News
Dateline: Saturday, December 30, 2006

January open meeting of Vision Orlando

Vision Orlando

Praying, Caring, and Sharing with Greater Orlando

As the year turns and we enter 2007 we join together with you to thank God for His gifts and blessings this past year.

At our January 3rd meeting (Avanti Wealth Management meeting room; 7:30am) we will be reflecting together on 2006 and praying for 2007. Maureen Bravo will be our speaker and use her recent trip to Bolivia to show the link between: networking-prayer-city ministry.

Come and join us, and bring a friend.

Sincerely,

Steve Clinton

Executive Director

steve@visionorlando.org

Directions to Avanti:

Avanti Wealth Management

100 Crown Oak Centre Dr

Longwood, Fl 32750

407 331-7330


Directions: From downtown, take I-4 east to the Longwood (SR 434) exit. Turn right onto 434. Go through the first light (Raymond) then go about 50 yards and turn right on Crown Oak Centre Dr. Take the first left into the parking lot of Avanti. Avanti is the building on the left.
Dateline: Tuesday, December 12, 2006

VISITATION and ACTIVATION

by Maureen Bravo

12-10-06

Mary, pregnant with Jesus, went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John. As she approached Elizabeth, the PRESENCE of Christ within Mary's womb caused a quickening / an activation of the life of God within the womb of Elizabeth. Her unborn child, John, was instantly filled with the Holy Spirit!

Like the grave that would one day be a temporary resting place for her Son, there was no way Mary could possibly contain "What" had been placed within her. The Son of God was conceived in her womb in order to come forth into this world. His life was meant to be shared with each and every one of us! Emmanuel, God with us!

At this hour, the Kingdom of God is being birthed anew through all those who have yielded to the Father, saying, "Thy will be done". As each one allows Him to have His way in our lives, we too, experience this overshadowing and infilling of the Holy Spirit!.

Overwhelmed by His magnificent love, we are compelled to tell others what has taken place in us, about what has been conceived in us. As we share what God has done in our lives, we become a new source of encouragement to them. As we invite them to be open to His love, we gently teach them how to yield to Him, cooperate with Him, so He can have His way with them, and do His work in their lives!

This activation most often occurs within loving, giving, affirming relationships, where the love we have experienced causes us to want only the best for others. We, who are His, are not satisfied to keep "THE BEST" to ourselves. Rather, we long to see His life quickened, activated and springing forth from every living soul!

May this Christmas season by marked by the power of His love in our lives... and remembered for the impact which that love, shed abroad in our hearts, has on the lives of those who share HIS world with us!

 
Dateline: Saturday, December 1, 2006

Here are three urgent requests for volunteers. Please read on...

  1. Saturday December 2

Restore Orlando Neighborhood Christmas Party in Holden Heights (Kaley & Westmoreland, southwest of downtown).  Volunteers needed to set up (morning), help host the party (early afternoon) and clean up (late afternoon).  Gifts needed for distribution.  See http://bridgebuilding.orangewood.org/current/restore_2006/index.php for specifics and to sign up.    

Contact: Becki Edmonson (407) 647-8057

  1. Friday, December 8

Project Homeless Connect.  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. T.D. Waterhouse Center.  Homeless will receive showers, haircuts, hot meals, toiletries, bus passes, ID cards, medical & eye exams, etc., etc.  Sponsored by the city of Orlando, but in need much help from the faith community.  Another 100 volunteers needed.  There’s a training on Thurs. 12/7 3 p.m. at the Project Homeless location next to the Waterhouse Center.  But you can still serve on Friday without having gone to the training.

Contact:  Traci Blue traci.blue@cityoforlando.net, or (407) 246-2082

  1. Saturday December 16

Sanford Neighborhood Christmas Party.  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or any part of that time.  Volunteers needed to “sponsor” (give a gift) to 254 children from the project neighborhood.  Also need help wrapping gifts.  Leave message for Rose at the number below and she’ll let you know how you and/or your family can help.

Contact: Rose Davis (407) 302-4143
Dateline: Wednesday, November 15, 2006

National Pastors' Prayer Network

Connecting Leaders for Prayer and City Transformation

 Scroll Down for:
  •  TeleSeminar with Phil Miglioratti
  •  National Conference Call: Featured City ~ Modesto, CA
  •  New Postings as of November 13, 2006 ~ 6 Blogs for Christian Leaders
  Church Prayer Leaders Network  
 
This Thursday night (Nov. 16) will be the monthly CPLN telephone prayer leader prayer meeting. And next Tuesday (Nov. 21) will be our TeleSeminar, "Becoming a Champion for Prayer in Your Church," taught by Phil Miglioratti.
 
