2016 Florida Annual Conference The Buena Vista Palace Hotel, Orlando, Florida

2016 Florida Annual Conference of The June 16 – 18, 2016 Registration begins June 14 Workbook WELCOME AND GREETINGS FROM OUR

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 and leaders in his mission. Three years ago we focused on the process of becoming disciples of Jesus Christ; two years ago we celebrated the mission of God. Last year, in 2015, we celebrated “Next Generations” of faith.

This year’s theme will be “Leading like Jesus.” Our conference will be marked by music and worship, study and prayer, debate 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, especially about clergy health care. And we will return to our local churches, more conscious of our connection as Florida United Methodists.

Gathering in Orlando, the Annual Conference will begin as I celebrate Holy Communion with Bishop Adam J. Richardson of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a visible sign of our shared Wesleyan identity. Our keynote speakers will be extraordinary: Jeff James of the Disney Leadership Institute; Bishop Janice Huie of the Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church, and Bill Hybels of the Willow Creek Community Church. We will also hear the testimony of Lucille O’Neal, a leader in the Orlando community, and the music will be led by Jeremy Hearn of First UMC in Lakeland. David Dodge, assistant to the bishop, will give the Memorial sermon.

Our offerings will support core initiatives with our Annual Conference that develop laity and clergy in the Fresh Expressions movement, the strengthening of Missional Churches, and the formation of spiritual leaders for these emerging ministries.

I thank you for serving as a leader in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. I welcome you to Orlando, 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

TO: Lay and Clergy Members of the Florida Annual Conference FROM: David Dodge, Chair; Annual Conference Program Committee RE: 2016 Florida Annual Conference Workbook

“LEADING LIKE JESUS” The 2016 Annual Conference will represent a big change from past Annual Conferences. For the first time we will be meeting in a convention center hotel as we gather at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel on the Edge of Walt Disney World. All of our scheduled activities, except for the 5K Walk/Run, will take place at the hotel. This will provide attendees the opportunity to maximize their time at Annual Conference in that there will be limited need to leave the hotel.

The lower level of the hotel is where the Expo will be held in the Exhibit Hall. It is also on that level where the Laity Session and the Clergy Session will be held on Thursday morning in The Great Hall. And all of our plenary sessions and times of worship will be held in the Empire Hall. This year we will have a number of different speakers who will be helping us in our understanding of what it means to lead like Jesus.  On Thursday afternoon we will hear from Ms. Lucille O’Neal, author of the book, Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go: Reclaiming Courage & Direction in Life, and mother of Shaquille O’Neal from the National Basketball Association. Ms. O’Neal, also a trustee of Bethune-Cookman University, will share some of her personal story of leadership.  On Thursday evening Rev. Bill Hybels, founding pastor of Willow Creek Church, will be talking with us about his understanding of leadership. This time with Rev. Hybels will be facilitated by Rev. Jorge Acevedo in an interview format.  On Friday morning we will be led by Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of the Texas Conference. Bishop Huie is an incredible leader and serves as bishop of some of the largest churches in our denomination.  Friday afternoon will include a presentation by Mr. Jeff James, Director of the Disney Leadership Institute. He will be sharing with us the core principles of Walt Disney World and how they influence every decision. Mr. James is an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Windemere.

Our schedule will be a bit different this year in the following ways:  The opening worship on Thursday afternoon will also include our service of communion  On Thursday evening there will time, following the presentation by Rev. Bill Hybels, for everyone to meet in district gatherings in order to formulate direction for each district’s missional context.  The service of recognizing those who are retiring this year is scheduled for 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon.  The service of Licensing, Commissioning and Ordination will be our closing time of worship on Saturday morning. It is scheduled for 10:00 am on Saturday.

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 of our time together. 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 ’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 ,

“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 2016 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.

- 2 - TABLE OF CONTENTS

KEY TO NAME BADGE COLORS ...... 7 VOICE AND VOTE ...... 8 THE BUENA VISTA PALACE HOTEL ...... 9 WELCOME AND GREETINGS FROM OUR CONFERENCE LAY LEADER ...... 11 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPEAKERS ...... 12 Bishop Adam Richardson ...... 12 Bishop Kenneth Carter ...... 13 Lucille O’Neal ...... 14 Bill Hybels ...... 15 Bishop Janice Riggle Huie ...... 15 Rev. David Dodge ...... 17 Jeff James ...... 18 Rev. Audrey Warren ...... 19 Jeremy Hearn ...... 19 EVENT INFORMATION ...... 20 BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MENUS ...... 24 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE ...... 25 YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE ...... 26 YOUTH EVENT INFORMATION ...... 27 HOTELS FOR 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE ...... 28 PROCEDURE AND AGENDA REPORT ...... 29 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP TEAM REPORT ...... 30 CONFERENCE TABLE REPORT...... 31 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON LEADERSHIP ...... 32 STANDING RULES ...... 58 CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES ...... 59 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES ...... 59

- 3 - CONNECTIONAL RELATIONS ...... 61 BOARD OF CAMPS AND RETREAT MINISTRIES ...... 62 FLORIDA CONFERENCE CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES ...... 64 BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAMPUS MINISTRY ...... 65 BEYOND 50 ...... 67 SPIRITUAL FORMATION ...... 67 WOMEN’S RETREAT DESIGN TEAM ...... 69 COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY ...... 70 THE OFFICE OF MISSIONAL ENGAGEMENT ...... 73 MISSIONS ...... 73 METHODISTS UNITED IN PRAYER ...... 74 EAST ANGOLA/FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP ...... 76 FLORIDA CONFERENCE ADVANCE SPECIALS ...... 77 MISSIONARIES WITH COVENANT RELATIONSHIPS ...... 80 MULTI-CULTURAL MINISTRIES ...... 81 DISASTER RECOVERY MINISTRY ...... 82 PRISON AND JAIL MINISTRY TEAM ...... 83 COMMITTEE ON HAITIAN MINISTRY ...... 84 HAITI – FLORIDA COVENANT ...... 84 HISPANIC ASSEMBLY ...... 85 HISPANIC MINISTRY TEAM ...... 86 SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE ...... 87 COMMITTEE ON NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES (CONAM) ...... 88 UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION ...... 89 COMMISSION ON RELIGION AND RACE ...... 90 COMMISSION ON THE STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN ...... 90 JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS ...... 91 YOUNG ADULT MISSIONAL MOVEMENT ...... 93 OUTREACH MINISTRIES ...... 94 OFFICE OF CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY ...... 96

- 4 - NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT ...... 96 CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY ...... 97 SUMMARY OF STATISTICS BY YEAR ...... 99 FRESH EXPRESSIONS ...... 100 BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY ...... 101 REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE LAY LEADER ...... 101 LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES ...... 102 FLORIDA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST MEN ...... 103 FLORIDA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ...... 104 MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED ...... 106 OFFICE OF CLERGY EXCELLENCE ...... 106 BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY ...... 109 BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 110 MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUND ...... 111 COMMISSION ON EQUITABLE COMPENSATION ...... 113 SHADE AND FRESH WATER ...... 119 INSTITUTE OF PREACHING ...... 120 CONFERENCE BOARD OF PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS ...... 121 HEALTH INSURANCE SUBCOMMITTEE ...... 125 JOINT COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ...... 128 PREACHER’S RELIEF BOARD ...... 128 COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ...... 129 FLORIDA CONFERENCE 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY AS RECOMMENDED BY CF&A ...... 130 FLORIDA CONFERENCE 2017 BUDGET DETAIL RECOMMENDED BY CF&A...... 131 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2017 ...... 136 GIFTS, SPECIAL OFFERINGS, AND APPORTIONMENTS RECEIVED ...... 137 CHURCHES THAT PAID 100% APPORTIONMENTS BY DISTRICT 2015 ...... 138 2015 HIGHEST APPORTIONMENT DOLLARS PAID ...... 138 LARGEST INCREASE IN APPORTIONMENTS PAID FROM 2014 – 2015 ...... 139 LARGEST PERCENT INCREASE IN APPORTIONMENTS PAID FROM 2014 – 2015 ...... 139

- 5 - APPORTIONMENTS PAID BY PERCENT ...... 140 COMMITTEE FOR MINISTRY PROTECTION ...... 152 2015 PROPERTY/CASUALTY & WORKERS’ COMP. INSURANCE PROGRAM ...... 152 MINISTRY PROTECTION FINANCIAL RESULTS ...... 154 FLORIDA CONFERENCE BOARD OF TRUSTEES...... 156 FLORIDA CONFERENCE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – PROPERTY LISTING ...... 157 INVESTMENT COMMITTEE ...... 158 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY ...... 159 OUR EXTENDED CONNECTION ...... 160 AFRICA UNIVERSITY ...... 160 ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ...... 160 BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ...... 160 CANDLER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY ...... 160 DUKE DIVINITY SCHOOL ...... 162 FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE...... 164 FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME ...... 168 FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION ...... 170 GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ...... 171 HINTON RURAL LIFE CENTER ...... 172 LAKE JUNALUSKA ASSEMBLY, INC...... 172 UNITED METHODIST CONNECTIONAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ...... 173 RESOLUTIONS ...... 176 RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT EQUALITY OF LOVE AND VALUE FOR BOTH BORN AND UNBORN CHILDREN ...... 176 RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF HISPANIC MINISTRIES FOR THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ...... 177 RESOLUTION: DRIVERS’ LICENSES FOR ALL FLORIDA DRIVERS ...... 180

RESOLUTION: FLORIDA CONFERENCE IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE TASK FORCE ...... 182 GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE CROSS-CULTURAL DIALOGUE ...... 184

- 6 - KEY TO NAME BADGE COLORS

YELLOW NAME BADGE – Can vote on all matters1  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 2015 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) FL-Full-time Local Pastor who has not completed Course of Study PL-Part-time Local Pastor who has not completed Course of Study

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 SY – Lay Supply Conf/Denomination

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 members2 (who have not officially replaced a lay member from their church).

1 Except elections for clergy delegates to the General, Jurisdictional and Central Conferences; Matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy (unless a lay member of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and/or Committee on Investigation (par. 602.6)) 2 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.

- 7 - Voice and Vote

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Clergy Members in full connection (¶ 602.a) ● ● ● ●

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

Provisional Clergy Members who have not completed all of ● their educational requirements (¶602.b)

Associate Clergy Members (¶602.c) ● ● †

Affiliate Clergy Members (Standing Rules) ●

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)

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)

Elders or Ordained Clergy from other denominations ● serving under appointment within the Annual Conference (¶346.2)

Lay Members: Elected Members representing congregations, Members by Virtue of Office, At-large Members as designated by ● ● ● ‡

districts, Youth Members (¶602.4)

Official Representatives from other Denominations (¶602.9) ●

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)

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

Ordained Clergy or Provisional Members from Other Annual ● Conferences and Other Methodist Denominations (¶346.1)

Visitors, Spouses of Clergy & Florida Conference Staff

† 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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THE BUENA VISTA PALACE HOTEL LAYOUT

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- 10 - WELCOME AND GREETINGS FROM OUR CONFERENCE LAY LEADER

Welcome to Annual Conference 2016. As we reflect this year on “Leading Like Jesus” I believe it is important for us to personalize the ministry of our witness, mission, and outreach 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 understanding that each of us has a unique role to play in God’s plan and He has a personal call on our lives.

We, once again, have experienced the blowing of the winds of change, new excitement, and yes, some feeling of loss, but with new inspiration in the air. May your hearts be filled with the love of Christ for each other, passion for the presence of the Holy Spirit in us all, and a longing to serve God and walk with Him daily in prayer, learning, and service. Russ Graves, Conference Lay Leader

- 11 - 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

JUNE 16, COMMUNION CELEBRANT WITH BISHOP KENNETH CARTER, THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Bishop Adam Richardson Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. was elected and consecrated the 115th Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1996 at Louisville, Kentucky. He was assigned to the 14th Episcopal District which includes six countries in West Africa. In the 2000 – 2004 quadrennial, he served as chair of the Lay Commission and as a member of the . He has chaired the Health Commission and twice as chair of the Commission on Seminaries, Universities, Colleges and Schools. In 2002, Bishop Richardson served as President of the Council of and the Presiding Bishop of the 19th Episcopal District with headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Beginning in 2004, he served as the presiding bishop of the Second Episcopal District which includes North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. For eight years, the Second District saw phenomenal growth in membership, educational support, missions-related ministries, and ministry to men, health, prisons, the advancement of women in ministry, and a commitment to social and political action. Bishop and Mrs. Richardson took great pride in the District’s embrace of ministries to youths and young adults. At the 2012 General Conference, Bishop Richardson was elected president of the General Board and was assigned to the Electrifying, Empowering Eleventh Episcopal District which includes Florida and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Prior to his election as a Bishop, he was senior minister of the Bethel A. M. E. Church, Tallahassee, Florida. For eighteen years his leadership and teaching skills produced a major ministry of growth in membership, new and expanded facilities, outreach to the poor and dispossessed, with an active presence in the community. Bishop Richardson began his educational pursuit in the public schools of Tampa, Florida. He received the B.A. degree from the Florida A&M University (where he was noted as the head drum major of the famed Marching ‘100' Band). He received the Master of Divinity degree from the Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta and the Doctor of Sacred Theology degree at the ITC through the Atlanta Theological Association.

His ministry has included teaching at the Interdenominational Theological Center and Morris Brown College in Atlanta, and an adjunct instructor at his alma mater, Florida A&M University. He has received recognition from the City of Tallahassee, the State of Florida and the many

- 12 - places he has taken his message of hope and encouragement. In 1994, he was cited by Tallahassee Magazine as one of the most influential people of that city in the past fifteen years.

Bishop Richardson has contributed articles or chapters in several books, including: “The Great High Priest” in the African American Devotional Bible, 1997 (Congress of National Black Churches); “Courage to Face the Battles of Life” in Ain't That Good News, 1984 (the Rev. Gregory G. M. Ingram, ed.); “An Introduction to the New Testament” and “Pastoral Care” in The Pastor's Manual of the AME Church, 1976 and 2000 (Dr. George L. Champion, ed.); and has written several instructional manuals for discipleship training and spiritual formation for churches he has served and for use on the lecture circuit, which include Take Me To The Water: A Manual For Christian Baptism, 1996; African 101, 1996; Traditional and Charismatic Styles of Ministry, 1996; The Wedding Manual, 1994; The Funeral Manual, 1995; and Headlines to Homilies: Sermons on Political, Commercial and Other Popular Annoyances, 2000. His most recent publication is “Let the Church say Amen: Liturgy, Litany and Homily,” published in 2012.

His travels outside of the United States have taken him to 30 countries, commonwealths and nation states. He and his wife of 46 years, Dr. Connie Speights, are the proud parents of two adult children, Monique (an attorney), and Trey (a certified radiographer and recipient of two Master's degrees in music theory and classical saxophone).

JUNE 16, COMMUNION CELEBRANT WITH BISHOP ADAM RICHARDSON, THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Bishop Kenneth Carter

A native of Georgia, Bishop Carter is a graduate of Columbus College (B.S.), Duke University Divinity School (M.Div.), the University of Virginia (M.A.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (D.Min.). In addition, he was awarded an honorary D.D. from the United Methodist University of Liberia. He was ordained a deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference in 1983 and an elder in 1986. Subsequently he served a four-point charge, as an associate pastor of missions and evangelism, as a new church planter, and as senior pastor of two large regional churches Immediately prior to his election as a bishop he was the superintendent of the Smoky Mountain District of the Western North Carolina Conference, which included sixty-nine churches in the seven westernmost counties of the state, all within the region of Appalachia. The bishop is married to Pam Carter. They have been blessed with two daughters: Liz and Abby.

- 13 - JUNE 16, SPECIAL SPEAKER, THURSDAY AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION Lucille O’Neal She may be the mother of one of the greatest athletes of all time, but Lucille O’Neal is much more than “Shaquille O’Neal’s mom.” Acquainted early in life with turmoil, O’Neal’s circumstances shaped her perspective, strengthening her resolve to overcome the challenges she would later encounter. She has endured poverty, rejection, abuse, addiction, and the illness of a child, yet today her faith and compassion for others is stronger than ever.

At the age of 12, O’Neal told God that she wanted to be a motivational speaker. A tall, skinny child, she always felt different— a feeling that caused her to have low self-esteem throughout her youth. She eventually learned to drown those feelings with alcohol. After becoming a mother at the young age of 17—and eventually a wife and mother of three more children—O’Neal was married for 28 years, never letting go of her dream.

In addition to being an active parent and grandparent, O’Neal is involved in numerous youth- oriented and community projects. Her commitment and devotion to volunteer projects is reflected in her past and current involvement with various organizations such as the Orlando Chapter of the United Negro College Fund, the Reading is Fundamental Program, and Scholastic America, among many others.

Lucille O’Neal shares her life story candidly—and often humorously—in her book Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go, as well as in her keynotes. Touching on her years of spiritual unrest and mental welfare, she shares her struggles and disappointments against the backdrop of her sweetest memories and proudest accomplishments. After 56 years, O’Neal has gained the wisdom to recognize her wrongs and guide other women down a different path. Her story is proof that it’s never too late for a new beginning.

In 1997, O’Neal fulfilled her longtime dream of going back to school. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science in business administration from the Adult Education Program at Bethune-Cookman University and received a master of arts in organizational management at the University of Phoenix.

She is president of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players Association, Inc.; president of My Sister/My Friend, Inc.; and Southeast director of the Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund, which is the fund established by her family to help raise money for educational needs and nursing scholarships. Some other organizations with which she is involved include the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Orlando, the National Education Association, Florida Hospital’s Foundation Gala and Celebrity Stroll, Trey Whitfield Foundation Scholarship Fund, Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association affiliated with Meharry Medical College Scholarship Fund, Boys and Girls Clubs

- 14 - of Orlando, Mary McLeod Bethune Statue Project, Central Florida Women’s Resource Center, and the YaYa Network.

June 16, Special Speaker, Thursday Evening

Bill Hybels Bill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., and chairman of the board for the Willow Creek Association.

The best-selling author of more than twenty books, including The Power of a Whisper. Axiom, Holy Discontent, Just Walk Across the Room, The Volunteer Revolution, Courageous Leadership, and classics such as Too Busy Not to Pray and Becoming a Contagious Christian, Hybels is known worldwide as an expert in equipping and training Christian leaders to transform individuals and their communities through the local church.

Hybels received a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College in Deerfield, Ill. He and his wife, Lynne, have two children and two grandsons.

June 17, Special Speaker, Friday Morning Plenary Session

Bishop Janice Riggle Huie Janice Riggle Huie serves as bishop of the Texas Annual Conference of the UMC, having been assigned there in September 2004. The Texas Annual Conference is composed of 671 congregations and 284,482 members, spread throughout the eastern section of Texas. It includes Houston, Galveston, Beaumont, Texarkana, Longview, Tyler and College Station.

With Bishop Huie’s leadership, the 2012 Texas Annual Conference adopted a Four Year Focus: cultivate growing, fruitful, missional congregations, form transforming lay and clergy leaders and invest in the young. In the fall of 2012, Bishop Huie carried this message to each of the nine districts in the conference, holding town hall style meetings to encourage United Methodists to commit to these three focus areas.

She also challenged each and every congregation to partner with their local public school. She suggested creating mentoring/tutoring programs to build relationships with children who may be

- 15 - without a concerned adult in their lives but she also asked churches to be creative and “do what they can, where they can” in the Wesley tradition. The people of the Texas Annual Conference have responded with enthusiasm creating everything from after school study sessions to daily feeding programs.

In connection with her Episcopal assignment she serves on the Board of Trustees of The Methodist Hospital, Southwestern University, Wiley College, and The Texas Methodist Foundation. Bishop Huie served as President of the Council of Bishops from May 2006 through May 2008, as president of the UMCOR Board of Directors in 2012 and as president of the South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops in 2013.

A noted speaker and experienced leader, she has preached at numerous annual conferences and seminaries and led retreats for both pastors and laity in the area of leadership and spiritual formation. She has taught in the Mentor Program at Perkins School of Theology, served as Adjunct Faculty for the Doctor of Ministry Program at Austin Presbyterian School of Theology, and served as Churchwoman in Residence at Candler School of Theology. She was co-chair of the International Clergywomen’s Consultation in 1995, has authored articles in preaching and spirituality, and received the Bandy Distinguished Preacher Award from Emory University in 1991. She completed her term as President of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry shortly after moving to Houston in August 2004.

After graduating with honors from the University of Texas in Austin in 1969, Bishop Huie went to Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, earning a Master of Theology and receiving both the Flinn Award as outstanding senior and the DeJernette Award in homiletics. In 1989 she was awarded a Doctor of Ministry degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, where she focused on homiletics and liturgy.

Janice Riggle Huie was born on December 15,1946, in Beeville, Texas. She and her husband, Rev. Robert W. Huie, were married in 1970. Bob is a retired member of the Southwest Texas Annual Conference. Their son, Matthew and his wife Shambryn Wilson Huie live in Beeville, Texas with their three children: Reagan, David, and Zachary. Matt continues to operate the Riggle family farm.

Bob and Janice enjoy camping and snow skiing with their children and grandchildren.

- 16 - JUNE 17, SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE, FRIDAY MORNING

David Dodge David Dodge is an ordained deacon in The United Methodist Church and, since July 1, 2013, serves as the assistant to Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Jr. Immediately previous to his current appointment, he served for 16 years as the Executive Director of the Center for Clergy Excellence in the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Previous to his Conference positions David served for over 15 years as the Minister of Program and Administration at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Florida. Trinity is a church of over 3,000 members. He had also previously served at First United Methodist Church in Coral Gables, Florida, and St. Mark United Methodist Church in Pensacola, Florida.

The Florida Conference elected him to be a delegate to eight Jurisdictional Conferences and six General Conferences. He has also served the denomination as a member of two Ministry Study Commissions: the Church Systems Task Force and as an eight-year member of the Board of Directors of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church.

In 2007 he was invited by the Center for Courage and Renewal to attend a Courage to Lead Invitational Retreat at the Fetzer Institute in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This invitational retreat was funded through a Lilly Foundation grant and was specifically designed to introduce judicatory leaders to the life work of Parker J. Palmer. Subsequent to this formational event David received a grant from the Center for Courage and Renewal to introduce the Courage to Lead work to clergy in the Florida Conference. February of 2016 marked the beginning of the sixth cohort group of clergy to participate in a year-long, four-retreat series designed to build community and connect role and soul. Over 125 clergy of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church have participated in a Courage to Lead retreat series.

David attended Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, Tennessee before transferring to Scarritt College to complete his undergraduate degree. He also has two Master of Arts degrees from Scarritt College (Intercultural Studies and Christian Education) and did additional graduate work at the University of Florida in educational psychology with a focus on adult moral development.

David is married to Patti Rogers Dodge, and they are the parents of two children. Their son, Dana, passed away in 2003 at age 27. He was a landscape designer and loved making people’s outdoor environment beautiful. Their daughter, Lara Dodge, is a senior project manager for an environmental consulting company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and in that role is helping to protect our environment from industrial waste.

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JUNE 17, SPECIAL SPEAKER, FRIDAY AFTERNOON PLENARY SESSION

Jeff James Jeff James is vice president and general manager of Disney Institute. In this role, he has responsibility for the external business and professional development arm of The Walt Disney Company that is focused on sharing Disney business insights in the areas of service, leadership and culture.

Based in Celebration, Florida, Jeff leads a global team of Disney subject-matter experts who engage with clients to implement and sustain culture change initiatives through Disney’s proprietary approach.

With 20 years of experience leading a broad range of Disney businesses and operations, Jeff is an expert in the company’s successful core competencies of leadership, customer experience and employee engagement.

Jeff’s Disney career started in 1996, when he played a pivotal role as one of the founding executives of Disney Cruise Line. In subsequent years, he continued to provide executive leadership as the cruise line vastly expanded domestic and European itineraries and added two new ships to its fleet.

Jeff also has extensive global business experience having served as vice president and managing director for Disney Destinations International. Based in London, he led marketing, sales, public relations and finance efforts across the United Kingdom and Ireland for the portfolio of assets within Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Jeff holds a B.S. in business and commercial recreation from the University of Colorado and has several professional licenses in the sales, insurance and real estate fields. His writing on Disney business insights can be read on Talking Point, the Disney Institute blog.

For more than three decades, Disney Institute has offered unique opportunities for its attendees to go behind the scenes at a Disney destination, to see firsthand how their business insights and time-tested methodologies are operationalized and made easily adaptable into participants’ own business environments and personal careers.

- 18 - INTERPRETER FOR OFFERING

Rev. Audrey Warren Rev. Audrey Warren is senior pastor of First UMC Miami and the convener of the Fresh Expressions Florida team. She spent her first six years in ministry at Branches United Methodist Mission in Florida City, Florida, where she met her husband and partner in ministry, Jose Luis Soto. Together they work to make God’s love known and real through music and art.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Florida Southern College where she majored in Religion and her Masters of Divinity Degree from Duke Divinity School. Audrey sees herself as a lifelong learner and is currently writing her dissertation for a Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Rev. Warren has served in Central Florida, North Carolina, South Africa, and Miami. She has a passion for outreach and mission and is currently convening the Fresh Expressions movement in the Florida Annual Conference. She looks forward to new places and new ways in which church can form in downtown Miami.

Audrey is a dynamic preacher and educator and has a special passion for children’s education, the subject of her dissertation. She has a passion for both contemporary and traditional worship and has a deep love for scripture. She is committed to bringing diverse people together to carry out the work of Christ in community. Rev. Warren is fluent in English and Spanish.

WORSHIP LEADER

Jeremy Hearn Jeremy Hearn began his music ministry at the age of 15 by leading worship at the FUMC Youth Ministry and K-Life Youth Ministries in St. Petersburg, Fla. At 16, Jeremy was co-leading worship with the 9:30 contemporary praise team “First Light” at FUMC St. Pete, as well as traveling around the country as worship leader for "The Jesus Painter,” Mike Lewis.

After some local success with The Jeremy Hearn Band, Jeremy moved to Nashville, Tenn., where he worked with and learned from industry professionals such as country music superstars Martina McBride, Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith, and All Sons and

- 19 - EVENT INFORMATION

Welcome to the 2016 Florida Annual Conference Event! Registration for clergy and laity will begin on Tuesday, June 14, at 4:00 p.m. in the Great Hall Assembly Registration Booth at Buena Vista Palace Hotel, 1900 Buena Vista Drive.

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 2016 Florida Annual Conference Event.

5K Race: 6:30 AM on Friday, June 17. For more information contact Jad Denmark, [email protected].

AGENDA: A basic schedule for the week can be found on page 25 of the Workbook. A pocket agenda will be available at registration.

CHILD CARE: St. Luke’s UMC. Check our website www.flumc.org for more information.

CLERGY SESSION: Will be held in the Great Hall North, 10:00 am, Thursday, June 16.

COKESBURY: The Cokesbury book exhibit of The United Methodist Publishing House is located in the Expo located on the main floor of the conference center in the Events center. It will close at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 17.

COMMUNION: Holy Communion will be celebrated during the Opening Worship Service at 1:30 pm, Thursday, June 16.

GUEST SERVICES: Located in the Hampton Court Registration Booth. Services offered include: guest name badges, information about the conference, order forms for the 2016 Journal and computer kiosks for online orders.

HEARING-IMPAIRED: Signing for the hearing impaired will be provided for all sessions of Annual Conference.

HOUSING: • Buena Vista Accommodations: Information for Buena Vista area hotels/motels can be found on the conference website at flumc.org (click on the Annual Conference 2016 link).

INTERNET: WIFI access is available throughout the areas in use.

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 Empire Room.

JOURNAL ORDER FORMS: Order forms for the 2016 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

- 20 - 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 2016 link).

LAITY SESSION: The Laity Session will be held in the Great Hall Center, East and West, Thursday, June 16, 10:00 a.m.

MEALS: Breakfast and lunch items will be available for purchase in the Expo space on Thursday and Friday of Annual Conference. You are encouraged to utilize these as your primary on-site options for meals. No advance reservation 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 2016 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 17, in the Empire Ballroom. The Memorial Service will be webcast live via Internet enabling those who are not able to attend 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 17.

EXPO: The Expo will be located on the main floor of the conference center in the Events Center. Please visit our vendors during the following times: Tuesday June 14, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesday June 15, 8:00 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday, June 17, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Expo will include both the Cokesbury bookstore and LifeTouch photography services. Clergy, be sure to visit the LifeTouch booth to have your photo taken for the conference clergy directory. You can enjoy even more of the expo by competing with your district in “Methodists of the Magic Kingdom” – a scavenger hunt-style game throughout the expo booths. Earn points for your district by visiting expo booths, and stick around to see which district is the victorious group in “Methodists of the Magic Kingdom!” For more information visit our website 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

- 21 - Conference 2016 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 Hampton Court Registration Booth when they arrive. Visitors and guests may also have a name badge made on-site at Guest Services any time after 4:00 p.m. on June 14.

OFFERING: Bishop Carter’s Offering

The offering will support the clergy and laity of our annual conference with resources for leadership development in three areas:

1. Grants for innovative forms of "church beyond the walls" through the Fresh Expressions network. 2. Inspiring and equipping our congregations to see, identify with and reach the neighborhoods around them in evangelistic, prophetic, apostolic and missional ways. 3. Training a core group of spiritual guides and mentors to encourage and sustain this work that has already begun. Our fundamental goal in the stewardship of these re-sources--both people, our laity and clergy, and money--is that we follow Jesus into the world that he loves and join him in his mission to love, heal and save the people of Florida. We are discovering that we need new skills and capacities to fulfill this calling. And, if we are honest, we may need a new heart and a new spirit!

PARKING: More information will be available soon. Please check our website at www.flumc.org.

PRAYER GARDEN: The Prayer Garden 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 tables located just outside the Empire Ballroom. 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 Buena Vista Palace. Registration/check-in opens Tuesday, June 14 at 4 p.m. in the Great Hall Registration Booth. Here is the schedule:  Tuesday, June 14, 4-7 pm  Wednesday, June 15, 8am – 7pm  Thursday, June 16, 7:30am – 7pm  Friday, June 17, 7:30am – 7pm  Saturday, June 18, 8am – 10 am

- 22 -

SPEAKERS: (See also pages 12-18.) Speakers for this year’s annual conference are:  Thursday afternoon: Mrs. Lucille O’Neal  Thursday evening: Rev. Bill Hybels  Friday morning: Clergy Women Gathering – Bishop Janice Riggle Huie  Friday morning: Bishop Janice Riggle Huie  Friday morning: Memorial Service, Rev. David Dodge  Friday afternoon: Jeff James, Disney Leadership Institute  Friday evening: An Evening of Music  Saturday morning: Ordination Service, 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 ballroom each morning when the sessions begin. Visitation may take place outside the ballroom.

WHEEL CHAIR FACILITIES: Buena Vista Palace 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 Empire Ballroom 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 Expectations found on pages 26-27 of this Workbook. Go to the conference website http://www.flumc.org for more information.

- 23 -

- 24 - 2016 Florida Annual Conference General Schedule

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 4:00 pm Registration opens in the Great Hall Booth Expo opens in the Event Center/Exhibits 7:00 pm Registration closes for the day Expo closes for the day

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 8:00 am Registration opens in the Great Hall Booth Expo opens in the Event Center/Exhibits Prayer Garden (with Communion) opens in the Sapphire Room 9:00 am Pre-Conference Leadership Gatherings 10:45 am Pre-Conference Leadership Gatherings 2:00 pm Pre-Conference Leadership Gatherings 3:45 pm Pre-Conference Leadership Gatherings 6:30-9:30 pm Florida United Methodist Foundation's 50th Anniversary Celebration, Walt Disney World Swan Resort

Thursday, June 16, 2016 7:30 am Registration opens in the Great Hall Booth Expo opens in the Event Center/Exhibits Prayer Garden (with Communion) opens in the Sapphire Room 10:00 am Clergy Session meets in the Great Hall North Laity Session meets in the Great Hall Center, East and West 1:30 pm Opening Plenary Session with Worship and Communion in the Empire Ballroom 5:00 pm Dinner Break 7:00 pm Rev. Bill Hybels (Willow Creek Church) – Special Speaker 8:15 pm District Missional Gatherings (rooms to be announced)

Friday, June 17, 2016 6:30 am 5K Run/Walk – Begin at Windermere Town Hall. End at Windermere Old School. 7:30 am Expo Opens in the Event Center/Exhibits Prayer Garden (with Communion) opens in the Sapphire Room 8:30 am Plenary Session in the Empire Room Bishop Janice Riggle Huie (Texas Conference) – Special Speaker 10:30 am Service of Remembrance 11:30 pm Lunch Break Memorial Luncheon Retiree Luncheon 1:30 pm Plenary Session in the Empire Room Jeff James (Disney Leadership Institute) – Special Speaker Anniversary Celebrations Retirement Service 5:00 pm Dinner Break 7:30 pm An Evening of Music

Saturday, June 18, 2016 8:30 am Plenary Session in the Empire Room 10:00 am Service of Licensing, Commissioning and Ordination and Fixing of Appointments 12:00 pm Conference concludes

- 25 - YOUTH SCHEDULE FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 3:00pm Youth Orientation at Buena Vista Palace (please check into the hotel prior to orientation) This time will include dinner, orientation to the site, and registering for conference together.

Thursday, June 16, 2016 10:00 am Laity Session meets in the Great Hall Center, East and West 1:30 pm Opening Plenary Session with Worship and Communion in the Empire Ballroom 5:00 pm Dinner Break 7:00 pm Rev. Bill Hybels (Willow Creek Church) – Special Speaker 8:15 pm District Missional Gatherings (rooms to be announced)

Friday, June 17, 2016 7:30 am Expo Opens in the Event Center/Exhibits Prayer Garden (with Communion) opens in the Sapphire Room 8:30 am Plenary Session in the Empire Room Bishop Janice Riggle Huie (Texas Conference) – Special Speaker 10:30 am Service of Remembrance 11:30 pm Lunch Break Memorial Luncheon Retiree Luncheon 1:30 pm Plenary Session in the Empire Room Jeff James (Disney Leadership Institute) – Special Speaker Anniversary Celebrations Retirement Service 5:00 pm Dinner Break 7:30 pm Evening activities

Saturday, June 18, 2016 8:30 am Plenary Session in the Empire Room 10:00 am Service of Licensing, Commissioning and Ordination and Fixing of Appointments 12:00 pm Conference concludes

- 26 - YOUTH EVENT INFORMATION

Thank you for registering for the Annual Conference Youth Delegation! Below you will find important information regarding the event.

Student Expectations: - The youth members to Annual Conference are required this year to sleep and take their meals with is in Orlando. We have a block of rooms reserved At the Buena Vista for the youth delegation. The cost of participating is $120 for the lodging and 2 meals. Students must bring money to cover their other meals - 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 the hotels grounds (unless on an official youth delegation outing!) until the event is over.

- If you drive to AC 2016, you will leave your car parked at the hotel for the entire event. There is a fee, the amount of which can be inquired directly to the hotel. 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. What to bring: - Completed medical form, expectation sheet, and retreat waiver – these forms will be sent to you by April 20 - Money for 2 dinners and one lunch, as well as 3 breakfasts. - Clothing for 3 days of conference session. If wearing shorts they must pass mid thigh. - Clothing for hanging out on grounds after session (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 2016 YAPP. This will put all of the important information right on your phone! Just go to your app store and download “yapp box”. The use code 5K9874 to download the Yapp. This will have ALL of the details for the event at your fingertips…so don’t forget to download it! See you in June!!!! If you have any questions, need directions, etc, please contact Kelly Minter. Kelly Minter, event coordinator Email: [email protected] Phone: 407.694.2167

- 27 - HOTELS FOR 2016 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa 1900 Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 Central Reservation Line: 1-866-397-6516 Click here for online reservations

Room Types Rates Resort View – Group Rate $134 Water View $144

Disney View $154 Island Suite King $234 Family Suite – 2 Queens $234

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista 1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 Phone: 407-828-4444 Click here for online reservations Group Rate: $121 for Disney View Double, Disney View King, Tower Lake 2 Double, Tower Lake King Rooms

- 28 - PROCEDURE AND AGENDA REPORT 1 2 The following is recommended for approval: 3 4 1. The authority for procedure of the 2016 Florida Annual Conference is the following: (a) the 5 2012 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church; (b) the Standing Rules of the Florida 6 Annual Conference, 2015 Journal, page 220 ff.; and (c) Robert’s Rules of Order. 7 8 2. The Pocket Agenda for the 2016 Florida Annual Conference event, received at registration, is 9 to be the official agenda for the 2016 Conference. 10 11 3. Any member of the Annual Conference who wishes to be recognized shall stand at his/her 12 place and wave the brightly colored card found in the Welcome Packet. When the Bishop 13 recognizes that person, he/she goes to the designated numbered microphone and addresses 14 the conference. The person must state her/his name, clergy or lay, and the name of the local 15 church, district or conference organization he/she represents. 16 17 4. The following items will treated as “Orders of the Day.” 18  Presentation by Ms. Lucille O’Neal 19  Presentation by Rev. Bill Hybels 20  Presentation by Bishop Janice Riggle Huie 21  The Service of Remembrance 22  Presentation by Mr. Jeff James 23  The Retirement Service 24  The Service of Licensing, Commissioning and Ordination 25  Adjournment at noon on Saturday, June 18. 26 27 David A. Dodge 28 Agenda Chair 29

- 29 - 1 STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP TEAM REPORT 2 3 Strategic Leadership Team Report to the Florida Annual Conference 4 5 Our work over this Annual Conference year (2015-2016) has continued to focus on a few 6 initiatives aligned with the purpose of the Strategic Leadership Team. The purpose of the 7 Strategic Leadership Team, as defined at its formation, is to “clarify the vision of the Annual 8 Conference, ensure this vision is accomplished, and ensure the alignment of all Annual 9 Conference resources and ministries with the vision.” 10 11 Fresh Expressions: 12 Fresh Expressions seeks to reach new people, in new places, in new ways. The Steering Team 13 (chaired by Audrey Warren) has held six Vision Days with over 300 participants. 30 Fresh 14 Expressions are in process and training events have been held throughout the year. The goal 15 is to launch 250 Fresh Expressions within five years. We continue to partner with Fresh 16 Expressions US and a budget has been submitted for 2016/2017 that includes a coordinator to 17 support this work into the future. More information can be found in the Fresh Expressions 18 Report. 19 20 Nehemiah Project: 21 The Nehemiah Project has created a unified process for walking with churches toward closure 22 and regeneration with the hope of utilizing future gained resources to continue to create the 23 following legacies: support New Church Development as well as find innovative ways to 24 continue to invest in our vital African American churches, our vital churches in Immigrant 25 Communities, and our vibrant churches with high amounts of debt. A Summit was held in the 26 fall of 2015 and the work has begun in a dozen churches under the leadership of our District 27 Superintendents. 28 29 Continued Work with Equitable Compensation, New Church Development and Districts: 30 By centralizing funding for churches in mission to impoverished communities, the guidelines for 31 Equitable Compensation have been updated and implemented with new accountability. The 32 pooling of investment funds and streamlining of property management and real estate sales has 33 begun with new energy created for the work of New Church Development. Best practices for 34 District Finances and Administrative Staff have been reviewed and implemented. All of these 35 measures are creating more time for the District Superintendents to focus on the missional 36 strategy for the districts. 37 38 Future work includes more clearly connecting the work of the Strategic Leadership Team with 39 the Cabinet and Conference Staff and finalizing a Conference Strategic Plan. 40 The Strategic Leadership Team seeks the ongoing feedback from leaders around the Annual 41 Conference as we look to the future with great hope for what is yet to come.

