opened my eyes not only to the needs of the people of this world but also how much God works 10 and shows through those needs.” 11 12 The program also provided opportunities for interns to experience spiritual growth and evaluate 13 personal growth. They gathered daily for prayer and devotion and weekly for worship and 14 reflection.The site supervisors and the program director checked in with each intern on a weekly 15 basis, providing ongoing support for the interns to share and process through their experiences, 16 to encourage them in their goals, and to assist them in problem-solving and transforming conflict. 17 18 The Summer Mission Intern Program continues to grow and develop each year. As we look to the 19 future, our continued goals are to create a culture of mission interns, to develop leadership 20 opportunities among them, and to guide young adults toward a lifetime of missional engagement. 21 22 Shelly Denmark, Program Director 23 24 25

COMMITTEE ON NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES (CONAM) 26

27 The Committee on Native American Ministries was formed in September 2005. 28 29 Our Mission Statement reads: 30 31

To communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Native American people in a culturally 32 relevant way and disciple them in a culturally affirming way 33

To encourage Christ-centered worship in a culturally redemptive way 34

To facilitate the presence of Native Americans in the wider church, in a culturally 35 appropriate way 36

37 Our Current Goals include: 38 39

Continuing to make available a place for native people to receive teaching and fellowship 40 that is culturally relevant to them, through our Annual Gatherings 41

42 We just hosted our Tenth Annual Native American Ministry Gathering at the Life Enrichment 43 Center, Leesburg, April 17-19, with over 70 in attendance, many being repeat attendees from 44 previous years. Our guest speaker was Casey Church. Casey is a member of the Potowatomi 45 Tribe of Michigan. He is a contextual minister, traditional coil pottery artist, and the director of 46 Wiconi, Intern'l. Also, with us was Pedro Zepeda. Pedro is a member of the Seminole Tribe of 47 Florida. He is a traditional artist, cultural presenter and living historian. The Theme for the 48 Gathering was "The Journey of Hole in the Clouds." 49

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Encouraging each charge to appoint a Native American ministry representative from within 1 their congregation; this is a “shall have” in the Book of Discipline, (para. 654). 2

Promoting the observance of Native American Ministries Sunday throughout the 3 Conference; this is one of the “special Sunday offerings” in the Book of Discipline (para. 4 263) Monies received from Native American Ministry Sunday offerings are the CONAM's 5 only source of financial support. 6

Supporting the development of American Indian Christian Circles 7 8

These are groups of native people meeting in UM churches, who volunteer to open their doors. 9 At this time, we have two of these congregations, one meeting at the Thonotosassa UMC and 10 one meeting at the Mascotte UMC and we are in the process of establishing another in the 11 Tallahassee area. These circles are places where Native Americans can participate in Christ-12 centered worship, in the native way, and hear bibically based teaching that is culturally relevant. 13 14

Making ourselves available to UM churches throughout the Conference to assist in their 15 ministry with native persons and to raise awareness regarding Native issues, culture, and 16 traditions. 17

Networking with native pastors and other Native American ministries, around the 18 conference and throughout North America, to bring support and help in whatever way we 19 can. 20

Participating in and supporting the work of the South East Jurisdictional Association on 21 Native American Ministries (SEJANAM), Lake Junaluska, NC. by attending conferences 22 and lending a hand in the ministry. Members of CONAM have led worship, taught 23 workshops, and helped with various needs during these annual conferences. 24

Attending Native American events around the conference, where we reach out through 25 developing relationships, friendship evangelism, etc. Two events that we attend each year 26 are the Bushnell Powwow, in September and the Silverhawk Flute Gathering, in 27 October. 28

29 We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the UM Churches who give to this ministry 30 with their Special Sunday Offerings, each year. We could not continue to minister to the Native 31 American people within our conference without your help. 32 33 For more information on the work of this committee or if you would like someone from the Florida 34 CONAM to share in your church service or event, please contact Vickie Swartz, Chair, at 941-35 544-6951. 36

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UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION 1

2 UMVIM Florida began 2014 with more and more churches connecting with us for their insurance 3 needs. Our UMVIM Florida vision is to transform the world through short-term Christian mission 4 experiences and our mission is to equip, empower and encourage the local church to experience 5 missions. More and more we are becoming a resource that our churches are connecting with, as 6 we build stronger relationships. In 2014, the Florida Conference sent 152 UMVIM Teams, up from 7 112 to 26 countries with a total of 1555 missionaries. In addition, 14 teams registered and went 8 on Domestic trips with a total of 236 missionaries. We had 73 volunteers from 15 churches 9 received in depth training on how to lead a team on mission. 10 11 The UMVIM Leadership Team continues to serve God by serving others through the service of 12 each UMVIM Team. 13 14 Greg A. Harford, Florida Conference UMVIM Coordinator 15 16 17

COMMISSION ON RELIGION AND RACE 18

19 18 Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth. 19 This is how we 20 will know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts in God’s presence. (CEB) 21 22 The Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) over the past seven years has 23 worked diligently to advocate for racial diversity in the Florida Annual Conference. I give thanks 24 for the members of the CORR who have served faithfully as we struggled with issues of exclusivity 25 and perhaps worse, indifference. 26 27 CCORR renewed our commitment to inclusivity and justice at a meeting in September of 2008. 28 The important work re-educating ourselves on methods, processes, and available resources 29 began in earnest. The ripples of CORR efforts, as we prepared to provide advocacy and 30 leadership in the Florida Conference are: 31 The ongoing review of the 2003 GCORR Annual Review to address key areas of concern. 32 In 2014 CCORR reviewed and revised our Mission and Organization statement to reflect the 33 model recommended by the General Commission of Religion and Race and approved by 2012 34 General Conference. 35 36 The revision includes specific guidance concerning the reporting of discrimination concerns and 37 dissemination of the CCORR RACIAL/ETHNIC GRIEVANCE REPORT FORM. 38 39 Complaints of racial discrimination made by clergy and laity continue to be a reality. CCORR is 40 dedicated to monitoring complaints and will address through consultation with the Bishop and 41 other appropriate leadership to investigate and assist in resolution. 42 Our purpose and mission is to work with the Conference boards, agencies, districts and local 43 congregations to promote and develop cultural/racial inclusiveness throughout the whole of the 44 church. 45 46 Our work is accomplished through education and training, monitoring and consulting with the 47 Conference boards, agencies, districts and local congregations to provide awareness and 48

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opportunities for inclusion and to assist with reviewing practices and policies that may create 1 barriers to the promotion of diversity and inclusiveness. 2 3 The Conference Committee on Religion and Race recognize that The Bishop and the Cabinet 4 hold the key in providing this annual conference with guidelines for cross-racial and cross-cultural 5 appointments. As well as continued leadership, along with District Superintendents, in ensuring 6 diversity in selection of the various members of conference and district committees, boards and 7 agencies. 8 9 The work of CCORR this year continues to focus on working closely with Conference, District and 10 Local Church leadership to promote inclusivity. CCORR will work closely with the Director of 11 Justice & Multicultural Ministries, as well as collaborating with The Committee on the Status and 12 Role of Women (COSROW) to monitor organizational policies, practices and systems with the 13 goal of truly reflecting the Beloved Community intend by our Creator, an inclusive community. 14 15 Thank you on behalf of the members of the Florida Conference Commission on Religion and 16 Race. 17 18 Submitted by: Pastor Will Clark, Chairperson. 19 20 21

JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS 22

23 South Florida Justice for Our Neighbors began its services as a ministry of the South East District 24 on July 1, 2014. With our office located at Redland Community United Methodist Church in 25 Homestead, S FL JFON provides free immigration legal services and holds monthly clinics staffed 26 by SFL JFON attorney, volunteer attorneys, and other volunteers. South Florida Justice for Our 27 Neighbors is a part of a network of United Methodist immigration legal services ministries. We 28 were honored to host The National Justice For Our Neighbors Board of Directors at clinic held on 29 February 16. With members of the National Board volunteering alongside our local attorney and 30 volunteers, we served 13 clients that evening, six of whom being newly registered clients. At this 31 clinic, we received two unaccompanied alien minors from Guatemala as clients. The National 32 Board o Justice for Our Neighbors awarded S FL JFON a grant o 10,000 to support our work with 33 unaccompanied minors. FL Bar attorney Roland Robinson is able to represent these clients in 34 family court, an often important step in helping them obtain legal status in the United States. In 35 January we were able to hire Peter Nelson, a young adult who will enter law school in the fall, to 36 assist SFL JFON in serving our clients and reaching out to the community. 37 38 We currently have 37 registered clients for the year 2015, and meet with 3-4 clients per week 39 through individual consultations at Redlands Community UMC. Of the opened cases, 2 are 40 seeking adjustment of status from Us, Several are filing relative petitions, and several are in 41 Removal hearings before the Immigration judge. Others are seeking Naturalization or Permanent 42 Residence based on the Cuban adjustment Act. 43 44 SFL Justice for Our Neighbors is thankful for the financial support of individuals, The Florida 45 Conference, and the SE and AC Districts. 46

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YOUNG ADULT MISSIONAL MOVEMENT 1

2 Building upon the legacy of camps, conferences, children’s education, youth ministries and 3 campus ministries, the Young Adult Missional Movement (YAMM) has set out to extend our 4 discipleship and leadership development throughout the years of young adulthood. 5 6 We seek to identify, recognize, gather & encourage all expressions of young adults in missional 7 service in the Florida Conference. We look to provide support in the way of coaching, encouraging 8 and connecting young adults together, to exchange best practices, prevent mistakes, support 9 spiritual development and facilitate reflection, action and growth. 10 11 Young adults 18-30 years old are given the opportunity to share the love of God while mutually 12 giving and receiving cross-culturally with neighbors within micro-missional communities. This is 13 experienced through meaningful work, intentional and cooperative Christian living and community 14 engagement. 15 16 The work began with an exploratory team of interested and knowledgeable members. Once need 17 and desire had been established, the work moved to a design & launch team. The team gathered 18 monthly from the winter of 2014 and saw the program through the fall launch and stabilization 19 currently. The goals set for the first year were exceeded. Now the work will move to a steering 20 committee. With a designated chair, cross-conference support and multiple layers of skills, gifts 21 and interests, the steering committee will oversee systemization and solidification of policies, 22 procedures and best practices. 23 24 In the first year, thirteen young adults began service in the fall of 2014. These thirteen lived in 25 three houses of three, six and four persons. Jacksonville, Orlando and Pinellas Park became our 26 first three hosting communities. For various reasons, three young adults have had to leave the 27 program. In January 2015, three more began service, joining the Jacksonville team. Currently, 28 there are thirteen individuals serving in the micro-missional communities. 29 30 In other locations across the state, young adults are choosing a life of service and intentional 31 living. Within Miami Dade alone there are six houses of young adults committed to common 32 worship and service. In Immokalee and North Tampa there are beginnings of small experiments. 33 In Melbourne, there is an all-male house. These did not and do not require conference oversight, 34 however, may all expressions of young adults choosing a life of meaning service be blessed and 35 cared for. 36 37 Prayer and planning hope to see the expansion of the program to five sites and twenty-eight 38 participants for the fall of 2015. The fiscal goal of the program is to be self-sufficient and free of 39 apportionment fund support by the end of the second program year. 40 41 It is our prayer that mission service becomes the normal and natural step beyond education for 42 all young adults. Through cross-cultural community engagement we will develop an abundance 43 of leaders both in our clergy and lay ministries. We will build vibrant communities, increase the 44 space of young adult leadership, serve alongside communities across our conference and we will 45 constantly, consistently, and creatively keep the fellowship of Christ relevant. 46 47 On behalf of the Steering Committee, Chairperson, Rachel Sumner 48

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OUTREACH MINISTRIES 1

2 The Bible is full of action words – go, proclaim, feed, welcome, heal, serve. The Outreach 3 Ministries of the Florida Annual Conference help churches put their faith into action by serving the 4 hungry, the homeless, children and families, immigrants and others in need. The ministries 5 include: 6 7

Branches - formerly South Florida Urban Ministries (South East District) serves, educates and 8

inspires people through student, family and financial stability services in partnership with churches 9 and communities. We fulfill our mission by engaging children, youth and adults with life-changing 10 opportunities for them to become better educated, to become more financially stable and secure, 11 to make long-term, positive life choices and to know God. 12 13 Church and Community Connection (East Central District) supports the efforts of local 14 congregations as they develop outreach ministries to meet critical needs within their communities, 15 especially those efforts addressing hunger and children in poverty. CCC also works to create new 16 partnerships by connecting churches to their neighborhoods, community organizations, and other 17 congregations. 18 19

Christians Reaching Out To Society (Atlantic Central District) serves those who are hungry 20

through community collaborations. CROS partners with congregations to share God's love 21

through food pantries, hot meals, after school snacks, home delivered meals, summer camps, a 22 weekend food backpack program and gleaning fresh produce from fields. CROS also serves as 23 an advocate and catalyst working on justice ministries. 24 25 Community Outreach Ministry (North East District) is committed to training and equipping a 26 mighty force of followers of Jesus who are transforming our neighborhoods through prayer-27 walking our streets, partnering with our schools through mentoring and other important services, 28 providing emergency services of mercy to those in desperate need, advocating for the justice of 29 all who are oppressed, and witnessing about Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to the un-30 churched, de-churched and over-churched people in our midst. 31 32 Cornerstone Family Ministries (South Central District) works to make a lasting and positive 33 impact on disadvantaged children and their families by nurturing bodies, developing minds, and 34 fostering hope through Christ. This ministry works with 136 early childhood learning centers 35 throughout the South Central and Gulf Central districts with a particular focus on providing access 36 for low income children to nutritious food and connecting those centers that are not already 37 connected with a local church. In addition, this ministry is one of only two UMW National Missions 38 institutions in the state. In addition to this missions nutrition outreach, the Rosa Valdez Early 39 Childhood Learning Center and Lab School has served poor infants, toddlers and preschool aged 40 children in Tampa's inner-city since 1892. The ministry served over 28,000 children living at or 41 below the poverty level and facilitated the serving of over 4,000,000 nutritious meals in 2014. 42 43 Grace Place for Children and Families (South West District) puts faith into action – providing 44 pathways out of poverty by educating children and families. Grace Place provides programs in 45 early childhood development, after school and summer youth development programs, adult 46 English language classes, parenting and family literacy. 47

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Halifax Urban Ministry (East Central District) works to prevent homelessness by providing food, 1 financial help and other support services to those at risk of becoming homeless. We intervene on 2 behalf of homeless people to sustain, stabilize and shelter them, with the goal of helping them 3 achieve independence. 4 5 Justice For Our Neighbors (Central Florida) offers welcome to immigrants by providing legal 6 immigration services, education and advocacy in monthly clinics in three Central Florida locations. 7 8 United Methodist Cooperative Ministries of Madison County (North West District) works with 9 the rural communities of Madison County on elder programs, hunger ministries and sending 10 children to camp. The Thrift Store performs a vital community service by offering low-cost items 11 and giving items to meet a variety of needs. 12 13 UMCM Suncoast (Gulf Central District) works to alleviate the symptoms and address the causes 14 of poverty through service, education and advocacy. It provides four Centers for Early Learning, 15 adult English language and family literacy classes, citizenship classes, homelessness prevention, 16 rapid re-housing and feeding programs. 17 18 Please contact your closest Outreach Minister for assistance in connecting to ministries in your 19 community that can make a difference and share the love of Christ. 20 21 Pamela Qualls, Outreach Ministries Committee Chair 22

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OFFICE OF CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY 1

2 3

NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT 4

5 Collaboration and progression are the two most descriptive terms for the 2014-15 Conference 6 Year in New Church Development (NCD). Collaborative work with multiple ministries and 7 organizations coupled with a progression into our Strategic Plan resulted in progress toward our 8 Congregational Vitality vision of using our resources to create “a sustainable culture of vitality as 9 measured by a 20% increase in the number of healthy congregations within our Conference by 10 2019.” 11 12 The collaborative work included the following: 13 14 With the Appointive Cabinet: 15

Agreed to a coordinated conference wide closed property sales and management 16 process utilizing outside specialists in those fields. 17

Agreed to create a combined fund of District NCD assets to be budgeted and distributed 18 by the appointive Cabinet in consultation with the Director of NCD. 19

Agreed to reorganize the roles of the Conference Congregational Vitality and District 20 NCD committees to encourage more “dreaming and visioning” at the District level. 21

Agreed to standards for appointment of future new start pastors including completion 22 of the New Church Start Academy and aptitude assessments 23

24 With the Strategic Leadership Team: 25

Met in a retreat format to develop recommendations that align NCD resources with the 26 Conference Mission and Vision, including those listed above. 27

Began work to refine the NCD Strategic plan in light of these recommendations 28 29 With Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry: 30

In cooperation with The Trustees and the Appointive Cabinet, developed a plan for the 31 use of 10% of closed church sale proceeds to fund the critically needed construction at 32 FSU-Wesley. 33

Began planning for a combined new church-new campus ministry joint venture. 34 35 With the Florida United Methodist Foundation: 36

Since its beginning in July of 2013 a loan restructuring program has been implemented 37 in partnership with the Florida United Methodist Foundation. At the program’s 38 beginning NCD loans totaled $12,279, 771. It is projected that the NCD Loan Portfolio 39 will be reduced to less than $2.5 Million by year end 2015, positioning NCD for higher 40 returns on investment which will increase funding for future new ministries. 41

In cooperation with the Conference Investment Committee repositioned the assets of 42 NCD (held by the Foundation) for higher long term returns. 43

44 As we live our way into the NCD strategic plan, seven pre-chartered new starts met their 45 benchmarks and continue to receive funding: Engage Online, North Naples; Inglesio Metodista 46 Unida Nuevo Pacto; New Covenant Lake Deaton Campus; The Collective, First Deland; The Five 47 at University Carillon; The Portico, a Ministry of Hyde Park and Vessel at University Carillon. 48 Additionally, 20 Mission churches (defined as those serving in impoverished areas as 49

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distinguished from the Discipline’s definition of mission as any pre-chartered church start) 1 received support through NCD. Restarted under a new format will be The Foundry, a second site 2 of St. Petersburg First. Two ministry starts, Ametros in Miami and Restoration in Jacksonville, 3 were discontinued. Currently three new starts are planned for the coming year, with two others 4 deferred until appropriate leadership is developed. 5 6 The year also saw the implementation of two new programs: 7

Two pre-chartered churches, Good Samaritan Tallahassee and Celebration Gainesville 8 were selected for 2nd Tier/Boost Funding. This is a new program to provide support for 9 churches on the cusp of chartering who need specialized staff to energize growth. 10 Harvest Lakewood Ranch became the first recipient of funds for a program designed to 11 prepare pastors to develop second sites. 12

13 In 2014 NCD began operating under new funding arrangements. Under the new plan payments 14 to support New Ministries in 2014 were $886,598.00, an increase of $64,634.00, totally funded by 15 investment earnings rather than apportionment dollars. While implementing this plan over the 16 eighteen month period June 30, 2013 through December 31, 2014, net NCD Assets grew from 17 $16,039,501 to $16,394,672. 18 19 Finally, 2014 was the inception of the New Church Start Academy. Twenty pastors participated 20 in twelve days of instruction spread over 4 separate sessions. The topics covered were: The 21 Pastor’s Spiritual Health and Life; Creating a Discipleship Process; Lay Leadership Development; 22 Connecting to the Mission Field; Creating a Culture of Generosity; Entrepreneurship; Vision and 23 Leadership. The plan is for the group to continue to meet quarterly for continuing education. A 24 new group will begin their experience in September of 2015. 25 26 In summary it has been a year of advancement for New Church Development in partnership with 27 many other ministries of the Annual Conference. With God’s grace guiding us, we will continue 28 to advance The Kingdom of God together. 29 30 In the Peace of Christ, 31 32 Larry A. Taylor, Chair 33 Rev. Dan Jackson, Director, New Church Development 34

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CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY 1

2 Congregational Vitality (CV) has been fulfilling its purpose, “To lead the Conference’s efforts in 3 creating more vital congregations, both new and existing.” This has been through various 4 approaches. The first approach is rebuilding and repurposing the district CV teams. We provided 5 a foundation to those teams with the CV vision and purpose and taught the use of tools to assist 6 in assessment of church vitality. We advised each district CV team to form a deploy team 7 comprised of people with specific talents as a resource to work with a local church in a targeted 8 area. Each district superintendent has then structured their CV teams to meet the unique context 9 of their district. Keeping the CV teams trained, utilized, and equipped as an asset to the district 10 superintendent will be an ongoing pursuit. 11 12 Another approach toward the purpose is launching the Learning Communities with Teaching 13 Churches, Mentoring Churches, and Enhanced E-Learning. The plan is to roll out about five 14 teaching initiatives per year over the next three years. These will be churches with a known 15 giftedness who will host a weekend learning event followed with six months of connection via 16 monthly, 30-minute webinars. The purpose of the webinars is to highlight a topic from the event, 17 share successes and struggles, and to encourage. This will be a learning community working 18 together to implement what was learned at the live event with a higher probability of effectiveness. 19 20 Mentoring Churches will be matched (by the district office and/or the CV team) with another local 21 church having specific, short–term request for mentoring in a defined area, such as worship, 22 hospitality, thrift stores, etc. This is intended to be a three month match working more intensively 23 for a month and two months of follow up. Using our United Methodist connection, we want to be 24 purposeful in resourcing our local churches with the assistance of a nearby church. 25 26 The enhanced E-Learning is currently in process with several videos recorded of topics frequently 27 requested by district leadership training events. We will utilize videos and webinars throughout 28 various connections for specific church leadership roles in the local church. This allows a church 29 to provide training that is consistent and accessible anytime. Each year, depending on the budget 30 availability, we will add more quality learning on demand videos. 31 32 Report of vital congregations available online: www.flumc.org/vitalchurches 33 An updated, fresh explanation of the MVS’s: flumc.org/congregationalvitality 34 35 Larry Taylor Office of Congregational Vitality, Conference Committee Chairperson 36 Janet Earls Office of Congregational Vitality37

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SUMMARY OF STATISTICS BY YEAR

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2013-2014 Change

2013-2014 % Change

Total Membership at End of Year 321,849 317,716 310,711 302,497 294,935 288,830 277,726 269,299 262,359 252,524 -9,835 -3.7%

Members Received-Profession of Faith 7,751 7,693 6,897 6,683 6,514 6,055 5,733 5,636 5,504 5,461 -43 -0.8%

Members Received-Affirmation* 1,908 2,272 2,299 2,527 1,532 1,295 1,294 1,356 1,355 1,191 -164 -12.1%

Members Received-Transfer from Other UMC 5,522 5,687 3,812 3,933 3,413 3,059 2,819 2,885 3,078 2,945 -133 -4.3%

Members Received-Transfer from Other Denomination 3,388 3,161 1,699 2,609 2,244 1,857 1,840 1,939 1,827 1,662 -165 -9.0%

Members Removed-Charge Conference 8,148 7,154 9,267 9,768 6,707 7,557 11,642 9,197 8,351 9,151 800 9.6%

Members Removed-Withdrawn 3,694 4,999 4,230 3,858 2,904 2,652 2,640 2,661 2,330 2,710 380 16.3%

Members Removed-Transfer other UMC 4,354 3,604 3,812 2,848 2,867 2,247 2,060 2,016 2,449 2,567 118 4.8%

Members Removed-Transfer other Denomination 1,735 1,796 1,699 1,566 1,270 1,206 1,466 1,056 1,015 892 -123 -12.1%

Members Removed-Death 4,616 4,558 4,262 4,237 4,206 4,146 3,880 3,838 3,831 3,752 -79 -2.1%

Average Attendance-Weekly Worship 156,803 155,181 151,354 144,149 146,855 142,177 141,104 137,820 135,361 132,338 -3,023 -2.2%

Number Baptized 4,813 5,323 4,657 4,207 4,389 3,942 3,782 3,933 3,692 3,491 -201 -5.4%

Church School-Average Attendance 50,127 49,412 47,135 45,018 41,985 40,858 40,285 39,972 37,780 35,813 -1,967 -5.2%

UMM-Membership 10,158 9,733 9,605 8,955 8,251 8,022 7,698 7,190 7,155 6,164 -991 -13.9%

UMW-Membership 26,468 25,459 23,746 21,742 20,815 19,362 19,163 17,595 16,598 15,798 -800 -4.8%

*This figure included corrections to the previous year's data until 2009. In 2009 the corrections to the previous year's data was broken out as a separate question. That figure was 2,277. This helps explain the large decrease from 2008 to 2009.

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BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY 1

2

REPORT OF CONFERENCE LAY LEADER 3

4 Jesus taught us to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind; and to love our neighbor as 5 ourselves. In 2nd Peter 3:18 (NIV), we read “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord 6 and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever! Amen” From Matthew 28:19, 7 we read that Jesus said “go and make disciples.” Two years ago we encouraged you to make a 8 friend with a young adult. Likewise, if you were a young adult we asked you to find someone older 9 than you and offer friendship. Hundreds of you came forward with the name of the person God 10 had given you and placed that name written on a card in a basket beneath the cross. Since then, 11 Rachael, Derrick and I have been preaching and teaching this across the Conference, and older 12 and younger adults have been witnessing in their congregations and districts about their Christ 13 centered intergenerational relationships. That was a first step in the development of a deep and 14 trusting relationship between two or more of God’s creation who could invest in each other, learn 15 from each other, hold one another accountable, and share in a constellation of mentoring with 16 many ages, experience levels, and interests. God has called us, young and old, to be his 17 witnesses, love one another, develop and mentor emerging disciples. 18 19 I have seen the way the Holy Spirit moves in and among believers and nonbelievers in these 20 relationships through fellowship, prayer, study, accountability, and mission. I have seen churches 21 depending on the Holy Spirit for life and growth experience. There are opportunities for fresh 22 expressions of ministry and discipleship in other venues where young and old are found outside 23 of the walls of the church, but not outside the hearts and abilities of Christ’s disciples, you and 24 me. May we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in every way we serve, always remembering how 25 Jesus loves everyone and calls each of us to offer grace and biblical truth to each other and to 26 those who do not yet know Christ. 27 28 As we approach this election year for delegates of the 2016 General Conference I am reminded 29 of the way we are to develop leaders for tomorrow through the experiences of today. The 30 important work of The United Methodist Church requires that laity and clergy delegates of our 31 Conference be of representative ages, gender, ethnicity, and culture. They are to commit to be 32 prepared for the work, present at each of the pre and post conference meetings, ready to work 33 hard and be diligent over the next two years of their commitment. 34 35 As a priesthood of believers we are to reach out to the poor, the lost, and the sick, as we partner 36 with our pastors to lead the church, our community, our districts, our conference and the world. I 37 pray that we will always remember Jesus’ command and commission, and avoid the temptation 38 of the politics that sometimes, inappropriately, misguides our actions. 39 40 Russ Graves 41

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LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES 1

2 Your Florida Conference Lay Servants have been busy this year, involving themselves in a variety 3 of classes and ministries all over the State of Florida. We have had some changes in District 4 Leadership, but all nine directors have been busy with setting up and in some cases teaching 5 classes. And of course, many lay servants throughout the Conference have been involved in many 6 ministries and activities with their churches, their districts, and in some cases with Annual 7 Conference responsibilities as well. 8 9 Our Annual Training Event at the LEC last August helped us “To Equip the Saints,” and was a 10 rousing success. We started off with a great plenary address by Bishop Ken Carter, and had a 11 wonderful time, both together at meals and evening activities, as well as in our classes. Rev. 12 Geraldine McClellan taught us a little about preaching—actually, she taught us a lot, but what we 13 absorbed might be a different matter! Rev. Harold Lewis took us on a “Journey into Discipleship,” 14 to help us as churches grow our members into becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ. Rev. 15 Jeanine Clontz reminded us that we are not just about ourselves, but here to help demonstrate 16 and extend God’s grace into the world through “Outreach and Mission through Vital 17 Congregations.” Last, but not least, Dee Allen took us on a more intimate walk with Jesus, learning 18 to grow more intimate with him through her “Introduction to Prayer and Fasting.” 19 20 This year we plan on taking what we have learned and extending it forward to “Reach Next 21 Generations.” The Church of Jesus Christ extends backwards and forwards through time and all 22 around the world, so it is our responsibility here and now to “play it forward” by reaching and 23 helping to equip the next generations that are following us. Join us as we look through this lens 24 and learn how to disciple, plant lay missioners, understand the next generations coming up, and 25 look at some new initiatives being tried here in the Florida Conference and elsewhere. We promise 26 you a time of fun, fellowship, and learning that will touch your heart and soul. 27 28 Stay current on our plans and events by checking out our website at http://flumclsm.org. 29 30 Blessings to all of you, 31 32 Lynn Campbell, Conference Director 33 Rod Groom, Assoc. Conf. Director 34 35 36

FLORIDA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST MEN 37

38 For the Florida Conference UMM, 2014-15 was a year of transition and that was the main order 39 of business for the year. One of our main objectives is to keep ourselves looking to the future and 40 to be prepared to minister to men of a newer generation while not forsaking the men who have 41 been faithful partners and participants in the past. 42 43 The Board and Conference Committee met in the spring and elected officers for 2015-2016 44 biennium. There was general acceptance of a set of goals and objectives for 2014 and beyond. 45 The need to recruit new leadership for the Florida Conference UMM was one of the main goals 46 that was highlighted. In addition to the elections, we saw the addition of two new District 47 Presidents who have actively engaged with our organization. Other additions to the Conference 48 Committee were electing a representative of Bethune-Cookman University and a representative 49

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of the Life Enrichment Center to that body. Our goals have included working more closely with 1 Bethune-Cookman and the LEC. 2 3 In that same vein, Conference Lay Leader Russ Graves has inspired us to join the Bishop’s 4 initiative of “Imagine No Malaria,” with the goal of wiping out malaria worldwide. Florida 5 Conference UMM voted to support an event for this cause to be held at Bethune-Cookman 6 University in January, 2015. Several UMM representatives turned out for that effort. We are 7 looking forward to other opportunities to support that mission. 8 9 Both of the Fall Men’s Retreats were successful events that have been modeled after our past 10 retreats featuring speaking, outstanding music and breakout sessions. We saw several men 11 commit their lives to Christ, others rededicating their lives to Christ and many using the altar time 12 to address praises, joys, concerns, and problems. 13 14 A new option was added to the retreats that met with guarded success. On Saturday afternoon of 15 each Retreat, our men were offered the opportunity to engage in missional opportunities to be of 16 service in the community around our Life Enrichment Center and at the Center itself. Currently, 17 we are looking at adding other missional opportunities. 18 19 We also decided to return to having a Spring retreat in 2015, but with a twist. In the past, our 20 Spring retreats have been held for couples only. This new retreat was billed as a Coed Spiritual 21 Formation Retreat, titled “Spring Time by the Lake,” open to singles as well as couples. We 22 thought it was well accepted and we are planning on continuing this theme. Several other new 23 formats for our retreats are under discussion. We have not given up hope of having Bishop and 24 Mrs. Carter featured at a Spring retreat. 25 26 We had an engaging Strategic Thinking Retreat in January, moderated by former Conference Lay 27 Leader Bill Walker, to help set our course for 2015. The Conference Committee also met during 28 the Retreat this Spring to conduct its regular business. 29 30 Another opportunity we hope to promote is the availability of Jim Boesch, our 1st Vice President, 31 to consult and provide servant leadership and discipling training opportunities to both clergy and 32 laity of our local churches and district organizations through our Men's Ministry network. Jim is 33 deployed staff of the GCUMM and is a Men’s Ministry Specialist with a well-respected reputation 34 in that area. 35 36 All things considered, 2014 was a critical year for the Florida Conference UMM. We are very 37 excited to see what God has planned for us in the balance of 2015 and beyond. 38

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FLORIDA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN 1

2 United Methodist Women is a lay women’s organization whose PURPOSE is to know God and to 3 experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative supportive 4 fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the 5 church. 6 7 The Florida Conference United Methodist Women mourned the passing of their seated President, 8 Aggie M. Reed who was called to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 26, 2015. We thank 9 God for the leadership Aggie has provided to the organization and to the rest of the church. Her 10 life and ministries were celebrated at Allen Chapel AME Church in Daytona Beach Friday, March 11 6, 2015. The Leadership Team is very grateful to Bishop Ken Carter, The Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin, 12 The Rev. Dr. Walter Monroe, our Lay Leader, Russ Graves and a number of other clergy and laity 13 from all over the conference for their support during that time of celebration. 14 15 We communicate through the “Genesis” the official Florida Conference United Methodist Women 16 publication, our website: https://sites.google.com/site/flcumw. Response is the official national 17 magazine. Additional information may be found on the national office website: 18 www.unitedmethodistwomen.org. 19 20 Mission u (formerly School of Christian Mission) was held July 10-13, 2014 at Florida Southern 21 College in Lakeland. The theme was “Learn, Pray, Act, Transform - God Makes All Things New” 22 and, the studies were: The Roma of Europe, The Church and People with Disabilities and How Is 23 It with Your Soul? Women, children and youth from around the Conference were in attendance. 24 All newly ordained clergy received an invitation to participate in Mission u with a full scholarship. 25 26 The 2014 theme for the Spiritual Enrichment Retreat and Conference Annual Meeting was “Joyful 27 Heart, Joy-filled Life” based on Proverbs 4: 23 “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow 28 the springs of life” (NRSV). Rev. Denise Sawyer led the Spiritual Enrichment Retreat held at the 29 Life Enrichment Center September 12-14. Yuland Daley was the leader of the mini-Retreat for 30 teens and college/university women. 31 32 The 41st Conference Annual Meeting was held at First United Methodist Church, Lakeland 33 November 15, 2014 where we gathered to celebrate our mission work. The keynote speakers 34 were Rev. Steve Springer and Dianne Springer. Rev. Springer formerly served as a Missionary 35 Pastor in the Red Bird Missionary Conference and his wife, Dianne also served as a Missionary 36 in that same Conference. Rev. Dr. Sharon G. Austin installed the newly elected Conference 37 Language Coordinators. Districts, Units and individuals were recognized for their 38 accomplishments in the Reading Program, Mission Studies, as Mission Today Units, Five Star 39 Units and Rainbow Givers. The budget for 2015 was approved. Thanks to all faithful United 40 Methodist Women we exceeded our pledge to mission of $429,000. 41 42 Selected Conference Elected Officers and District Presidents attended Leadership Development 43 Days in St. Louis, MO and Tempe, AZ in November sponsored by our National Office. 44 45 An inspirational celebration of the fourth Haitian Convocation was held February 21, 2015 at St. 46 John’s Haitian United Methodist Church in Boynton Beach, FL. 47

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Children’s Advocacy Days, April 13-15, 2015 in Tallahassee, provided an opportunity to meet with 1 legislators, receive information, and advocate for the needs of children. United Methodist Women 2 have been active participants at this event for many years. The Social Action Liaison has been 3 active not only advocating for children, but also on issues of justice for our neighbors, immigration 4 reform, domestic violence, mental health, and human trafficking. 5 6 You are invited to the 2015 Mission u at Bethune-Cookman University, July 9-12, 2015. The 7 studies are: Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life in God, Latin America: People & 8 Faith, and The Church & People with Disabilities. Continuing education credits are offered. 9 10 We affirm our PURPOSE, living by Faith, Hope, Love In Action. 11 12 Kay Roach, Vice President, Florida Conference United Methodist Women 13 14 15

MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED 16

17 18

OFFICE OF CLERGY EXCELLENCE 19

20 “For everything there is a season,” writes the author of Ecclesiastes. We heartily celebrate the 21 season of Winnie Dean (Administrative Assistant) and Wanda Byrd (Office Assistant) who 22 faithfully, brilliantly, and generously served the Office of Clergy Excellence with their presence, 23 gifts, and skills for twenty-two and seven years, respectively. We are deeply grateful for their work 24 with us, especially over the course of our critically formational first year as Director and Assistant 25 Director. We bless Winnie as she continues with her position as Administrative Assistant in the 26 Episcopal Office and we bless Wanda as she enjoys the fullness of life in retirement. 27 28 We also joyfully welcome the season of our new Administrative Assistant, Holly Finley, who joined 29 the Office of Clergy Excellence in September 2014. Holly is a bright, proactive, organized, highly 30 conscientious, infinitely helpful, warmly courteous, and caring person whose invaluable work 31 already greatly supports and enhances all areas of the Office of Clergy Excellence. 32 33 The Office of Clergy Excellence supports and offers resources to the nine District Committees on 34 Ministry and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for candidacy certification, licensing, and 35 ordination pathways for those persons called to ordained and licensed ministry in the local church, 36 community, and throughout the world. We also provide Life-long Learning opportunities for our 37 clergy. Our ongoing continuing education programs include: Marcy Preaching Fellowship, Institute 38 of Preaching, Courage to Lead, Reynolds Program for Church Leadership, and the Simpkins 39 Wesley Study Retreat. The Office of Clergy Excellence additionally assists clergy with funds for 40 other programs of continuing education, which are renewed upon each quadrennium. We support 41 Shade and Fresh Water in the mission to provide “a transformative sanctuary for individuals and 42 their families who are professionally associated with the Florida Conference of the UMC for the 43 restoration of body, mind, and spirit toward more abundant living” through the offerings of spiritual 44 direction, personal and covenant group retreats, and programs to manage change in new and 45 difficult appointments and to facilitate divorce recovery. The Office of Clergy Excellence further 46 implements important training events for newly appointed clergy and for clergy who are 47 experiencing a transition of appointment. 48

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Highlights of the year include: 1 2

Transitioning from OCAS (Online Candidacy Application System) to UMCARES (United 3 Methodist Candidacy and Record Entry System); 4 5

Introducing iThenticate as a new portion of the application processes, which we have 6 included this year for those who are applying to come before the Board. This anti-7 plagiarism software allows candidates to upload their work to ensure that they have 8 properly cited their sources; 9

10

Partnering with the Florida Entrance Assessment Team (FEAT) in the process for clergy 11 seeking to serve the Florida Conference from other Annual Conferences, Methodist 12 traditions, and different denominations; 13

14

Collaborating with Ministerial Assessment Specialists, Dr. Royce Jalazo (Fort Lauderdale) 15 and Dr. Rick Armstrong with Lutheran Counseling Services (Winter Park) toward more in-16 depth psychological reports; working on long-term plan to administer psychological testing 17 using a tiered approach at critical junctures throughout vocational development: 18 certification, licensing, provisional membership, and full connection; 19

20

Completing of District Committee on Ministry Training for all nine Districts to standardize 21 policies and guidelines. These trainings have provided updated Handbooks to include the 22 Florida Conference Process Chart, Committee Organization, Interview Information, Review 23 Team Expectations, and Additional Resources; 24

25

Establishing two Seminary Student Assistants each at Candler School of Theology and 26 Duke Divinity School to fortify connection within the Florida Conference; these persons 27 organize get-together events for Florida Conference Seminarians and help convey 28 significant happenings on campus and with students to the Director and Assistant Director; 29 30

Working with Indie Atlantic Films on a new vocational video to help awaken and inform 31 persons who may experience a call to Licensed/Ordained Ministry; 32

33

Expanding the role of Shade & Fresh Water in Candidacy and ongoing support of 34 Appointed Clergy with emphasis on the importance of spiritual direction and formation for 35 ministry. Shade and Fresh Water will now be offering every Ordained Elder and Deacon 36 an opportunity to experience Spiritual Direction and Formation with a Certified Spiritual 37 Director. The valuable “Change Retreat” will again be offered to clergy moving in and out 38 of difficult appointments; 39 40

Offering Financial Wellness component to Candidacy Retreat in partnership with The 41 United Methodist Foundation to educate persons seeking certification about the cost of 42 Seminary/Course of Study, the policy for and considerations around accumulation of debt, 43 minimum salary, and basic information about clergy taxes; 44

45

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Organizing Young Clergy Debt Task Force which has brought new energy to helping clergy 1 eliminate Educational Debt. Annual Conference will unveil a new Grant Program called 2 “Passing the Torch” to assist clergy in eliminating their seminary debt; 3

4

Partnering with The Florida United Methodist Foundation to provide the first Young Clergy 5 Stewardship Academy (March 2-5) to teach clergy financial principles for leading 6 congregations and managing personal finances. We received a $50,000 Grant from the 7 General Board’s Young Clergy Initiative: 37 total participants attended this event; 8

9

Contributing supportive leadership for monthly chapel services at the Conference Office; 10 11

Visiting and encouraging seminary students at Duke Divinity School(Durham NC), Candler 12 School of Theology, Emory University (Atlanta, GA), Asbury Theological Seminary 13 (Wilmore KY and Orlando FL), Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, D.C.), Perkins 14 School of Theology (Southern Methodist University, Dallas; 15

16

Tracking and Supporting 42 Seminary Students enrolled in 9 Seminaries across the 17 country; 18

19

Supporting 52 Course of Study Students in our Regional Florida Schools and our Summer 20 Course of Study Schools at Candler School of Theology and Duke Divinity School; 21

22

Guiding 94 Candidates for Ministry toward Certification in our Pathways to Ministry retreats 23 and mentoring groups; 24

25

Supporting our 3-year cycle of Residents in Ministry Retreats (R.I.M) with Provisional 26 Deacons and Provisional Elders participating and now including Full Time Local Pastors 27 on the track to Provisional Elder (for a total of 45 participants); the second year RIM Retreat 28 includes attending the Leadership Conference at The Church of the Resurrection in Kansas 29 City, KS; 30

31

Enabling twenty Young Adults/College Students to participate in Exploration in Denver, 32 Colorado in November 2013 to assist with discerning calls to Ordained Ministry; Exploration 33 in November 6-8, 2015 will be held at the Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando; 34

35

Sponsoring six summer pastoral ministry interns serving in our local churches last year; 36 beginning a pilot program for a year-long pastoral ministry internship with the goal of 37 sponsoring one to three interns per year. 38

39 Goals for the coming year include: 40 41

Implement a comprehensive Registrar Training and establish a more supportive 42 connection with all DCOM Registrars; 43 44

Facilitate ongoing training for UMCARES; 45 46

Select two Seminary Student Assistants for Asbury Wilmore and Orlando. 47 48

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Plan and provide for a Holy Land Trip with Bishop Carter for recently ordained Deacons 1 and Elders in 2015. 2

3 Establish comprehensive mentoring program for local pastors. 4

5 Seek Grants for Board of Ordained Ministry Programming and Simpkins Wesley Study 6

Retreat. 7 8 We are grateful for the clergy and lay leadership serving on our Boards and Ministries. We offer 9 special appreciation to The Board of Ordained Ministry: Chair, Terri Hill; Vice Chair, Tim Carson, 10 Secretary, Sara McKinley; Institute of Preaching: Jim Harnish, Faculty and Matthew Hartsfield, 11 Chair; Marcy Preaching Fellowship, Charlie Reeb, Conference Liaison; Courage to Lead: David 12 Dodge and Janice Virtue, Faculty; Reynolds Leadership Program: Russ Moxley and Janice Virtue, 13 Faculty; Simpkins Wesley Study Retreat: Phil Roughton, Chair and Bishop Bob Fannin, Liaison. 14 15 We are honored to serve these amazing teams of servants. 16 17 With Joy on the Journey, 18 Wayne Wiatt, Director; Rwth Fuquay, Associate Director; Holly Finley, Administrative Assistant 19

20

21

BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY 22

23 Most of the work of the Board of Ordained Ministry involves the applications for licensing, 24 commissioning, and ordination in the Florida Annual Conference. Applicants access the needed 25 documents through the Office of Clergy Excellence and then spend months writing and preparing 26 all that is necessary for their applications to be in order. 27 28 Once the applications are submitted, the review teams of the Board of Ordained Ministry review 29 each part of the written work and the sermons or Bible studies presented by video. Board 30 members serve on one of the four review teams: theology, proclamation, leadership or personal 31 growth. In November the Board convenes and each application is given a prayerful and thorough 32 review. 33 34 The Board convenes again in January to interview those applicants whose written work has been 35 approved. Board members give a week of their time to focus on this significant work for the church. 36 Lay members of the Board and clergy work together in a collaborative, respectful, open process 37 of discernment. 38 39 At Annual Conference we all get to celebrate the culmination of this process at the service of 40 licensing, commissioning and ordination. It is a mountaintop moment of meaning as we worship 41 the God who calls women and men into service. 42 43 As Chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, I am enormously grateful to every person who serves 44 on the Board and gives such a huge amount of time and energy to this important task. For the 45 members of the Executive Committee and other leaders, there is an extra commitment. Each one 46 of them does a wonderful job caring for the people and the process entrusted to us. 47 48

