The Florida Conference is home to hundreds of local churches, ministries, clergy and lay members dedicated to making a difference in the world. Check out the stories below to see how they are sharing ideas and making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
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Bishop Berlin visits Mt. Pleasant UMC
Members of the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church filled the old, historic building with music, prayer, and laughter on Sunday morning as they welcomed the newly appointed Bishop of the Florida Conference of United Methodist Churches.
First UMC Lake Alfred partners with local school to open a second campus
On August 29, 2022, the imaginings of a school administrator and pastor, became a reality. After a year of meetings, applying for grants, and gaining the support of church leaders, the church is now the new home to 42 high school students and 19 faculty and staff.
A full house for United Women in Faith Soul Care Retreat
A full house of 100 women attended the first Soul Care Retreat at the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. The event was held on July 30 at Temple Terrace United Methodist Church ...
St. Luke’s Takes a New Twist on a Classic With Oliver!
Theatre at St. Luke’s begins its 11th season with a modern take on the classic coming-of-age stage musical Oliver! by Lionel Bart, under the direction of Steve MacKinnon and Shonn McCloud. Oliver! ...
Palm Coast United Methodist Church Takes Another Step Toward New Matanzas Woods Campus
Palm Coast United Methodist Church congregants gathered recently for the groundbreaking of their new 25,500 square foot campus at the southeast corner of Matanzas Woods Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway.
St. John and Christ Church in Fort Lauderdale celebrate Juneteenth
The fight against racism is “a marathon, not a sprint,” and halting progress is being made, Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin told those attending the Juneteenth Celebration at St. John United Methodist A ...
From drug addiction to pastor, we sat down with an Ocala man to hear about his journey
Michael Beck’s arms are covered in tattoos. Inked in art which symbolizes a journey from drug addiction with countless visits to prison, to a transition of becoming a child of God.
'Your Serenity' outreach brings the community to New Life UMC
Like many United Methodist churches, New Life UMC in Tallahassee had organized clothing giveaways to benefit its community. That was fine, but as COVID-19 and other issues raised stress throughout the...
Deaf ministry at St. Andrew UMC uses video remote interpreting
A Wave of the Future – Video Remote Interpreting for Churches
Churches add programs to start new year
Wildwood United Methodist Church launched what it calls a “multicultural” service Jan. 2, and will continue at 11 a.m. Sundays. The service was the brainchild of the Rev. Michael Beck, co-lead pastor of Wildwood UMC, and church associate pastor the Rev. Eric Wilkins.
Southwest Florida church goes global for World Communion Sunday
On Sunday, October 3, 2021, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church of Fort Myers celebrated World Communion Sunday by showcasing the languages and cultures of all four congregations who share its campus.
Manatee Justice Ministry moves forward
The Manatee Justice Ministry hired Jean-Luc Adrien as its lead organizer, officially beginning its work in the county. The Justice Ministry's mission is based on Micah 6:8: “Do justice, love mercy and...
St. Mark's UMC in Ocala plans new Community Dinner night
St Marks UMC in Ocala St. Marks is adding a new Wednesday night community dinner organizers are calling The Family Table. “In times of crisis, families can be left behind,” Rev. Jill Beck said, “We ...
Shepherd's Community UMC has a heart for caring
The people of Shepherd's Community UMC in Lakeland are there in service for people who most need their help. They show that by literally being the hands and feet of Jesus as they deliver care boxes ...
Michael Beck returns to St. Mark's UMC in Ocala, where it all began
Michael Beck was born addicted and was abandoned at birth, and as he grew his life was spinning out of control. He had been incarcerated for drug offenses and his future appeared bleak. That's when ...
Two Pinellas County churches discuss ways to improve social justice
The Heritage United Methodist (predominantly White) and Mt. Olive AME (predominantly Black) churches in Clearwater came together recently on Zoom to discuss social justice issues. It was a six-week ...
North West District offers prayers for peace, hope, and justice in our nation
On Sunday, Jan. 10, more than 100 people in the North West District logged in and gathered on the steps of Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee for a time of prayer for our nation. The Rev. ...
Danny Morris: A long, fruitful, and faithful service to God
Danny E. Morris was 17 years old when he answered the call to ministry. You could say it was in the blood. His grandfather was a circuit-riding Methodist minister in North Florida and dedicated the ...
Outdoor Arts & Crafts Fair at Wesley Memorial UMC-Fort Myers
Shop arts, crafts, holiday gifts and baked goods. The public is invited to shop Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church’s annual arts & crafts fair on Saturday, November 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at ...