- 30 - 1 Respectfully submitted, 2 Strategic Leadership Team 3 Members of the Strategic Leadership Team: Bishop Ken Carter, Alice Williams, Alisa Rushing, 4 Betty Gissendanner, Bob Bushong, Clarke Campbell-Evans, Dale Locke, Mickey Wilson, Rini 5 Hernandez, Russ Graves, Sharon Austin, Sue Haupert-Johnson, Annette Stiles-Pendergrass, 6 and Alex Shanks 7 8 9 CONFERENCE TABLE REPORT 10 11 To the 2016 Florida Annual Conference 12 13 The Conference Table brings together administrative and program leaders of our Annual 14 Conference for listening, collaborating and communicating. Two meetings were held over the 15 last twelve months. 16 17 The first meeting was October 24, 2015 in Lakeland. The devotional time was based on a 18 reminder from The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 7, that resurrection follows death. We were 19 reminded us of our previous work where we differentiated dilemmas and problems. Problems 20 are to be solved. Dilemmas have attractive attributes as well as disadvantages. We heard and 21 gave feedback on conference financial issues, The Nehemiah Project, Fresh Expressions, 22 General and Jurisdictional Conferences, and inclusivity, especially in culture, race and inclusion 23 of young persons. We divided into discussion groups for information and feedback, 24 remembering that out of death comes resurrection, and that we are a movement, not just an 25 institution. 26 27 Our second meeting was held February 13 in Lakeland. After some brief updates by SLT 28 members on Annual Conference business, we spent the majority of the day hosting an Annual 29 Conference Listening Session for delegates to General Conference. Laity and Clergy from 30 across the Conference were allocated 5 minutes to speak on any issue that they felt was 31 relevant for the Delegates. A variety of issues were presented. The devotion was based on 32 Paul’s definition of love as found in his letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, and the love the 33 presenters have for God and their church was evident in their presentations and respect for the 34 meeting ground rules. 35 36 We are indebted to Bishop Ken Carter, The Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin, Ms. Alice Williams and The 37 Rev. Alex Shanks for their outstanding support of the Conference Table, and their generous gift 38 of time. 39 40 Respectfully submitted, 41 Debbie McLeod, Chuck Mallue 42 Co-Conveners 43

- 31 - 1 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON LEADERSHIP 2 3 Officers of the Conference 4 3-31-16 5 6 Below is the list of committees as of 3-31-16. This report will be updated frequently before the 7 vote during Annual Conference 2016. Please go to www.flumc.org/ccl-list-2016 for the most 8 current list that will be voted on at Annual Conference. 9 10 Please send any corrections or changes to [email protected]. 11 12 Director of Connectional and Justice Ministries: Sharon Austin 13 Conference Treasurer: Anthony “Tony” Prestipino 14 Chancellor: Paul Butler 15 Conference Secretary: Elizabeth Gardner 16 Head Usher: Rusty Belcher 17 Parliamentarian: Bob Grizzard 18 19 20 Conference Leadership 21 22 These Servant Leaders listed below were either: 23 1. nominated by the Conference Committee on Leadership and are presented to the 24 Annual Conference for election 25 2. elected by a particular agency of the conference or district or 26 3. designated by the bishop or other agent as defined by the Standing Rules. 27 28 Italics indicate clergy. Numbers and initials after a name indicates the year that a person first 29 joined the committee, the year that he/she is required to rotate off and the district. (For example 30 (06/14/NC), the person came on the committee in 2006. By Standing Rules, he/she is ineligible 31 to serve after 2014. He/she serves from the North Central District.) A number following the 32 name of a committee officer indicates the year that person assumed that office. 33 34 Conference Table 35 Co-Conveners: Bishop Ken Carter and Conference Lay Leader 36 Committee Chairpersons: 37 Archives & History: Leah Pittard; BCRM: Hunter; Bethune Cookman University: Annette 38 Pendergrass; Beyond 50: Martha Virginia Spivey; BOOM: TBD; Children & Family Ministries: 39 Melissa Cooper; Children’s Home: Becky Dotson; Clergy Excellence: Sarah McKinley; 40 Commission on Status and Role of Women: TBD; Conference Lay Leader:TBD; Congregational 41 Vitality: Sharon Daniels; East Angola/Florida: Sandi Goodman; Episcopacy: Molly McEntire and 42 Sue Haupert-Johnson; Equitable Compensation: Brian Carr; Finance/Administration Harriet 43 Mayes; Florida United Methodist Foundation: Julia Mercier; Fresh Expressions: Audrey Warren;

- 32 - 1 Global Mission & Justice: Mike Kennedy; Haiti Florida Covenant: Pam Carter; Haitian Ministries: 2 Tamara Isidore; Higher Education/Campus Ministry: Lyndol Loyd; Hispanic Assembly: Cesar 3 Villafana; Hispanic Ministries: Gustavo Betancourt; Justice for Our Neighbors: Martha Rutland; 4 Lay Servant Ministry: Rod Groom; Ministry Protection: Susie Horner; Methodists United in 5 Prayer: George Reed; Native American Ministry: TBD; Outreach Ministries: Pamela Qualls; 6 Pensions/Health Benefits: Scott Davidson; Religion & Race: TBD; Shade & Fresh Water: James 7 Holden; Lucy Wray; Small Membership Church: Sarah Campbell; Social Justice: Sarah Miller; 8 Spiritual Formation: Jim Cook; Standing Rules: Steve Hart; Strategic Leadership Team: TBD; 9 Trustees (Conference): Yoniece Dixon; Trustees; (FSC): Robert Fryer; Jr.; United Methodist 10 Men: John Rogers; United Methodist Women: Kay Roach; Women’s Retreat Design Team: 11 Tabatha Parish; Young Adult Missional Movement: Rachael Sumner; Young Clergy of Color: 12 Nathan Adams; Youth/Young Adults: Isaac Newton 13 Conference Staff: 14 Director of Connectional and Justice Ministries: Sharon Austin; Connectional Ministries: Betsy 15 Grizzard; Director of Camps/Retreats Ministry: Mike Standifer; Director of Human Resources: 16 Marilyn Mollica; Director of Ministries with Young People: Joel Pancoast; Director of Higher 17 Education and Campus Ministry; 18 David Fuquay; Director of Connectional Relations: Gretchen Hastings, Director of Global 19 Mission: Icel Rodriguez; New Church Starts Director: Dan Jackson; Director of Missional 20 Engagement: Clarke Campbell-Evans; Treasurer; 21 Tony Prestipino; Vitality Specialist: Janet Earls; Controller: Craig Smelser; Claims/Risk 22 Manager: LaNita Battles; President of Florida United Methodist Foundation: Mark Becker; Ass’t 23 to Bishop: Alex Shanks; Bishop: Ken Carter; Disaster Ministry: Pam Garrison; UMVIM: Greg 24 Harford 25 Members at Large: Chuck Mallue, Debbie McLeod, Alice Williams 26 Cabinet Representative: Walter Monroe (SC) 27 28 Strategic Leadership Team 29 Chairperson: Kenneth Carter 30 District Superintendents: AC – Gary Spencer, EC – Bob Bushong, GC – Sue Haupert-Johnson, 31 NC – June Edwards, NE – Jay Therrell, NW – Durwood Foshee, SC – Walter Monroe, SE – 32 Cynthia Weems, SW – Rini Hernandez; Assistant to the Bishop: Alex Shanks; Treasurer: Tony 33 Prestipino; Director of Clergy Excellence: Sara McKinley; Director of Connectional and Justice 34 Ministries: Sharon Austin; Director of Missional Engagement: Clarke Campbell-Evans; President 35 of the FLUM Foundation: Mark Becker; Director of New Church Development: Dan Jackson; 36 Director of Congregational Vitality: Janet Earls; Director of Connectional Relations: Gretchen 37 Hastings; Layperson: Alice Williams; Clergyperson: Dale Locke

- 33 - 1 Standing Task Teams 2 3 “Beyond 50” Ministries 4 Contact person: Martha Virginia Spivey 5 AC - David Broadbent, Susan Forbes, Martha Virginia Spivey, NE – Gary Rideout; NW – Pat 6 Douglass; Katie Hewett, Jerry Smith; SE - Mary Mizell; Carmen Perez 7 8 Methodists United in Prayer (Formerly Cuba/Florida Covenant) 9 Chair: George Reed (14) 10 Vice Chair: Dan Christopherson (14) 11 Secretary: Renee Kincaid 12 Josias Andujar (AC); Rusty Belcher, Aldo Martin (EC); Karen Laukat (GC); George Reed (NE); 13 Sanford Mayo (NC); Terry Denham (NW); Paul and Ibis Griffith , Renee Kincaid, Roberto Lopez 14 (SC); Blanca Hermida, Roberto Pinera (SE); Dan Christopherson (SW) 15 Conference Staff: Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Mission 16 17 East Angola/Florida Partnership 18 Chair: Sandi Goodman (14) 19 Steve Hart (AC); Mike Baker (GC); Will Clark, Nancy Vallario (NC); Don Zeiser, Patsy Rabb, 20 (NE); Armando Rodriguez (NW); Sandi Goodman, Simon Osunlana (SE); Linda Scott (SW); 21 Wayne Slockbower (SW) 22 Conference Staff: Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Mission 23 24 Missionary Supportt 25 Chair: Larry Rankin (16) 26 Carl Bergeson (NC); George Reed, Jeff McClendon (NE); Gail Christy Jones (NW); Larry 27 Rankin (SC): Sandi Goodman (SE) 28 Conference Staff: Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Mission 29 30 Haiti/Florida Covenant 31 Chair: Lianne Schraeder (15) 32 Daniel Esperanz (AC); Thomas Toussaint, Laura E. Berg (EC); Lianne Schraeder (NW); Pam 33 Carter (SC); Jetro Jeune (SW) 34 Conference Staff: Greg Harford, UMVIM Coordinator; Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Mission 35 36 Spiritual Formation 37 Chair: Jim Cook (12) 38 Lew Arnold (GC); Donna Bauernschub (SC) Joan Bryant (NE); Jim Cook (NC); Joyce Estes 39 (NW); Kathy Houser (NE); Frances Jennings (NE); Trudy Corry Rankin (SC); Marilyn Swanson 40 (SC); Lynwood Walters (NC); Sharon Weaver (GC); Lia Icaza-Willetts (SW); Lucy Wray (GC) 41 42 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) 43 Coordinator: Greg Harford 44 Brian Carr, Sam Aupperlee, Annette Reyes-Burnsed (EC); Bruce Anderson (GC); Jim Watson 45 (NC); Derrick Scott (NE); Linda Bianco (NW); Jeanette Torres (SE), Cesar Villafana (SE) 46 Conference Staff: Greg Harford, UMVIM Coordinator; Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Mission

- 34 - 1 Women’s Retreat Design Team 2 Chairperson: Tabatha Parish 3 Class of 2017: Tabatha Parish (14/17/SC); Natalie Stephens (14/17/GC) 4 Class of 2018: Sierra Clark (15/18/GC); Valerie Beckles-Neblett (15/18/SE); Suzanne Raines 5 (15/18/GC); Cynthia Ulrich (15/18/SC) 6 Class of 2019: 7 Ex officio: Mary Best (AC); Deborah Davis (NW); Dedee McLeod (13/16/NC); 8 Conference Staff: Sherri Lingle, Program Coordinator, Connectional Ministries 9 10 11 Focused Task Teams 12 13 Kid Min 14 Co-Conveners: Melissa Cooper, Katie Pestel 15 Tracie Ashley (15/23/NW); Domenic Bisesti (15/23/GC); Connie Carpenter (16/24/GC); Holly 16 Carter (15/23/SC); Melissa Cooper (15/23/NC); Monique McBride (15/23/SE); Heather Pancoast 17 (15/23/NC); Blair Pakowski (16/24/SC); Katie Pestel (15/23/EC); Betsy Mae Wilson (16/24/NC); 18 Carrie Yoder (15/23/NE) 19 20 Prison/Jail Ministry 21 Patti Aupperlee (16/24/AC); Cleve Bell (15/23/SE); Travis Greene (15/23/SC); Steve Hart 22 (11/19/AC); Stephen Hoffman (15/23/SW); Laura Ice (15/23/GC); Alan Jackson (15/23/GC); 23 Cindy Lane (12/20/SCDavid Williamson (15/23/NE); 24 Conference Staff: Pam Garrison, Disaster Recovery Ministry 25 26 Young Adult Missional Movement 27 Chair: Rachael Sumner (15) 28 Josias Andujar (16/24/AC); Ruth Berlus (16/24/SE); Beth Bostrom (16/24/AC); Rwth Fuquay 29 (15/23/SC); Keri LaBrant (15/23/GC); Molly McEntire (15/23/SC); Nancy Metz (15/23/SW); Erica 30 Oliveria (16/24/ ); Rachael Sumner (15/23/AC) 31 32 33 Conference Ministry Groups 34 35 Committee on Haitian Ministry 36 Chair: Tamara Isidore 37 Vice Chair: Joanes Martin 38 Secretary: Rosemary Gagliardi 39 Haitian District Representatives: Jocelyn B Adhemar (AC); Jude Jean Baptist (SW); Jean 40 Jacques-Pierre Gilles (NC); Tamara Isidore (GC); Eliantus Valmyr (EC) 41 Non-Haitian District Representatives from districts with Haitian Ministries: Marilyn Beecher (EC); 42 Nancy Gray (SC); Ed Ritter (SW) 43 Ex officio Members: District Superintendents in Districts with Haitian Congregations 44 By Virtue of Position: Immigration Law Consultant: Janet Horman (SE)

- 35 - 1 Hispanic Assembly 2 President: Cesar J. Villafana 3 Vice President: Oscar Negron 4 Treasurer: Rafael Plaza 5 Secretary: Mercedes Andrades 6 Director of Education, Ana Andujar; Director of Evangelizm, Diogenes Hernandez; Director of 7 Youth activities, Ambar Ramirez; Family Camp Director, Leticia Zulon; Hispanic Ministry team 8 representative, Gustavo Betancourt 9 10 Hispanic Ministry Team 11 Chair: Gustavo Betancourt (11) 12 At-Large Members: Gustavo Betancourt (11/19/SE); Luz Maldonado (11/19/SW); Nancy 13 Mayeux (11/19/SW); Director of Missional Engagement; Cesar Villafaña, Chair of the Hispanic 14 Assembly 15 16 Outreach Ministries Committee 17 Chair: Pamela Qualls 18 Vice Chair: Brent McLaughlin 19 Secretary: Deborah Brown 20 Community Outreach Ministries (NE): Jim Young 21 Cornerstone Family Ministries, Inc. (SC): Cathy Capo Stone 22 Christians Reaching Out to Society (AC): Ruth Mageria 23 Grace Place for Children and Families (SW): Tim Ferguson 24 Halifax Urban Ministries, Inc. (EC): Mark Geallis 25 South Florida JFON: Janet Horman 26 Branches (SE): Brent McLaughlin 27 UM Cooperative Ministries of Madison County (NW): Deborah Brown 28 UM Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast, Inc. (GC): Pamela Qualls 29 Director of Missional Engagement, Clarke Campbell-Evans 30 Social Justice Committee: Chair – Sarah Miller 31 32 Shade and Fresh Water 33 Members: Martha Gay Duncan; Dawn Carter; Margarite Matthews; Esther Rodriguez; Trudy 34 Corry Rankin; Mark Whittaker; Lucy Wray; Lew Arnold 35 Clergy Excellence Advisors to Board: Sarah McKinley, Rwth Fuquay 36 37 Disaster Ministry Advisory Team 38 Conference Coordinator: Pam Garrison 39 AC: Clark Edwards, Mary Lou Rothfuss, Jim Watson; EC: Morris Davis, Sherie Sayre; SC: 40 Marvin Hammontree, Bill Knight, Bruce Lee; NE: Holley Hooks; SW: Marion Sotore 41 District Disaster Response Coordinators: Open (AC); Jeff Campbell (EC): Open (GC); Al Tomek 42 (NC); Marvin Hammontree (SC); Jim Mitts and Fred DeWitt (NE); Open (NW); Cesar Villafana 43 (SE); Open (NW) 44 Conference Staff: Pam Garrison, Disaster Recovery Ministry

- 36 - 1 Conference Mission/Ministry Priorities 2 3 Congregational Vitality 4 Mark Caldwell (15/23/AC); Jennifer Chester (15/23/NW/NC); Sharon Daniels (15/23/SC); Scott 5 Davidson (15/23/EC);June Edwards (15/23/SC); Tony Fotsch (16/24/NE); Ken Hamilton 6 (15/23/NW); Harry Holloman (16/24/NC); Juana Jordan (15/23/SE); Wes Olds (15/23/SW); Erik 7 Seise (15/23/GC); Sherlain Stevens (15/23/SE); Marcus Zillman (13/21/AC) 8 Conference Staff: Janet Earls, Congregational Vitality; Dan Jackson, New Church Starts 9 10 Missions 11 Chair: Mike Kennedy (12) 12 George Reed, Chair of MUIP; Sandi Goodman, Chair of East Angola/Florida Partnership; 13 Lianne Schraeder, Chair of Haiti/Florida Covenant; Greg Harford, Conference Mission 14 Volunteers Coordinator; Larry Rankin, Carla Cox; Missionary support; Judith Pierre-Okerson 15 (14/22/SE), UMW Representative 16 At Large: Carl Bergeson (13/21/NC); Pam Carter (16/24/SC); Gail Christy Jones (14/22/NW); 17 Jeff McClendon (14/22/NE); Mariam Mengistie (15/23/EC); Shakeria Mitchell (15/23//NE); 18 Marsha Mullet (14/22/GC); Armando Rodriguez (14/22/NW); Louis Telcy (16/24/GC) 19 Conference Staff: Icel Rodriguez, Director of Global Missions, Clarke Campbell-Evans, Director 20 of Missional Engagement 21 22 Social Justice 23 Chair: Sarah Miller 24 Pam Qualls, Outreach Ministry Chair; Immigration Chair, (TBD); Beth Potter, Human Trafficking; 25 Alma Manney 26 At large: Beth Bostrom (14/22/AC); Arindall Burks (16/24/NE); Dwayne Craig (14/22/SC); Kenya 27 Monroe (14/22/GC); St Claire Moore (15/23/SC); Esther Rodriguez (16/24/SW) 28 Conference Staff: Sharon Austin, Director of Connectional and Justice Ministries and Justice 29 Ministries; Clarke Campbell-Evans, Director of Missional Engagement 30 31 Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry 32 Chairperson: 33 Vice Chairperson: Mike Crawford 34 Secretary: TBD 35 Finance: 36 Scholarship: Nathan Adams 37 Campus Ministry Representative: Erwin Lopez 38 Class of 2017: Jason Knott (15/23/NE); Lyndol Loyd (09/17/EC; Cynthia Sucher (13/21/NW); 39 Melissa Stump (09/17/AC); Jon Tschanz (13/21/EC) 40 Class of 2018: Nathan Adams (10/18/SE); Will Finnin (10/18/AC); Anderson Foote (14/22/NE); 41 Sharyn Ladner (14/22/SE); Allison Manning (14/22/SC); Glenn Bosley-Mitchell (10/18/SE) 42 Class of 2019: Amanda Blount (13/21/SC); Starr Clay (15/23/NW); Bob Douglass (11/19/SC); 43 Jim Manuel (13/21/EC); Yvonne McShay (13/21/SC); Steve Painter (15/23/NE)

- 37 - 1 Class of 2020: Drew Dancey (12/20/EC); Joy Bridwell (16/24/SW); Willie A. Miller, Jr. 2 (12/20/AC); Tom Tift (16/24/AC); Deborah Zutter (16/24/EC) 3 Ex officio: Bethune Cookman Representative: David Allen; FSC Church Relations Director: 4 Michael Crawford; Cabinet Representative: Cynthia Weems; Director of Connectional and 5 Justice Ministries: Sharon Austin; Director of Higher Education and Campus Ministries: David 6 Fuquay; Conference Trustees: TBD 7 8 Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries 9 Chairperson: Hunter Short (16) 10 Vice Chairperson: Audrey Warren (16) 11 Secretary: 12 Class of 2017: Chris Haden (13/21/SC); Corey Jones (13/21/EC); Vivian Kitchen (09/17/SC); 13 Audrey Warren (13/21/SE) 14 Class of 2019: Hunter Short (11/19/NC); Jack Tilk (12/20/NW) 15 Class of 2020: Danny Bennett (15/23/SC); Linda Bowling (15/23/SW); David Cruz (12/20/SE); 16 Steve Schneeberger (12/20/EC); David Stump (16/24/AC); Adam Zele (12/20/GC) 17 Ex officio: Director of Connectional and Justice Ministries: Sharon Austin; Conference 18 Treasurer: Tony Prestipino; Conference Trustees Representative: Mike Weaver; Camps and 19 Retreats Ministries Executive Director: Mike Standifer 20 Cabinet Representative: Gary Spencer (AC); Foundation: Andy Craske 21 22 23 Disciplinary Ministry Priorities 24 25 Commission on Archives and History 26 Chairperson: Anita Campbell (16) 27 Vice Chairperson: 28 Secretary: Larry Loveday 29 Archivist: Nell Thrift 30 District Representatives: Alice Douberly (16/24/AC); Linda Mobley (10/18/NE); Anita Campbell 31 (11/19/EC); Idella Gaston (14/22/NC); Morita Hadlock (11/19/SC); Kay Holley (16/24/GC); 32 Elaine McCreary (11/19/NW); Carmen Nelson (16/24/NC); Betty Wilson (14/22/SC); Larry 33 Winebrenner (10/18/SE); Leah Pittard (09/17/SW) 34 At-Large: Opal Winebrenner (10/18/SE) 35 Ex officio: Nell Thrift; Conference Secretary: Beth Gardner; Larry Loveday; Tom McClary, 36 Consultant: Ivan Corbin 37 38 Commission on Religion and Race 39 Chairperson: Mary Mitchell (16) and Carolyn Thomas (16) 40 Vice Chair: Carolyn Thomas (16) 41 Sandra Brooks (13/21/GC); Jamie Faberlle (13/21/EC); Juana Jordan (16/24/SE); Mary Mitchell 42 (16/24/NC); Edwin Santos (13/21/EC); Carolyn Thomas (13/21/NC); Oswald Sands (11/19/SE) 43 Conference Liaison: Sharon Austin 44

- 38 - 1 Commission on the Status and Role of Women 2 Chairperson: TBD 3 Vice Chair: Lauren Dancey (16) 4 Secretary: Karin Nordlander (16) 5 Members At Large: 6 Lay women: Dollie Crist (09/17/AC); Gwen Dixon (11/19/NW); Rebecca Eppler (15/23/NE); 7 Barbara Green (09/17/NE); KeTia Harris (12/20/SE); Kyle Henderson (11/19/AC); Karin 8 Nordlander (12/20/AC); Ginny Roebuck (09/17/SC) 9 Clergy women: Lauren Dundle Dancey (15/23/EC); LeeAnn Inman (09/17/EC); Alyce Parmer 10 (14/22/NW); Nadine Richmond (13/21/EC); Sabrina Tu (10/18/SC) 11 Laymen: Johnny Rice (16/24/NC 12 United Methodist Women Representative: Rosemary Uebel (GC) 13 Cabinet Representative: Director of Connectional and Justice Ministries 14 Ex officio: Carlene Fogle-Miller, member of General COSROW 15 16 Committee on Native American Ministry 17 Chair: 18 Vice Chair: Ed Taylor 19 Secretary: Marsha Taylor 20 Treasurer: 21 Class of 2018: Dale Taylor (14/18/NW) 22 Class of 2020: Cindy Suter (12/20/GC); Thom Barlow (12/20/SC); George McKeown 23 (16/24/NW); Deane Palmer (16/24/SC); Ed Taylor (12/20/NC); Marsha Taylor (12/20/NC) 24 25 Conference Connection on Youth Ministry (CCYM) 26 Leadership and Graduates: Martha Brown (NC); Donna Jarmon (NC); Kelly Minter (NE); Ashley 27 Sabol (NE); Alyssa Shelamer (NC); Khloe Ziff (EC) 28 High School Membership: Lauren Andrews (NC); Justin Aprea (NC); Jackson Bernet (NE); 29 Nicole Billing (SC); Andy Brown (NE); Callie Brown (NE); Timothy Brown (NC); Danielle Clark 30 (NC); Brooke Coulter (SC); Casey Deming (SC); Martine Gelb (NE); Olivia Hilton (NC); Ian 31 Keller (NE); Hannah Loper (EC); Lauren Muse (EC); Lindsay O’ferrell (NC); Mary-Louise 32 Parkkila (EC); Katlyn Stephen (NC): Zara Toundas (NC); Laura Vaughan (EC); Craig Zack (EC); 33 Jared Zack (SC) 34 35 Conference Youth Ministry Table 36 Class of 2016: Kyle Aycock (13/17/EC); Emily Edwards (13/17/EC); Scott Folsom (13/17/SW); 37 Justin Rimondi (14/18/NE); J Zimmerman (14/18/SC); 38 Class of 2017: Maresi Brown (13/17/GC); Justin Cox (13/17/EC); Emily Givens (14/17/NC); Ruth 39 McFarland (15/17/NC); David Stump (16/17/AC) 40 Class of 2018: Amanda Bressler (16/18/GC); Micah Keech (16/18/EC); David Schmidt 41 (16/18/AC); Chris Tabone (16/18/NC); Jon Yoder (16/18/NW) 42 At Large: Joel Pancoast (NC); Kelly Minter (NE); Steve Schneeberger (EC) 43

- 39 - 1 Small Membership Church Ministries 2 Class of 2019: Barbara Awoniyi (15/23/NW); Gary Brady (15/23/NC); Sarah Campbell 3 (15/23/NC); John Newbold (15/23/NE); Steve Nolin (15/23/AC); Dan Rosier (15/23/NW) 4 Class of 2020: Mary Ashcraft (16/24/GC); Charley Watts (16/24/SW) 5 Conference Staff: Janet Earls, Congregational Vitality Specialist 6 Cabinet Representative: TBD 7 8 Board of Lay Ministry 9 Conference Lay Leader: TBD 10 Associate Lay Leader - Reaching Next Generations: Rachael Sumner (12) 11 Associate Lay Leader – Intergenerational Focus: Derrick Scott (12) 12 Associate Lay Leader – Leadership Development: Alice Williams (14) 13 Lay Member at Large – Executive Committee: Suzy Baad (14) 14 Secretary: Alisa Rushing (16) 15 Treasurer: Nancy Metz (16) 16 Chairperson of the Lay Leadership Nominations Committee: Sharon Luther (SW) 17 District Lay Leaders: Charlie Blose (14/18/AC); Alice Williams (12/16/EC); Suzy Baad 18 (12/16/GC); Lenny Schultz (15/23/NC); Patrice Peterson (16/20/NE); Jim Crosby (15/23/NW); 19 Dan Rosier (12/16/NW): John Reever (15/23/SC); Judith Pierre-Okerson (16/20/SE); Nancy 20 Metz (14/18/SW) 21 Associate Lay Leaders: Rachael Sumner (12/20/AC); Chris Wolf (13/17/GC); Rose Muller 22 (12/20/NE); Cindy Wells (15/23/SC); Oswald Sands (12/20/SE); Rod Groom (15/23/SW); Wade 23 Sperry (12/20/SW) 24 Lay Members Representing the Annual Conference: Keri Labrant (16/20/GC) 25 Lay Woman: Elizabeth Petty (14/18/NE) 26 Young Adult Representative: Rushing Kimbal (16/20/NE) 27 Young Adult Representative: Molly McEntire (12/20/SC) 28 Youth Representative: 29 Youth Representative: 30 Older Adult Representative: Frances Jennings (NE) 31 Cabinet Representative: TBD 32 By Virtue of Position: Director of Lay Servant Ministries: Rod Groom; Hispanic Assembly 33 Representative: Michelle Maldonado; President, United Methodist Men: John Rogers; President, 34 United Methodist Women: Kay Roach; Chair-Network on Youth/Young Adult - Isaac Newton; 35 Scouting Coordinator: D. R. Walker; 36 Ex officio: Florida Area Resident Bishop, Kenneth Carter; Director of Connectional and Justice 37 Ministries, Sharon Austin 38 Past Conference Lay Leaders: Russ Graves (AC); Sharon Luther (SW); Bill Walker (EC); Terrell 39 Sessums (SC); Mary Alice Massey (NE); Jody Moxley (AC); Frank Furman (SE) 40 Staff Liaison: Sherri Lingle, Program Coordinator 41

- 40 - 1 Lay Servant Ministries 2 Conference Director: Rod Groom (16) 3 District Directors: Linda Cumbie (15/23/NE); Mary Lous Rothfuss (15/23/AC); Jim Boesch 4 (15/23/EC); Rhonda Smith (16/24/GC); Sherri Woodstuff (15/23/NC); Joyce Estes (11/19/NW); 5 Gail Kantz (11/19/SC), Gene Louise Fisher (09/17/SW); 6 7 Committee on Disability Awareness 8 Jill Stefan (15/23/GC) 9 10 United Methodist Men 11 President: John Rogers 12 First Vice President: Jim Boesch 13 Second Vice President: Charlie Perry 14 Secretary: Bill Fritchman 15 Treasurer: TBD 16 Cabinet Representative/Conference Lay Leader: TBD 17 Directors: John Dowell, Hakim Lucas 18 Ex-Officio Members: Rodney Akers, Past President; D.R. Walker, Conference Scouting 19 Coordinator 20 District UMM Presidents: Tony Ash (SE); Richard Gray (EC), Chet Klinger (GC), Michael 21 Maxwell (NE); Stan Monroe (NW), John Delaney (SW) 22 Vacancies in AC, SE, NC 23 24 United Methodist Women 25 President: Kay Roach (NW) 26 Vice President: Mae Griner (NC) 27 Secretary: Linda Parrish (AC) 28 Treasurer: Ethel Ewing (SC) 29 Secretary of Program Resources: Kenya Monroe (SC) 30 Chair, Committee on Nominations: Ruth Jean-Pierre (15/23/SE) 31 Social Justice Representative: Edith Zewadski-Bricker; Haitian Coordinator: Ciliane Louis 32 (16/20/SE); Korean Coordinator –Jiyeon (Sophia) Pak (15/23/SC); Hispanic Coordinator: Kathy 33 Guevara-Acosta (15/23/SE); Dean, Missions u: Ruth Jean-Pierre (15/23/SE); UMW National 34 Office Director,: Judith Pierre-Okerson (11/19/SE); UMW National Office Program Advisory 35 Group – Annabelle Bricker (13/21/SE); SEJ Member of the Committee on Nominations Paulette 36 Monroe (13/21/SC) and Dianne Springer (14/22/GC) 37 Class of 2016: Gwen Dixon (13/16/NW); Alma Manney (13/16/EC) 38 Class of 2017: Marilyn Holsipple (14/17/NC); Ruth Jean-Pierre (14/17/SE) 39 Class of 2018: Sookkyuing Chae (15/18/SW); Denise Morrell (15/18/NE) 40 Class of 2019: Jannett Sue Hawley (16/19/SW); Martha Wellington (16/19/NC) 41 Resident Bishop: Kenneth Carter; Cabinet Representative: TBD 42

- 41 - 1 The Ministry of the Ordained 2 3 Conference Board of Ordained Ministry 4 Chairperson: 5 Vice Chairperson: 6 Secretary: 7 Registrar: Sarah McKinley 8 Chair of the Order of Elders: Robert Laidlaw 9 Chair of the Order of Deacons: Monique McBride 10 Chair, Division of Deacons: 11 Chair, Division of Elders: David Allen 12 Chair, Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members: Susie Horner 13 District Representatives: David Miller (EC); Lee Lallance (15/24/SC); Susie Horner (12/24/NW); 14 Robert Laidlaw (08/20/NW) 15 Class of 2020: Debbie Allen (15/20/NC); Dan Bell (08/20/SE); Anne Burkholder (09/20/); Mark 16 Caldwell (11/20/SE); June Edwards (08/20/SC); Christine Holden (11/20/SW); Tracy Hunter 17 (08/20/EC); Jim Lake (08/20/AC); Monique McBride (11/20/NC); Tom McCloskey (08/20/EC); 18 Chris McNeill (08/20/NE); David Miller (08/20/GC); Brett Opalinski (08/20/SE); Jeremy Rebman 19 (08/20/NW); Sidney Tompkins (08/20/GC) 20 Class of 2024: David Allen (12/24/EC); Arlindall Burks (12/24/NE); Melissa Cooper (12/24/NC); 21 Kevin James (13/24/EC); Richard Landon (12/24/GC); Montreuil Milord (12/24/SE); Tapiwa 22 Mucherera (12/24/EC); Simon Osulana (12/24/SE); Melissa Pisco (13/24/NE); Sam Ramirez 23 (12/24/SC); Armando Rodriguez (12/24/NW); Scott Smith (12/24/EC); Jay Therrell (12/24/SW) 24 Class of 2028: Cathy Hart (16/28/GC); Chris Jones (16/28/EC); Nakako Kellum (16/28/SW); 25 Betsy Ouellette-Zierden (16/28/NW); Steve Price (16/28/GC); Danilo Quevedo (16/28/SE); 26 Charley Reeb (16/28/GC); Roy Terry (16/28/SW); Matthew Williams (16/28/SW); 27 Lay Members: Jill Barton (12/24/AC); Mark Capron (09/20/SC); Janet Earls (16/28/SC); Dave 28 Elyea (09/20/NW); Callie MacLeod (12/24/GC); Guy Minviel (09/20/SE); Heather Pancoast 29 (16/28/NC); Sam Sheets (12/24/SC); Alice Williams (16/28/EC); Ex officio: Executive Director, 30 Center for Clergy Excellence 31 Cabinet Representative: Bob Bushong 32 33 Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits 34 Chairperson: Scott Davidson (16) 35 Vice Chairperson: Clare Chance (16) 36 Secretary: Patrice Peterson 37 Treasurer: Tony Prestipinio 38 Clergy: David Averill (13/21/NC); Archie Buie (15/23/SC); Clare Chance (12/20/NE); David 39 Dodge (16/24/SC); John Hicks (15/23/NW); Doug McClain (15/23/AC) 40 Laymen: John Benton (11/19/NW); Scott Davidson (10/18/EC); Walter Dry (12/20/GC); Tom 41 McCracken (14/22/NC) 42 Laywomen: JoAnna Franz (15/23/SC); Gloria Campbell (16/24/GC); Kyle Henderson (12/20/AC; 43 Karen Huff (14/22/NE); Irene Ingram-Bailey (14/22/NE); Linda Moss (12/20/AC); Patrice 44 Peterson (10/18/NE); Sharon Saige (16/24/AC)

- 42 - 1 Ex officio: Conference Secretary; Conference Treasurer; Conference Human Resources 2 Cabinet Representative: Sue Haupert-Johnson 3 4 Committee on Clergy Effectiveness 5 Chairperson: 6 Secretary: 7 Dionne Hammond (15/23/AC); Jim Harnish (15/23/SC); Bruce Jones (15/23/NE); Joanes Martin 8 (15/23/AC); Ben Stillwell Hernandez (15/23/EC); Sheryl Marks Williams (15/23/SE); Lucy Wray 9 (15/23/GC) 10 Ex officio: Director, Office of Clergy Excellence; Cabinet Representative–Cynthia Weems 11 12 Joint Committee on Medical Leave 13 Chairperson: Scott Davidson 14 Secretary: Patrice Peterson 15 Cabinet Representative: Sue Haupert-Johnson 16 Executive Director of Division of Ministry: Sara McKinley 17 Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits: Marilyn Mollica 18 Conference Board of Ordained Ministry: James Lake 19 20 Commission on Equitable Compensation 21 Chairperson: Brian Carr (12) 22 Secretary: 23 Class of 2017: Suzy Baad (13/21/GC); Bruce Jones (13/21/NE); Ithamar Fonrose (13/21/EC); 24 Jackie McMillan (12/20/GC) 25 Class of 2018: Chris Akers (14/22/EC); Michael Frazier (14/22/GC); Janie McCluney (12/20/NC); 26 Jim Thomas (14/22/SW) 27 Class of 2019: Jay Kowalski (15/23/GC); Simon Osunlana (15/23/SE); Tom Ponton (11/19/SC); 28 C.J. Walters (15/23/SE) 29 Class of 2020: Brian Carr (12/20/EC); Susan Gray (16/24/NC); Oscar Negron (16/24/SE) 30 Cabinet Representative: Cynthia Weems 31 Director of Missional Engagement, Clarke Campbell-Evans; Conference Treasurer, Tony 32 Prestipino; Council on Finance and Administration Representative 33 34 Committee on Institute of Preaching 35 Chairperson: Matthew Hartsfield (15) 36 Class of 2020: Matthew Hartsfield (12/20/SC); Bruce Jones (13/20/NE); Daren Richards 37 (16/20/SC) 38 Class of 2024: Bruce Toms (16/24/SC); John Griswold (16/24/AC); Juana Jordan (16/24/SE); Matt 39 Horan (16/24/SE); Kent Crow (16/24/AC); Linda Tice (16/24/GC) 40 Conference Staff: Director, Office of Clergy Excellence 41 Ex officio: Jim Harnish; Nathan Kirkpatrick 42 Emeritus: Gene Zimmerman 43

- 43 - 1 Committee on Investigation 2 Clergy: Lawrence Barriner; Gustavo Betancourt, Justin LaRosa, Betsy Oullette-Zierden 3 Lay: Oscar Negron, Ed Qualls, Anthony Tatti (Chairperson) 4 Alternate Members - Clergy: Cheryl Jane (CJ) Walter, Nako Kellum 5 Alternate Members - Laity: Gary Sanders 6 7 8 The Stewardship of the Conference 9 10 Board of Trustees of the Florida United Methodist Conference, Inc. 11 President: Yoniece Dixon (15) 12 Vice President: 13 Secretary: 14 Class of 2017: Paul Machtel (09/17/AC) 15 Class of 2018: Courtney Ball (13/21/SC); John Griswold (13/21/AC); Michael Weaver (14/22NC) 16 Class of 2019: Yoniece Dixon (11/19/SC); Jim Luther (15/23/SW) 17 Class of 2020: Jeff Bennett (16/24/NE); Ken Hamilton (16/24/NW); John Legg (12/20/EC); 18 Mozelle Thomas (12/20/NE) 19 Ex officio: Florida Area Resident Bishop: Ken Carter; Director of Connectional and Justice 20 Ministries: Sharon Austin; Conference Treasurer: Tony Prestipino; Director, Higher Education 21 and Campus Ministry: David Fuquay; Chair, Higher Education and Campus Ministry: TBD; 22 Director Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries: Mike Standifer: Chair, Board of Camps and 23 Retreat Ministries: Hunter Short; President of Florida United Methodist Foundation; Attorney, 24 Jim Meyer; Cemeteries, Ed Dinkins 25 26 Council on Finance and Administration 27 President: Harriet Mayes (15) 28 Vice President: Kelly Smith (16) 29 Secretary: 30 Class of 2017: Charles Blose (09/17/AC); Bob Grizzard (09/17/SC); Bob Matthews (09/17/NC): 31 Jim Mitchell (13/21/SC); Kelly Smith (13/21/EC); Bridget Thornton (13/21/SC) 32 Class of 2018: Sue Piirainen (14/22/SW) 33 Class of 2019: Russ Barlow (15/23/GC); Daniel Ivey (13/21/EC); Carolyn Williamson (15/23/NE) 34 Class of 2020: Scott Harris (16/24/EC); Harriet Mayes (12/20/SC); John Rose (16/24/SC); Donna 35 Ruhsam (16/24/NE); Kim Uchimurra (12/20/SC); Matt White (16/24/AC) 36 Ex officio: Florida Area Resident Bishop; Conference Treasurer; Assistant to the Bishop; 37 Director of Connectional and Justice Ministries; President, The United Methodist Foundation, 38 Inc.; Chairperson of Ministry Protection, 39 Cabinet Representative: Walter Monroe 40 41 Ministry Protection 42 Chairperson: Susie Horner (12) 43 Vice Chair: Mark Arnold (12) 44 Class of 2017: Tommy Martin (13/21/EC); Doug Townley (13/21/SC)

- 44 - 1 Class of 2018: Steve Edwards (14/22/NC); Susie Horner (10/18/NW); Daphne Johnson 2 (11/19/GC); Barb Riggs (14/22/SW) 3 Class of 2019: Mark Arnold (11/19/GC) 4 Representative from CF&A; Conference Trustees Representative 5 Ex-officio: Conference Treasurer: Tony Prestipino; Claims/Risk Manager: LaNita Battles; 6 Conference Chancellor: Paul Butler; Cabinet Liaison: TBD 7 8 Committee on Conference Nominations and Leadership 9 Chairperson: Bishop Kenneth Carter 10 Assistant to the Bishop; District Superintendents; Director of Connectional and Justice 11 Ministries; Conference Secretary; Conference Lay Leader; Conference President, United 12 Methodist Men; Conference President, United Methodist Women; President; Network on 13 Youth/Young Adults 14 District Representatives: Charlie Blose (13/21/AC); Alice Williams (12/20/EC); Suzy Baad 15 (12/20/GC); Lenny Schultz (09/17/NC); Jim Crosby (12/20/NW); NW alternate: Dan Rosier 16 (12/20/NW); John Reever (11/19/SC); Mike Sullivan (12/20/SE); Nancy Metz (14/22/SW) 17 18 Committee on Standing Rules 19 Chairperson: Steve Hart (14) 20 Vice Chairperson: 21 Class of 2017: David Juliano (13/21/SW); Linda Tice (13/21/GC) 22 Class of 2018: Steve Hart (14/22/AC) 23 Class of 2019: Mark Capron (13/21/SC); Chris Sanders (15/23/NE) 24 Class of 2020: Edward Kellum (12/20/SW); Jonathan Smith (12/20/NE) 25 Ex officio: Conference Secretary; Director of Connectional and Justice Ministries; Bishop’s 26 Representative: Alex Shanks 27 28 29 Episcopal Oversight 30 31 Committee on Episcopacy 32 Co-chairpersons: Molly McEntire and Sue Haupert-Johnson 33 Vice Chairperson: Walter Dry (12) 34 Secretary: 35 Laywomen: Molly McEntire (16/24/SC); Paula Mims (13/21/SC); Sharon Luther (16/24/SW) 36 Laymen: Scott Davidson (16/24/EC); Mike Kennedy (16/24/GC); Chuck Mallue (16/24/EC) 37 Clergy: Dionne Hammond (16/24/AC); Sue Haupert-Johnson (16/24/NC); Juana Jordan 38 (16/24/SE); Armando Rodriguez (16/24/NW); Vickie Walker (16.24.SC) 39 Conference Lay Leader: TBD; Conference UMM President: John Rogers; Conference UMW 40 President: Kay Roach; Conference Youth President: Isaac Newton 41 CF&A Representative: Bob Grizzard 42 Board of Trustees Representative: Mozelle Thomas 43

- 45 - 1 Administrative Review Committee 2 Chairperson: 3 Members: Wayne Curry (12/20/NW); Dionne Hammond (12/20/AC); Gary Uplegger (12/20/NC) 4 Alternates: Chuck Englehardt (12/20/GC); Daphne Johnson (12/20/GC) 5 6 7 Annual Conference Committees 8 9 Committee on Annual Conference Program 10 Presiding Bishop; members of the Cabinet; Conference Lay Leader; District Lay Leaders; 11 Conference Secretary; Annual Conference Coordinator; Worship Chair – Kandace Brooks 12 13 General Conference Legislative Committee 14 Chairperson: Anne Burkholder (12) 15 Class of 2016: Shelly Denmark (13/21/EC) 16 Class of 2017: Mike Zdorow (13/21/SE); Debra Walker (13/21/SE) 17 Class of 2019: Anne Burkholder (12/20); Linda Tice (12/20/GC) 18 19 Committee on Memoirs 20 Co-Chairpersons: Dennis and Ann White (15/23/NE) 21 22 Committee on Resolutions 23 Chairperson: TBD 24 Class of 2017: Melanie Fierbaugh (14/22/SW); Simon Kellog (14/22/SC) 25 Class of 2018: Matt Horan (14/22/SC); Mike McFadden (14/22/GC) 26 Class of 2019: 27 Class of 2020: 28 Randy Strickland (11/19/NE) 29 Ex officio: Conference Secretary 30 31 Election Procedures Committee 32 Chairperson: Cory Britt (16) 33 Vice Chairperson: 34 Cory Britt (12/20/SC); Tracy Hunter (14/16/EC); Sharon Luther (12/20/SW); Nancy Mayuex 35 (16/20/SW); Jennifer Potter (16/24/GC); Peggy Wilkins (12/20/SW) 36 Ex-officio: Conference Secretary 37 38 Extended Connection Leaders 39 (Boards of Directors and Trustees of Related Institutions) 40 41 Justice For Our Neighbors 42 TBD 43

- 46 - 1 Trustees, Florida United Methodist Children’s Home 2 TBD 3 4 Board of Directors, Florida United Methodist Foundation, Inc. 5 Chairperson: Julia Mercier (15) 6 Vice Chairperson: Robert White (15) 7 Secretary: Beverly Judge (13) 8 Class of 2017: Stephen Bell (15/GC); Markita Cooper (13/EC); Andy McEntire (13/SC); Dennis 9 Vlassis (07/AC); Thom Shafer (12/SW); Robert White (10/(EC) 10 Class of 2018: Julia Mercier (08/SW); Harold Hendren (15/NC); Charles Hackney (07/GC); 11 Geraldine W. McClellan (11/NC); Jane M. Zody (13/NW); Gustavo Betancourt (14/SE); Robert 12 Showalter (14/EC); Daniel Hager (14/GC) 13 Class of 2019: Lawrence Q. Barriner, Sr. (13/NE); David Butcher (09/SC); Ann Eppinger 14 (10/EC); P. J. Gardner (12/SC); Beverly Judge (12EC); Steve M. Price (13/GC) 15 16 Preachers Relief Board 17 Scott Davidson (16/24/EC); Clare Watson-Chance (16/24/NE); Patrice Peterson (16/24/NE); Tony 18 Prestipino (16/24/SC) 19 20 Trustees, Florida Southern College 21 TBD May 2016 22 23 Trustees, Bethune-Cookman University 24 Chair: Dr. Joe Petrock 25 First Vice Chair: Nelson L. Adams 26 Second Vice Chair: Joyce Anne Hanks Moorehead, Esquire 27 Third Vice Chair: Bishop Kenneth H.Carter, Jr. 28 Secretary: Joyce Odongo 29 Chaplain: Rev. Annette Stiles Pendergrass 30 Parliamentarian: John A. Rogers. Esquire 31 Chairperson - Finance: Dr. J.F. Bryan, IV 32 Chairperson - Institutional Advancementr: Robert L. Billingslea 33 Chairperson - Educational Policies: Linda F. Wells 34 Chairperson - Nominations and Governance: Michelle Carter-Scott 35 Chairperson - Student Life: Thom Shafer 36 Immediate Past Chair; Rev. Dr. John W. Harrington 37 At large: Jennifer Q. Adams; A. Ray Brinson; Dr. Warrick L. Carter; Audley Coakley; Antonio T. 38 “Tony” Coley; Dr. Joyce Cusack; Wayne A. Davis; Gergorio “Greg” A. Francis; Dr. Awilda 39 Hamilton; Rev. Sue Haupert-Johnson; Dr. William E. Hogan II; Dr. La-Doris McClaney; Mr. 40 Johnny L. McCray, Jr; Lucille O’Neal; Belvin Perry Jr., Esquire; Rev. Catherine Fluck Price; 41 Rafael A. Ramirez Jr.; John A. Rogers, Jr, Esquire; Teresa M. Sebastian, Esquire; Dr. Kent 42 Sharples; Bishop Richard (Dick) J. Wills Jr.; Milton “Mickey” Wilson; Rufus L. Wilson; M. Decker 43 Youngman

- 47 - 1 Ex officio Status: Rev. Bob Bushong (District Superintendent); TBD (Conference Lay Leader); 2 Dr. Edison O. Jackson (President); Chad A. Powell (SGA Representative); Dr. Valerie Mitchell 3 Sigwalt (Faculty Prepresentative) 4 5 Florida Conference Historical Society 6 Chair: Daphne Johnson 7 Vice President: Douglas Hallman 8 Secretary: Larry Loveday 9 Archivist: Nell Thrift 10 Chairperson, Archives and History: Leah Pittard 11 12 13 14 15 DISTRICT LEADERS 16 The following Leaders, nominated by District Committees on Leadership (Nominations) are 17 elected at Annual Conference to serve in various capacities in both the conference and the 18 district. 19 20 ATLANTIC CENTRAL 21 22 Leadership Council: (functions as Trustees, Finance, Visioning, and Leadership Development) 23 Chairperson: Marta Burke 24 Vice Chair: Marcus Zillman 25 Secretary: Patti Moxley 26 District Leader of Laity: Bill Messersmith 27 Class of 2017: Bill Messersmith; Ruth Mageria; Steve Hart; Mary Lou Rothfuss, Patti Moxley 28 Class of 2018: Willie Miller, Jr.; Ann Davis; Charline Pierre, John Gill; Marta Burke 29 Class of 2019: Marcus Zillman, Becky Oliver, Bruce Kitson 30 31 Congregational Vitality Team 32 Chair: Damon Hart 33 Vice Chair: 34 Leader of Laity: Bill Messersmith 35 Class of 2017: Bruce Kitson; Pam Hall; Doug McClain 36 Class of 2018: Elizabeth Bostrom; Kent Crow; Joe Jursa; Bill Corristan 37 Class of 2019: Alexis Talbott; Betty Kniss; Damon Hart, John Gill; Gary Upleger 38 39 New Church Development 40 Chairperson: Marcus Zillman 41 Class of 2017: Marcus Zillman, Pam Cahoon 42 Class of 2018: Tom Tift 43 Class of 2019: Bruce Kitson, John Welsh, Gary Upleger 44

- 48 - 1 Committee on Ordained Ministry 2 Chairperson: Jim Lake 3 Vice Chair: Cliff Melvin 4 Secretary/Registrar: Katherine DeLozier 5 Class of 2017: Steve Nolin; Betty Kniss; Tim May; Tom Pope 6 Class of 2018: Jim Lake; Joanes Martin; Cliff Melvin; Ken Roberts; Barbara Porcher; Phyllis 7 Day; Ava Guy 8 Class of 2019: Bruce Kitson; Mary Jo Bray; Craig Hammond; Kitty Eddy; Carol Murphy; Emily 9 McGee 10 11 Committee on Leadership (Nominations) 12 Chairperson: District Superintendent, Gary Spencer 13 Vice Chair: District Leader of Laity: Bill Messersmith 14 Class of 2017: Kyle Henderson; Mary Lou Rothfuss 15 Class of 2018: Patti Moxley; Willie Miller 16 Class of 2019: Marta Burke 17 18 Board of Location and Buildings 19 Chair: Kent Crow 20 Vice Chair: Bill Corristan 21 North Members: George Welch; Barry Richardson; Bill Corristan 22 South Members: Bruce Simpson; Kent Crow, David Branson 23 24 Clergy Housing Committee 25 Class of 2017: Dave Golden, Joe Jursa 26 Class of 2018: TBD 27 Class of 2019: Richard Jones 28 Clergy Care Team (*Coordinator) 29 David Branson, Fred Ball 30 31 CROS Ministries 32 Executive Director: Ruth Mageria 33 President: Eric Edlund 34 Secretary: Nancy Edwards 35 Treasurer: Patti Alexander 36 Pam Davis; Lynn Freytag; Rev. Gary Spencer; Tony Zmistowski; Joseph Black; Nancy 37 Edwards; Eric Edlund; Cynthia Kanai; Elizabeth Bockmeyer; Patti Alexander; Nancy Hurd; Dr. 38 John Conde; James Lawrence; Tim Pallesen 39