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To Dr. Wayne Wiatt we owe special gratitude. He resources us incredibly well and has done such 1 outstanding work with all the candidates and the large amount of details needed to keep 2 everything going smoothly. Rwth Fuquay and Holly Finley do a wonderful job keeping track of all 3 that detail and tending to people who are always most important to us. 4 5 Terri Hill, Chairperson 6 7 8

BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY RECOMMENDATIONS 9

10 RECOMMENDED FOR ELDER IN FULL CONNECTION – ELDER 11 12 Bette Jo Foster – age 54, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, Gulf Central District 13 David Lee Charlton – age 45, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North East District 14 Brian Richard Johnson – age 33, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, East Central District 15 Ruben Velasco – age 48, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, South East District 16 Christopher Michael Jones – age 28, Single, Asbury Theological Seminary, North Central 17 District 18 Michael Stewart Briggs – age 49, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North West District 19 Susan Carol Gray – age 59, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North Central District 20 Elizabeth Anne Bostrom – age 37, Single, Emory Candler School of Theology, South East 21 District 22 Douglas Edward McClain – age 53, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, Atlantic Central 23 District 24 25 RECOMMENDED FOR DEACON IN FULL CONNECTION – DEACON 26 27 Jeremy James Herrington – age 44, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, Gulf Central District 28 Justin James LaRosa – age 43, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, South Central District 29 30 RECOMMENDED FOR PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP – ELDER 31 32 Anil Kumar Singh – age 49, Married, Drew Theological School, East Central District 33 Erik Paul Seise – age 34, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, South Central District 34 Alan Lawrence Jackson – age 57, Married, Interdenominational Theological Center, Gulf Central 35 District 36 Rebecca Lynn Rokitowski – age 34, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, Gulf Central District 37 Rodney Andrew Weseman – age 28, Married, Durham University, North East District 38 Andrea Coretta Campbell-Byer – age 41, Single, Asbury Theological Seminary, South East 39 District 40 Bridget Erin Thornton – age 25, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, South Central District 41 Robert Joseph Tucker – age 27, Single, Duke University, South Central District 42 William Earl Wold Jr. – age 25, Single, Duke University, East Central District 43 Joshua Michael Beaty – age 31, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, East Central District 44 Jonathan Foster Brewster – age 33, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North West District 45 Jetro Jeune – age 40, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, South West District 46

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RECOMMENDED FOR PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP – DEACON 1 2 Michele Walker Van Son – age 43, Single, Wesley Theological Seminary, East Central District 3 4 TO BE LICENSED AS LOCAL PASTORS (IF APPOINTED) 5 6 Erick Ashely 7 Joe Moxley 8 Roberto Chaple 9 David Branson 10 MaryAnn Piccioni 11 Karen MacDuff 12 Kevin Johnson 13 Matthew Findley 14 Matthew Kern 15 Yamiley Martinez 16 Patina Ripkey 17 18 19

MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUND 20

21 The Ministerial Education Fund apportionment supports a fundamental part of the connectional 22 ministry of The United Methodist Church. It enables all local churches throughout the conference 23 to assist persons who are candidates for ministry. With the contributions made by members of 24 the churches during 2013, your Board has been able to assist persons up to $4,000 per semester. 25 This help is often crucial for candidates, many of whom give up other careers to enter the ministry. 26 These are the guidelines which the Ministerial Education Fund committee uses in administering 27 these funds: 28 29 Ministerial Education Funds (MEF) will be made available to all certified candidates who are 30 attending seminary. Local Pastors in Course of Study Schools may receive scholarship 31 assistance from MEF, as can persons attending the Licensing School. MEF funds may also be 32 used to provide scholarship assistance to local pastors and deacons, licensed by the Board of 33 Ordained Ministry, who are enrolled in an ACPE-approved CPE program. 34 35 MEF continuing education grants will be made available to Diaconal Ministers to help finance their 36 two annual continuing education units on the same basis as such funds are made available to 37 ordained ministers. 38

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Distribution of MEF receipts is 90% for students and 10% for continuing education. 1

Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) 2012 2013 2014

Apportioned to local church 1,247,400 1,213,010 1,180,279

Received from local churches 978,305 962,352 972,613

75% of MEF monies received are sent to the General Church for Seminary students

Total sent to General Church 733,729 721,764 729,460

25% of MEF monies received remain in the Florida Conference for student aid and continuing education

Total Florida Conference Funds available

244,576 240,588 243,153

For Student aid (90% of retained funds) 220,118 216,529 218,838

For Continuing Ed (10% of retained funds) 24,458 24,059 24,315

Student Aid

Amount available from prior years 1,137,017 793,630 486,425

Received from other sources (non-Apportioned)

43,427 66,002 69,741

Current Year Allocation 220,118 216,529 218,838

Disbursed for students (606,932) (587,736) (400,863)

Available for future use 793,630 486,425 374,141

Continuing Education

Amount available from prior years 92,019 102,930 103,965

Received from other sources (non-Apportioned)

1,876 1,642 2,014

Current Year Allocation 24,458 24,059 24,315

Disbursed for continuing education (9,423) (30,666) (33,332)

Available for future use 108,930 103,965 96,962

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COMMISSION ON EQUITABLE COMPENSATION 1

2 The Commission on Equitable Compensation exists to assist churches who are in need of 3 financial support on a short term basis. It is our goal to see transformation come through the 4 implementation of new vision by making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the 5 world. The Commission’s purpose is to provide short-term grants that assist in this process of 6 making disciples. These grants are designed to help churches continue in full time ministry as 7 they revise their future, thus helping them to return to a self-supporting status. It is our prayer as 8 a commission, that we can be both a facilitator and an encourager in the ministry of churches in 9 need of short term financial assistance. 10 11 GUIDELINES FOR 2016 12 13 Equitable Compensation funds will be granted in accordance with the following guidelines. Only 14 the Equitable Compensation Commission at the request of a District Superintendent may grant 15 exceptions. 16 Who is qualified to receive minimum salary funds? 17 18

All full-time pastors who are not excluded in Section 2. 19 Ministers serving full time pastoral assignments with an average attendance of 100 in 20

worship. If a congregation falls below 100 in average worship attendance, the first year the 21 maximum support will be reduced by 10%. If the congregation continues to have less than 22 100 in worship for 3 years, consideration will be given to the church becoming part of a 23 circuit or part-time if the church wants to remain eligible for Equitable Compensation 24 Funding. The exceptions are student appointments and part-time pastors. 25

26 Who is not eligible for minimum salary support? 27 28

All pastors who are retired. 29 Part-time pastors are not eligible for minimum salary support except in those cases where 30

ministry within the discretion of the District Superintendent and Cabinet warrant special 31 support. The amount of support available will not exceed 50% of the amount available on 32 a full-time basis. 33

Full time appointments with less than 100 in average worship attendance. 34 Ministers on Leave of Absence. 35 Associate Pastors. 36 Any ordained conference member not under pastoral appointment. 37 Those who are appointed from other Annual Conferences under Disciplinary appointment 38

of ¶¶346.1 and 346.2. 39 40 The maximum allowable salary support is 20% of minimum salary. To be eligible, a pastor must 41 live in the bounds of his/her parish and give full-time service to that charge. Studies pursued in an 42 approved college or university is considered part of the work of the ministry if approved by the 43 District Superintendent. 44 45 Applications for Equitable Compensation funds are submitted twice a year and must be received 46 by the Conference office on or before November 1st and April 1st. 47

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The November 1st application must include: 1 2

The signature of the Chairperson of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. 3 A Vision and Mission statement as envisioned by the whole body of the church. 4 A Written Ministry Plan for implementing the Vision and Mission statement into the life of 5

the church. A summary of the measurable goals accomplished to date as reflected in 6 Evangelism, Worship, and Outreach. 7

A Treasurers report, including all assets, for the current year to date status of the financial 8 condition of the church. 9

A request for funds by the Charge Conference and the signature of the District 10 Superintendent. 11

A copy of the congregations Stewardship Commitment Plan. 12 Summary of the Measurable Goals accomplished to date as reflected in Evangelism, 13

Worship, and Outreach. 14 15 The April 1st application (if not submitted the previous November must include all of the above 16 requirements) may be completed by the District Superintendent without the accompanying forms 17 and submitted to the Conference office. The Equitable Comp committee will meet by conference 18 call review these extensions and new requests. 19

20

All congregations receiving Equitable Compensation Grants must renew their application 21 by the April 1st deadline. Please use the application form found at www.flumc.org and note 22 on the application “A Request for Renewal” for the current funding year. 23

24

Any new request must include a cover letter by the District Superintendent naming the 25 missional strategy involved in the request and the timeline during which this funding would 26 be needed. 27

28 Additional support, up to $2000, is available for “Missional Congregations.” “Chartered Churches” 29 with documented outreach to the poor, through service and evangelism may also apply for 30 “Missional” support, with the approval of the District Superintendent. The church must be receiving 31 an Equitable Compensation grant in order to be eligible for this additional support. 32 33 Before a church is granted salary support, the church must conduct, or agree to conduct, a 34 Stewardship Commitment plan. 35 36 Assistance may not be received from both Missional Funds and New Church Development Funds. 37 Assistance may not be received from both Minimum Salary Support Funds and New Church 38 Development Funds. 39 40 Churches whose salary support is at “The Minimum” may apply for assistance with utilities, health 41 insurance, or moving expenses. Churches/missions must submit a plan for ministry when making 42 an initial application for equitable compensation funds. This plan must demonstrate the need for 43 assistance and the manner in which the church/mission will be working to eliminate that need in 44 a timely way. 45 46 Churches/missions may receive the requested assistance for up to five years. In year six (6) the 47 original request will be reduced by 25%; in year seven (7) by 50%; in year eight (8) 75%. There 48 will be no assistance granted after the eighth year. 49

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Any funds granted to those churches approved, will first have to pay any outstanding balances 1 owed to the Florida Conference. Those items that must be paid in full include: 2 3

Health Insurance premiums 4 Property and Casualty premiums 5 Pension premiums 6 Workers Compensation premiums 7 “The Clergy Support” line item from apportionments. 8

9 The approved funds from the grant will be used to pay the balances of any outstanding debt and 10 the balance of the funds will come to the church. 11 12 Reimbursement Accounts: 13 14 Charges receiving Equitable Compensation Funds may establish a reimbursement account up to 15 $2000. 16 17 Salary reduction for pension purposes: 18 19 Clergy receiving Equitable Compensation funds may designate a portion of their compensation to 20 the “Before Tax” contribution for the pension program. 21 22 MINIMUM SALARY RECOMMENDATIONS 23

2016

Full Connection $41,300

Provisional Members $39,100

Associate Members $37,900

Local Pastor with M. Div. or 5 years of Course of Study $36,800

Local Pastor with less than 5 years of Course of Study $35,800

ADDITIONAL EQUITABLE COMPENSATION INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Missional Congregations: 24 Missional situations are those missions or organized churches in areas which demand an effective 25 ministry but are not financially capable of providing such ministries without Conference 26 assistance. There will be an annual review by the District Superintendent, to determine if each 27 Missional situation in the district meets the guidelines. 28 29 The Equitable Compensation Commission may provide amounts up to $2,000 for Missional 30 support, and an additional $2,000 may be granted for Haitian and Hispanic congregations in 31 exceptional circumstances. Request for salary support from Equitable Compensation 32 Commission for Missional situations shall be made by November 1st and April 1st and shall 33 accompany the Equitable Compensation Request form. 34 35 Eligibility for extended Missional support 36 37 A mission must meet the following criteria to receive extended support and will be annually 38 reviewed to determine continued compliance until they are able to establish independence. 39 Chartered congregations are not eligible. 40

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Provide evidence that the mission has a vision statement, rooted in the Great Commission, 1 which actually functions to shape the decisions about deployment of people and financial 2 resources in ministry. 3

Provide evidence that the pastor exerts effective leadership in casting and realizing the 4 vision. 5

Provide evidence of the mission’s effectiveness in making and growing disciples. 6 The mission makes a number of new disciples (first time professions of faith or 7

“restorations”) at least equal to 10% of its average worship attendance. 8 The mission has a system of nurturing discipleship for all persons, long time Christians and 9

newly professed ones. 10 The mission carries out a consistent program of teaching the stewardship dimension of 11

discipleship including sacrificial proportionate giving by all disciples. 12 The mission has a worship average attendance of at least 100, or grew in attendance in 13

the past 12 months at a rate that would project reaching 100 in no more than 5 years. 14 Provide evidence that the mission is taking responsibility for a greater and greater 15

percentage of its total expenditures. The goal is financial independence in some 16 reasonable time frame. 17

18 Transforming Congregations 19 20 Congregations which are in need of transformation, according to the Conference’s definition 21 adopted in 2003, may receive a grant of no more than $10,000 per year for up to five years, if 22 they cannot afford the salary of available pastors with the requisite transformational skills and 23 leadership ability. The Cabinet will follow these guidelines in making appointments according to 24 “fit” and will use funds from the Commission to supplement salaries if needed to achieve the “fit.” 25 26

The congregation has a vision statement that actually functions to shape decisions about 27 deployment of people and financial resources. 28

The vision is rooted in the Great Commission. 29 The projected pastor is committed to stay at the church for at least 6 years. 30 The congregation wants “transformation” for Missional rather than for survival reasons. 31

They understand the need they have for transformation and agree to cooperate in 32 transforming with the pastor appointed to lead. 33

The leaders of the congregation are committed to transforming. They have an 34 understanding of what transformation is, what it is going to cost in terms of sacrifice and 35 fundamental change in congregational life, and how long this will take. 36

The church is willing to re-evaluate its leadership structures and put leaders in place who 37 are willing to implement the changes transformation requires in the local church context. 38

The church will enter a transformation process approved by the District Superintendent, 39 the department of Congregational Vitality, and/or the District Committee. 40

41 A church in transformation, while experiencing fundamental and often painful change, is still a 42 part of the UM connection. Some churches undergoing transformation may have difficulty fulfilling 43 the following responsibilities: connectional giving, pension and health insurance contributions for 44 pastor, property insurance, workers compensation premiums. 45 46 *In order to receive help from the Commission on Equitable Compensation the church will 47 affirm these as responsibilities they intend to fulfill. If the church has been unable to fulfill 48 these responsibilities they will develop a covenant, signed by the “Leadership Team” and 49 carry out a plan to reach annual fulfillment within 5 years. The process of transformation may 50

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temporarily cause a reduction in the number of people participating in the life of the church 1 and a reduction in financial strength. In this situation temporary accommodation can be 2 arranged, without lessening the church’s long term commitment to fulfill their connectional 3 responsibilities. The Superintendent recommends the church for this program in partnership 4 with the Office of Congregational Transformation. 5 6 Utilities, Health Insurance, Moving Expenses: 7 8 The Equitable Compensation Commission recommends that each local church pay the Pastor’s 9 utilities and the group hospitalization premium. In hardship situations pastors may apply through 10 their District Superintendent to the Equitable Compensation Commission for $720 in utility 11 payments not covered by the local church. The Equitable Compensation Commission will pay up 12 to $5000 of the base Health Insurance plan. 13 The Equitable Compensation Commission joins with the Cabinet in recommending that each 14 receiving church pay actual moving expenses within the bounds of the Florida Conference. 15 Pastors at minimum salary level may apply through their District Superintendent to the Equitable 16 Compensation Commission for funds not to exceed $500 or 75% of the total cost if not paid by 17 the local church. 18 19 Parsonage Fund: 20 21 This fund is intended for the purchase and upgrading of parsonages and not for rental property or 22 pastors living in their own homes. Application can be made through the District Superintendent 23 for grants not exceeding $3,600. The funds, if granted, will be paid upon the submission of receipts 24 for the work completed to the parsonage, or the proof of a mortgage. 25 26 2016 Budget Request 27 28 The Council on Finance and Administration is requested to appropriate $370,000 for the Equitable 29 Compensation Commission for the fiscal year 2016. The Conference Treasurer shall remit funds 30 to the District Superintendents and or the church as certified by the Executive Director of the 31 Equitable Compensation Commission. 32

2016

Equitable Salaries $175,000

Transformational Grants $30,000

Missional $25,000

Haitian/Hispanic $24,000

Pensions $25,000

Utilities and Moving $8,000

Health Insurance $45,000

Parsonage Fund $35,000

Workers' Compensation $1,000

Administration $2,000

Grand Total $370,000 Note: Earlier this year, the Commission on Equitable Compensation made these revisions to our 33 guidelines. In March 2015, the Strategic Leadership Team recommended to us changes in the 34

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scope of what our commission does. We will be updating our guidelines in the Fall of 2015 and 1 will share those new guidelines with you at our next Annual Conference. 2 3 Respectfully submitted by: 4 Brian Carr, Chairperson 5 Clarke Campbell-Evans, Executive Director 6 7 8

SHADE AND FRESH WATER 9

10 Shade and Fresh Water (S&FW) believes that healthy clergy make for healthy churches. Since 11 Melba Whitaker’s vision well over a decade ago, when a group came together to form S&FW, we 12 have grown in many ways. Now we offer personal and covenant group retreats to clergy in need 13 of respite or Sabbath, divorce care, spiritual direction, as well as a difficult transitions retreat and 14 care. 15 16 During the past year we have fostered partnerships as a way of strengthening our connections 17 with the Conference. We are promoting clergy awareness of self-care by listening to the needs of 18 clergy, their families and conference staff. We are evolving into a more responsive and supportive 19 ministry to be present, proactive, and aware of the changing needs and challenges that face clergy 20 today. 21 22 This year we are broadening our scope. After listening to conference clergy it is apparent that 23 there is a desire for pastors to be connected with a spiritual director in their area. This year we 24 began the process of pairing clergy with spiritual directors in their area in the hopes that a long-25 term supportive relationship can be formed between clergy and their own spiritual director. To 26 facilitate this change we formed a working relationship within the Florida Annual Conference with 27 Clergy Excellence and the Board of Ordained Ministry. 28 29 Beginning this year, S&FW is gifting every new clergy licensed, commissioned or ordained at 30 Annual Conference with six sessions of spiritual direction with a spiritual director in his or her local 31 area. In addition to this we will be gifting them with a 3 day spiritual retreat at our newly created 32 Wesley Suite at the LEC in Fruitland Park. In Cooperation with the Camps and Retreat Ministries, 33 S&FW has been renovating a suite for the purpose of creating a sacred space for retreat and 34 spiritual direction during S&FW personal retreat. This is an exciting time, and we are looking 35 forward to the future of clergy wellness through intentional support. 36

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Our website, www.shadeandfreshwater.org, provides information about our various offerings 1 including personal retreats, covenant group retreats, spiritual direction, managing change retreat 2 and more. Registration is available online. 3 4 Officers: 5 Co-Chairs: Lucy Wray (GC) and James Holden (SW) 6 Secretary: Lew Arnold (GC); 7 Treasurer: Mark Whittaker (GC) 8 Spiritual Director: Trudy Rankin (SC) 9 Board Members: Martha Gay Duncan (SC); Dawn Fryman (EC); Dionne Hammond (AC) 10 Clergy Excellence Advisors to Board: Wayne Wiatt, Rwth Fuquay 11 Spiritual Directors: Jim Cook, Dr. Trudy Corry Rankin, Lynwood Walters, Lucy Wray 12 Rev. James Holden and Lucy Wray, Co-Chairs 13 14 15

INSTITUTE OF PREACHING 16

17 The Florida Institute of Preaching (IOP) was established through a generous endowment by Mr. 18 and Mrs. Frank Sherman. For over 20 years, the IOP has helped pastors in the Florida Annual 19 Conference develop their capacity to share the Gospel. Working together with Duke Divinity 20 School, the Institute brings together a small group of pastors each year to help them nurture and 21 develop their gift of preaching. 22 23 The Institute is designed to help already capable preachers who are open to personal 24 development through dialogue and reflection with their peers. For that reason, the Institute is open 25 to all full-time Elders and local pastors in the Florida Conference with at least five years’ 26 experience of preaching on a regular basis who do not anticipate a change in appointment in the 27 coming year. The IOP has also partnered with Western North Carolina Conference who fund a 28 small group of pastors who participate each year. In addition, the IOP has funds and supports 29 training opportunities for pastors in the Bahamas. Most recently the IOP has partnered with 30 the Real Ideas Conference to offer workshops on effective communication and biblical preaching. 31 32 Matthew Hartsfield 33 34 35

CONFERENCE BOARD OF PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS 36

37 The Conference Treasurer, Mickey Wilson, reviewed the year end 2014 Benefit Trust statement 38 and reported the ending balance as of December 31st is $51.2M. 39 40 Effective January 1, 2014, the General Board of Pension & Health Benefits required clergy to 41 contribute at least 1% of their total annual compensation into UMPIP to be eligible for the CRSP 42 employer match of 1%. Conference staff have worked to educate and inform clergy members of 43 the change to CRSP requiring matching contributions. 44

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At this time approximately 96% of actively working clergy have enrolled in UMPIP and are making 1 their required matching contributions. In addition, new clergy members joining the Conference for 2 their first appointment be automatically enrolled in the UMPIP plan for the 1% matching 3 contribution. Clergy members may decline to participate but will have to opt-out instead of making 4 an initial enrollment election to participate. The CBOPHB hopes this automatic enrollment will 5 encourage clergy to be more proactive in planning for their retirement and to ensure they receive 6 the CRSP employer matching funds. 7 8 The members of the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) take their 9 fiduciary responsibilities very seriously. Board members work closely with Conference staff to 10 understand plan funding requirements and the financial decisions that must be made by our 11 Conference. We regularly review detailed financial information regarding asset performance and 12 pension contributions from local churches to determine the funding status of our plans as well as 13 our ability to make required pension contributions. The CRSP pension plan (and all successor 14 plans) are fully funded at this time. 15 16 This committee wants to express our deepest gratitude and thanks to our retiring Treasurer, 17 Mickey Wilson, for all the good work done he has done for the CBOPHB. This committee has 18 benefited greatly from his expertise and guidance during his tenure. And we welcome the new 19 Treasurer, Tony Prestipino, to the committee. 20 21 As Chair of the committee, I want to thank all the board members who give of their expertise, 22 wisdom and time to do our work. We pray together and seek to discern God’s will in these great 23 stewardship matters. I also want to express my confidence and appreciation for the HR & Benefits 24 staff Wendy McCoy, Helen Mitchell, and Lois Durham. This board’s performance is greatly 25 enhanced through the care and support of these professionals. 26 27 Report I – Past Service Rate 28 The Conference Board recommends the Past Service Rate for 2015 remain at $771. 29 30 Report II – Special Grants 31 The CBOPHB recommends special grants and/or pension support for: Walter McMullen, Donald 32 Rock, Rev. Charles Constant and Elizabeth Hogan. 33 34 Report III – Apportionment Recommendation for 2016 35 The CBOPHB has sufficient resources to fund obligations for the Retiree Health Insurance 36 Program, Special Grants and the Clergy Wellness Initiative without requiring apportionment funds. 37 As such, the CBOPBH is not requesting apportioned funds in 2016. 38 39 Benefit Trust Statement 40 A comprehensive benefit funding plan document and complete audited financial statements are 41 available upon request from the Conference Treasurer. 42

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CONFERENCE BOARD ON PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS BENEFIT TRUST ANALYSIS

31-12-2014 31-12-2013

(Unaudited) (Audited)

Active Health Program

Billed Premiums $8,781,935 $13,797,356

Insurance Fees ($918,431) ($1,331,914)

Insurance Claims ($9,240,793) ($ 12,186,688)

Insurance Claims Accrual (IBNP) $33,000 $33,000 Conference Responsible Active ($196,362)

Pharmacy Rebates and Subsidies $556,864 $885,294 Benefit Admin Fees ($282,400) ($235,656)

Active Health Net Income (Loss) ($1,266,187) $961,392

Retiree Health Program

Billed Premiums $2,824,826 $2,919,173

Premiums and Fees ($404,460) ($318,313) Total Claims ($2,288,844) ($2,272,384)

Insurance Claims Accrual (IBNP) ($7,000) $10,000 Conference Responsible Retiree ($2,207,328) ($2,171,668)

Pharmacy Rebates and Subsidies $69 1,350 $475,407 Benefit Admin Fees ($82,962) ($91,654)

Retiree Health Net Income (Loss) ($1,474,418) ($1,449,439)

Total Health Program Income (Loss) ($2,740,605) ($488,047)

Pension

Apportionment Receipts $0 $65,668

CPP/CRSP Premiums $4,681,231 $4,715,942 Pre-82 Surplus Redirection $3,046,474 $11,518,277

CRSP DC Contribution ($1,175,084) ($1,193,166)

CPP Contribution ($1,131,226) ($ 1,146,376)

Other Expenses ($44,168) ($53,336)

CRSP DB Contribution ($3,046,474) ($4,054,282)

Pension Net Income $2,330,753 $9,852,727

Total CBOPH Program Income ($409,852) $9,364,680

Benefit Trust

Beginning Balance $48,380,394 $33,727,747

Net CBOPH Activity ($409,852) $9,364,680

Investment Earnings $3,367,273 $5,287,967

Net Income $2,957,421 $14,652,647

Ending Balance $51,337,815 $48,380,394

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Report IV – Housing/Rental Allowance Resolution 1 Resolutions Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Clergypersons of the 2 Florida Conference 3 The Florida Conference (the “Conference”) adopts the following resolutions relating to 4 rental/housing allowances for active, retired, or disabled clergypersons of the Conference: 5 6 WHEREAS, the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (the “Church”), of 7 which this Conference is a part, has in the past functioned and continues to function through 8 ministers of the gospel (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 107) who were or 9 are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church (“Clergypersons”); 10 WHEREAS, the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to provide active 11 Clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross 12 compensation; 13 WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, and disabled Clergypersons are 14 considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, and disabled 15 Clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and 16 WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the Conference (or its predecessors) 17 as the appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for Clergypersons who 18 are or were members of this Conference and are eligible to receive such deferred compensation; 19 20 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: THAT an amount equal to 100% of the pension or 21 disability payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of The United 22 Methodist Church (the “Discipline”), which includes all such payments from the General Board of 23 Pension and Health Benefits (“GBOPHB”), during the year 2016 by each active, retired, or 24 disabled Clergyperson who is or was a member of the Conference, or its predecessors, be and 25 hereby is designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such Clergyperson; and THAT the 26 pension or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance applies will be any pension 27 or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the Discipline, including 28 such payments from the GBOPHB and from a commercial annuity company that provides an 29 annuity arising from benefits accrued under a GBOPHB plan, annuity, or fund authorized under 30 the Discipline, that result from any service a Clergyperson rendered to this Conference or that an 31 active, a retired, or a disabled Clergyperson of this Conference rendered to any local church, 32 annual conference of the Church, general agency of the Church, other institution of the Church, 33 former denomination that is now a part of the Church, or any other employer that employed the 34 Clergyperson to perform services related to the ministry of the Church, or its predecessors, and 35 that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, such a plan, annuity, or fund for 36 such active, retired, or disabled Clergyperson’s pension or disability as part of his or her gross 37 compensation. 38 39 NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a Clergyperson’s gross income 40 in any year for federal income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 107(2) 41 and regulations thereunder to the least of: (1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance 42 designated by the Clergyperson’s employer or other appropriate body of the Church (such as this 43 Conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; (2) the amount actually expended by the 44 Clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or (3) the fair rental value of the home, 45 including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year. 46 47 Rev. Catherine Thacker, Chairperson 48

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HEALTH INSURANCE SUBCOMMITTEE 1

2 The Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to impact health care as we know it as well as our 3 current program. One critical driver is the cost of our current self-insured United Healthcare 4 plan. Our plan will be subject to an excise tax of $250,000 in 2018 if we do not make substantial 5 changes. The excise tax, also known as the “Cadillac Tax” is indexed to the cost of our plan and 6 it will increase each year that we do not reduce the underlying cost of the plan. We are also 7 concerned at the continuing rate of increased costs for our current health plan-- increases which 8 will eventually either make the plan unaffordable for local churches or will require severe benefit 9 reductions in order to remain affordable. Clearly, we must act to address these issues. The 10 Health Insurance Subcommittee is prepared to offer reasonable alternatives as we learn and 11 adapt to the new landscape created by the ACA. 12 13 At the same time, critical aspects of the ACA are currently being challenged in the Supreme Court 14 and, in this fluid regulatory environment, the best way forward remains unclear. This level of 15 uncertainty requires us to remain flexible and adaptable while maintaining compliance with 16 existing law. In the meantime, this committee is researching opportunities created by the ACA 17 that can expand individual choice by modifying the current mandatory program. 18 19 The ACA has created an evolving marketplace for health insurance that was previously very 20 limited due to pre-existing limitations and exclusions. Individuals now have opportunities to shop 21 for insurance coverage that were previously not available. 22 In addition, it is important to be aware that federal subsidies (also known as premium tax credits) 23 are available to those with household incomes up to 4 times the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 24 This means additional financial assistance to purchase health insurance would be available 25 through the public exchange (www.healthcare.gov) for clergy members whose taxable income in 26 2015 is at or below 400% of the FPL ($79,160 for a family of three). This dynamic environment 27 has created a challenge for the Conference and requires we consider alternatives that better 28 accommodate individual choice and preferences. 29 30 Today we calculate the employer contribution for health insurance based on the projected annual 31 cost of the self-funded United Healthcare plan. The numerical value of the employer “blended 32 rate” is determined by a formula approved by the Florida Annual Conference almost 20 years ago. 33 The formula specifies the employer or local church pay 80% of the premium cost and the 34 employee (clergy member) contribute the remaining 20% of the premium cost. 35 36 Insurance plans available on the public exchange (www.healthcare.gov) describe benefit plans 37 using precious metals to differentiate levels of costs and coverage. There are four levels of benefit 38 plans: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. 39 40 The Health Insurance subcommittee is proposing the “Freedom to Choose” initiative. This would 41 require the Florida Conference to alter our current policy and practice for providing and supporting 42 health insurance benefits that will permit individuals to explore other options. The recommended 43 method for accomplishing this is to require a defined level of employer support for all full-time 44 appointed clergy. 45 46 The amount of the insurance stipend will be calculated based on the current level of employer 47 support for a plan of benefits that approximates the benefit level of the United Healthcare Choice 48 Plus plan. We will continue to use the same cost-sharing formula substituting the United 49

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Healthcare plan cost with the projected value of an exchange based plan that is classified as 1 “silver”. This stipend will be paid by the local church directly to the eligible full time appointed 2 clergy member. The amount of the stipend will be based on family size and the proposed amount 3 of the annual employer stipend in 2017 will be: 4 5 Single $9,000 6 Employee + one $12,000 7 Family $15,000 8 9 Clergy members are expected to continue contributing to the purchase of their health insurance 10 – just as they do today. Single members contribute $124 per month and clergy members with 11 families contribute $301 per month. The combined annual premium dollars (employer or local 12 church and individual personal contributions) for purchasing insurance coverage in 2017 is 13 projected to be: 14 15 Single $10,500 16 Employee + one $15,600 17 Family $18,600 18 19 The CBOPHB will monitor the amount of the health insurance stipend and will communicate 20 updates as needed to local churches and other related employers annually. 21 22 This approach will permit those who do not currently have other coverage to exercise individual 23 choice in purchasing health insurance that best meets their individual needs. Furthermore, the 24 Board intends to codify employer support for health insurance in the standing rules. The 25 Conference will always require local churches (and other related employers) to provide an 26 insurance stipend to all full-time clergy for the purchase of health insurance if no group plan is 27 available. 28 29 The subcommittee will bring a formal proposal detailing the proposed changes to the February 30 2016 board meeting for action. If approved, the “Freedom to Choose” proposal will be presented 31 at the 2016 Annual Conference seeking authorization for implementation effective January 1, 32 2017. 33 34 Until this transition is completed, plan participants and local employers should expect premium 35 rate increases in order to maintain the plan’s financial integrity and solvency. 36 37 We urge all interested constituents to be in prayer for the committee members as we work to craft 38 the specific details necessary to execute this change. 39 40 The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) make the following 41 recommendations: 42

a. The CBOPHB is authorized to make decisions relating to benefits and offerings of coverage 43 for the Florida Conference, including but not limited to the ability to adopt plans that include 44 outside funding, self-funding, or a combination thereof. These decisions will be made after 45 study, research and evaluation, and consultation with appropriate industry experts, 46 actuaries, consultants and other resources available at the time. 47

b. CIGNA is to continue as our carrier for the Basic Life Insurance Program. Minnesota Mutual 48 is to continue as carrier for the Supplemental Life Insurance Program and will be paid 100% 49 by each participant without Conference Funding. Minnesota Life is the carrier for an 50

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additional Voluntary Life with AD&D, paid 100% by each participant without Conference 1 funding. 2

c. The firm of AON/Hewitt Consulting shall continue to serve as Agent of Record for the Life 3 Insurance Program. 4

5 The Health Insurance sub-committee would like to express our grateful appreciation to the staff 6 of professionals that support this subcommittee: Wendy McCoy, Helen Mitchell and Lois Durham. 7 The progress being made and the improvements to the plans and programs would not be possible 8 without the dedication of this team. 9 10 Russ Barlow, Vice-Chairperson 11

12

13

JOINT COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY 14

15 The Florida Annual Conference provides disability benefits through participation in the 16 Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP). For benefit year 2016 and beyond, the disability benefit 17 will equal 70% of Plan Compensation capped at 200% of the Denominational Average 18 Compensation (DAC). The minimum incapacity benefit will be 40% of the DAC. These benefits 19 are coordinated with Social Security benefits. In addition, there is a 3% annual increase each 20 July, provided the benefit was in effect by the previous December 31. 21 22 The Joint Committee on Disability has approved continuing disability benefits for the Conference 23 Year 2015-2016 for the following persons: Jocelyn Adhemar, Michael Bozeman, Thomas Ettinger, 24 Timothy Clemons, Albert Hicks, Susan Lewis, Drew Parsons, Nathan Boles, Richard 25 Quakenbush, Sandra Parsons, William Ingram, Samuel Parvin, Dawn Anderson, Rachael 26 Hollingsworth and Barry Bahr. 27 28 We ask that these persons and their families be kept in our prayers. 29 30 Rev. Catherine Thacker, Chairperson 31 32 33

PREACHER’S RELIEF BOARD 34

35 The primary purpose of this ministry is to provide limited financial assistance to pastors when 36 faced with unforeseen emergencies and to provide financial assistance for housing for clergy as 37 well as surviving spouses of deceased clergy when they are unable to afford adequate housing 38 within their own means. 39 40 The Preacher’s Relief Board was able to assist several families in 2014. This support often 41 involves networking with other agencies to provide appropriate assistance as necessary. In 42 addition, the Preacher’s Relief Board also provides assistance with moving expenses for retiring 43 clergy who are on minimum salary. 44 45 And, the Preacher’s Relief Board supports the cost for the retirement luncheon for clergy who are 46 retiring at this year’s Annual Conference. 47

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Churches, clergy and others wishing to donate to the Preacher’s Relief Board can designate their 1 funds through the Conference Treasurer’s Office. Individuals wishing to donate homes or property 2 should contact Wendy McCoy, Staff Liaison for the Preacher’s Relief Board. 3 Those clergy persons who find themselves in difficulty can petition relief from The Preacher’s 4 Relief Board by going on-line to www.flumc.org; click on Administration, then Human Resources 5 – Health Care & Pensions and choose the link for Preacher’s Relief Board. 6 7 8

COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 9

10 This year, in addition to our usual work in CF&A, a sub-committee pursued interviewing, selecting 11 and hiring of a new Conference Treasurer subsequent to the retirement of Mickey Wilson, who 12 graciously stayed until his successor was identified. Led by Assistant Chairperson of CF&A, 13 Harriet Mayes, the committee spent a few months in the process, ultimately extending an offer to 14 Tony Prestipino, who previously held the same position in the South Carolina Conference. He 15 accepted the offer and will be with us during portions of the Annual Conference, most importantly 16 as we confirm his selection by vote of the Annual Conference. 17 18 I am pleased to report the following: 19

1) The percentage of apportionments paid this year is 88.63%, a 5.5% increase over last year. 20 2) The portion of churches paying 100% of their apportionments has increased again this 21

year, to 68%, an increase of 2.1 percentage points. 22 3) The transfer of administrative tasks such as bill paying, posting of most transactions and 23

fiscal oversight of the Districts to the Conference is complete. Once again, our financial 24 budget found in your workbook includes the numbers for the Districts as well. These are 25 not new apportionments but rather an inclusion of their requests along with the Conference. 26

4) The 2016 budget reflects no increase as compared to the 2015 budget. 27 Rev. Kimberly Uchimura, Council on Finance and Administration 28

PERCENTAGE OF 100% CHURCHES IN EACH DISTRICT 2014

District Churches

paying 100%

TOTAL Churches in District paying

apportionments Percentage of

100% churches

Total Percentage of Apportionments Paid

by District

AC 40 58 68.97% 89.11%

EC 46 67 68.66% 83.32%

GC 38 62 61.29% 80.94%

NC 65 84 77.38% 91.81%

NE 39 73 53.42% 73.08%

NW 63 83 75.90% 92.29%

SC 47 73 64.38% 87.20%

SE 29 58 50.00% 78.52%

SW 57 62 91.94% 99.82%

TOTAL 424 620 68.39% 85.96%

- 123 -

GIFTS, SPECIAL OFFERINGS, AND APPORTIONMENTS RECEIVED FROM FLORIDA CONFERENCE CHURCHES

THROUGH THE CONFERENCE TREASURER’S OFFICE

AREA OF GIVING AMOUNT RECEIVED IN 2014

GENERAL ADVANCE SPECIALS Human Relations Day $ 7,303 One Great Hour of Sharing 47,353 Native American Ministries Sunday 8,432 United Methodist Student Day 6,117 World Communion Sunday 15,458 Peace with Justice Sunday 5,972 National Advance Specials (all) 20,125 UMCOR Advance Special 260,099 World Advance Specials (all) 99,118 TOTAL $469,977

OTHER SPECIAL GIFTS United Methodist Children’s Home $606,076 Annual Conference Offering 105,249 Conference Advance Specials (all) 74,674 Other special gifts (various) 75,994 TOTAL $861,993

FLORIDA CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENTS Clergy Support $2,864,167 Conference Benevolences 4,937,974 Conference Services and Administration 1,407,285 TOTAL $9,209,426

DISTRICT APPORTIONMENTS District work fund (all 9 combined) $1,749,817 District New Church Development (all 9 combined) 1,145,274 District Specific Apportionments (all 9 combined) 342,007 TOTAL $3,237,098

CONNECTIONAL CHURCH APPORTIONMENTS World Service $2,815,425 General Administration 346,195 Episcopal Fund 994,446 Interdenominational Cooperation Fund 76,286 Ministerial Education Fund 972,613 Black College Fund 389,522 Africa University Fund 90,256 SEJ Jurisdictional Fund 165,258 TOTAL $5,850,001

GRAND TOTAL RECEIVED IN 2014 $19,628,495

- 124 -

FLORIDA CONFERENCE 2016 BUDGET DETAIL RECOMMENDED BY CF&A

2015

Budget 2016

Budget

2015-2016 Dollar

Change

Percentage of 2016 Total

Budget

Connectional Church

World Service $ 3,375,648 $ 3,281,406 $ (94,242) 15.77%

Ministerial Education Fund $ 1,158,898 $ 1,126,572 $ (32,326) 5.42%

Black College Fund $ 462,296 $ 449,401 $ (12,895) 2.16%

African University Fund $ 103,444 $ 100,601 $ (2,843) 0.48%

Episcopal Fund $ 1,012,431 $ 1,057,798 $ 45,367 4.73%

General Administration $ 407,459 $ 396,179 $ (11,280) 1.90%

Interdenominational Cooperation $ 90,678 $ 88,149 $ (2,529) 0.42%

Jurisdictional Conference $ 170,000 $ 155,000 $ (15,000) 0.79%

Total Connectional Church $ 6,780,854 $ 6,655,106 $ (125,748) 31.68%

Connectional Ministry

Emerging Ministries $ 50,000 $ 30,000 $ (20,000) 0.23%

Contingency $ 35,000 $ 25,000 $ (10,000) 0.16%

Administration $ 50,000 $ 40,000 $ (10,000) 0.23%

Programs $ 55,000 $ 55,000 $ - 0.26%

Staff Compensation $ 365,000 $ 365,000 $ - 1.71%

Connectional Relations

Knowledge and Information Services $ 220,000 $ 250,000 $ 30,000 1.03%

Communications $ 675,000 $ 695,000 $ 20,000 3.15%

Board of Lay Ministry $ 50,000 $ 45,000 $ (5,000) 0.23%

Young Adult Ministry $ 32,000 $ 25,000 $ (7,000) 0.15%

Archives & History $ 30,000 $ 25,000 $ (5,000) 0.14%

Total Connectional Ministry $ 1,562,000 $ 1,555,000 $ (7,000) 7.30%

Higher ED & Campus Ministries

Colleges ( FSC /BCU Grants) $ 335,000 $ 335,000 $ - 1.57%

- 125 -

2015

Budget 2016

Budget

2015-2016 Dollar

Change

Percentage of 2016 Total

Budget

Campus Ministries $ 1,148,000 $ 1,148,000 $ - 5.36%

Salaries & Administrative $ 883,000 $ 883,000 $ - 4.13%

Total Higher Ed and CM $ 2,366,000 $ 2,366,000 $ - 11.06%

Board of Camps and Retreat Ministry $ 610,000 $ 585,000 $ (25,000) 2.85%

Congregation Vitality

Starting New Ministries $ 296,000 $ 310,000 $ 14,000 1.38%

Strentghing Existing Ministry $ 228,000 $ 275,000 $ 47,000 1.07%

Total Congregation Vitality $ 524,000 $ 585,000 $ 61,000 2.45%

Missional Engagement

Office Salaries/Travel etc $ 612,938 $ 629,134 $ 16,196 2.86%

Global Ministries $ 48,650 $ 49,125 $ 475 0.23%

Disaster Response $ 17,786 $ 18,574 $ 788 0.08%

Volunteers In Ministries $ 30,585 $ 24,500 $ (6,085) 0.14%

Multi-Cultural / Justice Ministries $ 158,775 $ 154,125 $ (4,650) 0.74%

Outreach Ministry Program $ 360,500 $ 360,500 $ - 1.68%

Summer Mission Interns $ 50,985 $ 43,205 $ (7,780) 0.24%

Emerging Ministries $ 24,800 $ 22,000 $ (2,800) 0.12%

Admin/Staff Expense $ 109,281 $ 113,137 $ 3,856 0.51%

Total Missional Engagement $ 1,414,300 $ 1,414,300 $ - 6.61%

Total Conference Benevolences $ 6,476,300 $ 6,505,300 $ 29,000 30.26%

Conference Services & Administration

Annual Conference Session $ 201,000 $ 235,000 $ 34,000 0.94%

Financial Services:

Conference Building Services & Operations $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ - 0.93%

- 126 -

2015

Budget 2016

Budget

2015-2016 Dollar

Change

Percentage of 2016 Total

Budget

Information Technology $ 200,000 $ 225,000 $ 25,000 0.93%

Board of Trustees $ 350,000 $ 350,000 $ - 1.64%

Conference Staff, Audit, Net Bank Fees, etc. $ 650,000 $ 650,000 $ - 3.04%

Contingency $ 25,000 $ 25,000 $ - 0.12%

Total Conference Services & Administration $ 1,626,000 $ 1,685,000 $ 59,000 7.60%

Clergy Support

Board of Pensions $ - $ - 0.00%

Joint Commission on Incapacity $ - 0.00%

Office of Clergy Excellence $ 350,000 $ 350,000 $ - 1.64%

BOOM $ 315,000 $ 315,000 $ - 1.47%

Equitable Compensation $ 350,000 $ 370,000 $ 20,000 1.64%

Clergy Matters/Effectiveness $ 50,000 $ 35,000 $ (15,000) 0.23%

Area Administration/ FCC $ 250,000 $ 265,000 $ 15,000 1.17%

DS Salaries and Benefits $ 1,250,000 $ 1,250,000 $ - 5.84%

Cabinet /Episcopal Travel Expense $ 175,000 $ 185,000 $ 10,000 0.82%

Total Clergy Support $ 2,740,000 $ 2,770,000 $ 30,000 12.80%

Total Conference Budget $ 10,842,300 $ 10,960,300 $ 118,000 50.66%

Total Connectional Church/Conference Budget $ 17,623,154 $ 17,615,406 $ (7,748) 82.35%