 
Pray with Others Who Understand Your Heart

Every third Thursday of the month, Sandra Higley, our director of member relations is hosting a prayer meeting just for CPLN members (please do not give this information out to non-members). If you want to pray with people who are in situations similar to your own, who can understand your struggles, than join us this Thursday night.

When: Thursday, Nov. 16, 8:30 PM EST
How: Call 1 (641) 985-1133; use pass code 2756# at the prompt.

 
National Prayer Leader Presents at CPLN Teleseminar

Rev. Phil Miglioratti, the director of the National Pastors Prayer Network and a CPLN network facilitator will be presenting at our November teleseminar, Nov. 21.

"Becoming a Champion for Prayer in Your Church" is the topic of this event, which is open to anyone-- CPLN members and non-members alike. Why not have your prayer team join in.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 21, 8:30 PM EST
How: Call 1 (641) 985-1133 and enter pass code 2756# at the prompt.

We hope you will be able to participate with us in these two events. If not this month, then remember them next month. The prayer meeting is always the third Thursday. The teleseminar changes days, but is always posted on the home page of our website.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Graf

Church Prayer Leaders Network   | 619 Washington Ave | Terre Haute | IN | 47802
Featured Cities' Conference Calls    
 
On the last Tuesday of each month, Dennis Fuqua (Prayer Summits) and Phil Miglioratti (Loving Our Communities to Christ) co-host a conference call that focuses on the work of God in a given city.
November's Call ~ Modesto, CA:
 
Since the origination of the Community Marriage Policy, the "Miracle in Modesto", and the "Lighthouses of Prayer" thrust, God has really spoken to the leaders of Modesto about hearing and responding to His voice and authority on a day to day basis rather than focusing on high profile events. On this call with some of the leaders of Mission Greater Modesto, you will hear the story behind the story and also some of the lessons they have learned in their walk. They will talk about what God has revealed to them as they approach their 14th annual Prayer Summit, and their 13th year of meeting together every Wednesday at Noon for prayer.
 
Join us at 9:00 AM (Pacific time) on Tuesday, November 28th by calling 712.775.7000 and enter the code 257835#.
 
October's Call ~ Houston, TX:
 
You will be encouraged by the story of how God has worked in Houston, Texas. The Oct 31st call featured some wonderful "headlines" and also a report about how the CityFest with the Luis Palau team, held earlier in October, energized and enhanced that work.

Listen to Last Month's Call:

Houston, TX -- Oct. 31, 2006 (30.1 MB)
Audio files of our past conference calls are available for download below. You may also purchase these files on CD (.mp3 format) for a cost of $5 for one, $10 for 3, and $3 each after that (prices include shipping). Email us to order CDs.
 
If you'd like to be on our mailing list and receive notification about upcoming Featured Cities' Conference Calls, click here and specify in the "more details" section of the form that you want to be notified about upcoming conference calls.

Past Featured Cities:

Albany area, NY -- June 28, 2005 (36.7 MB)
 Birmingham, AL -- March 28, 2006 (27.7 MB)
 Boise, ID -- October 24, 2005 (49.9 MB)
 Boulder, CO -- November 29, 2005 (38.9 MB)
 Branson, MO -- November 30, 2004 (47.9 MB)
 Charleston, WV -- April 25, 2006 (28.7 MB)
 Coachella Valley, CA -- February 28, 2006 (37.6 MB)
 Corvallis, OR -- May 31, 2005 (41.5 MB)
 Elk River, MN -- March 29, 2005 (39.7 MB)
 Ft. Wayne, IN -- September, 26 2006 (49.5 MB)
 Houston, TX -- October, 31 2006 (30.1 MB)
 Kansas City -- June 27, 2006 (27.0 MB)
 Little Rock, AR -- September 27, 2005 (39.3 MB)
 Santa Rosa, CA -- January 25, 2005 (52.8 MB)
 Springfield, MO -- October 25, 2005 (29.1 MB)
 Tukwila, WA -- February 22, 2005 (50.4 MB)

Tuscaloosa, AL -- May 30, 2006 (27 MB
Dateline: Thursday, November 2, 2006

The Central Florida Christmas Celebration (CFCC) began just three short years ago as a small Christmas musical hosted by Orlando Baptist Church for its members and guests - the Orlando Baptist Church Christmas Celebration.

Attendance and support for the show quickly extended far beyond Orlando Baptist (OBC) membership and OBC Worship Pastor Joshua Vickery and his team began to realize that it was fast becoming one of Central Florida's biggest evangelism opportunities of the Christmas season. The name was changed to the Central Florida Christmas Celebration and the mission of becoming a city-wide effort to share the gospel took flight.