- 49 - 1 EAST CENTRAL 2 3 District Leadership Council 4 Chair: Brian Carr 5 Vice Chair: To Be Determined 6 Finance Chair: Scott Davidson 7 Secretary: Jeanine Clontz 8 District Superintendent: Bob Bushong 9 District Lay Leader: Alice Williams 10 District Associate Lay Leaders: Kim Lee; Melanie Lee 11 Class of 2017: Jeanine Clontz; Scott Davidson; Derek Scott 12 Class of 2018: Larry Kirkwood; Kim Lee; Melanie Lee; Debbie Mitchell 13 Class of 2019: Frank Mercer; Sarah Miller; Alice Williams 14 Class of 2020: Brian Carr; Jeanine Clontz; Erwin Lopez 15 Ex Officio: Bob Bushong, DS 16 17 Superintendency Committee: sub-committee of the DLC 18 Brian Carr; Scott Davidson; Alice Williams 19 20 Committee on Leadership (Nominations) 21 Chair: Bob Bushong, DS 22 Class of 2017: Brian Johnson; Sherry McElveen 23 Class of 2018: Nancy Trinchitella 24 Class of 2019: Laura Berg; Frank Mercer; Miguel Velez 25 Class of 2020: Bobby Brooks 26 Ex-Officio: Alice Williams – Lay Leader 27 28 Committee on Ordained Ministry 29 Chair: Scott Smith 30 Vice Chair: Tom Nelson 31 Registrar/Secretary: Elizabeth Flynn 32 Class of 2017: Benjamin Stilwell-Hernandez; Scott Smith; Kenneth Zimmerman 33 Class of 2018: Rusty Belcher; Wayne Cook; Eric McCrea; Tom Nelson; Gary Rideout 34 Class of 2019: Silas M’Mworia; Alice Williams 35 Class of 2020: Laura Berg-Deacon; Carla Cottrell; Chris Jones; Melynne Rust-Deacon; Jennifer 36 Stiles Williams 37 Ex Officio: Bob Bushong, DS 38 39 New Church Development Committee 40 Chair: Sarah Miller 41 Vice-Chair: To be determined 42 Secretary: To be determined 43 Finance Chair: Scott Davidson 44 Class of 2017: Scott Davidson; Sarah Miller

- 50 - 1 Class of 2018: Sherri Pruitt 2 Class of 2019: Brad Cowherd; David Joseph; Brian Johnson 3 Class of 2020: Owen Stricklin; David Miller 4 Ex Officio: Alice Williams-Lay Leader; Bob Bushong, DS 5 6 Board of Location and Building: Subcommittee of NCD 7 Chair: Sarah Miller serving as interim 8 Bob Caldwell; Peter Cottrell; Alex Fernandez; Tammi George; Barbara Seachrist; Owen Stricklin 9 Bob Bushong, DS 10 11 District Housing Committee: Responsibility of Board of Location and Building in East Central District 12 13 Congregational Vitality 14 Jim Boesch; Wayne Cook; Merrill Frailey; Eric McCrea; Michele Van Son; Skip Wagner; Alice 15 Williams 16 Bob Bushong, DS 17 18 Methodists United in Prayer Task Force (Cuba Florida Covenant) 19 Co-Chairs: Rusty Belcher; Aldo Martin; Chris Akers; 20 Bob Bushong, DS 21 22 District Lay Leader: Alice Williams 23 District Associate Lay Leaders: Kim Lee; Melanie Lee 24 Legal Advisors: Randolph Rush 25 Disaster Response Coordinators: Jeff Campbell; Annette Reyes-Burnsed 26 Hispanic Ministries Coordinator: To be Determined 27 Lay Servant Ministry Coordinator: Jim Boesch 28 Lay Servant Ministry Regional Coordinators: Volusia/Flagler Area - TBD 29 Central Florida Area - TBD 30 United Methodist Men District Pres: Richard Gray 31 United Methodist Women District Pres: Linda Gustafson 32 33 The following elect their own officers: 34 35 Halifax Urban Ministries Board of Directors 36 Executive Board Members 37 Chair: Pastor Tim Mann 38 Vice Chair: Anne Evans 39 Secretary: Steve Braun 40 Treasurer: Selma Barker 41 Executive Director: Mark Geallis 42 Board Members: David Barker; Ward Berg; Lonnie Brown; Brad Carter; Jerry Cutter; Sue Hale; 43 Dr. Robert Hammond; Duane Howe; Rev. John Legg; Vivian Robinson; Ted Serbousek; Bill 44 Shaffer; Dolores Smith; William Turner; Gary Wandelt; Ex officio: Rev. Dr. Bob Bushong, DS

- 51 - 1 Stetson University Wesley House Board of Directors 2 Chair: John Campbell 3 Director: Cindy Guiles 4 Student President: Dallas Black 5 Board Members: Mark Bitner; Tracy Blinn; John Dill; Lisa Eddy; Conya Hartman; Mike Rea; 6 Claudia Sava; Lynn Thompson; 7 Rev. Dr. Bob Bushong, DS 8 9 Central Florida Wesley Foundation Board of Directors 10 Director: Rev. Erwin Lopez 11 Associate Director: Charity Lopez 12 Assistant Director: Richie Hartig 13 Board Chair: Matthew Kanagy 14 Financial Director: Kim Short 15 Student Rep to Board: Matthew Young 16 Board Members: Chris Akers; Matthew Kern, Rick Jones, Heather Gray, Phyllis Klock; Jacob 17 Liseno; Jon Tschanz; Karisa Workman; 18 Rev. Dr. Bob Bushong, DS 19 20 21 22 GULF CENTRAL 23 24 Leadership Council 25 Chair: Thomas (Jay) Kowalski 26 Vice Chair: 27 Secretary: 28 Lay Leader: Chris Wolf 29 District Superintendent: 30 District Congregational Excellence Coordinator: Steve Potter 31 Ex officio: Maggie Corrigan 32 Class of 2017 Thomas (Jay) Kowalski; Jack Stephenson 33 Class of 2018 David Baldridge; Bob Bruso; Steve Cole 34 Class of 2019 Sue Eidschun; Gary Eldred; Ed Qualls 35 Class of 2020 Jackie McMillan; Craig Nelson; Chuck Engelhardt 36 37 Committee on Leadership (Nominations) 38 Chair: 39 Vice Chair: Chris Wolf 40 Secretary: Maggie Corrigan 41 Lay Leader: Chris Wolf; Associate Lay Leader Keri LaBrant 42 Ex. Officio: Maggie Corrigan; Steve Potter 43 Class of 2017 Pam Qualls; Kelly Smith 44 Class of 2018 Grant Corrigan; Alan Jackson

- 52 - 1 Class of 2019 Keri LaBrant; Chris Wolf 2 Class of 2020 Laura Ice; Jose Morales 3 4 Committee on Ordained Ministry 5 Chair: Bob Martin 6 Vice Chair: 7 Registrar: Deb Digman 8 Class of 2017 Emily Hotho; Patricia Masters; Linda Tice 9 Class of 2018 Sharon Davis; Mike Kennedy; Bob Martin 10 Class of 2019 Lynn Batista; Kimberly Brown; Jeremy Herrington 11 Class of 2020 John Griswold; Daphne Johnson; Charley Reeb; Matt Wallis 12 13 Board of Mission and Church Extension 14 Chair: Steve Cole 15 Vice Chair: 16 Secretary: Debbie Weekes 17 Lay Leader: Chris Wolf 18 Ex Officio: Maggie Corrigan 19 Class of 2017 Debbie Weekes; Chris Wolf 20 Class of 2018 Arch Johnston; Jack Stephenson 21 Class of 2019 Steve Cole; Rebecca Lehman 22 Class of 2020 Chris Crisler; Kelly Smith 23 24 Congregational Vitality Committee 25 Chair: David Rawls 26 Coordinator: Steve Potter 27 Lay Leader: Chris Wolf 28 Ex Officio: Maggie Corrigan 29 Class of 2017 Cathy Hart; Laura Ice 30 Class of 2018 Michael Frazier; Pam Qualls 31 Class of 2019 Gloria Campbell; Sharon Davis 32 Class of 2020 David Rawls; Lauren Wolf 33 34 Board of Location and Buildings 35 Chair: John Ekers 36 Vice Chair: 37 Secretary: 38 Lay Leader: Chris Wolf 39 Class of 2017 Suzy Baad Paul Nesler 40 Class of 2018 Bob Bruso; Robert Dinwiddie; Scott Hinrich 41 Class of 2019 Pam Dubov; Arch Johnston; Sharon Patch 42 Class of 2020 Pam DeDea; Garrett Digman; John Ekers 43

- 53 - 1 Clergy Housing Committee: 2 Chair: Patti Martin 3 Lay Leader: Chris Wolf 4 Class of 2017 Suzy Baad 5 Class of 2018 Patti Martin; Carol McQueen 6 Class of 2019 Helen Morrill; Joe Walker 7 Class of 2020 Dave Rogers; Rhonda Smith 8 9 District Leader of Laity: Chris Wolf 10 Associate District Lay Leader: Keri LaBrant 11 District Directors Lay Servant: Bob Bruso and Rhonda Smith 12 Legal Advisors: Steve Cole; Joe Mason 13 Disaster Response Coordinator: Laura Ice 14 Cuba/Florida Covenant: Karen Laukat 15 United Methodist Men: Chet Klinger 16 United Methodist Men: Donna Phelps-Leynse 17 18 United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/ Suncoast 19 Chair: Doug O’Dowd 20 Executive Director: Pamela Qualls 21 Directors: Walter Dry; John Ekers; Sr.; Doug O’Dowd; Rosemary Uebel; Lorena Walton 22 23 24 25 NORTH CENTRAL 26 TBD 27 28 29 30 NORTH EAST 31 32 Leadership Council (also serves as Committee on Superintendency) 33 Class of 2017: Bruce Jones, Darrel Wyatt, Marilyn Myrick 34 Class of 2018: Steve Putnam, Avis Smith, Karl Wiggins 35 Class of 2019: Steve Painter, Rose Muller, Scott Farman 36 Class of 2020: Heather Harper, John Bennett, Richard Diaz 37 Ex officio with vote: District Superintendent, District Lay Leader 38 Ex officio without vote: COM Staffperson 39 40 District Committee on Location and Building 41 Class of 2017: Mozelle Thomas, Ken Baker 42 Class of 2018: Libby Shorb, Mark Loveland 43 Class of 2019: Greg Grant, Doug Register 44 Class of 2020: Dan Miller

- 54 - 1 Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development 2 Chair: Jay Therrell 3 Class of 2017: Larry Case 4 Class of 2018: Karl Wiggins, Linda Cumbie 5 Class of 2019: Don Thompson, Jr., Stella Painter 6 Class of 2020: 7 8 Committee on Ordained Ministry 9 Chair: Mike Moore 10 Registrar: Elizabeth Flynn 11 Barry Andrews, Mike Moore, Jay Therrell, Pat Turner-Sharpton, Tony Chance, Bill McRae, Kim 12 Straughn, Carole Rooks, Charles Lever; Scott Farman, Arlinda Burks, Alan Patz, David 13 Moenning 14 15 New Church Development Committee 16 Chair: Randy Jordan 17 Class of 2017: Ruth Woo, Lawrence Barriner 18 Class of 2018: Randy Jordan, Mike Groos 19 Class of 2019: Wendell Davis, 20 Class of 2020: Nick Morcom 21 Ex officio with vote: District Superintendent 22 Ex officio without vote: COM Staffperson 23 24 Church Vitality 25 Chair: Tony Fotsch 26 Bill Bailey, Charlie Sward, Linda Mobley, Bill Sparks, Karen Coleman, Rebecca Ballowe 27 28 Clergy Housing Committee 29 Brenda Brown, Joan Bryant, Haley Jones, A. C. Myers, Kathy Nipper 30 Consultant: Doug Register 31 32 District Lay Leader: Patrice Peterson 33 Associate District Lay Leader: Rose Muller 34 District United Methodist Women President: Glenda Spickelmier 35 District United Methodist Men President: Michael Maxwell 36 Methodists United in Prayer Cuba/Florida Covenant Coordinator: George Reed 37 District Scouting: Ed Meade 38 District Youth Coordinator: Justin Rimondi 39

- 55 - 1 NORTH WEST 2 3 NWD Leadership Council 4 Chair: Greg Doss 5 Class of 2016: Dan Rosier, April Henkel 6 Class of 2017: Greg Doss, Alinda Goodwin, Dennis Lewis 7 Class of 2018: Eunice Barbaree, Amber Tompkins, Jack Ladd 8 Class of 2019: Gwen Dixon, Susan Grantham, Jim Govatos 9 Chair/Representative of Trustees: Alinda Goodwin 10 Representative of Congregation Vitality: Dave Elyea 11 Representative of Hispanic Ministry: LeRoy Irwin 12 Representative of Finance: Ken Hamilton 13 District Superintendent 14 15 Committee on Leadership/Nominations 16 Chair: Durwood Foshee, DS 17 Jim Crosby; James Howes; Jack Pearce; Mary Helen Studebaker; Gail Christy-Jones; Deborah 18 Brown; Barbara Awoniyi; Betsy Ouellette-Zierden, Ken Hamilton 19 20 Committee on Ordained Ministry 21 Chair: Kandace Brooks 22 Registrar: Billy Vinson 23 Kandace Brooks; Patty Daniels; June Gay, Barbara Hynes; Barbara Awoniyi; Ken Hamilton; 24 Susan Thompson; Herb McRae; Delores Saulsby; Billy Vinson; John Whitehead; Mike Fordham; 25 Barbara Williams, Durwood Foshee, DS 26 27 Congregational Vitality 28 Chair: Dave Elyea 29 Phil Brown; Kimberly Davis; Durwood Foshee (DS), James Howes; Alyce Parmer; Pocko 30 Vause; John Hay; Clarence DeSue; Lynn Piccolo; Anne Pelt 31 32 Superindency 33 Susie Horner; Dan Rosier; Deborah Brown; Carolyn Miller, Chair of Leadership Council and 34 Chair of Trustees 35 36 UM Cooperative Ministries of Madison County 37 Chair: Sandra Ulm 38 Vice-Chair: Pat Warren 39 Treasurer: Pat Ruttan 40 Secretary: Deborah Brown 41 Finance Secretary: Sue Hunter 42 Cynthia Brown, Marie Cone, Stuart Fenneman, Linda Gaston, Michael Halley, Ruth Herndon, 43 Lacey Hudson, Ralph Hudson, Jim Hunter, Sue Hunter, Mae Irby, Robert Laidlaw, Francis 44 Mercer, Charlie Peck, George Pridgeon, Chan Rains, Cherryl Register, Sonny Rollings, Paul

- 56 - 1 Rowell, Gary Sailer, Gaines Starling Jr., Archie Strickland, Paulkne Strickland, Mary Helen 2 Studebaker, Margaret Throgmorton, Loren Vause, Charles Wooten, Peggy Wooten, La Nora 3 Zipperer 4 Ex Officio: District Superintendent 5 6 Wesley Foundation – Florida State University 7 President: Keith Tischler 8 Vice President: Starr Clay 9 Treasurer: Jimmie Duncan 10 Secretary: Judy Watson 11 Jon Brewster, Chip Collette, Marcia Dukes, Bill Fritchman, David Jones, Jack Ladd, Pam 12 McMillan, Nick Quinton, Jim Parry, Alan Rowan, Adriane Tinsley, Mike West 13 Students: Will Harms, Laura Hunt, Ben Spangler 14 15 Wesley Foundation – Florida A & M 16 Brittany Davis, Destiny Tolbert, Kenya Washington Johnson, Darryl Scriven, Tia Simmons, 17 Robert Streater 18 Ex Officio: District Superintendent, Chandra Clark, Cynthia Sucher 19 20 Lay Leader: Jim Crosby; Co-Lay Leader: Dan Rosier 21 22 Disaster Response Coordinators: John Sink; Lee Neely; Carol McRae 23 24 Directors of Lay Speaking (Servant) Ministries: Joyce Estes 25 26 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Coordinator: Linda Bianco 27 28 29 30 SOUTH CENTRAL 31 TBD 32 33 34 35 SOUTH EAST 36 TBD 37 38 39 40 SOUTH WEST 41 TBD 42

- 57 - 1 STANDING RULES 2 3 Par. 208. Annual Conference Program Committee 4 5 1. Purpose. The Annual Conference Program Committee shall plan, implement and evaluate the 6 session of the Annual Conference and all matters relating to that session. The Annual 7 Conference Program Committee is empowered to establish any task forces necessary to 8 accomplish and fulfill its work. 9 10 2. Membership. The committee shall include the Bishop, the Assistant to the Bishop, the 11 Conference Director of Connectional Ministries, the Conference Lay Leader, the Conference 12 Secretary, the Worship Coordinator, and the Conference Director of Connectional Relations. 13 The Assistant to the Bishop and the Conference Director of Connectional Ministries shall serve 14 as co-chairs of the Program Committee. They shall be empowered to name other members to 15 the Program Committee as are needed to fulfill the planning and execution of a successful 16 session of the Annual Conference. A Certified Meeting Planner may be engaged to provide 17 expertise and assistance in the successful planning and execution of the session of the Annual 18 Conference. 19 20 21 Change Par 404.3 to: 22 The Strategic Leadership Team will be chosen by the Bishop in consultation with the Director of 23 Connectional Ministries and the Conference Lay Leader. 24

- 58 - 1 CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES 2 3 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES 4 Connectional Ministries has been blessed to appreciate a year of reflection and review. Our 5 ministries have taken the risks to ask questions regarding relevance and exploration of possible 6 `partnerships to strengthen resources, all in an effort to identify leaders toward strengthening the 7 local church. All of our ministries have acknowledged the need to position themselves as willing 8 partners to mentor and be mentored by youth and young adults. We realized how dangerous 9 and easy it became to remain insulated and isolated. 10 We are in the process of reinvigorating some of our ministries which have lain dormant for too 11 long. We will hear of one such example through the oral report from COSROW. This ministry is 12 one example of a ministry which should be more vital, and whose efficacy appears to be less 13 well known throughout our Conference than the stellar mission that it was designed to serve. 14 Conference ministry teams acknowledge that more community and ministry partnerships and 15 initiatives are possible that those currently realized. Conference staff have celebrated 16 community changes with the local DART organization, the local Chamber of Commerce and the 17 Kidspack food resource program in local schools. We commend these and a host of other 18 opportunities to local churches as they grow and then serve as witnesses of God’s grace and 19 love in their respective communities. 20 Challenging conversations with and among Conference ministry teams repeatedly bring us back 21 to addressing a changing culture through changed missional strategies of hearts, minds, and 22 initiatives: 23 1) People develop relationships in addition to developing methods of working together and 24 are fearful of experiencing the loss of time-tested relationships when they realize that 25 teams may change as ministry needs are reassessed. 26 2) New or renewed efforts toward effectiveness can leave some people feeling as though 27 their gifts have been devalued, if or when their efforts are redirected. 28 3) Conversations which remain limited within our ranks are usually ‘predictable. 29 4) We will have to engage in conversations and explore resources for effective ministry that 30 are not limited to additional funding, but possible reallocating of funding. 31 On behalf of the Conference, I am grateful for the leaders who give so freely of their time and 32 talents to insure that the Pre-Annual Conference Gatherings offer a rich and balanced fare of 33 ministry opportunities. We are blessed with gifted, spirit-filled leaders within the Conference and 34 gifted, spirit-filled friends throughout the Connection. 35 The FL Conference has maintained a reputation as innovator of new ministries, new ways of 36 investing in people resources toward strengthening the local church. With the advent of both the 37 General Conference and Southeastern Jurisdictional Conferences upon us, we will be reminded 38 throughout the years of the many ways in which we are a Connectional Church. We have 39 prayerfully nominated persons to be considered to lead our Conference ministries leading up to 40 this year’s Annual Conference whom we trust will effectively offer much-needed, Christ-centered

- 59 - 1 leadership. We ask your prayers for them and for others whose names will be offered for 2 General and Jurisdictional ministry leadership over the next quadrennium. 3 Finally, I am excited about the expansion of the breadth of Connectional Ministries to include 4 (Multicultural) and Justice Ministries. I am grateful to Bishop Carter for this honor and for his 5 confidence in me and in Connectional Ministries; to the Rev. Dr. Harold D. Lewis, Sr. who has 6 uniquely and spiritedly, led this work over the past three years, and to my new work with our 7 Director of Missional Engagement, the Rev. Clarke Campbell-Evans. I will draw on the vision of 8 these brothers on the way, in the coming days, as we seek to lead like Jesus! 9 Thank you for allowing me the privilege of doing this work! 10 Sharon G. Austin 11 Director of Connectional Ministries 12

- 60 - 1 CONNECTIONAL RELATIONS 2 3 We completed the transition to a storytelling focused website, featuring local church and 4 church member stories, and the latest numbers for the Florida Conference’s website page 5 views show a 335 percent increase over the old website’s monthly engagement statistics. We 6 know that our churches are changing the world, one story at a time, and we remain dedicated 7 to enabling individual churches and extension ministries to tell their stories, share their videos 8 and their photos.

9 10 Check out the year by the numbers! 11 Gretchen Hastings, Director

- 61 - BOARD OF CAMPS AND RETREAT MINISTRIES 1 2 The Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries (BCRM) is privileged to report that your Florida 3 Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries continues to provide vital sites of transformative 4 ministry. The site directors, staff and board are committed to continuing the trajectory of 5 operational sustainability, telling our stories and programmatic growth. All four sites (Centenary 6 Camp, Life Enrichment Center, Riverside Retreat, and Warren Willis Camp) are working 7 towards being financially sustainable and are growing in ministry programs and participants. 8 Apportionment dollars went to support scholarships, new program development to reach more 9 people, and overall coordination of our statewide ministry. Summer campers (total for all four 10 sites) exceeded the 4,000 mark for the fifth year in a row with 4,336 campers. 11 12 This past year marked an exciting time of facility growth. Centenary Camp added a new swing 13 set, monkey bars and a gaga pit. The Life Enrichment Center’s partnership with Shade and 14 Fresh Water allowed for a major renovation to the Wesley Suite which allows for retreats for 15 clergy. Riverside Camp & Retreat Center had several deferred maintenance issues that were 16 addressed in the kitchen, in the Red Pavilion, swimming pool & Lodges. A new ADA accessible 17 dock and walkway should finally be completed in May. This was funded by a generous grant 18 from Goodwill Industries and the Board of Trustees. It will be a great addition, so that everyone, 19 regardless of ability, will have access the river. The Warren Willis Camp added a second 20 bouldering wall as an additional activity for campers and guests near the lake on the south side 21 of the property. 22 23 This past year also marked a time of celebration, sadness and excitement. Jess Schload, 24 resigned as Director of Life Enrichment Center in May to lead Mount Sequoyah Retreat & 25 Conference Center in Fayetteville, AR. He and his wife Connie who was also employed at the 26 LEC have been valued members of our staff. Heather and Joel Pancoast, Assistant Director and 27 Program Manager at the Warren Willis Camp announced that they were leaving to co-lead 28 Gator Wesley in Gainesville. We are grateful for Jess, Heather and Joel’s leadership for the 29 many years they served in our camping and retreat ministries and we wish them well in their 30 new ministries. We are excited as we seek new leaders and are looking forward to future 31 ministry and growth at our sites. 32 33 The fifth annual Camping Sunday was held the last Sunday in February 2015, offering a chance 34 for each church in the conference to celebrate our camping ministry through the giving of 35 scholarships and encouraging excitement in congregations about summer camp. 36 37 Conference Youth Ministry Report: 2015 – March 2016 38 39 Conference Youth Ministry Table: Our table is made up of youth workers from eight of our nine 40 districts. The table plans training events, builds networks, and advocates for youth ministry. Our 41 table meets four times a year at the Conference Office. 42 43 Rooted: Annual Youth Worker Training Event: 44 45 2015 Event: September 21-22: 97 Participants from 78 Churches and 14 Presenters 46

- 62 - 1 2016 Event: September 19-20: This year’s event will be a combined event with all Youth 2 Workers and Children’s Ministry Workers invited to attend. We will focus on connection and the 3 ministry benefit of working together to be a resource to families in our local churches. We hope 4 to create friendships in ministry, and to help build a sense of connection in our Conference. 5 6 Youth Ministry Academy: The January 2015 Academy was a convention sponsored by the 7 Youth Ministry Institute, Ministry Architects, our Florida Conference, and two Episcopal 8 Dioceses in Florida. Our next Academy will be January 18-21, 2017. YMI, Florida UM Youth 9 Ministry Table, and the Center for Youth Ministry Training are putting on this regional training 10 event at FUMC Orlando. 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. Our plan is to continue growing this effort to provide these 16 events in each district. 17 18 Youth Ministry Institute: www.yminstitute.com 19 20 YMI continues to provide extremely valuable services to our conference. YMI’s youth ministry 21 training program, their free consultation services, and their youth minister search services help 22 in so many ways. In the Florida Conference in 2015, YMI staff visited with 45 local churches, 23 conducted 5 pre-hiring focus groups, contracted with 18 churches for the two-year training and 24 coaching program for their youth minister, contracted for the youth minister search for 5 25 churches, consulted on the phone with an additional 8 churches on a variety of youth ministry 26 issues. 27 28 Conference Connection on Youth Ministry (CCYM) 29 30 February 2015: Dare to ECHO 12 Churches 110 Participants 31 32 February 2016: Dare to SPARK 12 Churches 153 Participants 33 34 Our Dare event provides a great atmosphere to develop young Christian leaders in our 35 churches. Our CCYM works hard to be a positive voice for the youth in our conference. 36 37 CCYM and our Youth Delegation to annual conference are lead by Kelly Minter. Our CCYM 38 team grew, with the addition of students from two churches. CCYM is exploring issues that are 39 affecting this generation, working on our Dare training events, and promoting the Youth Service 40 Fund through launching new initiatives and grants. 41 42 Conference Youth Ministry Report submitted by Joel Pancoast, Conference Youth Ministry 43 Coordinator www.flumym.org 44 45 Camps, Retreats & Youth Ministry change lives. People come to our sites to experience 46 welcoming natural places set apart, genuine Christian hospitality, and life-changing experiences. 47 Our sites are working towards being financially sustainable and are projected to achieve this

- 63 - 1 goal in the future. New programs have started and are growing, new and renovated buildings 2 have emerged and the best is yet to come. 3 4 Faithfully submitted, 5 Mike Standifer, Director, Camps and Retreat Ministries 6 Rev. David McEntire, Chair, BCRM 7 8 9 FLORIDA CONFERENCE CHILDREN AND FAMILY MINISTRIES 10 11 There has been much discussion among conference leaders in the past year regarding children 12 and family ministries throughout the Florida Annual Conference. From these small 13 conversations, big visions have emerged among conference and ministry leadership. 14 15 A group of children’s ministry leaders has gathered regularly to discuss the needs of children 16 and children’s ministries throughout Florida and to envision ways the Florida Conference might 17 help create opportunities and resources in intentional and meaningful ways for our churches and 18 communities around the Florida Conference. 19 20 Already in place are ministries like LECFamily, the intergenerational ministry of the Life 21 Enrichment Center, which is now in its fifth year of providing family faith formation opportunities 22 like camps and retreats, as well as online resources and intergenerational ministry workshops 23 and training for local churches. 24 25 In addition, the Warren Willis Camp offers opportunities including 8 weeks of summer camp for 26 rising 4th and 5th graders as well as Day Camp for K-5. Throughout the year, they also host 27 Clergy Kids and Family retreat and Created By God, both opportunities for families to participate 28 in faith-forming experiences together. 29 30 Moving forward, the Children and Family Ministries team is looking to create more ways to reach 31 out to and resource local churches directly. The first event will be a partnership with the Youth 32 Ministry Table at Rooted, September 19-20, 2016 at the Warren Willis Camp. 33 34 This year, Rooted will include a Children’s Ministry Track in addition to conversations that are 35 pertinent to both children’s and youth ministers. It will be a great opportunity to make 36 connections with other children’s ministers in your area – you won’t want to miss it! 37 38 This event will be the first of many opportunities for learning, dreaming and networking among 39 pastors, children’s ministers, volunteers and others who care about the present and future of our 40 church. You are invited! 41 42 If you are interested in being a part of this group or getting your children’s and family minister 43 connected, contact Melissa Cooper at [email protected]. 44

- 64 - 1 BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND CAMPUS MINISTRY 2 3 Our Florida Conference ministries on college and university campuses continue a season of 4 growth and expansion towards our vision of reaching every student on every campus in each 5 generation. With ten Wesley Foundations, Bethune-Cookman University and Florida Southern 6 College, including new ministries at FAMU and FAU, we are effectively extending the ministry 7 on campuses across the Florida Conference. 8 9 Below are just a few of the things we are celebrating over this past conference year. For 10 updated information on all our ministries, visit our website: www.GoToWesley.org. 11 12 FSU Wesley Building Progress 13 Big things are happening in Tallahassee as the construction of the new FSU Wesley Foundation 14 building is well underway. The demolition of the Chapel of the Upper Room began in early 15 January and by March the foundation for the new facility on that footprint had been completed. 16 The new multi-purpose building, slated for completion in the spring of 2017, will have worship 17 space, offices, a prayer room, commercial kitchen and storage space. FSU Wesley is using their 18 1950’s fellowship hall and offices for all worship and programming during construction. That 19 building will also be demolished after construction on the new facility is completed. You can 20 follow the progress on the facility on their website: www.fsuwesley.com/building-project.html 21 22 FAMU Wesley Launched! 23 FAMU Wesley has officially been re-launched during the 2015-2016 academic year to great 24 success! Under the strong leadership of Rev. Dr. Latricia Scriven, a new and growing group of 25 Wesley students started meeting weekly on campus, with monthly worship beginning this past 26 spring. Dr. Scriven has also incorporated the ministry with a new Board, fundraising goals and 27 strategic plan for the ministry. Great things are ahead! 28 29 Atlantic Coast Wesley at FAU in Boca Raton to be launched! 30 The Atlantic Coast Wesley Foundation will be launched in the fall of 2016 as a partnership 31 between the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry (BHECM) and First United 32 Methodist Church of Boca Raton. The mission of the Atlantic Coast Wesley Foundation will be 33 to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world on the campus of Florida 34 Atlantic University (FAU) and other college and university campuses in a 30 mile radius. Our 35 vision is a vibrant, missional community of faith for college students who are becoming disciples 36 of Jesus Christ in the Wesleyan tradition, hearing and answering the call to participate in God’s 37 saving work in the world. 38 39 BHECM and FUMC-Boca Raton will share an active and ongoing partnership in creating and 40 sustaining the Atlantic Coast Wesley Foundation. Like the other Wesley Foundations across the 41 conference, the campus minister will be a conference employee through BHECM. The local 42 church will provide housing, Board leadership, local oversight, and program support. The 43 campus minister will be connected to the church staff and share some preaching 44 responsibilities, but have no other ministry responsibilities beyond the campus ministry.

- 65 - 1 United Wesley of Miami 2 In the spring of 2015, BHECM assessed the current and future potential of our two Wesley 3 Foundations in Miami: UM Wesley and FIU-MDC Wesley. The decision was made to merge 4 the two ministries into a “United Wesley.” With over 230,000 students enrolled in University of 5 Miami, Florida International University and Miami-Dade College combined, we looked forward to 6 the ways a campus minister team and a new unified Board would cast a vision for a city-wide 7 ministry reaching multiple, diverse campuses and a new generation of student leaders. We are 8 pleased to see the progress made in just one year. The new United Wesley Board has merged, 9 as have all financial and administrative functions of both ministries. The ministry programming 10 continues on each campus, with student leaders and staff finding new ways to build bridges 11 between the different campuses. 12 13 New Campus Ministers 14 We are pleased to welcome to our campus ministry team the new campus ministers appointed 15 for the 2016-2017 academic year. Joel and Heather Pancoast at Gator Wesley; Katie 16 Lineberger as Executive Director at United Wesley of Miami, and Ryan DeLaune at the new 17 Atlantic Coast Wesley at FAU. 18 19 Conclusion: 20 The Florida Conference is currently a leader in campus ministry but we can never be content to 21 merely maintain the status quo. Even as we strengthen our existing ministries with great leaders 22 and higher standards of accountability, we know that our vision for more ministries on more 23 campuses reaching as many students as possible is a missional imperative for the church and 24 the kingdom of God. 25 26 27 Rev. Dr. Lyndol Loyd, Chairperson 28 Rev. David Fuquay, Director 29

- 66 - 1 BEYOND 50 2 3 During October, 2015 the Beyond 50s Ministry Task Team of the Florida Annual Conference 4 along with FUMC of Winter Park offered “Great Expectations for Boomers and Beyond 5 Conference” for members and leaders of ministry to those 50 and beyond. Over 100+ 6 attendees, coming from as far away as Michigan, gathered in Winter Park. 7 8 The Beyond 50s Ministry Task Team has as one of its major goals to “train and resource 9 members and leaders of Beyond 50s Ministry in the local churches of the Florida Annual 10 Conference”. 2015 was the year to concentrate of this particular goal. 11 12 The Conference featured keynote speakers author Missy Buchanan and Growing Bolder’s Marc 13 Middleton as well as 25+ breakout sessions focusing on the challenges and adventures in life 14 for the fastest growing segment in the U.S. today, those who are 50 years and older. The 15 message for those gathered was that this is an age of opportunity: a time to pursue your 16 passions, reinvent yourselves, give back to your community, and to leave a meaningful legacy. 17 If not now, when? 18 19 Martha Virginia Spivey 20 21 22 SPIRITUAL FORMATION 23 24 Each year it is the honor of the Spiritual Formation team to create and host the Prayer Garden 25 at Annual Conference. In the midst of some of the requisite business of the Conference, the 26 Prayer Garden is designed to be a place of quiet and calm, a place of centering prayer and 27 spiritual direction. Communion is offered at the beginning of each day. Through each day the 28 invitation is extended for all who would welcome a time of respite to visit the Prayer Garden. 29 30 Spiritual Formation partners with the Center for Clergy Excellence during the Candidates 31 Retreats that are offered at the beginning training of all candidates for ministry in the Florida 32 Conference. Both new candidates and their mentors are included in a focus on Wellness in 33 Ministry. 34 35 Spiritual Formation has joined other Conference efforts to support the upcoming General 36 Conference by prayer gatherings and making of prayer bead gifts for each General Conference 37 delegate. Members of the Spiritual Formation team are giving leadership in the Prayer Garden 38 and spiritual direction areas of General Conference in Portland, Oregon. 39 40 In conjunction with Upper Room, the Florida Conference offers the 5-Day Academy for Spiritual 41 Formation. The faculty presenters this year were Rev. Dr. Steve Harper, and Rev. Dr. Elizabeth 42 Canham. Their daily topics of instruction and discussion were…Walking in Love (Steve Harper) 43 and Praying with God’s Two Books: Creation and the Bible (Liz Canham). A comtempletive,

- 67 - 1 prayerful atmosphere allows for deep consideration of the topics – spiritual growth and 2 friendship are the additional gifts of the 5-Days. 3 This has been a year of expanded requests for personal retreats that are mutually supported by 4 Spiritual Formation and Shade and Fresh Water teams. Many of the spiritual directors who 5 make themselves available for retreats serve on both the Spiritual Formation and Shade and 6 Fresh Water teams. 7 8 In an effort to support spiritual direction and enhance availability of directors for our Florida 9 clergy, gatherings of spiritual directors have been offered this year. Networking and spiritual 10 support were given special emphasis at these gatherings. An expanded pool of spiritual 11 directors resulted from this new exploration. 12 13 The Ware Trust Grant for Prayer and Spiritual Formation from H. Melton and Adelalide S. Ware 14 promises to be a vital enhancement toward new spiritual growth in the Florida Conference. 15 Conference Ministries will be invited to make application to receive funding to help sponsor 16 spiritual formation activities. The participants will have opportunity to become more passionate 17 disciples of Jesus Christ; develop a deeper love and devotion to God; and lead Christ-like lives 18 as they seek ways to love and serve God’s people empowered by the Holy Spirit. 19 20 How privileged we are to join all those across the Conference who are dedicating themselves 21 and their varied ministries to spiritual formation. 22 23 The theme for this year’s Annual Conference is Leading Like Jesus. The definition of Spiritual 24 Formation is the process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others. May 25 we all seek to live with this as our daily goal. 26 27 Respectfully submitted 28 Jim Cook 29 Spiritual Formation Chair 30

- 68 - 1 WOMEN’S RETREAT DESIGN TEAM 2 3 The Women’s Retreat Design Team organized and completed 3 retreat weekends for over 4 1,000 ladies attending from throughout the Florida Conference. Our theme for the 32nd Annual 5 Retreat was “Come, Holy Spirit”. The Old Testament Scripture was Psalm 51:10-12, “Create in 6 me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your 7 presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me 8 a willing spirit, to sustain me.” The New Testament Scripture was Acts 1:8, “But you will receive 9 power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about 10 me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 11 12 The retreats (Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday morning) were held at the Life Enrichment 13 Center (LEC) in Fruitland Park, one each in January, February and April. These retreats offered 14 an opportunity for women to break from day-to-day responsibilities to sing, pray, praise and 15 renew their relationship with the Lord. The weekend is trouble-free with all lodging and food 16 provided by the LEC, a marvelous setting for prayer, study and reflection. Our objective is for 17 these women to leave re-energized and re-dedicated to their walk as Christians with clean 18 hearts and steadfast spirits as they are ready to share Him to the ends of the earth! 19 20 Connectional Ministries, the Design Team and the LEC were honored to orchestrate and attend 21 the Women’s Retreats. We witnessed an amazing transformation in many women and 22 blessings bestowed on many others as evidenced by a sampling of answered prayers after the 23 Saturday evening dedication service. “I am no longer with pain and suffering in my heart,” 24 “Praises for ALL our Lord does for us,” “I FINALLY forgave my past,” and “I have held back in 25 my spiritual life for years. Recently I joined a prayer group. Last night I opened the door to the 26 Holy Spirit. Today I spoke up, Praise God!” These answered prayers are the reason we said 27 yes, with a servant’s heart, to serve on the Design Team. 28 29 Dedee McLeod 30 Chairperson 31 32

- 69 - 1 COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY 2 3 July 2015 was a great month for the Commission on Archives and History as we hosted the 4 Southeastern Jurisdiction Historical Society annual meeting at Florida Southern College and the 5 Florida United Methodist Heritage Center. More than fifty United Methodists from most of the 6 SEJ annual conferences, as well as the general secretary of the General Commission on 7 Archives and History, the Reverend Alfred Day, experienced A Kaleidoscope of Florida 8 Methodism. 9 10 A highlight of the gathering was a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright campus, which followed the 11 keynote address by Mark Tlachac, director, Child of the Sun Visitor Center. Other presentations 12 included Dr. Robert Tate's talk on the early years of Florida Southern; Dr. Evelyn Bethune's 13 insights into Mary McLeod Bethune, her grandmother; excerpts from diaries of Florida circuit 14 riders—from the “circuit riders” themselves; and a talk on early Methodism in Cuba and an up- 15 date on the Florida-Cuba relationship by Dr. Larry Rankin and Icel Rodriguez. The banquet in 16 the Eleanor Searle Drawing Room provided not only delicious food but delightful musical 17 entertainment coordinated by Diane Stahl. Bishop Richard Wills was celebrant at the closing 18 communion service in Danforth Chapel. It was a remarkable few days in the fantastic Florida 19 weather and warm welcome of the Florida Southern College campus as we looked at our 20 Methodist heritage. 21 22 The conference archives continues to receive, organize, and file records of local churches, 23 districts, and conference agencies. Nell Thrift, archivist, directs this work, along with the help of 24 volunteers. She conducts tours of the Heritage Center to convey the history of the Florida 25 Conference to help us move forward in the 21st Century. 26 27 Commission members continue to see that churches have up-to-date histories and that we have 28 an accurate founding date for each church. A workshop for local church historians to help them 29 better understand how to manage church records and to celebrate their histories was held as 30 part of the Atlantic Central District Training Event last January. Churches and districts are 31 encouraged to contact their representatives to schedule a workshop. 32 33 At last year’s Annual Conference, several commission members wore large yellow buttons 34 encouraging folks to “Ask Me About Some Old Stuff.” We had some pertinent and interesting 35 conversations regarding recordkeeping, church histories, and long-time church ministries. 36 Thanks for asking! 37 38 Three members of the Commission attended SEJ events during 2015: the SEJ Historical 39 Society Executive Committee meeting and the SEJ Commission on Archives and History annual 40 meeting, both at Lake Junaluska in November. Nell Thrift is secretary of the Historical Society 41 and member of the SEJ Commission; the Reverend Ivan Corbin is chairperson of the SEJ 42 Commission; and Leah Pittard is a member of the SEJ Historical Society Executive Committee. 43 44 Nell Thrift and Leah Pittard also attended the Heritage Preservation Workshop at Lake 45 Junaluska, which focused on disaster preparedness and recovery, with hands-on experience in 46 drying records, repairing books, salvaging photos, and more.