District Apportionments

AC

District Work Fund $ 238,000 $ 238,000

New Church Development $ 162,000 $ 162,000

CROS Ministries $ 59,000 $ 59,000

Total Atlantic Central $ 459,000 $ 459,000 -

- 127 -

2015

Budget 2016

Budget

2015-2016 Dollar

Change

Percentage of 2016 Total

Budget

EC

District Work Fund $ 279,000 $ 279,000

New Church Development $ 160,000 $ 160,000

Total East Central $ 439,000 $ 439,000 -

GC

District Work Fund $ 244,000 $ 244,000

Mission and Church Extension $ 205,000 $ 205,000

Total Gulf Central $ 449,000 $ 449,000 -

NC

District Work Fund $ 198,000 $ 198,000

New Church Development $ 145,000 $ 145,000

Total North Central $ 343,000 $ 343,000 -

NE

District Work Fund $ 222,500 $ 222,500

New Church Development $ 125,000 $ 125,000

Community Outreach Agency $ 80,000 $ 80,000

Total North East $ 427,500 $ 427,500 -

NW

District Work Fund $ 147,500 $ 147,500

New Church Development $ 71,000 $ 71,000

Outreach Ministries $ 5,250 $ 10,000

Centenary Camp $ 10,750 $ 11,000

FSU /FAMU Wesley $ 7,000 $ 14,000

Total North West $ 241,500 $ 253,500 $ 12,000

- 128 -

2015

Budget 2016

Budget

2015-2016 Dollar

Change

Percentage of 2016 Total

Budget

SC

District Work Fund $ 259,500 $ 259,500

New Church Development $ 130,000 $ 130,000

USF Wesley $ 50,000 $ 50,000

Congregational Excellence $ 40,000 $ 40,000

Cornerstone Family Ministry $ 50,000 $ 50,000

Total South Central $ 529,500 $ 529,500 -

SE

District Work Fund $ 178,000 $ 178,000

New Church Development $ 200,000 $ 200,000

South Florida Urban Ministries $ 55,000 $ 55,000

Total South East $ 433,000 $ 433,000 -

SW

District Work Fund $ 232,500 $ 232,500

New Church Development $ 220,000 $ 220,000

Total South West $ 452,500 $ 452,500 -

Total District Apportionments $ 3,774,000 $ 3,786,000 $ 12,000 17.65%

Total Connectional Church / Conference Budget / District Apportionments $ 21,397,154 $ 21,401,406 $ 4,252 100.00%

District Recap By Category

District Work Fund $ 1,999,000 $ 1,999,000

New Church Development $ 1,418,000 $ 1,418,000

Outreach $ 249,250 $ 254,000

Campus Ministry $ 57,000 $ 64,000

- 129 -

2015

Budget 2016

Budget

2015-2016 Dollar

Change

Percentage of 2016 Total

Budget

Congregational Excellence $ 40,000 $ 40,000

Camps $ 10,750 $ 11,000

Total District Apportionments $ 3,774,000 $ 3,786,000

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 1

2 Recommendation No. 1 3 It is recommended that the following conference-wide fund raising appeals be approved: General Conference Advance Specials, 4 The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home Fifth Sunday Appeal, Camping Sunday and Imagine No Malaria. 5 6 Recommendation No. 2 7 It is recommended that the 2016 Conference budget and apportionments as described in the worksheet entitled “2016 Florida 8 Conference Budget Summary as Recommended by CF&A” be adopted. 9

- 130 -

FLORIDA CONFERENCE 2016 BUDGET SUMMARY AS RECOMMENDED BY CF&A

2016

Budget

Total Connectional Church $ 6,655,106

Total Connectional Ministry $ 1,555,000

Total Higher Ed and CM $ 2,366,000

Board of Camps and Retreat Ministry $ 585,000

Total Congregation Vitality $ 585,000

Total Missional Engagement $ 1,414,300

Total Conference Benevolences $ 6,505,300

Total Conference Services & Administration $ 1,685,000

Total Clergy Support $ 2,770,000

Total Conference Budget $ 10,960,300

Total Connectional Church/Conference Budget $ 17,615,406

District Apportionments

Total Atlantic Central $ 459,000

Total East Central $ 439,000

Total Gulf Central $ 449,000

Total North Central $ 343,000

Total North East $ 427,500

Total North West $ 253,500

Total South Central $ 529,500

Total South East $ 433,000

Total South west $ 452,500

Total District Apportionments $ 3,786,000

Total Connectional Church / Conference Budget / District Apportionments $ 21,401,406

- 131 -

2016 REQUESTED APPORTIONMENTS

District17%

Clergy Support13%

Conference Services &Administration

8%

ConferenceBenevolence

30%

ConnectionalChurch

32%

- 132 -

2014 HIGHEST APPORTIONMENT DOLLARS PAID

CHURCH District Highest $ Paid in

2014

St Luke's UMC - Orlando, William Barnes EC $ 389,933.52

Van Dyke UMC - Lutz, Matthew Hartsfield SC $ 353,125.00

First UMC - Lakeland, David McEntire SC $ 324,934.00

Christ UMC - Ft. Lauderdale Campus, Brett Opalinski SE $ 296,780.00

Trinity UMC - Gainesville, Dan Johnson NC $ 268,766.00

Hyde Park UMC - Tampa, Roger Scholtz SC $ 242,075.00

First UMC - Winter Park, Robert Bushong EC $ 239,604.00

North Naples UMC - Ted Sauter SW $ 226,758.00

New Covenant UMC - The Villages, Harold Hendren NC $ 189,463.44

First UMC - St Petersburg, David Miller GC $ 185,087.04

Killearn UMC - Tallahassee, Robert Tindale NW $ 183,352.00

Grace UMC - Cape Coral, Jorge Acevedo SW $ 175,733.00

Heritage UMC - Clearwater, Charles Engelhardt GC $ 172,724.00

First UMC - Orlando, Thomas McCloskey EC $ 165,775.00

First UMC - Brandon, Jamie Westlake SC $ 157,015.00

Pasadena Community UMC - St Petersburg, Charles Reeb GC $ 156,895.00

St James at Tampa Palms UMC - Tampa, Steven Ezra SC $ 154,307.00

First UMC - Boca Raton, East Campus, Marcus Zillman AC $ 152,758.00

University Carillon UMC - Oviedo, Joseph MacLaren EC $ 151,691.00

Trinity UMC - Tallahassee, WayneCurry NW $ 149,682.00

Anona UMC - Largo, John Stephenson GC $ 146,696.03

Palm Harbor UMC - David Baldridge GC $ 135,182.00

Suntree UMC - Melbourne, Robin Johnson AC $ 134,525.00

Lake Magdalene UMC - Tampa, Brent Byerman SC $ 131,851.00

Mandarin UMC - Jacksonville, Deborah McLeod NE $ 130,737.00

Morrison UMC - Leesburg, John Harrington NC $ 129,218.00

- 133 -

LARGEST INCREASE IN APPORTIONMENTS PAID FROM 2013 – 2014

CHURCH District Change in $

Paid Morrison UMC - Leesburg, John Harrington NC $ 99,856.20

North Naples UMC - Ted Sauter SW $ 43,064.00

Suntree UMC - Melbourne, Robin Johnson AC $ 37,120.00

First UMC - Coral Gables, Durwood Foshee SE $ 36,861.56

Merrell UMC - Lauderdale Lakes, Bancroft Williams SE $ 25,666.00

Hyde Park UMC - Tampa, Roger Scholtz SC $ 21,113.00

First UMC - Cocoa, John Gill AC $ 20,138.89

Community of Hope UMC - Loxahatchee, Dale Locke AC $ 19,991.92

First UMC - Riverview, Merritt Waters SC $ 19,809.42

Everglades Community UMC - Pembroke Pines, Matthew Williams SE $ 18,550.00

First UMC - St Petersburg, David Miller GC $ 18,266.04

Spring of Life UMC - Orlando, Joshua Bell EC $ 17,225.00

Christ UMC - St Petersburg, Thomas Gregory GC $ 16,597.28

Anona UMC - Largo, John Stephenson GC $ 16,082.03

Tuskawilla UMC - Casselberry, Sarah Miller EC $ 14,436.00

First UMC - High Springs, Benton Mangueira NW $ 14,426.40

Faith UMC - Boynton Beach, Matthew White AC $ 14,160.00

First UMC - Palmetto, Stephen Rasmussen GC $ 13,771.00

First UMC - Okeechobee, Olin Simpson AC $ 13,628.83

First UMC - St Augustine, Pat Turner-Sharpton NE $ 12,764.00

First UMC - Jupiter/Tequesta, John Griswold AC $ 12,560.00

Perrine Peters UMC - Miami, Paul Cook SE $ 12,151.00

First UMC - Ft Pierce, Timothy May AC $ 12,011.10

Sun City Center UMC - Charles Rentz SC $ 11,358.00

Isle Of Faith UMC - Jacksonville, Aaron Ankeny NE $ 11,308.17

- 134 -

LARGEST PERCENT INCREASE IN APPORTIONMENTS PAID FROM 2013 – 2014

CHURCH District Increase in %

paid 2013-2014

Lochloosa UMC - Nancy Case NC 100.00%

First UMC - Eastpoint, Aaron Batey NW 100.00%

Mayo UMC - Wayne Hudson NW 100.00%

New Harmony UMC - Live Oak, Robert Monismith NW 86.74%

Wacahoota UMC - Williston, Robert Clark NC 85.99%

Newberry UMC - Gary Brady NC 83.94%

New Life Community UMC - Jacksonville, Lamont Hogans NE 81.43%

Morrison UMC - Leesburg, John Harrington NC 79.39%

First UMC - Riverview, Merritt Waters SC 74.04%

Opa Locka UMC - JoAnn Brookins SE 73.75%

First UMC - Pine Hills, Thomas Samuel EC 68.81%

Crystal Lake UMC - Lakeland, Robert Atchley SC 67.60%

First UMC - Palmetto, Stephen Rasmussen GC 63.63%

Carol City UMC - Opa Locka, JoAnn Brookins SE 63.15%

St Stephens UMC - Hastings, Willie Scott NE 58.00%

First UMC - Cocoa, John Gill AC 56.15%

St James UMC - Sarasota, Shirley Groom SW 55.96%

First UMC - Ft Pierce, Timothy May AC 53.90%

St John's UMC - Ft Pierce AC 52.95%

First UMC - High Springs, Benton Mangueira NW 52.54%

Bayshore UMC - Tampa, Richard Stauffer SC 49.36%

Lakewood UMC - St Petersburg, Robert Pearcy GC 48.61%

First UMC - Baldwin, Daniel Search NE 47.98%

Merrell UMC - Lauderdale Lakes, Bancroft Williams SE 47.13%

Trinity UMC - Fernandina Beach, Georgia Gaston NE 46.22%

- 135 -

APPORTIONMENTS PAID BY PERCENT AND ATTENDEE

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

Community - Belle Glade $607.39 101.98%

Canal Point - Canal Point $400.47 100.00%

First - Ft Pierce $300.61 100.00%

First - Jupiter $266.16 100.00%

St Paul's - Melbourne $241.54 100.00%

First - Vero Beach $233.41 100.00%

St Peter's - Wellington $223.98 103.52%

First, East Campus - Boca Raton

$208.12 100.24%

UMC of the Palm Beaches - West Palm Beach

$205.58 78.17%

St Luke's - Lake Worth $204.37 100.82%

Trinity - Palm Beach Gardens

$204.02 75.32%

First - Okeechobee $201.44 100.00%

N Merritt Island - Merritt Island

$197.21 100.00%

St Mark's - Indialantic $196.72 100.00%

Cason - Delray Beach $196.52 100.43%

First - Titusville $191.79 100.00%

First - Cocoa $190.52 100.00%

First - Stuart $189.74 100.00%

Sebastian - Sebastian $188.60 100.00%

Indian River City - Titusville $184.97 100.00%

Oceanview - Juno Beach $178.83 100.00%

Christ-By-The Sea - Vero Beach

$174.68 100.00%

St Andrew - Titusville $166.60 100.00%

Satellite Beach - Satellite Beach

$161.74 100.00%

First - Pahokee $158.27 100.00%

First - Melbourne $156.35 100.00%

Mims - Mims $154.84 100.00%

Suntree - Melbourne $154.80 100.00%

Good Shepherd - West Palm Beach

$154.69 77.17%

Georgianna - Merritt Island $153.89 100.00%

First - Cocoa Beach $151.74 100.00%

White City - Ft Pierce $151.63 64.15%

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Emmanuel - Melbourne $145.90 100.00%

Roseland - Roseland $140.63 100.00%

Lakewood Park - Ft Pierce $138.97 60.61%

Community - Ft Pierce $131.06 71.97%

Wesley - West Melbourne $128.51 100.00%

First - Hobe Sound $123.90 100.00%

Lakeside - Lake Worth $122.84 105.64%

Christ - Palm Bay $122.27 100.00%

Trinity - Jensen Beach $112.98 100.00%

First - Port St John $102.84 100.00%

St John - Ft Pierce $90.91 52.95%

First - Port St Lucie $90.66 100.00%

Community of Hope - Loxahatchee

$90.65 100.00%

Scott Chapel - Melbourne $89.48 100.00%

Faith - Boynton Beach $82.35 66.03%

First - Boynton Beach $74.55 33.91%

First Hispanic - West Palm Beach

$62.75 101.95%

Rockledge - Rockledge $61.32 20.55%

Grace - Merritt Island $52.03 34.72%

Asbury - Vero Beach $43.13 28.01%

Trinity - West Palm Beach $40.09 13.14%

Fort Pierce Haitian - Ft Pierce

$15.61 45.27%

Palm Bay - Palm Bay $14.04 12.50%

Northwood - West Palm Beach

$13.07 19.24%

EAST CENTRAL

Broadway - Orlando $432.67 100.00%

First - Geneva $369.47 80.65%

First - Orlando $367.57 100.00%

Reeves Memorial - Orlando $282.14 56.51%

Stewart Memorial - Daytona Beach

$269.80 100.00%

First - Winter Park $249.59 100.00%

College Park - Orlando $231.76 82.94%

Edgewater - Edgewater $227.75 100.00%

- 136 -

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Pierson - Pierson $221.68 100.00%

St Luke's - Orlando $221.43 100.00%

Azalea Park - Orlando $205.96 100.00%

Grace - Lake Mary $201.68 100.00%

First - Port Orange $186.45 100.00%

Lakeside Fellowship - Sanford

$186.36 100.00%

First - Pine Hills - Orlando $183.79 85.57%

DeLeon Springs - DeLeon Springs

$183.75 100.00%

St Andrews - Winter Park $182.68 100.00%

Flagler Beach - Flagler Beach

$182.08 100.00%

Conway - Orlando $177.95 100.00%

Coronado Community - New Smyrna Beach

$177.79 100.00%

Tomoka - Ormond Beach $176.76 100.00%

First - New Smyrna Beach $174.96 84.50%

First - Winter Garden $173.05 100.00%

Sanlando - Longwood $169.46 100.00%

First - Kissimmee $167.11 100.00%

First - Saint Cloud $165.80 100.00%

Tuskawilla - Casselberry $164.65 100.00%

Spring of Life - Orlando $164.00 100.00%

First - Oviedo $162.62 100.00%

Orange City - Orange City $160.08 100.00%

First - Deland $151.53 100.00%

Community - Daytona Beach

$149.90 100.00%

Zellwood - Zellwood $149.49 100.00%

Asbury - Maitland $148.12 100.00%

Trinity - DeLand $146.06 100.00%

Palm Coast - Palm Coast $142.22 100.00%

Covenant - Port Orange $141.25 100.98%

Aloma - Winter Park $130.95 50.86%

First - Bunnell $128.98 66.88%

Community - DeBary $128.96 100.00%

First - Apopka $122.36 100.00%

First - Clermont $120.23 100.00%

University Carillon - Oviedo $120.10 100.00%

Riverview - Ormond Beach $110.84 49.88%

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Bear Lake - Apopka $105.86 100.00%

Montverde - Montverde $104.06 100.00%

First - Ormond Beach $98.43 59.01%

Forest Hills - DeLand $96.71 100.00%

Lake Helen - Lake Helen $93.28 100.00%

Community of Faith - Davenport

$91.04 100.00%

St Joseph - DeLand $90.62 100.00%

Barnett Memorial - Enterprise

$89.11 100.00%

Osteen - Osteen $77.85 100.00%

Community - Casselberry $75.00 44.68%

First - Sanford $66.69 29.93%

Shingle Creek - Kissimmee $66.47 53.94%

Trinity - Seville $49.23 21.68%

Faith - Orlando $45.40 100.00%

Christ Hispanic - Orlando $44.36 36.80%

Solid Rock - Orlando $33.98 24.37%

Ocoee Oaks - Ocoee $32.19 19.18%

Christ - Sanford $27.03 14.49%

LifeSong - Orlando $26.33 100.00%

Peace - Orlando $22.92 20.44%

Pine Ridge Fellowship - Deltona

$18.33 13.68%

Pine Castle - Orlando $0.00 0.00%

GULF CENTRAL

Christ - St Petersburg $372.26 100.00%

Allendale - St Petersburg $299.58 100.00%

St James - St Petersburg $257.29 100.00%

Heritage - Clearwater $248.88 100.00%

Spring Lake - Brooksville $245.74 100.00%

First - Palmetto $236.55 100.00%

First - St Petersburg $233.11 100.00%

Wesley Memorial - St Petersburg

$222.45 100.00%

Lealman - St Petersburg $220.32 100.00%

Sylvan Abbey - Clearwater $217.25 100.00%

First - Gulfport $211.68 100.00%

Skycrest - Clearwater $198.41 88.28%

Curlew - Palm Harbor $197.53 100.00%

- 137 -

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

First - New Port Richey $191.48 100.00%

Lakewood - St Petersburg $188.90 100.00%

Trinity - Bradenton $187.46 100.00%

Faith - Bradenton $185.60 100.00%

Friendship - Clearwater $175.40 100.00%

First - Seminole $167.57 71.32%

First - Pinellas Park $161.68 85.00%

Riviera - St Petersburg $155.43 76.69%

Manatee - Bradenton $155.24 100.00%

Hope - Trinity $151.58 100.00%

Mariner - Spring Hill $150.19 86.36%

Crystal River - Crystal River $148.53 100.00%

Clearview - St Petersburg $147.80 100.00%

Harvest - Lakewood Ranch $147.36 100.02%

Pasadena Community - St Petersburg

$146.22 100.00%

Palm Harbor - Palm Harbor $145.83 100.00%

Keystone - Odessa $141.36 100.00%

Lake Lindsey - Brooksville $127.27 100.00%

Rogers - Bradenton $123.97 52.77%

Ellenton - Ellenton $123.31 100.00%

Emmanuel - Bradenton $122.40 100.00%

East Lake - Palm Harbor $120.35 55.54%

First - Spring Hill $119.11 100.00%

Faith - Hudson $114.50 100.00%

First - Hudson $113.01 100.00%

First - Dunedin $110.56 66.97%

Asbury - New Port Richey $109.22 61.42%

First - Homosassa $108.14 100.00%

St Luke's - St Petersburg $104.13 52.86%

Anona - Largo $94.10 100.00%

Terra Ceia - Terra Ceia $92.36 100.00%

Family of God UMC - Palmetto

$90.10 100.00%

Braden River - Bradenton $87.42 61.10%

McCabe - St Petersburg $81.80 30.38%

First - Clearwater $80.82 34.10%

Mt Zion - Clearwater $78.99 35.24%

Parrish - Parrish $78.33 100.00%

Oakhurst - Seminole $73.76 35.54%

New Hope - Istachatta $60.24 100.00%

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Oneco - Oneco $54.71 32.43%

St Paul - Largo $52.67 36.28%

Shady Hills - Shady Hills $51.98 30.98%

First - Bradenton $50.07 21.73%

First - Brooksville $43.49 35.33%

First - Tarpon Springs $42.36 19.33%

Community - Oldsmar $27.18 17.82%

Aldersgate - Seminole $26.25 19.68%

Union Street - Dunedin $0.00 0.00%

NORTH CENTRAL

Paradise - Alachua $273.10 107.90%

First - Ocala $268.60 100.00%

First - Gainesville $266.73 100.23%

Wesley - Gainesville $259.32 100.00%

First - Hawthorne $245.15 100.00%

Trinity - Gainesville $244.33 100.00%

Southwest - Gainesville $232.16 100.00%

First - Archer $231.00 100.00%

First - Bushnell $217.39 61.57%

Zion - Ocala $214.00 100.00%

Morrison - Leesburg $208.42 100.00%

Grace at Fort Clarke - Gainesville

$203.84 100.00%

St Pauls - Ocala $197.11 100.00%

Lochloosa - Hawthorne $195.05 100.00%

Newberry - Newberry $185.24 100.00%

Bronson - Bronson $182.56 100.00%

Little Chapel - Ocala $175.46 100.00%

Anthony - Anthony $170.23 100.00%

First - Alachua $169.17 100.00%

Sparr - Sparr $165.69 100.00%

McIntosh - McIntosh $163.73 100.00%

Melrose - Melrose $163.53 100.00%

First - Williston $160.56 100.00%

First - Mt Dora $154.76 100.00%

First - Citra $147.64 100.00%

First - Eustis $144.31 63.28%

Belleview - Belleview $140.23 100.00%

Floral City - Floral City $140.18 100.00%

- 138 -

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Wildwood - Wildwood $135.31 100.00%

Shiloh - Gainesville $131.84 102.66%

Hernando - Hernando $129.47 100.00%

Druid Hills - Ocala $128.12 100.00%

Wesley Chapel - Gainesville $126.46 100.00%

Bartley Temple - Gainesville $121.94 82.80%

St John's - Ocala $120.47 100.00%

First - Reddick $112.12 100.00%

First - Tavares $110.86 100.00%

Christ - Leesburg $109.15 100.00%

Mt Pleasant - Gainesville $106.62 100.00%

First - Micanopy $106.15 100.00%

Altoona - Altoona $103.61 100.00%

Webster - Webster $102.00 100.00%

Ocklawaha - Ocklawaha $100.42 100.00%

Edge Memorial - Groveland $100.00 36.60%

Wesley Chapel - Ocala $96.65 100.00%

Community - Fruitland Park $94.40 100.00%

Solomon Chapel - Orange Lake

$94.14 100.00%

Free Canaan - Waldo $94.09 100.00%

Hague - Gainesville $89.00 100.00%

Ocala West - Ocala $88.82 100.00%

New Covenant - The Villages

$88.62 100.00%

Sumterville - Sumterville $85.88 100.00%

First - Dunnellon $83.80 100.00%

Lady Lake - Lady Lake $82.68 100.00%

Evinston - Evinston $80.69 100.00%

Coleman - Coleman $80.00 100.00%

Banks - Archer $68.95 100.00%

New Hope - Hawthorne $67.92 100.00%

Oxford - Oxford $64.05 100.00%

St Catherine - Bushnell $62.32 100.00%

Orange Creek/Campville - Hawthorne

$60.62 100.00%

Mt Hermon - Reddick $58.75 94.00%

Lake Panasoffkee - Lake Panasoffkee

$51.65 28.43%

Greater Liberty Hill - Gainesville

$51.40 100.00%

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Pine - Fort McCoy $50.82 100.00%

Hall Chapel - Gainesville $46.88 100.00%

Mascotte - Mascotte $46.38 25.82%

Debose Chapel - Reddick $45.64 100.00%

New Hope - Citra $44.89 100.00%

Pleasant Plain - Newberry $43.76 100.00%

Forest - Silver Springs $42.60 21.54%

St Mark's - Ocala $40.88 11.08%

Mt Zion - Reddick $39.13 100.00%

Freedom - Waldo $30.93 100.00%

First - Inverness $19.72 11.37%

Mt Nebo - Gainesville $13.91 39.79%

Wacahoota - Williston $5.56 85.99%

Ft McCoy - Fort McCoy $0.00 0.00%

Linden - Webster $0.00 0.00%

Paisley - Paisley $0.00 0.00%

Providence - Gainesville $0.00 0.00%

Spring Hill - Lake City $0.00 0.00%

St Johns - Alachua $0.00 0.00%

NORTH EAST

Swaim Memorial - Jacksonville

$357.33 81.82%

Southside - Jacksonville $286.61 100.00%

Dinsmore - Jacksonville $276.96 100.00%

Asbury - Orange Park $262.87 100.00%

Ortega - Jacksonville $239.22 100.00%

Spring Glen - Jacksonville $225.21 72.01%

Riverside Park - Jacksonville $224.55 100.00%

Grace - St Augustine $221.23 100.00%

Trinity - Palatka $215.30 100.00%

Faith - Jacksonville $208.43 100.00%

First - Lake Butler $205.12 100.00%

Avondale - Jacksonville $201.81 100.00%

Simpson Memorial - Jacksonville

$195.83 100.00%

Mt Zion - Jacksonville $190.91 100.00%

Lake Shore - Jacksonville $190.02 100.00%

St Paul - Jacksonville $189.43 100.00%

Highlands - Jacksonville $188.73 100.00%

Orange Park - Orange Park $188.63 100.00%

- 139 -

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Memorial - Fernandina Beach

$185.61 100.03%

First - Baldwin $178.10 100.00%

Wesley Fellowship - Jacksonville

$176.93 66.71%

First - Jacksonville $176.06 60.23%

CrossRoad - Jacksonville $173.63 80.83%

Christ - Neptune Beach $172.52 100.00%

First - St Augustine $168.59 100.00%

Calvary - Orange Park $161.33 73.98%

Wesconnett - Jacksonville $161.26 77.45%

New Life Community - Jacksonville

$158.52 100.00%

Alexander Memorial - Jacksonville

$158.34 100.00%

Keystone - Keystone Heights

$157.58 100.00%

Isle Of Faith - Jacksonville $156.87 84.74%

Garden City - Jacksonville $145.74 100.00%

Christ - Hastings $141.76 100.00%

Franklintown - Fernandina Beach

$134.56 100.00%

Fleming Island - Fleming Island

$132.61 82.50%

First - Green Cove Springs $130.02 100.00%

Lakewood - Jacksonville $128.42 61.89%

First - Interlachen $126.65 75.89%

Trinity - Fernandina Beach $126.32 50.47%

Murray Hill - Jacksonville $126.21 50.00%

First - Callahan $126.05 83.75%

Inman Memorial - Jacksonville

$125.72 75.00%

Yulee - Yulee $124.94 100.00%

Middleburg - Middleburg $119.98 84.70%

Grace - Lawtey $115.04 110.00%

Mandarin - Jacksonville $112.51 100.00%

Welaka - Welaka $102.09 100.00%

Ponte Vedra - Ponte Vedra Beach

$93.68 100.00%

Beach - Jacksonville Beach $93.55 22.58%

St Stephens - Hastings $88.60 100.00%

Howe Memorial - Crescent City

$84.70 37.55%

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Florahome - Florahome $82.32 100.00%

Pleasant Grove - Starke $78.64 100.00%

Arlington - Jacksonville $75.35 27.56%

Emmanuel - Palatka $72.24 100.00%

First - Starke $69.78 66.19%

Georgetown - Georgetown $65.76 100.00%

First - Macclenny $56.16 31.86%

Community - Lake Como $54.47 56.01%

Riverdale - St Augustine $50.00 44.04%

Greater Bell - Brooker $48.00 100.00%

St James - Palatka $45.17 18.99%

River of Life - St John's $44.00 100.00%

Glynlea Grace - Jacksonville $39.76 19.84%

Ebenezer - Jacksonville $38.44 16.99%

Shores - St Augustine $28.50 18.41%

Mt Moriah - Jacksonville $6.47 6.63%

Ft Caroline - Jacksonville $4.00 1.30%

Asbury - Jacksonville $3.77 3.52%

St Joseph - Jacksonville $0.00 0.00%

Trinity - Palm Coast $0.00 0.00%

Worthington Springs - Worthington Springs

$0.00 0.00%

NORTH WEST

Centenary - Quincy $415.92 100.00%

Trinity - Tallahassee $334.11 100.00%

John Wesley - Tallahassee $271.05 82.63%

First - Live Oak $270.18 100.00%

Gray Memorial - Tallahassee

$257.75 100.13%

Mayo - Mayo $243.73 100.00%

Saint Paul's - Tallahassee $238.01 100.00%

Forest Hills - Quincy $235.24 100.00%

First - Chattahoochee $230.77 100.00%

St George Island - St George Island

$208.16 108.22%

First - Chiefland $206.67 100.00%

First - Perry $204.79 100.00%

First - Jasper $202.62 100.00%

Chaires - Tallahassee $194.52 67.02%

Bethel - Tallahassee $193.09 100.00%

- 140 -

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Pisgah - Tallahassee $190.45 100.00%

Pinetta - Pinetta $184.62 100.00%

Salem - Havana $183.04 100.00%

Lee - Lee $175.60 100.00%

Woodville - Woodville $172.58 100.00%

First - Madison $172.28 100.00%

Sopchoppy - Sopchoppy $170.89 100.00%

Killearn - Tallahassee $170.09 100.00%

First - High Springs $169.19 100.00%

Wesley Memorial - Lake City

$158.24 100.00%

Tallahassee Heights - Tallahassee

$158.14 100.00%

Steinhatchee - Cross City $155.50 100.00%

First - Monticello $154.37 100.00%

Crawfordville - Crawfordville

$147.70 100.00%

Waukeenah - Monticello $145.99 100.00%

Hanson - Pinetta $145.28 100.00%

Deer Lake - Tallahassee $145.14 101.86%

First - Cedar Key $143.98 100.00%

White Springs - White Springs

$143.72 100.00%

Wacissa - Wacissa $139.99 100.00%

Ft White - Ft White $138.04 100.98%

Greensboro - Greensboro $137.92 100.00%

Bethel - Lake City $135.98 100.00%

Old Mt Pleasant - Chattahoochee

$133.57 92.46%

Old Town - Old Town $127.66 100.36%

Ochlockonee Bay - Panacea $121.91 100.00%

Wellborn - Wellborn $113.73 100.00%

New Hope - Lake City $113.31 100.00%

Trinity - Lake City $112.49 100.00%

First - Eastpoint $112.47 100.00%

Calvary - Tallahassee $112.06 100.00%

Rocky Springs - Madison $110.13 100.00%

Branford - Branford $106.33 100.00%

Tustenuggee - Ft White $105.26 100.00%

Bristol - Bristol $102.13 100.00%

Grace - Hosford $98.89 100.00%

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Trenton - Trenton $97.67 100.00%

Greenville - Greenville $93.59 100.00%

Glen Julia - Quincy $89.81 100.00%

Pine Grove - Live Oak $88.30 100.00%

Sycamore - Quincy $87.77 100.00%

Mt Lebanon - Monticello $84.94 102.00%

Sardis - Monticello $82.84 100.00%

Pleasant Grove - Lake City $81.02 100.00%

Wakulla - Crawfordville $78.88 64.61%

New Life - Tallahassee $76.45 100.00%

Hickory Grove - Pinetta $72.98 100.00%

Cherry Lake - Madison $72.28 100.00%

Jennings - Jennings $71.43 56.02%

Ellzey - Otter Creek $67.19 100.00%

McCalls Chapel - Branford $66.76 58.78%

New Harmony - Live Oak $63.42 86.74%

First - Lake City $60.23 27.04%

Miccosukee - Tallahassee $51.99 56.04%

Boyd-New Life - Shady Grove

$49.44 45.52%

First - Apalachicola $47.64 29.95%

First - Cross City $43.24 23.42%

Lake Jackson - Tallahassee $39.85 25.34%

Pickens Temple - Old Town $34.42 100.00%

Lake Bird - Shady Grove $31.33 46.46%

Mt Carmel - High Springs $31.27 45.95%

Mt Bethel - Chiefland $25.83 100.00%

Bethlehem - Ft White $23.40 19.42%

Huntsville - CLOSED - 0 $22.67 25.44%

Carrabelle - Carrabelle $21.30 16.49%

Siloam - Lake City $16.95 100.00%

Hendry Memorial - Shady Grove

$0.00 0.00%

New Mt Zion - Lake City $0.00 0.00%

SOUTH CENTRAL

Trinity - Plant City $408.26 74.97%

First - Plant City $252.59 100.00%

Ridge Manor Community - Ridge Manor

$245.00 100.00%

Bayshore - Tampa $243.15 65.58%

- 141 -

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Seminole Heights - Tampa $241.31 101.12%

Manhattan Avenue - Tampa $237.59 127.72%

First - Riverview $236.07 100.00%

First - Land O' Lakes $232.95 101.53%

College Heights - Lakeland $230.43 100.00%

Oak Grove - Tampa $223.61 100.00%

Hyde Park - Tampa $219.67 100.41%

Temple Terrace - Tampa $218.78 100.00%

First - Auburndale $214.62 100.00%

St Mark - Lakeland $214.33 100.00%

Asbury - Bartow $213.94 100.00%

First - Lake Wales $206.04 76.23%

First - Lakeland $203.85 100.02%

St James at Tampa Palms - Tampa

$201.45 100.00%

Grace - Tampa $201.39 100.00%

St Andrew's - Brandon $195.96 100.00%

Trinity - Lakeland $189.64 100.61%

Lake Magdalene - Tampa $180.37 100.00%

First - Lutz $179.77 100.00%

Thonotosassa - Thonotosassa

$176.47 100.00%

Dover - Dover $173.64 100.00%

Beymer Memorial - Winter Haven

$165.24 100.00%

Lake Gibson - Lakeland $160.88 100.00%

Van Dyke - Tampa $148.43 100.00%

First - Brandon $147.43 100.00%

Springhead - Plant City $144.09 100.36%

Crystal Lake - Lakeland $143.08 100.00%

Dundee - Dundee $138.48 100.00%

Port Tampa - Tampa $137.26 100.00%

Alturas - Alturas $136.97 100.00%

Korean - Wesley Chapel $136.65 100.00%

Mulberry - Mulberry $136.62 101.04%

Ruskin - Ruskin $135.86 100.00%

New Horizon - Haines City $132.80 100.00%

Forest Hills - Tampa $127.31 52.63%

Wesley Memorial - Tampa $125.35 82.17%

Hillsborough - Tampa $121.41 65.00%

Highlands - Lakeland $121.13 100.00%

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

First - Seffner $120.61 100.00%

Keeney - Tampa $118.69 100.00%

First - Dade City $112.86 100.00%

First - Lake Alfred $111.26 55.66%

Trinity - Winter Haven $107.14 100.08%

Cork - Plant City $105.35 36.59%

First - Zephyrhills $99.93 100.00%

Tyer Temple - Tampa $97.64 100.00%

Blanton - Dade City $94.19 57.98%

Sun City Center - Sun City Center

$93.51 100.00%

South Shore - Riverview $82.41 100.00%

Community - San Antonio $82.14 100.00%

First - Bartow $77.78 31.22%

Grace - Plant City $77.18 100.00%

Limona Village Chapel - Brandon

$75.25 34.43%

Kathleen - Kathleen $70.40 17.30%

Lena Vista - Auburndale $69.68 100.53%

Grace Community at Fish Hawk - Lithia

$61.64 50.80%

Northeast UMC, A Faith Community - Tampa

$60.83 38.50%

St John's - Winter Haven $53.23 33.80%

Palma Ceia - Tampa $49.84 19.00%

Lakewood Park - Lakeland $47.68 28.68%

Wellspring - Tampa $46.00 28.41%

United Methodist Temple - Lakeland

$44.15 18.03%

Harvester - Land O' Lakes $31.25 20.61%

Faith Primera Iglesia - Tampa

$29.03 39.38%

Shepherd's Community - Lakeland

$16.60 10.50%

Trilby - Trilby $0.00 0.00%

SOUTH EAST

First - South Miami $394.38 100.00%

Wesley Chapel - Ft Lauderdale

$340.00 70.97%

First - Ft Lauderdale $333.07 100.00%

Christ - Ft Lauderdale $302.53 100.00%

- 142 -

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

First - Homestead $271.42 100.00%

Silver Palm - Homestead $237.85 100.00%

Trinity - Lighthouse Point $237.69 57.89%

Palm Springs - Hialeah $232.57 100.00%

Redland Community - Homestead

$221.43 100.00%

Fulford - No. Miami Beach $220.12 100.00%

Killian Pines - Miami $217.46 100.71%

Merrell - Lauderdale Lakes $212.51 100.00%

Hollywood Hills - Hollywood $209.08 100.00%

First - Coral Gables $207.69 46.72%

Perrine-Peters - Miami $206.00 86.01%

Everglades Community - Pembroke Pines

$203.83 101.01%

New Horizon - Southwest Ranches

$193.61 100.00%

Harris Chapel - Ft Lauderdale

$187.00 68.55%

Tamiami - Miami $176.58 69.20%

Community - Marathon $174.22 100.00%

Norland - Miami $167.72 100.00%

Big Pine - Big Pine Key $160.53 100.00%

First - Miami $158.52 100.00%

Miami Lakes - Miami Lakes $157.89 76.57%

Davie - Davie $156.04 100.00%

Plantation - Plantation $156.03 100.00%

St John's - Miami Beach $149.71 22.84%

Burton Memorial - Tavernier

$142.05 100.00%

Opa Locka - Opa Locka $138.13 100.00%

Key West - Key West $133.09 91.67%

Village - N Lauderdale $121.48 68.73%

Carol City - Miami Gardens $113.73 100.00%

Matecumbe - Islamorada $109.09 49.84%

Newman - Key West $106.88 100.00%

Olympia Heights - Miami $105.17 100.00%

Peace, Iglesia Metodista Unida - Miami

$102.12 100.00%

Wesley Hispanic - Coral Gables

$93.92 77.46%

Coral Way - Miami $93.28 100.00%

Cutler Ridge - Miami $89.56 38.18%

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Miramar - Miramar $87.16 70.69%

Iglesia Cristiana Juan Wesley - Miami

$86.74 100.00%

Riverside - Miami $85.37 41.74%

First - Coral Springs $85.33 100.00%

St John - Ft Lauderdale $77.79 57.81%

Ebenezer - Miami $77.24 42.44%

St Paul - Deerfield Beach $64.55 32.37%

Poinciana - Miami Springs $63.96 22.36%

Cokesbury - Margate $62.88 35.35%

Korean/American UM of S FL - Ft Lauderdale

$52.69 100.00%

N Hialeah Hispanic - Hialeah $49.92 46.16%

Westwood - Miami $47.06 28.16%

Kelly's Chapel - Miami $39.81 19.30%

Hispanic American - Hialeah $33.63 40.72%

Epworth - Pembroke Pines $29.96 12.45%

Parkway - Pompano Beach $22.42 15.84%

Faith - Miami $0.00 0.00%

Kendall - Miami $0.00 0.00%

Sellers Memorial - Miami $0.00 0.00%

SOUTH WEST

St James - Sarasota $396.59 100.00%

Boca Grande - Boca Grande $320.96 100.00%

First - Sarasota $307.14 100.00%

First - Bowling Green $291.72 100.00%

First - Clewiston $269.85 100.00%

Wesley Memorial - Ft Myers

$228.39 100.00%

First - Wauchula $226.31 100.00%

First - Ft Myers $225.23 100.00%

First - Immokalee $199.10 100.00%

Memorial - Lake Placid $197.27 100.00%

First - Sebring $194.28 100.00%

Vamo - Sarasota $194.27 42.01%

First - Bonita Springs $191.45 100.00%

Grace - Venice $188.69 100.00%

Hope - Cape Coral $179.02 100.00%

Wesley - Marco Island $173.30 100.00%

First - Naples $171.50 61.58%

- 143 -

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Trinity - Sarasota $170.01 100.00%

First - Ft Meade $163.74 100.00%

Trinity - North Port $161.74 100.00%

St John's - Sarasota $155.72 100.00%

Pine Island - Bokeelia $154.59 100.00%

North Naples - Naples $151.47 122.73%

Spring Lake - Sebring $151.13 100.00%

Old Miakka - Sarasota $150.64 100.00%

Christ - Lehigh Acres $149.36 100.00%

Tice - Ft Myers $146.14 100.00%

Fort Ogden - Ft Ogden $142.64 100.00%

Myakka City - Myakka City $135.17 100.00%

Cornerstone - Naples $134.90 100.00%

Carlson Memorial - LaBelle $134.74 100.00%

E Naples - Naples $133.72 100.06%

Beach - Ft Myers Beach $133.56 100.00%

Venice - Nokomis $128.81 100.55%

Christ - Venice $126.58 100.00%

Pine Level - Arcadia $119.51 100.00%

First - Cape Coral $115.08 100.00%

First - Punta Gorda $113.97 100.00%

Port Charlotte - Port Charlotte

$111.98 100.00%

Friendship - Punta Gorda $111.02 100.00%

Church

Apport. paid by

AWA

Percent of

Apport. Paid

Indian Lake - Indian Lake Estates

$110.39 100.00%

Faith - Ft Myers $109.58 100.00%

First - Frostproof $108.82 100.00%

Gulf Cove - Port Charlotte $106.97 100.00%

Edgewater - Port Charlotte $105.42 100.00%

First - Moore Haven $105.26 100.00%

First - Avon Park $103.06 100.00%

Cleveland - Punta Gorda $101.64 100.00%

Cypress Lake - Ft Myers $100.71 100.00%

Good Shepherd - N Ft Myers

$100.41 100.00%

Sun Ray - Frostproof $99.12 100.00%

First - Zolfo Springs $89.18 100.00%

St John - Sebring $81.84 100.00%

Englewood - Englewood $81.31 100.00%

Estero - Estero $77.97 100.00%

Trinity - Arcadia $77.24 100.00%

Christ Community - Punta Gorda

$74.30 56.65%

Grace - Cape Coral $68.35 100.00%

Alva - Alva $64.97 100.00%

Trinity - Ft Myers $49.13 100.00%

Iglesia Luz y Vida - Zolfo Springs

$27.31 34.75%

Pleasant Hill - Arcadia $0.00 0.00%

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REPORT OF 100% CONNECTIONAL GIVING BY DISTRICT Thanks to these churches who paid 100% of Apportionments, Health and Benefits and Ministry Protection for 2014 ATLANTIC CENTRAL Canal Point UMC - Canal Point Cason UMC - Delray Beach Christ UMC - Palm Bay Christ-By-The Sea UMC - Vero Beach Community UMC - Belle Glade Community of Hope UMC - Loxahatchee Emmanuel UMC - Melbourne First UMC - Cocoa First UMC - Cocoa Beach First UMC - Ft Pierce First UMC - Hobe Sound First UMC - Jupiter First UMC - Melbourne First UMC - Okeechobee First UMC - Pahokee First UMC - Port St John First UMC - Port St Lucie First UMC - Stuart First UMC - Titusville First UMC - Vero Beach First Hispanic UMC - West Palm Beach First, East Campus UMC - Boca Raton Georgianna UMC - Merritt Island Indian River City UMC - Titusville Lakeside UMC - Lake Worth Mims UMC - Mims N Merritt Island UMC - Merritt Island Oceanview UMC - Juno Beach

Roseland UMC - Roseland Satellite Beach UMC - Satellite Beach Scott Chapel UMC - Melbourne Sebastian UMC - Sebastian St Andrew UMC - Titusville St Luke's UMC - Lake Worth St Mark's UMC - Indialantic St Paul's UMC - Melbourne St Peter's UMC - Wellington Suntree UMC - Melbourne Trinity UMC - Jensen Beach Wesley UMC - West Melbourne EAST CENTRAL Asbury UMC - Maitland Azalea Park UMC - Orlando Barnett Memorial UMC - Enterprise Bear Lake UMC - Apopka Community UMC - Daytona Beach Community UMC - DeBary Community of Faith UMC - Davenport Conway UMC - Orlando Coronado Community UMC - New Smyrna Beach Covenant UMC - Port Orange DeLeon Springs UMC - DeLeon Springs Edgewater UMC - Edgewater Faith UMC - Orlando First UMC - Apopka First UMC - Clermont

First UMC - Deland First UMC - Kissimmee First UMC - Orlando First UMC - Oviedo First UMC - Port Orange First UMC - Saint Cloud First UMC - Winter Garden First UMC - Winter Park Flagler Beach UMC - Flagler Beach Forest Hills UMC - DeLand Grace UMC - Lake Mary Lake Helen UMC - Lake Helen Lakeside Fellowship UMC - Sanford LifeSong UMC - Orlando Montverde UMC - Montverde Orange City UMC - Orange City Osteen UMC - Osteen Palm Coast UMC - Palm Coast Pierson UMC - Pierson Sanlando UMC - Longwood Spring of Life UMC - Orlando St Andrews UMC - Winter Park St Joseph UMC - DeLand St Luke's UMC - Orlando Stewart Memorial UMC - Daytona Beach Tomoka UMC - Ormond Beach Trinity UMC - DeLand Tuskawilla UMC - Casselberry University Carillon UMC - Oviedo Zellwood UMC - Zellwood

