FAITH BRIEFS
St. Sylvester hosts young adult conference

Author, columnist, and international speaker Mary Beth Bonacci will keynote at a conference on 'sexuality in today's society' for young adults, ages 18 - 35ish, on Saturday, March 1 at St. Sylvester Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze. The conference begins at 8:30 a.m.

Mary Beth has written two books, "We're on a Mission from God" and "Real Love," as well as writing regular syndicated columns for various publications. She does frequent radio and TV work and has made several appearances on MTV.

The conference focuses on various sexuality conflicts young adults' face in today's society. Topics of interest include chastity within your vocation, healthy dating relationships, theology of the body;,Glory of God Revealed in the Human Body, Jesus, Media, and My Human Sexuality, Dating in Marriage: Enriching Your Relationship, Raising Ethical Children in Today's Society…to name just a few. Breakout sessions allow for discussion time with the presenters.

There are topics of interest for young adults of every vocation. Whether married, single, or divorced, with children or without, in the work place or in school, all young adults, ages 18 - 35ish are encouraged to attend. Free child care is provided.

Sponsored by the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, the day includes an opening prayer service, two keynote presentations, two breakout sessions, continental breakfast and lunch. Bishop John H. Ricard, S.S.J. will celebrate the opening prayer. Cost of the conference, $15.

A pre-conference social with music by Mass Confusion will take place on Friday, Feb. 29, at our Lady of the Assumption Parish on Pensacola Beach, from 7:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. All are invited to an evening of food, fun, and fellowship.

Brochures and registration forms can be downloaded from the website - http://www.ptdiocese. org or picked up at the Pastoral Center, 11 North "B" Street, Pensacola. For more information contact Denise Pressley at pressleyd@ptdiocese. org or call 850-435-3842. GBUMC announces Bible studies

Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church will host the following programs.

Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks" is a Morning Bible study for Women This 7 week study will be held on Tuesday mornings, 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m., at the Community Life Center (Soundside Drive at Highway 98.) Having a hard time knowing what God is saying versus what others are saying? This study is designed to help you know the voice of God: His language, character, and tone of voice. This is a Video based study by Priscilla Shirer, and will be Co-facilitated by Donna Lockhart, Carol Smith and Karen Johnston. There will be daily assignments and weekly group discussion. Cost of the workbook is $13. Childcare is available. For more information, contact Kathy at 850-932-3594 or knorberg@gbumc.org

"Fingerprints of God: Recognizing God's Touch on Your Life" is a seven week interactive video based Bible study for women By Jennifer Rothschild. The group will meet on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am at the Main Campus (75 Fairpoint Drive.) Six things we can experience because of God's touch: Honor, intimacy, shelter, guidance, redemption, and refinement . Join Lara Chavez and other moms with young children as they study together. The workbook costs $12. Childcare will be provided. .For more information contact Kathy at knorberg@ gbumc.org or 850-932- 3594

St. Augustine welcomes Powell

St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Navarre, welcomed the Rev. Elizabeth Powell as the new vicar on Feb. 3 with a special lunch following the Sunday Eucharist services.

The Rev. Powell graduated cum laude from Agnes Scott College with a major in biology and completed her medical education at Vanderbilt University.