- 70 - 1 The celebration of anniversary churches and clergy at the 2015 Annual Conference was led by 2 a circuit rider (the Reverend Ivan Corbin). Each of the newly ordained elders and deacons 3 received a copy of Robert M. Temple’s history of the Florida Conference, Florida Flame, as well 4 as cards giving the chain of their ordinations back to . 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. 8 9 Churches being recognized with their identifying banners are 10 150 years (1866) First, Archer; Crawfordville; Glen Julia; Mt. Moriah, Jacksonville; 11 Free Canaan, Waldo 12 125 years (1891) First, Clermont; First, Hawthorne; First, Naples; Christ, St. Petersburg; First, 13 Sarasota 14 100 years (1916) Limona Village Chapel, Brandon; Greater Bell, Brooker; First, Lake Wales 15 75 years (1941) Kelly’s Chapel, Miami 16 50 years (1966) St. Andrew’s, Brandon; First, Jupiter-Tequesta; Wesley, Melbourne; 17 Riviera, St. Petersburg 18 25 years (1991) University Carillon, Oviedo; Edgewater, Port Charlotte; St. George Island 19 20 Clergy being recognized with certificates are 21 Ordained Deacon 1966 J. Walter Cross, Paul J. Dickinson, Robert E. Fannin, 22 Gordon E. Garthe, Laurence E. Hall, Lawrence J. Loveday, 23 David B. McGaffic, Herbert F. Spencer, Ronald. K. Sumpter 24 Ordained Deacon 1991 Daniel M. Bell, Jr., Daniel A. Campbell, Ronald A. Cichon, 25 Luc L. Dessieux, Bruce W. Ebert, Scott P. Farman, Preval S. 26 Floreal V, Delbert D. King, Deborah W. McKown, David R. 27 Miller, Thomas A. Pfaff, Richard H. Quackenbush, Dawn E. 28 Reichard, Jan L. Richardson, Dennis B. Simpson, Barbara A. 29 Stiles, Lonnie J. Thomas, Robert M. Wooten, Sr., Kipton B. 30 Younger 31 Consecrated Diaconal Minister 1991 Linda S. Alexander, David M. Burkett, 32 Carol Sue Hutchinson 33 34 Congratulations to these churches and persons who have served in their communities and 35 appointments in answer to God’s call to be in ministry and mission. 36 37 We are pleased to present Florida Southern College for inclusion as a Historic Site of the United 38 Methodist Church with the following resolution: 39 40 WHEREAS Florida Southern College was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 41 as the South Florida Seminary in Orlando in 1883 and continues to serve as the conference 42 college, preparing its students to make a positive impact on society and fostering their spiritual 43 growth; 44 45 WHEREAS the support of the Florida Annual Conference and United Methodists across Florida 46 has provided the moral and spiritual direction for the college and undergirded its financial base 47 for more than a century;

- 71 - 1 WHEREAS Florida Southern College is the home of the world’s largest single-site collection of 2 Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is part 3 of the National Historic Landmarks of the United States; and 4 5 WHEREAS this historic institution of the Florida Conference has met the guidelines for United 6 Methodist Historic Sites established by the General Commission on Archives and History, has 7 submitted appropriate documentation, and was on January 30, 2016, approved by the Florida 8 Conference Commission on Archives and History; 9 10 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Florida Annual Conference, in accordance with 11 ¶1712.1.a of the 2012 Book of Discipline, approve the designation of Florida Southern College 12 in Lakeland, Florida, as a Historic Site of the United Methodist Church. 13 Leah Pittard, chairperson 14 www.flumcarchives.org 15

- 72 - 1 THE OFFICE OF MISSIONAL ENGAGEMENT 2 3 4 MISSIONS 5 6 Thanks be to God for the many ways the people of the Florida Conference are making disciples 7 of Jesus Christ. These disciples participate in the mission of God, through the power of the Holy 8 Spirit, to transform their local communities, our state and the world. The Missions Committee 9 strives to partner with the Episcopal Office and the Office of Missional Engagement to equip and 10 collaborate with local churches and districts to grow disciples through missions. 11 12 The Committee invites you to attend the Conference’s first ever Mission: Ignite + Engage retreat 13 gathering, Sept. 30 – Oct. 2, at the LEC in Fruitland Park. This experience is for local United 14 Methodist Church leaders of mission and justice and other clergy and laity who share a passion 15 for the mission of God in the world. The weekend will feature worship, a keynote by Dr. Dana 16 Robert, author of Joy to the World: Mission in the Age of Global Christianity, workshops and 17 time to get to know others engaged in leading mission in churches across Florida. For more info, 18 visit the Conference website or contact Katherine Lain in the Missional Engagement office. 19 20 A group of Committee members serves as the Conference Committee on Mission Personnel 21 (CCMP) and continues their vital ministry to foster support around the Conference for our 22 current and future long-term missionaries serving around the world through the UMC’s General 23 Board of Global Ministries. I encourage you to contact CCMP chair Larry Rankin at 24 [email protected] if you feel called to serve in this ministry. 25 26 One role of the Committee is to consider applications for the creation of Conference Advance 27 Specials. These are projects whose fiscal agents are located within the bounds of the Annual 28 Conference or Episcopal Area and must have a regional, national or global appeal. The 29 Advance is an accountable, designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church that ensures 30 100% of each gift is used for its intended mission or ministry. 31 32 The Committee recently approved a new Advance Special that will help to create a pension fund 33 for retired Cuban Methodist pastors. Methodist pastors in Cuba, who advance God’s kingdom in 34 difficult circumstances, receive very low salaries. Consequently, their contributions to the 35 government-controlled retirement fund are extremely low and only account for a tiny monthly 36 income in retirement. Funds from this Advance will help to provide a modest supplement to their 37 retirement monthly income. 38 39 The Missions Committee, Methodists United in Prayer and the Conference Committee on 40 Pension and Health Benefits are collaborating to build this fund. The UMC’s General Board of

- 73 - 1 Pension and Health Benefits supports the effort by advising on fund design and sustainability. 2 Other Conferences active in Cuba have signaled their desire to participate. This will be a multi- 3 year grassroots initiative in the spirit of shared partnership with the church in Cuba and the 4 Florida Conference’s shared history with our Cuban Methodist brothers and sisters. 5 The Missional Engagement staff and the Committee have also begun to offer expertise and 6 support to churches who desire to be in mission with our brothers and sisters in the Methodist 7 Church in South Africa. 8 9 The Committee also served in two other ways this past year. The Committee continued in its 10 role of overseeing the receiving of applications and determination of awards for the Alice W. 11 Lockmiller grant program. Lockmiller grants help UM churches and agencies reach out into their 12 communities to meet the needs of children, youth and their families in economic and/or social 13 distress. 14 15 The Committee also celebrated the fruitful ministries of the Conference’s Methodists United in 16 Prayer (Cuba), East Angola/Florida partnership and Haiti/Florida Covenant ministries. The 17 Committee assisted our Methodists United in Prayer team and our Cuban brothers and sisters in 18 charting a future course for this vibrant ministry, and will soon do so for East Angola and Haiti. 19 20 The Committee gives thanks for the leaders and committee members who capably guide fruitful 21 ministry teams for the Young Adult Missional Movement (YAMM), Imagine No Malaria, our 22 relationships with East Angola, Cuba and Haiti, and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission 23 (UMVIM). You can read more elsewhere in this workbook about how God is powerfully at work 24 in each of these ministries. 25 26 Join us in praising and thanking God for changing hearts and lives through these ministries. 27 28 29 METHODISTS UNITED IN PRAYER 30 31 In 1996 a Task Force convened by Bishop Cornelius L Henderson drafted a sister relationship 32 covenant between the Cuba and Florida Methodist churches. In 1997, Bishop Henderson and 33 Bishop Francisco Gustavo Cruz ratified the Cuba-Florida Covenant at both Annual Conferences. 34 35 The ministry’s Task Force members met twice, in March and October. Both meetings were held 36 at the Florida Conference offices in Lakeland for one day. Bishop Ricardo Pereira, Methodist 37 Church in Cuba, was the special guest at the October meeting. This gathering gave us the 38 opportunity to exchange ideas with Bishop Pereira about how to strengthen the ministry and 39 make plans for next year’s caravan travel and sister districts’ interaction. Earlier in the year, 40 Bishop Carter, together with a Florida Conference delegation, participated at the General 41 Conference event of the Methodist Church in Cuba, where Bishop Pereira was re-elected for 42 another term. 43

- 74 - 1 Travel to Cuba has become somewhat easier due to U.S. government lifting some restrictions 2 and the Cuba government granting more religious visas through the Methodists Church in Cuba. 3 This year 36 teams with 167 persons traveled to Cuba. This showed a continuing interest in 4 supporting the ministry with the partnering of some new sister churches and strengthening the 5 relationships among others. Members of each caravan went to their sister churches for different 6 purposes, such as, participation in District Seminary activities, Clown ministry, Youth group 7 visiting Camp Canaan, attending Women’s conferences, Cuba church anniversaries, and 8 others. 9 10 Donations to the Cuba ministry this year amounted to over $334,500 in support of pastors and 11 churches. These donations are usually underreported. 12 13 The total number of churches appointed by the Methodist Church in Cuba Annual Conference is 14 approximately 401. Each one supports an average of 6-20 house churches and missions 15 numbering over 700 throughout the Island. The membership in the Cuba Conference has 16 doubled since 1996 to over 50,000 active disciples. 17 18 The process of inviting Cuban pastors and laity to visit their partner churches in different Florida 19 districts has improved for some. Others are still experiencing delays or denials in coming to 20 Florida. However, many of those who are approved now are granted a 5 year visa to return to 21 the U.S without any further church invitation. This year, 16 Cuban pastors and laity were hosted 22 by their sister churches, giving them an opportunity to experience our style of worship, and our 23 churches’ hospitality. This, more than ever, has become a vital part of keeping the relationships 24 strong. 25 26 Currently, 205 Florida churches are in sister church relationships with 198 Cuba churches. 27 Some Florida churches have more than one sister church in Cuba. Although new sister church 28 relationships were formed, others were dissolved for a variety of reasons, so the ratio of Cuba 29 and Florida churches partnerships (and the need to form more) remains the same. There is still 30 half of Methodist churches in Cuba waiting for a partner church in Florida. The Florida 31 Conference encourages all Florida churches that do not have partner relationships with a Cuba 32 Methodist church to engage in a mission ministry through the Methodists United in Prayer, 33 laboring in Christ’s love to get 100% of churches in this relationship. 34 35 Three new initiatives have been launched this year: 36 1-Adopt-A-Pastor: Church groups or individuals provide salary support for Cuban pastors whose 37 churches do not have a sister relationship. Currently, 72 pastors are receiving financial support 38 through this program. 39 2-Retired Cuban Pastors Advance: Methodist pastors in Cuba receive an average of 160 Cuban 40 pesos (equivalent to $6.40) as monthly income in retirement. This fund will provide a 41 supplement of 250 Cuban pesos ($10 at current exchange rate) to the Cuban pastors’ 42 retirement monthly income. 43 3-House Church Advance: Created for the purpose of providing matching grants for the 44 purchase of house churches in Cuba, thereby enabling new church starts. 45 46 Submitted by Renee Masvidal Kincaid 47 Secretary, Methodists United in Prayer - MUIP

- 75 - 1 2 EAST ANGOLA/FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP 3 4 The East Angola/Florida Partnership serves as an excellent example of Christian mission. Our 5 teams have been able to do some wonderful things in Angola as we work side by side with our 6 Angolan partners. God has called us and provided for us through people of the Florida 7 Conference and those who partner with us in Angola. 8 9 Missionaries, Reverends Doctors Cleivy and Leonardo Garcia, from the Methodist Church in 10 Cuba, continue to teach at the Quessua School of Theology where Cleivy serves as Vice Dean. 11 Leo also supports agricultural development in the area. They minister to families of Quessua 12 through prayer and feeding spiritually and nutritionally. They graciously hosted three of our 13 mission teams this year by warmly opening their hearts and home. We are seeking “Missionary 14 Support” through covenant relationships with churches in the Florida Conference. These 15 relationships call for a commitment of $1,150/year for one missionary or $2,300/year for both 16 missionaries. These relationships may be for one year, three years or for an indefinite time. 17 Will you prayerfully consider supporting these our faithful servants? 18 19 Our main focus remains on all levels of education. We continue to open doors of opportunity 20 for students desiring higher education which is vital to overcoming poverty. Some of the young 21 men and women we have supported have earned or are working toward degrees in theology, 22 law, psychology, medicine and engineering. These young men and women impress us with their 23 strong faith and trust in God. The Quessua Boarding House receives our financial aid for their 24 feeding program. Support may be given for a student through the Conference Advance 25 Specials to the boarding house at $50/month or higher education at $200/month. 26 27 Relationships are built as teams visit homes and schools in small villages. Students from the 28 Quessua boarding house teach the children in the villages around to read and write and tell 29 them about Jesus. This year we hosted a women’s conference for the UMW of the Malanje 30 district and offered lectures at the School of Theology. Medical clinics were held with the 31 support of the government. A “Celebrate Jesus” event took place in Quessua. By the end of the 32 week, the church was overflowing with people in spite of the down pouring rain… and Jesus 33 love was shared. 34 35 Two missionaries from the General Board of Global Ministries, Ken Koome (mission financial 36 officer) and Kutela Katembo (agriculturalist) have joined the Garcias as missionaries assigned to 37 East Angola. 38 39 We are grateful for answered prayers regarding the procurement of visas for our teams. Both 40 here in the US and in Angola, Angolan government officials praise the work of the East 41 Angola/Florida Partnership. 42 43 Submitted by Sandi Goodman 44 Chairperson, East Angola/Florida Partnership 45 46

- 76 - 1 FLORIDA CONFERENCE ADVANCE SPECIALS 2 3 The Advance is an official program of The United Methodist Church for voluntary, designated 4 contributions. Through The Advance, one may choose to support particular, approved mission 5 programs or mission personnel with financial gifts. One hundred percent of all Advance giving 6 goes to the chosen mission project or ministry. Contributions to the Advance are tax deductible. 7 8 Advance Specials related to Global Relationships 9 10 METHODISTS UNITED IN PRAYER (formerly CUBA/FLORIDA COVENANT) 11  Advance # 100070 supports Methodists United In Prayer (formerly Cuba/Florida 12 Covenant) by covering travel costs for Cuban Christians visiting Florida and ministries 13 related to the Covenant. 14  Advance # 100135 supports the Cuba Methodist Seminary. 15  Advance # 100140 provides support for retired pastors of the Methodist Church in Cuba. 16  Advance # 110030 supports the evangelistic effort of the Methodist Church in Cuba 17 through matching grants towards the purchase of house/churches. 18 EAST ANGOLA/FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP 19  Advance # 100130 supports missionaries of the Cuban Methodist Church serving in the 20 East Angola United Methodist Conference. 21  Advance # 100125 supports the feeding program of the East Angola Boarding 22 House/Orphanage. 23  Advance # 102020 provides scholarships for East Angolan students to attend Higher 24 Education institutions. 25  Advance # 100145 provides scholarships for students at the School of Theology in 26 Quéssua, Angola. 27  Advance # 100090 supports the ongoing reconstruction of the Quessua Mission and 28 churches throughout East Angola. 29  Advance # 100120 supports a variety of ministries and projects related to the East 30 Angola/Florida Partnership. 31 32 HAITI/FLORIDA COVENANT 33  Advance # 102060 supports theological training for pastors in Haiti, children’s education, 34 feeding programs, etc. 35 36 UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION 37  Advance # 100180 provides resources for training, trip planning, consultation and 38 guidance, mission scholarships for youth, church grants and matching grants for mission 39 experiences 40

- 77 - 1 Advance Specials related to Outreach Ministries 2  Advance # 510004 – Branches (SE) seeks to partner with churches and organizations to 3 create and expand ministries of compassion and justice in the communities of South East 4 Florida. 5 6  Advance # 510002 - Christians Reaching Out for Society, Inc. (AC) partners with 7 congregations to share God's love through tangible acts and justice ministry. 8 9  Advance # 510021 - Community Outreach Agency (NE) engages with all the churches in 10 the district to promote outreach ministries in each parish. 11 12  Advance # 510006 - Cornerstone Family Ministries (SC) touches the lives of over 20,000 13 families across the state each month through programs for children, families and seniors. 14 15  Advance # 510025 - Grace Place for Children and Families, Inc. (SW) is a 16 comprehensive child care and family ministry that ministers to at-risk children and 17 families in the Naples area. 18 19  Advance # 510016 - Halifax Urban Ministry (AC) provides emergency food assistance 20 with “feed a family” bags of nonperishable food, with snack bags for homeless people, 21 with daily hot meals and with daily bread. 22 23  Advance # 102035 – South Florida Justice for Our Neighbors concentrates on providing 24 assistance to persons needing immigration legal services. 25 26  Advance # 510001 - Madison County Outreach (NW) offers a variety of services and 27 resources for small membership churches in the area. UMCM built and manages the 28 Florida Conference Disaster Response Supply Depot. 29 30  Advance # 510008 - UM Cooperative Ministry/Suncoast (GC) supports local 31 congregations to respond to critical needs in their communities and provides direct 32 services to refugee and immigrants. 33

- 78 - 1 Other Conference Advance Specials 2 3  Advance # 510000 - Alfalit International, Inc. is an ecumenical Christian literacy ministry 4 working in Florida, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. 5 6  Advance # 510017 - Carver Heights Ministry is an educational and health ministry with at- 7 risk children and youth of African American and Latino backgrounds in Leesburg. 8 9  Advance # 112010 - Disaster Recovery coordinates volunteers, resources, and pastoral 10 care with local congregations to prepare for and mitigate disasters. 11 12  Advance # 510013 - Florida United Methodist Children’s Home provides services to 13 families and to children from birth into adulthood. It provides school-aged children who 14 have been victimized by abuse, neglect or family trauma, a family-style home, education, 15 counseling, recreation and ministry opportunities. 16 17  Advance # 410005 - Habitat for Humanity Projects in Florida enables low-wage earner 18 families to afford quality homes through sweat equity. 19 20  Advance # 100110 - Haitian Committee on Ministry supports the strengthening of Haitian- 21 American congregations in the Florida Conference through training of clergy and laity and 22 in the formation of missions as opportunities arise. 23 24  Advance # 510003 - Jim Russo Prison Ministry works with persons recently released 25 from prison. It fosters Christian living values in a home and family setting. 26 27  Advance # 510031 - PET Florida provides the gift of mobility to those outside the U.S.A. 28 who have no legs or no use of their legs. PET (Personal Energy Transportation) is a 29 three wheel, hand pedaled wheelchair that can go where wheelchairs can’t go. 30 31  Advance # 100170 - Shade & Fresh Water is a ministry to clergy and their families 32 dealing with transition. 33 34  Advance # 510019 - Society of St. Andrew (the Potato Project) is a gleaning, produce 35 distribution and hunger education ecumenical ministry that involves volunteers in 36 gleaning farmer’s fields. The food is shipped to food distribution cooperatives for the 37 hungry people. 38 39  Advance # 510010 - Wesley Group Homes for Adults with Special Needs, South East 40 District, is a group home for mentally and emotionally challenged adults. Offerings 41 support the programs and maintenance of this home. 42 43  Advance # 113030 - The Young Adult Missional Movement identifies, recognizes, gathers 44 & encourages all expressions of young adults in missional service in the Florida 45 conference. 46

- 79 - 1 MISSIONARIES WITH COVENANT RELATIONSHIPS 2 3 4 Africa 5 Leonardo and Cleivy Garcia– East Angola 6 Kenneth Koome – East Angola 7 Delbert and Sandy Groves – Zambia 8 9 Asia 10 Jonathan McCurley – Japan 11 12 Central America and The Caribbean 13 Connie DiLeo – Dominican Republic 14 Carmen Melendez - Mexico 15 16 Europe 17 Alison Gilmore – Ireland 18 Michael Zdorow – Russia 19 20 Middle East 21 Kristen Brown – Palestine/Israel 22 23 South America 24 William Llanos and Rocio Barcenas – Argentina 25 Gordon and Teca Greathouse - Brazil 26 27 United States 28 Kim King Torres – Florida City, Florida 29 Robert Amundsen – Red Bird Missionary Conference 30 Steven Riddle – Red Bird Missionary Conference 31 32 Missionary candidates with GBGM 33 Margaret Kartwe-Bradley 34 Josias Andujar 35

- 80 - 1 MULTI-CULTURAL MINISTRIES 2 3 The Office of Multi-Cultural Ministries is completing its third year in existence. During this time, 4 the primary objectives have been establishing the vision, mission and core objectives of the 5 office. The ministries that come under the Office of Multi-Cultural include: the Beloved 6 Community, the Florida Caucus of Black Methodist for Church Renewal, The Conference 7 Commission on Religion and Race, The Conference Committee on Native American Ministries, 8 and the Conference Committee on Haitian Ministries. 9 10 During this conference year, the Office of Multi-Cultural Ministries accomplished a number of 11 objectives throughout the annual conference. The following are just a few highlights: 12  Collaborated with the Florida Caucus of BMCR to re-organize and strategize on ways the 13 Black Church can become a more vital, vibrant, and relevant church presence within the 14 Florida Annual Conference. Reverend Dr. Geraldine McClellan of the Mount Pleasant 15 UMC agreed to serve as the chairperson and provide effective leadership towards these 16 efforts. 17  Co-sponsored the first Clergy of Color pilgrimage to Africa University in Zimbabwe, Africa 18 to begin establishing a partnership and relationship with AU and the Black Churches in 19 the Florida Annual Conference for future mission trips and ongoing support of AU. 20  Facilitated a pilot workshop through the Beloved Community Ministry in the NE District 21 with several laity that focused the issues of racism, diversity and cultural inclusiveness. 22  Began developing two critical ministries: 23 o The Black Church Leadership Institute [BCLI] – which will consist of an annual 24 weekend for clergy and laity that would provide resources and training to empower 25 their local churches for strategic ministry in their local context. 26 o The Bi-Vocational Local Pastors Academy – the vision is to facilitate an eight 27 month/one weekend a month/eight (8) hour classes for training and developing bi- 28 vocational pastors with the basic courses of (a) Bible, (b) Preaching, and (c) 29 Methodist Polity, History, and Theology. 30 31 I would also like to express thanks to the Multi-Cultural Resource Facilitators (MRFs) for their 32 continuing support in assisting the Office of Multi-Cultural in spreading the movement of the 33 Beloved Community across the annual conference; Geraldine McClellan, Bill Bailey, David 34 Williamson, Heather Pancoast, Melissa Cooper, Beth-Fogle Miller, Dan Jackson and Simon 35 Osunlana. 36 37 Respectfully submitted by: 38 Harold D. Lewis, Sr. 39 Director of Multi-Cultural and Justice Ministries 40

- 81 - 1 DISASTER RECOVERY MINISTRY 2 3 The mission of Disaster Recovery Ministry is to resource and equip local United Methodist 4 Churches and district offices to prepare, respond and recover from disaster. As the mission 5 continues, churches are learning the heart of disaster ministry: get to know your community and 6 its resources; connect with others; get involved in meeting needs. 7 8 In 2015, 181 volunteers representing 51 churches attended one of seven Basic Disaster Ministry 9 Trainings. 10 11 Another 83 volunteers went on to successfully complete Early Response Team training and 12 receive badges certifying them as early responders for the Florida Conference and UMCOR. 13 The Florida Conference has 462 trained early responders and 251, from 36 churches, have kept 14 their credentials current. 15 16 Another 30 volunteers successfully completed training and are badged and certified as Disaster 17 Spiritual Care Providers for the Florida Conference, bringing the total to108 Disaster Spiritual 18 Care Providers from 43 churches around the conference. 19 20 Once again I had the privilege to serve on the Southeastern Jurisdiction Disaster Academy 21 planning team. The academy, hosted by the Mississippi Conference, was held in February at 22 Seashore United Methodist Assembly in Biloxi. This was a most apropos location as we 23 remembered the ten-year anniversary of Katrina, together mourning the losses and celebrating 24 the new beginnings. 25 26 In May at the Governor’s Hurricane Conference, I was honored to be elected chair of Florida 27 Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (FL VOAD). This statewide organization is a network 28 of agencies who have disaster as part of their primary mission and includes organizations like 29 American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and many others. 30 Serving in this role provides an opportunity for the United Methodist Church to continue to hold a 31 place of visibility, influence and leadership in disaster response and recovery in Florida. 32 33 In July and August of 2015, Pasco County, just north of the Tampa Bay Area, experienced 34 record rainfall resulting in rivers cresting and flooding throughout much of the southwestern 35 portion of the county. In my role as the chair of FL VOAD as well as my role as the Disaster 36 Response Coordinator for the conference, I provided leadership to establish the long-term 37 recovery organization. This group will assist those affected by the flooding who are 38 underinsured, uninsured or for whatever reason, do not have the resources to recover on their 39 own. 40 41 UMCOR awarded a $75,000 grant to the conference for this recovery effort and the conference 42 committed an additional $25,000 as well as my time to set up and oversee the project. 43

- 82 - 1 Disaster Recovery partnered with First UMC New Port Richey to house the recovery operation. 2 Community UMC of Fruitland Park, Sun City Center UMC and First Deland were among the first 3 churches to respond to the need in Pasco where we anticipate we will help 75 families to repair 4 their homes and recover from this event. 5 6 I continue to be humbled and amazed by the disaster volunteers and the churches who rise to 7 the occasion whenever and wherever we have a need to help our neighbor -- in good times and 8 bad. 9 10 And I remind all of us about the importance of planning and preparation. It’s not if we have the 11 next disaster, it’s when. 12 13 In ministry with you, 14 15 Pam Garrison, Florida Conference Disaster Response Coordinator 16 17 18 19 PRISON AND JAIL MINISTRY TEAM 20 21 The Prison and Jail Ministry Task Force continues to make slow progress toward our mission to 22 promote Christ-centered ministries of prevention, healing and restoration. 23 24 Our “No More Throw Away Kids” initiative, a partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal 25 Church to provide a mentor (“faith friend”) for every incarcerated child in Florida, was 26 restructured toward the end of 2015 and will be re-launched in 2016 with a broader vision and 27 stronger foundation for ministry. 28 29 The task force continues to explore ways for our churches to participate in re-entry partnerships 30 in our communities. There are so many ways for churches and individuals to be involved in 31 prison ministry; however, not everyone can go into prison to minister and not everyone wants to. 32 Re-entry ministry has the potential to include the whole church in prison ministry. As 33 relationships are built – inside and outside the church – walls are broken down, fear is 34 managed, the church becomes a safe place for those affected by the criminal justice system 35 and people are loved and discipled. We learn to walk with someone in ways that are 36 transparent, healthy, healing and safe. Transformation takes place for the individuals involved 37 and the church that is surrounding them – not to mention the larger community. This is the goal 38 of re-entry ministry. 39 40 Toward that end the task force is seeking different ways to equip and prepare our churches for 41 this challenging ministry. We are currently reviewing “Healing Communities”, a collaboration with 42 The United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society. Healing Communities 43 provides a framework for congregations to minister to those returning from or at risk of 44 incarceration, their families and the community. It challenges congregations to become “Stations

- 83 - 1 of Hope” for those affected by the criminal justice system. 2 3 The task force remains committed to our mission and encourages any churches or individuals 4 who want to know more or get involved, to reach out to us. 5 6 Pam Garrison, Prison Ministry Staff Liaison 7 8 9 10 COMMITTEE ON HAITIAN MINISTRY 11 12 The Conference Haitian Committee on Ministry (CHCOM) Team spent its first two years 13 bringing its members and the Haitian Community together through worship, discipleship and 14 salty ministry. To do this, we held quarterly meetings since elected two years ago. We held a 15 successful Pastors and Spouses retreat in Leesburg that was well attended. We had Dr. Harold 16 Lewis from the Missional Engagement Office teaching one of our workshops. We also had a 17 Haitian teacher who did an excellent job challenging and uplifting us during the retreat 18 weekend. Every one present were so blessed and very proud to receive a certificate of 19 participation. Our second annual retreat will be in Leesburg for our Haitian Pastors and their 20 Spouses, including their Lay leaders this coming April the Lord willing. There, we will elect a 21 new board that will serve the ministry for the next three years. We finished the revision of our 22 By-Laws and are looking forward to more trainings and teachings equipping and empowering 23 the many young Haitian ministers in our midst. 24 25 Love and Towel, 26 Tamara Isidore 27 Chairperson 28 29 HAITI – FLORIDA COVENANT 30 31 The Haiti Florida Covenant Committee continues to make progress toward establishing deeper 32 connections between our conferences, pastors and churches. Most significantly, during the 33 past year we have completed two major conferences in collaboration with the Institute of 34 Preaching, Candler School of Theology, the Haiti Florida Covenant Committee, and the 35 Methodist Church of Haiti. We were greatly assisted in the development and implementation of 36 the conferences by Sharon Harbottle and Dr. John Harbottle, British Methodist missionaries 37 serving in Haiti, and the Christian Education offices of the Haiti Methodist Church. 38 39 While the development of new covenant relationships on a church to church basis in the last 40 year has slowed, we have made tremendous progress in establishing deeper connections and 41 relationships with Haiti leadership. At this time we are in conversation with Dr. John Harbottle 42 about the future possibility of having partnerships between Florida Conference Districts and 43 Circuits in Haiti. The thought is to have these partnerships to help build relationships with clinics 44 in Haiti. To help to strengthen good health practices within each Circuit as needed. 45

- 84 - 1 We hope that in the coming year the connections we have made will develop in greater 2 collaborative ministry between our churches, pastors, districts, and conferences. 3 4 Submitted by Liane Schrader 5 Chairperson, Haiti-Florida Covenant 6 7 8 9 HISPANIC ASSEMBLY 10 11 The peace of God is with you: 12 13 The Executive Committee of the Hispanic Assembly is more than blessed to report the miracles 14 that we witnessed during the 2015. Thanks to the resolution presented in 2014 and approved by 15 the Florida Conference, to help DREAMER’s to apply for the General Board of Higher Education 16 and Ministry (GBHEM) loans and grants, it is our pleasure to report that more than 20 new 17 students applied for financial aid from GBHEM in 2015. 18 19 We hosted the annual meeting for the Plan Nacional Hispano (Hispanic Ministries National Plan) 20 in Miami, FL, in which our Bishop Ken Carter was present too. We had a great time sharing our 21 goals with the help of the Annual Conference with the Executive Committee from the HMNP. 22 23 In 2015 the Academia Latino Hispana of the Florida Conference prepared laity and clergy in 24 biblical, theological and administrative areas that provided the tools (theory) and help develop 25 (practice) skills. We opened a new campus at the Riverside UMC, for a total of three campuses 26 in Florida. The Academia provided 24 courses with more than 200 participants in two 27 semesters. 28 29 In addition, as part of the Academia curriculum, a Mass Communication class was offered. From 30 this class an internet radio station was created and is fully functional with more than 3000 31 listeners. The name of the radio station is Radio Vision and can be listening via internet at: 32 www.rvisionestereo.com. 33 34 During 2015, as well, several workshops took place in Central and South Florida with a great 35 attendance. The Family Camp celebrated at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg, Florida, 36 was an outstanding event where more than 370 brothers and sisters were in attendance. The 37 Rev. Arlene Hernandez from the Florida Conference was the facilitator and she brought a 38 spiritual revival for all the attendees. 39 40 For 2016 the Academia wants to increase training in the following areas: Local Church 41 administration, Chaplaincy, Christian Education and Evangelism. We are working to expand the 42 curriculum to include members of the Haitian congregations in Miami, and from other locations. 43 And implement the Spanglish Program from the Cal-Pac Annual Conference with the youth 44 program. 45

- 85 - 1 Is our goal to continue working for the expansion of His Kingdome, continue defending our 2 Methodist traditions, and shared the love of God with all nations and tongues in the state of 3 Florida. Thanks to each one of you, for the connectional love, and helping us to work with the 4 Hispanic communities in Florida. But above all, we thank God for His mercies and inspiring our 5 Bishop Ken Carter for the continue support to the Hispanic Assembly. 6 7 In His service, 8 Rev. Cesar J. Villafaña, O.S.L. 9 President, Hispanic Assembly 10 11 12 13 HISPANIC MINISTRY TEAM 14 15 This past year 2015 was a very challenging year in many projects that we continued to develop 16 for the Hispanic Communities. 17 Our top priority is the training of our congregation’s leadership. Our goal is to continue equipping 18 them with tools that will strengthen our existing ministries and the development of new 19 communities. To accomplish our goals, we will continue to bring more training courses through 20 the Academia Hispano/Latina. We want to share that the “Academia” will start to open training 21 courses in English and Creole. The plan is to start training the trainers that will be conducting 22 the classes for these communities. 23 24 This past year, we attended several meetings held by the National Plan. The meeting held in 25 Durham, NC, allowed us to participate in several training events that provided additional tools 26 for the “Academia”. 27 Also, in Durham, NC, the South East Jurisdiction Hispanic Caucus was constituted and it is now 28 the body representing the Hispanic Communities in the area. 29 30 In 2015, the HMT attended all of the Hispanic Assembly meetings and supported all of their 31 events. 32 Also, participated in the Conference Common Table meetings during 2015. 33 34 We are looking forward to continue the good work during 2016. 35 36 In Christ, 37 38 Gustavo A. Betancourt 39

- 86 - 1 SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE 2 3 In a letter to his brother, Charles, John Wesley penned, “I have both an ordinary call and an 4 extraordinary. My ordinary call is my ordination by the bishop, “Take thou authority to preach the 5 Word of God.” My extraordinary call is witnessed by the works God doeth by my ministry: which 6 prove that [God] is with me of a truth in this exercise of my office.” 7 8 2015 was an incredibly fruitful year for the Florida Conference Committee on Social Justice as 9 our members, dedicated laity and clergy from across our annual conference, individually leaned 10 into our personal calls and collectively leaned into our extraordinary calls, connected by our 11 shared passion for Social Justice. Of utmost importance was and is our continued work of 12 listening to one another, to the hearts and minds of United Methodists in Florida, and to the 13 hearts and minds of our kin in Christ in our state, nation, and world. This practice of listening 14 continues to deepen the discernment of our work and lead us in faithful response as a 15 committee and as an annual conference. 16 17 In 2015 we celebrated the establishment of a Conference Creation Care Task Force. We 18 celebrated the return to the work of preparing and submitting resolutions, including preparing 19 and submitting resolutions that have the potential to unite the hearts and minds of Florida United 20 Methodists with our brothers and sisters in neighboring conferences. We celebrated the 21 discernment and planning for upcoming social justice pilgrimages as well as advocacy and 22 action summits. We celebrated the strengthening of our networking relationships, new and 23 renewed, because the work that we accomplish is tasked not only to this committee but to all of 24 God’s people. We are humbled to be among the leaders in this portion of God’s vineyard. We 25 seek to encourage and empower all God’s people to join us in cultivating the Kingdom. 26 27 I am thankful for our committee members that served well with us since the committee’s 28 inception in 2014. We have come this far with the help of you walking with us; thank you for the 29 impressions you made. I am immeasurably grateful for the partnership and guidance of Rev. Dr. 30 Sharon Austin, Rev. Clarke Campbell-Evans and Rev. Dr. Harold Lewis. I look with hope 31 towards the new members that will join us as we continue our work and service. 32 33 God invites each of us to lean into our calls, and in doing so, we lend our hands, hearts, and 34 minds to the extraordinary call of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the 35 world. 36 37 Respectfully Submitted, 38 Rev. Sarah B. Miller, Chair, Conference Committee on Social Justice 39

- 87 - 1 COMMITTEE ON NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES (CONAM) 2 3 Our Mission Statement reads: 4  To communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Native American people in a culturally 5 relevant way and disciple them in a culturally affirming way 6  To encourage Christ-centered worship in a culturally redemptive way 7  To facilitate the presence of Native Americans in the wider church, in a culturally 8 appropriate way 9 10 Our Current Goals include: 11  Continuing to make available a place for native people to receive teaching and fellowship 12 that is culturally relevant to them, through our Annual Gatherings 13 We just hosted our Eleventh Annual Native American Ministry Gathering at the Life Enrichment 14 Center, Fruitland Park, FL, April 22-24, 2016 with over 75 in attendance, many being repeat 15 attendees from previous years. Our guest speaker was Rev. Bill Gowey of Reztoration 16 Ministries. Also, with us was awarding winning singer and songwriter, Michael Jacobs. The 17 Theme for the Gathering was “Finding Victory Where the Buffalo Once Roamed." 18 19  Encouraging each church to appoint a Native American ministry representative from 20 within their congregation; this is a “shall have” in the Book of Discipline, (para. 654). 21 22  Promoting the observance of Native American Ministries Sunday throughout the 23 Conference; this is one of the “special Sunday offerings” in the Book of Discipline (para. 24 263) Monies received from Native American Ministry Sunday offerings are the CONAM's 25 only source of financial support. 26 27  Supporting the development of American Indian Christian Circles, as Fresh Expressions 28 These are groups of native people meeting in UM churches, who volunteer to open their doors. 29 At this time, we have three of these circles (Fresh Expressions), one meeting at the 30 Thonotosassa UMC, another meeting at the Clermont UMC, and a third meeting at Trinity UMC 31 in Plant City. These circles are places where Native Americans can participate in Christ- 32 centered worship, in the native way, and hear bibically based teaching that is culturally relevant. 33 34 35  Making ourselves available to UM churches throughout the Conference to assist in their 36 ministry with native persons and to raise awareness regarding Native issues, culture, and 37 traditions. 38 39  Networking with native pastors and other Native American ministries, around the 40 conference and throughout North America, to bring support and help in whatever way we 41 can. We are currently networked with 11 regional and national ministries. 42 43  Participating in and supporting the work of the South East Jurisdictional Association on 44 Native American Ministries (SEJANAM), Lake Junaluska, NC. by attending conferences 45 and lending a hand in the ministry. Members of CONAM have led worship, taught 46 workshops, and helped with various needs during these annual conferences.

- 88 - 1 2  Attending Native American events around the conference, where we reach out through 3 developing relationships, friendship evangelism, etc. 4 5 Three events that we attend each year are the Mother's Day Powwow in Dade City (May), the 6 Bushnell Powwow at the Dade Battlefield (September), and the Silverhawk Flute Gathering, in 7 Dade City (October). 8 9 We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the UM Churches who give to this ministry 10 with their Special Sunday Offerings, each year. We could not continue to minister to the Native 11 American people, within our conference and beyond, without your help. 12 13 For more information on the work of this committee or if you would like someone from the 14 Florida CONAM to share in your church service or event, please contact Vickie Swartz, Chair, at 15 941-544-6951 or via email at [email protected]. 16 17 18 19 UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION 20 21 UMVIM Florida saw a favorable increase in the churches connecting with us for their insurance 22 needs. Our UMVIM Florida vision is to transform the world through short-term Christian mission 23 experiences and our mission is to equip, empower and encourage the local church to 24 experience missions. Strong relationships are being formed as the churches are realizing what a 25 great resource they have in UMVIM Florida. In 2015, the Florida Conference sent 158 UMVIM 26 Teams, up from 150 to 25 countries with a total of 1507 missionaries. In addition, 14 teams 27 registered and went on Domestic trips with a total of 226 missionaries. We had 61 volunteers 28 from 15 churches received in depth training on how to lead a team on mission; two of those 29 trainings were in Spanish. In addition to Team Leader Training, several churches also went 30 through a coaching process for team building. Let’s connect. 31 32 The UMVIM Leadership Team continues to serve God by serving others through the service of 33 each UMVIM Team. 34 35 Greg A. Harford, Florida Conference UMVIM Coordinator 36

- 89 - 1 COMMISSION ON RELIGION AND RACE 2 3 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: 4 we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 5 2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV 6 7 The FLUMC Commission on Religion and Race extends a thank you to those who have gone 8 before us giving opportunity to build upon the foundation of the advancement of our multi- 9 cultural understanding. 10 11 CCORR is challenged in this quadrennial to re-form, re-educate, and transform business as 12 usual in relation to practices and policies that hinder cultural and racial diversity and 13 inclusiveness. 14 15 During this quadrennial, CCORR is committed to conduct a conference wide self-audit of the 16 progress we have made towards multi-cultural/multi-racial advancement, in addition to 17 GCORR’s evaluation our progress thus far. The audit process will provide some next steps and 18 give us a sense of what is needed now. 19 20 CCORR aims support those in cross-cultural/cross racial appointments and provide ongoing 21 support and leader development for clergy and laity who serve in these settings. 22 23 CCORR desires to work in collaboration with various like-minded individuals and agencies 24 leading towards the beloved community. This includes equity of appointments and staffing. 25 26 Reverend Carolyn Thomas, Co-Chair 27 28 Reverend Mary Mitchell, Co-Chair 29 30 31 32 FLORIDA CONFERENCE 33 COMMISSION ON THE ROLE AND STATUS OF WOMEN 34 (COSROW) 35 36 INTRODUCTION 37 Since 1972, the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) has been 38 charged with monitoring, research, education and advocacy to eradicate sexism in The United 39 Methodist Church. The mission, purpose and leadership of GCSRW is detailed in The Book of 40 Discipline's Paragraphs 2101 through 2109. They describe the purpose of GCSRW as "to 41 challenge The United Methodist Church ... to a continuing commitment to the full and equal 42 responsibility and participation of women in the total life and mission of the Church, sharing fully 43 in the power and in the policy-making at all levels of the Church's life." 44

- 90 - 1 The Book of Resolutions contains all current social policies adopted by the General Conference 2 of The United Methodist Church and serves as a model for applying faith to everyday life. The 3 book contains resolutions on the status of women (No. 3444); eradicating sexism (No. 3443); 4 expanding inclusive language (No. 8011); ministering to clergy families (No. 2023) and sexual 5 ethics (Nos. 2043-46), among others that are part of the ministry of GCSRW. 6 7 The Book of Discipline tasks each AC COSROW with the work of raising awareness about the 8 status of women and working with leaders of our churches, districts and conferences to move 9 towards the full and equal participation of women in the total life of the church (2012 BOD 10 ¶2103). To achieve this goal, AC COSROWs are encouraged to undertake the following four 11 areas of ministry: Education, Advocacy, Monitoring and Cooperation. 12 [http://xntdnn.azurewebsites.net/gcsrw3/About/TheUnitedMethodistChurch.aspx] 13 14 FLORIDA CONFERENCE COSROW 15 After a period on inaction of COSROW, Rev. Sharon Austin, Director of Connectional Ministries, 16 called a reorganization meeting of the members on October 2, 2015. COSROW has since been 17 meeting on a regular basis. The present COSROW has 15 members. One member is a liaison 18 between GCSRW and COSROW, and another member is a liaison between UMW and 19 COSROW. Each member of COSROW serves on one of the committees: education, advocacy, 20 monitoring and cooperation. The committees have their own separate meetings to address the 21 relevant issues. At the 2016 Annual Conference COSROW will have a presence with volunteers 22 and documents at one of the tables. It is hoped that the membership of COSROW will expand 23 in the near future since the work of each committee is extensive. 24 25 See summary: http://xntdnn.azurewebsites.net/gcsrw3/Leadership/ConferenceCOSROWs.aspx. 26 Given the short time COSROW has been active, no results can yet be reported. 27 28 Respectfully submitted, 29 Karin Nordlander, Secretary, COSROW 30 31 32 33 JUSTICE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS 34 35 South Florida Justice For Our Neighbors provides free immigration legal services as a ministry 36 of the South East District and as part of the United Methodist National Justice For Our 37 Neighbors network. We are based out of Redland Community UMC in Homestead, FL. In 38 addition to providing immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, we engage in 39 advocacy for immigrants and their families and offer education to communities of faith and to the 40 public. We continue to hold monthly clinics at Redland Community UMC, during which our 41 volunteers complete intake of new clients and our attorneys provide advice and counsel and 42 assess whether or not we can take each case. 43

- 91 - 1 At any given time, we are providing free immigration legal services to at least 60 families. Most 2 of our clients are farmworkers or unaccompanied minors from Haiti, Guatemala, El Salvador, 3 Honduras, or Mexico. We take on a wide range of cases, including asylum, citizenship, Deferred 4 Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), family petitions, Special Immigration Juvenile Status (SIJ) 5 for unaccompanied minors, U Visas for victims of crimes, and Violence Against Women Act 6 (VAWA) cases. 7 8 Expanding Our Work 9 In July 2015, we received a $25,000 Sisters of Mercy grant through National Justice for Our 10 Neighbors, allowing us to hire a second part-time attorney and expand our work with 11 unaccompanied children and youth who are now in immigration proceedings. We welcomed two 12 Global Mission Fellow US-2 Missionaries to our staff in September 2015 to work with clients, 13 organize clinics, and engage in community outreach and advocacy. 14 15 Free Immigration Legal Services on the Road 16 In November 2015, we received a $10,000 Innovation Grant from National Justice For Our 17 Neighbors in order to launch our new mobile unit. With the grant money and a donated 18 camper/trailer, we were able to hold our first mobile unit event in January 2016. The camper is 19 equipped with shelving and storage, laptops, a scanner/printer, office supplies, and wi-fi. It also 20 has two tables and benches inside, allowing us to meet with two client families and up to six 21 people at a time. 22 23 We hold a mobile unit event once a month. If you would like to host the mobile unit, please 24 contact us at [email protected]. 25 26 Introducing a Second Clinic 27 We received a $4,000 grant from the American Bar Association to launch a second monthly 28 clinic at First UMC Homestead, which focuses on unaccompanied minors (UACs). Using our 29 mobile unit and partnership with First UMC Homestead, we held our first “UAC clinic” in 30 February 2016. Our volunteers and interpreters completed intake outdoors, and our attorneys 31 met with clients and gave advice and counsel inside of the mobile unit. 32 33 Thank You! 34 We are so grateful for your prayers, your willingness to serve alongside of us, and your financial 35 contributions to our ministry. Without your support, we could not continue to welcome 36 immigrants (Leviticus 19:34) or expand our services. If you would like to learn more about how 37 you can support us, please e-mail [email protected]. The “South Florida Justice For Our 38 Neighbors” Conference Advance # is 102035. Thanks! 39 Staff 40 Rev. Janet Horman, Executive Director and Attorney 41 Roland Robinson, Attorney 42 Caitlin Kastner, Clinic Intake Coordinator 43 Emily Kvalheim, Community Relations Coordinator 44 45 Contact Us 46 English: (786) 470-7142, [email protected] 47 Español: (786) 470-5735, [email protected]

- 92 - 1 YOUNG ADULT MISSIONAL MOVEMENT 2 3 The Young Adult Missional Movement is in its second year of programming and has expanded 4 to four micro-missional community teams and now includes the Summer Mission Intern 5 Program. Additionally the Young Adult Missional Movement became as Affiliate to the General 6 Board of Global Ministries Global Mission Fellow Program. GMF replaced the US-2 and Mission 7 Intern Program in 2014. 8 9 As the Young Adult Missional Movement, we seek to identify, recognize, gather & encourage all 10 expressions of young adults in missional service in the Florida Conference. We look to provide 11 support in the way of coaching, encouraging and connecting young adults to exchange best 12 practices, prevent mistakes, support spiritual development and facilitate reflection, action and 13 growth. 14 15 Young adults 18-30 years old are given the opportunity to share the love of God while mutually 16 giving and receiving cross-culturally with neighbors within micro-missional communities. This is 17 experienced by building meaningful work, intentional and cooperative Christian living and 18 community engagement. 19 20 In the second year of the micro-missional team communities, we have sixteen young adults 21 living in four communities, Jacksonville, Orlando, Immokalee and Miami. Five of these 22 participants have come to us through the affiliation with the Global Mission Fellow program of 23 GBGM. (In the first year, thirteen young adults lived and served in three houses of three, six and 24 four persons. Jacksonville, Orlando and Pinellas Park.) 25 26 Prayer and planning hope to see the expansion of the program to seven sites and twenty-eight 27 participants for the fall of 2016. Ground work is being laid to bring back and fill the house in 28 Pinellas/ St Petersburg and expand to a sixth site in “South Bay”- Pahokee/ Belle Glade/ Lake 29 Worth/ West Palm area. The Steering Committee is considering the seventh site as possibly in 30 the North Central District around Gainesville. 31 32 In the fall of 2015 when the Director of the Summer Mission Intern Program, Shelly Denmark 33 resigned from the quarter-time position, the Steering Committee was asked to consider 34 including oversight of this program. To mind the transition carefully, the Steering Committee will 35 keep this summer of 2016 carefully close to the design of 2015. This will allow for careful 36 consideration of possible expansion in future summers. 37 38 The Summer Mission Intern Program worked through two key partners at three locations to host 39 twenty-six young adults in a ten-week intensive summer mission service program. The mission 40 of the Summer Mission Intern Program is to provide hands-on opportunities for young adults to 41 make a difference in the world by serving out of a deep level of their Christian faith, particularly 42 with children and youth in under-served communities. 43 44 Building upon the legacy of camps, conferences, children's education, youth ministries and 45 campus ministries, the Young Adult Missional Movement (YAMM) has set out to extend our 46 discipleship and leadership development throughout the years of young adulthood. 47

- 93 - 1 It is our prayer that mission service becomes the normal and natural step beyond education for 2 all young adults. Through cross-cultural community engagement we will develop an abundance 3 of leaders both in our clergy and lay ministries. We will build vibrant communities, increase the 4 space of young adult leadership, serve alongside communities across our conference and we 5 will constantly, consistently, and creatively keep the fellowship of Christ relevant. 6 7 Respectfully Submitted, 8 Rachael Sumner 9 10 11 OUTREACH MINISTRIES 12 13 The Bible is full of action words – go, proclaim, feed, welcome, heal, serve. The Outreach 14 Ministries of the Florida Annual Conference help churches put their faith into action by serving 15 the hungry, the homeless, children and families, immigrants and others in need. The ministries 16 include: 17 18 Branches - formerly South Florida Urban Ministries (South East District) serves, educates and 19 inspires people through student, family and financial stability services in partnership with 20 churches and communities. We fulfill our mission by engaging children, youth and adults with 21 life-changing opportunities for them to become better educated, to become more financially 22 stable and secure, to make long-term, positive life choices and to know God. 23 24 Christians Reaching Out To Society (Atlantic Central District) serves those who are hungry 25 through community collaborations. CROS partners with congregations to share God's love 26 through food pantries, hot meals, after school snacks, home delivered meals, summer camps, a 27 weekend food backpack program and gleaning fresh produce from fields. CROS also serves as 28 an advocate and catalyst working on justice ministries. 29 30 Community Outreach Ministry (North East District) is a networking, equipping and partnering 31 ministry. We assist our local churches in establishing partnerships with direct service providers, 32 schools, and non-profits to advance the Kingdom of God. We are committed to training and 33 equipping a mighty force of followers of Jesus who are transforming our neighborhoods through 34 prayer-walking our streets, partnering with our schools through mentoring and other important 35 services, providing emergency services of mercy to those in desperate need, advocating for the 36 justice of all who are oppressed, and witnessing about Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to 37 the un-churched, de-churched and over-churched people in our midst. 38 39 Cornerstone Family Ministries (South Central District) works to make a lasting and positive 40 impact on disadvantaged children and their families by nurturing bodies, developing minds, and 41 fostering hope through Christ. This ministry works with 136 early childhood learning centers 42 throughout the South Central and Gulf Central districts with a particular focus on providing 43 access for low income children to nutritious food and connecting those centers that are not 44 already connected with a local church. In addition, this ministry is one of only two UMW 45 National Missions institutions in the state. In addition to this missions nutrition outreach, the 46 Rosa Valdez Early Childhood Learning Center and Lab School has served poor infants, toddlers 47 and preschool aged children in Tampa's inner-city since 1892. The ministry served over 28,000

- 94 - 1 children living at or below the poverty level and facilitated the serving of over 4,000,000 2 nutritious meals in 2015. 3 4 Grace Place for Children and Families (South West District) puts faith into action – providing 5 pathways out of poverty by educating children and families. Grace Place provides programs in 6 early childhood development, after school and summer youth development programs, adult 7 English language classes, parenting and family literacy reaching more than 400 families and 8 800 students. As the county’s largest partner with Harry Chapin Food Bank, The Friday Food 9 Pantry operates year-round supplying dry good and fresh produce to over 200 families each 10 week serving more than 1200 households each year. 11 12 Halifax Urban Ministry (East Central District) works to prevent homelessness by providing 13 food, financial help and other support services to those at risk of becoming homeless. We 14 intervene on behalf of homeless people to sustain, stabilize and shelter them, with the goal of 15 helping them achieve independence. 16 17 Justice For Our Neighbors (South Florida) offers welcome to immigrants by providing legal 18 immigration services, education and advocacy in monthly clinics. 19 20 United Methodist Cooperative Ministries of Madison County (North West District) works 21 with the rural communities of Madison County on elder programs, hunger ministries and sending 22 children to camp. The Thrift Store performs a vital community service by offering low-cost items 23 and giving items to meet a variety of needs. 24 25 UMCM Suncoast (Gulf Central District) works to alleviate the symptoms and address the 26 causes of poverty through service, education and advocacy. It provides four Centers for Early 27 Learning, adult English language and family literacy classes, citizenship classes, homelessness 28 prevention, rapid re-housing and feeding programs. 29 30 Please contact your closest Outreach Minister for assistance in connecting to ministries in your 31 community that can make a difference and share the love of Christ. 32 33 Pamela Qualls, Outreach Ministries Committee Chair 34

- 95 - 1 OFFICE OF CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY 2 3 4 NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT 5 6 Intentionally progressing from planning to implementation best characterizes New Church 7 Development (NCD) in 2015. Culmination of years of planning has resulted in: 8 9  Asset based rather than apportionment based funding for New Ministry Starts. 10  A conference wide coordinated closed property sales and management process utilizing 11 outside real estate specialists. 12  Realignment of the District NCD and Conference Congregational Vitality Committees to 13 promote better local based visioning. 14  Create a Cabinet directed fund from previous and future closed property sales proceeds 15 to strategically fund ministry initiatives. 16  Aligning the assets of New Church Development with new or renewed ministry initiatives 17 evaluated by chartering standard benchmarks. 18  Conference wide strategic planning for new or renewed ministries 19  Invest resources in the development of generative ministry leaders. 20 21 During 2015 these became reality in the life of the Annual Conference. 22 For the second year no apportionment dollars were used to support new ministry initiatives 23 through New Church Development. A total of $865,249.00 was invested in ministry through the 24 NCD invested asset fund which is supervised by the Conference Investment Committee. 25 26 Plans were completed for New Starts in nine of the fifteen most underserved areas of the 27 Annual Conference. It is anticipated that the starts will be implemented over the next two 28 appointment years. Additionally an Urban Core Initiative was planned in the North East District 29 and a Hispanic Initiative in the South West District. Five adopted restarts were planned with 30 three initiated. The remaining two will be implemented in 2016. The ability to do these 31 initiatives is the result of implementing the NCD Strategic Plan and the ability to support these 32 starts through the assets of the Cabinet Development Fund. 33 34 In cooperation with Financial Services and the Conference Board of Trustees an arrangement 35 was completed with AAnthony Corporation to manage and market all closed real estate. 36 AAnthony has entered into a concurrent agreement with Foundry Commercial Real Estate 37 (formerly CNL Commercial) as the preferred broker for the sale of all closed properties. 38 39 The first of several District NCD Visioning days was completed beginning with the East Central 40 District NCD. These are to identify and plan for future new ministry initiatives. Two more of 41 these are scheduled in other Districts as we seek to identify the best strategies for connecting 42 with the un-churched and de-churched world.