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GULF CENTRAL Allendale UMC - St Petersburg Anona UMC - Largo Christ UMC - St Petersburg Clearview UMC - St Petersburg Crystal River UMC - Crystal River Curlew UMC - Palm Harbor Ellenton UMC - Ellenton Emmanuel UMC - Bradenton Faith UMC - Bradenton Faith UMC - Hudson Family of God UMC UMC - Palmetto First UMC - Gulfport First UMC - Homosassa First UMC - Hudson First UMC - New Port Richey First UMC - Palmetto First UMC - Spring Hill First UMC - St Petersburg Friendship UMC - Clearwater Harvest UMC - Lakewood Ranch Heritage UMC - Clearwater Hope UMC - Trinity Keystone UMC - Odessa Lake Lindsey UMC - Brooksville Lakewood UMC - St Petersburg Lealman UMC - St Petersburg Manatee UMC - Bradenton New Hope UMC - Istachatta Palm Harbor UMC - Palm Harbor Parrish UMC - Parrish Pasadena Community UMC - St Petersburg Spring Lake UMC - Brooksville St James UMC - St Petersburg Sylvan Abbey UMC - Clearwater

Terra Ceia UMC - Terra Ceia Trinity UMC - Bradenton Wesley Memorial UMC - St Petersburg NORTH CENTRAL Altoona UMC - Altoona Anthony UMC - Anthony Banks UMC - Archer Belleview UMC - Belleview Bronson UMC - Bronson Christ UMC - Leesburg Coleman UMC - Coleman Community UMC - Fruitland Park Debose Chapel UMC - Reddick Druid Hills UMC - Ocala Evinston UMC - Evinston First UMC - Alachua First UMC - Archer First UMC - Citra First UMC - Dunnellon First UMC - Gainesville First UMC - Hawthorne First UMC - Micanopy First UMC - Mt Dora First UMC - Ocala First UMC - Reddick First UMC - Tavares First UMC - Williston Floral City UMC - Floral City Free Canaan UMC - Waldo Grace at Fort Clarke UMC - Gainesville Greater Liberty Hill UMC - Gainesville Hague UMC - Gainesville Hall Chapel UMC - Gainesville Hernando UMC - Hernando

Lady Lake UMC - Lady Lake Little Chapel UMC - Ocala McIntosh UMC - McIntosh Melrose UMC - Melrose Morrison UMC - Leesburg Mt Pleasant UMC - Gainesville Mt Zion UMC - Reddick New Covenant UMC - The Villages New Hope UMC - Citra New Hope UMC - Hawthorne Newberry UMC - Newberry Ocala West UMC - Ocala Ocklawaha UMC - Ocklawaha Orange Creek/Campville UMC - Hawthorne Oxford UMC - Oxford Paradise UMC - Alachua Pine UMC - Fort McCoy Pleasant Plain UMC - Newberry Shiloh UMC - Gainesville Solomon Chapel UMC - Orange Lake Southwest UMC - Gainesville Sparr UMC - Sparr St Catherine UMC - Bushnell St John's UMC - Ocala St Pauls UMC - Ocala Sumterville UMC - Sumterville Trinity UMC - Gainesville Webster UMC - Webster Wesley UMC - Gainesville Wesley Chapel UMC - Ocala Wesley Chapel UMC - Arrendondo Wildwood UMC - Wildwood Zion UMC - Ocala

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NORTH EAST Alexander Memorial UMC - Jacksonville Asbury UMC - Orange Park Avondale UMC - Jacksonville Christ UMC - Hastings Christ UMC - Neptune Beach Dinsmore UMC - Jacksonville Emmanuel UMC - Palatka Faith UMC - Jacksonville First UMC - Baldwin First UMC - Green Cove Springs First UMC - Lake Butler First UMC - St Augustine Florahome UMC - Florahome Franklintown UMC - Fernandina Beach Garden City UMC - Jacksonville Georgetown UMC - Georgetown Grace UMC - Lawtey Grace UMC - St Augustine Greater Bell UMC - Brooker Highlands UMC - Jacksonville Keystone UMC - Keystone Heights Lake Shore UMC - Jacksonville Mandarin UMC - Jacksonville Memorial UMC - Fernandina Beach Mt Zion UMC - Jacksonville New Life Community UMC - Jacksonville Orange Park UMC - Orange Park Ortega UMC - Jacksonville Pleasant Grove UMC - Starke Ponte Vedra UMC - Ponte Vedra Beach River of Life UMC - St John's Riverside Park UMC - Jacksonville

Simpson Memorial UMC - Jacksonville Southside UMC - Jacksonville St Paul UMC - Jacksonville Trinity UMC - Palatka Welaka UMC - Welaka Yulee UMC - Yulee NORTH WEST Bethel UMC - Lake City Bethel UMC - Tallahassee Branford UMC - Branford Bristol UMC - Bristol Calvary UMC - Tallahassee Centenary UMC - Quincy Cherry Lake UMC - Madison Crawfordville UMC - Crawfordville Deer Lake UMC - Tallahassee Ellzey UMC - Otter Creek First UMC - Cedar Key First UMC - Chattahoochee First UMC - Chiefland First UMC - Eastpoint First UMC - High Springs First UMC - Jasper First UMC - Live Oak First UMC - Madison First UMC - Monticello First UMC - Perry Forest Hills UMC - Quincy Ft White UMC - Ft White Glen Julia UMC - Quincy Grace UMC - Hosford Gray Memorial UMC - Tallahassee Greensboro UMC - Greensboro Greenville UMC - Greenville Hanson UMC - Pinetta Hickory Grove UMC - Pinetta

Killearn UMC - Tallahassee Lee UMC - Lee Mayo UMC - Mayo Mt Bethel UMC - Chiefland Mt Lebanon UMC - Monticello New Hope UMC - Lake City New Life UMC - Tallahassee Ochlockonee Bay UMC - Panacea Old Town UMC - Old Town Pickens Temple UMC - Old Town Pine Grove UMC - Live Oak Pinetta UMC - Pinetta Pisgah UMC - Tallahassee Pleasant Grove UMC - Lake City Rocky Springs UMC - Madison Saint Paul's UMC - Tallahassee Salem UMC - Havana Sardis UMC - Monticello Siloam UMC - Lake City Sopchoppy UMC - Sopchoppy St George Island UMC - St George Island Steinhatchee UMC - Cross City Sycamore UMC - Quincy Tallahassee Heights UMC - Tallahassee Trenton UMC - Trenton Trinity UMC - Lake City Trinity UMC - Tallahassee Tustenuggee UMC - Ft White Wacissa UMC - Wacissa Waukeenah UMC - Monticello Wellborn UMC - Wellborn Wesley Memorial UMC - Lake City White Springs UMC - White Springs Woodville UMC - Woodville

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SOUTH CENTRAL Alturas UMC - Alturas Asbury UMC - Bartow Beymer Memorial UMC - Winter Haven College Heights UMC - Lakeland Crystal Lake UMC - Lakeland Dover UMC - Dover Dundee UMC - Dundee First UMC - Auburndale First UMC - Brandon First UMC - Dade City First UMC - Lakeland First UMC - Land O' Lakes First UMC - Lutz First UMC - Plant City First UMC - Riverview First UMC - Seffner First UMC - Zephyrhills Grace UMC - Plant City Grace UMC - Tampa Highlands UMC - Lakeland Hyde Park UMC - Tampa Keeney UMC - Tampa Korean UMC - Wesley Chapel Lake Gibson UMC - Lakeland Lake Magdalene UMC - Tampa Lena Vista UMC - Auburndale Manhattan Avenue UMC - Tampa Mulberry UMC - Mulberry New Horizon UMC - Haines City Oak Grove UMC - Tampa Port Tampa UMC - Tampa Ridge Manor Community UMC - Ridge Manor Ruskin UMC - Ruskin Seminole Heights UMC - Tampa

South Shore UMC - Riverview Springhead UMC - Plant City St Andrew's UMC - Brandon St James at Tampa Palms UMC - Tampa St Mark UMC - Lakeland Sun City Center UMC - Sun City Center Temple Terrace UMC - Tampa Trinity UMC - Lakeland Trinity UMC - Winter Haven Tyer Temple UMC - Tampa Van Dyke UMC - Tampa SOUTH EAST Big Pine UMC - Big Pine Key Burton Memorial UMC - Tavernier Christ UMC - Ft Lauderdale Community UMC - Marathon Coral Way UMC - Miami Davie UMC - Davie Everglades Community UMC - Pembroke Pines First UMC - Coral Springs First UMC - Ft Lauderdale First UMC - Homestead First UMC - Miami First UMC - South Miami Fulford UMC - No. Miami Beach Hollywood Hills UMC - Hollywood Iglesia Cristiana Juan Wesley UMC - Miami Killian Pines UMC - Miami Korean/American UM of S FL UMC - Ft Lauderdale Merrell UMC - Lauderdale Lakes

New Horizon UMC - Southwest Ranches Norland UMC - Miami Olympia Heights UMC - Miami Palm Springs UMC - Hialeah Peace, Iglesia Metodista Unida UMC - Miami Plantation UMC - Plantation Redland Community UMC - Homestead Silver Palm UMC - Homestead SOUTH WEST Alva UMC - Alva Beach UMC - Ft Myers Beach Boca Grande UMC - Boca Grande Carlson Memorial UMC - LaBelle Christ UMC - Lehigh Acres Christ UMC - Venice Cleveland UMC - Punta Gorda Cornerstone UMC - Naples Cypress Lake UMC - Ft Myers E Naples UMC - Naples Edgewater UMC - Port Charlotte Englewood UMC - Englewood Estero UMC - Estero Faith UMC - Ft Myers First UMC - Ft Myers First UMC - Avon Park First UMC - Bonita Springs First UMC - Bowling Green First UMC - Cape Coral First UMC - Clewiston First UMC - Frostproof First UMC - Ft Meade First UMC - Immokalee First UMC - Moore Haven

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First UMC - Punta Gorda First UMC - Sarasota First UMC - Sebring First UMC - Wauchula First UMC - Zolfo Springs Fort Ogden UMC - Ft Ogden Friendship UMC - Punta Gorda Good Shepherd UMC - N Ft Myers Grace UMC - Cape Coral Grace UMC - Venice Gulf Cove UMC - Port Charlotte Hope UMC - Cape Coral

Indian Lake UMC - Indian Lake Estates Memorial UMC - Lake Placid Myakka City UMC - Myakka City North Naples UMC - Naples Old Miakka UMC - Sarasota Pine Island UMC - Bokeelia Pine Level UMC - Arcadia Port Charlotte UMC - Port Charlotte Spring Lake UMC - Sebring St James UMC - Sarasota St John UMC - Sebring

St John's UMC - Sarasota Sun Ray UMC - Frostproof Tice UMC - Ft Myers Trinity UMC - Arcadia Trinity UMC - Ft Myers Trinity UMC - North Port Trinity UMC - Sarasota Venice UMC - Nokomis Wesley UMC - Marco Island Wesley Memorial UMC - Ft Myers

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COMMITTEE FOR MINISTRY PROTECTION 1

2 3

2015 PROPERTY/CASUALTY & WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE 4

PROGRAM 5

6 The Florida Conference Property/Casualty and Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program is 7 celebrating a milestone this year. This is the 20th year the program has been in existence! 8 9 The years following 1992’s Hurricane Andrew revealed the need for a comprehensive, 10 Conference-wide insurance program. The current insurance program and the Department for 11 Ministry Protection (formerly known as the Risk Management Department) was formed in 1995 12 as a means of bringing cohesiveness in insurance coverage for all United Methodist churches 13 and related ministries within the Conference. 14 15 Now, two decades after the Annual Conference’s wise decision to create this program, it has been 16 tested through multiple hurricanes, other catastrophic claims, turmoil in the insurance market, and 17 a faltering economy. Through it all, the insurance program has remained steadfast in its ability to 18 provide comprehensive, cost-effective insurance coverage for all Conference churches, schools, 19 and direct ministries. It remains strong and vital and stands as a model to other United Methodist 20 conferences and to other church denominations. 21 22 2015 is the sixth consecutive year that property and casualty insurance premiums for Florida 23 Conference churches have remained the same. While individual church allocations may vary 24 from prior years (due to local factors, such as property appraisals and adding buildings and/or 25 vehicles), the overall costs of the insurance program for 2015 has not increased and remains 26 exactly the same as the five prior years. 27 28 The Department for Ministry Protection reports to the Conference Treasurer and the Committee 29 for Ministry Protection. Currently, this Committee is comprised of volunteers representing each 30 district of the Florida Annual Conference. Collectively, the skills of this very active committee 31 include, but are not limited to: attorneys, CPAs, insurance and risk management professionals, 32 local pastors and church administrators. The program would not enjoy its unparalleled strength 33 but for the guidance, hard work, and dedication of this stellar committee. 34 35 The insurance program is structured to provide broad and comprehensive coverage. The 36 coverages include, but are not limited to: 37 38

Property: includes windstorm, hail, flood, and earthquake coverage; 39 Liability: includes general liability, property damage to others, sexual abuse and 40

molestation, employment practices liability, and medical payments coverage; 41 Automobile: includes liability and physical damage coverage, medical payments and 42

uninsured/underinsured coverage; 43 Crime: includes theft, burglary, robbery and employee dishonesty coverage; 44 Workers’ Compensation: provides coverage for employees that are injured in the course 45

and scope of their employment. 46 Activities Medical Insurance: provides coverage for bodily injury for accidents to volunteers 47

of the church, youth group participants, children enrolled in daycare, nursery, pre-k and 48 camps, excess over any personal health insurance; 49

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International Medical Accident Insurance: provides medical payments for accident injuries 1 or sickness to volunteers while participating on scheduled or sponsored activities outside 2 the United States of America, excess over any amounts payable by any other health care 3 plan; 4

Terrorism: Property and casualty coverage. 5 6 7 As we celebrate 20 years of quality service to the Florida Annual Conference, the members of the 8 Committee for Ministry Protection and the staff of the department are excited about the future. 9 We consider it a privilege to be able to help insure: 10 11

$2.3 billion in property located in every city, town, and hamlet served by the Florida 12 Conference; 13

Over 760 vehicles, including private passenger vehicles, vans, buses, trailers, golf carts, 14 watercraft, and two motorhomes; 15

Over 200 pre-schools and schools; 16 Over 9,000 employees who are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance; 17 Tens of thousands of volunteers; 18 Countless local church ministries, programs, and events, held both on and off church 19

property. 20 Over 1,500 international travelers in 2014 alone; 21 Comprehensive coverage for a variety of other unique exposures, such as Camps & 22

Retreats, Wesley Campus Ministries; The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, and 23 Florida Conference district offices. 24

25 It is indeed a privilege and an honor to serve. We hope our efforts ultimately enable ministry by 26 freeing local congregations to confidently interact with God’s people as they serve them and Him. 27 28 Respectfully submitted, 29 30 Rev. Susie Horner, Chair 31 Committee for Ministry Protection 32 33 LaNita V. Battles, Claims/Risk Manager 34 Department for Ministry Protection 35

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MINISTRY PROTECTION FINANCIAL RESULTS

Insurance Coverage Administration

31-Dec-2014 (Unaudited)

31-Dec-2013 (Audited)

Premium Revenue - P&C $10,876,584 $10,889,669

Premium Revenue - WC $1,453,653 $1,351,546

Total Revenue $12,330,237

$12,241,215

Insurance Coverage Expenses Excess Insurance Expense $6,984,428

$7,375,030

Claims Administrator Fees $279,266 $270,166 Other Professional Fees $198,923 $268,483 Discount for Early Premium Payment $113,348 $112,245 Premium Dividend ($136) $759,141 Bad Debt Expense $604,700 $75,253 Ministry Protection Department $513,162 $474,120

Total Insurance Coverage Expenses $8,693,691

$9,334,438

Insurance Coverage lncome/(Loss) $3,636,546

$2,906,777

Insurance Claims Administration

Recovery Revenue $905,006 $593,702

Claims Expenses Claim Payments- P&C $3,734,648

$2,458,973

Claim Payments- WC $1,100,847 $1,194,515 Deductible Assistance $264,955 $338,059 Loss Reserve Adjustment $430,944 $933,000

Total Claim Payment Expenses $5,531,394

$4,924,547

Insurance Claims lncome/(Loss) ($4,626,388)

($4,330,845)

Ministry Protection Program Income ($989,842)

($1,424,068)

Loss Fund

Beginning Balance $8,491,322 $8,114,164

Net MP Program Activity ($989,842) ($1,424,068)

Net Investment Earnings $988,731 $1,801,226

Net lncrease/(Decrease) in Fund ($1,111)

$377,158

Ending Balance $8,490,211

$8,491,322

Loss Fund Accrual $6,981,544

$6,539,900

Total Cash & Investments $14,821,880 $14,756,542

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FLORIDA CONFERENCE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1

2 The Board of Trustees continues to oversee the property entrusted to all the Methodists in Florida. 3 4 The Trustees are responsible for the needs of the Conference Center and the Episcopal 5 Residence and provide guidance to the Campus Ministries as they continue to deal with a variety 6 of real property issues. 7 8 Unlike the Camps and Retreat Centers which have a skilled professional staff and maintenance 9 reserves, the campus ministries don’t have sufficient resources necessary to do more than deal 10 with routine maintenance issues. As a result, the Trustees are working closer with the campuses 11 to supplement their individual maintenance needs. 12 13 The Trustees obtained a line of credit in the amount of $2.5 MM in order to fund the renovation of 14 the Barnett Lodge. Currently, the outstanding balance is less than $1.25 MM with pledges of $750 15 K expected to be received over the next 3 years. The Trustees continued the practice of 16 contributing $50k per year to reduce the deficit. 17 18 Your Board of Trustees has agreed to obtain a line of credit from the Florida Foundation in the 19 amount of $2.5MM to build a new facility on the campus of FSU. The cabinet and NCD agreed to 20 provide 10% of the proceeds from sold churches to satisfy the LOC. Construction is to begin in 21 late summer 2015 with completion by summer of 2016. 22 23 Episcopal Residence: This property continues to require maintenance and repairs typical of a 24 property of this age. 25 26 Conference Center: This property, of which we all should be extremely proud, has presented no 27 issues to the board since we moved in. 28 29 Cemeteries: A special thanks to Dr. Ed Dinkins, an ex-officio member, for his fine work and his 30 investigations, in locating and resolving ownership issues surrounding abandoned cemeteries. 31 More often than not, the UMC has no legal obligation but rather a moral obligation. 32 33 Your Board of Trustees, as authorized in BOD Par. 2512.3 and 2512.4, created the Trustee 34 Investment Committee to work with various conference agencies, districts, local churches and 35 FUMF to help identify their investment objectives and recommend vehicles to achieve these 36 objectives. We are blessed that Vernon Swartsel, former President of the FUMF, agreed to chair 37 this committee comprised of experienced investment professionals. The following is the report of 38 the Conference Investment Committee’s Chair Vernon Swartsel. We are blessed to have a group 39 of professionals willing to donate their time and expertise to serve on this important committee. A 40 very special thanks to Vernon for his leadership. 41 42 43 Respectfully submitted, 44 Cary Hardee, President 45 Florida Conference Board of Trustees 46

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INVESTMENT COMMITTEE 1

2 In its first year the Conference’s Investment Committee proposed a committee charter and policies 3 that establish investment guidelines (to be consistent with the socially responsible investment 4 principles set forth in the Book of Discipline) and incorporate accountability standards to be used 5 for monitoring the effectiveness of the Conference’s investment program, and these were adopted 6 by the Board of Trustees. 7 8 The Committee also determined that the Florida United Methodist Foundation will be the 9 custodian for virtually all of the Conference’s investments and selected two independent 10 investment managers to recommend investments to reach short-term and long-term financial 11 goals. 12 13 Respectfully submitted, 14 Vernon Swartsel, Chairman, Investment Committee 15 16

17

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY 18

19 Both the Committee on Episcopacy of the Florida Annual Conference and Bishop Carter have 20 been very receptive to the Southeast Jurisdiction Episcopal Review and Evaluation Instrument 21 designed to engage the committee and the bishop in dialogue about the episcopal leadership of 22 the Florida Annual Conference. I thought a review of this process might be helpful as this year’s 23 report. 24 25 At our first meeting on February 27, 2014, the Committee wrote a covenant together, which has 26 been re-visited at each of our subsequent meetings. Jorge Acevedo and Sharon Luther, both 27 members of the Southeast Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy, have led the committee 28 through the comprehensive evaluation and growth plan process, discussing in detail all eight 29 categories. At this first meeting committee members completed the Episcopal Review and 30 Evaluation Forms individually. The forms were compiled, with the consensus acknowledgment of 31 how challenging it was to complete this assessment given the short tenure of Bishop Carter’s 32 episcopal leadership in Florida at that point. 33 34 At our meeting on August 20, 2014, the Committee discussed the first three categories of Bishop 35 Carter’s review: Formation, Administrative Responsibilities in the Florida Area, and Leadership. 36 We had a very good discussion with Bishop Carter that served the primary purpose of Bishop 37 Carter informing committee members in regard to these areas. Helpful dialogue ensued that 38 added to an overall sense of unity with regard to the assessment process and the privilege of 39 serving together in ministry. Bishop Carter stressed to the committee that our primary purpose is 40 to focus on the quality of the relationship between the bishop and the annual conference for the 41 sake of the mission of the church. 42 43 At the third meeting on September 18, 2014, the chair of the committee invited two cabinet 44 members suggested by Bishop Carter to attend to participate in the discussion of categories four 45 and five: Preaching and Teaching and Appointment-making. Bishop Carter was not present for 46 this meeting because of another commitment. There was consensus between Bishop Carter and 47 the chair of the Committee prior to the committee meeting that this would be a good thing that 48 would help to facilitate a sense of unrestrained openness from the two members of the Cabinet. 49

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Much of the meeting consisted of committee members listening to insights of the cabinet members 1 and engaging in dialogue with them. Again, this was a significant time of learning for members of 2 the committee, especially in regard to how the appointment process works. This dialogue also 3 underscored the positive connection that Bishop Carter has with members of the cabinet and the 4 respect that they have for him and his leadership. 5 6 At our last meeting of the year, on November 17, 2014, we met with the Florida Annual Conference 7 Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) for a dialogue in regard to the overlap of the work of these two 8 groups and how they might interface more effectively for the sake of the mission of the church. 9 There was detailed discussion, with active input from Bishop Carter, in regard to the initiatives 10 that each group is working on, particularly in regard to new church development, the definition 11 and role of mission churches in the conference, and the sensitive issue of church closures. In 12 addition, our committee shared with members of the SLT about the assessment process in which 13 we have been engaged with Bishop Carter. 14 15 The overall sense of the committee is that this assessment process is much-needed as a helpful 16 tool in enhancing interaction between the committee and Bishop Carter that involves information 17 sharing, creative thinking, and sound communication about important issues related to the 18 ministry of the Florida Conference and the leadership of our bishop. 19 20 We understand that this process is one that will continue to be tweaked and strengthened as our 21 conference and others continue to engage with it and learn to make the most constructive use of 22 it as an ongoing tool to strengthen the relationship of the bishop with the annual conference. 23 24 Respectfully submitted, 25 26 Bob Bushong 27 Chairperson 28

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OUR EXTENDED CONNECTION 1

2 3

AFRICA UNIVERSITY 4

5 The vision of Africa University is improved quality life, peace and prosperity for the peoples 6 of Africa through quality higher education that includes teaching, researching, community 7 service and leadership development. 8 9 The mission of Africa University is to provide quality education within a Pan-African 10 context through which people can acquire general and professional knowledge and skills, 11 grow in spiritual maturity and develop sound moral values, ethics and leadership qualities. 12 13 Africa University’s motto in the Greek language is translated into English to mean: “I am 14 the vine; you are the branches.” John 15:5 “. . . Africa University established its philosophy 15 of higher education on the values of the Gospel.” 16 --From the Africa University Prospectus, 2009 17 18 The news about Africa University (AU), Mutare, Zimbabwe, remains exciting and filled with hope! 19 The renewal of relationships fostered at last year’s FL Annual Conference featured the incredible 20 music of the AU choir ambassadors and the spirited preaching of Dr. James ‘Jim’ H. Salley, 21 Associate Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement. You responded to this outpouring by 22 giving $57,275.89 through our Annual Conference Special Offering toward the endowment of a 23 scholarship. Thank you Florida United Methodists! We were further blessed by the choir’s 24 itineration throughout the Conference to a number of churches, as well as to the Warren W. Willis 25 Camp. Their music, spirit and expressions of the AU story thrilled the hearts of both young and 26 old. 27 28 In March of this year, a delegation of lay and clergy members of our Conference visited the 29 University, where they were hosted by Jim Salley, students (some of whom visited us last year) 30 and the University’s faculty and administration. One of the highlights of their visit was attendance 31 at the installation of the University’s new Vice Chancellor, Dr. Munashe Furusa. Vice Chancellor 32 Furusa embodies the hope of Africa University through his experience as a first generation college 33 graduate who has risen to the top of his profession. 34 35 Our Conference extended hospitality to the Africa University Development board members as 36 they gathered in Orlando on Saturday, April 18th, 2015. Their service to the University included 37 their ‘Saturation’ effort, wherein they remained in Florida to speak and preach in several of our 38 congregations on Sunday, April 9th, 2015. We were blessed to receive them! 39 40 The story of the University’s ongoing accomplishments is vast and we are grateful for an 41 opportunity to celebrate which includes: 42 43 The announcement of plans to receive an endowed professorship in the Faculty of Theology. 44 45 The implementation of a PhD program in Peace, Leadership, Governance and Development. 46 47 Thank you for your continued prayers and support of this vital mission of our Church! For more 48 information please visit www.support-africauniversity.org. 49

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Submitted in the spirit of HOPE, on behalf of Bishop Carter and the Africa University Initiative 1 Team 2 Sharon G. Austin, Director of Connectional Ministries and 3 Harold D. Lewis, Director of Multicultural and Justice Ministries 4 5 6

ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 7

8 This report was not available at press time. If submitted, it will be posted online at 9 www.acflorida.org. Click the “Supplemental Workbook Reports” link for the reports not found in 10 this workbook. 11 12 13

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY 14

15 This report was not available at press time. If submitted, it will be posted online at 16 www.acflorida.org. Click the “Supplemental Workbook Reports” link for the reports not found in 17 this workbook. 18

19

20

CANDLER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY 21

22 For 100 years, Candler School of Theology at Emory University has prepared real people to 23 make a real difference in the real world. Since our founding in 1914, more than 10,000 students 24 have graduated from Candler, where they have been shaped as Christian leaders who put faith 25 and love into action, transforming the world in the name of Jesus Christ. Here, students are 26 challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and immersed in Christian service from the first 27 day they arrive on campus. This unique approach ensures that our graduates are ready to serve 28 wherever God leads. 29 30 One of 13 official seminaries of The United Methodist Church, Candler is grounded in the Christian 31 faith and shaped by the Wesleyan tradition. We are one of seven graduate professional schools 32 of Emory University, a top-tier research institution offering extensive resources and a rich context 33 for study. Our location in the city of Atlanta offers a learning environment that reflects the highly 34 diverse communities of the 21st century world. There is no better place for ministry preparation 35 that addresses our major denominational priorities: developing leaders, starting and growing 36 churches, ministry with the poor, and improving global health. 37 38 During the 2014-2015 academic year, Candler celebrated its Centennial, marking our 100th 39 anniversary with a series of commemorative events highlighting memories of the past and visions 40 for the future. The yearlong celebration began in the fall of 2014 with the dedication of the final 41 phase of our new LEED-certified building and the premiere of Religion and Reason Joined: 42 Candler at 100, a new book on our history. The commemoration continued through the spring of 43 2015 with guest lectures, exhibits, and “Prophetic Voices,” a major academic conference 44 addressing the challenges and opportunities facing theology in the 21st century. 45 46 Not only has Candler expanded its physical space this year—we have expanded degree offerings 47 as well. In response to the changing needs of the church, Candler introduced five new degrees to 48

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equip Christian leaders: the Doctor of Ministry, the Master of Religious Leadership, the Master of 1 Religion and Public Life, and two dual degrees with social work and development practice. 2 3 Candler’s student body reflects the diversity and breadth of the Christian faithful. Our enrollment 4 stands at 447, with 320 seeking the Master of Divinity, 43 the Master of Theological Studies, 14 5 the Master of Religious Life, 20 the Master of Theology, 29 the Doctor of Ministry, 10 the Doctor 6 of Theology, and 11 enrolled as Non-Degree students. The student body is 52 percent women, 7 35 percent people of color (U.S.), and the median age of the entering class is 27. Students 8 represent 42 denominations, with nearly half identifying as United Methodist. 9 10 Candler draws considerable strength and inspiration from its relationship with The United 11 Methodist Church. Our ability to fulfill our mission of educating faithful and creative leaders for the 12 church's ministries in the world depends upon your support, gifts, and prayers. Thank you for the 13 countless ways you advance this vital ministry in the life of our denomination. Visit us in person in 14 Atlanta or online at candler.emory.edu to see firsthand how Candler prepares real people to make 15 a real difference in the real world. 16 17 Jan Love 18 Dean and Professor of Christianity and World Politics 19 Candler School of Theology 20 21

22

DUKE DIVINITY SCHOOL 23

24 The academic year 2014–2015 has been an exciting year as we continue to engage with the 25 church, academy, and society on important ecclesial and cultural issues. The heart of our work 26 remains the preparation of men and women for Christian ministry and leadership within the 27 church. As part of that mission, our initiatives, centers, and programs continue to be a vital 28 resource for us to extend the good news of God’s invitation into all spheres of a complex and 29 hungry world. Far from being an ivory tower, Duke Divinity School is a place where faculty, 30 students, and staff are eager to use the training for ministry in order to serve others and serve as 31 a light to the world. 32 33 Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts (DITA) recognizes that the arts shape the imagination of 34 a community and provide the forms through which many people most directly and compellingly 35 encounter the message of the gospel. On Palm Sunday, Duke Chapel hosted the American 36 premiere of the new St Luke Passion, written by the eminent Scottish composer James MacMillan. 37 The work was commissioned by Duke Divinity School in conjunction with the Netherlands Radio 38 Philharmonic Orchestra and the City of Birmingham (U.K.) Symphony Orchestra. During the 39 process of composing the piece, MacMillan met several times with a group of theologians and 40 biblical scholars from Duke Divinity School and the University of Cambridge to reflect on the shape 41 and meaning of Luke’s narrative. In addition to this stunning choral work, DITA has sponsored 42 lectures by visiting scholars and hosted the first artist-in-residence, Malcolm Guite. 43 44 The newest of our initiatives, Theology, Medicine, and Culture, builds on the extraordinary faculty 45 resources offered by four physicians who hold joint faculty appointments in the Medical School 46 and the Divinity School at Duke. Working together with other members of the faculty who share 47 an interest in healthcare and medical ethics, they are developing a range of programs that seek 48 to clarify and strengthen Christian witness and action in the complex world of healthcare. One 49

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program, Walking Together, sponsors conferences that address care of the mentally ill in faith 1 communities. Another, Reimagining Medicine, will gather health professionals at a summer 2 conference to consider proposals for the ways in which local communities might draw on Christian 3 perspectives to shape the delivery of medical care. 4 5 The Center for Reconciliation (CFR) celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, and this has been 6 a time of transition for the center. Co-founder Chris Rice accepted a role with the Mennonite 7 Central Committee in Korea, and he will retain his connection to Duke as senior fellow for 8 Northeast Asia. In that role he will coordinate the emerging work of the Christian Forum for 9 Reconciliation in Northeast Asia, which will be modeled on the successful development of the 10 Great Lakes Initiative (GLI) in East Africa. Duke has helped to support the GLI for the past seven 11 years, and this year full leadership transitioned to local African leaders. The Divinity School has 12 received a major gift commitment to endow a faculty position that will also serve as director of the 13 CFR, and a search has begun to fill that position. In the coming years we intend to strengthen our 14 emphasis on issues of racial reconciliation in local contexts. 15 16 Leadership Education at Duke Divinity (LEADD) draws inspiration both from the Christian 17 theological tradition and from the best recent studies and practices of leadership and 18 entrepreneurship. In partnership with the Lake Institute, this year LEADD offered an executive 19 certificate in religious fundraising. LEADD also offers a program for denominational and 20 institutional leaders, Foundations in Christian Leadership. Faith & Leadership, the online 21 magazine published by LEADD, continues to reach over 300,000 readers and provide a resource 22 for theological reflection and “traditioned innovation” for all in ministry. Their continued excellent 23 work was recognized again this year with awards from the Associated Church Press “Best of the 24 Christian Press” contest. 25 26 The Center for Studies in the Wesleyan Tradition has been a source of internationally acclaimed 27 research and support for Methodist and Wesleyan studies since 1979. This center offers courses 28 for both Course of Study and Divinity students, provides access to outstanding research resources 29 for students and scholars of the broad Wesleyan tradition, and supports the production of critical 30 editions of the texts of John and Charles Wesley in print and online formats. The center also 31 sponsors the Summer Wesley Seminar, led by professors Randy Maddox and Richard 32 Heitzenrater, which invites application from scholars to spend an intensive residency at the 33 Divinity School to facilitate their study of Wesleyan heritage. 34 35 In addition to our major initiatives, Duke Divinity School has a number of other programs that 36 extend the good news of God’s salvation to disparate parts of our society. Our program in prison 37 ministry sends divinity students into prisons in order to take classes alongside people who are 38 incarcerated. The certificate in prison studies provides students with the opportunity to engage 39 specifically with people in prison and the system that imprisons them in the context of theological 40 education and formation for ministry. Thriving Rural Communities, a partnership between Duke 41 Divinity School, The Duke Endowment, and the North Carolina and Western North Carolina 42 Conferences of The United Methodist Church, helps divinity students, pastors, laity, districts, and 43 conferences cultivate and strengthen Christian leadership and United Methodist congregations in 44 rural North Carolina. The Duke Youth Academy for Christian Formation continues to offer high-45 school students an opportunity for intensive theological engagement and practice. 46 47 Several of our faculty were recognized this year for their scholarship and interdisciplinary 48 expertise. Willie Jennings, associate professor of theology and black church studies, was given 49 the prestigious 2015 Louisville Grawemeyer Award in Religion for his book, The Christian 50

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Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race. The Grawemeyer Award in Religion, an annual 1 $100,000 prize that honors and promotes insights into the study of religion, is given jointly by the 2 University of Louisville and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Norman Wirzba, 3 professor of theology and ecology, was named a Henry Luce III Fellow for 2014-15, and he also 4 received a major Sabbatical grant for Researchers from the Louisville Institute. These awards are 5 supporting his current work on two book projects: From Nature to Creation: Christian Life in a 6 Postnatural Age, and Creation, Creatureliness, and Creativity: An Essay on the Human Place in 7 the World. Jennie Grillo, assistant professor of Old Testament, received a 2014 Manfred 8 Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise and a W. F. Albright Institute of Archeological 9 Research fellowship to conduct research in Israel. Maria Doerfler, assistant professor of the 10 history of Christianity in late antiquity, was named a visiting research fellow at New York 11 University’s Institute for the study of the Ancient World. Curtis Freeman, research professor of 12 theology and director of the Baptist House of Studies, was appointed the chair the Baptist 13 delegation in a five-year international dialogue between the Baptist World Alliance and the World 14 Methodist Council. Richard Payne, Esther Colliflower Professor of Medicine and Divinity, was 15 named to the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee of the National Institutes of 16 Health by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. This is a federal advisory committee 17 that supports pain research and promotes collaboration across the government to improve 18 understanding of pain and pain-related treatments. 19 20 We continue to welcome students from a range of backgrounds who are called to serve God and 21 the church. In 2014, our total enrollment was 656 students: 462 are enrolled in the M.Div. degree 22 program; 36 in the M.T.S.; 12 in the Th.M.; 45 in the Th.D.; 54 in the D.Min.; 24 in the M.A.C.P.; 23 15 in the M.A.C.S.; and 3 who are special students. Thirty-nine percent of our students are United 24 Methodist, with an additional 4 percent from other Wesleyan traditions, and 46 percent of our 25 M.Div. students are United Methodist. Fourteen percent of all students are Baptist, 8 percent are 26 Anglican or Episcopal, 3 percent are Roman Catholic, 7 percent are Presbyterian or Reformed, 27 with the remaining 9 percent from other denominations or nondenominational churches. 28 29 In addition to the ongoing excellent academic and field education work done by students each 30 year, several students had notable achievements. Two of the top three prizes in the Student 31 Essays in Christian Wisdom competition sponsored by The Living Church magazine were claimed 32 by Divinity School students: Kevin Rose M.Div.’16 won second place and John Zambenini 33 M.Div.’15 won third place. Second-year M.Div. student Jacob Drake was selected to present a 34 paper the Oxford University Byzantine Society international Graduate Conference held in Oxford, 35 England. Michelle Wolfe M.Div.’14 was awarded a fellowship by FASPE (Fellowships at 36 Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) to participate in a two-week program in New York, 37 Germany, and Poland for an intensive study of contemporary ethics. Four divinity students, part 38 of a research group in American religious history, were among the winners of grants for research 39 projects using the Religion in North Carolina digital collection. Other students did exemplary work 40 in organizing conferences for ministry to the sexually abused and issues in pastoral care for 41 military veterans. 42 43 We remain deeply grateful for the relationships among The United Methodist Church, this Annual 44 Conference, and Duke Divinity School. We look forward to working with you in the task of 45 preparing men and women for Christian ministry. To learn more about Duke Divinity School, 46 please visit our website at www.divinity.duke.edu. 47 48 Respectfully submitted by Dean Richard B. Hays 49

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FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE 1

2 Florida Southern College continues to perpetuate its tradition of offering the highest caliber of 3 academic and student life programs in order to prepare students to make a positive and 4 consequential impact on society. I am pleased to provide an update on our programs and share 5 highlights of our achievements from the past year. 6 7 Florida Southern is proud of our highly active Campus Ministries and Church Relations Program 8 comprising nine major student-led ministries directed by Rev. Timothy Wright ’94 with the 9 assistance of three full-time professionals. In addition to hosting the annual Campus Ministries 10 retreat and Campus Ministries Block Party for the entire campus, FSC students started a new 11 initiative: MocSoctober. Through this program, students collected over 1,000 pairs of socks to 12 distribute to those in need in the Lakeland community and elsewhere. Also, through a second 13 new outreach initiative called Love in Action, students raised funds to dig a well in Uganda to 14 provide clean water to local villagers. 15 16 Florida Southern continues to be a place where students experience the call to ministry. This 17 year, three of our outstanding seniors have been accepted to divinity school and will continue their 18 studies in the fall. We are proud that Amy Scroggin will attend Duke Divinity School on a 19 prestigious Duke Divinity Fellowship and will be joined by her classmate Allexis Willcox. ROTC 20 Cadet Stephen Finocchiaro will attend Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in 21 preparation for a career as an Army chaplain. 22 23 Our nationally recognized engaged learning program provided meaningful academic experiences 24 for our students, including: First-year students participated in Yale University’s Small World 25 Initiative conducting original research designed to discover new antibiotics; education majors 26 trained teachers in Honduras; nursing students provided health care to underserved populations, 27 including families in Africa; political science students presented papers at the Southern Politics 28 Symposium at The Citadel; and biology students conducted National Science Foundation-29 sponsored research. 30 31 Florida Southern students continue to earn recognition for academic excellence. English Writing 32 major Laurel Milburn ’14 was awarded a fully funded Graduate Fellowship for Columbia College 33 of Chicago’s elite MFA Poetry program. Political Science major Hunter Kaiser ’14 won "Best 34 Senator" honors at the Floyd Riddick Model Senate simulation. History major Anthony Woodside 35 ’16, Computer Science major Sean Mold ’16, and English major Selys Rivera ’17 presented 36 papers at the Florida Historian Conference in February. 37 38 Our alumni also are being recognized for outstanding achievements. As a most notable example 39 from this past year, Christie Bassett ’07 was named Polk County Teacher of the Year and was 40 subsequently honored as Florida Teacher of the Year. She is currently touring the state and the 41 nation as Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education speaking on Florida’s educational 42 opportunities before returning to the classroom next year. 43 44 This past year, we launched two new graduate programs. The 16-month Master of Accountancy 45 (MAcc) program prepares students for the certified public accounting examination and a career in 46 accounting. It also affords qualified undergraduate students the opportunity to earn their 47 bachelor’s and MAcc degrees in four and one-half years. The College’s first doctorate program 48 was launched, the Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) program, which is designed for 49

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teachers and administrators in K-12 schools who want to prepare for educational leadership 1 positions, such as principal or superintendent. 2 3 A generous bequest from FSC alumna Lamar Louise Curry ’27, an education major whose 4 teaching career spanned more than 35 years, is enabling us to construct the Lamar Louise Curry 5 Education Center. The Curry Education Center will be home to our graduate education programs 6 and will include an auditorium that will accommodate all of our education majors for their joint 7 meetings and instruction. Planning for the new building is currently under way, and we expect to 8 break ground in fall 2015. 9 10 To better meet the needs of current students in our rapidly growing undergraduate and graduate 11 nursing degree programs and in anticipation of the fall 2016 launch of a new Doctor of Nursing 12 Practice (DNP) degree program, we are building a 2,500 square-foot second story addition to the 13 Joe K. and Alberta Blanton Nursing Building. The addition, which will be completed this spring, 14 will house supplementary laboratory and classroom space that is vital to enable us to continue to 15 meet the rigorous standards required for our nursing accreditations as we further expand our 16 nursing program. 17 18 Construction of the new 45,000-square foot, three-story Bill and Mary Ann Becker Business 19 Building, the soon-to-be home of the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise, 20 began last spring, and we look forward to dedicating the building next fall. We are confident that 21 this model instructional facility, featuring high-tech classrooms and meeting rooms, a state-of-the-22 art trading floor and computer lab, a video conference center, and other amenities will help us 23 attract and retain outstanding faculty and students and support our quest to establish the Barnett 24 School as one of the “Top 25” business schools in the nation. 25 26 The past year also has ushered in a new era for performing arts education at Florida Southern. 27 We opened the new, 4,700 square-foot, state-of-the art Wynee Warden Dance Studio in 28 November. We introduced new majors in musical theatre and dance, and welcomed Erin LaSala, 29 assistant professor of dance, to create the new dance curriculum and serve as our first dance 30 instructor. The Florida Dance Theatre accepted our invitation to partner with us as the 31 professional dance company in residence at Florida Southern, and the Imperial Symphony 32 Orchestra (ISO) relocated its administrative offices to our campus. The even closer working 33 relationship that our music, theatre, and dance departments now have with these arts 34 organizations will allow for a greater number of collaborative performances and more 35 opportunities for our talented students to gain experience performing together with world-class 36 professionals of the Florida Dance Theatre and the ISO. 37 38 A commitment to civic engagement and community service is a distinguishing feature of our 39 campus culture at Florida Southern. As an example, the Barnett School’s chapter of Enactus, an 40 international nonprofit organization for college students that promotes social responsibility in 41 business, implemented three service projects that addressed needs in the Lakeland community: 42 a food drive that collected 18,000 pounds of food for local food pantries; a delivery service through 43 which FSC students can order fresh produce from local farmers; and a campaign to aid the Central 44 Florida Speech and Hearing Center in promoting the use of the loop system, a technology that 45 helps hearing- impaired individuals hear better in public spaces. The Enactus team presented 46 their projects at the Enactus National Competition in Cincinnati and finished among the top 20 47 teams in a field of 200 teams from around the country. 48

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Florida Southern continues to earn recognition as one of the nation’s best small private colleges. 1 Florida Southern has been honored as a College of Distinction based on its excellence in four 2 distinct categories: engagement of students, success of graduates, quality of faculty, and general 3 atmosphere on campus. FSC is again included in The Princeton Review’s “379 Best Colleges” 4 and in the prestigious Fiske Guide to Colleges 2015, and U.S. News & World Report ranks FSC 5 #5 among Regional Colleges in the South and #1 in Florida in its annual rankings of “America’s 6 Best Colleges.” 7 8 FSC’s NCAA Division II athletics program continues to earn its ranking among the nation’s top 9 five programs. Ten of our 19 NCAA varsity teams competed in post-season play in the 2013-10 2014 academic year. All-American golfer Tim Crouch ’14 repeated his national championship, 11 and standout tennis player Sabine Goge ’14 was nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year. Our 12 Men’s Basketball Team won its third consecutive Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Tournament 13 Championship while Coach Linc Darner earned his fifth SSC Coach of the Year title and All-14 American guard Kevin Capers ’15 was named SSC Player of the Year. Eighty-five Moccasin 15 student-athletes received 2013-2014 NCAA Division II Academic Achievement Awards, and 198 16 were named to the SSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll. 17 18 I am grateful for the opportunity to share this update on Florida Southern’s progress. The 19 accomplishments of the past year, and many others, would not be possible without the generous 20 annual support of Florida United Methodist Conference, for which our college community is deeply 21 thankful. I hope our achievements demonstrate that our students truly are outstanding, and that 22 Florida Southern College is a worthy recipient of the Conference’s support. 23 24 Respectfully submitted, 25 26 Anne B. Kerr, Ph.D. 27 President 28 29 30

FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME 31

32 “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such 33 as these. Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never 34 enter it.” 35 - Luke 18:16-17 36 37 The mission statement of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home states that we are “to 38 empower children and families to experience God’s love and care as revealed in the ministry of 39 Jesus Christ”. This is what compels the ministry of the Children’s Home forward. The foundation 40 of all we do is the love and grace of Jesus Christ made real through the work and support of His 41 Church. 42 43 We are fortunate at the Children’s Home to be blessed with such outstanding professional men 44 and women that compassionately work with each child that comes into care. Their work is truly 45 inspiring. The Children’s Home is a part of your family as a United Methodist Church institution. 46 We have been on duty for 107 years and continue to serve as an extension of your local church 47 to help you meet the needs of children and families with special needs. What began as the Florida 48 Methodist Orphanage in 1908 has grown into a diverse ministry offering residential care on two 49

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campuses, therapeutic group care, emergency shelter care, foster care services, transitional and 1 independent living assistance, career development training, on-campus school and education 2 program and a community child care center. We typically touch the lives of approximately 400 3 children each and every day. 4 5 Throughout our 107-year history, FUMCH has been privileged to have strong, supportive Board 6 of Trustees, whose commitment has allowed our organization to be innovative and responsive to 7 the changing needs of Florida’s children, youth and families. I would like to express my deep 8 gratitude to our Trustees for their exceptional leadership and unwavering support. 9 10 Several important milestones have occurred during the past year. The most notable was the 11 dedication of the Madison Youth Ranch on September 23, 2014. The event was attended by 750 12 people and marked the opening of the second campus of the Children’s Home. Another first was 13 the expansion of our on-campus school, Aldersgate Academy, to serve 24 residents with a unique 14 learning environment for academic success. Finally, we opened a Heart & Home Resale Shop in 15 Orange City, Florida in October 2014 to help provide support for the Children’s Home and to offer 16 additional opportunities for donations and volunteers. I invite you to celebrate the progress we 17 have made without ever losing sight of the work we still need to do. 18 19 Each year it is our privilege to recognize individuals, churches and groups that have gone above 20 and beyond to support and promote the Children’s Home. For their exceptional efforts in 2014 21 we have awarded the following: “Pastor of the Year” – Reverend Bob Bushong of First UMC of 22 Winter Park; “Church of the Year” – New Horizon UMC of Southwest Ranches; “Local Church 23 Representative of the Year” – Carolyn Black of First UMC, High Springs; and “Mission Work Group 24 of the Year” – St. John’s UMC of Winter Haven. Please join me in lifting up these outstanding 25 people who have made the ministry of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home a priority. 26 27 In 2014, we hosted our annual Day On Campus event in March with over 1,500 in attendance 28 mainly from the North Central, North East and North West Districts. Other events included our 29 Annual Alumni Reunion, Christmas activities, numerous mission work teams, many campus tours, 30 hosting various church and community groups on our campus and much more. 31 32 The local church goal of giving in 2015 is set at $12.00 per member and will remain the same for 33 2016. We think this is a reasonable goal that every church should strive to meet. The Children’s 34 Home is an extension of your local church and a part of your family as United Methodists. We 35 earnestly hope you are able to give beyond this minimum level of support. We request this historic 36 plan be continued whereby on each Fifth Sunday and on Christmas Sunday, the church school 37 offering and the undesignated offering (loose plate) received in Sunday worship services be 38 remitted directly, along with special donations and gifts, to the Florida United Methodist Children's 39 Home. Without this vital income, the Children’s Home would face significant financial strain. 40 41 Thank you for reaching out in Christian compassion to partner with us to make a difference. We 42 can rejoice with St. Paul when he writes to the Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ who 43 strengthens me.” Together we can accomplish great things for children youth and families. 44 45 Becky Dotson, President & CEO 46

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FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN'S HOME BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2014 – 2015

District C / L Name Year Elected Class Maximum Term

EC Lay Jim Bernard 2007 2016 2016

NE Lay Charles Perry 2007 2016 2016

NE Lay Alyson Morgan 2007 2016 2016

NW Lay Diane Sullivan 2007 2016 2016

SW Lay Kent Anderson 2009 2015 2018

EC Lay Jerry Haralson 2010 2014 2019

SC Lay Bonnie Bullard 2010 2014 2019

SC Lay Beverly Hollis 2010 2014 2019

SE Lay Dan & Trish Bell 2010 2014 2019

SE Lay Joyce Cooper 2010 2014 2019

GC Clergy Linda Tice 2010 2015 2019

NC Lay Heather Pancoast 2010 2015 2019

SC Lay Terry & Cindy Sisco 2010 2015 2019

NW Clergy Bob Laidlaw 2011 2016 2020

SW Clergy Brian Brightly 2011 2016 2020

GC Clergy Bo Sim 2011 2014 2020

NE Clergy Charles Lever 2011 2015 2020

EC Lay Scott Davidson 2012 2016 2021

EC Lay Doug Krenzer 2013 2016 2022

EC Clergy Jaime Faberlle 2013 2014 2022

AC Clergy Jacquie Leveron 2013 2015 2022

AC Clergy Michael Sims 2013 2015 2022

SE Lay Vikki Ho-Shing 2013 2015 2022

NC Lay Ashby Green 2014 2016 2023

EC Clergy Kevin James, Sr. 2014 2015 2023

NE Clergy Carlos Otero 2014 2014 2023

NW Clergy Betsy Ouellette-Zierden 2014 2014 2023

Clergy = 11 Lay = 18 Ex-Officio (3): FAC Bishop, EC DS, President/CEO

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FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION 1

2 By the end of 2014, the Florida United Methodist Foundation had completed 48 years of service 3 to the Florida Conference, continuing its mission “to strengthen ministries of United Methodist 4 churches and agencies by promoting comprehensive Christian stewardship through education, 5 consulting, development and financial services.” 6 7 Through the faithful stewardship of many churches and individuals, assets under management 8 with the Foundation continued to grow. By the end of 2014, assets totaled $284 million, 9 representing an increase of $2 million over the previous year. 10 11 The number of conference churches participating in the Foundation’s ministry also grew, with 487, 12 or 71 percent, holding 1,115 accounts. 13 14 And thanks to gifts made to the Foundation, coupled with interest earned on accounts within the 15 Development Fund and the Foundation’s investment funds, $5.6 million in new income became 16 available to support churches, ministries and other nonprofit missions. 17 18 Investments 19 20 Church and conference agency investments in Foundation funds grew by $4.5 million to $104.2 21 million, generating earnings of $3.5 million. At the same time, Development Fund account 22 investments totaled $73.7 million, generating $1.1 million in earnings. 23 24 In an effort to better serve investor needs, the Foundation expanded its fund portfolio from three 25 to five, offering a greater selection of high quality, socially screened and broadly diversified funds 26 that provide more flexibility, different time horizons and varied risk tolerance features. 27 28 Planned gifts managed by the Foundation, including trusts, charitable gift annuities, donor advised 29 funds and endowments, totaled more than $41 million. And because the gifts are managed for 30 the benefit of churches and other United Methodist charities, at least 40 percent of each gift’s 31 residual amount went to a United Methodist ministry. 32 33 Development Fund 34 35 As of Dec. 31, 2014, assets in Development Fund accounts reached $132.6 million, including 36 individual accounts totaling $58 million. These cumulative investments, made possible through a 37 strong connectional system, enabled the Foundation to continue providing a low-interest loan 38 program that fuels the growth and capital needs of new and existing churches and missions. 39 40 By the end of 2014, the Foundation’s loan portfolio was more than $116.6 million. Among the loan 41 recipients were: 42 43

147-year-old Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Gainesville, which was able to begin 44 construction of a multi-use facility across from its historic sanctuary that will expand its 45 ministry to the community; 46

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Tampa Korean United Methodist Church, which purchased the former Crossroads 1 Community United Methodist Church campus, utilizing the space for Christian ministry 2 once again and enabling the church to accommodate a growing faith community; and 3

4

Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Ocala, which began enhancing its campus and 5 expanding its growing school in an area of the state that is finally experiencing economic 6 recovery. 7

8 Mission 9 10 As the Foundation endeavors to achieve its mission and the goals of its strategic plan, it continues 11 to look for innovative ways to preach and practice stewardship and support ministry. 12 13 In early 2015, the Foundation partnered with the Florida Conference Office of Clergy Excellence 14 to offer the Young Clergy Stewardship Academy, a stewardship and financial literacy training 15 program for young clergy and ministry candidates. The session was designed to help clergy 16 develop financial building blocks necessary for good personal and professional stewardship. A 17 particular focus was student debt. A $50,000 grant from the denomination’s Young Clergy 18 Initiative Fund, established by the 2012 General Conference, provided funding for the pilot 19 program, which could become a model for other conferences. 20 21 Empowering clergy and churches to meet financial challenges was also a focus of the 22 Foundation’s stewardship consulting services and educational seminars, which included the 23 popular “R-10 and Counting” retirement workshop. Through its educational programming, the 24 Foundation collaborated with the Florida Conference to provide resources for successful 25 stewardship. 26 27 And guided by its strategic plan, which calls for developing closer and more innovative 28 relationships with United Methodist-affiliated organizations in Florida, the Foundation and 29 Bethune-Cookman University entered a new phase of their long-term partnership. The two signed 30 an agreement that gives the Foundation planned giving responsibilities for the university, including 31 planned giving consultations, gift administration and investment services. 32 33 The Foundation also continued to expand its outreach by strengthening its communications 34 priorities. Based on a rebranding initiative conducted in 2014, the Foundation launched a new 35 website and adopted a new logo that pairs a “spirit leaf” with the United Methodist cross and flame, 36 symbolizing new life as the Foundation works to empower churches and ministries to thrive. 37 38 It is hoped that God will continue to bless these efforts and the many ministries of the conference 39 as, together, all work to bring about His kingdom on earth. 40 41

42

GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 43

44 This report was not available at press time. If submitted, it will be posted online at 45 www.acflorida.org. Click the “Supplemental Workbook Reports” link for the reports not found in 46 this workbook. 47

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HINTON RURAL LIFE CENTER 1 2 Making Disciples, Serving Our Neighbors, and Sharing God’s Love 3 4 Hinton Rural Life Center is a retreat and conference center nestled in the mountains of 5 southwestern North Carolina overlooking breath-taking Lake Chatuge. For over 50 years, as a 6 mission agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction, Hinton Rural Life Center has provided 7 opportunities for intentional faith development while sharing love for Christ with others through 8 service. Each year, we host individuals and groups for spiritual retreats, group gathering, and 9 service opportunities. We also partner with small and rural congregations in a vitality process, 10 exploring congregational call, encouraging creative missional outreach, and sparking new life. 11 12 Together in 2014, we were able to: *Host over 1400 volunteers who worked on campus, in our 13 garden, and in our community to help those in need—*Deliver over 75 loads of firewood to families 14 who could not otherwise afford to heat their home—*Repair 123 homes, making them warmer, 15 drier, and safer—*Provide financial counseling to 50 families; helping two families secure loans 16 to purchase homes—*Host 7 poverty simulations to help the community understand the 17 challenges associated with those living in generational poverty—*Harvest fresh vegetables from 18 our garden for our guests and donate excess vegetables to Clay County Food Pantry and Matt’s 19 Ministry, a weekend meal program for children in our rural community—*Host two Duke Divinity 20 School ministerial interns for 10 weeks of Field Education ministry in summer 2014—*Welcome 21 two young adult missionaries from the General Board of Global Ministries through Generation 22 Transformation for 18 months of ministry service at Hinton—*Lead 18 small and rural churches 23 through Next Step Vitality Ministry—*Engage in 81 worship services with mission volunteers to 24 reflect upon their service in this rural Appalachian community—*Increase Hinton’s presence 25 throughout the Southeastern Jurisdiction, with increased web presence moving from 6,000 26 website hits in 2010 to 60,909 website hits in 2014—*Increase connections through social media 27 from 358 Facebook friends in 2012 to over 1200 in 2014—*Raise over $100,000, which is two-28 thirds of our way to our initial goal of $150,000 in our Capital Campaign 29 30 What can we do together in 2015? 31

Foster Relationships 32 Empower People 33 Build Community 34

35 But, we need your help: 36

Pray for Hinton 37 Support Hinton Financially 38 Participate in Hinton’s Ministries 39

40 Submitted by: 41 Dr. Jacqueline Gottlieb 42 President/CEO 43 jackie@hintoncenter.org 44

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PERKINS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY 1

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY 2 3 Perkins School of Theology celebrates our vital connections with the Florida Annual Conference, 4 including recent Perkins graduate from Florida. 5 6 Total enrollment at Perkins exceeds 400 students, of which approximately two-thirds are United 7 Methodist and more than one-third are ethnic minority students. Master’s degree programs 8 comprise approximately 51% female and 49% male students. The D.Min. program includes 9 students from southern Asia taking classes in Singapore and Dallas. Our Ph.D. program 10 comprises 30 active students, including two Latino Ph.D. students supported through a grant from 11 the Luce Foundation to Perkins’ Center for the Study of Latino/Christianity and Religions. 12 13 Dr. Jack Levison (Ph.D., Duke, 1985) joined the Perkins faculty as the third appointee to the 14 W.J.A. Power Chair of Biblical Hebrew and Old Testament Interpretation. Dr. John Martin, new 15 director of Development, came to Perkins after serving as president of Roberts Wesleyan College 16 in Rochester, New York. Following a nationwide search, a senior scholar and teacher eligible for 17 appointment to the Lois Craddock Perkins Chair in Homiletics is expected to join the Perkins 18 faculty in fall 2015. 19 20 Perkins restructured its Master of Divinity degree, effective spring 2015, enabling full-time 21 students to complete the program in three years and reducing overall cost of the degree. The 22 M.Div. now requires 73 term hours of academic credit, including the nine-hour internship. 23 24 A new “Master of Arts in Ministry” (M.A.M.) degree has replaced the C.M.M. The M.A.M. offers 25 five tracks: two previously-existing tracks in Christian Education and Urban Ministry, and new 26 tracks in Theology and Social Justice, Christian Spirituality, and Evangelism and Mission. 27 28 A $2.5 million gift to SMU will establish the new Susanna Wesley Centennial Chair in Practical 29 Theology at Perkins. 30 31 Perkins thanks our many colleagues, friends, and alumni/ae across the connection for generous 32 support in many ways, including referrals of prospective students, as we continue our vital mission 33 of preparing women and men for faithful leadership in Christian ministry. 34 35 Grace and Peace, 36 37 William B. Lawrence 38 Dean and Professor of American Church History 39

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UNITED METHODIST CONNECTIONAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 1

2 Throughout the years, your Board of Directors has adopted strategies for short and long-term 3 goals that insure the Credit Union’s future development and growth. During 2014, we continued 4 to implement those endeavors necessary to maintain growth along with a strong financial picture. 5 6 Our achievements include: 7

Four $1,000.00 college scholarships were awarded to members ages 17 – 35 of the 8 Florida, North Georgia, South Georgia and Alabama-West Florida Conferences. 9

We continue to fulfill our mission of "Supporting Those Who Support the Light of Christ" 10 through our low-cost/no-cost financial services for our churches. 11

We implemented “SPRIG by CO-OP” – a smartphone, tablet and web app that allows 12 members to make deposits, check balances, transfer money between accounts, pay loans 13 and make person-to-person payments from virtually anywhere using the camera on their 14 mobile device(s). 15

We continued to have several very successful car loan promotions that helped members 16 reduce their monthly payments on their current loans at other financial institutions and 17 obtain great rates on new vehicle purchases. 18

19 In 2015, we are introducing upgrades to our Protection Plus Checking that provide members with 20 greater value and increased security and expanding our VISA Credit Card Program to include the 21 ability for almost all members to obtain a credit card. Lastly, look for our new theme for 2015, 22 “Helping People Afford Life” as a part of all of our communication efforts with you. And, make 23 sure you let other eligible family members and friends know the value of credit union membership 24 too! 25 26 Of course, all of this could not have been achieved without our staff, my fellow board members, 27 and other volunteers that helped make 2014 another great year for your Credit union. Most 28 importantly, however, I want to thank you, our members, for continuing to do business with your 29 credit union. 30 31 We're Safe. We're Secure. We Are Your Credit Union! 32 James R. Mitchell, Chairman 33 34 35

TREASURER'S REPORT 36 37 United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union ended 2014 with a strong financial bottom 38 line and continued controlled growth as can be seen with the accompanying balance sheet and 39 income statement. 40 41 2014 Highlights: 42

Assets increased slightly from $26,818,029.55 as of December 31, 2013 to $27,066,634.11 43 as of December 31, 2014. 44

Loans to members increased slightly from $17,060,854.66 at year-end 2013 to 45 $17,099,138.92 at year-end 2014. 46

Income on investments increased from $52,239.10 in 2013 to $59,469.64 as of year-end 47 2014. 48

Operating expenses decreased from $1,183,034.14 in 2013 to $1,167,980.08 in 2014. 49

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Net income at year-end was $45,116.63. 1 2 We have continued to remain strong and steady through the years and remain a safe haven for 3 all of your financial needs. Our goal is to continue building our net worth in order to maintain the 4 NCUA required ratios and maintain our financial stability. 2015 will find us continuing on the 5 course so as to ensure the financial soundness and success of your credit union for all of our 6 members today and into the future. 7 8 Michael McQueen, Treasurer 9 10 11

SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT 12 13 United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union’s Supervisory Committee independently 14 evaluates the soundness of the credit union’s operations and activities. This committee is 15 responsible for a series of internal and external audits that are performed to insure that the Credit 16 Union complies with generally accepted accounting principles. This committee also makes certain 17 that United Methodist Connectional FCU’s audited financial statements provide a fair and accurate 18 representation of the financial condition of the credit union and is compliant with state and federal 19 regulations. 20 21 As a result of the audits held and in conjunction with the annual examination of the National Credit 22 Union Administration (NCUA), it is the opinion of the Supervisory Committee that the financial 23 condition of United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union continues to remain strong and 24 well managed, with sound policies and programs. The Credit Union is also compliant with the 25 Credit Union’s by-laws, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida state laws relating to credit unions, and 26 applicable federal laws and regulations. 27 28 The Supervisory Committee would like to commend the staff, management and volunteers of the 29 Credit Union for their efforts in maintaining the soundness and safety of the credit union. 30 31 Kelly Brisendine, Chairman 32 33 Committee Members: 34 Clarence Thrower 35 Maryanne McCurdy 36 Charles Houston 37

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Summary as of 12/31/13 Summary as of 12/31/14

Assets

Cash $250,725.79 $236,581.53

Loans To Members $17,060,854.66 $17,099,138.92

Loan Participation $1,295,954.56 $1,253,679.17

Allowance for Loan Losses -$98,035.74 -$105,663.42

Other Receivables $0.00 $0.00

Investments $7,605,410.24 $7,901,857.67

Accrued Income $68,000.59 $56,295.30

Prepaid Exp & Defer Charges $25,999.58 $44,586.91

Fixed Assets $562,044.87 $533,083.03

All Other Assets $47,075.00 $47,075.00

Total Assets $26,818,029.55 $27,066,634.11

Liabilities

Accounts Payable $6,665.70 $4,241.22

Dividends Payable $0.00 $0.00

Notes Payable $0.00 $0.00

Taxes Payable $170.84 $409.74

Accrued Expenses $34,493.90 $32,115.94

Deferred Credits $0.00 $0.00

Other Liabilities $3,735.02 $1,530.29

Total Liabilities $45,065.46 $38,297.19

Equity

Shares of Members $24,260,456.59 $24,470,712.79

Reserves $682,937.04 $682,937.04

Undivided Earnings $1,774,404.04 $1,829,570.46

Net Income $55,166.42 $45,116.63

Total Equity $26,772,964.09 $27,028,336.92

Total Liabilities & Equity $26,818,029.55 $27,066,634.11

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Summary as of 12/31/13 Summary as of 12/31/14

Income Statement Summary as of 12/31/13 Summary as of 12/31/14

Interest on Loans $1,061,709.00 $1,026,832.65

Income on Investments $52,239.10 $59,469.64

Fees & Charges $183,250.82 $164,031.86

Other Operating Income $67,598.85 $77,041.03

Operating Income $1,364,797.77 $1,327,375.18

Operating Expenses

Compensation $471,999.85 $482,665.19

Employee Benefits $147,061.77 $152,315.71

Travel & Conference $66,709.54 $52,124.25

Association Dues $18,877.00 $19,038.00

Office Occupancy $40,377.22 $43,030.00

Office Operations $116,938.65 $100,284.14

Education & Promotion $59,061.31 $41,441.44

Loan Servicing $28,583.57 $25,805.57

Prof & Outside $191,760.20 $196,367.94

Provision for Loan Losses $6,000.00 $39,000.00

Member Insurance $18,910.13 $0.00

Federal Operating Fee $6,180.91 $4,947.93

Interest on Borrowed $0.00 $0.00

Cash Short/Over -$20.43 -$10.99

Annual Meeting $4,285.13 $3,614.67

Miscellaneous $6,309.29 $7,356.23

Total Operating Expenses $1,183,034.14 $1,167,980.08

Income From Operations $181,763.63 $159,395.10

Income Before Dividends $181,763.63 $159,395.10

Dividends $128,084.37 $114,278.47

Gain/(Loss) on Assets $1,487.16 $0.00

Net Income $55,166.42 $45,116.63

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LAKE JUNALUSKA ASSEMBLY, INC. 1

2 On February 10, 2015 Lake Junaluska, the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist 3 Church, the United States, and the world lost a great leader. Rev. Dr. R. Wright Spears died at 4 the age of 102. He served as a pastor to multiple churches in South Carolina and as the President 5 of Columbia College for 26 years, a time during which he helped that institution navigate 6 momentous social changes. Dr. Spears and his wife Mary Blue retired to Lake Junaluska in 1977 7 where he continued to promote social justice in all forms. Few organizations have in their history 8 a person as influential as Dr. Spears. He had a vision for Lake Junaluska, and spent his years 9 here quietly encouraging us all to more fully live into the Kingdom of God through our mission of 10 Christian hospitality. Arguably the most influential person at Lake Junaluska in the last 50 years, 11 in both formal leadership roles and quiet behind the scenes work, he understood the importance 12 of balancing the budget while offering a great experience to our guests. He urged us to offer great 13 programming, and at the age of 95 was instrumental in launching the Lake Junaluska Peace 14 Conference. Dr. Spears understood that offering Christian hospitality goes beyond simply 15 welcoming our paying customers. At our best, we are what he envisioned us to be: a place that 16 welcomes all and provides transforming and renewing spiritual experiences and a place that pays 17 attention to the bottom line and is operated more like a college than a church camp. We have a 18 long way to go to be the perfect fulfillment of Wright’s vision for Lake Junaluska, but we are further 19 along that path today and more inspired to fulfill our mission “to be a place of Christian hospitality 20 where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind, and body” than ever thanks to his 21 influence. 22 23 For the third year in a row, we ended the year “in the black.” We continue to accomplish this 24 without any Operational Apportionment support from the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Lake 25 Junaluska has embraced the new financial model that was approved by the 2008 SEJ Conference 26 and we remain committed to always “live within our means.” 2014 was a record breaking year for 27 charitable giving. We received $1,079,994 from 1,257 individuals. This represents a 34.4% 28 increase in total giving over 2013 and a 2.6% increase in number of donors. 29 30 We continue to refine and implement our plans for improvements to our facilities, grounds, and 31 programs. Plans were approved in 2014 to begin an extensive renovation of The Terrace hotel, 32 a project that will have a significant impact on the quality of the guest rooms and public spaces in 33 that facility and will influence the level of service provided to all of our lodging guests. We 34 completed all of the projects planned in 2013 including converting the Jones Dining Hall into a 35 year round facility, renovating the children’s playground at the Wilson Children’s Building, and 36 numerous improvements to the lake front consisting of a new boat storage area along with a boat 37 dock and fishing pier just to the north of the swimming pool and a beautiful meditation garden to 38 the south. We are working diligently to refine and improve our existing programming for youth and 39 adults and continually seek to implement new innovative programs that align with our mission. 40 41 As a member of The United Methodist Church within the Southeastern Jurisdiction we want you 42 to know that “your” asset, Lake Junaluska, is doing very well. You can be very proud of this 43 important organization within the jurisdiction and the larger United Methodist Church. We are 44 striving to be good stewards of the resources with which you have entrusted us and to carry on 45 the legacy of Dr. Wright Spears. 46 47 If you haven’t already, please pick up a copy of our 2015 program, Discover Lake Junaluska. 48 Peruse its pages to read about the impact of our programs, to learn about new projects we are 49

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working on, and to familiarize yourself with our calendar of events. We do hope you can come 1 and visit us this year for a conference, a retreat, or a vacation to be transformed and renewed in 2 soul, mind, and body. 3

- Jack Ewing, Executive Director 4 5 6

RESOLUTIONS 7

8 9

RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS 10

COMMISSION LIMIT THE ADVERTISING OF SEXUALLY ORIENTED 11

PRODUCTS 12

13 Whereas we acknowledge that children are one of God’s greatest and most precious gifts to us, 14 and that as parents and guardians we are charged with the responsibility to protect, nurture and 15 teach our children in a way that will honor God; and 16 17 Whereas parents should be given the opportunity to raise their children in a safe and wholesome 18 environment, and should have the right to choose when and how to teach their children about 19 sexually sensitive topics; and 20 21 Whereas parents, in many cases, choose options in their homes for controlling and limiting the 22 programs their children watch on television and the websites they visit; and 23 24 Whereas televisions are available in many public places where children are present but over 25 which their parents have no control; and additionally, 26 27 Whereas parents in most cases cannot control the advertising to which their children are exposed; 28 and 29 30 Whereas we believe that viewing advertisements for “male enhancement” aids and other sexually 31 oriented products, for both male and female use, is not appropriate for young children; 32 33 Be it therefore resolved that the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church send 34 a copy of this resolution to the Federal Communications Commission, both electronically and 35 through the United States Postal Service, requesting that the advertising of such products on 36 television be limited to times and programs when young children would least likely be watching. 37 38 Be it further resolved that concerned members of the Florida Annual Conference of The United 39 Methodist Church be encouraged to personally write to the Federal Communications 40 Commission, their local television stations, and their cable and satellite providers, expressing 41 their dissatisfaction with inappropriate advertising. 42 43 Be it further resolved that in the implementation and distribution of this Resolution, we do not 44 foresee any financial impact to the Conference for this Resolution. 45 46 This motion is presented by Becky Watson, lay member of the Florida Annual Conference, and 47 the members of Community United Methodist Church, Belle Glade, and Atlantic Central District, 48 as approved at the Leadership Council Meeting on 1-20-15. 49

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RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF FLORIDA 1

FARMWORKERS 2

3 Whereas, for decades, Florida farmworkers worked for sub-poverty wages, have been excluded 4 from fundamental labor rights like the right to overtime pay and benefits, and have faced sexual 5 harassment, verbal and physical abuse, and in the most extreme cases, modern-day slavery in 6 order to harvest the food on our plates; and 7 8 Whereas, since 1997, federal officials have successfully prosecuted seven slavery 9 operations in Florida’s fields, involving over 1,200 workers; and 10 11 Whereas, after more than a decade of education, outreach, and action in its Campaign for Fair 12 Food, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) — an internationally recognized farmworker 13 organization based in Southwest Florida — has developed the Fair Food Program, a creative and 14 historic partnership among farmworkers, the vast majority of Florida tomato growers, and thirteen 15 major food corporations; and 16 17 Whereas, through their commitment to the Fair Food Program, these corporations – among them 18 Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Subway, Whole Foods, The Fresh Market and Walmart – commit to: 19 20

pay a Fair Food Premium for the tomatoes they buy from Florida which is paid to 21 farmworkers in the form of a bonus; 22

23

buy only from suppliers who comply with the Fair Food code of conduct, which includes 24 the provision of time clocks, shade, water and bathrooms, the right to form participatory 25 health and safety committees, and a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment and 26 slavery, and 27

28

respect farmworkers as equal partners in monitoring and administering the agreement. 29 30 Whereas, through the Fair Food Program, far-reaching reforms have spread across the $650 31 million Florida tomato industry affecting tens of thousands of workers, including nearly $15 million 32 in Fair Food Premium paid by participating buyers to improve workers’ wages; industry-wide 33 implementation of a 24-hours worker complaint hotline and a rapid, effective complaint 34 investigation and resolution process; a worker-to-worker education process conducted by CIW on 35 the farms and in company time to ensure that workers understand their new rights and 36 responsibilities; a human rights-based Code of Conduct with enforceable zero-tolerance policies 37 for forced labor, child labor, violence and sexual assault; and industry-wide monitoring by the third 38 party organization, the Fair Food Standards Council;2 and 39 40 Whereas, the Fair Food Program has been honored varies times by the White House for its 41 success in eliminating modern-day slavery, and was praised on the front page of the New York 42

2 http://fairfoodstandards.org/reports/14SOTP-Web.pdf

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Times as “the best workplace monitoring program in the US”3 and in the Washington Post as “one 1 of the great human rights success stories of our day;”4 and 2 3 Whereas, participation of more major buyers of tomatoes in the Fair Food Program is essential 4 to eliminate the alternative market in which traditional abuses continue and enable the expansion 5 of the Program into other states and crops; and 6 7 Whereas, the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church holds that: 8 9

“Every person has the right to a job at a living wage… We believe that persons come before 10 profits… We support policies that encourage the sharing of ideas in the workplace, 11 cooperative and collective work arrangements…”5 12

13

“Workers from other countries are in many societies an important resource to fill the 14 society’s need of workers. But foreign workers too often meet exploitation, absence of 15 protecting laws, and unreasonable wages and working conditions. We call upon 16 governments and all employers to ensure for foreign workers the same economic, 17 educational, and social benefits enjoyed by other citizens.”6 18

19

“Corporations are responsible not only to their stockholders, but also to other stakeholders: 20 their workers, suppliers, vendors, customers, the communities in which they do business, 21 and for the earth, which supports them. We support the public’s right to know what impact 22 corporations have in these various arenas, so that people can make informed choices 23 about which corporations to support. We applaud corporations that voluntarily comply with 24 standards that promote human well-being and protect the environment;”7 and 25

26 Whereas, Publix, Florida’s largest privately-owned company, has declined to even meet with 27 farmworkers of the CIW to discuss joining the Fair Food Program for over five years, despite calls 28 from farmworkers and consumers of faith and conscience through thousands of letters and 29 prayers, a six-day fast, and peaceful marches of up to 200 miles; and 30 31 Whereas, United Methodists from across Florida have stood with the CIW for decades in echoing 32 calls for justice, giving rise to the transformational changes in the fields ensuring dignity and 33 respect for tens of thousands of farmworkers; and 34 35 Whereas, the 2005 General Conference passed a resolution in support of the CIW’s efforts to call 36 on Taco Bell to sign a Fair Food Agreement, after which they became the first corporation to do 37 so;8 38 39 Therefore be it resolved, that the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church 40 supports the groundbreaking changes in Florida agriculture ushered in by the Fair Food Program. 41

3 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/25/business/in-florida-tomato-fields-a-penny-buys-progress.html 4 http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/fair-food-program-helps-end-the-use-of-slavery-in-the-tomato-fields/2012/09/02/788f1a1a-f39c-11e1-892d-bc92fee603a7_story.html 5 "Paragraph 163 F)." Book of Discipline, United Methodist Church 2012. N.p.: Abingdon Pr, 2013. 6 "Paragraph 163 F)." Book of Discipline, United Methodist Church 2012. N.p.: Abingdon Pr, 2013. 7 "Paragraph 163 I)." Book of Discipline, United Methodist Church 2012. N.p.: Abingdon Pr, 2013. 8 http://umc-gbcs.org/resolutions/taco-bell-boycott-196-2004-bor

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Be it further resolved, that the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church calls 1 on Publix Supermarkets to uphold farmworkers’ human rights by joining the Fair Food Program. 2 3 Approval of this resolution would not require any financial obligation of the Florida Conference of 4 The United Methodist Church. 5 6 Upon approval of this resolution, Missional Engagement will compose and send a letter on behalf 7 of The Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, signed by The Bishop of the 8 Florida Conference & Missional Engagement Directors, to corporations the Coalition of 9 Immokalee Workers is presently inviting to join the Fair Food Program, such as Publix 10 Supermarkets and Wendy’s. Continual correspondence and conversation by United Methodists 11 throughout The Florida Conference will be encouraged until said corporations become full 12 participants in the Fair Food Program." 13 14 15 Submitted by: 16 Rev. Roy Terry IV, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, Naples, FL; Rev. Audrey Warren, 17 Branches United Methodist Mission, Florida City, FL; Rev. Lisa Lefkow, Cornerstone United 18 Methodist Church, Naples, FL; Rev. Stephanie Campbell, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 19 Naples, FL 20 21 22

ENCOURAGING JUST RESOLUTION PROCESS 23

24 Whereas, it is now legal in the state of Florida for same-sex couples to be married. 25 26 Whereas, it is only a matter of time until scores of our ordained elders in the Florida Conference 27 of The United Methodist Church are asked by their sons, daughters, long-time members of their 28 congregation or members of the community to either officiate or request the use of United 29 Methodist church buildings to host same-sex weddings. 30 31 Whereas, those requests are in direct conflict with our United Methodist Book of Discipline ¶341.6 32 and ¶2702.1b (BOD 2012) and could be interpreted as unauthorized conduct or chargeable 33 offenses that could lead to church trials. Pastors and leaders of our congregations will be put in 34 the unfortunate position time and time again of having to choose between these portions of the 35 Book of Discipline and the section that states “we commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with 36 all persons.” (BOD 2012, ¶161) 37 38 Whereas, on the national scene we have recently had two examples of addressing complaints 39 brought against clergy within our denomination in the cases of The Rev. Frank Schaefer and 40 Bishop Melvin G. Talbert. The ensuing aftermath of the church trial involving the Rev. Frank 41 Schaefer, his bishop, and the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference brought on enormous 42 negative publicity toward our denomination with its decision to remove Rev. Schaefer’s ministerial 43 credentials and then reinstate those credentials. It was also financially costly and very time 44 consuming drawing precious resources away from critical ministries of the church. With the 45 complaint brought against Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, the episcopal leadership involved determined 46 that the just resolution process as outlined in ¶363.1c was an appropriate option to resolve the 47 complaint. That process was much more humane and dignified. 48

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Whereas, it was requested in Just Resolution Agreement related to Bishop Talbert, “that the 1 Council of Bishops acknowledge that ways of resolving disagreements within a community of faith 2 should be distinct from those of a civil judicial process.” 3 4 Be it therefore resolved, that this meeting of the Florida Annual Conference strongly encourage 5 our bishop and cabinet that any complaint brought forward against an ordained pastor or against 6 a congregation in violation of ¶341.6 or ¶2702.1b be resolved through just resolution rather than 7 through a church trial. 8 9 Note: This resolution brings no additional financial cost to any Conference agency or committee 10 and there are no programmatic implications for which a Conference staff person would be 11 responsible. 12 13 Lynette Fields, Lay delegate, St. Luke’s UMC, Orlando, FL 14 15 16

RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT EQUALITY OF LOVE AND VALUE FOR BOTH 17

BORN AND UNBORN CHILDREN 18

19 Whereas our Lord Jesus commands us, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one 20 another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (John 13:34 NRSV)," and 21 "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39 NRSV), and our Lord also declares “I 22 was a stranger, and you invited Me in; (Mat 25:35 NAS) and, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to 23 one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40 NRSV); 24 and 25 26 Whereas as United Methodists, we believe that Christ died for all persons, (John 3:16) and our 27 Discipline states, that, "Primary for us is the Gospel understanding that all persons are important-28 because they are human beings created by God and loved through and by Jesus Christ and not 29 because they have merited significance."(2012 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist 30 Church, Paragraph 161, page 108); and 31 32 Whereas, the Bible declares that all humans are distinctively created in the image of God, 33 (Genesis 1:27); and 34 35 Whereas, followers of Christ are required to, "...do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk 36 humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8 NRSV); and 37 38 Whereas our Discipline declares, "We affirm and encourage the Church to assist the ministry of 39 crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers that compassionately help women find 40 feasible alternatives to abortion." 2012 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 41 Paragraph 161.J., page 113); and 42 43 Whereas, according to the widely respected and politically pro-choice Guttmacher Institute, in 44 2011(the latest year for which full statistics are available), 84,990 women obtained abortions in 45 the state of Florida (Guttmacher Institute, "State Facts about Abortion: Florida", available from 46 http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/sfaa/florida.html); accessed 27 January 2015); and 47

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Whereas, our Bishop Carter has proclaimed, “A consistent ethic of hospitality would call us to 1 welcome the unborn as the stranger.” Consistent Ethic of Hospitality: Including the Unborn in Our 2 Inclusiveness (http://wesleyanaccent.seedbed.com/2014/01/25/bishop-ken-carter-a-consistent-3 ethic-of-hospitality-including-the-unborn-in-our-inclusiveness/); and 4 5 Therefore, we as members of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, recognize 6 unborn children as our “neighbors” ((Matthew 22:39 NRSV) whom we are to love, as “strangers” 7 (Mat 25:35 NAS) whom we are to welcome, as “the least of these.” (Matthew 25:40 NRSV) 8 9 Therefore, we as members of the Florida United Methodist Conference, in accordance with 10 Scripture and our United Methodist Discipline, support the belief that both born and unborn 11 children are equally loved and are of equal value to God and God’s church. 12 13 Be it further resolved that Florida Lifewatch as an affiliated ministry of The United Methodist 14 Church of the Florida Conference is currently and will continue leading the effort to encourage our 15 brothers and sisters in Christ to uphold the sanctity of life. 16 17 Be it further resolved that in the implementation and distribution of this Resolution, we do not 18 foresee any financial impact to the Conference for this Resolution. 19 20 This motion is presented by Supply Pastor Dusty Bailey, Florida Lifewatch state coordinator; The 21 Reverend Gene Maddox; Jan Knight, Bowling Green First United Methodist Church, Bowling 22 Green, Florida; Brian Allen, Riverside Park United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, Florida; The 23 Reverend and Mrs. Brent Byerman; Barry B. Branford, Ortega United Methodist Church, 24 Jacksonville, Florida; Pastor Aaron Batey, Eastpoint/Carrabelle UMC; Robert Black, P.O. Box 25 550585, Jacksonville, Florida 32255; Misty Allen, Riverside Park United Methodist Church, 26 Jacksonville, FL ; Vicki May, FUMC Tarpon Springs, DI; Mr. Dewey N. Dixon, Sanlando United 27 Methodist Church, Longwood, Florida; Laura Jean(Cookie) Gray, First United Methodist Church, 28 Brandon, Florida; Suzanne Zipperer, wife of Florida UM Minister; The Reverend and Mrs. Doug 29 Swan, Sr.; Tamara Isidore, Friendship United Methodist Church, Clearwater, Florida; Mary Ellen 30 Gardner, wife of Florida UM Minister, Anona United Methodist Church, Largo, Florida; Myrna D. 31 Howard, Alva United Methodist Church, Alva, Florida; Mitchell M. Howard, Jr.,Alva United 32 Methodist Church, Alva, Florida; Deanna R. May, Keystone Heights United Methodist Church, 33 Keystone Heights, Florida; Mr. and Mrs. Dale Freeman, Keystone Heights United Methodist 34 Church, Keystone Heights, Florida; Rodney and Martha Akers, First United Methodist Church, 35 Brandon, Florida; Richard Quackenbush, Florida Conference Pastor on disability leave, NW 36 District, Gainesville, Florida. 37 38 39

CREATION CARE RESOLUTION 40

41 Be it resolved to live a Godly life, acceptable to the father through God’s creation 42 43 WHEREAS, Genesis 2:15 states that we are to tend the garden that God made 44 45 WHEREAS, God formed us from this sacred place, providing for our sustenance and commanded 46 us to work it and keep it; his holy creation 47

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WHEREAS, we, the people of The United Methodist Church recognize that we are heirs of God’s 1 creation 2 3 WHEREAS, we are to be faithful stewards of the garden, blessed with these gifts to bless others 4 and those yet to be born 5 6 WHEREAS, we, as God’s children, are responsible for the way we live and use God’s creation, 7 the natural environment 8 9 NOW THEREFORE, let it be resolved that our churches adopt creation care practices, planned 10 annually through a committee under the guidance of a mentor to implement in all areas of ministry 11 and mission 12 13 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that our theology, doctrine, education and outreach be an effective 14 witness to these biblical commands for future generations 15 16 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that to this end we will teach our children to care for the garden 17 that God made and to be faithful stewards as creation belongs to our God, the divine gardener 18 19 There is no financial impact of this resolution on the Annual Conference. 20 21 Humbly submitted by the following to our UM Florida Annual Conference 22 23 Reverend Roy Terry, Cornerstone UMC, Naples, Florida 24 25 Reverend Stephanie Campbell 26 27 Mrs. Joy Davidson, Florida Annual Conference delegate 28 29

30

PETITIONS TO GENERAL CONFERENCE 31

32 33

CLERGY PENSION PRESERVED 34

35 TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES: 1 36 SUGGESTED TITLE: Clergy Pension Preserved 37 DISCIPLINE PARAGRAPH: Discipline ¶ 361 38 GENERAL CHURCH BUDGET IMPLICATION: No 39 GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS: No 40 41 Add new subparagraph to ¶ 361: 42 ¶361.5. Pension Status – When an ordained member withdraws from the ordained office or from 43 the denomination for any reason, the withdrawing clergy person shall be entitled to the full pension 44 credit they have earned up to the time of withdrawal, including all years of service and all funds 45 deposited in their name, whether personal contributions or funds contributed by a salary-paying 46 unit. 47

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Rationale: This provision would reassure those who contemplate withdrawal that their pension 1 benefit would not suffer due to withdrawal. This language codifies what is already part of the 2 current pension plan document. The language would guard against future changes in the plan 3 document that might deprive persons of their pension benefit. 4 5 Date: March 5, 2015 6 7 Signature of the Petitioner: Russ Graves 8 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Melbourne, Florida 9 Phone: 321-722-3660 10 Fax Number: Not applicable 11 E-mail Address: russgraves@cfl.rr.com 12 13 Signature of the Petitioner: Rod Lee Groom 14 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, Saint James UMC, Sarasota, Florida 15 Phone: 941-356-4566 16 Fax Number: Not applicable 17 E-mail Address: rod.groom@gmail.com 18 19 Date: March 5, 2015 20 Signature of the Petitioner: Rodney S. Akers 21 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Brandon, Florida 22 Phone: 813-658-1654 23 Fax Number: Not applicable 24 E-mail Address: rodney.akers2@gte.net 25 26 Signature of the Petitioner: Dorothy L. Graves 27 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Melbourne, Florida 28 Phone: 321-722-3660 29 Fax Number: Not applicable 30 E-mail Address: dotnruss@gmail.com 31 32 Signature of the Petitioner: William S. Clark 33 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Spring Hill, Florida 34 Phone: 727-868-3454 35 Fax Number: Not applicable 36 E-mail Address: tampaclarks@hotmail.com 37 38 Signature of the Petitioner: Chester Klinger 39 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, Anona UMC, Largo, Florida 40 Phone: 727-596-1483 41 Fax Number: Not applicable 42 E-mail Address: chet.klinger@gmail.com 43 44 Signature of the Petitioner: Chris Akers 45 Identification of the Petitioner: Clergy, University Carillon UMC, Oviedo, Florida 46 Phone: 321-439-9715 47 Fax Number: Not applicable 48 E-mail Address: Chrisakers@ucumc.net 49

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Signature of the Petitioner: Mason Dorsey 1 Identification of the Petitioner: Clergy, Riviera UMC, St. Petersburg, Florida 2 Phone: 727-527-6466 3 Fax Number: Not applicable 4 E-mail Address: mason.dorsey@flumc.org 5 6 7

