Hurricane Sandy Update

The entire east coast of Florida is under a Tropical Storm Warning or Watch (see below). As we have learned from TS Debby, Isaac, and other storms much damage can be done from tropical storm force winds, wave action, rain and flooding.
East coast churches should monitor this storm and determine when to activate their disaster plans. Detailed information can be found at:
www.spaghettimodels.com/
www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Current Situation:
At 5am EDT Thursday, Hurricane Sandy was located approximately 439 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Movement is to the north at 18 mph. This motion is expected to continue today, but a slight turn to the north-northwest and a slower forward movement has been forecast by nearly every computer model to occur tonight into Friday. A turn back to the north and northeast is expected to occur Friday night or Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are 105 mph, Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the east coast of Florida from Ocean Reef to Flagler Beach (Volusia County through Miami-Dade County) and for Lake Okeechobee. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida east coast from Flagler Beach north to Fernandina Beach (Flagler through Nassau Counties), and for the Upper Florida Keys from Ocean Reef to Craig Key.

State Actions:
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) activated to a Level 2 (Partial) Activation at 5:30 PM EDT Wednesday evening. Operating hours are from 8 AM EDT - 6 PM EDT, with Operations Section and Planning Section staff.
At the present time, Emergency Support Functions are requested to stand by.
"Sandy" database has been established in EM Constellation for tracking resources and information.

May 2013 Conference in Jacksonville, Beach

As we gear up for the May 2013 Regional Conference in Jacksonville Beach, you may want to Like the Visit Jacksonville Facebook page to see what we do around here. It really is a beautiful city and I'm hoping you'll all enjoy your stay here.

Florida Team Attends National APA Conference

Eight members of the Florida Region attended the Administrative Personnel Association National Conference in San Antonio, TX, September 12-16. At the conclusion of the National Conference, two of our members received their Level 1 Certification (Kerri Nichols, Synod of South Atlantic, and Valerie Marlow, First Presbyterian of Marianna) as a  Certified Church Administrator. Achieved in a little over a year, this could be YOU or your Admin staff in 2014. 

A Few Reasons to Join APA: 

• EDUCATION on the History of the PC(USA), the Constitution of the PC(USA), General Assembly, Theology, and additionally, coursework in office software, web design, minute-taking, facilities-management, bookkeeping, stewardship, etc. 
• Fellowship & Connectionalism in the Church
• Personal Growth
• Spiritual Growth
• Professional Growth

Who Can Join?

• Secretaries
• Office Administrators/Managers
• Administrative Assistants
• Financial Staff
• Receptionists/Clerks
• Day Care Staff
• Volunteers

What Does it Cost to Join?
Membership dues are $75 annually. Conference fees vary by location, but a Florida Regional conference can be budgeted for less than $500. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE

Where Do I Find Out More?
Visit the Florida APA Website at www.floridaapa.org.

 

Thursday in San Antonio

We had a great day in San Antonio. With the exception of a rain drizzle, the weather was perfect. It was hot, but not like our humidly Florida hot. I tell you what, may hair looks fantastic in Texas. 


Our National President, Freda Dye, chose to call the Executive Committee meeting to order in true Texas fashion. We don't need gavels around here. This is Texas!

Worship was led and Communion offered by Rev. Dr. Cynthia Logan (our conference Chaplain) and Rev. Dr. Richard Powell. Linda Rogers presented the Lord's Prayer in a beautiful version with song and sign. The offering collected was presented to "Haven for Hope."

Classes offered today were Spiritual Growth, Essentials of Budgeting, Polity III, and Directory for Worship. 

Later in the afternoon, we had a President's Reception to see could dress the most Texan. I saw lots of boots and cowboy hats, but you'll have to stay tuned on the winner. 

The Florida Team gathered for dinner and a night on the town. There was some confusion, getting lost, taking the wrong trolleys, but we ate and laughed the entire time. Stay tuned for stories and pictures from that outing. 

Love,
Ally

Florida Team Heads to San Antonio

Greetings Florida APA. Tomorrow and Wednesday, a handful of Florida APA members will be traveling to San Antonio, TX for the annual National Conference of the Administrative Personnel Association of the PC(USA). From the Florida Team, we have:

Rosanna Balzano
Valerie Marlow
Marilyn Mittelstadt
Yolanda Bengo (FL Treasurer)
Debbie Burleigh (FL Certification co-Chair)
Allyson Criminger (FL President & Communications Chair)
Nancy Fine (FL Membership Chair & President-Elect)
Kerri Nichols (FL Secretary and Nominating Committee)

We look forward to this time of learning and spiritual fellowship with all APA regions in beautiful San Antonio.

I'll keep you posted on business items as they progress.

Please pray for safe travels for your Florida Team and all of APA.

Peace,
Allyson Criminger
President & Communications Chair

Fresh and Prevailing Leaders

Today’s churches need up-to-date, fresh and prevailing leaders to guide them through the many facets of church administration.  The Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA) can provide you with the resources and tools to be the best you can be for your church. Established in 1976, the APA is a professional organization created for the purpose of providing a supportive association that promotes continuing education, individual growth, communication, and fellowship for its members.  It is a group that strengthens lives both spiritually and professionally. APA members have the opportunity to become certified in Church Administration at three levels.  Courses are offered at regional conferences and at an annual national conference.  This year's national conference is in San Antonio from September 12th through September 16th.  The deadline to register is tomorrow, August 10th! The core of the APA is this certification program which allows members to gain expertise in all fields associated with their position(s) within the Presbyterian Church (USA). For more information about joining the APA, visit the Florida Region website or contact  Allyson Criminger, Florida Region President, at 904-733-8277. Nancy Fine Membership Chair and President-Elect Florida Region of the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Why is APA a Good Fit for Your Staff?

Personnel Committee members search for the right person to do the job required.  Whether it is a financial person, website administrator, secretary or office administrator, there are skills unique to each position.  But what happens after the position is filled?

            Are you providing the necessary continuing education to keep your staff members up-to-date with the latest information?  Are they familiar with the Book of Order and how it applies to your church?  Do they know how the latest marketing trends affect attendance?  Is your website targeting the right people to grow your church?

            By having your staff join the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA), they will keep current with the latest denomination issues, marketing trends and administrative skills needed to help your church thrive and grow.  For an annual $75 membership fee, they will have a network of individuals to help them succeed.  And for approximately $500, they can attend a conference and take classes to enhance their skills.  Skills that you know they possess and skills that they want to enhance.

            Visit the Florida Region’s website (www.floridaapa.org) and see why so many PCUSA staff members are excited about the association.  Take some time to review all of the classes offered through the APA and see how they will benefit your staff and your church.  And, most importantly, take a few minutes to see why the APA is a good fit for your staff.

            For more information, contact Allyson Criminger, President of the Florida Region, at 904-733-8277 or acriminger.apunte@staugpres.org. 

Nancy Fine

President-Elect and Membership Chair

Florida Region of the APA