Each year the CFCC Vision Team creates, writes, and produces an original, Broadway-style musical theatre production complete with a cast of over 100 adults and children and a live 40+ piece orchestra that entertains AND shares the Gospel of Christ. This year's show, "Christmas In The Movies,"

will captivate attendees with a nostalgic trip through Christmas movie classics such as Charlie Brown Christmas, the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, and others, and culminate with a dramatic musical presentation of the life of Christ - the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection. There will be five performances of "Christmas In The Movies" - Thurs. 12/14 at 7pm, Fri. 12/15 at 7pm, Sat. 12/16 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sun. 12/17 at 10:30am.

Another key component of the Central Florida Christmas Celebration, in addition to serving, uplifting and brightening the hearts of Central Florida at Christmas, is Community Service. The CFCC is not just an amazing stage show and opportunity to show the healing love of Jesus Christ. Since admission to the Celebration is always free, attendees are encouraged to bring/donate toys and clothes for the special, displaced children being served through the Children's Home Society of Florida's emergency shelters, foster care services and adoptive home services. The Children's Home Society of Florida provides Christmas gifts to over 9000 special children, and foster and adoptive families each year. This year, CFCC will play a significant role in soliciting the donations necessary for this effort.

The CFCC is looking to partner with area churches, ministries, and believers to spread the word about the 2006 Central Florida Christmas Celebration. CFCC needs your prayers, your financial partnership, your help inviting the lost to attend, and your support. The faith community has a unique opportunity to unite and break down the limits of church walls and membership. The CFCC has an extensive grassroots marketing effort underway and needs your help. Additionally, the CFCC is looking for business partners to help fund this effort and help keep it free for the community.

For additional information, free tickets, and partnership opportunities, visit www.centralfloridachristmas.com or contact Joshua Vickery, Executive Producer at (407) 273-8827 or Vickie Mullins, Associate Producer at (407) 230-3838.

Dateline: Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Dear Pastor & Ministries Leaders:

 

Last August, I embarked on one of the most exciting opportunities ever afforded me.  On August 21st, I was named the President and CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.  My arrival at the Coalition for the Homeless meant my departure from the local church after 27 years of ministry. 

 

Joining the staff at the Coalition is the outcome of a powerful conviction and growing passion to help those who are near the heart of God. 

 

I want to personally invite you to join me and other religious leaders in our community for our first:

Faith Community Homelessness Awareness Workshop

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

12 Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Center for Women and Families at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida

639 West Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801

LUNCH WILL BE SERVED!

 

SPECIAL GUEST:

Father Roger Hamilton

Pastor, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Orlando, FL

 

Father Hamilton will share the powerful impact of his church’s ten year ministry to the homeless.  You will receive information to share with your congregation during National Homelessness Awareness Week, November 12-18, 2006. 

 

When most people think of the homeless, they immediately think of a man standing on the corner with a tattered sign asking for a handout.  The reality is that the face of homelessness is changing.  On any given night, the Coalition is home to 650 people, many of whom are part of intact families.  It is startling to learn that last night, 192 children called the Coalition home, along with their families. Their average age was eight! In the past five years, there has been a 70% increase in the number of shelter nights we provide for children, the most vulnerable victims of homelessness. 

 

I know you are very busy. But this workshop will allow you to hear about many ways that you and your congregation can help address this critical community issue. 

 

Please accept this as my personal invitation to join us for lunch.  Please RSVP below, call (407) 426-1265 or email meltond@cflhomeless.org .  I look forward to seeing you there.

 

Sincerely,

Brent A. Trotter

President/CEO
Dateline: Wednesday, October 4, 2006

We will be meeting at Avanti Wealth Management again this month.

Dateline: Sunday, September 30, 2006

This message contains graphics. If you do not see the graphics, click here to view.
 

September 2006

There has never been a more important time to pray for our nation's leaders.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force has issued a clarion call to prayer on behalf of November's electoral process. The "Pray for Election Day!" campaign asks Christians to set aside November 5, the Sunday before the general election, as a day of prayer and fasting.

As a National Day of Prayer Coordinator, we treasure your prayers and challenge you to pray each week leading up the the elections on November 7. On the "Pray for Election Day" section of the NDP web site, you will find a weekly topic with a new topic posted each Sunday, a 40-day prayer guide and a radio spot for local use.

Join with thousands of Christians across our nation in prayer. 

To learn more, visit: NationalDayofPrayer.org
 

Order your Adopt-A-Leader Kit and touch the life of a decision-maker with the power of prayer and encouragement.
$ 6.95 Click here to order>>

I Timothy 2:1-2 presents a clear guideline for how we should pray for our government officials, regardless of their political platform. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

National Day of Prayer Task Force received your e-mail address on ndptf.org, the National Day of Prayer Task Force or through the mail. We sincerely apologize if someone else has submitted your address without your permission.

