The Good News: Seeing Our Apportionment Dollars in Action at Annual Conference

(Part 3 of a special series on Florida Annual Conference) The consensus of the Memorial members after leaving Lakeland at the beginning of June was that Annual Conference is three and a half days jam-packed with worship, celebration, business, and reports! Not only were they "Awakened to Grace" by the worship music and speakers, but they were inspired by the reports from different committees and ministries, helping them see not only the results of the work of many volunteers but also our apportionment dollars in action!

We heard a report on the Florida Conference's Camps and Retreat Ministries.                  

Warren Willis Camp

Rev. Corey Jones, the Director of Camps and Retreat Ministries reminded the conference that camps are, "holy work, not only summer fun." Warren Willis served over 1300 campers last summer! And work is currently being done to upgrade some of the aging infrastructure and facilities. Long-range plans are in place to enhance the facility and experience for youth and adults and that is able to happen because of the support of our local churches. But it's not just in summer when the camp and retreat are being used, and it's more than just a "place". Rev. Jenn Stiles-Williams reminded us that "Property only matters

when it serves our mission and vision." She spoke about some of the year-round

programming going on at the camp and retreat center. "Warren Willis and the Life Enrichment Center are places for all to encounter God’s love and an authentic Christian community. The heart of this work is about people."

A report was also given on campus ministries across Florida. Currently, there are seven

Representatives from campus ministries shared thier experiences to the conference.

vibrant Wesley foundations and two United Methodist-Related institutions in the Florida Conference (Bethune Cookman & Florida Southern.) We got to hear from some of the students who are impacted currently by these ministries and learn that they feel a deeper connection to God and their peers through these ministries. We also got to hear some of the members of those groups lead us in worship music.

The praise band from Residing Hope led us in worship music.

Perhaps one of the most inspiriting reports was the one from Residing Hope. The work that they do with some of the most vulnerable young people in our state is truly remarkable. Hearing the stories of the residents at Residing Hope, which is supported through the donations from local churches, was truly encouraging and inspiring. One of the joys of the day was seeing the praise band from Residing Hope lead worship with music! The band consisted of residents from the facility. The work of the camps, Wesley Foundations, and Residing Hope were just a few of the reports shared teaching us about the work done through the Florida Conference and the United Methodist Church which are supported by our apportionment dollars and our financial gifts. It made us very proud to be United Methodists and grateful for these outreach ministries.