EXPEDITED EXIT 8

9 Pages: 1 10 Suggested Title: Expedited Exit 11 Discipline Paragraphs: New ¶2548 and ¶361.3 12 Financial Implications: None 13 Global Implications: Yes 14 15 Add new ¶ 2548 as follows: 16 ¶ 2548. Surrender of Charter of Local Church and Disaffiliation For Reasons Of Conscience – 17 Because of the current deep conflict over the church’s position on the practice of homosexuality 18 and the blessing of homosexual unions, a local church may surrender its charter from The United 19 Methodist Church and disaffiliate based upon the local church's declaration that for reasons of 20 conscience, witness, or mission it can better serve Christ and his kingdom by not being affiliated 21 with The United Methodist Church and its annual conference. Such disaffiliation shall require: 22 A minimum of ninety (90) days of study and discernment by the congregation 23 The affirmative vote of two-thirds (66.7%) of the church's professing members present and voting 24 at a duly called church conference 25 Repayment to the annual conference any money invested by the conference in that local church 26 through grants or loans during the previous five (5) years. The amount to be repaid shall include 27 any payments made to the local church’s clergy by the annual conference, such as salary support, 28 but shall not include subsidies to provide health insurance. 29 Payment to the annual conference of its current year’s apportionments in full and an additional 30 sum equal to two times the current year’s apportionments 31 Other provisions of the Book of Discipline shall not be a bar to such disaffiliation. 32 Upon such surrender and disaffiliation, the local church shall be released from the provisions of ¶ 33 2501 and shall retain full rights to its property and funds, provided that any debts upon such 34 property and any other debts payable by that local church are assumed by that local church. In 35 the event of such proposed disaffiliation, the bishop, the cabinet, annual conference board of 36 trustees, and other appropriate individuals of The United Methodist Church shall facilitate the 37 orderly and timely administration of this process. 38 Renumber following paragraphs from existing ¶¶ 2548-2551. 39

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RATIONALE: 1 Despite efforts to preserve unity in the Church, irreconcilable differences persist regarding the 2 practice of homosexuality. The Church needs to value the consciences of our people and provide 3 an honorable way for those whose consciences are violated to disaffiliate without the loss of 4 property and in a ministry-affirming way. For forty years the General Conference has consistently 5 maintained that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. In spite of 6 this, there are local churches and ordained ministers for whom the position taken violates their 7 conscience. Irreconcilable differences persist, diverting time and energy from our central mission 8 of making disciples. 9 10 Date: March 5, 2015 11 12 Signature of the Petitioner: Russ Graves 13 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Melbourne, Florida 14 Phone: 321-722-3660 15 Fax Number: Not applicable 16 E-mail Address: russgraves@cfl.rr.com 17 18 Signature of the Petitioner: Rod Lee Groom 19 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, Saint James UMC, Sarasota, Florida 20 Phone: 941-356-4566 21 Fax Number: Not applicable 22 E-mail Address: rod.groom@gmail.com 23 24 Date: March 5, 2015 25 Signature of the Petitioner: Rodney S. Akers 26 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Brandon, Florida 27 Phone: 813-658-1654 28 Fax Number: Not applicable 29 E-mail Address: rodney.akers2@gte.net 30 31 Signature of the Petitioner: Dorothy L. Graves 32 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Melbourne, Florida 33 Phone: 321-722-3660 34 Fax Number: Not applicable 35 E-mail Address: dotnruss@gmail.com 36 37 Signature of the Petitioner: William S. Clark 38 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Spring Hill, Florida 39 Phone: 727-868-3454 40 Fax Number: Not applicable 41 E-mail Address: tampaclarks@hotmail.com 42 43 Signature of the Petitioner: Chester Klinger 44 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, Anona UMC, Largo, Florida 45 Phone: 727-596-1483 46 Fax Number: Not applicable 47 E-mail Address: chet.klinger@gmail.com 48

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Signature of the Petitioner: Chris Akers 1 Identification of the Petitioner: Clergy, University Carillon UMC, Oviedo, Florida 2 Phone: 321-439-9715 3 Fax Number: Not applicable 4 E-mail Address: Chrisakers@ucumc.net 5 6 Signature of the Petitioner: Mason Dorsey 7 Identification of the Petitioner: Clergy, Riviera UMC, St. Petersburg, Florida 8 Phone: 727-527-6466 9 Fax Number: Not applicable 10 E-mail Address: mason.dorsey@flumc.org 11 12 13

LIMITING APPORTIONMENTS 14

15 TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES: 1 16 SUGGESTED TITLE: Limiting Apportionments 17 DISCIPLINE PARAGRAPH: Discipline ¶ 615 18 GENERAL CHURCH BUDGET IMPLICATION: Yes, an incentive to curb spending 19 GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS: No 20 21 AMEND ¶ 615 by adding a new sentence as follows: 22 23 ¶ 615. Apportionments—When a change to the apportionment formula or method is proposed, 24 the council should provide for a study of the proposed change’s effects. After its study, which may 25 include resources supplied by the General Council on Finance and Administration, the council 26 shall recommend such formula or method to the annual conference for its action and 27 determination which shall include the approved budgeted amounts for clergy support, 28 administration, World Service, Conference Benevolences, and other apportioned causes (¶ 29 614.1-.4), the sum of which shall be apportioned to the districts, churches, or charges of the 30 conference.61 The amount apportioned to each local church for general church and conference 31 apportionments shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the previous year’s income for operations 32 and missions. 33 34 Rationale: The burden of high apportionments, often exceeding 15-20% of a local church’s 35 budget, hampers the ability of the local church to make disciples and engage in effective local 36 ministry. Having a cap on apportionments forces the prioritization of budgeting decisions. Such a 37 cap would not preclude appeals to local churches to voluntarily support conference agencies, 38 benevolences, and missions over and above the cap. 39 40 Date: March 5, 2015 41 42 Signature of the Petitioner: Russ Graves 43 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Melbourne, Florida 44 Phone: 321-722-3660 45 Fax Number: Not applicable 46 E-mail Address: russgraves@cfl.rr.com 47 48 Signature of the Petitioner: Rod Lee Groom 49

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Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, Saint James UMC, Sarasota, Florida 1 Phone: 941-356-4566 2 Fax Number: Not applicable 3 E-mail Address: rod.groom@gmail.com 4 5 Date: March 5, 2015 6 Signature of the Petitioner: Rodney S. Akers 7 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Brandon, Florida 8 Phone: 813-658-1654 9 Fax Number: Not applicable 10 E-mail Address: rodney.akers2@gte.net 11 12 Signature of the Petitioner: Dorothy L. Graves 13 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Melbourne, Florida 14 Phone: 321-722-3660 15 Fax Number: Not applicable 16 E-mail Address: dotnruss@gmail.com 17 18 Signature of the Petitioner: William S. Clark 19 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Spring Hill, Florida 20 Phone: 727-868-3454 21 Fax Number: Not applicable 22 E-mail Address: tampaclarks@hotmail.com 23 24 Signature of the Petitioner: Chester Klinger 25 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, Anona UMC, Largo, Florida 26 Phone: 727-596-1483 27 Fax Number: Not applicable 28 E-mail Address: chet.klinger@gmail.com 29 30 Signature of the Petitioner: Chris Akers 31 Identification of the Petitioner: Clergy, University Carillon UMC, Oviedo, Florida 32 Phone: 321-439-9715 33 Fax Number: Not applicable 34 E-mail Address: Chrisakers@ucumc.net 35 36 Signature of the Petitioner: Mason Dorsey 37 Identification of the Petitioner: Clergy, Riviera UMC, St. Petersburg, Florida 38 Phone: 727-527-6466 39 Fax Number: Not applicable 40 E-mail Address: mason.dorsey@flumc.org 41

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WITHDRAW FROM THE RELIGIOUS COALITION 1

FOR REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE 2

3 Total Number of Pages: 3 4 Suggested Title: Withdraw from the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice 5 Discipline Paragraph: Non-Disciplinary 6 General Church Budget Implications: None 7 Global Implications: Yes 8 9 WHEREAS, "The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC) was originally founded in 10 1973 as the Religious Coalition for Abortion Rights (RCAR) to safeguard the newly-won 11 constitutional right to privacy in decisions about abortion." ("History," 12 http://rcrc.org/homepage/about/history, accessed on 01/15/15); 13 14 WHEREAS, RCRC works to defend and expand the absolute right to abortion -- that is, the right 15 to all abortions, whatever the circumstances, without exception -- in American law; 16 17 WHEREAS, one RCRC publication describes aborting unborn children as "God's work" or "holy 18 work, service provided by God's people on behalf of God's people," and encourages religious 19 leaders to bless the work of providing elective abortions (Prayerfully Pro-Choice: Resources for 20 Worship, RCRC, http://www.readbag.com/rcrc-pdf-prayerfully, pp. 73-74, 101-102, accessed on 21 02/02/15); 22 23 WHEREAS, RCRC, in its "Words of Choice: Countering Anti-Choice Rhetoric" 24 (https://web.archive.org/web/20110320103739/http:/www.rcrc.org/pdf/Words_of_Choice.pdf, 25 accessed 02/02/15), explicitly argues against using the following words, phrases, and moral 26 claims that are found in The United Methodist Church's central teaching on abortion (Paragraph 27 161J, The Book of Discipline [2012]): "abortion as...birth control," "[abortion] as...gender 28 selection," "adoption," "crisis pregnancy centers," "mother," "notification and consent," "partial-29 birth abortion" opposition, "sacredness of...life," "sanctity of...life," and "unborn child;" 30 31 WHEREAS, RCRC works for abortion rights in any and all circumstances, while The United 32 Methodist Church teaches that moral discernment, on matters related to abortion, is essential, 33 because the Church "[is] equally bound to respect the sacredness of the life and well-being of the 34 mother and the unborn child," "cannot affirm abortion as an acceptable means of birth control," 35 and "unconditionally reject[s] [abortion] as a means of gender selection or eugenics" (Paragraph 36 161J on Abortion, The Social Principles, The Book of Discipline [2012]); 37 38 WHEREAS, RCRC has consistently lobbied government against any attempt to limit the practice 39 of partial-birth abortions, while The United Methodist Church has since 2000 "oppose[d] the use 40 of late-term abortion known as dilation and extraction (partial-birth abortion) and call[s] for the end 41 of this practice" with rare exceptions (Paragraph 161J on Abortion, The Social Principles, The 42 Book of Discipline [2012]); 43 44 WHEREAS, RCRC has consistently favored the availability of partial-birth abortion, while the 2012 45 General Conference decided that the Church's General Council on Finance and Administration 46 "shall be responsible for ensuring that no board, agency, committee, commission, or council shall 47 expend United Methodist funds in a manner that violates the expressed commitment of The United 48 Methodist Church to 'oppose the use of late-term abortion known as dilation and extraction 49

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(partial-birth abortion) and call for the end of this practice [with rare exceptions]' (Paragraph 161J). 1 The council shall have the right to stop such expenditures." (Paragraph 806.10, The Book of 2 Discipline [2012]); 3 4 WHEREAS, RCRC supported the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which if adopted would have 5 overturned all federal, state, and local laws even mildly restricting abortion, while The United 6 Methodist Church's General Board of Church and Society withdrew its support of FOCA in 2008, 7 because this RCRC-suppported bill was in conflict with The United Methodist Church's position 8 on abortion ("Living in the Truth: Church and Society, Obama, and Abortion," Lifewatch [03/01/09], 9 p. 6, www.lifewatch.org/pdf/lifewatch_ newsletter_03-09.pdf, accessed 02/02/15; and Paragraph 10 161J on Abortion, The Social Principles, The Book of Discipline [2008]); 11 12 WHEREAS, Bishop Timothy W. Whitaker, retired bishop of The United Methodist Church, has 13 declared: "At the 2004 General Conference, the church endorsed our [United Methodist] agencies' 14 continued participation in the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice without much of a 15 debate about how participation in this coalition compromises our public witness against abortion" 16 ("Do No Harm!," Lifewatch [03/01/05], p. 3, www.lifewatch.org/pdf/lifewatch_newsletter_03-17 05.pdf, accessed 02/02/15); 18 WHEREAS, the 2008 General Conference narrowly voted, when many African delegates were 19 not present, to continue participation in RCRC; 20 21 WHEREAS, during the 2012 General Conference, although a legislative subcommittee and 22 committee had both voted to withdraw The United Methodist Church from RCRC, a regular 23 plenary vote on this matter never took place, so that this petition had no opportunity to be adopted; 24 25 WHEREAS, "the members of our denomination are not of one mind over the precise conditions 26 in which abortion can be supported" (#2026, The Book of Resolutions [2012], p. 124), and 27 therefore agencies of the entire United Methodist Church should not be permitted to join a political 28 lobby such as RCRC; 29 30 WHEREAS, other mainline denominations, with positions on abortion similar to that of The United 31 Methodist Church, have either chosen not to become members of RCRC (e.g., the Evangelical 32 Lutheran Church in America and the Disciples of Christ) or severed ties with RCRC (American 33 Baptist Churches USA and the Northern Province of the Moravian Church); 34 35 WHEREAS, "Reverends like us should never oppose access to abortion or sex ed" (sic, 36 www.washingtonpost.com/ posteverything/wp/2014/09/29/reverends-like-us-should-never-37 oppose-access-to-abortion-or-sex-ed/, accessed on 02/02/15) -- written by RCRC's President and 38 CEO Rev. Harry Knox, and by RCRC's Board of Directors Chair Dr. Alethea R. Smith-Withers -- 39 advocates for "abortion care" and thereby demonstrates that RCRC's work continues to be 40 divisive in The United Methodist Church because of its lack of care for the unborn child; and 41 42 WHEREAS, individual United Methodists can dialogue with RCRC without leading The United 43 Methodist Church to legitimate RCRC's educational and political agenda, which conflicts with our 44 Social Principles' teaching on life and abortion (Paragraph 161J on Abortion, The Social 45 Principles, The Book of Discipline [2012]). 46 47 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 2015 session of the Florida Annual Conference of The 48 United Methodist Church hereby charges its Conference Secretary to forward this resolution, in a 49 timely and appropriate manner, to the 2016 General Conference to withdraw immediately the 50

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General Board of Church and Society and the United Methodist Women from membership in the 1 Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC). 2 3 THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the 2015 session of the Florida Annual 4 Conference of The United Methodist Church hereby charges its Conference Secretary because 5 of the fifty-word limit that has been imposed on the printed rationales in the public listings of 6 General Conference petitions, to include with this petition the following rationale: "RCRC is a one-7 sided political lobby that opposes all disapproval or limitation of abortion. RCRC's advocacy often 8 directly contradicts our Social Principles on abortion, but it still uses our Church's name. Several 9 Annual Conferences and many United Methodist leaders have urged the Church to end all 10 association with RCRC." 11 Date: March 5, 2015 12 13 Signature of the Petitioner: Russ Graves 14 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Melbourne, Florida 15 Phone: 321-722-3660 16 Fax Number: Not applicable 17 E-mail Address: russgraves@cfl.rr.com 18 Signature of the Petitioner: Rod Lee Groom 19 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, Saint James UMC, Sarasota, Florida 20 Phone: 941-356-4566 21 Fax Number: Not applicable 22 E-mail Address: rod.groom@gmail.com 23 24 Date: March 5, 2015 25 Signature of the Petitioner: Rodney S. Akers 26 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Brandon, Florida 27 Phone: 813-658-1654 28 Fax Number: Not applicable 29 E-mail Address: rodney.akers2@gte.net 30 31 Signature of the Petitioner: Dorothy L. Graves 32 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Melbourne, Florida 33 Phone: 321-722-3660 34 Fax Number: Not applicable 35 E-mail Address: dotnruss@gmail.com 36 37 Signature of the Petitioner: William S. Clark 38 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, First UMC, Spring Hill, Florida 39 Phone: 727-868-3454 40 Fax Number: Not applicable 41 E-mail Address: tampaclarks@hotmail.com 42 43 Signature of the Petitioner: Chester Klinger 44 Identification of the Petitioner: Member of Local Church, Anona UMC, Largo, Florida 45 Phone: 727-596-1483 46 Fax Number: Not applicable 47 E-mail Address: chet.klinger@gmail.com 48 Signature of the Petitioner: Chris Akers 49 Identification of the Petitioner: Clergy, University Carillon UMC, Oviedo, Florida 50

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Phone: 321-439-9715 1 Fax Number: Not applicable 2 E-mail Address: Chrisakers@ucumc.net 3 4 Signature of the Petitioner: Mason Dorsey 5 Identification of the Petitioner: Clergy, Riviera UMC, St. Petersburg, Florida 6 Phone: 727-527-6466 7 Fax Number: Not applicable 8 E-mail Address: mason.dorsey@flumc.org 9

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GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE CROSS-CULTURAL DIALOGUE “Try on” It’s okay to disagree It is not okay to blame, shame, or attack, self or others Practice “self-focus” Practice “both/and” thinking Notice both process and impact Be aware of intent and impact Confidentiality Guías: Mantenga la mente abierta a nuevas ideas Está bien no estar de acuerdo… …pero no está bien atacar o culpar a otros o a sí mismo Practique el enfoque en sí mismo Practique el pensamiento de “con/y” Preste atención al proceso y al contenido Esté consciente de la intención vs. el impacto de sus acciones Mantenga la confidencialidad

다문화간 효과적인 대화 가이드라인

"시도해보기"

동의하지 않아도 괜찮습니다.

자신 또는 다른 사람들을 비난하거나 부끄러워하거나 공격하지 마십시오.

"자기 먼저 보기" 실천하기

"둘다/그리고" 사고를 실천하기

과정과 영향 둘 다 알리기

의도와 영향을 알고 있기

비밀유지

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Regleman pou youn bwasaj kiltirel efikas: Esaye Li ok pou’n pa dako Li pa ok pouw blanmen, fe wont, oswa atake pwop tet ou zot Toujou gade pwop tet ou Pratike “tou le de/ ak” panse Remake tou le de “pwosesis ak enpak” Fe atansyon ak lentansyon e enpak Konfidansyalite Правила эффективного межнационального общения: Будьте открыты новым идеям Уважайте чужое мнение Обвинения, унижения или оскорбления в свой или чужой адрес недопустимы Учитесь самообладанию Стремитесь согласовывать свое мнение с мнением других Обращайте внимание на действия и их влияние Следите за намерениями и их последствиями Сохраняйте конфиденциальность Mga pangpatnubay: Subukin. Ayos na hindi sumang ayon. Hindi ayos ang sisihin, hiyain, o saktan ang loob ng ibang tao. Mag sanay ng tumuon sa sarili. Mag sanay ng “pareho/at” pagiisip. Pansining pareho ang proseso at impakto. Kamalayan ang layunin at impakto. Pagka-kumpidensiyal

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LAITY NOMIATIONS 1

2 (101) Mr. Rodney S. Akers; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 3 White/Caucasian; Home City: Brandon; Church Membership: First United 4 Methodist Church; Church City: Brandon (SC) 5 6 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I was elected to both the 7 General and Jurisdictional Conference in 2008 and to the Jurisdictional Conference 8 in 2012. For six years I served as Conference president of UMM. At that same time 9 I served on the Conference Episcopacy Committee. I currently serve as the UMM 10 Conference Prayer Advocate, on the Board of Directors and Conference Committee 11 of UMM, on the Board of Lay Ministry, on the Committee on Lay Renewal, on the 12 District UMM leadership team and on the Board of Jim Russo Prison Ministry. I am 13 a Certified Lay Servant. I also led a team with my wife in prison ministry every other 14 Monday night for over 23 years through the then Tampa District UMM. I also 15 completed the Walk to Emmaus and serve my local Church as a member of the 16 Prayer Team, member of two groups of UMM, a small study group and a member 17 of the SPRC. 18 19 Called/Vision: I feel called to serve, if elected, as a delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conferences for the 20 following reasons: 1­ I believe that the voice of the local laity at the grass roots level must be heard. Society’s problem 21 is not social or political but moral and theological. The answer is found in the Biblical principles as contained in our 22 Wesleyan Heritage. 2­ Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever and God’s Word has not changed. The power 23 of the Gospel message is still the same in that we are to live a transformed life so as to be a living witness for Jesus. 24 3­ I have seen and see this transforming power of the Gospel in the opportunities of ministry in local United Methodist 25 churches, at the retreats, at lay witness missions and in prisons. Jesus Is Lord. 26 27 28 29 30 31 (102) Mr. Dusty Rudolph Bailey; Gender: Male; Age: 30 ­ 39; Ethnicity: 32 White/Caucasian; Home City: Lake City ; Church Membership: Pleasant Grove 33 United Methodist Church; Church City: Lake City (NW) 34 35 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Camp Counselor ­ Warren W. 36 Willis; Youth Director ­ First U.M.C ­ Lake City, FL; Certified Lay Speaker ­ North 37 West District; Lifewatch Florida State Director; Supply Pastor ­ Pleasant Grove UMC 38 ­ Lake City 39 40 Called/Vision: Two score and seven years ago, with much prayer and preparation, 41 two great groups of believers were united and came to be known as the United 42 Methodist Church. We should be frank with another, today the United Methodist 43 Church is lacking UNITY. Wesleyan principles based on the foundation of God’s 44 Word have been ushered out the door in the name of tolerance. Those who cling 45 to the basic principles have been called old­fashioned and unloving. However, if a 46 holier­than­thou attitude is the premise and not accepting others that are different 47 are the results, I would agree unloving is the correct adjective. Yet, I would argue 48 that encouraging others to continue in their sin in the name of acceptance is unloving as well. I am a sinner, but by 49 grace I was saved. I am thankful that those who I conferred with, those I look up to, those who belong to this great 50 denomination, whose words along with the Holy Spirit convicted me of MY sin, accepted me for who I am. That 51 acceptance was for me as a creature made in God’s image, not acceptance of my sin. As a denomination, we must 52 be united in Christ and love as He loves. In order for the denomination to not just survive, but thrive, there must be 53 an infusion of youth and vigor that upholds the Wesleyan principles that some may call “old­fashioned”. 54

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(103) Mr Timothy John Bricker; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Key Largo; Church Membership: Burton Memorial 2 UMC; Church City: Tavernier (SE) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Local Church (LC) Coordinator 5 of Apportionment Giving; LC Annual Conference Lay Delegate; LC Staff Parish 6 Committee; past Chpr., LC Church Council; past LC Lay Leader; past LC Trustee; 7 adult SS teacher, VBS director; UMW School of Christian Mission and Mission U 8 presenter and participant. 9 10 Called/Vision: Open doors. Open minds. Open hearts. Those six words have come 11 to sound almost cliché. As the United Methodist church, do we still believe this? Do 12 we continue to act as though we embrace those ideals? I am counting on it. I have 13 been a United Methodist all of my life, and have known (and know) many fine 14 brothers and sisters in Christ. Though we have differences, we share a common faith that values compassion, 15 empathy, acceptance, and love. It can be said that, as the world is always changing, the United Methodist church 16 must rise to meet the challenges of interacting with that changing world. It is also said that the more things change, 17 the more they remain the same. So there are those concepts that remain constant, especially those that form the 18 basis of our Christian lives: the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything we have learned, that 19 came before or after those teachings, must use those teachings as a standard. My vision for the United Methodist 20 church is that it continues to seek the righteous path in a world that needs continuity amidst change, inclusiveness 21 amidst prejudice, and understanding amidst confusion. Through our example, all of God’s children should know that 22 faith, hope, and love are the ingredients needed to bring about His kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven. And the 23 greatest of these ingredients is love. Open doors. Open minds. Open hearts. 24 25 26 27 28 29 (104) Mrs. Joyce Waldon Bright; Gender: Female; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 30 Black / African American; Home City: Orlando; Church Membership: Tuskawilla 31 United Methodist Church; Church City: Casselberry (EC) 32 33 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: DISTRICT; New Church 34 Development Committee (current); United Methodist Women Leadership Team 35 (current); District Lay Leader; Leadership Council; Committee on Leadership; 36 Committee on Superintendency; Trustees; United Methodist Women, District 37 President; Board of Missions & Church Extension; CONFERENCE; Lay Member 38 to Annual Conference (current); Board of Lay Ministry; Strategic Black Church ; 39 Leadership Team; Council on Ministries; Chair, Commission on Status & Role of 40 Women; Trustee, Bethune­Cookman College; Conference Table; United Methodist 41 Women, Vice President, Treasurer, Dean of School of Christian Mission 42 43 Called/Vision: "Here I am, Lord...I have heard you calling..." I feel called to be a 44 General Conference delegate because I take seriously what it means to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the 45 transformation of the world." I have always been an active member of The United Methodist Church and involved 46 in ministry in the local church, the community and beyond. I have served at all levels of the church including the 47 President of a General Agency which has given me a broad understanding of how our church works. Only the 48 General Conference speaks for The United Methodist Church. Based on this fact, it is important that the decisions 49 made by this body follow the mission and ministry of Jesus. A key responsibility involves listening and responding 50 to members in the Florida Conference. Critical decisions are made in legislative committees. My experience as the 51 chair of a General Conference sub­committee also equips me for being an effective legislative committee member. 52 Although, it is always important to have new leadership, I feel that there needs to be a balance of experienced 53 delegates. Serving as a General/Jurisdictional Conference delegate has prepared me to work with people from 54 around the world as we make decisions for the denomination. "I will go, Lord...I will hold your people in my heart" 55 as I make decisions on behalf of the church. I prayerfully open myself to the work God is doing through each 56 delegate. 57

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(105) Mr. Michael Reed Coffey; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Oviedo; Church 2 Membership: University Carillon UMC; Church City: Oviedo (EC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: ERT trained; UMVIM trained; 5 previously served as a Supply Pastor and Local Pastor in the old DeLand District; 6 Represent my church in the Large Church Mission Directors gatherings 7 8 Called/Vision: I feel God has positioned me to be an active part of the higher level 9 of the United Methodist Church. Having served in many different positions within 10 and outside the church; I feel that I bring an overall view of what is needed and what 11 the United Methodist Church could or should be to a hurting world. As the church 12 tries to balance Biblical Truth and Grace I feel my travels on various mission trips, 13 both home and abroad, have allowed me to see the broader picture and also allowed 14 me to see that needs are both the same and different throughout the world and our communities here at home. 15 My work experience and serving both inside and outside the walls of the church in various ministries to the homeless 16 and those in jail has given me a chance to see what people are looking for, and needing. People are searching for 17 answers, and the United Methodist Church needs to step up and show them God. As I have allowed God to work 18 in my life, He has put me in various places, times, and positions where I was used by Him to make a difference. I 19 believe He does that on a constant basis, whether we see it or not. I think this is one of those times and places and 20 I would like to opportunity to once again let God work through me. 21 22 23 24 25 26 (106) Miss Brittany Erin Cott; Gender: Female; Age: 21 ­ 29; Ethnicity: 27 White/Caucasian; Home City: Oviedo; Church Membership: River of Life UMC; 28 Church City: St. Johns (NE) 29 30 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: ­ Denman Award Winner 31 2003; ­ Annual Conference delegate 2012­2015; ­ Central Florida Wesley Intern 32 2012­2013; ­ Pastoral Internship at Community of Faith UMC 2012; ­ Children's 33 Ministry intern at University Carillon UMC 2012­2014; ­Children's Minister at 34 Broadway UMC 2014­ Current 35 36 Called/Vision: I feel called to be a delegate for General Conference because I have 37 grown up in the United Methodist Church. I care about the future of the church. I 38 think it is very important for young adults, like myself to take an interest and get 39 involved with the inner workings of the church so that when we are older and 40 bringing our families to church and inviting our friends and neighbors to church, we 41 will know what we are bringing people to, and we know that the church will still be 42 there. I have always had a passion for inviting people to church, I love spreading God's word and love. The more I 43 get involved in the church and the more I know about it, the more excited I get to bring people to God's church. I 44 feel called to come to general conference so that I can give a young adult perspective on where the church is and 45 where the church should be headed. While young people are the future of the church, we are also the present. 46

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(107) Mr. Walter L. Dry; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: Black / 1 African American; Home City: Spring Hill; Church Membership: FUMC of Spring 2 Hill; Church City: Spring Hill (GC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Local Church: FUMC of 5 Spring Hill; Lay Leader (2002 to 2005) (2013­ Present); Church Council 6 (Chairman) (2010­2013); Religion & Race Committee (Chairman) (1997­2002); 7 Administrative Board (2002 to 2005); Gulf Central District: Board of Directors of 8 United Methodist Cooperative Ministries (2005 to Present); District Lay­Leader 9 (2005 to 2012); Board of Directors of United Methodist Men (2005 to 2012); 10 Florida Conference United Methodist Church: Episcopacy Committee (Vice 11 Chairman) (2012 to Present); Leadership/Nominations Committee (2013­2016); 12 JFON (Justice for our Neighbors) (Chairman) (2010 to 2014); Certified Lay 13 Servant (Instructor for Lay Servant Ministries) (2005 to Present); Board of Lay 14 Ministry (Vice Chairman) (2008 to 2012); Property Task Force Team. 15 16 Called/Vision: I believe that God has made it possible for me to use the spiritual 17 gifts & knowledge to serve Him and his Son Jesus Christ. 18 19 20 21 22 23 (108) Mrs. Martha Gay Duncan; Gender: Female; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 24 White/Caucasian; Home City: Lakeland; Church Membership: First United 25 Methodist Church, Lakeland; Church City: Lakeland (SC) 26 27 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Delegate to 28 Annual Conferences; Delegate to Jurisdictional Conference 29 2008,2012; Delegate to General Conference 2012; Board Member Conference 30 Credit Union; Board Member Shade and Fresh Water; Co­ founded, organized and 31 executed ClergyKids Weekend for children of Clergy in Conference; Former 32 Executive Director Celebrate Jesus 33 34 Called/Vision: My vision for the future of the United Methodist Church is that it 35 be just that ­ a united church in all that it means to be Methodist/Wesleyan. I 36 believe that as we come together in learning to love God, love our neighbors and 37 lifting up Jesus Christ, the things that divide us will fall away and what it means to 38 be a disciple of Christ will take root in our community. Following Jesus is not for 39 sissies and we must be bold and embrace the communities where God has placed 40 us as well as the world beyond. If we are faithful to the call to lift up Christ, He will draw all persons unto Himself. 41

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(109) Mrs. Janet Butler Earls; Gender: Female; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: LAKELAND; Church Membership: First United 2 Methodist Church Lakeland; Church City: Lakeland (SC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Children's Ministry Team 5 (Mandarin UMC); Sunday School teacher for 4th grade boys (1 year); Started a 6 program ­ Adopt a Grandchild, connecting children with no grandparents nearby and 7 people of grandparent age with no grandchildren nearby. ; Started "Jerusalem 8 Revisited" a recreation of a marketplace in Jerusalem and the Scenes of the Passion 9 vignettes throughout, lasting several years with 120 volunteers, average of 1500 10 attended annually. Purpose was a gift to the community to teach and re­teach the 11 story surrounding Christ's death and resurrection ­ More is known of Christ's birth, 12 less about these stories. ; Volunteer with PAWS ­ Pets are working saints (Grace 13 Cape Coral) about 2 years; Volunteer in church nursery ­ about 6 years; Worship 14 Design Team (Grace Cape Coral & First Port Orange); Lead Team, Staff Parrish Rep 15 (Grace Cape Coral) ; Special Coaching Team for staff (First Port Orange); Volunteer 16 with Cold Night Shelter (First Port Orange); Lead the Transition Team (during a 17 period of time when the pastor was on extended leave); District Leadership Team EC; Conference Congregational 18 Excellence Team; District Congregational Excellence Team, Chair; Contracted employee of the EC District for 19 Church Coaching; Currently, staff at the Conference ­ Office of Congregational Vitality, 1.5 years; Currently, SC 20 District Strategic Team 21 22 Called/Vision: As laity, my faith journey and calling has been for change. Looking back, I see how various 23 experiences prepared me to serve and to be an advocate for change "to move our church into a new way. We have 24 tough decisions to make and we have to remain focused on our mission" to bring new believers to Christ. We want 25 creative and bold thinkers who will confidently lead change, respect our heritage, and are willing to try fresh 26 expressions of what it is to be the church to our neighbors. We have a few social issues that many people are 27 divided about and feel we cannot overcome. I am passionate about the future of the Methodist Church. I pray we 28 find a way that is pleasing to God to live out the mission of Christ. It seems simple with The Great Commission, to 29 make new disciples. As we read in the Bible, we are flawed humans drawn to over­complicating and going astray. I 30 want to work together with others to find new ways, simple ways, to remain focused on our goals. As a first time 31 delegate to General Conference 2012, I learned about the processes and responsibilities of a being a GC delegate. 32 After experiencing sub­ committees, voting challenges, and being protested against, I am prepared for the road 33 ahead. By blessing and serving our neighbors and creating a place of love and trust for the least and the lost, this 34 will re­surge and breathe new life into our church. 35

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(110) Mr. David (Dave) Kent Elyea; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Tallahassee; Church Membership: Killearn; Church 2 City: Tallahassee (NW) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Previous; EC District 5 Chairperson, New Church Development, EC District Vice­Pres. District Leadership, 6 Conference Chair New Church Development, NW District Chairperson New Church 7 Development; Current; NW District Chair Congregational Vitality, NW District 8 Leadership Secretary, Conference committee member Congregational Vitality, 9 member Board of Ordained Clergy 10 11 Called/Vision: I am a lifelong United Methodist, fully embracing John Wesley's 12 understanding of grace. I believe that God was reaching out to me long before I recognized and accepted his 13 embrace, and that God loves me even when I am unlovable, gently prodding me to live out my faith. Prof. Will 14 Willimon states in his book "Why I am (even yet!) a United Methodist"......"though Jesus takes us singing 'Just as I 15 Am' he never leaves us just as we are." I believe that Jesus never leaves his church just as it is either! The United 16 Methodist Church today is challenged to change in order to reach both congregants and the un­churched "just as 17 they are", while remaining true to our faith. We struggle to be relevant to persons of other cultures, to persons with 18 alternate views of human sexuality, and to generations of young adults. We have diverse views of the right way to 19 live out the great commission, and for some the chasm between visions is severe enough to require a split of our 20 denomination. I think that choosing sides and splitting our denomination is not the way forward, but that instead 21 we are called to Holy Conference seeking the way forward as one body called United Methodist. I believe that I am 22 called to participate in this Holy Conference and that God has uniquely equipped me for this purpose. 23 24 25 26 27 28 (111) Miss Carlene Rebecca Fogle­Miller; Gender: Female; Age: 21 ­ 29; 29 Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Fernandina Beach; Church Membership: 30 Memorial United Methodist Church; Church City: Fernandina Beach (NE) 31 32 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I have served as an at­large 33 delegate to Annual conference since 2007, spanning three different districts. I also 34 had the privilege to serve as a delegate to General and Jurisdictional conference, 35 and as a board member for the General Commission on the Status and Role of 36 Women this past quadrennium. Past experience also includes: CCYM President, 37 Young Adult Table member, Jurisdictional Conference page in 2004 and 38 2008. 39 40 Called/Vision: As a life­long United Methodist, and regular Conference attendee 41 and delegate, I am very familiar with conference settings, ranging from Annual, to 42 Jurisdictional to General conferences. I am exceptionally comfortable with reading 43 and distilling large amounts of material, which is critically important when working 44 through all the resolutions proposed to GC delegates. My experience as a law 45 student (law graduate by the time GC rolls around) equips me to serve efficiently and effectively in the legislative 46 process while my broad range of service to the church ­ from local church to the general board level ­ enables me 47 to look at the issues put in front of GC delegates through the perspective of Jesus' life and teachings. This unique 48 blend of vantage­points enables me to think critically about the issues from multiple points of view before making 49 decisions. It further enables me to set aside my own personal inclinations as needed to serve God's purposes and 50 the common good of the church rather than just my own preferences. Prayer is an important and necessary part 51 of choosing to place one's name forward as a nominee, and I have prayed about whether to nominate myself for 52 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conference almost since the 2012 conference season ended. Ultimately, I have 53 discerned that I should offer myself as a nominee, and I truly believe I am an ideal delegate. 54

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1 (112) Mr. William Russell (Russ) Graves; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; 2 Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Melbourne; Church Membership: First 3 United Methodist Church of Melbourne,FL; Church City: Melbourne (AC) 4 5 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I have served in my local 6 church as Chair of the Building Committee, Lay Leader, Sunday School Teacher, 7 and on the Staff Parish. Presently, the Florida Annual Conference Lay Leader, I 8 am the past Chair of the Conference Committee for Congregational 9 Transformation, and continue to serve on the Bishop's Strategic Leadership Team. 10 Since retiring from the Air Force, I have owned a construction company, served as 11 a professor and program chair in Aviation Management at the Florida Institute of 12 Technology. I served as the District Lay Leader of the Atlantic Central District for 13 six years and served as a nationally certified ReFocus network facilitator and a 14 Natural Church Development trainer and coach. 15 16 Called/Vision: I have a passion for developing young and older laity as leaders 17 and intentional disciples for Jesus Christ. My passion for our denomination is to have revitalized congregations 18 where we as laity move out of the church building and our comfort zones to reclaim God's vision for us to reach out 19 to those in our communities to share the grace and truth of Christ. I have worked with laity, clergy, believers and 20 non believers, former church members that we as Christians have hurt and those who hunger for the wisdom of 21 Christ. At times I think we as Christians may have more to learn from some of them than they from us. It has been 22 my experience that when I take the courage to extend myself and build the relationship, I become part of a 23 co­mentoring relationship made and led by God. As we work through these troubled times, civility, trust, and agape 24 love for each other seems to be in short supply. We seem to depend more on the stance we take on certain issues, 25 rather than to the God we serve and the commonality of our commitment to His Commandment and Commission 26 to us. When change seems to be overwhelming us, we need to commune with God through His Word and our 27 deep personal prayer and reflection. We must determine if the change is His will or an influence to become more a 28 part of the world. I am led to be part of the process to ensure we are in God's purpose. 29 30 31 32 33 34 (113) Mr. Rod Lee Groom; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 35 White/Caucasian; Home City: Bradenton; Church Membership: St. James UMC; 36 Church City: Sarasota (SW) 37 38 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Currently; Associate 39 Conference Director Lay Servant Ministries; District Delegate­at­Large (SW); 40 Associate District Lay Leader (SW); Previously; Atlantic Central District Lay Leader; 41 Atlantic Central District Director Lay Servant Ministries (13 years); Reserve 42 Delegate General Conference 2012; SEJ Jurisdictional Conference Delegate 2012; 43 District and/or Church Delegate to Annual Conference 44 45 Called/Vision: My vision for the United Methodist Church is for us to be a network 46 of strong, loving and vital churches, who welcome all "and minister to all" in the 47 name and power of Jesus Christ. Based on the traditions and practices of Wesleyan 48 discipleship, we must witness through grace and truth, relying on Scriptural principles. We can learn to witness to 49 the world in relevant terms and methods it can understand and appreciate, without compromising on the truth. 50 Much needs to be done to more effectively reach, witness and work with the world, but without compromising our 51 values, doctrines or practices. In love with Jesus, we must learn to spread "Scriptural holiness" wherever we find 52 ourselves. There is much that needs to be done to make our organizational life, ministries and boards more 53 responsive to current realities, without rushing to irreversible changes. God is in charge. We must operate in his 54 timing and through his inspiration to serve the evangelical, teaching and nurturing needs of our local churches and 55 our worldwide connection. 56

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(114) Mr. Jeremy Kirk Hearn; Gender: Male; Age: 30 ­ 39; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Lakeland; Church Membership: FUMC Lakeland; 2 Church City: Lakeland (SC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Launched East Central District 5 Worship Leaders Network with Wayne Wiatt (EC­DS); East Central District Lay 6 Delegate to 2013 Annual Conference; Member of Florida Conference Young Adults 7 Round 8 Table; Young Adults Representative, Board Of Lay Ministry (2013­2017); Design Committee and Steering 9 Committee Member, Young Adult Missional Movement (YAMM) ; 2014 FL Annual Conference Co­ Worship Leader; 10 Launched Gulf Central District Worship Leaders Network with John Powers (GC­DS); Launched South Central 11 District Worship Leaders Network with Walter Monroe (SC­District) 12 13 Called/Vision: As a fourth generation Methodist, I believe that I (and my generation) have a responsibility to see 14 that our United Methodist Church continue to be a safe place for ALL people to experience the love of Christ. I 15 believe that if we will continue to claim and live out the theology of grace that our church so boldly proclaims, we 16 will see a resurgence of all ages coming to know Christ for generations. As someone who has given my life to 17 creating this warm environment mentioned above, by including all ages, races and sexual orientations on my team 18 every Sunday, I am very passionate about seeing our church family come to a place of unity. I feel that politics can 19 create division and turmoil, and as a church family we need to stand for unity as the body of Christ. These hot topic 20 issues are nothing new and they will never go away. We must stop making these the focus of conferences and our 21 time together. My prayer for the future of our church is to see us pour more thought, time, energy and resources 22 into fresh expressions of church, discipleship, and reaching next generations; so that our existing and new church 23 communities are around for centuries to come. If elected as a delegate to the 2016 General Conference, I can 24 assure you this is where I will focus my prayer, my time, my energy and my resources. 25 26 27 28 29 30 (115) Frances Y. Jennings; Gender: Female; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 31 White/Caucasian; Home City: Jacksonville; Church Membership: Avondale U.M.C.; 32 Church City: Jacksonville (NE) 33 34 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Former Chair Conference 35 Spiritual Formation Committee; Former District Lay Leader; District Nominations 36 Committee; Former member District Board of Ordained Ministry 37 38 Called/Vision: I feel called to be a delegate to General or Jurisdictional Conference 39 based on the past experiences of having served as a delegate to Jurisdictional and 40 having served on the core team that did the planning for the General Conference 41 which was held in Florida in 2012. Chairing the Spiritual Formation team and 42 bearing a responsibility for the accessible prayer room, open to clergy, laity, 43 delegates, and visitors, and the privilege of praying with sincere seekers of many 44 persuasions during a General Conference has been a transformation experience in 45 my own life. 46

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(116) Ms. Rachael Vaughn Jordan; Gender: Female; Age: 21 ­ 29; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Douglasville; Church Membership: First United 2 Methodist Church ­ Gainesville, FL; Church City: Gainesville (NC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: District Lay Delegate to 2013 5 and 2014 Annual Conferences ­ North Central District; Certified Candidate for 6 Ministry ­ NC District 7 8 Called/Vision: Someone asked me recently why I choose to remain a United 9 Methodist with the words "schism" and "split" being thrown around in the same 10 sentence as "unity" and "body of Christ." I stay because I believe in a Church that 11 understands unity as a family does, often as struggle but also as faith in our God 12 greater than that struggle. Unity is not necessarily about agreeing or always getting 13 along but about loving one another through and for our differences. I believe in a 14 Church that recognizes the importance of a democratic process, and has the 15 patience to watch that process work, loving on both sides of the aisle until we find 16 common ground. I vision a global Church with the cross and flame held high that reaches to the ends of the earth. 17 This Church shares the love of God to all people not out of obligation but because it's a privilege to do so! I vision a 18 Church that embraces its Wesleyan roots to "think and let think," recognizing that there are some things we just 19 don't have all the answers to but that we can be challenged to be a faithful, biblical, and prayerful people learning 20 with one another. I vision a Church that honors children and youth not as the church of the future but as leaders 21 of the church today. I vision a Church continuing its mission to care for the oppressed, love the enemy, forgive the 22 neighbor, and always give God the glory 23 24 25 26 27 28 (117) Mr Rushing Johnstone Kimball; Gender: Male; Age: 21 ­ 29 29; Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Sorrento; Church Membership: First 30 United Methodist Church of Winter Park; Church City: Winter Park (EC) 31 32 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: As a student at First UMC 33 Winter Park, I was involved with the Student Ministries and the Youth Choir. I am 34 currently a university student at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and 35 I am a member of Campus to City Wesley Foundation. I have been involved with 36 CCW for 3 years and I currently am the Events Coordinator and Treasurer for the 37 ministry at UNF. I am the liaison between the ministry staff and the UNF student 38 government. With these ministries I have been to Mexico, Romania, Boston, New 39 York, and DC to take part in global missions. 40 41 Called/Vision: As a young adult, I feel that the UMC needs to hear the voices of 42 the next generation of leaders. I love our global church and its theological standing 43 and I want it be maintained for future generations. Even in the face of growing 44 theological divide within our church, I believe in the Book of Discipline. I believe this 45 book gives our church the ability to be inclusive and compassionate, yet still 46 grounded in the Holy Scriptures. We cannot put aside biblical truth, and I believe that we can be a church that is 47 inviting towards all people and showers our fellow brothers and sisters with the love of Christ while maintaining our 48 Book of Discipline. We also need to be a church that takes into account the growing secularization of society. More 49 people are growing up outside of the church and it should be the UMC that will allow them to feel welcome. 50