To change your contact information call 1-800-444-8828.
To be removed from future event e-mails, reply to this message with 'Remove' in the subject line, or unsubscribe online.

(c) 2006, National Day of Prayer. All Rights Reserved.

National Day of Prayer Task Force
P.O. Box 15616 - Colorado Springs, CO 80935-5616 (1-719-531-3379)
Dateline: Sunday, September 24, 2006
Note from Steve Strang: Please read this then attend this "Seminar on What Pastors Can and Cannot Do Politically" at Strang Communications on Friday, Oct 6th at 10 AM. Mat Staver has valuable information for us! Blessings! Maureen Bravo
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As I work with pastors I sense many are concerned with what's happening in our nation, but they are confused about what to do. In the new issue of issue of Charisma I asked the question "Are we non-prophet?" Of course, this is a play on words on the fact that many non-profit organizations don't speak up prophetically because they are uncertain about where the lines are regarding their 501-3C status. My column talks about how Congress basically has put a muzzle on the church as a result. I've included a copy of my column below in case you haven't read it yet.

In order to educate pastors in the Central Florida area we have invited one of the foremost Christian legal minds in the nation to come in and talk about what pastors can and cannot do. His name is Mat Staver and he is the founder and president of Liberty Council which has been winning religious liberty cases all over the country. He has also become the dean of the law school at Liberty University.

Mat is from Orlando and he is a personal friend and he has agreed to come in to Strang Communications on Friday, October 6 to answer questions before the upcoming elections. So we are setting up a seminar for pastors and other Christian leaders at 10:00 a.m. that day. But we also intend to videotape this and make it available around the country to our readers and others who are interested in this important topic. We are expecting the seminar to run until about 12:30 p.m. We will provide lunch afterwards.

There are from very important issues before our nation right now. There are also some very important political campaigns. While churches themselves cannot be involved politically, the people in the church and the pastors have the same rights as any other American. This is our way to rally people here in Central Florida. We have also invited Congresswoman Katherine Harris to attend this event. As we have become friends with her, we have come to know how deep is her faith and how strong she is on the issues we believe in.

We are writing you because we believe you may be interested in coming to this kind of seminar. Because it is less than three weeks from now we need your help to invite other pastors who may be interested. We can accommodate up to about 200 people, and we need you to R.S.V.P. by Friday, September 29, 2006, to 407-333-0600, x 1102 . (Already Pastor Alex Clattenburg, Pastor Joel Hunter, Pastor Carl Stephens, Pastor George Cope, and Pastor Tommy Moya have responded that they will attend.)

In summary: "Seminar on What Pastors Can and Cannot Do Politically" Friday, Oct. 6 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Strang Communications, 600 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, Florida 32746. RSVP by Friday, September 29, 2006, to 407-333-0600, x1102 . There is no charge for this seminar. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. after the seminar ends.

Please let us know if you can come and please feel free to invite others who you feel need this type of information.

Sincerely in Christ,

Steve Strang

Dateline: Monday, September 4, 2006
ISLAMIC MONTH OF RAMADAN - It's time for Christians to get informed! Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar - the month in which Moslems believe “the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance for the people”. Crucial Islamic religious observances occur throughout the entire month of Ramadan (September 24-October 23). and we need to be praying! For a FREE Christian prayer guide (30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World) to get through the 30 days of Ramadan, go to http://www.30-days.net
Dateline: Friday, September 1, 2006

Should a government leader’s personal beliefs influence their public policy? The accounts of Joseph and Daniel (among many others) demonstrate that they should. They also demonstrate that when those are Godly beliefs then God blesses not just the leader but also the people who the leader represents. We have a responsibility to do the research, invest the prayer and hear from God who to vote for. To help us with that, the Florida Family Policy Council has provided a voter guide for the 2006 Primary Governor's Race. In their words “This is a thoroughly documented, side by side comparison of all the gubernatorial candidates and where they stand on moral and social issues”. For a PDF version click:

http://209.151.145.52/uploadfile/upload/Voter%20Guide%20-Final%20(10).pdf . “Please download this document, save it to your computer and then e-mail it to all of your friends and family.  This voter guide has been approved by our lawyers to be promoted and distributed by churches and other non profit 501(c)(3) organizations.” The above is from John Stemberger, President of the Florida Family Policy Counsel, www.FLfamily.org. They also have a judicial voter guide on their site.

 

From Pray Central Florida September 2006 Newsletter.

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