- 96 - 1 Coordinating with the Office of Missional Engagement we identified new church starts and 2 missions and divided them between Missional Engagement (defined as those serving in 3 impoverished areas) and NCD (New Ministry initiatives accountable to chartering benchmarks.) 4 NCD funding is now only directed to specific ministries that have a predictable opportunity to 5 reach chartering standards, including new church starts, adoptions, renewals or ministry 6 expansions. 7 8 In 2015 the name of the New Start Academy was changed to Generative Church Leader 9 Academy. In reviewing the first year of the Academy it was determined that the training was 10 appropriate for pastors in both new start and renewal situations. The changed name properly 11 expresses the work of the Academy. Twenty two pastors completed the Academy in 2014-2015 12 and twenty four are on track to complete in 2015-2016. The Academy focuses on personal 13 spiritual development, disciple and lay leadership development, missional engagement with the 14 surrounding community, vision casting and leadership development. 15 16 During 2015 two ministries were discontinued. Funding continued for six pre-chartered new 17 starts who met their benchmarks: Inglesio Metodista Unida Nuevo Pacto; New Covenant Lake 18 Deaton Campus; The Collective, First Deland; The Five at University Carillon; The Portico, a 19 Ministry of Hyde Park and Vessel at University Carillon. 20 21 In summary New Church Development continues to seek ways to “discover where God has 22 begun a fire and throw gasoline on those fires.” 23 Rev. Wes Olds, Chairman, Congregational Vitality 24 Rev. Dan Jackson, Director, New Church Development 25 26 27 CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY 28 29 Congregational Vitality (CV) We began the fall of 2015 with a new CV committee. Recently, 30 we decided to alternate an off-site meeting at a church that is unique, with a virtual check-in 31 meeting between. This will save money and yet accomplish the goals of the committee. 32 33 Through 2015 and early 2016, we have been improving and updating the Missional Vital Signs 34 (MVS) with sharpened definitions, adding a few areas to measure helping to clarify the health 35 and vitality of our local churches. There have been many fruitful phone calls and emails, all 36 leading to appreciation of the actual goal – understanding the health of our churches. 37 38 Many of our churches are now beginning to see what worked before with attracting people to 39 church (in a different context of society) will not work today. Our societal changes have had the 40 “butterfly effect” – a very small natural force may produce a large cumulative effect over a period 41 of time. We see that type of change in many ways in the life of the church. This is like having 42 sports games or practices on Sundays, which then have an effect on a family’s choice to 43 participate in church. Or in many cases, people are working on the weekends. This may affect 44 their spiritual life as a family and the depth of attendance in church. We know that people may 45 say they attend church regularly. However, that does not mean weekly. If they are able to attend

- 97 - 1 once or twice a month, they consider that regular. With the foundation of information and the 2 dashboard of MVS’S, we can see the past and current status of the church and even project 3 upcoming trends. We will continue to be creative in looking for ways to incorporate creative, 4 impactful discipleship into the daily lives of people. First, it takes an awareness of the situation 5 and then an openness to taking church outside the walls. 6 7 This office continues to work with the District CV Teams to assure balance of clergy and laity, a 8 variety of strengths and gifts of team members, and for people with creative ideas. We envision 9 strong district CV teams that have a clear understanding of the health of the churches, assess 10 useful resources and trainings, provide rich district training events, assist churches with vision 11 for the future or discernment of future viability, and match up churches for mentoring. We’d like 12 to see churches with gifts in an area to be mentoring one or two churches per year who want 13 help in that area. 14 15 Last year, we partnered with Van Dyke UMC’s “Real Ideas” event and invited those attending 16 the discipleship sessions to extend their learning via six monthly 30-minute webcasts to dig a bit 17 deeper into the subjects from the live event. Twenty-five tapped in with some inviting others to 18 sit in on the webcast. 19 20 Church on Mission/Missio Ecclesia in February 2016, was another experiment of a Learning 21 Community. This office hosted with the cooperative efforts of the Episcopal Office, Grace 22 Church UMC in Cape Coral, and the Office of Clergy Excellence. We selected a topic of wide 23 interest to the local church, found experts to present, and invited selected groups to attend and 24 learn together as well as an open invitation for lay and clergy. The results were 226 attendees 25 who left invigorated after three days to go back and have a new vision for being the church on 26 mission to their community. 27 28 The CV website, flumc.org/congregationalvitality has been revamped to be more user friendly. It 29 has tiles to easily identify the topics represented. First of all, there are recorded webcast 30 trainings for almost every role of leadership in the local church. That provides the church with 31 anytime access for training. These are usually no longer than an hour with the ability to fast- 32 forward. Second, we have seven trainings recorded that are some of the most requested topics 33 at district training events. Third, there are abundant resources including Pinterest with even 34 more access to ideas. Take the time to look through this abundant toolbox. 35 36 Wes Olds Office of Congregational Vitality, Conference Committee Chairperson 37 Janet Earls Office of Congregational Vitality, Specialist

- 98 - SUMMARY OF STATISTICS BY YEAR 2014- 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2015 % Total Membership at End Change 317,716 310,711 302,497 294,935 288,830 277,726 269,299 262,359 252,524 245,361 -3% of Year

Members Received- 7,693 6,897 6,683 6,514 6,055 5,733 5,636 5,504 5,461 4,462 -18% Profession of MembersFaith Received- 2,272 2,299 2,527 1,532 1,295 1,294 1,356 1,355 1,191 1,181 -1% Affirmation* Members Received- 5,687 3,812 3,933 3,413 3,059 2,819 2,885 3,078 2,945 2,690 -9% Transfer from MembersOther UMC Received - 3,161 1,699 2,609 2,244 1,857 1,840 1,939 1,827 1,662 1,903 15% Transfer from MembersOther Denomination Removed- 7,154 9,267 9,768 6,707 7,557 11,642 9,197 8,351 9,151 7,320 -20% Charge MembersConference Removed - 4,999 4,230 3,858 2,904 2,652 2,640 2,661 2,330 2,710 2,155 -20% Withdrawn Members Removed- 3,604 3,812 2,848 2,867 2,247 2,060 2,016 2,449 2,567 1,597 -38% Transfer other MembersUMC Removed- 1,796 1,699 1,566 1,270 1,206 1,466 1,056 1,015 892 1932 117% Transfer other Denomination 4,558 4,262 4,237 4,206 4,146 3,880 3,838 3,831 3,752 3,725 -1% Members Removed-Death

Average Attendance- 155,181 151,354 144,149 146,855 142,177 141,104 137,820 135,361 132,338 129,590 -2% Weekly Worship 5,323 4,657 4,207 4,389 3,942 3,782 3,933 3,692 3,491 3,105 -11% Number Baptized

Church School-Average 49,412 47,135 45,018 41,985 40,858 40,285 39,972 37,780 35,813 34,309 -4% Attendance

9,733 9,605 8,955 8,251 8,022 7,698 7,190 7,155 6,164 5,804 -6% UMM-Membership 25,459 23,746 21,742 20,815 19,362 19,163 17,595 16,598 15,798 15,857 0% UMW-Membership

*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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- 100 - 1 BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY 2 3 REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE LAY LEADER 4 5 Some thoughts I would leave you are: 6 7 God is still in control in-spite of occasional efforts to redefine Him and challenge the authority of 8 His scripture. We live in a time when the lack of civility in the world seems to use bumper sticker 9 quips and scripture to replace in depth study of Old and New Testament scripture. We cannot 10 depend “only” on the presentation and interpretation of the scripture that others teach us. Most 11 pastors would say “Don’t just take my word for it; Study scripture, both Old and New Testament. 12 Discern what the Holy Spirit is teaching you through Jesus’ words regarding the grace, truth, 13 law, and God’s Commandments in the entire Bible and then let’s talk.” 14 15 We, the laity must be alert, studied, and discerning of what we read and hear. We must consider 16 what is said in an attempt to interpret the actions, thoughts, and changes in the Methodist 17 Church and how they fit with God’s Will. We must love God first and our neighbor second. When 18 we teach and serve in His Will, we must be willing to share truth with love and humility with the 19 courage that comes directly from the Holy Spirit. 20 21 When I feel alone, unsure of myself, and concerned about the hard things I must do, I have 22 learned to seek wisdom from three important places. Those sources are the Spiritually inspired 23 word of God and prayer, my conversations with the Holy Spirit. I can still get in my own way 24 even then, so I seek a third, the wisdom and mentoring of others. Some are younger, some 25 older, some have passed on and are with the Lord, but their words and teachings remain in my 26 memory. God always seems to show up in the person of one of his saints. That may have been 27 you. God always has His plan. Lord God help us to give up our plan and find our way into yours. 28 29 Jesus said, I will ask the Father and he will send the “Spirit of Truth” and He will be with you 30 forever. The power that lies deep in the heart of a Christ follower, is the power of the “Holy 31 Spirit”. We see evidence of a stirring of that power in us. It is the energy that is the missionary 32 equivalent of unlocking the power of the atom. I believe there are primal forces that remain 33 deeply embedded in every Jesus community and in every believer. I believe that this is our time, 34 a time when only a solution going to the very root of what it means to be a follower of Jesus will 35 do. Jesus initiated a lay movement using people like you and me. He called them to be disciples 36 though like many of us they were timid, even afraid. Some were uneducated, all were unworthy, 37 but all were loved, forgiven, empowered, and filled with His Holy Spirit. As God commands us to 38 love Him first and others as ourselves, He commissioned us to make disciples. John Wesley 39 helped us see that it is about community and relationship. Christ led His disciples and then sent 40 them into an unfriendly world. It was, in many ways, like the one we live in today. It is not only 41 our clergy that are called. You & I have been called to live and to model a Christ like culture: 42 43 • To love and encourage one another 44 • To inspire and equip one other.

- 101 - 1 • To find ways to invest in others. 2 • To hold each other accountable. 3 • To help others discover and live out God’s unique call for their life. 4 • To help develop spiritually mature disciples. 5 6 Serving as your lay leader has been a blessing and a privilege. - Russ Graves 7 8 9 10 LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES 11 12 From our name change to the many examples of Lay Servants showing amazing examples of 13 service within the Florida Conference it has been a remarkable time of learning, growing and 14 sharing during my years of service as Conference Director. 15 16 Lay Servant Ministries continues to grow and evolve with each passing year. We have offered 17 new and exciting courses every summer for nineteen years now, and will continue to do so this 18 year, but later in the fall. The past four years saw us with our own web page and we were able 19 to attract interesting and relevant speakers and instructors from all over the Southeast. The 20 Basic Course and a variety of interesting advanced courses have been offered around Florida 21 by our District Directors and their teams of instructors. We have been asked to look at new 22 ministries and new ways to do them and to help teach about them, and we look forward to doing 23 so. 24 25 As I move off from this role I welcome Rod Groom who I have had the privilege to serve 26 alongside for many years and who will continue to move this Ministry along in new and exciting 27 ways. He will be officially appointed as the new Conference Director at Annual Conference this 28 year. Rod brings with him the promise to continue the legacy of good, traditional teaching I hold 29 strong to and to add new techniques and formats. I believe we will see wonderful things come 30 from this Ministry. 31 32 My heartfelt thanks to our nine District Directors who are a dedicated team of Laity leading the 33 way in this Ministry. To all of them I offer my sincere thanks for the work they do. We had to say 34 goodbye to three under my leadership who had completed their tenure but who left remarkable 35 footprints. To all of you, thanks for your commitment to this ministry. My thanks to all who 36 attended, served, prayed for and participated in any way for your help in shaping this ministry. 37 You made it easy! 38 39 I thank God for this remarkable opportunity I was provided to serve in this corner of the kingdom 40 and I am humbled by the many ways He made what seemed impossible, become possible and 41 serve His people. Blessings to all! 42 43 Lynn Campbell, Conference Director 44 Rod Groom, Associate Conference Director 45 - 102 - 1 FLORIDA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST MEN 2 3 For the Florida Conference UMM, 2015-16, our main objective was to keep ourselves looking to 4 the future and to be prepared to minister to men of a newer generation while not forsaking the 5 men who have been faithful partners and participants in the past. 6 7 The Florida UMM Board and Conference Committee met in the spring and fall for the 2015-2016 8 Conference year. As with so many volunteer organizations, part of the mission is to keep the 9 leadership positions staffed. We were able to fill vacancies in the Board of Directors and the 10 Conference Committee. Additionally, we saw the addition of two new District Presidents who 11 have actively engaged with Florida Conference UMM. 12 13 We returned to having a spring retreat in 2015, but with a twist. In the past, our spring retreats 14 have been held for couples only. This new retreat, titled “Spring Time by the Lake,” was open to 15 singles as well as couples. It proved successful to the extent that we will have another in 2016. 16 We are proud to announce that Bishop and Mrs. Carter will be featured at this retreat along with 17 John Riley, one of our most popular retreat speakers. 18 19 Both of the Fall Men’s Retreats were successful events. We went with a new format for the first 20 retreat, featuring a shorter format, ending on Saturday afternoon instead of Sunday morning and 21 more “hands on” than our previous format. It featured retired Bishop Dick Wills, Rev. Dale 22 Locke, Lead Pastor of the Community of Hope church and our Conference Lay Leader, Russ 23 Graves. This retreat focused on the concepts in Bishop Wills’ book, “Waking to God’s Dream” 24 and the impact of Wesley Fellowship groups on our churches. Our music and worship was led 25 by the Community of Hope’s Creative Arts Worship Team. 26 27 The second retreat was modeled after our past retreats featuring speaking, outstanding music 28 and breakout sessions. Our speakers were two retreat veterans and favorites, Rev. Dr. Max 29 Wilkins, President and CEO of the Mission Society, and Rev. Ed Diaz, founder of 71:17 30 Ministries. Music was provided by the Lighthouse Band from Cora Gables UMC. We saw many 31 using the altar time to address praises, joys, concerns, and problems and several men commit 32 their lives to Christ, with others rededicating their lives to Christ. In addition to these Retreats, 33 we saw many successful UMM events held in the Districts and led by our capable team of 34 District Presidents. 35 36 We hope to continue to promote the availability of Jim Boesch, our 1st Vice President, to consult 37 and provide Men’s Ministry training to both clergy and laity in the local churches and district 38 organizations. Jim is a Men’s Ministry Specialist who is very well-respected in that field. 39 40 Florida Conference UMM was active at the meeting of the Florida UMC Annual Conference 41 which was held at Bethune-Cookman University. We had a booth and met with fellow UMM 42 members and leaders from throughout the state as well as many pastors and conference 43 leaders. We saw several men in our leadership elected to the2016 General and Southeastern 44 Jurisdictional Conferences which will be held later on the year. We are looking forward to a 45 successful conclusion to this conference year and with great hope and faith in our Creator, to a 46 meaningful year ahead. 47 John Rogers, UMM President

- 103 - 1 FLORIDA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN 2 3 United Methodist Women is a lay women’s organization whose PURPOSE is to know God and 4 to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative supportive 5 fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the 6 church. 7 8 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” Phil 4:4 (KJV). Yes, United Methodist 9 Women in the Florida Conference, in spite of our grief, found joy and great strengths in the Lord 10 to accomplish the mission God has entrusted us with since the last Annual Conference. 11 12 Mission u was held July 9-12, 2015 at Bethune Cookman University, Daytona Beach. The 13 theme was “Pray, Learn, and Transform” and, the studies were: Created for Happiness: 14 Understanding Your Life in God, Latin America and The Church and People with Disabilities. 15 There were 326 persons in attendance. All newly ordained clergy received an invitation to 16 participate in Mission u with a full scholarship. 17 18 At the end of July five members of the Florida Conference attended the National Seminar 19 “Interrupting Indifference: Jesus, Justice and Joy” The quadrennial United Methodist 20 Women mission issue priorities: Maternal and Children Health, Climate Justice, Mass 21 Incarceration and Economic Inequality were launched at this event. 22 23 The 2015 theme for the Spiritual Enrichment Retreat and Conference Annual Meeting was 24 “Rejoice…Pray…Give Thanks” based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 “Rejoice always, pray without 25 ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 26 (NRSV). Rev. Andrea Byer led the Spiritual Enrichment Retreat held at the Life Enrichment 27 Center September 11-13. A young United Methodist Women member, Grace Okerson led the 28 mini-Retreat for teens and college/university women. 29 30 The 42nd Conference Annual Meeting was held at First United Methodist Church, Clermont on 31 November 7, 2015. Over 300 persons gathered to celebrate our mission work. Two of the 32 National Seminar attendees, Anne Christie Destin and Sophia Pak were the keynote speakers. 33 Rev. Jack O. Tilk installed the newly elected Conference officers. Districts, Units and individuals 34 were recognized for their accomplishments in the Reading Program, Mission Studies, Mission 35 Today Units, Five Star Units and Rainbow Givers. The budget for 2016 was approved. Thanks 36 to all faithful United Methodist Women we were able to contribute over $400,000 toward the 37 National organization budget for mission around the world, and an additional $35,000 for 38 designated mission projects. 39 40 Conference elected officers and District Presidents attended Leadership Development Days in 41 St. Louis, MO and Lake Junaluska, NC sponsored by the National Office. 42 43 An inspirational celebration of the fifth Haitian Convocation was held February 20, 2016 at 44 Wabasso United Methodist Church in Sebastian, FL. 45 46 In celebrating the 150th anniversary, UMW members from the FL conference continue to 47 participate in the Day of Giving on March 23 to commemorate the date of the foundation of the

- 104 - 1 first women organization in the Methodist traditions. These contributions go toward our Legacy 2 Fund to enable future generations of women to continue to be partners in God's mission through 3 United Methodist Women. 4 5 You are invited to the 2016 Mission u at Bethune Cookman University, July 7-10, 2016. The 6 studies are: The Bible and Human Sexuality, Latin America and Climate Justice. Continuing 7 education credits are offered. 8 9 We communicate through the “Genesis” the official Florida Conference United Methodist 10 Women publication, our website: htts://sites.google.com/site/flcumw. Response is the official 11 national magazine. Additional information may be found on the national office website: 12 www.unitedmethodistwomen.org. 13 14 We affirm our PURPOSE living by Faith, Hope, Love In Action. 15 16 Kay Roach, President 17 Florida Conference United Methodist Women 18

- 105 - 1 MINISTRY OF THE ORDAINED 2 3 OFFICE OF CLERGY EXCELLENCE 4 The Office of Clergy Excellence supports and offers resources to the nine District Committees 5 on Ministry and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for candidacy certification, licensing, 6 and ordination pathways for those persons called to ordained and licensed ministry in the local 7 church, community, and throughout the world. We also provide Life-long Learning opportunities 8 for our clergy. Our ongoing continuing education programs include: Marcy Preaching 9 Fellowship, Institute of Preaching, Courage to Lead, Reynolds Program for Church Leadership, 10 and the Simpkins Wesley Study Retreat. The Office of Clergy Excellence additionally assists 11 clergy with funds for other programs of continuing education, which are renewed upon each 12 quadrennium. We support Shade and Fresh Water in the mission to provide “a transformative 13 sanctuary for individuals and their families who are professionally associated with the Florida 14 Conference of the UMC for the restoration of body, mind, and spirit toward more abundant 15 living” through the offerings of spiritual direction, personal and covenant group retreats, and 16 programs to manage change in new and difficult appointments and to facilitate divorce recovery. 17 The Office of Clergy Excellence further implements important training events for newly 18 appointed clergy and for clergy who are experiencing a transition of appointment. 19 20 Highlights of the year include: 21 22  Completion of District Committee on Ministry Training for all nine Districts to 23 standardize policies and guidelines. These trainings have provided updated 24 Handbooks to include the Florida Conference Process Chart, Committee 25 Organization, Interview Information, Review Team Expectations, and Additional 26 Resources; 27 28  Establishing Seminary Student Assistants each at Asbury and Candler Schools of 29 Theology and Duke Divinity School to fortify connection within the Florida Conference; 30 these persons organize get-together events for Florida Conference Seminarians and 31 help convey significant happenings on campus and with students to the Director and 32 Assistant Director; 33 34  Completed with Indie Atlantic Films a new vocational video to help awaken and inform 35 persons who may experience a call to Licensed/Ordained Ministry; 36 37  Expanding the role of Shade & Fresh Water in Candidacy and ongoing support of 38 Appointed Clergy with emphasis on the importance of spiritual direction and formation 39 for ministry. Shade and Fresh Water will now be offering every Ordained Elder and 40 Deacon an opportunity to experience Spiritual Direction and Formation with a Certified 41 Spiritual Director. The valuable “Change Retreat” will again be offered to clergy 42 moving in and out of difficult appointments; 43 44  Offering Financial Wellness component to Candidacy Retreat in partnership with The 45 United Methodist Foundation to educate persons seeking certification about the cost

- 106 - 1 of Seminary/Course of Study, the policy for and considerations around accumulation 2 of debt, minimum salary, and basic information about clergy taxes; 3 4  Organizing Young Clergy Debt Task Force which has brought new energy to helping 5 clergy eliminate Educational Debt. Annual Conference unveiled a new Grant Program 6 last year called “Passing the Torch” to assist clergy in eliminating their seminary debt; 7 8  Partnered with The Florida United Methodist Foundation to provide the first Young 9 Clergy Stewardship Academy (March 2-5) to teach clergy financial principles for 10 leading congregations and managing personal finances. We received a $50,000 11 Grant from the General Board’s Young Clergy Initiative. Providing Scholarships this 12 year for Horizon’s Stewardship Academy of Faith and Money in Irving, Texas on April 13 25-28 14 15  Contributing supportive leadership for monthly chapel services at the Conference 16 Office; 17 18  Visiting and encouraging seminary students at Duke Divinity School(Durham NC), 19 Candler School of Theology, Emory University (Atlanta, GA), Asbury Theological 20 Seminary (Wilmore KY and Orlando FL), Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, 21 D.C.), Perkins School of Theology (Southern Methodist University, Dallas); 22 23  Tracking and Supporting 50 Seminary Students enrolled in 9 Seminaries across the 24 country; 25 26  Supporting 33 Course of Study Students in our Regional Florida Schools and our 27 Summer Course of Study Schools at Candler School of Theology and Duke Divinity 28 School; 29 30  Guiding 56 Candidates for Ministry toward Certification in our Pathways to Ministry 31 retreats and mentoring groups; 32 33  Supporting our 3-year cycle of Residents in Ministry Retreats (R.I.M) with Provisional 34 Deacons and Provisional Elders participating and now including Full Time Local 35 Pastors on the track to Provisional Elder (for a total of 46 participants); the second 36 year RIM Retreat includes attending the Leadership Conference at The Church of the 37 Resurrection in Kansas City, KS; 38 39  Enabled 26 Young Adults/College Students to participate in Exploration on November 40 6-8, 2015 at the Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando; 41 42  Sponsoring 7 summer pastoral ministry interns serving in our local churches last year; 43 beginning a pilot program for a year-long pastoral ministry internship with the goal of 44 sponsoring one to three interns per year. 45 46  Organized and implemented Bishop Carter’s Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in January 47 ’16 for all recently ordained deacons and elders.

- 107 - 1 2 Goals for the coming year: 3 4 4 Fold Purpose - Call, Discern, Support, Transform 5 1. CALL: increase in numbers and depth of calls to licensed/ordained ministry within the FL 6 Conference 7 2. DISCERN: create and expand opportunities for discernment, to listen and respond— 8 camps, local churches, campus ministries 9 3. SUPPORT: ensure that all seminaries have a FL Conference student group; enhance 10 mentoring, especially through empowering DCOM’s and develop LP Mentors for all those 11 in Course of Study. Continue Provisional Seminar to include all LP’s and those moving 12 from certified candidate to provisional membership; develop full connection seminar for 13 provisional members 14 4. TRANSFORM: promote life-long learning among all clergy through retreats, continuing 15 education events, 5-day Spiritual Academy, spiritual direction, etc. 16 17 Ongoing Focus: 18 19  Recruit, Implement, Train, and Support all District Committee on Ordained Ministry 20 Registrars to continue a supportive connection with The Office of Clergy Excellence; 21 22  Facilitate ongoing training for UMCARES (United Methodist Candidacy and Retrieval 23 Entry System) 24 . 25  Establish comprehensive mentoring program for local pastors. 26 27  Seek Grants for Board of Ordained Ministry Programming and Simpkins Wesley Study 28 Retreat. 29 30  Develop a Culture of Call throughout every congregation in the Florida Conference, 31 identifying children, youth, young adults, and adults discerning a call to licensed and 32 ordained ministry. 33 34 We are grateful for the clergy and lay leadership serving on our Boards and Ministries. We offer 35 special appreciation to The Board of Ordained Ministry and outgoing Chair, Terri Hill; Vice Chair, 36 Tim Carson, Secretary, Sara McKinley. They have provided amazing leadership during the past 37 four years to strengthen our clergy as they seek licensing and ordination in the Florida 38 Conference. 39 40 We are also thankful for the tireless leadership of clergy and laity in the following programs 41 offered through the Office of Clergy Excellence: Institute of Preaching: Jim Harnish, Faculty and 42 Matthew Hartsfield, Chair; Marcy Preaching Fellowship, Charlie Reeb, Conference Liaison; 43 Courage to Lead: David Dodge and Janice Virtue, Faculty; Reynolds Leadership Program: Russ 44 Moxley and Janice Virtue, Faculty; Simpkins Wesley Study Retreat: Phil Roughton, Chair and 45 Bishop Bob Fannin, Liaison. 46 47 We are honored to serve with these amazing teams of servants.

- 108 - 1 As Rwth and I prepare to transition back to leadership in the local church on July 1, we want to 2 give thanks to Holly Finley, Administrative Assistant for the Office of Clergy Excellence. Holly 3 has displayed exceptional gifts and graces in helping our candidates and Board of Ordained 4 Ministry Applicants find their way through new online applications and data entry systems. We 5 have been blessed to be co-workers with her as we help our students discern and answer their 6 calls to licensed and ordained ministry. We will miss our collaborative efforts. 7 8 We are thrilled to welcome the Reverend Sara McKinley as the new Director for the Office of 9 Clergy Excellence. Sara brings phenomenal administrative, leadership, and pastoral skills to this 10 position. I know you will join us in welcoming her to this new appointment! 11 12 With Joy on the Journey, 13 Wayne Wiatt, Director 14 Rwth Fuquay, Associate Director 15 Holly Finley, Administrative Assistant 16 17 18 BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY 19 20 The last four years chairing the Board of Ordained Ministry has been a blessing in many ways. 21 The candidates for ministry are faith filled women and men who offer themselves for service to 22 God and the church. I am inspired by their willingness to address any issues raised through the 23 Board process. They engage in counseling, CPE, class work, work on their sermons, mentoring, 24 theological growth, leadership enhancement and whatever we discern to be in the best interest 25 of the United Methodist churches of Florida. They have blessed my life. 26 27 The members of the Board of Ordained Ministry are so dedicated to the significant task of 28 licensing, commissioning, and ordaining the right people for the calling of ministry. They stay 29 true to the Wesleyan tradition and to the unique context of the state of Florida as they read and 30 discuss and guide the candidates. It has been a huge blessing to work with them, to lead them, 31 and to learn so much from them. 32 33 The staff in the Center for Clergy Excellence that interacts with the Board of Ordained Ministry 34 has been another wonderful blessing. The Rev. Dr. Wayne Wiatt has been amazing in his 35 leadership and has served hundreds of people in the process with kindness and care. We wish 36 him well as he moves into a new appointment. Holly Finley has supported the work of the Board 37 with excellence and will be an invaluable help to the Rev. Sara McKinley as she ably leads the 38 Center for Clergy Excellence forward. 39 40 For these blessings and many more, I thank the Board of Ordained Ministry. 41 42 Respectfully submitted, 43 Terri Hill 44 Chairperson 45

- 109 - 1 BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY RECOMMENDATIONS 2 3 RECOMMENDED FOR ELDER IN FULL CONNECTION – ELDER 4 5 Patti Aupperlee – age 53, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, Atlantic Central District 6 Debbie Daley-Salinger – age 54, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, South Central District 7 Rachel DeLaune – age 30, Married, Emory Candler Theological Seminary, North Central District 8 Jim Divine – age 54, Married, Wesley Biblical Seminary, North Central District 9 Conner Hill – age 34, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, South Central District 10 Emily Knight – age 29, Married, Duke University, North Central District 11 Dennis Lewis – age 44, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North West District 12 Mary Mitchell – age 55, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North Central District 13 Esther Rodriguez – age 29, Single, Asbury Theological Seminary, South West District 14 Michael Weaver – age 38, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North Central District 15 16 RECOMMENDED FOR DEACON IN FULL CONNECTION – DEACON 17 18 Cathy Hart – age 53, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, Gulf Central District 19 Laura Ice – age 52, Single, Asbury Theological Seminary, Gulf Central District 20 Alyce Parmer – age 72, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North West District 21 22 RECOMMENDED FOR PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP – ELDER 23 24 Jad Denmark – age 38, Married, Emory Candler Theological Seminary, East Central District 25 Loida Divine – age 52, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North Central District 26 Emily Edwards – age 30, Single, Emory Candler Theological Seminary, East Central District 27 Denvil Farley – age 34, Married, Duke University, North East District 28 Heather Harding – age 53, Single, Duke University, East Central District 29 Michael Luzinski – age 26, Engaged, Duke University, South East District 30 Lenora Rousseau – age 44, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, East Central District 31 Emily Sterling – age 30, Single, Duke University, Atlantic Central District 32 33 RECOMMENDED FOR PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP – DEACON 34 35 Pam Dubov – age 60, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, Gulf Central District 36 Rad Orlandi – age 62, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, Atlantic Central District 37 Madeline Watts – age 25, Engaged, Duke Divinity, East Central District 38 Kristyne Young – age 40, Married, Asbury Theological Seminary, North Central District 39 40 41 TO BE LICENSED AS LOCAL PASTORS (IF APPOINTED)

Tracie Ashley Pierre Exantus Orlando Ramirez Jean Avril Pamela Green Tim Willcox Alex Christian Chris Haden Kathleen Durbin Andrew Miller 42

- 110 - 1 MINISTERIAL EDUCATION FUND 2 3 The Ministerial Education Fund apportionment supports a fundamental part of the connectional 4 ministry of the United Methodist Church. It enables all local churches throughout the conference 5 to assist persons who are candidates for ministry. With the contributions made by members of 6 the churches during 2013, your Board has been able to assist persons up to $4,000 per 7 semester. This help is often crucial for candidates, many of whom give up other careers to 8 enter the ministry. These are the guidelines which the Ministerial Education Fund committee 9 uses in administering these funds: 10 11 Ministerial Education Funds (MEF) will be made available to all certified candidates who are 12 attending seminary. Local Pastors in Course of Study Schools may receive scholarship 13 assistance from MEF, as can persons attending the Licensing School. MEF funds may also be 14 used to provide scholarship assistance to local pastors and deacons, licensed by the Board of 15 Ordained Ministry, who are enrolled in an ACPE-approved CPE program. 16 17 MEF continuing education grants will be made available to Diaconal Ministers to help finance 18 their two annual continuing education units on the same basis as such funds are made available 19 to ordained ministers. 20 21 Distribution of MEF receipts is 90% for students and 10% for continuing education.

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Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) 2013 2014 2015

Apportioned to local church 1,213,010 1,180,279 1,158,898 Received from local churches 962,352 972,613 955,926

75% of MEF monies received are sent to the General Church for Seminary students Total sent to General Church 721,764 729,460 716,944 25% of MEF monies received remain in the Florida Conference for student aid and continuing education Total FL Conference Funds available 240,588 243,153 238,982

For Student aid (90% of retained funds) 216,529 218,838 215,084 For Continuing Ed (10% of retained funds) 24,059 24,315 23,898

Student Aid Amount available from prior years 793,630 486,425 374,141

Received from other sources (non- Apportioned) 66,002 69,741 15,181 Current Year Allocation 216,529 218,838 215,084 Disbursed for students (587,736) (400,863) (203,317) Available for future use 486,425 374,141 401,089

Continuing Education Amount available from prior years 102,930 103,965 96,962 Received from other sources (non- Apportioned) 1,642 2,014 1,330 Current Year Allocation 24,059 24,315 23,898 Disbursed for continuing education (30,666) (33,332) (30,011) Available for future use 103,965 96,962 92,179

1

- 112 - 1 COMMISION ON EQUITABLE COMPENSATION 2 3 The Commission on Equitable Compensation exists to assist churches who are in need of 4 financial support on a short term basis. It is our goal to see transformation come through the 5 implementation of new vision by making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the 6 world. The Commission’s purpose is to provide short-term grants that assist in this process of 7 making disciples. These grants are designed to help chartered churches and missions continue 8 in ministry as they revise their future, thus helping them to return to a self-supporting status. It is 9 our prayer as a commission, that we can be both a facilitator and an encourager in the ministry 10 of churches in need of short-term financial assistance. 11 12 Based on a recommendation by the Strategic Leadership Team, the scope of the Equitable 13 Compensation Commission has expanded to include what was formerly support by New Church 14 Development for missions and District support for missions. 15 16 GUIDELINES FOR 2017 17 18 Equitable Compensation funds will be granted in accordance with the following guidelines. Only 19 the Equitable Compensation Commission at the request of a District Superintendent may grant 20 exceptions. 21 22 Who is qualified to receive minimum salary funds? 23 24 . All full-time pastors who are not excluded in Section 2. 25 . Ministers serving full-time pastoral assignments with an average attendance of 100 in 26 worship. If a congregation falls below 100 in average worship attendance, the first year 27 the maximum support will be reduced by 10%. If the congregation continues to have less 28 than 100 in worship for 3 years, consideration will be given to the church becoming part 29 of a circuit or part-time if the church wants to remain eligible for Equitable Compensation 30 Funding. The exceptions are student appointments and part-time pastors. 31 32 Who is not eligible for minimum salary support? 33 34 . All pastors who are retired. 35 . Part-time pastors are not eligible for minimum salary support except in those cases 36 where ministry within the discretion of the District Superintendent and Cabinet warrant 37 special support. The amount of support available will not exceed 50% of the amount 38 available on a full-time basis. 39 . Full-time appointments with less than 100 in average worship attendance. 40 . Ministers on Leave of Absence. 41 . Associate Pastors. 42 . Any ordained conference member not under pastoral appointment. 43 . Those who are appointed from other Annual Conferences under Disciplinary appointment 44 of ¶¶346.1 and 346.2. 45

- 113 - 1 The maximum allowable salary support is 20% of minimum salary. To be eligible, a pastor 2 must live in the bounds of his/her parish and give full-time service to that charge. Studies 3 pursued in an approved college or university is considered part of the work of the ministry if 4 approved by the District Superintendent. 5 6 Applications for Equitable Compensation funds are submitted once a year and must be 7 received by the Conference office on or before April 1st for funding for the following year. 8 Applications for new Equitable Compensation support may be submitted with a deadline of 9 November 1st. 10 11 The application must include: 12 13 . The signature of the Chairperson of the Staff Parish Relations Committee. 14 . A Vision and Mission statement as envisioned by the whole body of the church. 15 . A Written Ministry Plan for implementing the Vision and Mission statement into the life of 16 the church. A summary of the measurable goals accomplished to date as reflected in 17 Evangelism, Worship, and Outreach. 18 . A Treasurers report, including all assets, for the current year to date status of the 19 financial condition of the church. 20 . A request for funds by the Charge Conference and the signature of the District 21 Superintendent. 22 . A copy of the congregations Stewardship Commitment Plan. 23 . Summary of the Measurable Goals accomplished to date as reflected in Evangelism, 24 Worship, and Outreach. 25 . The Missional Vital Signs Yearly Report 26 . Any new request must include a cover letter by the District Superintendent naming the 27 missional strategy involved in the request and the timeline during which this funding 28 would be needed. 29 30 Additional support, up to $2,000, is available for “Missional Congregations.” “Chartered 31 Churches” with documented outreach to the poor, through service and evangelism may 32 also apply for “Missional” support, with the approval of the District Superintendent. The 33 church must be receiving an Equitable Compensation grant in order to be eligible for this 34 additional support. 35 36 Before a church is granted salary support, the church must conduct, or agree to conduct, a 37 Stewardship Commitment plan. 38 39 Churches whose salary support is at “The Minimum” may apply for assistance with utilities, 40 health insurance, or moving expenses. Churches/missions must submit a plan for ministry 41 when making an initial application for equitable compensation funds. This plan must 42 demonstrate the need for assistance and the manner in which the church/mission will be 43 working to eliminate that need in a timely way. 44 45 Churches/missions may receive the requested assistance for up to five years. In year six 46 (6) the original request will be reduced by 25%; in year seven (7) by 50%; in year eight (8) 47 75%. There will be no assistance granted after the eighth year.

- 114 - 1 2 Any funds granted to those churches approved, will first have to pay any outstanding 3 balances owed to the Florida Conference. Those items that must be paid in full include: 4 5 . Church’s portion of the salary of the pastor 6 . Health Insurance premiums 7 . Property and Casualty premiums 8 . Pension premiums 9 . Workers Compensation premiums 10 . “The Clergy Support” line item from apportionments. 11 12 The approved funds from the grant will be used to pay the balances of any outstanding 13 debt and the balance of the funds will come to the church. 14 15 Reimbursement Accounts: 16 17 Charges receiving Equitable Compensation Funds may establish a reimbursement account not 18 to exceed $2,000. This will be paid for out of the budget of the charge. 19 20 Salary reduction for pension purposes: 21 22 Clergy receiving Equitable Compensation funds may designate a portion of their compensation 23 to the “Before Tax” contribution for the pension program. 24 25 MINIMUM SALARY RECOMMENDATIONS 26 2017 Full Connection $42,600 Provisional Members $40,300 Associate Members $39,100 Local Pastor with M. Div. or 5 years Course of Study $37,900 Local Pastor with less than than 5 years of Course of $36,900 Study

27 28 ADDITIONAL EQUITABLE COMPENSATION INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS 29 30 Missional Congregations: 31 Missional situations are those missions or organized churches in areas which demand an 32 effective ministry but are not financially capable of providing such ministries without 33 Conference assistance. There will be an annual review by the District Superintendent, to 34 determine if each Missional situation in the district meets the guidelines. 35 36 The Equitable Compensation Commission may provide amounts up to $2,000 for Missional 37 support, and an additional $2,000 may be granted for Haitian and Hispanic congregations in

- 115 - 1 exceptional circumstances. Request for salary support from Equitable Compensation 2 Commission for Missional situations shall be made by the deadline and shall accompany the 3 Equitable Compensation Request form. 4 5 Eligibility for extended Missional support 6 7 A mission must meet the following criteria to receive extended support and will be annually 8 reviewed to determine continued compliance until they are able to establish independence. 9 Chartered congregations are not eligible. 10 11 . Provide evidence that the mission has a vision statement, rooted in the Great Commission, 12 which actually functions to shape the decisions about deployment of people and financial 13 resources in ministry. 14 . Provide evidence that the pastor exerts effective leadership in casting and realizing the 15 vision. 16 . Provide evidence of the mission’s effectiveness in making and growing disciples. 17 . The mission makes a number of new disciples (first time professions of faith or 18 “restorations”) at least equal to 10% of its average worship attendance. 19 . The mission has a system of nurturing discipleship for all persons, long time Christians and 20 newly professed ones. 21 . The mission carries out a consistent program of teaching the stewardship dimension of 22 discipleship including sacrificial proportionate giving by all disciples. 23 . The mission has a worship average attendance of at least 100, or grew in attendance in the 24 past 12 months at a rate that would project reaching 100 in no more than 5 years. 25 . Provide evidence that the mission is taking responsibility for a greater and greater 26 percentage of its total expenditures. The goal is financial independence in a reasonable 27 time frame. 28 29 Transforming Congregations 30 31 Congregations which are in need of transformation, according to the Conference’s definition 32 adopted in 2003, may receive a grant of no more than $10,000 per year for up to five years, if 33 they cannot afford the salary of available pastors with the requisite transformational skills and 34 leadership ability. The Cabinet will follow these guidelines in making appointments according to 35 “fit” and will use funds from the Commission to supplement salaries if needed to achieve the “fit.” 36 37 . The congregation has a vision statement that actually functions to shape decisions about 38 deployment of people and financial resources. 39 . The vision is rooted in the Great Commission. 40 . The projected pastor is committed to stay at the church for at least 6 years. 41 . The congregation wants “transformation” for Missional rather than for survival reasons. They 42 understand the need they have for transformation and agree to cooperate in transforming 43 with the pastor appointed to lead.