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(118) Mr. Robert Kimbark Lee; Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Orlando; Church Membership: First United Methodist 2 Church of Orlando; Church City: Orlando (EC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Lay Delegate, Florida 5 Conference (2014­present); Past leadership positions held in First United Methodist 6 Church of Orlando (dates approximate); Chair, Congregational Council and 7 Ministries Council (2011­13); Lay Leader (2008­2010); Chair, Endowment 8 Committee (2004­2007); Chair, Finance Committee (1999­2000); President, New 9 Covenant Class (1991, 1994); Chancel Choir, First Bass (1993­present); Him 10 Tunes Quartet, Baritone (2008­present) 11 12 Called/Vision: My vision is for the UMC to truly open its heart, mind, and doors to 13 all, and encourage more people of younger generations to walk through those doors 14 toward discipleship. Although I was not raised in a church, beginning in our late 15 twenties, Melanie and I became committed members of our local church. We raised 16 three wonderful children as United Methodists. My path of learning about and accepting Christ as an adult has 17 formed my perspective on reaching younger, un­churched generations. This summer our 25­year old son Cary will 18 marry his long­term partner Todd. Cary is brilliant, talented, handsome, successful, and a faithful Methodist. I am 19 extremely proud of him. Cary met Todd when they both were counselors for two summers at the Warren Willis 20 Youth Camp. Cary and Todd are leaders now at First United Methodist Church of Seattle. So, I freely acknowledge 21 that LGBTQ issues, which threaten to divide our denomination, are personal for me. As an attorney, however, I am 22 able to engage in debate without making it too personal. I have considerable experience analyzing complicated 23 problems, foreseeing downstream consequences, and mediating solutions. We can't predict precisely what issues 24 the General Conference will face in two years, but no issues will be more important than declining United States 25 membership and our social doctrine relative to LGBTQ persons. My family, church, and professional experiences 26 equip me well to serve. For these reasons I've felt God's strong call to influence these discussions within the 27 denomination I love. 28 29 30 31 32 33 (119) Miss Molly Rebeccah McEntire; Gender: Female; Age: 21 ­ 29; Ethnicity: 34 White/Caucasian; Home City: Lakeland; Church Membership: First UMC, Lakeland; 35 Church City: Lakeland (SC) 36 37 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: General Board of Discipleship, 38 Division of Ministries for Young Persons ; Representative to United Methodist Global 39 AID's Fund; Member, Division of Lay Ministries, Florida Conference; Team Member, 40 Warren W. Willis Youth Camp; Member, Warren W. Willis Camp Ministry Team; 41 Member, Fresh Expressions Task Force; Member, Young Adult Missional 42 Movement Task Force; Delegate to Florida Annual Conference; Member, South 43 Central District Missions Committee; Leadership Team, FSU Wesley 44 45 Called/Vision: I am very proud to be a United Methodist and I am grateful for all 46 the incredible acts of serving, outreach, empowering, justice, and teaching the love 47 of Christ in Methodist churches around the world. As a young adult I want to see 48 the Methodist church continue to grow and continue to be a church with open doors. We are called to be a church 49 which is united, working together to show love in a world where there is too much hatred and hurt. I have learned 50 to listen to opinions from all corners of the globe and have found it very important to have a global perspective when 51 making decisions about the mission and ministry of the church. My vision for future of the United Methodist church 52 includes that we continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We are called to advocate, speak for the voiceless, 53 empower, and serve individuals across our streets and around the world. We must continue to be servants of Christ 54 who are sent to care for the hurting and broken. We must trust the power of Christ and realize that all persons are 55 deserving of grace and forgiveness. It is important that our ministries are intentional toward reaching and caring for 56 all ages. We need to be open to new expressions and forms of ministry which allow the love of Christ to shared and 57 experienced. 58

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(120) Ms. Kelly Rebecca Minter; Gender: Female; Age: 30 ­ 39; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Jacksonville; Church Membership: Ponte Vedra 2 Methodist; Church City: Ponte Vedra Beach (NE) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I have worked with the 5 Conference Connection on Youth Ministry, Young People's Ministries, and the 6 Youth Worker Table since 2007. I have served on the North East District Leadership 7 Council since 2007. I also served as an alternate delegate to Jurisdictional 8 Conference 9 2012. 10 11 Called/Vision: I believe in the foundations of the United Methodist Church. I believe 12 in the strength of relationships and of understanding across the many barriers that 13 separate us as people. Most of all I believe in the redemptive power of our Savior and the will of the Father for His 14 people to live in harmony. I seek to be an agent of peace. Peace, however, is not always comfortable. It often 15 requires compromise and a release of our preconceived ideas, as well as our own understood needs. Peace means 16 change and work, it does not mean sitting down and being content with the way that things are. When we are able 17 to look outside of ourselves and toward the will of God, we are doing His work and benefiting the kingdom. This is 18 my dream for the future of the United Methodist Church, and why I feel called to be a delegate in 2016. 19 20 21 22 23 24 (121) Mrs. Paulette T Monroe; Gender: Female; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 25 Black / African American; Home City: Lakeland; Church Membership: First United 26 Methodist; Church City: Lakeland (SC) 27 28 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Conference Steering 29 Committee Imagine No Marlaria; Southeast Jurisdiction Leadership Team, United 30 Methodist Women Committee on Nominations; Assistant Dean, Mission­u; 31 Certified Lay Servant Leader; Past Florida Conference President of United 32 Methodist Women; District Lay Delegate to the Annual Conference. 33 34 Called/Vision: As I began to think about if I should consider placing my name as 35 a nominee to General/Jurisdictional Conferences; I ask myself why should I do 36 that? And then I said to myself why not? I prayed to seek God for an answer. God 37 calls us to do things that's beyond our thinking; our minds are so focused on our 38 perceived ability that we keep telling God I just can do it. Exodus 3:1­14 tells us 39 that God has equipped us to do his will. Just as He called Moses to lead the 40 Israelites out of slavery; Moses, felt he was not the right person for the job and offer excuses. In that same manner 41 I believe that God has equipped me to be a part of the decision making process of the church, He has commissioned 42 me to Go! It's the Lord who gives us the ability. God has assured me that if I am obedience, he'll show me what He 43 wants me to do and energize me to get it done. As a follower of Christ, I understand that I have a personal 44 responsibility to say yes to His will and to His call, and let Him achieve His purpose through me. Yes, I believe I am 45 called to be a delegate to the 2016 General /Jurisdictional Conferences. I am willing to accept the challenge to go 46 with prayer and the understanding of the task at hand; realizing that Christ is sending me for a purpose. 47

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(122) Mr. Ted J. Mosteller; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Apalachicola; 1 Church Membership: First UMC Apalachicola; Church City: Apalachicola (NW) 2 3 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Lay Delegate since 1992. 4 5 Called/Vision: My family and I are life long Methodists­­and a member of "First 6 Church, Apalachicola" since 1968. Over the years I have served in most leadership 7 positions, including Youth Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Board Chair, PPR and 8 Trustee­­also Lay Delegate to Florida Annual Conference since 1992. I feel called 9 because I love the Lord and know that I am saved through faith in Jesus Christ­­I 10 love my church which I am responsible­­to faithfully support with my presence, 11 prayers, gifts and service. I support the Methodist way and the theological 12 foundations of our Wesleyan heritage. We possess the resources, the anointing of 13 the Holy Spirit and the opportunity to continue to make a global impact with the Good News of Jesus Christ. The 14 business and spiritual policy decisions made at the General and Jurisdictional Conferences shape the future of the 15 United Methodist Church. I am blessed with Biblical conservative principals and accountability, stamina, time, 16 resources, sensitivity, discernment and commitment­­to be a worthy delegate­­my authority being the Holy Bible­­to 17 represent our Local Church and Annual Conference. I would consider it an honor and a privilege to serve as a 18 Delegate­­a calling I cannot ignore. Therefore, after prayerful consideration, I humbly accept the call and hereby 19 submit my name for nomination as a 2016 General/Jurisdictional Delegate Candidate­­knowing that God will provide 20 the guidance for the challenge. 21 22 23 24 25 123) MR. DAVID WILLIAM PARSONS; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 26 White/Caucasian; Home City: TARPON SPRINGS; Church Membership: FUMC, 27 TARPON SPRINGS; Church City: TARPON SPRINGS (GC) 28 29 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: FL ANNUAL CONFERENCE 30 DELEGATE (2014­2015); FINANCE COMMITTEE; STEWARDSHIP 31 COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON; CROWN MINISTRIES INSTRUCTOR; VARIOUS 32 LEADERSHIP ROLES; EVANGELISM COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON (GA); SPR 33 CHAIRPERSON (NJ); LAY PASTOR DURING SENIOR PASTOR ILLNESS FOR 5 34 MONTHS UNTIL REPLACEMENT PASTOR ASSIGNED (VA); DISTRICT MYF 35 PRESIDENT AS A YOUTH (NC) 36 37 Called/Vision: My vision for the future of the United Methodist Church rests in its 38 logo, the Cross and the Flame. With all its historical symbolism, the Cross and 39 Flame represents the redemptive power of the resurrection set ablaze by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, while the disciples 40 were fresh from the cross and trying to figure out what it all meant, it was the Holy Spirit that gave birth to the 41 church, and today, it is the Holy Spirit that brings revival to the church. Scripture tells us that despite our best efforts, 42 nothing significant happens until the Holy Spirit shows up. With his heart "strangely warmed," John Wesley finally 43 understood the power of the Holy Spirit to make things happen, as it gave life to the Methodist Church. It has been 44 said that the crowds came just to watch Wesley burn. It is my vision that the UMC will continue "to make disciples 45 of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world" by being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit throughout its 46 worldwide organization. While the enemy is trying to divide the church, our Lord is holding His church accountable, 47 and to do His work, we must become the unified people of the "Cross and Flame" for our church and the Kingdom 48 of God. A church that is all about the cross, dries up; A church that is all about the flame, blows up; But a church 49 that is about the cross and the flame, grows up. 50

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1 (124) Ms. Marie Anne Pierre­Louis; Gender: Female; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 2 Haitian; Home City: North Miami Beach; Church Membership: Grace Haitian United 3 Methodist Church; Church City: Miami (SE) 4 5 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I have been the Language 6 coordinator for UMW, I am currently on the nomination committee for the SE 7 district, and I am currently the SPPR Chair at my church. 8 9 Called/Vision: I have been long time member of United Methodist Church; as a 10 matter of fact I grew in the Methodist Church. My vision for the United Methodist is 11 keep our Heritage (the John Wesley's Vision). I am committed to help the United 12 Methodist building the kingdom by making disciples for Jesus the Christ. there are 13 so many social issues, and I believe that we all can work together to make an impact 14 in our society. the future of the United Methodist depends on how we deal with 15 these issues, and I know that we can be a role model to the rest of the world. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 (125) Mr Geary Martin Rowell; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 23 White/Caucasian; Home City: Keystone Heights; Church Membership: Grace ; 24 Church City: Lawtey (NE) 25 26 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I am currently serving as a 27 Lay Supply pastor in the North East District of The Florida Annual Conference. 28 Previously I have served numerous times as a member of the annual conference 29 both in The Alabama­ West Florida Annual Conference and The Florida Annual 30 Conference. I have served as both clergy and lay. I have served on the building 31 committees of two churches; chaired the Council on Ministries; organized and 32 taught Sunday School classes; served on Ad Min Councils; served on PPR 33 Committees; served on Nominations Committees; served as a Lay Director for a 34 Weekend Emmaus Walk, SunCoast Emmaus Community; served as Community 35 Spiritual Director for Living Water Emmaus Community. 36 37 Called/Vision: I am thoroughly Methodist! I joined The Methodist Church in 1950. 38 I am a graduate of Huntingdon College, Montgomery, AL (AB) and Candler School of Theology (M.Div). After serving 39 in pastoral ministry for 8 years and another 8 years under Special Appointment in social service settings I chose to 40 voluntarily surrender my ministerial credentials and became a lay person. Methodists have been a dynamic force 41 for good in building the Kingdom of God. As a people of faith we have proclaimed the Biblical truths of the Christian 42 faith. Part of the uniqueness of Methodism has been our proclamation of the Authority of Holy Scripture. We have 43 called sinful humanity to salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. We are called to action once we have 44 experienced that salvation and we have given feet to that call through our involvement in the world among the least 45 and the lost. I am an Evangelical Christian who believes in the Christian faith as set forth in The Apostle's Creed 46 (Traditional Version, P. 881, The United Methodist Hymnal). If elected to serve The Florida Annual Conference as 47 a delegate to General and/or Jurisdictional Conference, 2016, I will support legislation that will strengthen the current 48 wording of The Book of Discipline regarding human sexuality. I will support legislation to revise the Episcopacy and 49 require accountability to The Book of Discipline from our Bishops. I do not currently support division of our 50 denomination but want to see our denomination proclaim Scriptural Holiness throughout the land. 51

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(126) Mr. Gary L. Sanders; Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Ocala; Church Membership: Ocala First United 2 Methodist Church; Church City: Ocala (NC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: My current District and/or 5 Conference involvement includes serving as Lay member on the District 6 Committee on Ministry for the NC­ District and as a Board member of the Gator 7 Wesley Foundation. I am also currently serving as the Lay Representative to 8 Annual Conference for my church and have held that position since 2010. I have 9 served in many leadership positions at FUMC Ocala since beginning my 10 membership there in 1987. This includes, but is not limited to: Nominations 11 Committee; Staff Parish Relations Committee; Church Council; Spiritual Emphasis 12 Chair; Stephen Ministries; youth volunteer; and Facilitator of Disciple, youth, and 13 adult Bible studies. While in college I served on staff at University United Methodist 14 (now Gator Wesley) and was a camp counselor at Warren Willis. 15 16 Called/Vision: My call is rooted in my passion for the United Methodist Church, primarily the vitality of the local 17 church, the care of our pastors and ministerial students, and our youth and campus ministries. My introduction to 18 church was through a neighbor invitation in middle school while living in Hialeah. I became very active in MYF and 19 began my relationship with Christ. I attended University of Florida and became part of the Upper Room Ministry at 20 University United Methodist (now Gator Wesley) from 1981­84. I also worked as a counselor at Warren Willis. Many 21 of my friends chose ordained ministry while I chose the path of law school at UF where I graduated in 1987. It was 22 during these years that my passion for youth and college ministry, as well as ministerial students first developed. I 23 firmly believe that our youth, college and seminary students are not the "future" of the UMC, but are the most 24 important part of our current ministries. I've been an active member of First UMC Ocala since 1987 and have served 25 in many leadership roles. I am passionate and involved in our homeless outreach which has revitalized our 26 congregation. My wife Sandy and I have always tried to make our home a place where pastors feel welcomed and 27 can be themselves. I currently serve on DCOM for the NC District and the Gator Wesley Board. I am a Board 28 Certified civil trial lawyer specializing in liability issues and conflict resolution. 29 30 31 32 33 34 (127) Mr. Derrick Luruth Scott III; Gender: Male; Age: 30 ­ 39; Ethnicity: Black / 35 African American; Home City: Jacksonville; Church Membership: CrossRoad United 36 Methodist Church; Church City: Jacksonville (NE) 37 38 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Currently serving as a 39 member of the North East District Leadership Council, Associate Conference Lay 40 Leader for Intergenerational Focus of the Board of Lay Ministry, and as a member 41 of the Florida Conference UMVIM Board. I have served as a District at large delegate 42 to Annual Conference for several years. 43 44 Called/Vision: Growing up, my family spent a great deal of time in the local church. 45 We were the first to arrive on Sunday mornings 46 and the last to leave on Wednesday nights. My parents believed that deep 47 involvement in the church was an expression of our gratitude to Jesus. Even the 48 quarterly business meeting, which I often avoided, was important to the overall 49 witness of our church. The details, the structure, and the accountability were all 50 connected to our integrity as the people of God. These values are the reason I give my time and effort to serving at 51 the local church, district, conference and jurisdictional levels of our denomination. All of it is worship. As a Campus 52 Minister, I believe it is vital to show the next generation the necessity of holy conferencing. As Associate Conference 53 Lay Leader for Intergenerational Focus, my hope is that Spirit­inspired friendship and collaboration between younger 54 and older leaders will lead our Connection to a new day. The work of clarifying our Wesleyan vision while remaining 55 faithful to the Scriptures, as we make room for those who have yet to experience Jesus' love are all means of grace 56 in our determination to be one, global, and united Methodist Church. There has never been a better time to be a 57 United Methodist and I believe the world is waiting for us to claim that again. Therefore, if it pleases God and the 58 Annual Conference, it would be an honor to represent Florida in 2016. 59

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(128) Mrs. Rhonda Louise Smith; Gender: Female; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: 1 Largo; Church Membership: First United Methodist of Pinellas Park, Florida; Church City: 2 Pinellas Park (GC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Previous District Director of Lay 5 Speaking (LayServant Ministry); Current Certified Lay Servant 6 7 Called/Vision: It is with humbleness that I place my name in nomination as a delegate 8 for the 2016 General Conference. My call is based in historical roots. My Great 9 Grandparents were Methodist Laity and I was taken to Church each Sunday as a child by 10 my parents. However, as I entered college I drifted away from the Church for twenty years. 11 The gentle nudging of Christ brought me back. It was in the coming back that I experienced 12 Christ through Disciple Bible Study. As I read the Bible all the way through for the first time, 13 I developed a hunger for the word and a personal relationship with Christ that extends to this day. Through prayer 14 and a weekly prayer partner for accountability, I realized that the relationship brings about commitment and 15 submission to the Spirit. I have experienced the call to be a Bible teacher, an encourager and a spreader of the 16 Gospel. These calls have led me to accept various positions in my Church and District as a certified Lay Servant. 17 When serving, I turn to prayer and the Scripture as I make decisions. It is with that same commitment that I feel 18 the call to place my name in nomination. If elected, I will turn to prayer, the Scripture and our Wesleyan tradition as 19 I study the many issues facing our Church today. I ask your prayers and support in this election. 20 21 22 23 24 25 (129) Mr. Benjamin Dale Spangler; Gender: Male; Age: 21 ­ 29; Ethnicity: 26 White/Caucasian; Home City: Tallahassee; Church Membership: Christ Church; 27 Church City: Fort Lauderdale (SE) 28 29 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: FSU Wesley Residential Staff 30 and Leadership and event planning Fall 2012­ Current; First Church Coral Springs 31 Summer Outreach Intern Summer 2014; Youth Leadership 2004­2011; Chrysalis 32 Walk 2010; Confirmation Assistant Table Leader 2008 & 2009; Upward Soccer 33 Coach and Ref. 2006­2009 34 35 Called/Vision: My vision for the future of the United Methodist Church involves a 36 pivot. As a college student at FSU and extremely involved in the Wesley Foundation 37 we are constantly dealing with how do we reach out to Millennials who have been 38 hurt by the church? The pivot that we have to make is how do we blend our church, our campus ministry, with the 39 idea of third place ministry. It is the people that treat FSU Wesley as their "third place" that are changed most by 40 the ministry here. Making Wesley a third place while keeping the roots and tradition in our region and faith makes 41 the strongest impact on the people involved. There is much experience and wisdom in the roots of our religion. 42 Many people have ignored that in the recent past but those who are willing to dive into it are stretched and grown 43 in awesome ways. We (Millennials) are curious and always asking why? It seems important to provide a place that 44 does not have preconceived negative association and a place that gives deep questions rather than easy answers. 45 A third place that has not lost its roots but embraces them. This is the pivot I see necessary to bring Millennials back 46 to the church. These are my passions for the future of the church. 47

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(130) RAVI K STEPHEN; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: Asian; Home 1 City: LAKELAND; Church Membership: first united Methodist church lakeland; 2 Church City: lakeland (SC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I was an active member of 5 Hyderabad regional conference in India .I was elected and served as conference 6 treasurer from 1978 to 2001.And I am an active member of first united Methodist 7 church. since 2009 I am in staff parish relations committee In 2009 with help of 8 my church we raised more than $ 8500 DOLLARES to build 200 bunk bed to 9 MARY A KNOTTS GIRLS" HIGH SHOOL in vikarabad . INDIA .as the poor village 10 girls were sleeping on the floor with straw mats. Now 200 hundred children are 11 sleeping on the bunk beds our church continued provide chemistry lab and physics 12 lab with furniture in 2010 our church provided money to appoint two teachers . I 13 have passion to serve less privilege 14 15 Called/Vision: I have been conference delegate for three years.my vision is help less privilege children and adults. 16 I want to achieve much greater things for my lord 17 18 19 20 21 22 (131) Mrs. Rachael Preston Sumner; Gender: Female; Age: 30 ­ 39; Ethnicity: 23 White/Caucasian; Home City: Titusville; Church Membership: FUMC Titusville; 24 Church City: Titusville (AC) 25 26 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Attended General 27 Conference 2012, Alternate Delegate at Jurisdictional Conference 2012, Associate 28 Conference Lay Leader for Reaching Next Generations, Associate District Lay 29 Leader of Atlantic Central District,Delegate to Annual Conference, Board of Lay 30 Ministry, Certified Lay Servant,Teach Lay Servant Ministry Classes, District 31 Training Facilitator, Design and Steering Team Member for Young Adult Missional 32 Movement 33 34 Called/Vision: I feel called to be a delegate to General andJurisdictional 35 Conference because I have great hope for the future of the United Methodist 36 Church. We are all called, young and older to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the 37 transformation of the world. My work to give young adults in the Florida Conference a voice and to encourage young 38 adult leaders has reaffirmed my calling to be a part of the conversations surrounding the future of our denomination 39 . God needs people of all generations working together to build His Kingdom. I attended General Conference in 2012 40 as an observer and I was an alternate delegate at Jurisdictional that year. Additionally, I attended all of the pre­ 41 Conference meetings and participated in discussions surrounding the issues at hand. God used these experiences 42 to teach me about the workings of our United Methodist Church and now I am ready to serve as a delegate. I would 43 be honored to represent the laity of the Florida Annual Conference in this capacity. 44

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(132) Hon. Anthony Michael Tatti; Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Ocala; Church Membership: Saint Paul's United 2 Methodist Church of Ocala; Church City: Ocala (NC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: North Central District 5 Leadership Council 2013­present (Vice­President 2014­ present); North Central 6 District Church Assessment Team; 2014­ present. 7 8 Called/Vision: Without ever really understanding why, I have always abided an 9 internal “voice” that has guided my choices and shaped my life. That voice led a 10 painfully shy young man to the law and a career as a prosecutor, every day arguing 11 for justice and what I knew to be the truth. The same voice has now led me to a 12 different place in the courtroom, as a judge. In 2004, my wife shamed me into a 13 church for the first time in years. Raised a Roman Catholic, I had never connected with church, but on my first visit 14 to a United Methodist church I felt at home. More importantly, I truly heard and felt the power of the Gospel for the 15 first time. As my faith has grown, I have come to recognize that the voice I always thought was my conscience has 16 been God, guiding me and shaping me for His work all along. My new life in Christ has been rich, and every day 17 confirms the truth that God has blessed me to understand: I am here to make His purposes known to others­­to 18 help make His Kingdom come. I have worked to prepare myself for this time with Bible study and study of our 19 Church’s history and polity. I have been involved at every level of leadership in my local church and have begun 20 work in my District. I am confident that am ready to answer His call as a delegate to the General Conference. 21 22 23 24 25 26 (133) Mrs. Lana Kay Taylor; Gender: Female; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 27 White/Caucasian; Home City: Vero Beach; Church Membership: First United 28 Methodist Church; Church City: Vero Beach (AC) 29 30 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I have been active on the local 31 level: Lay Nomination Committee, Sarah Circle and the Intercessory Prayer Group. 32 My husband and I also have taken Communion to shut ins thru the years. 33 34 Called/Vision: #2 Vision for the Future of the United Methodist Church... I grew 35 up in the Evangelical United Brethren Church. I love the United Methodist Church 36 and our Congregation. I have supported Good News thru the years. I believe the 37 future of the Global Church depends upon actively maintaining Methodist Beliefs 38 and The Discipline. I believe that God's Law as outlined in the Holy Bible is the 39 Guiding Principle and man's law is secondary to this Principle. I believe that I will 40 stand alone before the Throne answering to the choices that I have made in this 41 life. It is with great love for the United Methodist Church, that I vision the Church 42 as the Light House for Truth and Grace in a floundering culture. 43

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(134) Mr. Rex Alan Taylor; Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Vero Beach; Church Membership: First United 2 Methodist Church; Church City: Vero Beach (AC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: All work has been at the local 5 church level as the Chairperson of the Finance Committee and Member of the Board 6 of Trustees. 7 8 Called/Vision: #2 Vision For The Future of the United Methodist Church... I grew 9 up in the Evangelical United Brethren Church. I love the United Methodist Church 10 and our Congregation. I have supported Good News thru the years. I believe the 11 future of the Global Church depends upon actively maintaining Major United 12 Methodist Beliefs and The Discipline. I believe that God's Law as outlined in the Holy 13 Bible is the Guiding Principle and man's law is secondary to that Principle. I believe 14 that I will stand before the Throne answering to the choices I have made in this life. 15 It is with great love for the United Methodist Church that I vision the Church as a 16 Light House for Truth and Grace in this floundering culture. 17 18 19 20 21 22 (135) Ms. Alexia Michelle Valle Velez; Gender: Female; Age: Under 21; Ethnicity: 23 Hispanic; Home City: Orlando; Church Membership: Christ Hispanic Orlando UMC; 24 Church City: Orlando (EC) 25 26 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Youth 27 President in local church, Youth delegate to the annual conference 2013 28 representing local church & 2014 representing the east central district. 2013 29 attended MARCHA( Methodist Associating Representing the Cause for Hispanic 30 Americans) representing local church. 2014­ 2015 South eastern jurisdiction youth 31 representative in MARCHA. 32 33 Called/Vision: I feel called to be a delegate to General or Jurisdictional Conference 34 because my understanding is that the United Methodist church is an inclusive 35 denomination. As a Hispanic youth I feel that it is my duty to serve my beloved church 36 at general and/or jurisdictional conference as a proud Hispanic youth. 37 Important issues will be discussed and approved that will have an impact not only in 38 my local church but also minority churches. For that reason I believe it is important in the delegation of the Florida 39 Conference to have Hispanic youth and other minority representation. As I form part of the Hispanic Caucus 40 (MARCHA) I believe I can offer a broader vision and opinion beyond the Florida Conference. I ask the clergy and 41 laity delegates of the Florida Conference to consider my name, as it would fulfill my commitment to serve in capacity. 42

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(136) Ms. Tiffania Icaza Willetts; Gender: Female; Age: 21 ­ 29; Ethnicity: 1 Hispanic; Home City: Lehigh Acres; Church Membership: Good Shepherd UMC, N 2 Ft Myers; Church City: N Ft Myers (SW) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Young Adult Missionary 5 Mission Intern ­ General Board of Global Ministries (2012­ 2015); District delegate 6 to Annual Conference (2008, 2012); Warren W. Willis Camp Adult Volunteer 7 (2011); Florida Annual Conference Mission Intern (Summer 2010); Ethnic Young 8 Adult Intern ­ General Board of Church and Society (Summer 2009) 9 10 Called/Vision: I have grown up in the Florida Annual Conference and have been 11 involved on a local, district, and conference level. As a young adult I feel called to 12 serve as a delegate to General or Jurisdictional Conference in order to be an active 13 participant in the future of our church. I am passionate about being a devoted 14 follower of Jesus as a United Methodist, and I want to be part of sharing God's love 15 in the world. I have been working with young adults for several years, and I have 16 listened to their needs and dreams. I have spent the past two years as a missionary 17 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, working with the World Student Christian Federation, Division of Latin America and the 18 Caribbean. Now I work at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. My ministry is with students in leadership 19 development, small group ministries, and organizing outreach in the community. Through my mission work, I have 20 been blessed by God to experience the connectional and multi­cultural nature of our church. If I am elected, I will 21 do everything I can to represent the vision and dreams of the younger generations of United Methodists. My vision 22 for the United Methodist Church is of a vital and globally inclusive church honoring Jesus Christ that makes a 23 difference in the lives of all people in the world. 24 25 26 27 28 29 (137) Ms. Alice M. Williams; Gender: Female; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 30 White/Caucasian; Home City: Orlando; Church Membership: St. Luke's UMC ­ 31 Orlando, FL; Church City: Orlando (EC) 32 33 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Current: Lay Leader ­ East 34 Central District; East Central District New Church Development Team Member; 35 FLUMC Associate Lay Leader (Leadership) ; Bishop's Strategic Leadership Team 36 Member; Previous: FLUMC Connectional Ministries Committee Chair; Lay Leader 37 (St. Luke's UMC); Administrative Council Member (St. Luke's UMC); SPHR 38 Member (St. Luke's UMC); Youth Sunday School teacher 39 40 Called/Vision: My willingness to serve as a delegate is an extension of my call to 41 serve the Lord that I love and His church. This is a pivotal time for the church, and 42 the 2016 conferences require delegates with the needed skills to address complex 43 issues and differences of opinion regarding the direction and future of the United 44 Methodist church. My experience in the field of HR and involvement in the local 45 church, East Central District, and FLUMC have prepared me to effectively 46 represent the members of our conference and to engage in the difficult issues the UMC faces. Over the past year I 47 have had the opportunity to focus on our laity leadership needs and have begun to identify and create developmental 48 resources to assist in equipping our leaders to effectively utilize the gifts they have been given. Additionally, I have 49 had the opportunity to engage with young adults and youth within our conference to understand their unique needs 50 and calling in their roles as leaders. All of this continues to reinforce my belief that we are called to be an inclusive 51 church and that Christ's love and grace is available for all. As a conference, and as the body of Christ, we must 52 ensure that the church remains true to its mission as we look for ways to be a relevant beacon of God's love and 53 grace to a world in need. 54

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(138) Mr. Milton (Mickey) Edwin Wilson; Gender: Male; Age: 1 60 and over; Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Lakeland; Church 2 Membership: First UMC ; Church City: Lakeland (SC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: 2012 Florida Delegate General 5 Conference UMC, 2008 Florida Delegate General Conference UMC, 2012 Florida 6 Delegate SEJ Conference UMC, 2008 Florida Delegate SEJ Conference UMC, 7 2005­2006 Chief Financial Officer General Council Finance & Administrative United 8 Methodist Church, 2006­present Treasurer Florida Conference UMC, 2007­ 2010 9 Chairman SEJ Treasurer UMC, 2008­2012 Vice Chairman SEJ CFA UMC, 10 2008­2012 Vice Chairman SEJ Audit Committee UMC, 2009­2012 Finance 11 Committee First Lakeland UMC, 2013­Present Audit Committee Children's Home 12 13 Called/Vision: I remain convinced that the only way to ensure the future of the UM 14 is by strengthening our local churches. While there are many things done better 15 and more efficiently by the General Church and Conference, there are far more 16 things which can only be done at the local church level. I've served the Florida 17 Annual Conference as Treasurer for the past 8+ years, making it my goal to reduce the Conference Apportionments. 18 While having served as delegate to General Conference for the past two General Conferences, I made it my goal 19 to reduce General Church Apportionments as well. Since 2007 the General Church and Conference 20 Apportionments have decreased by approximately $1MM from 2007 to 2016. Providing the local churches with 21 resources continues to be my objective, as such I'm called to serve as your delegate to the 2016 General 22 Conference. The United Methodist Church I love is a community of Christ­followers growing in love of God and 23 neighbor. I believe every person is of sacred worth and created in God's image. I commit to Jesus' example of 24 inclusive love,care and intentional hospitality with persons of every race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender 25 identity, martial status, faith story, physical or mental ability, economic status or political perspective. I respect our 26 diversity of opinion and expressions of faith. Therefore as God loves us, so let us love and serve in the name of 27 Christ. 28

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CLERGY NOMINATIONS 1

2 (201) Dean David Allen (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 30 ­ 39; Ethnicity: Black / African 3 American; Home City: Daytona Beach; Current Appointment: Bethune­Cookman 4 University; Church City: Daytona Beach (EC) 5 6 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Experience; 2003­2007 ; Hope 7 of Glory UMC/ New church start; Gulf Central District St. Petersburg, FL; 2007­2013 8 Trinity UMC of Gainesville/ Associate Pastor ; North Central District, Gainesville, FL; 9 2013­ Present ; Bethune­Cookman University/ Dean of the Chapel, Executive 10 Chaplain, East Central District, Daytona Beach, FL ; I am an active member of the 11 Daytona Beach Clergy Alliance group and am a part of the F.A.I.T.H. (Fighting Against, 12 Injustice, Through, Hope) organization; Additionally, I've served on the UMC Board of 13 New Church Development for two years and currently serve on the Board of Ordained 14 Ministry (BOOM); 15 16 Called/Vision: What is your vision for the future of the United Methodist Church? My 17 vision regarding the future of the United Methodist Church is grounded in the great commission and includes an 18 intentional dedication to spreading the Gospel, serving others and making disciples of Jesus Christ. With that being 19 said, my five­fold vision involves: *The acceptance and development of leaders from different ethnic groups and 20 continents throughout the world. *A necessary re­ assessment of where we are theologically, spiritually, economically, 21 and socially, and proposing new approaches that will help the church's ministry and presence amidst generational 22 shifting views and competing influences. *Younger clergy partnering with laity and older clergy, to bridge gaps of 23 economic depression, social disparities and racial divides, in order to build impartial faith communities that demonstrate 24 the Kingdom of God. Such a shift would foster better efficiency, innovativeness, balance and relevancy. *Episcopal 25 leadership taking on a different approach of exploring new creative strategies to rebirth ministries and rebrand our 26 image throughout our conference, while remaining aligned with our common tenets of Scripture, reason, tradition and 27 experience. *The church spending more time seeking to understand and accept cultural diversity, technological 28 advancements, the needs of surrounding communities and create more methods of equality and inclusion. 29 30 31 32 33 34 (202) Rev. Deborah Louise Allen (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 30 ­ 39; Ethnicity: 35 White/Caucasian; Home City: Ocala; Current Appointment: Belleview UMC; Church 36 City: Belleview (NC) 37 38 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Current: Chair, North Central 39 DCOM; member Residents in Ministry Design Team; member Board of Directors Gator 40 Wesley Foundation; Previous: Candidacy mentor; church cluster leader; member 41 North Central Congregational Transformation Committee; Refocus facilitator; chair, 42 Gulf Central District Housing Committee 43 44 Called/Vision: Over the last several months I have felt a stirring in my heart 45 prompting me to offer myself as a delegate nominee. I have a deep love for the church 46 that has nurtured and shaped me for most of my life. And as a pastor in the church 47 for the last fourteen years I have a profound respect and deep commitment to our 48 Wesleyan heritage of both personal and social holiness. I believe that the issues that 49 unite us are far greater in number 50 than those that divide us and I believe we have the opportunity to model grace and Christlike love as we draw upon 51 our common heritage and work together to find a way forward for the United Methodist Church. I commit to educating 52 myself on all sides of the issues facing us as United Methodists, welcome the opportunity to be in dialogue with others 53 and will do my best to set aside any personal agendas in order to prayerfully discern what are the best decisions for 54 our church and its people. 55

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(203) Rev. Dr. Sharon G Austin (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 50 ­ 1 59; Ethnicity: Black / African American; Home City: Lakeland; Current Appointment: 2 Director of Connectional Ministries; Church City: Lakeland (SC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: 2008­2012 5 GBOD Board Member (Work areas: Legislative Committee, Division of 6 Ministry with Young People and Upper Room); 2008­2013 7 Superintendent, South Central District; 2008­Present Member of the FL Conference 8 Cabinet; Presenter for UMW, UMM, WWW Camp, and Leadership events; 2012 9 Delegate to UMC General and Jurisdictional Conferences; 2012 Host DS for UMC 10 General Conference (Tampa); 11 2013­2015 UMC SEJ Cabinet Consultation Design Team; 2012­ 12 2016 UMC SEJ Committee on Coordination and Accountability (CCA); 13

2012­2016 UMC SEJ Committee on Investigation; 14 2014 National Black Clergywomen of The UMC Design Team; 2015 Presenter FL 15 UMW School of Mission; UMC international travels include Germany, Cuba, Angola, Zimbabwe (Africa University) and 16 participation in a host of conferences and continuing education events. 17 18 Called/Vision: The UMC continues to be an experience of God's grace in my faith journey and vocational ministry. I 19 believe that the foundation of the Church's realized vision will rest upon recalling our heritage of developing servant 20 leaders, forming disciples who will help form disciples and aligning our ministry resources through Connectional 21 discernment, prayer and incarnational change. CHANGE does not mean "the same". Everyday the members of The 22 UMC have the joy of offering Christ to one more persons somewhere in the world. Yet, in the midst of this amazing 23 opportunity, we remain a Church which struggles with the rudiments of Holy Conferencing and embracing persons, 24 perspectives, initiatives, etc., as we disparage people, as well as differences. History appears to have taught us very 25 little. Love matters! The challenge is not always 'either or' but sometimes 'both and'. If we would have a future, we will 26 need to lead The UMC to remain engaged while building bridges instead of barriers. If we can accomplish this goal, 27 we will actually expand our ministry reach, and through and net greater gains for the Kingdom! It has never been 28 enough to simply articulate our challenges if we are unwilling to embrace life­changing solutions. In the words of the 29 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in his Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 1963, "The church [is] not merely a 30 thermometer that record[s] the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it [is] a thermostat that transform[s] the mores 31 of society." 32 33 34 35 36 37 (204) Rev. Don Jeffrey "Jeff" Bennett (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 38 White/Caucasian; Home City: Ponte Vedra Beach; Current Appointment: Ponte 39 Vedra; Church City: Ponte Vedra Beach (NE) 40 41 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: none 42 43 Called/Vision: One of the things I appreciate about being a citizen of a republic is that 44 I don’t have to vote on every issue. Unless the judiciary intervenes, those elected 45 consider and decide what is to be the law. One of the things I appreciate about our 46 connectional system is that pastors and local churches don’t have to decide 47 everything. It doesn’t seem Methodist for General Conference to delegate to pastors 48 and local churches the decision of whether to embrace gay marriage nor to annual 49 conferences whether to ordain self­avowed, practicing homosexuals. Though we’re 50 not of one mind on these matters, we ought not move away from the connection toward a congregational system of 51 ordering our life together. Try as I might, I can’t wrap my mind around gay marriage; it affirms as good what (in my 52 view) scripture does not. Though some among us have wrestled on either side of questions relating to homosexuality 53 for decades, it seems that North American culture is now forcing us to deal with these issues. May Christ bind us 54 together in a way that our disagreements will not separate us from Christ, from each other, nor from our mission of 55 making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. By God’s grace, may this be our finest hour. I 56 have been an ordained United Methodist minister for 20 years and am satisfied with the privilege of serving as a pastor 57 in the local church. 58

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(205) Dr. Bob Bushong (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Winter Park; Current Appointment: First, Winter Park; 2 Church City: Winter Park (EC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Chair Committee on 5 Episcopacy, current; Member Bishop's Strategic Leadership Team, current; Member 6 General Church Commission on Religion and Race, 2008­2012; Delegate to 7 General and Jurisdictional Conferences, 2008 and 2012 8 9 Called/Vision: I am putting forth my name for consideration as a clergy delegate to 10 the 2016 General Conference because of my deep passion for the mission of the 11 church of Jesus Christ in the world, and specifically for the United Methodist Church 12 and it's rootedness in our Wesleyan theological heritage. I believe that I bring a 13 perspective out of that context and a level of leadership experience with ministry in 14 the local church, as well as the district, conference, and general church levels, that 15 would be valuable in the General and Jurisdictional Conference processes. If elected 16 as a delegate representing the Florida Annual Conference, I would serve faithfully, 17 prayerfully, and diligently. 18 19 20 21 22 23 (206) Pastor Brent Edward Byerman (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 24 60 and over; Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Tampa; Current Appointment: 25 Lake Magdalene United Methodist; Church City: Tampa (SC) 26 27 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: none 28 29 Called/Vision: The opportunity to be at General Conference in Tampa in 2012 was 30 incredible. Being involved in working with a team of volunteers, seeing the power of 31 prayer at work, and being right smack in the middle of the world church was 32 tremendous. I also had the experience last year of being in Washington DC to discuss 33 the the upcoming General Conference with other United Methodists. I believe that the 34 2016 Conference will be a very important one to set the tone for our future. My hope 35 is to be on the scene with others praying. 36

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(207) Rev. Melissa Ann Cooper (FD); Gender: Female; Age: 30 ­39; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Fruitland Park; Current Appointment: Life Enrichment 2 Center; Church City: Fruitland Park (NC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I have been the Program 5 Coordinator for the Life Enrichment Center since 2011, developing and leading 6 programs for district and conference groups, individuals and families to build 7 relationships and grow spiritually. I have been on the Board of Ordained Ministry since 8 2012. I am Multicultural Resource Facilitator for the conference. I have led the Deacon 9 workshop for the last few conference Candidacy Retreats. 10 11 Called/Vision: I feel called to be a General Conference delegate because my call to 12 the ministry of Deacon has always extended beyond one community of faith. As a 13 young clergywoman and a member of the Millennial generation, the future of the 14 church matters to me as much as anyone, if not more. In my work at the Life Enrichment Center, I must keep all 15 600+ churches in our conference in mind as I create opportunities for more people to know Christ and to grow in faith. 16 My heart is to help move our denomination forward in faith in a way that values the experiences of all people. Much 17 of my ministry involves helping congregations and organizations value all generations and what they have to offer our 18 churches, our denominations and God. I want to help our denomination do the same. I want to help us embrace our 19 Wesleyan heritage in a way that emphasizes our call to connectionalism. We are best when we find ways to work 20 together. Through prayer and discernment, I believe I can represent our conference in a way that is true to our tradition 21 while seeking to creatively envision the future of our denomination so that we can continue to make disciples of Jesus 22 Christ and transform the world together. 23 24 25 26 27 28 (208) Rev. David A. Dodge (FD); Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 29 White/Caucasian; Home City: Lakeland; Current Appointment: Assistant to the 30 Bishop; Church City: Lakeland (SC) 31 32 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: 16 years as the Executive 33 Director of the Center for Clergy Excellence. 2 years as the Assistant to the Bishop. 34 Many boards and agencies of the Florida Conference as they relate to these two 35 positions 36 37 Called/Vision: It is important for the Florida delegation to have a good mix of people. 38 This would include both experienced and non­ experienced delegates. It would also 39 include both elders and deacons. I would bring to the delegation experience from 40 having served as a delegate to several General Conferences. And I am a deacon. The 41 church is dealing with many issues that will have a bearing on its future. I believe in 42 The United Methodist Church and will work toward continuing its legacy of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the 43 transformation of the world. My experiences at the local church level, the district level, the conference level and the 44 general church level have afforded me with a view of how each element of our church structure can be a catalyst for 45 progressive change or a barrier to the fulfillment of our mission. I will be faithful in my preparation for General 46 Conference to look toward processes and legislation that will allow us to be the Church that God is calling us to be in 47 today's complex culture. 48

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(209) Rev. Mason Dorsey (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 40 ­ 49; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: St. Petersburg; Current Appointment: Riviera UMC; 2 Church City: St. Petersburg (GC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Shade and Fresh Water 5 2003­2007; Gulf Central District Leadership Team 2007­2012; Gulf Central District 6 Congregational Vitality Team 2013­present 7 8 Called/Vision: The UMC is here to call all persons into a relationship with Christ 9 Jesus. By this relationship we are "transformed by the renewing of our minds " to "be 10 perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect." Thus as Christ is holy, loving, righteous, 11 just, peaceful, gentle, kind, and one with the Father; so will we become. The UMC is 12 called to help this transformation happen in each person and, by making followers of 13 Christ, transform the world. All of our ministries and agencies must have this singular 14 focus. All of our Bishops, General Secretaries, agency leaders, District Superintendents, clergy and laity must have 15 this singular focus. To achieve this focus, we have to receive God's love for us and respond to such love that would 16 let the Son of God take on human flesh, dwell among us, die for us, be buried, be raised out of the grave, and exalted 17 in Heaven. We receive and respond to God's love by letting the Holy Spirit communicate God's grace and lead us from 18 sin to repentance and justification and then sanctify us until we are perfected in love. My vision for the UMC is to 19 change lives by the matchless power of God's grace that the world becomes our prayer of being "on earth as it is in 20 Heaven." 21 22 23 24 25 26 (210) Rev. June P. Edwards (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 27 White/Caucasian; Home City: Ocala; Current Appointment: First UMC, Lakeland; 28 Church City: Lakeland (SC) 29 30 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: BOOM­­ 2009­present; Served 31 as Mentor to Candidates 2009­present ; Courage to Lead Participant­­2014­15 32 33 Called/Vision: A lifelong Methodist, I have experienced an ever deepening love and 34 concern for this church which has nurtured, loved, taught and received me as I 35 responded to the call to serve as an elder in full connection. I have witnessed the 36 powerful, life changing ministry of the UMC, locally and globally, as it has sought to 37 bring the reality of the saving power and presence of Christ into lives and 38 circumstances in real, authentic ways. I believe that the distinctives of the Wesleyan 39 theology of grace, love and the assurance that faith in Christ brings, offers us the rule 40 and guide by which we are to live out our lives together. I am convinced that the UMC 41 has a critical role to play in the Church universal as participants in building the Kingdom of God on earth. With deepest 42 conviction, I believe we find ourselves in that moment where both opportunity and courageous, fresh voices meet to 43 make all the difference as we seek to step into the new creation toward which God is continually calling us. It is ‘crisis’ 44 in the best sense of the word. And so it’s time to focus not on separation but upon possibilities yet envisioned as we 45 strive tenaciously and courageously with God for new direction. With this in mind, I prayerfully respond to the call to 46 serve as a delegate representing the Florida Conference at the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conferences and ask 47 for your vote. 48