- 116 - 1 . The leaders of the congregation are committed to transforming. They have an understanding 2 of what transformation is, what it is going to cost in terms of sacrifice and fundamental 3 change in congregational life, and how long this will take. 4 . The church is willing to re-evaluate its leadership structures and put leaders in place who are 5 willing to implement the changes transformation requires in the local church context. 6 . The church will enter a transformation process approved by the District Superintendent, the 7 department of Congregational Vitality, and/or the District Committee. 8 9 A church in transformation, while experiencing fundamental and often painful change, is still a 10 part of the UM connection. Some churches undergoing transformation may have difficulty 11 fulfilling the following responsibilities: connectional giving, pension and health insurance 12 contributions for pastor, property insurance, workers compensation premiums. 13 14 *In order to receive help from the Commission on Equitable Compensation the church will 15 affirm these as responsibilities they intend to fulfill. If the church has been unable to fulfill 16 these responsibilities they will develop a covenant, signed by the “Leadership Team” and 17 carry out a plan to reach annual fulfillment within 5 years. The process of transformation 18 may temporarily cause a reduction in the number of people participating in the life of the 19 church and a reduction in financial strength. In this situation temporary accommodation can 20 be arranged, without lessening the church’s long term commitment to fulfill their 21 connectional responsibilities. The Superintendent recommends the church for this program 22 in partnership with the Office of Congregational Transformation. 23 24 Utilities, Health Insurance, Moving Expenses: 25 The Equitable Compensation Commission recommends that each local church pay the Pastor’s 26 utilities and the group hospitalization premium. In hardship situations pastors may apply through 27 their District Superintendent to the Equitable Compensation Commission for $720 in utility 28 payments not covered by the local church. The Equitable Compensation Commission will pay 29 up to $5000 of the base Health Insurance plan. 30 31 The Equitable Compensation Commission joins with the Cabinet in recommending that each 32 receiving church pay actual moving expenses within the bounds of the Florida Conference. 33 Pastors at minimum salary level may apply through their District Superintendent to the Equitable 34 Compensation Commission for funds not to exceed $500 or 75% of the total cost if not paid by 35 the local church. 36 37 Parsonage Fund: 38 This fund is intended for the purchase and upgrading of parsonages and not for rental property 39 or pastors living in their own homes. Application can be made through the District 40 Superintendent for grants not exceeding $3,600. The funds, if granted, will be paid upon the 41 submission of receipts for the work completed to the parsonage, or the proof of a mortgage. 42

- 117 - 1 Ministry Support 2 Application for Ministry Support for missions or chartered churches may be received upon 3 recommendation by the District Superintendent that meet the following criteria: 4  Clear missional vision rooted in community outreach and evangelism by the congregation 5  Clearly defined measurable outcomes 6  Financial accountability 7  Annual evaluation at the District level 8 9 Property Expenses 10 Requests for funds for property issues for missions will be first handled within the mission's local 11 budget and then if additional funds are needed they could become a limited part of a request by 12 the Cabinet Development Fund and will be sent through the District Superintendent to the 13 Cabinet for consideration. 14 15 Required Training 16 All ministries that receive funding from Equitable Compensation will be required to participate in 17 the English/Spanish/Creole Conference-organized training that will begin in 2017. 18 19 2017 Budget Request 20 The Council on Finance and Administration is requested to appropriate $1,500,000 for the 21 Equitable Compensation Commission for the fiscal year 2017. The Conference Treasurer shall 22 remit funds to the District Superintendents and or the church as certified by the Executive 23 Director of the Equitable Compensation Commission. 24 25 2017 26 Salary Support 27 Equitable Salaries $315,000 28 Transformation Grants $40,000 29 Missional $100,000 30 Haitian/Hispanic $100,000 31 Pensions $25,000 32 Utilities and Moving $15,000 33 Health Insurance $180,000 34 Parsonage Fund $105,000 35 Workers Compensation $6,000 36 Administration $9,000 37 Sub Total $895,000 38 39 District Initiated Request $300,000 40 Ministry Support $75,000 41 Training for Recipients $80,000 42 Contingency $70,000 43 44 Grand Total $1,500,000

- 118 - 1 2 Respectfully submitted by: 3 Brian Carr, Chairperson 4 Clarke Campbell-Evans, Director 5 6 7 8 SHADE AND FRESH WATER 9 10 “When you're weary, feeling small 11 When tears are in your eyes, I'll dry them all 12 I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough 13 And friends just can't be found 14 Like a bridge over troubled water 15 I will lay me down 16 Like a bridge over troubled water 17 I will lay me down” 18 Bridge Over Troubled Water 19 Written by Paul Simon 20 21 When we have been in the ministry for any length of time at all we know that Paul Simon is 22 singing this song to us. We are weary, we do feel all alone. We want someone who will stand 23 with us as we face another blank page where we hope a sermon will suddenly appear. We are 24 weary of yet another committee that demands more while the church participates less. 25 26 At times we are so tired that we begin to question our call, our mission, our faith, Shade and 27 Fresh Water was proposed by Mrs. Melba Whitaker, wife of Bishop Tim Whitaker, when she 28 recognized that there was a need for someone to stand with the clergy and their families as they 29 deal with the pain and weariness of being a pastor or a pastor’s family. She saw the hurt and the 30 anger of so many and the growing numbers who were leaving the ministry because they were 31 just burned out. 32 33 S & FW is an Advanced Special of the Conference that works to provide that spiritual support 34 and refreshment that all clergy need to renew their commitment and hear again God’s call on 35 their lives. The Circle of Shade and Fresh Water provides Spiritual Directors who give you a 36 time and a place to be still and to hear again that still small voice and then to take the time to 37 reflect upon your ministry. 38 39 Shade and Fresh Water also provides a Spiritual Director to work with covenant groups so that 40 they can reaffirm their support for one another and help them to learn how to hold each member 41 of the group to living holy lives. S &FW also provides a yearly Change Retreat for those who are 42 facing a new church and all the unknowns that go with it. 43 44 In the past, S &FW has gifted each new clergy licensed, commissioned or ordained at the 45 Annual Conference six sessions of Spiritual Direction in his or her local area, with the 46 encouragement to participate in a 3-day spiritual retreat at our newly created Wesley Suite at 47 the LEC in Fruitland Park. In Cooperation with the Camps and Retreat Ministries, S&FW has

- 119 - 1 renovated a suite for the purpose of creating a sacred space for retreat and Spiritual Direction. 2 This is an exciting time, and we are looking forward to the future of clergy wellness through 3 intentional support. 4 5 Our website, www.shadeandfreshwater.org, provides information about our various offerings 6 including personal retreats, covenant group retreats, Spiritual Direction, a Managing Change 7 retreat and more. Registration is available online. 8 9 Let us be your “Bridge over Troubled Waters” as we all move forward to do the work of God. 10 11 Holder of the Circle for March-Mrs. Martha Gay Duncan; Scribe and Guardian to be chosen for 12 monthly Call. 13 Members of the Circle: Mrs. Martha Gay Duncan, Rev. Dawn Carter, Rev. Margarite Matthews, 14 Rev. Esther Rodriguez, Dr. Trudy Corry Rankin; Rev. Ruth Fuquay, Rev. Mark Whittaker, Mrs. 15 Lucy Wray, Rev. Lew Arnold 16 Prepared by Rev. Mark Whittaker (3-8-16) 17 18 19 INSTITUTE OF PREACHING 20 21 The Florida Institute of Preaching (IOP) was established through a generous endowment by Mr. 22 and Mrs. Frank Sherman. For over 20 years, the IOP has helped pastors in the Florida Annual 23 Conference develop their capacity to share the Gospel. Working together with Duke Divinity 24 School, the Institute brings together a small group of pastors each year to help them nurture and 25 develop their gift of preaching. 26 27 The Institute is designed to help already capable preachers who are open to personal 28 development through dialogue and reflection with their peers. For that reason, the Institute is 29 open to all full-time Elders and local pastors in the Florida Conference with at least five years’ 30 experience of preaching on a regular basis who do not anticipate a change in appointment in the 31 coming year. The IOP has also partnered with Western North Carolina Conference who fund a 32 small group of pastors who participate each year. In addition, the IOP has funds and supports 33 training opportunities for pastors in the Bahamas. Most recently the IOP has partnered with 34 the Real Ideas Conference to offer workshops on effective communication and biblical 35 preaching. 36 37 Matthew Hartsfield 38

- 120 - 1 CONFERENCE BOARD OF PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS 2 3 The Conference Board of Pension & Health Benefits received the Treasurer's report as of 4 December 31, 2015 and the balance in our Benefit Trust is $44.3.M. A reduction of $7.5M over 5 year-end 2014. 6 7 The Conference made all required contributions to CRSP and our predecessor pension plans 8 however, our most recent actuarial valuations reflected losses in asset performance along with 9 other population changes resulting in an underfunded position as of December 31, 2015. As of 10 this date our projected future liabilities for pension and retiree health care expenses are $49.5M 11 resulting in a deficit of $4.9M. 12 13 Our pension plan assets, held in trust at the General Board of Pensions, and our Benefit Trust 14 assets held locally have both been affected by shifts in market volatility. As a result, our funds 15 experienced a loss in asset value as of year-end 2015. In addition, the General Board, in its 16 recently released actuarial projections for the pension plans, has changed the mortality tables 17 used to determine life expectancy causing an increase to our future liabilities for the CRSP 18 pension plan. This situation combined with increasing retiree health care expenses caused our 19 funded status to drop below 100% for the first time since 2009. The Florida Conference must 20 address this situation promptly and work to restore our fully funded status going into 2017 and 21 beyond. 22 23 The annual CRSP contribution required to be paid by all local churches (with clergy appointed at 24 least half-time) is 12% of the pastor’s total plan compensation. Total plan compensation is 25 defined as cash salary plus parsonage value or housing allowance. 26 27 When the CRSP plan was implemented in 2007 the contribution for the pastor’s pension was 28 also 12% for the Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP). The MPP was the pension plan that preceded 29 CRSP. The percentage of compensation paid by the local church for its full time pastor’s 30 pension plan has not increased since the 1990’s. 31 32 The members of the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (CBOPHB) take their 33 fiduciary responsibilities very seriously. Board members work closely with Conference staff to 34 understand plan funding requirements and the financial decisions that must be made by our 35 Conference. We regularly review detailed financial information regarding asset performance 36 and pension contributions from local churches to determine the funding status of our plans as 37 well as our ability to make required pension contributions. 38 39 In prior years we have employed a multitude of tactics to maintain our pension funding formula. 40 We have used assets in excess of plan requirements and premium holidays for the 41 Comprehensive Protection Plan all to try and maintain a flat funding formula. We have reached 42 the point where we are unable to maintain proper funding at the current 12% contribution level. 43 The CBOPHB faced with this issue must ask for an increase to the pension funding formula and 44 is raising the required contribution for local churches to 15% of the pastor’s total compensation 45 effective January 1, 2017. 46 47 Report I – Past Service Rate

- 121 - 1 The Conference Board recommends the Past Service Rate for 2017 remain at $771. 2 3 Report II – Special Grants 4 The CBOPHB recommends special grants and/or pension support for: Donald Rock, Rev. 5 Charles Constant and Elizabeth Hogan. 6 7 Report III – Apportionment Recommendation for 2017 8 The CBOPHB has sufficient resources to fund current obligations for the Retiree Health 9 Insurance Program, Special Grants and the Clergy Wellness Initiative for 2017 without requiring 10 apportionment funds. As such, the CBOPBH is not requesting apportioned funds in 2017. 11 12 Benefit Trust Statement 13 A comprehensive benefit funding plan document and complete audited financial statements are 14 available upon request from the Conference Treasurer.

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1 Report IV – Housing/Rental Allowance Resolution 2 Resolutions Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled 3 Clergypersons of the Florida Conference 4 5 The Florida Conference (the “Conference”) adopts the following resolutions relating to 6 rental/housing allowances for active, retired, or disabled clergypersons of the Conference: 7 8 WHEREAS, the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (the “Church”), 9 of which this Conference is a part, has in the past functioned and continues to function through 10 ministers of the gospel (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 107) who were or 11 are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church (“Clergypersons”); 12 13 WHEREAS, the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to provide active 14 Clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross 15 compensation; 16 17 WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, and disabled Clergypersons are 18 considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, and disabled 19 Clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and 20 21 WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the Conference (or its 22 predecessors) as the appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for 23 Clergypersons who are or were members of this Conference and are eligible to receive such 24 deferred compensation; 25 26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: THAT an amount equal to 100% of the pension or 27 disability payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of The United 28 Methodist Church (the “Discipline”), which includes all such payments from the General Board of 29 Pension and Health Benefits (“GBOPHB”), during the year 2017 by each active, retired, or 30 disabled Clergyperson who is or was a member of the Conference, or its predecessors, be and 31 hereby is designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such Clergyperson; and THAT the 32 pension or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance applies will be any 33 pension or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the Discipline, 34 including such payments from the GBOPHB and from a commercial annuity company that 35 provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a GBOPHB plan, annuity, or fund 36 authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a Clergyperson rendered to this 37 Conference or that an active, a retired, or a disabled Clergyperson of this Conference rendered 38 to any local church, annual conference of the Church, general agency of the Church, other 39 institution of the Church, former denomination that is now a part of the Church, or any other 40 employer that employed the Clergyperson to perform services related to the ministry of the 41 Church, or its predecessors, and that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit 42 under, such a plan, annuity, or fund for such active, retired, or disabled Clergyperson’s pension 43 or disability as part of his or her gross compensation. 44 45 NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a Clergyperson’s gross income 46 in any year for federal income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section

- 124 - 1 107(2) and regulations thereunder to the least of: (1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance 2 designated by the Clergyperson’s employer or other appropriate body of the Church (such as 3 this Conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; (2) the amount actually expended by 4 the Clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or (3) the fair rental value of the home, 5 including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such 6 year. 7 8 As Chair of the committee, I want to thank all the board members who give of their expertise, 9 wisdom and time to do our work. We pray together and seek to discern God’s will in these great 10 stewardship matters. I also want to express my confidence and appreciation for the HR & 11 Benefits staff Wendy McCoy, Helen Mitchell, and Lois Durham. This board’s performance is 12 greatly enhanced through the care and support of these professionals. 13 14 Rev. Catherine Thacker, Chairperson 15 16 17 18 HEALTH INSURANCE SUBCOMMITTEE 19 20 Last year this subcommittee proposed changes to our current group health plan. The following 21 is the Freedom To Choose recommendation for your consideration and action. 22 It includes the rationale for the proposed change, a detailed description of how the change 23 would work and the effective date for implementation. 24 25 Rationale 26 27 The Conference health insurance plan is not collecting sufficient premium dollars to fund the 28 program. For the past 4 years the cost of claims and fees have exceeded the established 29 premium funding targets and the plan continues to operate at a loss. 30 31 Our annual claim experience continues to deteriorate due to an increase in catastrophic claims 32 (those are claims in excess of $325K). In addition, our plan experiences higher claim costs due 33 to the average age (56) of the insured population in our group. These conditions are the 34 primary cause of our plan expense exceeding annual premium funding targets. In 2014 the 35 percentage of claims paid to premium collected was 107% and in 2015 the ratio of claims to 36 premium is 110%. Accordingly, the plan paid out 10% more in claims than we collected in 37 premium dollars last year. 38 39 Increasingly the Conference is also having difficulty maintaining our mandatory enrollment 40 requirement for all full time clergy to stay in the plan so the integrity of our group can be 41 maintained. Participants are increasingly demanding alternatives including the option to decline 42 coverage. We can't maintain the group if an increasing number of participants opt out of the 43 plan to take alternative coverage. 44

- 125 - 1 Proposed Plan Change 2 3 The current self-funded group health plan terminates December 31, 2016. Effective January 1, 4 2017, the Conference group health plan is no longer available and clergy working full time will 5 have the following options for obtaining health insurance or receive additional compensation to 6 purchase a health insurance plan of their choice. 7 8 1. If the local church offers a small group health plan the clergy member may choose to join 9 the church's plan - or choose to receive additional compensation from the local church in 10 lieu of health insurance in the amount directed by the CBOPHB. 11 2. If the charge does not provide health insurance - the clergy member must be paid the 12 additional compensation to purchase health insurance. 13 3. If the charge meets the definition of a "large employer" according to the ACA, the clergy 14 member can choose to take the plan offered by the church or decline that coverage and 15 request the additional compensation to purchase health insurance. However, clergy 16 members in this situation are not eligible for Premium Tax Credits (government 17 subsidies) to purchase insurance coverage through the Marketplace. 18 19 These options will be available to all pastors who are full time and are appointed to a local 20 church, mission, district and for clergy on the Conference staff. 21 22 The CBOPHB will determine the amount of additional compensation to purchase health 23 insurance by using the Healthcare.gov Silver level exchange plan premium as the basis for the 24 calculation. This additional compensation, paid in lieu of health insurance, will be based on the 25 pastor's family size. The amount of the salary increase in 2017 for those who are not offered a 26 plan or who choose to take the additional compensation is: 27 28 29 Single $ 9,000 30 31 Clergy plus one $12,000 32 dependent 33 34 Family $15,000 35 36 The additional salary is taxable income to the clergy member. However, pastors can employ 37 various tax effective strategies to reduce the tax impact of the increased compensation. Salary 38 Paying Unit's (SPU) may establish a Cafeteria Plan to allow pastors to make pre-tax 39 contributions into a qualifying Health Savings Account subject to annual IRS limits if no group 40 health plan is provided. 41 42 Several other U.S. Annual Conferences have already made this change. The impact is so 43 significant that the General Board of Pension & Health Benefits is bringing legislation to the 44 2016 General Conference that will modify the definition of pension eligible compensation to 45 exclude any compensation in lieu of health insurance. If this proposal is successful the funds 46 cited above would not be included in compensation for pension contributions.

- 126 - 1 Under this model many clergy, who are not offered a health insurance plan by the local church, 2 may be eligible for government subsidies (Premium Tax Credits) to assist with purchasing 3 insurance - in addition to the compensation from the SPU. This approach offers continued 4 employer financial support and provides options that are not currently available to clergy. This 5 alternative solution is intended to facilitate the transition from employer selected group benefits 6 to a more open system that permits individual choice of plans combined with continued 7 employer financial support. However, there will continue to be inconsistent participant 8 experience as some members will benefit to a greater degree while others will experience 9 disadvantages over the current state. 10 11 Other Requirements 12 13 Eligible pastors who are currently on paid leave (such as renewal leave) or clergy who take a 14 future paid leave of absence must be permitted to continue their group health plan coverage (if 15 available) during their absence as long as the participant makes all required contributions or to 16 continue being paid the additional compensation for health insurance if that was their current 17 election. 18 19 Pastors who take a personal, sabbatical, transitional, or any other non-paid leave may be 20 offered continuation coverage by the local church, if available. Clergy members who take an 21 unpaid leave are not eligible for additional compensation to purchase health insurance. 22 23 Clergy applying for disability from the Clergy Protection Plan (CPP) may retain their coverage 24 while their application is pending as long as the participant makes all required contributions or to 25 continue being paid the additional compensation, by the local SPU, for health insurance if that 26 was their current election. Once an applicant is approved for long-term disability their 27 compensation to purchase health insurance will be paid by the Conference. 28 29 Clergy couples serving separate appointments will have a choice of coverage offered by the 30 local church(s) or they can choose to accept the appropriate additional compensation to 31 purchase insurance. Depending on which election the couple chooses, it is expected that each 32 SPU will designate how they will share this expense for the family. Families must be paid the 33 appropriate compensation based on the number of family members and each charge must 34 support this expense equally. 35 36 Participants not eligible for additional compensation in lieu of health insurance are part-time 37 local pastors, supply pastors, retired pastors and those pastors appointed to extension 38 ministries. 39 40 SPU's are advised that the requirement to compensate pastors to support the purchase of 41 health insurance cannot be conditioned on the actual purchase of health insurance. The SPU 42 cannot require pastors provide proof of insurance. However, the Affordable Care Act requires all 43 U.S. Citizens to purchase health insurance or pay a fine for non-compliance and to self-insure 44 themselves for health care needs. 45

- 127 - 1 The Conference Board of Pension & Health Benefits (CBOPHB) will monitor the amount of 2 compensation paid to clergy in lieu of health insurance annually and issue required updates as 3 necessary. 4 5 Arch Johnston, Vice-Chairperson 6 7 8 9 JOINT COMMITTEE ON DISABILITY 10 11 The Florida Annual Conference provides disability benefits through participation in the 12 Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP). For benefit year 2016 and beyond, the disability benefit 13 will equal 70% of Plan Compensation capped at 200% of the Denominational Average 14 Compensation (DAC). The minimum incapacity benefit will be 40% of the DAC. These benefits 15 are coordinated with Social Security benefits. In addition, there is a 3% annual increase each 16 July, provided the benefit was in effect by the previous December 31. 17 18 The Joint Committee on Disability has approved continuing disability benefits for the Conference 19 Year 2016-2017 for the following persons: Michael Bozeman, Albert Hicks, Susan Lewis, Drew 20 Parsons, Richard Quakenbush, Sandra Parsons, Samuel Parvin, Dawn Anderson, Rachael 21 Hollingsworth and Allen Jefferson. 22 23 We ask that these persons and their families be kept in our prayers. 24 Rev. Catherine Thacker, Chairperson 25 26 27 28 PREACHER’S RELIEF BOARD 29 30 The primary purpose of this ministry is to provide limited financial assistance to pastors when 31 faced with unforeseen emergencies and to provide financial assistance for housing for clergy as 32 well as surviving spouses of deceased clergy when they are unable to afford adequate housing 33 within their own means. 34 35 The Preacher’s Relief Board was able to assist several families in 2016. This support often 36 involves networking with other agencies to provide appropriate assistance as necessary. In 37 addition, the Preacher’s Relief Board also provides assistance with moving expenses for retiring 38 clergy who are on minimum salary. 39 40 And, the Preacher’s Relief Board supports the cost for the retirement luncheon for clergy who 41 are retiring at this year’s Annual Conference. 42 43 Churches, clergy and others wishing to donate to the Preacher’s Relief Board can designate 44 their funds through the Conference Treasurer’s Office. Individuals wishing to donate homes or 45 property should contact Wendy McCoy, Staff Liaison for the Preacher’s Relief Board.

- 128 - 1 Those clergy persons who find themselves in difficulty can petition relief from The Preacher’s 2 Relief Board by going on-line to www.flumc.org; click on Administration, then Human Resources 3 – Health Care & Pensions and choose the link for Preacher’s Relief Board. 4 5 6 7 COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 8 9 On behalf of the Council on Finance and Administration, I want to thank all United Methodists in 10 Florida for their generosity in 2015. The Conference ended the year strong in apportionment 11 giving. Churches across the state collectively were able to contribute 85% and more of our 12 churches were able to contribute 100% of their appointments. While at times some of us 13 struggle or need to take a pause, our shared ministries continue working diligently to make and 14 nourish disciples. 15 16 2015 saw several changes such as approving a new Treasurer, changing district staff 17 responsibilities, refining the review and approval of all congregational support, and as always, is 18 striving to find the most efficient and helpful way to operate. All items undertaken are done in 19 attempt to be the best stewards we can be. 20 21 CF&A also continues to discuss and to develop training and other resources to better equip 22 local churches. Local churches at times struggle with properly executing payroll and completing 23 annual independent reviews of their records (i.e. “local church audit”). 24 25 Presented below is the proposed 2017 apportionment budget.

- 129 - FLORIDA CONFERENCE 2017 BUDGET SUMMARY AS RECOMMENDED BY CF&A Item 2015 2016 2017 % Change $ Change Conference / District Connectional Ministry $ 1,562,000 $ 1,555,000 $ 1,705,000 9.65% $ 150,000 Higher Ed $ 2,366,000 $ 2,366,000 $ 2,366,000 0.00% $ - Camps & Retreat $ 610,000 $ 585,000 $ 585,000 0.00% $ - Congregation Vitality $ 524,000 $ 585,000 $ 575,000 -1.71% $ (10,000) Missional Engagement $ 1,414,300 $ 1,414,300 $ 1,414,300 0.00% $ - Conference Services & Admin $ 1,626,000 $ 1,685,000 $ 1,835,000 8.90% $ 150,000 Missional / Equitable Comp $ 1,458,000 $ 1,458,000 $ 1,500,000 2.88% $ 42,000 District Other $ 317,000 $ 329,000 -100.00% $ (329,000) Clergy Support $ 2,740,000 $ 2,770,000 $ 2,430,000 -12.27% $ (340,000) Total $ 12,617,300 $ 12,747,300 $ 12,410,300 -2.64% $ (337,000)

Connectional Church World Service $ 3,375,648 $ 3,281,406 $ 3,364,996 2.55% $ 83,590 Ministerial Education $ 1,158,898 $ 1,126,572 $ 1,155,255 2.55% $ 28,683 Black College $ 462,296 $ 449,401 $ 460,821 2.54% $ 11,420 Africa University $ 103,444 $ 100,601 $ 103,130 2.51% $ 2,529 Episcopal $ 1,012,431 $ 1,057,798 $ 1,012,922 -4.24% $ (44,876) General Admin $ 407,459 $ 396,179 $ 406,145 2.52% $ 9,966 Interdenominational $ 90,678 $ 88,149 $ 90,349 2.50% $ 2,200 SEJ $ 170,000 $ 155,000 $ 130,000 -16.13% $ (25,000) Total $ 6,780,854 $ 6,655,106 $ 6,723,618 1.03% $ 68,512

Grand Total $ 19,398,154 $ 19,402,406 $ 19,133,918 -1.38% $ (268,488) DWF (estimated) $ 1,999,000 $ 1,999,000 $ 2,000,000 Presented $ 21,397,154 $ 21,401,406 * DWF = District Work Fund and is calcuated at 5.4% of Clergy Salaries across district.

- 130 - FLORIDA CONFERENCE 2017 BUDGET DETAIL RECOMMENDED BY CF&A Percentage 2015-2016 2016 2017 of 2016 Dollar Budget Budget Total Change Budget Connectional Church World Service 3,281,406 3,364,996 83,590 17.18% Ministerial Education Fund 1,126,572 1,155,255 28,683 5.90% Black College Fund 449,401 460,821 11,420 2.35% African University Fund 100,601 103,130 2,529 0.53% Episcopal Fund 1,057,798 1,012,922 -44,876 5.54% General Administration 396,179 406,145 9,966 2.07% Interdenominational Cooperation 88,149 90,349 2,200 0.46% Jurisdictional Conference 155,000 130,000 -25,000 0.81% Total Connectional Church $ 6,655,106 $ 6,723,618 $ 68,512 34.84%

Connectional Ministry Connectional Ministry Administration & Programs 540,000 690,000 150,000 2.83% Knowledge and Information Services 250,000 250,000 0 1.31% Communications 695,000 695,000 0 3.64% Board of Lay Ministry 45,000 45,000 0 0.24% Archives & History 25,000 25,000 0 0.13% Total Connectional Ministry $ 1,555,000 $ 1,705,000 $ 150,000.00 8.14%

Higher ED & Campus Ministries Colleges ( FSC /BCU Grants) 335,000 335,000 0 1.75% Campus Ministries 1,148,000 1,148,000 0 6.01% Salaries & Administrative 883,000 883,000 0 4.62% Total Higher Ed and CM $ 2,366,000 $ 2,366,000 0 12.38%

- 131 - Percentage 2015-2016 2016 2017 of 2016 Dollar Budget Budget Total Change Budget Board of Camps and Retreat Ministry $ 585,000 $ 585,000 $ - 3.06%

Congregation Vitality Starting New Ministries 310,000 300,000 -10,000 1.62% Strengthening Existing Ministry 275,000 275,000 0 1.44% Total Congregation Vitality $ 585,000 $ 575,000 $ (10,000) 3.06%

Missional Engagement Office Salaries/Travel etc 629,134 629,134 0 3.29% Global Ministries 49,125 49,125 0 0.26% Disaster Response 18,574 18,574 0 0.10% Volunteers In Ministries 24,500 24,500 0 0.13% Multi-Cultural / Justice Ministries 154,125 154,125 0 0.81% Outreach Ministry Program 360,500 360,500 0 1.89% Summer Mission Interns 43,205 43,205 0 0.23% Emerging Ministries 22,000 22,000 0 0.12% Admin/Staff Expense 113,137 113,137 0 0.59% Total Missional Engagement $ 1,414,300 $ 1,414,300 0 7.40%

Total Conference Benevolences $ 6,505,300 $ 6,645,300 $ 140,000 34.05%

Conference Services & Administration Annual Conference Session 235,000 235,000 0 1.23% Financial Services: Conference Building Services & Operations 200,000 200,000 0 1.05% Information Technology 225,000 300,000 75,000 1.18% Board of Trustees 350,000 350,000 0 1.83%

- 132 - Percentage 2015-2016 2016 2017 of 2016 Dollar Budget Budget Total Change Budget Conference Staff, Audit, Net Bank Fees, etc. 650,000 710,000 60,000 3.40% Contingency 25,000 40,000 15,000 0.13% Total Conference Services & Administration $ 1,685,000 $ 1,835,000 $ 150,000 8.82%

Equitable Compensation / Mission Support 1,500,000 1,500,000 0.00%

Clergy Support Office of Clergy Excellence 350,000 350,000 0 1.83% BOOM 315,000 315,000 0 1.65% Equitable Compensation 370,000 -370,000 1.94% Clergy Matters/Effectiveness 35,000 35,000 0 0.18% Area Administration/ FCC 265,000 265,000 0 1.39% DS Salaries and Benefits 1,250,000 1,250,000 0 6.54% Cabinet /Episcopal Travel Expense 185,000 185,000 0 0.97% Total Clergy Support $ 2,770,000 $ 2,400,000 $ (370,000) 14.50%

Total Conference Budget $ 10,960,300 $ 12,380,300 $ 1,420,000 57.37%

Total Connectional Church/Conference Budget $ 17,615,406 $ 19,103,918 $ 1,488,512 92.21%

District Apportionments AC New Church Development 162,000 CROS Ministries 59,000 Total Atlantic Central $ 221,000 $ - (221,000)

EC

- 133 - Percentage 2015-2016 2016 2017 of 2016 Dollar Budget Budget Total Change Budget New Church Development 160,000 Total East Central $ 160,000 $ - -

GC Mission and Church Extension 205,000 Total Gulf Central $ 205,000 $ -

NC New Church Development 145,000 Total North Central $ 145,000 $ -

NE New Church Development 125,000 Community Outreach Agency 80,000 Total North East $ 205,000 $ - $ (205,000)

NW New Church Development 71,000 Outreach Ministries 10,000 Centenary Camp 11,000 FSU /FAMU Wesley 14,000 Total North West $ 106,000 $ -

SC New Church Development 130,000 USF Wesley 50,000 Congregational Excellence 40,000

- 134 - Percentage 2015-2016 2016 2017 of 2016 Dollar Budget Budget Total Change Budget Cornerstone Family Ministry 50,000 Total South Central $ 270,000 $ -

SE New Church Development 200,000 South Florida Urban Ministries 55,000 Total South East $ 255,000 $ -

SW New Church Development 220,000 Total South West $ 220,000 $ -

Total District Apportionments $ 1,787,000 $ - $ (1,787,000) 17.65%

Total Connectional Church / Conference Budget / District Apportionments $ 19,402,406 $ 19,103,918 $ (298,488) 109.86%

District Recap By Category District Work Fund $ 1,999,000 $ 2,000,000 New Church Development $ 1,418,000 $ - Outreach $ 254,000 $ - Campus Ministry $ 64,000 $ - Congregational Excellence $ 40,000 $ 40,000 Camps $ 11,000 $ - Total District Apportionments $ 3,786,000 $ 2,040,000

- 135 - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2017 Recommendation No. 1 It is recommended that the following conference-wide fund raising appeals be approved: General Conference Advance Specials, The Florida United Methodist Children’s Home Fifth Sunday Appeal, Camping Sunday and Imagine No Malaria.

Recommendation No. 2 It is recommended that the 2017 Conference budget and apportionments as described in the worksheet entitled “2017 Florida Conference Budget Summary as Recommended by CF&A” be adopted.

- 136 - GIFTS, SPECIAL OFFERINGS, AND APPORTIONMENTS RECEIVED FROM FLORIDA CONFERENCE CHURCHES THROUGH THE CONFERENCE TREASURER’S OFFICE

AREA OF GIVING AMOUNT RECEIVED IN 2015 GENERAL ADVANCE SPECIALS Human Relations Day $ 7,017 One Great Hour of Sharing 48,283 Native American Ministries Sunday 8,007 United Methodist Student Day 6,152 World Communion Sunday 12,742 Peace with Justice Sunday 6,388 National Advance Specials (all) 14,556 UMCOR Advance Special (includes INM) 847,136 World Advance Specials (all) 89,450 TOTAL $1,039,731 OTHER SPECIAL GIFTS United Methodist Children’s Home $576,378 Annual Conference Offering 103,349 Conference Advance Specials (all) 50,184 Other special gifts (various) 85,705 TOTAL $815,616 FLORIDA CONFERENCE APPORTIONMENTS Clergy Support $2,732,447 Conference Benevolences 5,442,429 Conference Services and Administration 1,396,917 TOTAL $9,571,793 DISTRICT APPORTIONMENTS District work fund (all 9 combined) $1,808,518 District New Church Development (all 9 combined) 1,203,300 District Specific Apportionments (all 9 combined) 340,438 TOTAL $3,352,256 CONNECTIONAL CHURCH APPORTIONMENTS World Service $2,773,955 General Administration 344,893 Episcopal Fund 1,005,230 Interdenominational Cooperation Fund 77,345 Ministerial Education Fund 955,926 Black College Fund 384,950 Africa University Fund 87,998 SEJ Jurisdictional Fund 141,773 TOTAL $5,772.070

GRAND TOTAL RECEIVED IN 2015 $20,551,466

- 137 -

CHURCHES THAT PAID 100% APPORTIONMENTS BY DISTRICT 2015 Total Percentage of Churches Total Amount Total Amount Apportionments Paid by District paying 100% Apportioned Paid District AC 41 $ 2,648,034 $ 2,365,803 89.34% EC 46 $ 3,211,609 $ 2,622,953 81.67% GC 41 $ 2,759,617 $ 2,423,044 87.80% NC 66 $ 1,943,481 $ 1,776,762 91.42% NE 45 $ 2,463,269 $ 1,937,540 78.66% NW 66 $ 1,260,459 $ 1,168,693 92.72% SC 52 $ 3,110,783 $ 2,636,209 84.74% SE 25 $ 1,961,623 $ 1,393,398 71.03% SW 53 $ 2,457,168 $ 2,341,716 95.30% TOTAL 435 $ 21,816,043 $ 18,666,118 85.56%

2015 HIGHEST APPORTIONMENT DOLLARS PAID GCFA CHURCH District Highest $ Paid in 2015 355784 St Luke's UMC - Orlando, Jennifer Stiles Williams EC $ 411,652.32 359428 Van Dyke UMC - Tampa, Matthew Hartsfield SC $ 377,478.00 353067 First UMC - Lakeland, David McEntire SC $ 322,760.00 359918 Christ UMC - Ft Lauderdale, Brett Opalinski SE $ 294,724.00 359224 Hyde Park UMC - Tampa, Magrey deVega SC $ 254,518.60 350576 Trinity UMC - Gainesville, Dan Johnson NC $ 252,244.92 355740 First UMC - Winter Park, David Miller EC $ 236,851.00 357395 North Naples UMC - Naples, Ted Sauter SW $ 205,577.00 355990 New Covenant UMC - The Villages, Harold Hendren NC $ 199,736.76 356460 First UMC - St Petersburg, Craig Nelson GC $ 199,042.68 358457 Killearn UMC - Tallahassee, Michael Fordham NW $ 176,989.00 355341 First UMC - Orlando, Thomas McCloskey EC $ 173,617.00 356015 Heritage UMC - Clearwater, Charles Engelhardt GC $ 173,135.00 359805 First, East Campus UMC - Boca Raton, Marcus Zillman AC $ 169,631.12 355966 Anona UMC - Largo, John Stephenson GC $ 165,813.96

- 138 - LARGEST INCREASE IN APPORTIONMENTS PAID FROM 2014 – 2015

GCFA CHURCH District Increase in $ Paid 356298 St Paul UMC - Largo, Robert Martin GC $ 66,737.00 356163 First UMC - Inverness, Sarah Campbell NC $ 43,788.04 356983 First UMC - Bradenton, Adam Zele GC $ 43,152.17 351115 Ponte Vedra UMC - Ponte Vedra Beach, Don Bennett NE $ 32,088.00 353353 St John's UMC - Winter Haven, David Averill SC $ 30,706.00 354288 Kendall UMC - Miami, Ruben Velasco SE $ 27,923.00 356094 Aldersgate UMC - Seminole, David Gill GC $ 26,909.56 355033 Grace UMC - Merritt Island, William Hart AC $ 25,448.14 352041 Southside UMC - Jacksonville, Bruce Jones NE $ 24,996.60 359428 Van Dyke UMC - Tampa, Matthew Hartsfield SC $ 24,353.00 351398 CrossRoad UMC - Jacksonville, George Sprague NE $ 23,884.24 352393 Harvester UMC - Land O' Lakes, Russell McKee SC $ 22,869.00 351480 Ft Caroline UMC - Jacksonville, Eriberto Soto NE $ 22,410.30 355784 St Luke's UMC - Orlando, Jennifer Stiles Williams EC $ 21,718.80 360564 Community of Hope UMC - Loxahatchee, Dale Locke AC $ 21,035.04 355465 First UMC - Ormond Beach, Scott Smith EC $ 20,000.00

LARGEST PERCENT INCREASE IN APPORTIONMENTS PAID FROM 2014 – 2015 Increase in % Paid 2014- GCFA CHURCH District 2015 350942 Spring Hill UMC - Lake City, James Richardson NC 184.85% 952823 New Mt Zion UMC - Lake City, James McNeal NW 100.00% 351137 St Johns UMC - Alachua, Michael Lee NC 100.00% 351126 Worthington Springs UMC - Worthington Springs, Cheryl Pingel NE 100.00% 350760 First UMC - Micanopy, Theodore Nelson NC 100.00% 356117 Union Street UMC - Dunedin, Linda Tice GC 100.00% 953111 St Joseph UMC - Jacksonville, Avis Smith NE 100.00% 351480 Ft Caroline UMC - Jacksonville, Eriberto Soto NE 98.70% 356163 First UMC - Inverness, Sarah Campbell NC 88.63% 352941 Kathleen UMC - Kathleen, David Dunbar SC 82.70% 951874 Kelly's Chapel UMC - Miami, Purnell Moody SE 80.70% 352393 Harvester UMC - Land O' Lakes, Russell McKee SC 79.39% 356983 First UMC - Bradenton, Adam Zele GC 78.27% 952696 McCabe UMC - St Petersburg, Michael Frazier GC 69.98% 353353 St John's UMC - Winter Haven, David Averill SC 66.20%

- 139 - APPORTIONMENTS PAID BY PERCENT Thanks to those churches identified in bold. These churches are 100% connectional churches having paid 100 apportionments, Health and Benefits and Ministry Protection for 2015.

Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid ATLANTIC CENTRAL First UMC, Port St John 355157 100.00% Asbury UMC, Vero Beach 360336 38.61% First UMC, Port St Lucie 360017 100.00% Canal Point UMC, Canal Point 359840 100.00% First UMC, Stuart 360303 100.00% Cason UMC, Delray Beach 359884 100.00% First UMC, Titusville 355682 100.00% Christ-By-The Sea UMC, Vero Beach 360074 100.00% First UMC, Vero Beach 360325 100.00% Christ UMC, Palm Bay 360291 100.00% Georgianna UMC, Merritt Island 355090 100.00% Community of Hope UMC, Loxahatchee 360564 100.00% Good Shepherd UMC, West Palm Beach 360256 85.47% Community UMC, Belle Glade 359782 102.06% Grace UMC, Merritt Island 355033 73.43% Community UMC, Ft Pierce 360041 100.86% Indian River City UMC, Titusville 354995 100.00% Emmanuel UMC, Melbourne 359975 100.00% Lakeside UMC, Lake Worth 360110 103.37% Faith UMC, Boynton Beach 359760 48.07% Lakewood Park UMC, Ft Pierce 360371 36.20% First Hispanic UMC, West Palm Beach 360440 100.00% Mims UMC, Mims 355146 100.00% First, East Campus UMC, Boca Raton 359805 101.91% N Merritt Island UMC, Merritt Island 355113 48.25% First UMC, Boynton Beach 359827 22.02% Northwood UMC, West Palm Beach 360405 70.88% First UMC, Cocoa 354847 100.00% Oceanview UMC, Juno Beach 360245 100.00% First UMC, Cocoa Beach 354858 100.00% Palm Bay UMC, Palm Bay 360052 0.00% First UMC, Ft Pierce 360063 100.00% Rockledge UMC, Rockledge 360234 21.92% First UMC, Hobe Sound 359895 100.00% Roseland UMC, Roseland 360267 100.00% First UMC, Jupiter 360382 100.00% Satellite Beach UMC, Satellite Beach 350315 100.00% First UMC, Melbourne 360121 100.00% Scott Chapel UMC, Melbourne 951885 100.00% First UMC, Okeechobee 360187 67.85% Sebastian UMC, Sebastian 360280 100.00% First UMC, Pahokee 360201 100.00% St Andrew UMC, Titusville 355556 100.00% St John UMC, Ft Pierce 951841 0.00%

- 140 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid St Luke's UMC, Lake Worth 360176 100.00% Conway UMC, Orlando 354860 100.00% St Mark's UMC, Indialantic 360132 100.00% Coronado Community UMC, New Smyrna Beach 354882 100.00% St Paul's UMC, Melbourne 359907 100.00% Covenant UMC, Port Orange 355578 100.00% St Peter's UMC, Wellington 360416 101.59% DeLeon Springs UMC, DeLeon Springs 355022 100.00% Suntree UMC, Melbourne 360278 100.00% Edgewater UMC, Edgewater 355011 55.34% Fort Pierce Haitian UMC, Ft Pierce 355693 42.12% Faith UMC, Orlando 355716 100.00% Trinity UMC, Jensen Beach 360358 100.00% First UMC, Apopka 354767 100.00% Trinity UMC, Palm Beach Gardens 360212 29.48% First UMC, Bunnell 350304 58.83% Trinity UMC, West Palm Beach 951965 52.54% First UMC, Clermont 352666 100.00% UMC of the Palm Beaches UMC, WPB 360360 100.52% First UMC, Deland 354984 100.00% Wesley UMC, West Melbourne 359997 100.00% First UMC, Geneva 355501 100.00% White City UMC, Ft Pierce 360314 100.00% First UMC, Kissimmee 352963 100.00% First UMC, New Smyrna Beach 355204 16.82% EAST CENTRAL First UMC, Orlando 355341 100.00% Aloma UMC, Winter Park 355738 42.67% First UMC, Ormond Beach 355465 83.29% Asbury UMC, Maitland 355135 100.00% First UMC, Oviedo 355487 57.58% Azalea Park UMC, Orlando 354780 100.00% First UMC - Pine Hills (Merged) 355567 0.00% Barnett Memorial UMC, Enterprise 355066 100.00% First UMC, Port Orange 355580 100.00% Bear Lake UMC, Apopka 354778 100.01% First UMC, Sanford 355603 53.44% Broadway UMC, Orlando 355261 100.00% First UMC, Saint Cloud 353262 100.00% Christ Hispanic UMC, Orlando 355283 100.00% First UMC, Winter Garden 355727 100.00% Christ UMC, Sanford 355044 18.28% First UMC, Winter Park 355740 100.00% College Park UMC, Orlando 355306 24.88% Flagler Beach UMC, Flagler Beach 350510 100.00% Community of Faith UMC, Davenport 353171 100.01% Forest Hills UMC, DeLand 354938 100.00% Community UMC, Casselberry 354825 71.60% Grace UMC, Lake Mary 355591 100.00% Community UMC, Daytona Beach 354905 100.00% Lake Helen UMC, Lake Helen 355102 100.00% Community UMC, DeBary 354962 40.00% Lakeside Fellowship UMC, Sanford 355671 100.00%

- 141 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid LifeSong UMC, Orlando 351638 100.00% Montverde UMC, Montverde 355168 100.00% GULF CENTRAL Ocoee Oaks UMC, Ocoee 355226 18.14% Aldersgate UMC, Seminole 356094 59.75% Orange City UMC, Orange City 355248 100.00% Allendale UMC, St Petersburg 356403 100.00% Osteen UMC, Osteen 355658 100.00% Anona UMC, Largo 355966 100.00% Palm Coast UMC, Palm Coast 355512 100.00% Asbury UMC, New Port Richey 356516 66.62% Peace UMC, Orlando 355534 34.34% Braden River UMC, Bradenton 357054 73.43% Pierson UMC, Pierson 355523 100.00% Christ UMC, St Petersburg 356345 100.00% Pine Castle UMC, Orlando 355545 7.03% Clearview UMC, St Petersburg 356367 100.53% Pine Ridge Fellowship UMC, Deltona 355636 23.77% Community UMC, Oldsmar 356243 18.96% Reeves Memorial UMC, Orlando 355408 100.00% Crystal River UMC, Crystal River 356083 100.00% Riverview UMC, Ormond Beach 354916 45.89% Curlew UMC, Palm Harbor 356061 32.69% Sanlando UMC, Longwood 354335 100.00% East Lake UMC, Palm Harbor 356130 51.73% Shingle Creek UMC, Kissimmee 353284 100.00% Ellenton UMC, Ellenton 357065 100.00% Solid Rock UMC, Orlando 352132 40.54% Emmanuel UMC, Bradenton 350213 95.66% Spring of Life UMC, Orlando 354712 100.00% Faith UMC, Bradenton 357032 83.20% St Andrews UMC, Winter Park 350873 100.00% Faith UMC, Hudson 356312 100.00% St Joseph UMC, DeLand 951828 100.00% Family of God UMC UMC, Palmetto 357453 100.00% St Luke's UMC, Orlando 355784 100.00% First UMC, Bradenton 356983 100.00% Stewart Memorial UMC, Daytona Beach 951817 100.00% First UMC, Brooksville 355988 50.07% Tomoka UMC, Ormond Beach 354893 100.00% First UMC, Clearwater 356026 36.04% Trinity UMC, DeLand 355000 100.00% First UMC, Dunedin 356106 76.40% Trinity UMC-Sanford (Closed) 951976 0.00% First UMC, Gulfport 356505 100.00% Trinity UMC, Seville 355625 15.82% First UMC, Homosassa 356141 100.00% Tuskawilla UMC, Casselberry 355807 50.00% First UMC, Hudson 356254 100.00% University Carillon UMC, Oviedo 355476 100.00% First UMC, New Port Richey 356221 100.00% Zellwood UMC, Zellwood 355762 100.00% First UMC, Palmetto 357464 100.00%

- 142 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid First UMC, Pinellas Park 356276 100.00% Spring Lake UMC, Brooksville 356323 100.00% First UMC, Seminole 356301 100.00% St James UMC, St Petersburg 356686 100.00% First UMC, Spring Hill 356232 100.00% St Luke's UMC, St Petersburg 356664 100.06% First UMC, St Petersburg 356460 100.00% St Paul UMC, Largo 356298 100.00% First UMC, Tarpon Springs 356642 25.57% Sylvan Abbey UMC, Clearwater 356072 100.00% Friendship UMC, Clearwater 356048 21.85% Terra Ceia UMC, Terra Ceia 357602 100.00% Harvest UMC, Lakewood Ranch 356950 100.00% Trinity UMC, Bradenton 357021 100.00% Heritage UMC, Clearwater 356015 100.00% Union Street UMC, Dunedin 356117 100.00% Hope UMC, Trinity 353411 100.00% Wesley Memorial UMC, St Petersburg 356620 100.00% Keystone UMC, Odessa 358903 100.00% Lake Lindsey UMC, Brooksville 356185 100.00% NORTH CENTRAL Lakewood UMC, St Petersburg 356527 26.90% Altoona UMC, Altoona 354745 100.00% Lealman UMC, St Petersburg 356540 100.00% Anthony UMC, Anthony 350224 100.00% Manatee UMC, Bradenton 357008 100.00% Banks UMC, Archer 952231 100.00% Mariner UMC, Spring Hill 356356 30.00% Bartley Temple UMC, Gainesville 952218 100.00% McCabe UMC, St Petersburg 952696 100.35% Belleview UMC, Belleview 350268 100.00% Mt Zion UMC, Clearwater 952628 100.00% Bronson UMC, Bronson 350281 100.00% New Hope UMC, Istachatta 356152 100.00% Christ UMC, Leesburg 353216 39.88% Oakhurst UMC, Seminole 356174 39.28% Coleman UMC, Coleman 352688 100.00% Oneco UMC, Oneco 357442 80.25% Community UMC, Fruitland Park 352848 100.00% Palm Harbor UMC, Palm Harbor 356265 100.00% Debose Chapel UMC, Reddick 952333 100.00% Parrish UMC, Parrish 357486 100.00% Druid Hills UMC, Ocala 350816 100.00% Pasadena Community UMC, St Petersburg 356584 100.00% Edge Memorial UMC, Groveland 352861 100.00% Riviera UMC, St Petersburg 356595 72.73% Evinston UMC, Evinston 350771 100.00% Rogers UMC, Bradenton 952617 61.09% First UMC, Alachua 350202 100.00% Shady Hills UMC, Shady Hills 356334 16.85% First UMC, Archer 350246 100.00% Skycrest UMC, Clearwater 356050 100.00% First UMC, Bushnell 352644 100.00%

- 143 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid First UMC, Citra 350383 100.00% Mascotte UMC, Mascotte 353205 0.00% First UMC, Dunnellon 350428 100.00% McIntosh UMC, McIntosh 350736 100.01% First UMC, Eustis 355088 72.60% Melrose UMC, Melrose 350747 100.06% First UMC, Gainesville 350521 100.00% Morrison UMC, Leesburg 353182 54.20% First UMC, Hawthorne 350601 100.00% Mt Hermon UMC, Reddick 952446 100.00% First UMC, Inverness 356163 100.00% Mt Nebo UMC, Gainesville 952630 100.00% First UMC, Micanopy 350760 100.00% Mt Pleasant UMC, Gainesville 952275 100.00% First UMC, Mt Dora 355181 86.35% Mt Zion UMC, Reddick 952207 27.33% First UMC, Ocala 350805 100.00% New Covenant UMC, The Villages 355990 100.00% First UMC, Reddick 350907 100.00% New Hope UMC, Citra 952242 100.00% First UMC, Tavares 355660 100.00% New Hope UMC, Hawthorne 952297 100.00% First UMC, Williston 351081 100.00% Newberry UMC, Newberry 350782 100.00% Floral City UMC, Floral City 356196 100.00% Ocala West UMC, Ocala 350975 100.00% Forest UMC, Silver Springs 350997 39.48% Ocklawaha UMC, Ocklawaha 350840 45.11% Free Canaan UMC, Waldo 953018 100.00% Orange Creek/Campville UMC, Hawthorne 350862 100.00% Freedom UMC, Gainesville 953007 49.96% Oxford UMC, Oxford 353240 100.00% Ft McCoy UMC, Fort McCoy 350838 0.00% Paisley UMC, Paisley 354814 10.02% Grace at Fort Clarke UMC, Gainesville 350953 100.00% Paradise UMC, Alachua 952195 0.00% Greater Liberty Hill UMC, Gainesville 952787 100.00% Pine UMC, Fort McCoy 350964 100.00% Hague UMC, Gainesville 350931 100.00% Pleasant Plain UMC, Newberry 952413 100.00% Hall Chapel UMC, Gainesville 952845 100.00% Providence UMC, Gainesville 351104 0.00% Hernando UMC, Hernando 356128 100.00% Shiloh UMC, Gainesville 350758 112.08% Lady Lake UMC, Lady Lake 353001 100.00% Solomon Chapel UMC, Orange Lake 952322 100.00% Lake Panasoffkee UMC, Lake Panasoffkee 352677 9.46% Southwest UMC, Gainesville 350554 100.00% Linden UMC, Webster 353331 0.00% Sparr UMC, Sparr 350920 100.00% Little Chapel UMC, Ocala 952366 100.00% Spring Hill UMC, Lake City 350942 184.85% Lochloosa UMC, Hawthorne 350612 100.00% St Catherine UMC, Bushnell 352633 100.00%

- 144 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid St Johns UMC, Alachua 351137 100.00% Ebenezer UMC, Jacksonville 952971 17.79% St John's UMC, Ocala 350678 100.00% Emmanuel UMC, Palatka 953086 100.00% St Mark's UMC, Ocala 350827 9.73% Faith UMC, Jacksonville 351707 100.00% St Pauls UMC, Ocala 350918 100.00% First UMC, Baldwin 351343 43.31% Sumterville UMC, Sumterville 352690 100.00% First UMC, Callahan 351387 100.00% Trinity UMC, Gainesville 350576 100.00% First UMC, Green Cove Springs 351503 100.00% Wacahoota UMC, Williston 350793 100.00% First UMC, Jacksonville 351640 80.00% Webster UMC, Webster 353320 100.00% First UMC, Lake Butler 350680 100.00% Wesley Chapel UMC, Gainesville 952390 0.00% First UMC, Macclenny 352223 47.61% Wesley Chapel UMC, Ocala 952377 100.00% First UMC, St Augustine 352280 100.00% Wesley UMC, Gainesville 350565 100.00% First UMC, Starke 351002 100.02% Wildwood UMC, Wildwood 353342 100.00% Fleming Island UMC, Fleming Island 351514 86.17% Zion UMC, Ocala 952355 100.00% Florahome UMC, Florahome 350485 100.00% Ft Caroline UMC, Jacksonville 351480 100.00% NORTH EAST Franklintown UMC, Fernandina Beach 952798 100.00% Alexander Memorial UMC, Jacksonville 952470 100.00% Garden City UMC, Jacksonville 351467 100.00% Arlington UMC, Jacksonville 351321 25.02% Georgetown UMC, Georgetown 350417 100.00% Asbury UMC, Jacksonville 952776 0.00% Glynlea Grace UMC, Jacksonville 351684 17.74% Asbury UMC, Orange Park 351423 91.67% Grace UMC, Lawtey 350725 100.00% Avondale UMC, Jacksonville 351560 100.00% Grace UMC, St Augustine 352303 100.00% Beach UMC, Jacksonville Beach 352201 30.14% Greater Bell UMC, Brooker 952993 100.00% Calvary UMC, Orange Park 352110 100.00% Highlands UMC, Jacksonville 351720 90.14% Christ UMC, Hastings 350587 100.00% Howe Memorial UMC, Crescent City 350406 32.89% Christ UMC, Neptune Beach 351456 100.00% Inman Memorial UMC, Jacksonville 351764 100.00% Community UMC, Lake Como 350703 72.97% First UMC, Interlachen 350645 76.04% CrossRoad UMC, Jacksonville 351398 80.67% Isle Of Faith UMC, Jacksonville 351775 58.69% Dinsmore UMC, Jacksonville 351401 100.00% Keystone UMC, Keystone Heights 350326 100.00%

- 145 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid Lake Shore UMC, Jacksonville 351786 100.00% Trinity UMC, Palm Coast 953097 0.00% Lakewood UMC, Jacksonville 351800 65.00% Welaka UMC, Welaka 351068 100.00% Mandarin UMC, Jacksonville 351866 100.00% Wesconnett UMC, Jacksonville 352314 100.00% Memorial UMC, Fernandina Beach 351445 100.00% Wesley Fellowship UMC, Jacksonville 351822 58.47% Middleburg UMC, Middleburg 352245 87.87% Worthington Springs UMC, Worthington Springs 351126 100.00% Mt Moriah UMC, Jacksonville 953053 5.53% Yulee UMC, Yulee 352325 100.00% Mt Zion UMC, Jacksonville 952606 100.00% Murray Hill UMC, Jacksonville 351888 43.25% NORTH WEST New Life Community UMC, Jacksonville 351855 100.00% Bethel UMC, Lake City 358036 100.00% Orange Park UMC, Orange Park 352267 100.00% Bethel UMC, Tallahassee 357932 100.00% Ortega UMC, Jacksonville 351968 100.00% Bethlehem UMC, Ft White 952435 71.81% Pleasant Grove UMC, Starke 952878 100.00% Boyd-New Life UMC, Shady Grove 358173 42.28% Ponte Vedra UMC, Ponte Vedra Beach 351115 100.00% Branford UMC, Branford 357921 100.00% River of Life UMC, St John's 350656 100.00% Bristol UMC, Bristol 358355 100.00% Riverdale UMC, St Augustine 350598 100.00% Calvary UMC, Tallahassee 354701 100.00% Riverside Park UMC, Jacksonville 351981 100.00% Carrabelle UMC, Carrabelle 357943 15.77% Shores UMC, St Augustine 352291 71.36% Centenary UMC, Quincy 358388 100.00% Simpson Memorial UMC, Jacksonville 953122 101.88% Chaires UMC, Tallahassee 358093 32.25% Southside UMC, Jacksonville 352041 100.00% Cherry Lake UMC, Madison 358583 100.00% Spring Glen UMC, Jacksonville 352108 67.87% Crawfordville UMC, Crawfordville 358492 100.00% St James UMC, Palatka 350884 17.17% Deer Lake UMC, Tallahassee 358550 101.86% St Joseph UMC, Jacksonville 953111 100.00% Ellzey UMC, Otter Creek 350463 100.00% St Paul UMC, Jacksonville 352017 100.00% First UMC, Apalachicola 357908 31.34% St Stephens UMC, Hastings 953020 15.63% First UMC, Cedar Key 350348 100.00% Swaim Memorial UMC, Jacksonville 352121 39.88% First UMC, Chattahoochee 357965 100.00% Trinity UMC, Fernandina Beach 952982 100.00% First UMC, Chiefland 350361 100.00% Trinity UMC, Palatka 350895 100.00% First UMC, Cross City 350452 24.96%

- 146 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid First UMC, Eastpoint 358014 100.00% Mt Bethel UMC, Chiefland 952184 100.00% First UMC, High Springs 350623 100.00% Mt Carmel UMC, High Springs 952300 76.81% First UMC, Jasper 358162 75.92% Mt Lebanon UMC, Monticello 358537 100.00% First UMC, Lake City 358207 26.27% Old Mt Pleasant UMC, Chattahoochee 358275 100.00% First UMC, Live Oak 358242 100.26% New Harmony UMC, Live Oak 358297 86.92% First UMC, Madison 358286 100.00% New Hope UMC, Lake City 953166 100.00% First UMC, Monticello 358322 100.00% New Life UMC, Tallahassee 358195 100.00% First UMC, Perry 358344 100.00% New Mt Zion UMC, Lake City 952823 100.00% Forest Hills UMC, Quincy 358377 100.00% Ochlockonee Bay UMC, Panacea 354517 100.00% Ft White UMC, Ft White 358060 100.00% Old Town UMC, Old Town 350430 100.00% Glen Julia UMC, Quincy 358071 100.00% Pickens Temple UMC, Old Town 952253 100.00% Grace UMC, Hosford 358140 0.00% Pine Grove UMC, Live Oak 358594 100.00% Gray Memorial UMC, Tallahassee 358218 100.00% Pinetta UMC, Pinetta 358366 100.00% Greensboro UMC, Greensboro 358082 100.00% Pisgah UMC, Tallahassee 357976 100.00% Greenville UMC, Greenville 358105 100.00% Pleasant Grove UMC, Lake City 358058 100.00% Hanson UMC, Pinetta 358390 100.00% Rocky Springs UMC, Madison 358630 100.00% Hendry Memorial UMC, Shady Grove 358231 38.31% Salem UMC, Havana 358127 100.00% Hickory Grove UMC, Pinetta 358413 100.00% Sardis UMC, Monticello 358402 100.00% Jennings UMC, Jennings 358184 54.81% Siloam UMC, Lake City 357910 100.00% John Wesley UMC, Tallahassee 358435 100.00% Sopchoppy UMC, Sopchoppy 358424 100.00% Killearn UMC, Tallahassee 358457 100.00% St George Island UMC, St George Island 358003 100.00% Lake Bird UMC, Shady Grove 358151 44.91% Saint Paul's UMC, Tallahassee 358446 100.00% Lake Jackson UMC, Tallahassee 357954 42.33% Steinhatchee UMC, Cross City 358470 100.00% Lee UMC, Lee 358220 100.00% Sycamore UMC, Quincy 358047 100.00% Mayo UMC, Mayo 358300 100.00% Tallahassee Heights UMC, Tallahassee 358504 100.00% McCalls Chapel UMC, Branford 350270 100.00% Trenton UMC, Trenton 351024 100.00% Miccosukee UMC, Tallahassee 358116 105.00% Trinity UMC, Lake City 953042 100.00%

- 147 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid Trinity UMC, Tallahassee 358481 100.00% First UMC, Bartow 352600 23.79% Tustenuggee UMC, Ft White 358264 100.00% New Hope UMC Brandon UMC, Brandon 358823 77.44% Wacissa UMC, Wacissa 358515 100.00% First UMC, Dade City 352702 100.00% Wakulla UMC, Crawfordville 358663 100.00% First UMC, Lake Alfred 353023 100.00% Waukeenah UMC, Monticello 358526 100.00% First UMC, Lake Wales 353160 50.00% Wellborn UMC, Wellborn 351148 74.83% First UMC, Lakeland 353067 100.01% Wesley Memorial UMC, Lake City 350714 100.00% First UMC, Land O' Lakes 358958 100.22% White Springs UMC, White Springs 358606 100.00% First UMC, Lutz 350350 100.00% Woodville UMC, Woodville 358628 100.00% First UMC, Plant City 358947 100.00% First UMC, Riverview 358982 100.00% SOUTH CENTRAL First UMC, Seffner 359020 100.00% Alturas UMC, Alturas 352520 100.00% First UMC, Zephyrhills 353386 100.00% Asbury UMC, Bartow 352586 100.00% Forest Hills UMC, Tampa 359166 34.46% Bayshore UMC, Tampa 359064 25.39% Good Shepherd UMC (Closed) 353103 0.00% Beymer Memorial UMC, Winter Haven 353364 100.00% Grace Community at Fish Hawk UMC, Lithia 351013 17.14% Blanton UMC, Dade City 352622 100.00% Grace UMC, Plant City 358936 100.00% Christ UMC (CLOSED) 359100 0.00% Grace UMC, Tampa 359348 100.00% College Heights UMC, Lakeland 353045 100.00% Harvester UMC, Land O' Lakes 352393 100.00% Ridge Manor Community UMC, Ridge Manor 352655 100.00% Highlands UMC, Lakeland 352906 100.00% Community UMC, San Antonio 352611 35.56% Hillsborough UMC, Tampa 359202 31.20% Cork UMC, Plant City 358845 100.00% Hyde Park UMC, Tampa 359224 100.77% CrossRoads Community UMC (Closed) 952710 0.00% Kathleen UMC, Kathleen 352941 100.00% Crystal Lake UMC, Lakeland 353193 100.00% Keeney UMC, Tampa 952708 100.00% Dover UMC, Dover 358867 100.00% Korean UMC, Wesley Chapel 359155 100.00% Dundee UMC, Dundee 352746 100.00% Lake Gibson UMC, Lakeland 353502 100.49% Faith Primera Iglesia UMC, Tampa 359122 100.00% Lake Magdalene UMC, Tampa 350337 100.00% First UMC, Auburndale 352542 100.00% Lakewood Park UMC, Lakeland 353078 16.70%

- 148 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid Lena Vista UMC, Auburndale 352564 100.00% Van Dyke UMC, Tampa 359428 100.00% Limona Village Chapel UMC, Brandon 350235 47.30% Wellspring UMC, Tampa 359394 9.34% Manhattan Avenue UMC, Tampa 359268 124.65% Wesley Memorial UMC, Tampa 359417 100.00% Mulberry UMC, Mulberry 353227 100.00% New Horizon UMC, Haines City 352735 100.00% SOUTH EAST Northeast UMC, A Faith Community, Tampa 359304 46.77% Big Pine UMC, Big Pine Key 354370 100.00% Oak Grove UMC, Tampa 359326 100.00% Burton Memorial UMC, Tavernier 354541 100.00% Palma Ceia UMC, Tampa 359361 0.00% Carol City UMC, Miami Gardens 353672 100.00% Port Tampa UMC, Tampa 359383 100.00% Christ UMC, Ft Lauderdale 359918 100.00% Ruskin UMC, Ruskin 359007 100.00% Cokesbury UMC, Margate 359816 53.91% Seminole Heights UMC, Tampa 359463 100.75% Community UMC, Marathon 354381 100.00% Shepherd's Community UMC, Lakeland 353238 2.44% Coral Way UMC, Miami 353728 80.43% South Shore UMC, Riverview 352256 100.00% Cutler Ridge UMC, Cutler Ridge 353592 100.00% Springhead UMC, Plant City 359042 100.00% Davie UMC, Davie 353604 79.67% St Andrew's UMC, Brandon 359133 100.00% Ebenezer UMC, Miami 951896 14.46% St James at Tampa Palms UMC, Tampa 359485 50.00% Epworth UMC, Pembroke Pines 354255 17.05% St John's UMC, Winter Haven 353353 100.00% Everglades Community UMC, Pembroke Pines 360553 47.51% St Mark UMC, Lakeland 952663 100.00% Faith UMC, Miami 354200 0.00% Sun City Center UMC, Sun City Center 359018 100.00% First UMC, Coral Gables 353706 18.36% Temple Terrace UMC, Tampa 359474 100.00% First UMC, Coral Springs 359576 100.00% Thonotosassa UMC, Thonotosassa 359565 100.38% First UMC, Ft Lauderdale 359986 74.96% Trilby UMC, Trilby(Closed) 353307 5.32% First UMC, Homestead 354266 100.00% Trinity UMC, Lakeland 353125 100.90% First UMC, Miami 354164 100.00% Trinity UMC, Plant City 358960 60.78% First UMC, South Miami 354062 100.00% Trinity UMC, Winter Haven 353375 100.00% Fulford UMC, No. Miami Beach 353923 100.00% Tyer Temple UMC, Tampa 952721 100.00% Harris Chapel UMC, Ft Lauderdale 951998 36.66% United Methodist Temple UMC, Lakeland 353080 3.43% Hispanic American UMC, Hialeah 353796 41.33%

- 149 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid Hollywood Hills UMC, Hollywood 353843 100.00% St John UMC, Ft Lauderdale 951830 70.11% Iglesia Cristiana Juan Wesley UMC, Miami 353810 100.00% St John's UMC, Miami Beach 353887 22.10% Peace, Iglesia Metodista Unida UMC, Miami 354038 83.63% St Paul UMC, Deerfield Beach 951932 34.21% Kelly's Chapel UMC, Miami 951874 100.00% Tamiami UMC, Miami 354120 100.00% Kendall UMC, Miami 354288 28.28% Trinity UMC, Lighthouse Point 360154 36.62% Key West UMC, Key West 354324 100.00% Village UMC, N Lauderdale 359053 51.07% Killian Pines UMC, Miami 354836 100.00% Wesley Chapel UMC, Ft Lauderdale 360198 47.42% Korean/American UM of S FL UMC, Tamarac 359771 48.75% Wesley Hispanic UMC, Coral Gables 354197 16.19% Matecumbe UMC, Islamorada 354404 45.82% Westwood UMC, Miami 354211 31.86% Merrell UMC, Lauderdale Lakes 360006 100.00% Miami Lakes UMC, Miami Lakes 354437 80.00% SOUTH WEST Miramar UMC, Miramar 354233 55.33% Alva UMC, Alva 356868 100.00% N Hialeah Hispanic UMC, Hialeah 353717 50.00% Beach UMC, Ft Myers Beach 357203 100.00% New Horizon UMC, Southwest Ranches 354153 48.52% Boca Grande UMC, Boca Grande 356926 101.56% Newman UMC, Key West 951863 100.00% Carlson Memorial UMC, LaBelle 357305 100.00% Norland UMC, Miami 353945 15.90% Christ Community UMC, Punta Gorda 357258 100.00% Olympia Heights UMC, Miami 353967 100.00% Christ UMC, Lehigh Acres 357338 100.00% Opa Locka UMC, Opa Locka 354448 100.00% Christ UMC, Venice 357670 100.00% Palm Springs UMC, Hialeah 354016 50.00% Cleveland UMC, Punta Gorda 357236 100.00% Parkway UMC, Pompano Beach 360507 15.07% Cornerstone UMC, Naples 357590 100.00% Perrine-Peters UMC 354461 100.00% Cypress Lake UMC, Ft Myers 357178 100.00% Plantation UMC, Plantation 360030 100.00% E Naples UMC, Naples 356551 100.00% Poinciana UMC, Miami Springs 353901 16.28% Edgewater UMC, Port Charlotte 357431 100.00% Redland Community UMC, Homestead 354528 100.00% Englewood UMC, Englewood 357087 100.00% Riverside UMC, Miami 354005 45.27% Estero UMC, Estero 357101 100.00% Sellers Memorial UMC, Miami 354040 4.94% Faith UMC, Ft Myers 357293 100.00% Silver Palm UMC, Homestead 354506 100.00% First UMC, Ft Myers 357134 100.00%

- 150 - Percent Percent of of Apport. Apport. CHURCH GCFA Paid CHURCH GCFA Paid First UMC, Avon Park 356904 100.00% Indian Lake UMC, Indian Lake Estates 352713 100.00% First UMC, Bonita Springs 356948 100.00% Memorial UMC, Lake Placid 357327 100.00% First UMC, Bowling Green 356961 54.20% Myakka City UMC, Myakka City 357362 100.06% First UMC, Cape Coral 357010 100.00% North Naples UMC, Naples 357395 110.78% First UMC, Clewiston 359862 100.00% Old Miakka UMC, Sarasota 357340 100.00% First UMC, Frostproof 352826 100.00% Pine Island UMC, Bokeelia 357475 100.00% First UMC, Ft Meade 352804 100.00% Pine Level UMC, Arcadia 357500 100.00% First UMC, Immokalee 357260 100.00% Pleasant Hill UMC 952594 0.00% First UMC, Moore Haven 360143 100.00% Port Charlotte UMC, Port Charlotte 357418 100.00% First UMC, Naples 357384 100.00% Spring Lake UMC, Sebring 352917 100.00% First UMC, Punta Gorda 357522 100.00% St James UMC, Sarasota 357533 43.22% First UMC, Sarasota 357544 100.00% St John UMC, Sebring 357657 100.00% First UMC, Sebring 357588 100.00% St John's UMC, Sarasota 357577 100.00% First UMC, Wauchula 357681 100.00% Sun Ray UMC, Frostproof 352930 100.00% First UMC, Zolfo Springs 357704 100.00% Tice UMC, Ft Myers 357624 100.00% Friendship UMC, Punta Gorda 359838 76.81% Trinity UMC, Arcadia 356881 100.00% Fort Ogden UMC, Ft Ogden 357247 100.00% Trinity UMC, Ft Myers 952641 0.00% Good Shepherd UMC, N Ft Myers 357271 100.00% Trinity UMC, North Port 357511 10.90% Grace UMC, Cape Coral 357098 61.75% Trinity UMC, Sarasota 357566 100.00% Grace UMC, Venice 357635 100.00% Vamo UMC 357613 41.67% Gulf Cove UMC, Port Charlotte 357351 100.00% Venice-Nokomis UMC, Nokomis 357646 100.00% Hope UMC, Cape Coral 357076 100.00% Wesley Memorial UMC, Ft Myers 357191 100.00% Iglesia Luz y Vida UMC 357282 0.00% Wesley UMC, Marco Island 357156 100.00%

- 151 - 1 COMMITTEE FOR MINISTRY PROTECTION 2 3 2015 PROPERTY/CASUALTY & 4 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE PROGRAM 5 6 The Department for Ministry Protection of the Florida Annual Conference of the United 7 Methodist Church is charged with administering all aspects of the comprehensive property, 8 casualty, and workers’ compensation insurance program for the Conference. 9 10 The Department team consists of three experienced staff members who bring a wide range of 11 insurance, risk management, safety consulting, claims and litigation management and 12 underwriting experience to the Conference. Conference staff includes: 13 14  LaNita Battles, Director. A graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, LaNita has over 30 15 years of experience in the insurance and risk management industry. Her experience 16 includes risk management, safety consulting, claims and litigation handling and 17 management, catastrophic claims handling, insurance and claim training, and 18 underwriting. 19  Brian Donivan, Claim Specialist. Brian manages the insurance claims for the Conference 20 and its churches. He has a wealth of experience in claims, safety consulting, and 21 litigation management, having worked with some of the leading, most-respected players 22 in the insurance industry. 23  Ana Temple, Insurance Specialist. Ana has prior experience with both an agency and 24 national insurance broker. She provides overall insurance support and administrative 25 assistance to local churches, including certificates of insurance, motor vehicle driving 26 records, insurance database maintenance and billing support. 27 28 The Department for Ministry Protection reports to the Conference Treasurer and the Committee 29 for Ministry Protection. This committee is comprised of volunteers representing each district of 30 the Florida Annual Conference. Collectively, the skills/occupations of this group include 31 attorneys, CPAs, insurance and risk management professionals, local pastors, and church 32 administrators. The insurance program would not be as successful as it has remained 33 throughout its 25-year history without the guidance, hard work, and dedication of this committee. 34 The Committee includes: Chairperson Rev. Susie Horner, Vice-Chair Mark Arnold, Tommy 35 Martin, Rev. Doug Townley, Steve Edwards, Rev. Daphne Johnson, Barb Riggs, Dennis Royer, 36 Harriet Mayes, Yoniece Dixon, Conference Chancellor Rev. Paul Butler, and District 37 Superintendent Rev. John Powers. 38 39 The Conference insurance program is held up as a model of church insurance programs around 40 the country and is constantly striving to find proactive ways to improve the program offerings 41 while at the same time holding down costs. The program continues to provide the following: 42 43  A Conference-wide loss prevention and safety program with an emphasis on fire and life 44 safety inspections at the local church and instructional seminars and training. 45

- 152 - 1  Routine property, casualty, and workers’ comp claim audits of our Conference insurance 2 adjusters to ensure prompt and proper handling of insurance claims. 3 4  A comprehensive, multi-year property appraisal program, at no cost to the local church. 5 6  Pre-hurricane season meetings with the Conference property insurance companies and 7 special disaster adjusters to formalize loss mitigation, claim handling procedures, 8 insurance payments and claim documentation so that we will be properly prepared in the 9 event of a disaster. 10 11  A pilot Violent Incident Prevention program. A complete program will be rolled out to all 12 churches later this year. 13 14  Miscellaneous insurance and risk management topics on the department’s website with 15 more information and resources. 16 17 Our sincere thanks go out to our local churches who clearly share our vision of providing safe 18 and secure environments for the operation of Godly ministries as we seek to make disciples for 19 Jesus Christ. 20 21 May God continue to Bless and keep you. 22 23 Respectfully, 24 25 Rev. Susie Horner, Chair 26 Committee for Ministry Protection 27 28 LaNita Battles, Director 29 Department for Ministry Protection

- 153 - MINISTRY PROTECTION FINANCIAL RESULTS 31-Dec- 31-Dec- 31-Dec- 2015 2014 2013 (Unaudited) (Audited) (Audited) Insurance Coverage Administration

Premium Revenue - P&C $10,811,486 $10,876,584 $10,889,669 Premium Revenue - WC $1,479,315 $1,453,653 $1,351,546

Total Revenue $12,290,801 $12,330,237 $12,241,215

Insurance Coverage Expenses Excess Insurance Expense $6,942,852 $6,984,428 $7,375,030 Claims Administrator Fees $482,356 $279,266 $270,166 Other Professional Fees $191,783 $198,923 $268,483 Discount for Early Premium Payment $117,958 $113,348 $112,245 Premium Dividend $0 ($136) $759,141 Bad Debt Expense $237,595 $604,700 $75,253 Ministry Protection Department $501,454 $514,251 $474,120

Total Insurance Coverage Expenses $8,473,998 $8,694,780 $9,334,438

Insurance Coverage Income/(Loss) $3,816,803 $3,635,457 $2,906,777

Insurance Claims Administration

Recovery Revenue $1,618,949 $905,006 $593,702

Claims Expenses Claim Payments - P&C $4,092,558 $3,734,648 $2,458,973 Claim Payments - WC $2,802,247 $1,100,847 $1,194,515 Deductible Assistance $306,079 $264,955 $338,059 Loss Reserve Adjustment ($888,687) $430,944 $933,000

Total Claim Payment Expenses $6,312,197 $5,531,394 $4,924,547

Insurance Claims Income/(Loss) ($4,693,248) ($4,626,388) ($4,330,845)

Ministry Protection Program Income ($876,445) ($990,931) ($1,424,068)

- 154 - 31-Dec- 31-Dec- 31-Dec- 2015 2014 2013 (Unaudited) (Audited) (Audited)

Loss Fund

Beginning Balance $8,490,212 $8,491,322 $8,114,164

Net MP Program Activity ($876,445) ($990,931) ($1,424,068) Net Investment Earnings ($541,397) $989,821 $1,801,226

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Fund ($1,417,842) ($1,110) $377,158

Ending Balance $7,072,370 $8,490,212 $8,491,322

Loss Fund Accrual $6,092,857 $6,981,544 $6,539,900

Total Cash & Investments $12,235,902 $14,821,880 $14,756,542

- 155 - FLORIDA CONFERENCE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1 2 The Board of Trustees continues to oversee the property entrusted to all the Methodists in 3 Florida. 4 5 The Trustees are responsible for the needs of the Conference Center, the Episcopal Residence, 6 provide guidance to the Campus Ministries, and starting with Annual Conference 2015 the 7 management of abandoned and closed local church property. 8 9 The Trustees have spent time working with campus ministries to assess the current property 10 conditions and assist with maintenance needs. 11 12 Four years ago, the Trustees obtained a line of credit in the amount of $2.5 MM in order to fund 13 the renovation of the Barnett Lodge. Currently, the outstanding balance is less than $1.35 MM 14 with pledges of $900 K expected to be received over the next 3 years. The Trustees continued 15 the practice of contributing $50 k per year to reduce the deficit. 16 17 Your Board of Trustees executed a line of credit from the Florida Foundation in the amount of 18 $2.5MM to build a new facility on the campus of FSU. The cabinet and NCD agreed to provide 19 10% of the proceeds from sold churches to satisfy the LOC. Construction is in progress and 20 completion is expected in late 2016 early 2017. 21 22 With the approval of the Annual Conference in 2015 the Trustees are now coordinating all 23 property transactions dealing with closed or abandoned local church property. To aid with this 24 process the Trustees hired a property management firm in late 2015 that will coordinate ongoing 25 maintenance, appraisals, and help decide future uses. (A listing of known property that will 26 transfer to care, custody and control of the Trustees follows this report.) The Trustees will be 27 reviewing each property for best use in consultation with the Cabinet which can include, but is 28 not limited to, transfer, sale, leasing, or restarting. 29 30 Episcopal Residence: This property continues to require maintenance and repairs typical of a 31 property of this age. 32 33 Conference Center: This property, of which we all should be extremely proud, has presented no 34 issues to the board since we moved in. 35 36 Cemeteries: A special thanks to Dr. Ed Dinkins, an ex-officio member, for his fine work and his 37 investigations, in locating and resolving ownership issues surrounding abandoned cemeteries. 38 More often than not, the UMC has no legal obligation but rather a moral obligation. 39 40 Your Board of Trustees, as authorized in BOD Par. 2512.3 and 2512.4, created the Trustee 41 Investment Committee to work with various conference agencies, districts, local churches and 42 FUMF to help identify their investment objectives and recommend vehicles to achieve these 43 objectives. We are blessed that Vernon Swartsel, former President of the FUMF, agreed to chair 44 this committee comprised of experienced investment professionals. The following is the report of 45 the Conference Investment Committee’s Chair Vernon Swartsel. We are blessed to have a

- 156 - 1 group of professionals willing to donate their time and expertise to serve on this important 2 committee. A very special thanks to Vernon for his leadership. 3 4 Respectfully submitted, 5 Florida Conference Board of Trustees

FLORIDA CONFERENCE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – PROPERTY LISTING Description City District Calvary Parsonage Lake Worth AC Calvary Church Lake Worth AC Grapevine Parsonage Port St Lucie AC Grace Church Sebastian AC St John's Church Ft Pierce AC St. John's Parsonage Ft Pierce AC Concord Park Church Orlando EC Trinity Church Sanford EC Highpoint Church & Parsonage Clearwater GC Lowell Church Reddick NC Bethel Church Eustis NC Bethel Parsonage Eustis NC Kendrick Church Ocala NC Kendrick Parsonage Ocala NC Rainbow Lakes Church Rainbow Lakes NC Faith Church Gainesville NC New Life Church Jacksonville NE Oak Crest Church Jacksonville NE St Augustine Land St. Augustine NE Good Shepherd Church Jacksonville NE Good Shepherd Parsonage Jacksonville NE Oakleaf Land Argyle NE Lake Asbury Land Cove Springs NE Silver Springs Shore Silver Springs NE Huntsville Church Wellborn NW Good Shepard Church Lakeland SC Good Shepard Parsoange Lakeland SC Wahneta Mission Winter Haven SC Northeast Parsonage Tampa SC Bethesda Church Tamarac SE Bethesda Parsonage Ft Lauderdale SE Branches Church Florida City SE Faith Parsonage Miami SE Grace Parsonage Miami SE Grace Church Miami SE Hallandale Church Hallandale Beach SE

- 157 - Description City District Kerr Memorial Church Miami SE Miami Metro Parsonage Miami SE Mt Sinai Parsonage Dania Beach SE New Life Church Ft. Lauderdale SE New Life Parsonage Wilton Manors SE Nueva Iglesia - Doral Miami SE Nueva Iglesia - Doral Parsonage Miami SE Shalom Church North Miami SE Shalom Parsonage North Miami SE South Dade Church SE South Dade Parsonage Homestead SE Florida City Parsonage Homestead SE Iglesia Luz y Vida Church Zolfo Springs SW Iglesia Luz y Vida Parsonage Zolfo Springs SW North Church Sarasota SW North Parsonage Sarasota SW Nuevo Pacto Sebring SW Nuevo Pacto Parsonage Lake Placid SW Nocatee Church Nocatee SW Vamo Sarasota SW

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

1 2 The Committee began executing its plan that the Florida United Methodist Foundation be the 3 custodian for virtually all of the Conference’s investments and selected two independent 4 investment managers to recommend investments to reach short-term and long-term financial 5 goals. Funds were in place with the new investment managers by June 2015. The investment 6 committee met twice with the investment managers after June 2015 to monitor performance and 7 make any necessary adjustments. 8 9 Respectfully submitted, 10 Vernon Swartsel, Chairman, Investment Committee 11

- 158 - 1 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY 2 3 Bishop Carter stresses to the Committee that our primary purpose is to focus on the quality of 4 the relationship between the Bishop and Annual Conference for the sake of the mission of the 5 church. This past year we have been living into the Covenant we built together as a team and 6 we re-visit it at each meeting. We are following the direction of the SE Jurisdiction Committee 7 on Episcopacy in using the Episcopal Review and Evaluation instrument designed to engage 8 the Committee and Bishop in dialogue about the episcopal leadership of the Annual 9 Conference. The following our highlights that were discussed at our meetings this past year. 10 11 At our July 2015 meeting, we had Bishop Carter go into detail regarding his recent travels 12 overseas and within the Conference. Bishop Carter shared that he was surprised when he was 13 elected as the President of the Council of Bishops for the 2018-2020 term. We invited three 14 Cabinet members to attend the discussion of steps 5 and 6 of the Bishop’s Review and 15 Evaluation – appointment-making and healthy relationships. The three Cabinet members were 16 Pastors Rini Hernandez, Sue Haupert-Johnson, and Wayne Wiatt. Sue acknowledged that the 17 Bishop knows all the clergy and is also a strategic thinker of the big picture of the Conference. 18 She explained that the Bishop has nine totally different personalities in his District 19 Superintendents and yet there is collegiality and creativity led by the Bishop during the 20 appointment-making process. Because our Conference has so many large churches and many 21 of their pastors are reaching retirement age, the Bishop is preparing candidates and the 22 churches for their new pastors. 23 24 At our meeting on October 8, 2015, Bishop Carter shared comments on the following: the 25 Nehemiah project, the Fresh Expressions work, transparency and collaboration among the 26 districts and Conference, the June Annual Conference in Orlando, General Conference 27 legislation, and his work with Craig Robertson from SLI. The Committee had a very good 28 dialogue with the Bishop regarding the Bishop’s Review and Evaluation step 7 – articulates and 29 supports the initiatives of The United Methodist Church, and step 8 – strengthens the 30 connection. 31 32 We met again on March 16, 2016, to discuss our missional challenges that the Florida 33 Conference presently faces. This is to help the SE Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy 34 match the Conference with the right bishop in their work in July, 2016. We shared lunch with the 35 Strategic Leadership Team for good fellowship and conversation. 36 37 On behalf of the Florida Annual Conference, we want to thank Bishop Carter and Pam for their 38 spiritual service to us. God bless them. 39 40 Pastor Jorge Acevedo 41 Sharon Luther 42 Co-Chairpersons 43

- 159 - 1 OUR EXTENDED CONNECTION 2 3 4 AFRICA UNIVERSITY 5 6 This report was not available at press time. If submitted, it will be posted online at 7 www.acflorida.org. Click the “Supplemental Workbook Reports” link for the reports not found in 8 this workbook. 9 10 11 ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 12 13 This report was not available at press time. If submitted, it will be posted online at 14 www.acflorida.org. Click the “Supplemental Workbook Reports” link for the reports not found in 15 this workbook. 16 17 18 BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY 19 20 This report was not available at press time. If submitted, it will be posted online at 21 www.acflorida.org. Click the “Supplemental Workbook Reports” link for the reports not found in 22 this workbook. 23 24 25 CANDLER SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY 26 27 For more than 100 years, Candler School of Theology at Emory University has prepared real 28 people to make a real difference in the real world. Since our founding in 1914, over 10,000 29 students have graduated from Candler, where they have been shaped as Christian leaders who 30 put faith and love into action, transforming the world in the name of Jesus Christ. 31 32 One of 13 official seminaries of The United Methodist Church, Candler is also one of seven 33 graduate professional schools of Emory University, a top-tier research institution offering 34 extensive resources and a rich context for study. Our location in Atlanta provides a learning 35 environment that reflects the highly diverse communities of the 21st century. Simply put, there is 36 no better place for ministry preparation that addresses our major denominational priorities: 37 developing leaders, starting and growing churches, ministry with the poor, and improving global 38 health. 39 40 In order to keep pace with the needs of the church and the world, Candler now offers 17 41 degrees: seven single degrees and ten dual degrees pairing theology with bioethics, business, 42 development practice, law, public health, or social work. One of our newest degrees is a

- 160 - 1 retooled Doctor of Ministry that is 90 percent online, so students can remain in their places of 2 ministry as they study—and apply what they learn in real time. We’ve also partnered with the 3 University of Georgia’s School of Social Work to create an MDiv/MSW where students learn to 4 maximize their effectiveness by combining pastoral skills such as spiritual counseling with social 5 work practices such as family therapy and community assessment. 6 7 Our student body continues to reflect the diversity and breadth of the Christian faithful. 466 8 students are enrolled, with 48 percent women, 34 percent people of color (U.S.), and a median 9 age of 29. Students represent 44 denominations, with 51 percent coming from the Methodist 10 family. 82 percent of students are seeking a degree to prepare them as ministry professionals. 11 12 Candler has a deep commitment to alleviating student debt and employs a multi-pronged 13 approach to tackle this issue. In 2015-2016, we awarded nearly $5.5 million in Candler 14 scholarships, with 92 percent of MDiv students and 84 percent of all students receiving support. 15 And our comprehensive financial literacy program teaches money management skills that serve 16 our students now and will continue to serve them—and the churches they serve—well into the 17 future. 18 19 At the end of the 2015-2016 academic year, Candler says goodbye and Godspeed to a handful 20 of noted faculty as they retire: Barbara Day Miller, Luke Timothy Johnson, Steve Tipton, and 21 Bishop Woodie White. Yet even as these legends take their leave after distinguished careers of 22 scholarship and service, we look forward to welcoming a new crop of scholar-leaders who will 23 join us in the coming months and grow with us in the coming years. We are especially pleased 24 to welcome Bishop Larry Goodpaster, who will join the faculty as bishop-in-residence in the fall 25 of 2016. 26 27 Candler draws considerable strength and inspiration from its relationship with The United 28 Methodist Church. Our ability to fulfill our mission of educating faithful and creative leaders for 29 the church’s ministries in the world depends upon your support, gifts, and prayers. Thank you 30 for the countless ways you advance this vital ministry in the life of our denomination. Visit us in 31 person in Atlanta or online at candler.emory.edu to see firsthand how Candler prepares real 32 people to make a real difference in the real world. 33 34 Jan Love 35 Dean and Professor of Christianity and World Politics 36 Candler School of Theology 37

- 161 - 1 DUKE DIVINITY SCHOOL 2 3 The academic year 2015–2016 has been one of transition as Dean Richard Hays was 4 diagnosed with cancer and forced to step down from his role as dean a year sooner than 5 anticipated. Ellen Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical 6 Theology, accepted the invitation from Duke University President Richard Brodhead to serve as 7 interim dean this year. A robust search committee to select candidates for the dean position had 8 already been assembled, and they have spent this year conducting a thorough and thoughtful 9 process to present final nominations to the president and provost of Duke University, who will 10 make the final decision. The final slate of candidates was presented to the president and 11 provost on Feb. 1, 2016, and we anticipate a final decision later this spring. 12 13 In the midst of this year of transition, we continue to engage with the church, academy, and 14 society on important ecclesial and cultural issues. The heart of our work remains the preparation 15 of men and women for Christian ministry and leadership within the church. This year we 16 welcomed students from a range of backgrounds who are called to serve God and the church. 17 In 2015, our total enrollment was 626 students: 449 are enrolled in the M.Div. degree program; 18 36 in the M.T.S.; 19 in the Th.M.; 44 in the Th.D.; 71 in the D.Min.; 33 in the M.A.C.P.; 16 in the 19 M.A.C.S.; and 12 who are special students. Thirty-eight percent of our students are United 20 Methodist, with an additional 4 percent from other Wesleyan traditions, and 43 percent of our 21 M.Div. students are United Methodist. Fourteen percent of all students are Baptist, 8 percent are 22 Anglican or Episcopalian, 3 percent are Roman Catholic, 8 percent are Presbyterian or 23 Reformed, with the rest from 22 other denominations or nondenominational churches. 24 25 This year we made a number of strategic staffing decisions to ensure that we are meeting the 26 priorities of the Divinity School. Laceye Warner, associate professor of evangelism and 27 Methodist studies, has been named our senior strategist for United Methodist collaborations. 28 Warner, whose background includes academic administration, parish ministry, theological 29 teaching, and denominational leadership, will bring oversight, guidance, and new ideas about 30 ways that the Divinity School can work with our United Methodist partners in the work of serving 31 local churches and local pastors. She has been named interim regional director and head of 32 Course of Study at Duke, one of the largest Course of Study programs. She will build on the 33 strong existing curriculum to explore new forms of pastoral formation, as well as develop more 34 formal assessments about the effectiveness of Course of Study to ensure that it delivers the 35 best preparation for local pastors and churches. 36 37 Warner has also worked with Pastor David McNitzky of Alamo Heights UMC in San Antonio, 38 Texas, to create a certificate program. People in the church were interested in learning more 39 about theology, church history, and biblical studies. The church offers courses and helps people 40 use this training to be transformational leaders in their church and community, and Duke Divinity 41 School recognizes this training with an approved certificate. 42 43 Jeff Conklin-Miller, the E. Stanley Jones Assistant Professor of the Practice of Evangelism and 44 Christian Formation and Royce and Jane Reynolds Teaching Fellow, has been named the new 45 associate dean for academic programs. He is also the director of the master of arts in Christian 46 practice (M.A.C.P.) program. Conklin-Miller is an ordained elder in the California-Pacific 47 Conference and has served local churches as an associate pastor, co-pastor, and senior pastor.