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(211) Pastor Dionne Chandler Hammond (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 40 ­ 49; 1 Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Indialantic; Current Appointment: First UMC 2 Melbourne; Church City: Melbourne (AC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Residence In Ministry (RIM) 5 Leadership Team; Clergy Effectiveness Committee; Administrative Review Committee; 6 Shade and Fresh Water, previous co­chair and current board member; Haiti­FL 7 Covenant, previous chair and current team member; Atlantic Central Peer Learning 8 Group facilitator; Atlantic Central District Leadership Team 9 10 Called/Vision: As a UMC pastor, I am committed to setting direction and creating 11 processes that help the church fulfill the Great 12 Commission by making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This vision and mission should 13 drive and undergird every decision of the local and global church. Our Wesleyan theology of “head and heart” gives 14 us a unique approach to sharing God’s grace in today’s world. Over 23 years, I have seen and experienced how our 15 church has struggled with an identity crisis forgetting our Wesleyan distinctive of offering grace to all people, including 16 everyone in the Kingdom of God while challenging people to a deeper faith in Jesus in our daily words and actions. In 17 today’s church, we are at a crossroads of how to deal with the differences we hold – theological, social, and ecclesial. 18 Our world is taking note of how we work our differences out and follow Jesus at the same time. For this reason, as an 19 intentional witness, I 20 am committed to seeking a middle way that values all people, while discerning God’s heart for the future of the people 21 called Methodist. Asking hard questions, while using our Wesleyan quadrilateral to help lead our way forward, I am 22 prepared to listen, pray, and lead God’s church into the future. It would be a privilege to represent the FL Annual 23 Conference as a delegate to General Conference as we seek to realize the Kingdom of God in our midst. 24 25 26 27 28 29 (212) Rev. Sue Haupert­Johnson (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 30 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Ocala; Current Appointment: 31 Superintendent, North Central District; Church City: Ocala (NC) 32 33 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: District Leadership Team; 34 District New Church Development Team; District Congregational Vitality Team; 35 District Committee of Ordained Ministry; ; Chair, Order of Elders; Conference Strategic 36 Leadership Team; Conference Board of Ordained Ministry; Chair, Conference 37 Committee on Resolutions; Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits; Clergy 38 Excellence Steering Committee; ; Southeastern Jurisdictional Delegate, 2004, 2008, 39 20012; General Conference Delegate, 2008, 2012; Chair, Judicial Administration 40 Legislative Committee, General Conference 2012; 41 42 Called/Vision: I feel called to be a delegate because I deeply love the United 43 Methodist Church and its Wesleyan tradition. I believe that its insistence that personal 44 piety be linked with social holiness is an expression of Christianity vitally relevant to our world today. God has graciously 45 given me gifts that lend themselves to leadership at these conferences and in the General Church: a deep faith and 46 a hunger for the Church to claim the power of the Holy Spirit and focus on making disciples and bringing transformative 47 change to our communities and the world; long­ standing disciplines of prayer, fasting, and study, linked with practical 48 skills for drafting legislation and understanding the legislative process; and a fervent desire for unity in the Church. As 49 Bonhoeffer notes, the ONLY thing that holds us together in our difference is the Holy Spirit, and our unity through 50 this divine power is our best witness to the world. We are called to be agents of reconciliation, and if we cannot 51 reconcile ourselves, how can we with integrity go about our central work, that of reconciling the world to God through 52 Christ? 53

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(213) Rev. Dr. Rini D Hernandez (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­59; Ethnicity: 1 Hispanic; Home City: Sarasota; Current Appointment: South West District 2 Superintendent; Church City: Sarasota (SW) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Strategic Leadership Team 5 (2010­present); Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (2004­2011); FL Cabinet 6 (2011­present); President of Hispanic Assembly (2004­2008); Director of Hispanic 7 Institute (2008­2011); SE District Committee of Ordained Ministry (2006­2011); SE 8 District Coordinator Cuba­FL Covenant (2002­2006) 9 10 Called/Vision: 1. My primary call is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who would then 11 be equipped and empowered to be agents of transformation in the world. The whole 12 UMC structure and programs should be designed to fulfill our primary mission. As a 13 current District Superintendent, I've been able to better understand the challenges and 14 needs local churches are facing, and to have an understanding of the abyss that exists between the General and 15 Local church. Through my participation in Cabinet and Conference teams, I have learned how some BOD provisions 16 are preventing us from appointment of effective leaders, regardless their ordination status. I feel called to work with 17 others in order to find creative solutions to face the challenges ahead of our denomination 2. In my estimation, the 18 UMC should concentrate more in our main task of making disciples of Jesus Christ, and less in playing political games. 19 It seems to me that strong spiritual leadership and discipleship should be key elements for both clergy and laity, to 20 accomplish more missional effectiveness. The role of the Church should be to connect all people with Jesus Christ, 21 allowing the Holy Spirit to produce the transformation of heart, mind and soul. I envision a church that is more 22 intergenerational and multicultural in its composition, more spiritual and effective in leadership development, more 23 open to diverse worship expressions, more committed to reach out to the communities we are serving, particularly 24 the poor, and more sensitive to cultural and generational diversity 25 26 27 28 29 30 (214) Reverend E. Tracy Hunter (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 40­ 49; Ethnicity: 31 White/Caucasian; Home City: Orlando; Current Appointment: Broadway UMC and 32 Reeves UMC; Church City: Orlando (EC) 33 34 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Conference Board of Ordained 35 Ministry; Conference Elections Rules and Procedures; Conference Standing Rules ; 36 Conference Board of Church and Society; East Central District Clergy Peer Group 37 Facilitator; Gulf Central District Leadership Team; Gulf Central District Committee On 38 Ministry 39 40 Called/Vision: I am called to offer myself as a delegate so that I might participate in 41 God's work in/through The United Methodist Church. My vision for The UMC's future 42 is shaped by God's great love revealed in John 3.16. "For God so loved the world that 43 God gave God's only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but 44 may have eternal life." I'm convinced Jesus really meant "everyone," and I'm fully 45 committed to "making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." I believe The UMC's future is 46 inclusive and diverse. My ministry is shaped by Jesus' words (Luke 4) as well as Paul's (2 Corinthians 5). I join Jesus' 47 ministry of bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, letting 48 the oppressed go free, and proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor. Paul reminds us "in Christ, God was reconciling 49 the world to himself, not counting their trespass against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us." I 50 dream of a future in which The UMC looks, lives, and loves a little more like Jesus so that families, communities, and 51 all of creation look more and more like the commonwealth of God where all are loved and made whole. I pray that I 52 and the church(es) I serve are "for the world, the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood." 53

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(215) Dr. Kevin M. James, Sr. (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: Black / 1 African American; Home City: Palm Coast; Current Appointment: Palm Coast United 2 Methodist Church; Church City: Palm Coast (EC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Currently I serve on the following: 5 The Committee on Episcopacy; Bethune­ Cookman University Board of Trustees ­ 6 Chair, Committee on Nominations and Governance; Gammon Theological Seminary 7 Board of Trustees; Conference Board of Ordained Ministry; United Methodist 8 Children's Home Board of Trustees; Duke Divinity School Institute of Preaching 9 Committee. I received the G. Ross Freeman Leadership Award (SEJ). I previously 10 served as an alternate to the 2008, 2012 11 General Conference; Delegate to Jurisdictional Conference (2004, 12 2008, 2012); District Superintendent; Conference Board of Ordained Ministry; District 13 Leadership 14 Council; Chair, District Committee on Church Location and District Committee on Ministry. 15 16 Called/Vision: After prayerful consideration, I submit my name as a 2016 General/Jurisdictional Conference 17 Delegate. My experience as a pastor, campus minister, district superintendent and now pastor of another 18 cross­cultural appointment has called me to serve 'such a time as this'. I have a strong passion for pursuing God's will 19 for the mission and ministry of the Church. The local Church ministry is the heartbeat of our Wesleyan Heritage led 20 by the Holy Spirit. I believe in the future of our Church and I feel called by God to serve as a delegate. 21 22 23 24 25 26 (216) Rev. Daphne Elizabeth Johnson (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 50 ­ 59; 27 Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Lakeland; Current Appointment: College 28 Heights United Methodist Church; Church City: Lakeland (SC) 29 30 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: District Involvement: District 31 Committee on Ministry, Chairperson, 2010 ­ present; Vice Chairperson, 2009 ­ 2010; 32 Member, prior; Transition Team, 2013 ­ present; Superintendency Team, 2014; 33 Mentor; Historical Society Chairperson, 2011 ­ present.; Conference Involvement: 34 Ministry Protection Committee, 2011 ­ present; Commission on Archives and History, 35 2011 ­ present; Administrative Review committee (alternate), 2013 ­ present. 36 37 Called/Vision: 1.I am proud to serve a church whose theology, activism and 38 openness is so strong. At the same time our denomination is going through many 39 trials that are diminishing its strength. We must continue to uphold what makes us United Methodists. But, we must 40 also be willing to make changes, to grow and to move into the future in new and exciting ways that will continue to 41 bring people into the faith. These changes will not be easy; the issues that we will face in the future will take much 42 prayer, thought and compassion. We will need to refrain from digging in our heels and choosing sides and instead 43 open our hearts and our ears, listen to one another and, most important of all, listen for God. Over the next few years 44 our church will go through many changes that will bring excitement and joy as well as anger and hurt. I have thought 45 long and hard about the changes that are to come and whether I have anything of 46 importance to add. I have spent time in prayer as I have contemplated serving as a delegate. I do feel that God is 47 calling me into further service and that I have been called to help the United Methodist Church to move forward into 48 a new chapter where God continues to call us to make disciples for the transformation of the world. 49

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(217) Rev. John M. Kerry (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Vero Beach; Current Appointment: Asbury UMC­Vero 2 Beach; Church City: Vero Beach (AC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I've served as mentoring pastor, 5 I've served on the AC District Nominations Committee, and I've served as a MAPS 6 facilitator 7 8 Called/Vision: John Wesley once said, “I am not afraid that the people called Methodists 9 should ever cease to exist … But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, 10 having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case 11 unless they hold fast the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set 12 out.” Imagine a United Methodist Church in which the walls that divide us have been 13 torn down, we effectively proclaim the gospel and love of Christ to the lost and 14 disenfranchised who believe God has forgotten them, and a United Methodist Church that is growing exponentially. 15 That can only happen when we allow the Spirit of God to work through our denomination and through us as individual 16 Christians. My vision is for a revived and renewed United Methodist Church that seeks to reclaim the power of the 17 Holy Spirit. I believe our problems are spiritual not programmatic, so we should focus on discipleship. Since the health 18 of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ is reflected in our worship, our hospitality, our giving, and our service 19 it is our duty to grow spiritually. Only through the renewing power of the Holy Spirit are we able to be the United 20 Methodist Church God has called us to be. My vision is that we work together to make true disciples for Jesus Christ 21 who are on fire for God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! 22 23 24 25 26 27 (218) Pastor Jacqueline Leveron (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 50 28 ­ 59; Ethnicity: Hispanic; Home City: Fort Pierce; Current 29 Appointment: Lakewood Park; Church City: Fort Pierce (AC) 30 31 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: DCOM, BOOM, FL/Cuba 32 Covenant­ Chairperson, District Leadership Council, Board of Trustees of the 33 Children's Home, Alternate Delegate to General Conference 2004 and 2012 34 35 Called/Vision: 2) I believe that the only answer to the turmoil and hurt in our world 36 is Jesus Christ and his church. As United Methodists we need to ask the Holy Spirit 37 to give us discernment to deal with the issues at hand and to help us become the 38 people that he created us to be. We are called to be a church that will be a 39 beacon of fortitude, engaging all people with the relevant, dynamic and transformative 40 message of Jesus Christ. I envision a church with deep roots in scripture and Weslyan 41 teachings in conjunction with a constant renewal of our faith and commitment. Therefore it is of vital importance that 42 the decisions and actions of General Conference are made prayerfully and with a steadfast heart. 43

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(219) Reverend Harold DeSantis Lewis, Sr. (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; 1 Ethnicity: Black / African American; Home City: Lakeland; Current Appointment: 2 Conference Staff: Director of Multi­ Cultural and Justice Ministries; Church City: 3 Lakeland (SC) 4 5 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Past Experiences [Mississippi 6 Annual Conference: 1993 ­ 1998; Baltimore­Washington Conference, 1998 ­ 2009; 7 Chair of District Committee on Ministry; Chair of Ethnic Church and Local Concerns; 8 Chair of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century; District Cluster Leader; 9 Member of Board of Ordained Ministry; 2009 ­ 2013: Offices of Congregational 10 Excellence and New Church Development ­ Director of the Office of Black Church 11 coaching, consulting and working with local Black Churches and providing strategic 12 planning for planting new Black Churches. Creating, developing, and facilitating training modules for leadership 13 development and church organization.; 2013 ­ present: Office of Missional Engagement ­ Director of Multicultural and 14 Justice Ministries. 15 16 Called/Vision: We don't choose our calling, our calling chooses us. According to John 15:16, "You did not choose 17 me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit­­ fruit that will last­­and so that whatever 18 you ask in my name the Father will give you." At this season in my ministry, I am being called and compelled to serve 19 the church in a broader capacity. My experiences and expertise have prepared me to offer a fresh and creative 20 perspective to the move of God through the United Methodist Church. I am convinced that I am being called to 21 serve the church in a way that will continue to uphold the principles and precepts of God's Word as well as provide 22 rich insights to the multicultural movement of the United Methodist Church. I am called and prepared to offer 23 leadership strategies to assist the church in recognizing, understanding, and appreciating the differences in all those 24 who make up the constituency of the Body of Christ. Why do I feel called to be a delegate? In the words of Isaiah 6:8, 25 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am 26 I. Send me!" [NIV] 27 28 29 30 31 32 (220) Elder Joanes Martin (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: Haitian; Home City: 33 Port St. Lucie; Current Appointment: Ft. Pierce Haitian UMC; Church City: Fort Pierce, (AC) 34 35 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Former Boom member of South East 36 District for two years, Former Boom member for the Florida Annual Conference for twelve 37 years, Former sous secretary for the Florida Annual Conference for two years, Actual Boom 38 member for Atlantic District since two years. 39 40 Called/Vision: Several years ago, I planed to apply to be a member of the General 41 Conference but the call was not there. Because of that I did not apply. After taking some 42 times, I feel call today to be a delegate for the next General Annual or Jurisdictional 43 Conference. I believe the church should left up Jesus as the Power of God for salvation. The church should embody 44 in his life and mission and love of God so that near neighbor and away stranger are more open to the good news, to 45 provide family and individuals with encouragement and support that will make it possible for them to face life with 46 courage and hope, to enable members to witness the goodness of God in a secular world. I truly believe that the 47 church exist first of all to win souls for Jesus­Christ. Therefore, our mission is to nurture them in the faith of God so 48 that they become committed disciple in" Kerrugma "of the Gospel. Understanding the way John Wesley' theology 49 interpretation today. Understanding the fairness of the Methodist structure inside of our churches today. 50 Understanding the lack of the discipline of our Methodist church today. Understanding the inclusiveness 51 misinterpretation today. I feel if John Wesley come back today, look the way we lead the Methodist Church, he would 52 be completely upset against us as leaders today. Because of that I feel call to be a candidate and then I can offer my 53 support to the United Methodist Church. 54

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(221) Reverend Geraldine Williams McClellan (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 60 and 1 over; Ethnicity: Black / African American; Home City: Gainesville; Current Appointment: 2 Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church; Church City: Gainesville (NC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Leadership Council; 5 Congregational Transformation; Religion and Race; Committee on Superintendency; 6 District Committee in Ministry; Former District Superintendent; 7 8 Called/Vision: My vision for the future of the United Methodist Church is simply a call 9 to accountability. This Call to accountability would require every congregation to engage 10 in evaluating their ministries based on New Church Developments eight qualities of a 11 healthy church. A time line would be established, and upon completion and identifying 12 the strengths and weaknesses, congregations would be partnered with other 13 congregations that are healthy in areas where they need development. The use of this 14 process would provide for Bishops/District Superintendents/Cabinets the opportunity to 15 better evaluate the health of a congregation and provide leadership as Missional 16 Strategist for future growth and equipping disciples or closure. 17 18 19 20 21 22 (222) Reverend William David McEntire (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; 23 Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Lakeland; Current Appointment: 1st UMC, 24 Lakeland; Church City: Lakeland (SC) 25 26 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Chair, Conference Trustees; 27 Chair, Board of Camping and Retreat Ministries; Florida Conference Table; Board of 28 Trustees, Florida Southern College; District Committee on Superintendency 29 30 Called/Vision: Having served as a delegate to several of these conferences I know 31 that serving is no small challenge. That 32 challenge encompasses the need to affirm and strengthen the many things our UMC 33 does well. It also means being willing to pray, listen, 34 struggle and seek God’s will in the midst of difficult and often complex decisions. These 35 decisions often have long term and global implications. If chosen as a delegate, I 36 commit to serve faithfully. I know that this work is essential for the unity of the church 37 and cannot be taken lightly or approached easily. I am hopeful for the future of the UMC. The Church and this 38 denomination have never been without struggles or challenges. Yet, it is often in the midst of contention that we are 39 reminded of our need for the Holy Spirit. Attempting to navigate decision making, to move into the future without 40 God’s leading is foolishness. The struggle to discern God’s will is often the very act which brings us closer to God, (. . 41 . the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. I Peter 2:9). I believe that the UMC has a hopeful 42 future, even though we find ourselves in deep contention, because God, who called this church into faithful witness, 43 is still the one who is the head of the body, is still the one who leads us through hard times and into the light. More 44 than anything else we must seek God's will. 45

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(223) Reverend Sarah Beth­Ann Miller (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 21 ­ 29; 1 Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Casselberry; Current Appointment: 2 Tuskawilla UMC; Church City: Casselberry (EC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Speaker at Conference Camp 5 and Retreats Events 2011 to present; South Central District New Church 6 Development Committee Member 09/11 to 06/12; Curriculum Writer for Conference 7 Camp and Retreat Ministries 2012 to present; East Central District New Church 8 Development Committee Member 09/12 to present; East Central District District 9 Leadership Team Committee Member 09/14 to present; Conference Global Peace 10 and Justice Ministries Committee Member 09/13 to 06/14; Co­Chair Annual 11 Conference 5K Planning Team 01/14 to present; Enrichment Leader at Conference 12 Women's Retreat 03/2014; Chairperson of Conference Social Justice Committee 13 07/14 to present. 14 15 Called/Vision: I feel called to serve as a delegate at General or Jurisdictional Conference because I want to serve the 16 conference that has nurtured my faith formation as our connection discerns the future of our church. I am a cradle 17 United Methodist and Wesleyan to the core. I believe for United Methodists to be a people “going onto perfection” we 18 must make strategic and prayerful decisions that will lead our church, local to connectional, in taking intentional and 19 faith­ filled actions that promote greater stewardship, sustainability, and Kingdom building. As the youngest 20 full­connection clergywoman in the Florida Conference I want the legacy of our church to be one where we welcome, 21 value, and support the presence of every member of the beloved community around Christ’s table. Serving as the 22 chairperson of our Conference Social Justice Committee equips me with sensitivity, compassion, and an increased 23 hunger to work for righteousness throughout our church and world. I am committed to exercising the pastoral 24 presence and leadership I employ in the local church and in district and conference committees to create space for 25 and honor the ministry of all believers in The United Methodist Church. It is essential for members of the millennial 26 generation to be heard at all levels of the church and to witness their peers effecting change that will lead our church 27 into the future. It would be my honor to serve as such a witness through service at the 2016 General or Jurisdictional 28 Conference. 29 30 31 32 33 34 (224) Rev. Jim Mitchell (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 35 White/Caucasian; Home City: Venice; Current Appointment: Grace, Venice; Church 36 City: Venice (SW) 37 38 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Current Member, Conference 39 Council of Finance and Administration (2013). Chairperson, Conference Committee 40 on Investigation (2000). Vice­ Chairperson, Conference Committee on Investigation 41 (2004). Chairperson, Conference Board of Pensions (1996). District Committee on 42 Ministry (2010­2012) District New Church Development (2009­ 2010). District 43 Leadership Council (2005­2008). 44 45 Called/Vision: I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I am a life­long United Methodist and 46 have been shaped by the United Methodist Church at every stage of my life. I 47 attended seven General Conferences as a visitor ­ my first as a reserve lay delegate 48 and a page in 1976 and then later as the father of two youth/young adult general 49 conference delegates, Allison Manning and Sarah Mitchell. I have also attended the Southeastern Jurisdictional 50 Conferences throughout all my life, missing only a few. I served four years on the General Board of Higher Education 51 and Ministry and served at every level of the UMC on various committees and boards. I fully understand what it means 52 to be a delegate and fully feel called by God to serve Florida Annual Conference as a delegate. I believe strongly in 53 The United Methodist Church and the journey of faith offered through our distinctive Wesleyan heritage to follow 54 Jesus Christ. I feel that I have been shaped by my life’s experiences for such a time as this. I want to work on the 55 unity and strength of The United Methodist Church and to broaden the outreach of our Church to new generations 56 to follow Jesus Christ. The best is yet to come! 57

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(225) Dr. Donald Dale Nations (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Sarasota; Current Appointment: Extension 2 Appointment to DNA Coaching; Church City: Sarasota (SW) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: District Leadership Team, 5 District Committee on Ministry, Corporate Officer for the district, Contracted by the 6 district to mentor a group of clergy, Contracted by the district to help churches move 7 towards transformation 8 9 Called/Vision: The UMC in the United States and Western Europe can reclaim the 10 energy it had when it was a powerful movement which spread quickly. To do this it 11 must focus on the most important things which will help local churches make 12 disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Just as local churches 13 which try to do too much are often ineffective at most of the things they do, the 14 denomination needs to invest more in a smaller number of key areas. The denomination and its churches must face 15 the realities of our ministry contexts and recognize that many old patterns are no longer helpful. Clergy and laity need 16 to be open to changes in how clergy are deployed, churches are structured, compensation is determined and people 17 are discipled as well as methods of connecting with those who do not attend church. There are many churches which 18 are growing rapidly and have much to share with other churches. These ties need to be strengthened so that best 19 practices can be contextualized and applied in other churches. The goal is not to save a denomination (or the US 20 portion of it) but, instead, be more effective in the primary tasks of the church – corporate worship, making disciples 21 and the evangelization of the world. The UMC faces many challenges and which will not all be solved at a meeting. A 22 spirit of unity and commitment to a common outcome, however, will help us take steps in the right direction. 23 24 25 26 27 28 (226) Rev. Andrew Michael Oliver (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 30 ­ 39; Ethnicity: 29 White/Caucasian; Home City: Chicago; Current Appointment: Reconciling Ministries 30 Network; Church City: Chicago (GC) 31 32 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: None 33 34 Called/Vision: I envision a UMC where all are welcome—whatever race, ethnicity, 35 gender identity, sexual orientation, economic situation, age or condition of ableness, 36 whether single or partnered, differing in our understanding of Scripture, and unified 37 in our commitment to life together, working unapologetically lifting up marginalized 38 voices, using privilege only to dismantle institutional systems of oppression, where 39 congregations engage in ministry without fear with ALL people. Eucharist is the 40 center of this vision: a table big enough for conservatives and progressives—a meal 41 Paul taught us has no room for discrimination, bigotry, or fear. The bread and cup are 42 formative as we are reminded that we are a people of one camp—the Body of Christ. Our vision is realized as we keep 43 Baptismal promises: nurturing one another by our teaching and example, helping others to accept God's grace and 44 profess their faith. We promise to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in all its forms—especially when it blocks specific 45 groups of people (historically people of color and women; presently LGBTQ people) from living out their Baptism in the 46 pulpit, at the marriage altar, or even membership. This vision is not new, but a foretaste generation after generation 47 has slowly been speaking into being every time we come to the Table—differing in non­essentials, unified through 48 Christ in our work together to transform our present reality into that great heavenly banquet—a party Jesus taught is 49 going to look more beautiful and diverse than we could ever imagine. 50 51

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(227) Rev. Armando J. Rodriguez (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 1 59; Ethnicity: Hispanic; Home City: Tallahassee; Current Appointment: John Wesley 2 United Methodist Church, Tallahassee; Church City: Tallahassee (NW) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Professor at the Course of Study 5 School; Missionary to the East Angola Conference; Chairperson of the Florida/East 6 Angola Partnership Committee; Member of the Conference Board of Ordained 7 Ministries ; Mentor in the ministerial candidacy process 8 9 Called/Vision: I would like to be a delegate to Jurisdictional/General Conferences 10 because I want to contribute to the vision and mission of the UMC. I love our 11 denomination with all my heart; if God gives me an opportunity to have voice and vote 12 on its 13 Book of Discipline, I will take it. We are living critical times in the history of our church. Rather than watching from the 14 sidelines, I feel God calling me to express my opinions and participate in the policy­making processes that define who 15 we are and how we do mission. I believe in a United Methodist Church that continues to be Wesleyan while at the 16 same time adapts to new challenges and opportunities. Finding a “way forward” that retains our Scriptural foundation 17 and traditional theological emphases should not be in contradiction to what we learn through reason and experience. 18 In addition, I believe that the choice between “being in ministry with all people” and maintaining the “unity of our 19 church” is a false one. One of my main goals is to advocate for the unity of the church while at the same time honoring 20 the “sacred worth” or the “image of God” in all human beings. Finally, I will travel to these conferences in an attitude 21 of prayer. Only with the help of God can we continue to “make disciples for the transformation of the world.” I will pray 22 and work so that the structure of our church facilitates this mission. 23 24 25 26 27 28 (228) Rev. Thom Lee Shafer (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: 29 White/Caucasian; Home City: Fort Myers; Current Appointment: Cypress Lake UMC; 30 Church City: Fort Myers (SW) 31 32 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Bethune-Cookman University, 33 Board of Trustees (present); Florida United Methodist Foundation, Board of Directors 34 (present); Westminster Retirement Communities of Florida, Board of Directors 35 (present); Goodwill Industries of South Florida; Community Partnership for Homeless 36 (Miami); South East District Leadership Team,Chairperson; South Florida Urban 37 Ministries; Florida United Methodist Children’s Home; Methodist Evangelical Seminary 38 of Cuba (present).; 39 40 Called/Vision: I feel called to submit my name for consideration as a delegate to 41 General Conference because I am passionate about the renewal of our church and 42 the re­creation of our world. I am committed to ministry that is inclusive of our 43 multi­ethnic and social diversity by looking through the lens of our Wesleyan heritage, Biblical truth, personal and 44 social holiness and the centrality of Christ. The local church is the hope of the world and through authentic expressions 45 of God's love­in­action, offered by the congregations and fully devoted followers known as United Methodists, we can 46 boldly and compassionately touch the physical needs and spiritual deserts of "the least, the last, and the lost" of our 47 local and global communities. My life verse is: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me [the United Methodist Church], 48 because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, 49 to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s 50 favor and ... to comfort all who mourn. (Isaiah 51 61:1­2 NIV) 52

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(229) Pastor Alex Arthur Shanks (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 30 ­ 1 39; Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Coral Springs; Current Appointment: First 2 United Methodist Church ­ Coral Springs; Church City: Coral Springs (SE) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Bishop's Strategic Leadership 5 Team, Vice­Chair (2012 to present); General Conference Reserve Delegate, 2012; 6 Jurisdictional Conference Delegate, 2012; Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries, 7 Chair (2008 to 2012); Conference Table, Member (2008 to present); District 8 Committee on Ordained Ministry, Chair (2010 to 2013), Member (2009 to Present); 9 District Leadership Council (2008 to 2013) 10 11 Called/Vision: I offer to serve because I believe that all of us must play a role in the 12 revitalization of our connection. We cannot sit on the sidelines, hoping someone else will figure it out. I have hope for 13 our connection because we have strong, biblical theology and a history of leaders who spoke the truth and led with 14 courage. I believe that if we reconnect with God’s vision for our church, anything is possible. In the last few years, by 15 serving on our 2012 Delegation along with strategic work throughout the Conference, I have become convinced that 16 what is needed is a revival of the Spirit. It will primarily require looking at our structure and assumptions, as well as 17 holding all of us accountable to living out with excellence and faithfulness the work before us. I am hopeful that the 18 next step will be toward revitalization. Great things have happened. I honor the past and present. Greater things are 19 yet to come and I would be privileged to play a part. I humbly offer my passion and belief in the power of God as well 20 as my willingness to think clearly and carefully about the next steps. As someone with 30 years of ministry to 21 come, I can’t imagine anything more important than ensuring there will be a Spirit driven, Kingdom focused, Wesleyan 22 group of Christians who pray and study the Bible fervently and allow God to use them to change the world. 23 24 25 26 27 28 (230) Rev. Phillip Short (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 29 White/Caucasian; Home City: Stuart; Current Appointment: First, Stuart; Church 30 City: Stuart (AC) 31 32 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I am presently the chair of 33 the Atlantic Central Congregational Vitality Team. 34 35 Called/Vision: My vision for the United Methodist Church is for it to continue to 36 proclaim the atoning, justifying, and sanctifying work of Christ and to retool and 37 re­align so as to do this effectively in the modern and contemporary context. 38

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(231) Rev. Ben James Stilwell­Hernandez (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 30 ­ 39; 1 Ethnicity: White/Caucasian; Home City: Deltona; Current Appointment: Pine Ridge 2 Fellowship; Church City: Deltona (EC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Pastor Pine Ridge Fellowship 5 multisite church; East Central District Congregational Excellence Committee; East 6 Central District Committee On Ministry; Led East Central District team to Cuba; 7 Conference Clergy Effectiveness Team; Conference Congregational Vitality 8 Committee; Conference New Church Development Committee. 9 10 Called/Vision: Having participated in the Wesley Study Retreat this past summer, I 11 have grown in my vision for the United Methodist Church. I see the church in a similar 12 place John Wesley found the Church of England and believe that our future is rooted in our Wesleyan heritage that 13 is always sensing the prompting of the Holy Spirit and adapting our methods of ministry to reach the very fast­paced 14 constantly changing world we live in today. I believe we must remain dedicated to our Wesleyan roots of both personal 15 piety and social holiness. The modern church must learn to adapt itself to reach the least and the lost with the same 16 message of hope, love, forgiveness and transformation that comes only from Jesus. We live in a time where the world 17 needs Jesus more than ever and we are uniquely positioned to be a voice calling in the darkness to prepare the way 18 of the Lord. I desire to give my life's effort to help make this vision become a reality. 19 20 21 22 23 24 (232) Rev. Owen R. Stricklin (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 25 White/Caucasian; Home City: Deland; Current Appointment: First United Methodist 26 Church of DeLand; Church City: DeLand (EC) 27 28 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: EC Nominations team 29 (present),Lay Leadership Team of the EC district 30 2013. District Healthy Church Initiative Team 2005 31 32 Called/Vision: I have a passion to live out the Wesleyan practice of Spiritual 33 Holiness. Wesley was passionate about taking the Word of God to the people, not 34 simply sharing in the confines of our beautiful places of worship. This historical church 35 has been able to work through many difficult decisions relating to the Body of Christ. 36 As we 37 approach this next General and Jurisdictional Conferences, we must find the Holy 38 Spirit’s direction for His church. This will require a complete dedication to prayer and spiritual discernment to follow the 39 Spirit’s guidance. I feel God’s call to offer myself as one who will be willing to remain sensitive to His guidance and 40 purpose for the church, while listening and communing with others of different views. I feel we can move to the future, 41 as Christ’s followers together, while maintaining the integrity of the Word of God ­ keeping Scripture as the foundation 42 of all decisions. May our Holy Conference hold to the lesson of Christ, “to love God with all your heart and with all your 43 soul and with all your mind…and love your neighbor as yourself.” 44

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(233) Rev. Jay Therrell (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 40 ­ 49; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Cape Coral; Current Appointment: First UMC, Cape 2 Coral; Church City: Cape Coral (SW) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Board of Ordained Ministry; 5 Southwest District Committee on Ordained Ministry (Chair); Florida Entrance 6 Assessment Team; Southwest District Operations Team; Institute of Preaching 7 Board of Directors; Committee on Standing Rules (Chair); Counsel for the Church; 8 Committee on Investigation 9 10 Called/Vision: My vision for The United Methodist Church is that it becomes a vibrant 11 agent of God’s kingdom, centrally focused on making disciples of Jesus and 12 transforming our world in His name. I don’t believe God is finished with the Methodist 13 movement, and I believe the world is clamoring for our orthodox, center­focused 14 theology! The general level of the church needs to be greatly refocused so that it has an operational team guiding it. 15 Operational teams are best suited for adaptive work (addressing the constantly changing realities facing the church). 16 It’s hard to do adaptive work with 800­1,000 people which is what the General Conference is trying to do. If a true 17 operational team was empowered, it could do that adaptive work and leave legislative work to the General Conference. 18 I have experience doing this in our district as it’s restructuring itself to be more vital. I think I could make good use of 19 that experience at the general level of the church. Further, all levels of the church should be directed to change their 20 primary focus towards equipping the local church to be more vital. After all, the local church is where disciples are 21 made. Lastly, I think we need to work on reestablishing trust among our leaders so the General Conference can 22 function more effectively. That happens from genuine dialogue and respectful agreement and disagreement. We’re 23 all playing for the same team and should focus on our commonalities and strengths. 24 25 26 27 28 29 (234) Rev. Linda Faye Tice (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 30 White/Caucasian; Home City: Dunedin; Current Appointment: First UMC Dunedin; 31 Church City: Dunedin (GC) 32 33 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Board member of UM Children's 34 Home; Annual Conference Standing Rules; DCOM ­ EC; DCOM ­ GC; Mentor Group 35 leader ­ EC and GC; RIM leader ­ GC 36 37 Called/Vision: I attended much of the last General Conference in Tampa assisting 38 with preliminary work for the judicial committee. At that time I realized I felt a call to be 39 part of this amazing symbol of the United Methodist Church in 2016 and that call has 40 not changed since. During that time I talked to many delegates from all around the 41 country and world. In my discussions I realized I had many of the gifts needed to be an 42 effective delegate. A delegate must at all times be willing to put aside one's own 43 personal views to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. A delegate must be a team player 44 who works effectively with others within the conference delegation. A delegate must be a good listener as well as 45 effectively share thoughts on issues and be flexible in looking for solutions. A delegate must be diligent in all the 46 preparation work required. And a delegate has to be able to function well with little sleep! I feel these are qualities that 47 I can bring to the Florida conference team. I also believe I represent the conference as I have served in large, medium 48 and small size churches bringing an understanding of needs in each area. As you prayerfully consider where to place 49 your vote this year, it is my prayer that you will be guided to pick a team that will represent all people and work well 50 together for God's glory. Thank you. 51

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(235) Dr. Miguel A. Velez (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 60 and over; Ethnicity: Hispanic; 1 Home City: Orlando; Current Appointment: Christ Hispanic UMC; Church City: 2 Orlando (EC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Served in the south east district 5 for 11 years as a full­time pastor at Coral Way UMC. I formed part of sevral commitites 6 such as District Trustie, Dristrict Ordain Ministry; I currently am serving in the East 7 Central district at Christ Hispanic UMC; Where I formed part of the District Ordain 8 Ministry; In 1992 I represent the Methodist church from Puerto Rico in the General 9 Conference. 10 11 Called/Vision: I feel called to represent the Florida Annual Conference at general 12 and/or jurisdictional conference because I feel the need of Hispanic presence in the 13 conference. As there will be discussions of important issues that will affect the 14 Hispanic congregations as well as other minorities. It is important the Presence of Hispanic Clergy that serve in 15 Hispanic congregations. With 48 and a half years in ministry I can offer a voice of maturity, wisdom and balance in the 16 legislative processes. As Hispanic clergy I will be responding to need of minorities that need a voice to represent them 17 in the delegation. In the past I notice that the Conference does not have the inclusiveness of minorities. For me it 18 would be an honor to serve in this capacity. 19 20 21 22 23 24 (236) Rev. Vicki Renee Walker (FD); Gender: Female; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 25 White/Caucasian; Home City: Tampa; Current Appointment: Hyde Park United 26 Methodist Church; Church City: Tampa (SC) 27 28 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: I am a Deacon and serve as the 29 Minister of Missions and Outreach at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa. I 30 have chaired the Order of Deacons in Florida, Chaired the district BOOM, serve on the 31 conference BOOM, been Vice Chair of the Bishops Initiative on Children and Poverty, 32 and in the community I serve on the Board of Directors for the Homeless Coalition, 33 Helping Hand Day Nursery, and Justice For Our Neighbors. My heart is in equipping 34 the saints for ministry and bridging the church and the world. I like to mentor people 35 and help them discover and live into their calling. 36 37 Called/Vision: I have been a proud member of the United Methodist Church my whole 38 life. I love our Wesleyan commitment to personal and social holiness and believe we 39 are uniquely positioned as the church to transform lives and societies worldwide. This 40 is a critical time in our church's history as we sort our way through a myriad of deeply held and contradictory 41 convictions. I believe we must find a way to reconcile our differences and come together in unity. The world is changing 42 and the world is watching and the world needs Christ. Let's come together to offer them Christ and set aside our 43 bickering and fears and demonstrate our deeper trust in God that will inspire and invite others into relationship with 44 Him. I personally feel called to a ministry of reconciliation as Paul writes about in 2 Corinthians 5:16 ­ 21 and feel 45 called to be Christ’s ambassador to help bridge differences between people and help people hear each other and work 46 together with respect and love. As a Minister of Missions and Outreach I am deeply committed to serving with those 47 on the margins of society and believe that we can more fully understand the Gospel message in relationship with 48 other cultures and communities as well as with those with whom we disagree. I am already in prayer for this General 49 Conference. May we be open to hear one another and God in our midst as He leads our great church into the future. 50 51

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(237) Rev. Audrey Blaine Warren (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 30 ­ 39; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Florida City; Current Appointment: Branches United 2 Methodist Mission; Church City: Florida City (SE) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Fresh Expressions­ 5 Co­Convenor­ '14­ Present; Committee on Episcopacy '13­ Present; Sawubona 6 Sojourn Organizer '14­ Present; Florida Conference Board on Camping and Retreat 7 Ministries '13­ Present; District Sub­Committee on Missional Congregations, Chair, 8 '13­ Present; Candidacy Mentor '14­ Present; Child Advocacy Days­ Participant­ '14; 9 Annual Immigration Breakfast­ '11­Present; University of Miami Wesley Foundation 10 Board Member '09­'14; Warren W. Willis Team Pastor '08. 11 12 Called/Vision: The vision Jesus Christ had for his followers was, "GO and make 13 disciples of all nations". This too is our mission statement as United Methodist. My 14 prayer is that this also becomes our vision statement and the primary focus of how we see our church being formed 15 for and with the next generation. This command requires us first to "go". Let's GO to new people, new places, and in 16 new ways. This command requires us to "MAKE disciples". Let's go with the Holy Spirit to primarily MAKE disciples; 17 not buildings, or committees, or more policies­ but disciples. Third this command tells us where to go: to ALL nations. 18 Living and serving in Miami for six years I can testify that the nations have come to us! Our future vision as United 19 Methodist should then require us to go to ALL people). In many ways this has been the story of the church I have 20 served the past six years, Branches United Methodist Mission. Five years ago we lost our church building to a fire, on 21 Pentecost Sunday. Without walls and with the smell of ashes still in the air we worshiped under a tent for eight 22 months, then inside a seven­wide, at a school, and at city hall. Whereas many would see this as a death sentence it 23 was not and was actually our saving grace. We have grown in numbers, diversity, faith, and grace. This is my vision 24 of our church! 25 26 27 28 29 30 (238) The Rev. Dr. Cynthia D. Weems (FE); Gender: Female; Age: 40 ­ 49; Ethnicity: 31 White/Caucasian; Home City: Miami; Current Appointment: First UMC of Miami; 32 Church City: Miami (SE) 33 34 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Board of Ordained Ministry, 35 2010­present; BOOM Executive committee, 2012­present; Chair of Conference 36 Committee on Resolutions, 2012­present; South East District RIM Leader, 37 2009­present; Planning team for Annual Clergy Gathering, 2013­present; 2004 Clergy 38 Delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conferences from the Kansas East Annual 39 Conference. 40 41 Called/Vision: My vision is vital ministry for a vibrant world. Serving First UMC of 42 Miami, I gain appreciation daily for the importance of ministry that represents the 43 diversity of our nation and world. Our embrace of the changes necessary to allow a 44 uniquely Wesleyan message of faith to be shared with younger, more diverse 45 generations is critical. These changes include new styles of worship and leadership, and fresh ways of connecting the 46 gospel to the larger world. This will require a committed presence outside of church buildings in order to engage a 47 range of voices, experiences, and dreams for our church. While serving in mission in Bolivia, I experienced a church 48 that does not rely on great financial resources, expansive buildings, or modern luxuries to share the good news of 49 Christ. For many, the church was the only joy in the midst of struggle. In the South East District, many of our churches 50 are equally challenged. I am convinced that sharing the gospel does not depend on abundant financial resources. 51 However, it will take creative and passionate leadership to ensure good stewardship of resources, while continually 52 seeking the well­being of all people. Engaging the global nature of our denomination is essential. My proficiency in 53 Spanish and Portuguese has allowed me to receive an abundance of gifts from relationships with those in the global 54 church. I believe increased focus on this aspect of our church's life will benefit our annual conference and the 55 denomination as a whole. 56

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(239) Pastor Jamie R. Westlake (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 1 White/Caucasian; Home City: Brandon; Current Appointment: FUMC Brandon; 2 Church City: Brandon (SC) 3 4 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Chair, SC District Leadership 5 Council 6 7 Called/Vision: I’m a sinner saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. I believe 8 that the church has the privilege and calling to be the hands, feet, and voice of 9 Jesus for a hurting and broken world. This means the doors of Jesus’ church must 10 swing open widely and we are required to speak the truth in love. I care deeply 11 about the future of the United Methodist Church. One of my favorite sayings is, “In 12 essentials, unity; in non­essentials, liberty; and in all things, love.” 13 14 15 16 17 18 (240) The Rev. Dr. Wayne D. Wiatt (FE); Gender: Male; Age: 50 ­ 59; Ethnicity: 19 White/Caucasian; Home City: Lakeland; Current Appointment: Director, Office of 20 Clergy Excellence; Church City: Lakeland (SC) 21 22 District and/or Annual Conference Involvement: Conference: Appointments ­ 23 Associate First Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Southside Jacksonville, East Central District 24 Superintendent; Council on Finance & Administration; Annual Conference Planning 25 Committee; Past Chair Order of Elders; Harry Denman Evangelism Award; Registrar, 26 Board of Ordained Ministry, Trustee for U.M. Children's Home and Bethune­Cookman 27 University; Sherman Scholarship and Candler Alumni Board (Emory University); 28 United Methodist Publishing House Board, Jurisdictional Conference, General 29 Conference Alternate.; District: Spiritual Director­Walk to Emmaus, Celebrate Jesus, 30 FREE Prison Ministry, Stetson and Central Florida Wesley; Zoe Ministry for 31 Vulnerable Children. 32 33 Called/Vision: As a delegate, I can represent the needs of our clergy and laity, while focusing on the future of the 34 church to move toward unity rather than division. My greatest desire is to see our denomination standing under a 35 large umbrella of grace, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit to truly “Be Jesus" to the neighbors and strangers 36 in our midst with integrity, transparency, mercy and unconditional love. I love Jesus and I love The Church! My mission 37 would be to bring a voice of healing, hope, and unified direction to the United Methodist Church. My vision for the 38 church embraces diversity and creates a place where all who are searching for meaning and purpose can discover 39 and experience the love, forgiveness, and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I am convinced that 40 together we can embrace the Kingdom of God in a way that includes every shape, color, and reality of justice and 41 peace imaginable. My prayer is that as we focus on strong paths of discipleship for the "people called Methodists", we 42 can reclaim our Wesleyan roots and heritage, creating a strong spiritual foundation that can be measured by 43 increasing numbers of radical and faithful disciples of Jesus Christ!44

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