- 162 - 1 In addition to his extensive church ministry, he has experience in academic administration and 2 Christian formation. In his role as academic dean, Conklin-Miller draws on these various aspects 3 of his experience in order to ensure that academic and other formation programs at the Divinity 4 School equip our students to further God’s work in the church and the world. 5 6 We are well aware of the changing landscape in theological education: fewer people express 7 interest in pursuing theological degrees, and the costs of education continue to rise. As part of 8 strengthening our commitment to the priorities of recruitment and financial aid, we have 9 appointed Todd Maberry to the new position of senior director of admissions, recruitment, and 10 student finance. Maberry, who earned an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School and an M.P.A. 11 degree from North Carolina State University, has served in academic administration and church 12 leadership. Most recently he was the community pastor at the Church of the Resurrection 13 (Downtown) in Kansas City, Mo., and he comes to Duke under appointment of Bishop Scott 14 Jones in the Great Plains Conference. 15 16 Another notable new hire is the appointment of Meghan Feldmeyer Benson as Divinity School 17 Chaplain, following the retirement of Sally Bates. An ordained elder in the Rocky Mountain 18 Conference, she served for nine years as Director of Worship at Duke Chapel. Shortly after Rev. 19 Benson began her chaplaincy last summer, both Richard Hays and Professor Kate Bowler were 20 diagnosed with cancer, and she immediately demonstrated her gift for offering comfort and 21 guidance to the Divinity School community through both skillfully designed worship and pastoral 22 care. In the months since, Benson has continued to foster a spirit of prayerfulness, while also 23 overseeing the Divinity School’s worship life and opportunities for spiritual formation. 24 25 Our initiatives, centers, and programs are a vital resource for us in connecting the work of Duke 26 Divinity School with other disciplines and constituents. Our Thriving Rural Communities initiative 27 hosted “Fan the Flame,” a weekend retreat on growth and sustainability for small-membership 28 churches. In partnership with the Western North Carolina and North Carolina Conferences, they 29 also sponsored the 2015 Convocation on the Rural Church, “Living in Community,” to discuss 30 issues important for transforming rural churches and communities. The Hispanic House of 31 Studies, supported by both North Carolina Conferences, hosted a retreat for pastors serving the 32 Hispanic and Latino/a community. Duke Divinity School remains committed to supporting local 33 churches and local pastors, particularly in under-resourced communities. 34 Spirited Life, a holistic wellness program and behavioral health study conducted by the Clergy 35 Health Initiative, has concluded its direct services to pastors, after working with more than 1,100 36 United Methodist clergy in North Carolina since 2010. The program provided resources for 37 improving mental, spiritual, and physical health through evidence-based programs, coaching, 38 and support. The initiative will continue to conduct and publish research, and will continue to 39 offer information for clergy, congregants, and denominational officials to support the well-being 40 of pastors. 41 42 Since 1979, the Center for Studies in the Wesleyan Tradition has been a source of 43 internationally acclaimed research and support for Methodist and Wesleyan studies. The Center 44 hosts the Wesley Works Editorial Project, which this year published a new volume of the works 45 of John Wesley and launched a new website. The new volume, The Works of John Wesley 46 Volume 27: Letters III (1756–1765), is the third of seven volumes devoted to Wesley’s

- 163 - 1 correspondence. The new website provides information on the previously published work as 2 well as other resources for the study of John and Charles Wesley. 3 4 Several initiatives, specifically in the areas of health care, reconciliation, and the arts, provide 5 opportunities for theological reflection to intersect with the pressing needs in our world today. 6 Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts (DITA), Theology, Medicine, and Culture (TMC), the 7 Office of Black Church Studies (OBCS), and the Center for Reconciliation (CFR) each 8 sponsored numerous speakers and events during this past year. Faith & Leadership, the online 9 magazine published by LEADD, continues to reach over 300,000 readers and provide a 10 resource for theological reflection and “traditioned innovation” for all in ministry. Their continued 11 excellent work was recognized again this year with awards from the Associated Church Press 12 “Best of the Christian Press” contest. 13 14 Our faculty continue to be recognized for their scholarship and interdisciplinary expertise. Xi 15 Lian and J. Kameron Carter were both named Henry Luce III Fellows for 2015–16. Ross 16 Wagner, Kate Bowler, and Jennie Grillo each received prestigious research grants and 17 fellowships to support their book projects. Faculty continue to be in demand as preachers, 18 speakers, lecturers, and conference presenters all over the world, from academic conferences 19 to leading Sunday school classes, to preaching in churches. 20 21 We remain deeply grateful for the relationships among the United Methodist Church, this Annual 22 Conference, and Duke Divinity School. We look forward to working with you in the task of 23 preparing men and women for Christian ministry. To learn more about Duke Divinity School, 24 please visit our website at www.divinity.duke.edu. 25 26 Respectfully submitted by Interim Dean Ellen F. Davis 27 28 29 30 FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE 31 32 The Florida Southern College community remains steadfast in our commitment to provide the 33 highest quality academic and student life programs in order to prepare students to achieve their 34 personal and career goals and become leaders in their communities. I am pleased to share this 35 update on our programs and to highlight several accomplishments from the past year. 36 37 Florida Southern is proud of our highly active Campus Ministries and Church Relations Program 38 comprising nine major student-led ministries directed by Rev. Timothy Wright ’94. In addition to 39 hosting the largest Campus Ministries retreat in college history this past fall and collecting and 40 distributing another 1,000 pairs of socks to the needy through our MocSoctober Ministry, FSC 41 students assembled 1,000 “Agape Bags” filled with basic essentials which they distributed to 42 homeless individuals in Lakeland. Also, 15 students travelled to Jonesville, Virginia, during 43 Spring Break 2016 where they worked with 11 lower income families to make their homes 44 warmer, safer, and drier. 45

- 164 - 1 Florida Southern faculty members are garnering important awards for their achievements as 2 scholars, teachers, and researchers. We are honored that Dr. Carmen Gauthier, chair of our 3 Chemistry Department, has recently been awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholar grant for the 4 2016-2017 academic year. Our first Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Gauthier will use the grant to conduct 5 research and teach at the Catholic University of Peru. 6 7 Our students also continue to earn notable recognition for academic excellence. We are 8 especially proud of Jasmine Childress ’15, a biology major and summa cum laude graduate who 9 last year became Florida Southern’s first Fulbright finalist. Jasmine won the Meritorious Oral 10 Presentation Award, a prize typically given to advanced graduate students, at the American 11 Society of Parasitologists annual meeting, which draws biologists from around the world. In fall 12 2015, Jasmine enrolled in the University of California-Santa Barbara’s renowned Ph.D. program 13 in parasitology on a full scholarship. 14 15 Our School of Education has made significant advances and its reputation for excellence has 16 been further solidified this past year. To complement the Doctor of Educational Leadership 17 program launched in summer 2014, we announced the addition of the Master of Education in 18 Educational Leadership to our degree offerings in November 2015 with classes to begin in 19 summer 2016. Also, a December 2015 report issued by the Florida Department of Education 20 ranks Florida Southern’s elementary education program as the best among all private colleges 21 in the State of Florida and second out of 75 public and private elementary education programs 22 in the state. 23 24 In November, we dedicated the Bill ’65 and Mary Ann Becker Business Building, the new home 25 of the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise. A magnificent, 45,000-square- 26 foot, three-story glass and stone structure, the Becker Building features state-of-the-art 27 classrooms and conference rooms, a simulated stock-trading floor, a tiered 75-seat lecture hall, 28 and advanced technology infrastructure, giving it one of the fastest connectivity rates in the 29 region. The Becker Building is a model instructional facility for business education and ensures 30 that our students benefit from meaningful engaged learning experiences that will prepare them 31 to succeed and thrive in today’s complex global marketplace. 32 Also this fall, Barnett School faculty introduced new majors in free enterprise, health care 33 administration, sport business management, and political economy. These new majors bring a 34 liberal arts perspective to the study of business and afford students opportunities to prepare for 35 careers in fields with a very positive outlook for job growth in the coming years. These 36 programmatic and facilities enhancements have advanced us significantly toward our goal to 37 establish the Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise as one of the top 25 business 38 schools in the nation. 39 40 We are experiencing tremendous enrollment growth in our science programs, with more than 41 400 students pursuing degrees in the Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and 42 Citrus. While this growth is gratifying, we are challenged to provide laboratory facilities and 43 equipment to support the highest levels of student-faculty collaborative research and laboratory 44 study that are essential to our science curriculum. Thus, we started a major fundraising initiative 45 to fund laboratory renovations, instrumentation, equipment, and instructional technology. With 46 the generous support of FSC alumni, friends, foundations, and corporate supporters, we have 47 been able to upgrade and create new labs. These improvements have not only strengthened

- 165 - 1 our existing science programs, but also have enabled us to introduce a new major this fall in 2 biotechnology. 3 4 The 2014-2015 academic year was a banner year for our outstanding performing arts programs. 5 Last fall, we celebrated the opening of the new state-of-the-art Wynee Warden Dance Studio, 6 home of our new ballet program, and welcomed our first professor of dance. In addition to the 7 dance major, we also introduced a new major in musical theatre in response to students who 8 had been advocating for the creation of the program for some time. Our talented music 9 students were thrilled when WEDU-TV in Tampa asked to broadcast our renowned Christmas 10 Gala holiday concert on December 24th. Students relished this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to 11 showcase their talents, which was viewed by approximately 400,000 individuals. Based on the 12 popularity of the 2014 broadcast, our students were featured again this year in a Christmas Day 13 broadcast of the 2015 Gala. 14 15 Florida Southern continues to earn recognition as one of the nation’s best small private colleges. 16 For the ninth consecutive year, Florida Southern has been designated as a College of 17 Distinction based on its excellence in four categories: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant 18 campus communities, and successful outcomes. We are gratified as well that Florida Southern 19 is included once again in the latest edition of The Princeton Review’s popular college 20 guidebook, 380 Best Colleges, and in the prestigious Fiske Guide to Colleges 2016. In addition, 21 U.S. News & World Report ranks FSC #4 among Regional Colleges in the South and #1 in 22 Florida in its annual rankings of “America’s Best Colleges” and also identifies FSC as a Best 23 Value School. 24 25 Throughout this past year, we have been privileged to host many notable speakers on our 26 campus. In May, Jenna Bush Hagar addressed a luncheon honoring mothers that was 27 sponsored by the Roberts Academy, FSC’s transitional school for children with dyslexia; and 28 Chairman Emeritus of A+E Networks, Abbe Raven, a respected executive in cable television 29 history, delivered the commencement address at our 2015 Commencement Ceremony. In 30 October, we applauded Ken Powell, CEO of General Mills, who delivered the keynote address 31 at the Barnett School’s inaugural CEO 100 Lecture Series luncheon. In February, Nobel Prize- 32 winning physicist William Phillips lectured on the topic of “Time, Einstein, and the Coolest Stuff 33 in the Universe,” as part of our new Child of the Sun Distinguished Speakers Series. In March, 34 we welcomed acclaimed novelist Nicholas Sparks, who was inducted as our 82nd Honorary 35 Chancellor at our 2016 Founders Day convocation. 36 37 In the last several years, one of the most important projects that we have undertaken is the 38 restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. With generous support from 39 the Florida Department of Historical Resources and Save America’s Treasures, this project 40 culminated this summer with the completed restoration of the chapel’s interior. Under the 41 direction of our preservation architect, Jeffrey Baker, the restoration has returned the Annie 42 Pfeiffer Chapel to its former splendor as Wright’s signature building on our campus. 43 44 Florida Southern’s athletics program continues to earn its place among the nation’s top five 45 NCAA Division II programs. We are especially proud of the achievements of our Men’s 46 Basketball Team, which won the 2015 NCAA Division II National Championship. Coach Linc 47 Darner earned National Coach of the Year honors from the National Association of College

- 166 - 1 Basketball Coaches. Meanwhile, Kevin Capers ’15 was named NCAA Tournament Most 2 Outstanding Player and Division II Player of the Year. His teammate Tyler Logan ’15 earned the 3 NCAA Elite 8 Award for Division II Men’s Basketball, which goes to the student-athlete with the 4 highest GPA at the NCAA championship event in his or her sport. 5 6 It is always a privilege to update the Florida United Methodist Conference on the exciting 7 developments at Florida Southern that strengthen our institution daily. Our advances are possible 8 only because of the Conference’s unwavering and generous annual support. I hope it pleases 9 the Conference leadership to know that their investment is having a profound impact in our 10 students’ lives and in the life of our college, ensuring that Florida Southern continues to graduate 11 successive generations of innovators and problem-solvers who will lead our nation and our world 12 to a brighter future. 13 14 Respectfully submitted, 15 16 Anne B. Kerr, Ph.D. 17 President 18

- 167 - 1 FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME 2 3 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” 4 Proverbs 22:6 (RSV) 5 6 The mission statement of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home asserts that we are “to 7 empower children and families to experience God’s love and care as revealed in the ministry of 8 Jesus Christ.” This is what propels the ministry of the Children’s Home forward. Each child that 9 comes into our care is surrounded by caring staff. These dedicated men and women are truly 10 inspiring as they respond to the calling to work with at-risk children and youth. Each child is 11 surrounded by a beautiful campus and first rate facilities that help provide a healing atmosphere 12 on both our campuses at Enterprise and Madison. Each child is surrounded by effective and 13 wide ranging programs and ministries designed to strengthen individual and family life. But 14 most of all, each child is surrounded by the love and grace of Jesus Christ made real through 15 the work and support of His church. 16 17 I would like to convey my gratitude to our Board of Trustees for their outstanding commitment 18 and leadership as they set the vision and guide the overall direction of the Children’s Home and 19 its ministry. 20 21 The Children’s Home is a part of your family as a United Methodist Church institution. We have 22 been on duty for 108 years and continue to serve as an extension of your local church to help 23 you meet the needs of children and families with special needs. What began as the Florida 24 Methodist Orphanage in 1908 has grown into a diverse ministry offering residential care, 25 therapeutic group care, emergency shelter care, foster care services in five counties, transitional 26 and independent living assistance, career development training and a community child care 27 center. Our second campus, the Madison Youth Ranch, also offers the life changing ministry of 28 the Children’s Home. We typically touch the lives of over 400 children each and every day. 29 30 The Stickney Stable for Equine Therapy was officially dedicated on July 10, 2015. We are so 31 thankful for all the donors who made this fantastic addition at our Madison Youth Ranch 32 possible. Equine therapy has shown remarkable results to help our residents find a sense of 33 healing and wholeness. Our therapy horses are named Pinki and Sugar. Two staff members 34 have been trained and licensed through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association 35 (EAGALA). 36 37 Our on-campus school has officially partnered with the Volusia County School district and is 38 now called Legacy Scholars Academy (LSA). LSA provides on-campus schooling for our 39 residents, grades K-12th. The classroom ratio is 8 students to one teacher along with one 40 teacher assistant. We have a total of 44 students attending LSA this year. LSA is voluntary for 41 our middle and high school students who want to attend a smaller school. Many of our 42 residents continue to go off campus to attend local public schools. 43 44 LSA offers our students quality instruction led by certified teachers in a standard public school 45 curriculum with the added component of the Social and Emotional Learning skills and behavior 46 management and counseling by Children's Home staff. By partnering with Volusia County 47 Schools, the Children's Home will have access to a broad range of resources including

- 168 - 1 academic specialists, Volusia Virtual School, dual enrollment and the ability to obtain a high 2 school diploma equal to that of their peers in public school. 3 4 Our Foster Care ministry has expanded into Broward County. We are on track to open an office 5 on July 1, 2016 at New Horizon UMC in Southwest Ranches, Florida. Prospective foster 6 parents are already taking orientation classes. 7 8 Each year it is our privilege to recognize individuals, churches and groups that have gone above 9 and beyond to support and promote the Children’s Home. For their exceptional efforts in 2015 10 we have awarded the following: “Pastor of the Year” – Reverend William Buell of Coleman 11 UMC; “Church of the Year” – First UMC, Steinhatchee; “Local Church Representative of the 12 Year” – Ashley Hughes of First UMC, Clermont; and “Mission Work Group of the Year” – 13 Southside UMC, Jacksonville. Please join me in lifting up these outstanding people who have 14 made the ministry of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home a priority. 15 16 The local church goal of giving in 2016 is set at $12.00 per member and will remain the same for 17 2017. We think this is a reasonable goal that every church should strive to meet. The Children’s 18 Home is an extension of your local church and a part of your family as United Methodists. We 19 earnestly hope you are able to give beyond this minimum level of support. We request this 20 historic plan be continued whereby on each Fifth Sunday and on Christmas Sunday, the church 21 school offering and the undesignated offering (loose plate) received in Sunday worship services 22 be remitted directly, along with special donations and gifts, to the Florida United Methodist 23 Children's Home. 24 25 In closing, I would like to express my personal sincere gratitude to all those who give to support 26 the work and ministry of the Children’s Home. Your Fifth Sunday offerings, individual gifts, 27 honors and memorials, in-kind gifts, wills and bequests and other planned gifts all work together 28 to change young lives. In spite of difficult economic times, the United Methodists of Florida and 29 the many friends of the Children Home ensured that 2015 was another successful year for the 30 Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. Thank you for making a real and lasting impact in 31 the life of each child that comes into the loving care of the Florida United Methodist Children’s 32 Home. You may never know or see the young people you care for, but you can rest assured 33 that you are making a difference. As the Book of Proverbs says, “in everything you do, put God 34 first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” 35 36 Kitwana McTyer, Interim President & CEO

- 169 - 1 FLORIDA UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION 2 3 Putting faithful stewardship into action for 50 years 4 5 In 1966, Methodists in Florida had a vision: to start a foundation that would help churches, 6 ministries and individuals do the most good with their financial resources. At annual conference 7 that year, that dream became a reality and what is now the Florida United Methodist Foundation 8 was born. 9 10 Since then, the foundation has provided hundreds of loans to churches and agencies for 11 construction and renovation projects that enable ministries to thrive. It has offered high quality, 12 socially screened investment options that give churches the ability to make the most of the gifts 13 entrusted to them. And it has helped individuals set up the charitable giving options they need to 14 make a lasting impact on the ministries they value most. 15 16 In March, the foundation began sharing highlights from that journey through stories featured on 17 the foundation’s website. And on June 15, nearly 50 years to the day the ministry was created, 18 the foundation will hold its 50th anniversary event at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort to 19 celebrate a half-century of partnering with United Methodists across the conference to put 20 faithful stewardship into action. 21 22 The foundation’s story doesn’t end there, however. In the same way early leaders stepped out in 23 faith, staff and board members are taking a similarly bold step. The foundation has committed to 24 investing in the next generations of United Methodists by launching a long-term fund that will 25 bolster ministry for children, youth and college-age young adults. It’s called the Future 26 Generations Fund. 27 28 It has been said the church is “one generation away from faithlessness.” That isn’t a statement 29 on the declining morality of modern society. Instead, it is a warning the church must pass the 30 faith to the next generation or there may be few believers left. 31 32 This new fund will be a step toward engaging the church in Florida on this critical issue and 33 forging a new vision for the foundation’s next 50 years of ministry. 34 35 The foundation will work with a variety of conference and agency partners to determine needs 36 and distribute the funds, beginning in 2017, so they are used as effectively as possible. 37 Donations are being accepted as part of the anniversary event and online afterward at 38 www.fumf.org. 39 40 The goal is to work collaboratively to identify areas of support for children’s and youth ministries, 41 such as summer camp scholarships, mission and outreach initiatives, and selected ministry 42 projects. The fund will also provide resources to relieve some of the financial burden campus 43 ministries face so they can spend less energy on fundraising and more time affecting the lives of 44 college students. 45 46 Through these efforts, the foundation hopes to be a valuable partner in helping the church 47 nurture future generations of faithful Christians.

- 170 - 1 Fulfilling the mission in 2015 2 3 A healthy foundation for that future was further strengthened last year. By the end of 2015: 4 5  Assets managed by the foundation totaled more than $316 million — an increase of $32 6 million over 2014. 7  Seventy-three percent, or 491, of the conference’s 671 churches were participating in the 8 foundation’s ministry. 9  Gifts to the foundation and interest earned on foundation accounts had generated $5.6 10 million in new income to support churches, ministries and other missions. 11  Church and agency investments in foundation funds had grown by $15.7 million to 12 $119.9 million, generating earnings of $3.2 million. 13  Development Fund account investments had grown by more than $18.5 million to $151.2 14 million, including church and agency accounts totaling $86.6 million and accounts held by 15 individuals and others totaling $64.6 million. 16  The foundation had provided a record 37 loans totaling more than $30 million, 17 bringing the total value of active loans to more than $121 million. 18 19 Since 2005, the foundation has been allocating a portion of its assets to grants. Last year, the 20 foundation expanded that grant program by providing: 21 22  A $1 million grant payable over five years to the conference for clergy training, support 23 and educational debt relief; 24  A $100,000 matching grant toward Imagine No Malaria Florida’s $2.5 million goal; 25  A $25,000 matching grant to Bethune-Cookman University for its Spring into Service 26 mission trips abroad; 27  $20,000 to the United Methodist Committee on Relief for Nepal earthquake victims; and 28  $28,800 from two endowments managed by the foundation to fund 72 camping 29 scholarships. 30 31 We thank the many churches, agencies and individuals who have partnered with the foundation 32 over the years to make that ministry possible and look forward to working together as good 33 stewards of all God’s gifts for the next 50 years. 34 35 36 37 GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 38 39 This report was not available at press time. If submitted, it will be posted online at 40 www.acflorida.org. Click the “Supplemental Workbook Reports” link for the reports not found in 41 this workbook. 42

- 171 - 1 HINTON RURAL LIFE CENTER 2 3 Inspired by Jesus Christ, Hinton Rural Life Center’s purpose is to engage individuals, 4 congregations, and communities in transformation through retreat ministry and mission 5 outreach. Located on the shore of Lake Chatuge and nestled in the mountains of southwestern 6 North Carolina, Hinton Center is a sacred place. For over 55 years, Hinton has provided 7 opportunities for intentional faith development while sharing love for Christ with others through 8 fellowship and service. Each year, we host individuals and groups for spiritual retreats, group 9 gathering, and service opportunities. We also partner with small and rural congregations and 10 other organizations to serve as a catalyst within the community, encouraging creative missional 11 outreach and sparking new life. 12 13 Together in 2015, we were able to: Accommodate over 21,000 overnight stays with a capacity of 14 200 at any one time, which is a 25.4% increase from 2014—Host 1368 volunteers who worked 15 on campus, in our garden, and in our community to help those in need—Partner in mission 16 outreach with 68 different churches—Distribute over 100 loads of firewood to families, who 17 could not otherwise afford to heat their home—Repair 52 homes, making them warmer, drier, 18 and safer—Harvest fresh vegetables from our garden for guests and donate excess vegetables 19 to Clay County Food Pantry, Matt’s Ministry, and UMAR—Lead 11 small and rural church 20 consultations—Serve as a placement site for one Duke Divinity School ministerial intern— 21 Engage in 81 worship services with mission volunteers to reflect upon their service in this rural, 22 Appalachian community—Provide hospitality to an international group, who is fostering 23 Christianity in the Middle East—Increase Hinton’s presence throughout the SEJ with increased 24 web presence moving from 6,000 website hits in 2010, 60,909 website hits in 2014, and 83,769 25 hits in 2015—Increase connections through social media from 358 Facebook friends in 2012 to 26 1,494 in 2015—Host a Veteran’s Weekend, honoring Veterans and their spouses—Raise 27 $600,000 to support and further develop our ministries. 28 29 In 2016, we will continue to collaborate with local churches and other organizations in a tri- 30 county consortium addressing issues of poverty in our area. We will expand our current mission 31 outreach, engaging college students in service learning opportunities, and will continue to 32 strengthen our financial position so that we can nurture others through retreat opportunities and 33 missional outreach. www.hintoncenter.org Submitted by Dr. Jacqueline Gottlieb, President/CEO, 34 [email protected]. 35 36 37 38 LAKE JUNALUSKA ASSEMBLY, INC. 39 40 This report was not available at press time. If submitted, it will be posted online at 41 www.acflorida.org. Click the “Supplemental Workbook Reports” link for the reports not found in 42 this workbook.

43

- 172 - 1 UNITED METHODIST CONNECTIONAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 2 3 Your Board of Directors’ primary job is to set direction for and control the credit union, making 4 sure it is operated in a sound and prudent manner and that all decisions are guided by the best 5 interests of the members. For this reason, we have adopted strategies for short and long-term 6 goals that insure the Credit Union’s future development and growth. During 2015, we continued 7 to implement those endeavors necessary to maintain growth along with a strong financial 8 picture. 9 10 Our achievements include: 11  We experienced a 4% increase in loan balances during 2015 as we continue to “Help Our 12 Members Afford Life”. 13  Once again, we awarded four $1000.00 college scholarships to members ages 17 – 35 14 located in our four conferences - Florida, North Georgia, South Georgia and Alabama- 15 West Florida. 16  Last year we implemented “SPRIG by CO-OP”. During 2015, this service has grown 17 enormously and provides members with the ability to make deposits electronically from 18 their phones, tablets, etc. 19  We will continue to provide technological enhancements for our products and services as 20 they become available so that we can continue to provide members with safe and secure 21 ways to do business with our Credit Union. 22 23 In 2016, we will introduce “Faith-Based Travel Discounts through Educational Opportunities 24 Tours”. Watch for details about this new program via our web site, emails and statement 25 stuffers. We will also be offering VISA Balance Transfer Promotions in 2016 – a service that 26 many members like. 27 28 Of course, all of this could not have been achieved without our staff, my fellow board members, 29 and other volunteers that helped make 2015 another great year for your Credit Union. Most 30 importantly, however, I want to thank you, our members, for continuing to do business with your 31 credit union. 32 33 Chairman's Report 34 35 James Mitchell, Chairman

- 173 - Assets Summary as of 12/31/14 Summary as of 12/31/15 Cash $236,581.53 $344,865.70 Loans To Members $17,099,138.92 $17,765,038.96 Loan Participation $1,253,679.17 $1,337,580.02 Allowance for Loan Losses -$105,663.42 -$82,830.63 Other Receivables $0.00 $0.00 Investments $7,901,857.67 $7,606,814.67 Accrued Income $56,295.30 $64,472.15 Prepaid Exp & Defer Charges $44,586.91 $39,676.38 Fixed Assets $533,083.03 $516,615.27 All Other Assets $47,075.00 $47,075.00

Total Assets $27,066,634.11 $27,639,307.52

Liabilities Accounts Payable $4,241.22 $7,369.53 Dividends Payable $0.00 $0.00 Notes Payable $0.00 $0.00 Taxes Payable $409.74 $669.81 Accrued Expenses $32,115.94 $43,273.15 Deferred Credits $0.00 $0.00 Other Liabilities $1,530.29 $4,385.58

Total Liabilities $38,297.19 $55,698.07

Equity Shares of Members $24,470,712.79 $24,968,184.56 Reserves $682,937.04 $682,937.04 Undivided Earnings $1,829,570.46 $1,874,687.09 Net Income $45,116.63 $57,800.76

Total Equity $27,028,336.92 $27,583,609.45

Total Liabilities & Equity $27,066,634.11 $27,639,307.52

Income Statement Summary as of 12/31/14 Summary as of 12/31/15

Interest on Loans $1,026,832.65 $1,022,256.59 Income on Investments $59,469.64 $70,234.35 Fees & Charges $164,031.86 $153,306.68 Other Operating Income $77,041.03 $102,702.11

- 174 - Operating Income $1,327,375.18 $1,348,499.73

Operating Expenses

Compensation $482,665.19 $496,058.71 Employee Benefits $152,315.71 $153,605.76 Travel & Conference $52,124.25 $59,014.73 Association Dues $19,038.00 $18,309.00 Office Occupancy $43,030.00 $45,846.90 Office Operations $100,284.14 $105,961.19 Education & Promotion $41,441.44 $54,093.91 Loan Servicing $25,805.57 $28,957.77 Prof & Outside $196,367.94 $195,088.98 Provision for Loan Losses $39,000.00 $8,000.00 Member Insurance $0.00 $0.00 Federal Operating Fee $4,947.93 $4,948.86 Interest on Borrowed $0.00 $118.08 Cash Short/Over -$10.99 $0.10 Annual Meeting $3,614.67 $4,583.71 Miscellaneous $7,356.23 $8,176.99

Total Operating Expenses $1,167,980.08 $1,182,764.69

Income From Operations $159,395.10 $165,735.04 Income Before Dividends $159,395.10 $165,735.04 Dividends $114,278.47 $107,934.28

Gain/(Loss) on Assets $0.00 $0.00

Net Income $45,116.63 $57,800.76

- 175 - RESOLUTIONS 1 2 RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT EQUALITY OF LOVE AND VALUE 3 FOR BOTH BORN AND UNBORN CHILDREN 4 5 1. Whereas our Lord Jesus commands us, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one 6 another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (John 13:34 NRSV)," and 7 "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39 NRSV), and our Lord also declares “I 8 was a stranger, and you invited Me in; (Mat 25:35 NAS) and, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to 9 one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40 10 NRSV); and 11 12 2. Whereas as United Methodists, we believe that Christ died for all persons, (John 3:16) and 13 our Discipline states, that, "Primary for us is the Gospel understanding that all persons are 14 important-because they are human beings created by God and loved through and by Jesus 15 Christ and not because they have merited significance."(2012 Book of Discipline of the United 16 Methodist Church, Paragraph 161, page 108); and 17 18 3. Whereas, the Bible declares that all humans are distinctively created in the image of God, 19 (Genesis 1:27); and 20 21 4. Whereas, according to the widely respected and politically pro-choice Guttmacher Institute, in 22 2011(the latest year for which full statistics are available), 84,990 women obtained abortions in 23 the state of Florida (Guttmacher Institute, "State Facts about Abortion: Florida", available from 24 http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/sfaa/florida.html); accessed 24 January 2016); and 25 26 5. Whereas, our Bishop Carter has proclaimed, “A consistent ethic of hospitality would call us to 27 welcome the unborn as the stranger.” Consistent Ethic of Hospitality: Including the Unborn in 28 Our Inclusiveness (http://wesleyanaccent.seedbed.com/2014/01/25/bishop-ken-carter-a- 29 consistent-ethic-of-hospitality-including-the-unborn-in-our-inclusiveness/); and 30 31 6. Whereas, the first of the General Rules our United Methodist Church is that of “Doing no 32 harm.” http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/general-rules-of-the-methodist-church; and 33 34 7. Therefore, we as members of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, 35 a. Recognize unborn children as our “neighbors” ((Matthew 22:39 NRSV) whom we are to love, 36 and as “strangers” (Mat 25:35 NAS) whom we are to welcome, as “the least of these.” (Matthew 37 25:40 NRSV) 38 b. In accordance with Scripture and our United Methodist Discipline, support the belief that both 39 born and unborn children are equally loved by God and are of equal value to God and God’s 40 church. 41 c. Encourage all pregnant mothers and fathers to love their unborn children and do them no 42 harm.

- 176 - 1 8. Be it further resolved that Florida Lifewatch, as a representative in Florida of the National 2 Lifewatch organization (www.lifewatch.org ), is currently and will continue leading the effort to 3 uphold the sanctity of life through the church and through supporting local Crisis Pregnancy 4 Centers in accordance with our Discipline that states, "We affirm and encourage the Church to 5 assist the ministry of crisis pregnancy centers and pregnancy resource centers that 6 compassionately help women find feasible alternatives to abortion." 2012 Book of Discipline of 7 the United Methodist Church, Paragraph 161.J. page 113); and 8 9 9. Be it further resolved that in the implementation and distribution of this Resolution, we do not 10 foresee any financial impact to the Conference for this Resolution. 11 This motion is presented by Supply Pastor Dusty Bailey, Florida Lifewatch state coordinator, the 12 Reverend Gene Maddox, and Jan Knight, lay member of the Florida Annual Conference. 13 14 15 16 RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF 17 DIRECTOR OF HISPANIC MINISTRIES FOR THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE 18 OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 19 20 1. Whereas, it is clear since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Day of Pentecost, that we, 21 as Christians, were commissioned and called to minister to the culturally-diverse among 22 us: 23 24 “And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?... 25 we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 26 Acts 2: 8 & 11 (NKJV) 27 28 2. Whereas, The 2012 Book of Discipline states: 29 30 ¶608. Connectional Ministries – Each annual conference is responsible to focus and guide 31 the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church within its boundaries by: 32 1, 2, 3… 33 5. developing and strengthening ethnic ministries, including ethnic local churches and 34 concerns; 35 36 3. Whereas, current figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau, shows that Hispanics make 37 approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of Florida’s population. Statistics by the Census 38 also show that Florida’s population grew by more than 290,000 residents between 2013 39 and 2014, and more than 190,000 of these new residents were Hispanics. The current 40 median age of Hispanics in Florida is 35 years, compared with 44 years for non-Hispanic 41 whites. Currently, it is reported that another language, besides English, is spoken in 27% of 42 Florida’s households. 43 44 4. Whereas, our own Florida Conference webpage reports these demographical statistical 45 trends, and states: “By 2040, the Hispanic population in Florida will be 50% of the total 46 population.”

- 177 - 1 5. Whereas, statistics provided by the Pew Research Center show that Hispanics in Florida 2 currently have median personal earnings of $20,900, compared with $30,000 for non- 3 Hispanic whites. Additionally, these figures also show a 54% homeownership rate for 4 Hispanics, compared with 74% for non-Hispanic whites. 5 6 6. Whereas, in 2006, the Florida Conference, foreseeing at the time the above-mentioned 7 reality, and realizing the urgent need to approach the growth of Hispanics in Florida 8 approved two Conference Staff positions for Hispanic Directors under the offices of New 9 Church Development and Congregational Transformation. 10 11 7. Whereas, in 2007, both of the newly created positions were filled by the Florida 12 Conference, and these positions remained filled and operational until both of their 13 appointed Directors resigned to their positions. (The Hispanic Director of New Church 14 Development resigned in 2010, and the first Hispanic Director of Congregational 15 Transformation retired in 2009 and the second Director resigned in 2011). 16 17 8. Whereas, in 2009, as a result of the retirement of the first appointed Director of 18 Congregational Transformation, members of the Florida Annual Conference approved a 19 resolution to maintain and appoint a new Director of Hispanic Congregational 20 Transformation. 21 22 9. Whereas, in 2013, current Florida Conference Resident Bishop, The Rev. Kenneth H. 23 Carter, Jr. participated at the Florida Hispanic Assembly Annual Meeting and was informed 24 by members of the Hispanic Assembly about their concerns regarding the resignation of 25 both Hispanic Directors, and the possibility of these positions been left unfilled and/or 26 eliminated by the Florida Conference. Members of the Hispanic Assembly also expressed 27 their concerns regarding the negative impact this action could have in the continuing 28 development of the Conference’s Hispanic Ministries. 29 30 10. Whereas, after the new restructure of the Conference was finalized, both positions related 31 to Hispanic Ministries were eliminated. These unilaterally actions by the Florida 32 Conference created a vacuum affecting the unique needs in the expansion of Hispanic 33 Ministries throughout the Florida Conference. Furthermore, the elimination of these 34 conferential staff positions, were clearly executed against the mandate and will of our 35 Conference, which was clearly expressed by vote during previous Annual Conferences. 36 37 11. Whereas, The Florida Conference is fully aware and recognizes the importance of 38 developing and expanding our Hispanic Ministries in order to secure the future growth of 39 our church in a state, which by the Conference’s own statement, half of their population will 40 be Hispanic in the near future. Our conference’s own webpage states: “We consider the 41 task of reaching the growing Hispanic population in Florida with the Good News of Christ 42 and His kingdom very crucial.” However, the elimination of these conference staff 43 positions clearly represents a recoil, a move backwards, from the stated crucial goal of 44 reaching the Hispanic population in our Conference. 45 46 12. Whereas, while we witness many other United Methodist Conferences throughout the 47 United States, with much smaller Hispanic population in their Conferences, creating,

- 178 - 1 developing and maintaining conference staff positions to attend their Hispanic Ministries; 2 and while we witness many businesses and organizations throughout Florida structuring 3 their operations and management by adding staff, personnel, tools, and marketing 4 campaigns to reach out to Hispanics, we must witness our own Florida Conference 5 choosing to eliminate crucial conference staff positions previously created with the goal of 6 providing and developing a path to reach Hispanics through ministry. 7 8 13. Whereas, with more than 4 million Hispanics living in the State of Florida (25% of Florida’s 9 population), The Florida Conference should be in the forefront by setting the example of 10 strengthening the development of Hispanic Ministries throughout the United Methodist 11 Church as it is called to do in ¶608 of our Book of Discipline. According to the Florida 12 Conference own statistics, the current church membership in Florida consists of 280,000 13 members, of which only 6,649, or 2%, are Hispanics. This extremely low figure by itself 14 should serve as an urgent call to our Conference leaders of the need to create a ministry 15 environment in which at least we could attempt to reach a church membership that 16 resembles the very communities in which we serve. 17 18 14. Therefore, Be It Resolved, that The Florida Hispanic Assembly, asks the delegates of the 19 2016 Florida Annual Conference to re-affirm their will by approving by vote the re- 20 establishment of at least one Conference Staff position to attend the urgent and distinctive 21 needs of Hispanic Ministries in the Florida Conference. This position would be known as 22 the Director of Hispanic Ministries and should function as Conference Staff under the 23 umbrella of the Office of Connectional Ministries. Furthermore, the Hispanic Assembly asks 24 the delegates to approve the establishment of this position in an expeditiously form, 25 requesting the Florida Conference to immediately create a search committee to accomplish 26 this task under the shortest possible timeframe. 27 28 15. This resolution is respectfully presented by Oscar J. Negrón, Lay Member of the Florida 29 Conference and Vice-President of the Hispanic Assembly. The approval of this resolution 30 may require an additional financial obligation of the Conference not to exceed $75,000. 31

- 179 - 1 RESOLUTION: DRIVERS’ LICENSES FOR ALL FLORIDA DRIVERS 2 3 Financial Implications: None 4 5 Rationale: Biblical truth challenges us numerous times to welcome the stranger. “And when a 6 stranger sojourns with you in your land, do not oppress him/her. Let the stranger ... be to you as 7 the native-born, and you shall love him/her as yourself.” Lev. 19:33, 34 8 9 Our Social Principles say that “we recognize, embrace, and affirm all persons, regardless of 10 country of origin, as members of the family of God.” (United Methodist Book of Discipline, III. 11 The Social Community ¶162 H Rights of Immigrants) 12 13 The state of Florida requires that immigration status be a determinant of a person’s eligibility to 14 apply for a drivers’ license. As a result, almost one million unlicensed drivers—15% of Florida’s 15 driving population—are on our roads. This means that thousands of drivers in Florida have 16 never received proper training or certification. When people drive without proper training, they 17 are more likely to get into an accident. Without a drivers’ license or insurance, they are more 18 likely to flee the scene.3 By calling on the state of Florida to give all Florida drivers the 19 opportunity to apply for a driver’s license, we 1) welcome our immigrant neighbors and 2) make 20 our roads safer for all of God’s children. 21 22 Whereas, 10 other states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada, New Mexico, 23 Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and Maryland) and the District of Columbia have already 24 passed similar legislation to give all of their drivers access to drivers’ licenses. And, 25 26 Whereas, the present law does not allow undocumented drivers to obtain licenses, leading 27 many undocumented immigrants to drive to church, work, doctor’s appointments, school, etc. 28 without proper training and certification. And, 29 30 Whereas, allowing all Florida drivers to apply for a driver’s license would create safer roads and 31 likely increase the number of Florida drivers with car insurance. And, 32 33 Whereas, as persons of faith we recognize the human and civil rights of our immigrant brothers 34 and sisters, and the mutual benefit in allowing them to come out of the shadows into a life of 35 peace and safety, and 36 37 Whereas, this is a call to radical hospitality based on the recognition of essential relatedness 38 Acknowledging that one of the measurements of faithfulness in the church is how we treat and 39 advocate for the most vulnerable in our societies. 40 41 Therefore be it resolved that we call on every United Methodist in the Florida Annual 42 Conference to advocate for this and all changes that will welcome immigrants and create safer 43 driving conditions for us all. 44 45 Implemented by: South Florida Justice For Our Neighbors

3 http://drivesafeflorida.org/

- 180 - 1 Time Frame: Between June 2016 and June 2017 2 3 Financial Implications: None 4 5 6 Date: January 31, 2016 7 8 Signatures: 9 Clergy and Laity from across the Conference – 10 Rev. Janet Horman C. Todd Willis Emily R. Kvalheim Rev. John A. Denmark Rev. Michael G. Rivas Jetro Jeune Rev. Dr. Martha Rutland Maria Sotolongo Caitlin Kastner Hillary Tully Heidi Aspinwall David Mikesell Edith Zewadski-Bricker Suzanna Talada Rev. Roy M. Terry IV Rev. Dr. Marta Burke Lauren Graham Sullivan Andrew Kastner Sarah Elizabeth Howell Nancy Perez Krystal Moore Clara Knowles Erica Kay Oliveira Carolyn Curry Jane H. Cole Hyacinth Henry Dr. Barbara Koch Esther Thomas Rev. Dr. T. Glenn Bosley-Mitchell Thelma McGeachy Roland Robinson Virginia Spear Sandy Paredes-Robinson Lorna Dyer Alma Manney Sherlain Stevens Santiago Garcia, Jr. Winnifred DaCosta Rev. Clarke Campbell-Evans Doloris Ellis Joan Mowery Barrow 11 12 Submitted by: 13 Rev. Janet Horman, Pastor, Redland Community UMC 14  Other Affiliations: Attorney and Executive Director of South Florida Justice For Our 15 Neighbors 16 17 Phone number/e-mail address: 18 Janet: (786) 487-7254 / [email protected]

- 181 - 1 RESOLUTION: FLORIDA CONFERENCE IMMIGRANT AND 2 REFUGEE TASK FORCE 3 4 Financial Implications: None 5 6 Rationale: Florida is home to more than 3.7 million immigrants who form almost 20% of the total 7 population.4 We are and must continue to be a Church that welcomes all of our neighbors. 8 Reestablishing an Immigrant and Refugee Task Force in the Florida Conference will allow us to 9 evaluate the assets and needs that immigrants bring to our church communities, so that we can 10 better grow with one another in Christian love. 11 12 We are called to welcome the stranger throughout scripture. “And when a stranger sojourns with 13 you in your land, do not oppress him/her. Let the stranger ... be to you as the native-born, and 14 you shall love him/her as yourself.” Lev. 19:33, 34. 15 16 Our Social Principles say that “we recognize, embrace, and affirm all persons, regardless of 17 country of origin, as members of the family of God.” (United Methodist Book of Discipline, III. 18 The Social Community ¶162 H Rights of Immigrants) 19 20 Whereas, the Florida Conference previously had an Immigrant and Refugee Task Force that 21 provided Conference-wide leadership and coordination on immigrant-related issues and 22 ministries. And, 23 24 Whereas, we celebrate diversity and recognize that we are stronger with the gifts and the 25 contributions that immigrants are making in Florida and throughout our nation. And, 26 27 Whereas, the constant influx of new families into our state presents a great need and 28 opportunities for ministry. And, 29 30 Whereas, as children of God we are called to welcome the stranger and to do what is just for all 31 of our neighbors. 32 33 Therefore be it resolved that the Florida Annual Conference form an Immigrant and Refugee 34 Task Force to provide education on immigration issues in Florida and beyond, and to lead us in 35 prayer, ministries of compassion and justice, service, and advocacy for and with our immigrant 36 brothers and sisters. 37 38 Implemented by: Office of Missional Engagement 39 40 Time Frame: Between June 2016 and June 2017 41 42 Financial Implications: None 43 44 Date: January 31, 2016 45

4 Migration Policy Insitute

- 182 - 1 Signatures: 2 3 Clergy and Laity from across the Conference – Rev. Janet Horman Emily R. Kvalheim Rev. Clarke Campbell-Evans Rev. Michael G. Rivas C. Todd Willis Dr. Judith Pierre-Okerson Rev. John A. Denmark Heidi Aspinwall Jetro Jeune Rev. Dr. Martha Rutland Hillary Tully Lauren Graham Sullivan Andrew Kastner Caitlin Kastner Nancy Perez Edith Zewadski-Bricker Clara Knowles Santiago Garcia, Jr. Carolyn Curry Erica Kay Oliveira Icilda Lawrence Jane Cole Aloma Chalwell Dr. Barbara Koch Gwenette Gayle Rev. Dawn Worden Pat Tabois Rev. Dr. T. Glenn Bosley-Mitchell Anne Pierrelouis Roland Robinson Marvia Aitken Alma Manney Masaly Francois Sandy Paredes-Robinson Ruth Pierre Jean Pierre 4 5 Submitted by: 6 Rev. Janet Horman, Pastor, Redland Community UMC 7  Other Affiliations: Attorney and Executive Director of South Florida Justice For Our 8 Neighbors 9 10 Phone number/e-mail address: 11 Janet: (786) 487-7254 / [email protected]

- 183 - 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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