Tally Brew Theology helps a diverse community search for answers
Tallahassee Brew Theology is a Fresh Expression of church that has been growing in the Tallahassee area for almost two years. We meet over locally crafted beers to discuss thought-provoking topics and...
Morrison UMC drive-thru donations benefit many
Morrison UMC hosted a successful drive-thru donation opportunity to benefit the Leesburg Community.
"Mac Packs" helps Memorial UMC seniors stay in touch
Finding ways to connect with members of a congregation who do not use the internet is a challenge for churches in the best of times. It has been even more daunting during the COVID-19 pandemic, as ...
Come as you are, but stay in your car
Trinity UMC in DeLand gets creative with church during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Souper Bowl of Caring Doubles Up
While NFL teams were playing to win the Super Bowl, youth from Palm Coast UMC scored a big victory over hunger.
Forum at Celebration UMC to discuss many facets of suicide
The church will join with UF Health Shands Psychiatric Hospital to cohost a Suicide Prevention Forum on March 10.
"Serve Pinellas" has a big plan to fight local hunger
Four Pinellas County United Methodist Churches are combining forces to pack 100,000 meals for those who are "food insecure."
Clergy burnout is real, but the UMC has a program to help
Clergy burnout is real. A Barna Group study of 320,000 Protestant church leaders in 2017 found that about 30 percent were at risk of experiencing it. And while the study also found that pastors are ...
New fund enhances UMCOR disaster response training
Seeking to support the life-changing work of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), an anonymous benefactor has pledged over the next ten years the income from a $5 million asset to support...
Dog lovers more faithful church attendees than cat owners?
Dog lovers more faithful church attendees than cat owners? That’s what one study says
A Journey of Service
We are following the work of Deb Ralph of Oakhurst UMC in Seminole as she serves in the mission fields of Kenya. She left Florida in November and could stay for as long as five years. She is ...
Palm Coast UMC youth tackle homelessness with ‘stoplight bags’
Chances are you’ve seen homeless men and women panhandling at intersections across the area. Maybe you’ve handed out change or bottles of water, or maybe you’ve wanted to reach out but have not known ...
Shepherd’s UMC undertakes the “bees-ness” of protecting bees
Bees are vital to the environment. A grant will enable the South Lakeland church to further Creation Care by building a beehive community
The Third Saturday of each month is special at Orange City UMC
Those in need can receive an array of services for free, from hot meals to haircuts and more.
Joining Hands On A Mission To Make A Difference
About a decade ago, a dying church in New Port Richey reinvented itself. It became a community mission that has now served more than 50,000 meals to the needy, proving that even tiny efforts can make ...
On Mission In Kenya
Deb Ralph of Oakhurst UMC in Seminole left in November for a mission trip to Kenya, where she works in discipleship and assist Bishop Justus Bundi Miriti with the project for disabled children.
Day of service brings unity to separate worship groups
First United Methodist Church of Clearwater has three different worship services, and that can sometimes lead to a feeling of separation among members.
Bike ministry answers need for transportation
First United Methodist Church in Trinity and Hope United Methodist Church in New Port Richey have provided more than 50 bicycles in the past seven months for those who need transportation.
Busy Needles Ministry brings comfort to those who need a boost
For 25 years North Naples UMC outreach offers hand-made prayer shawls to show God’s love
“Every day is a good day to learn about Native People, communities, and issues.”
Christian Native Americans not only have their way of celebrating Jesus Christ and his teachings, but they also enjoy sharing their worship times with others and teaching them their ways. November is ...
Forty days of prayer produce unity and miracles
Soon after Deer Lake began the study of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Prayer, members began to experience miracles, both small and large.
Sanlando fulfills wish list for Christmas in July
Sanlando UMC in Longwood has long supported the Florida Children’s Home. This year, for the first time, Sandlando’s members responded to the unusual idea of Christmas in July and came up with 417 items on the home’s wish list.
College Park clothing swap huge success
What began years back as a clothing and accessory exchange between girlfriends has turned into a hugely successful church activity that touches its pre-school teachers, congregation and the surrounding community.
Children’s Home teaches more than ‘dress for success’
The goal is to equip children who age out of the Children’s Home and go out on their own with the skills set to develop appropriate relationships with their families, their neighbors and in the workplace.
Anona's Hands of Healing mission trip changes lives
Hands of Healing concentrates on missions to Guatemala using an in-country organization whose main concern involves the bigger picture for the Mayan population.
Community service commitment transforms church
“When you walk through the doors, you feel the hospitality and enthusiasm; it’s contagious. The church is alive. It is phenomenal to see the turnaround our church has made.”
Special needs daycare celebrates 30 years
To date, 4,500 children have come through the learning center’s doors, and the organization has expanded to two different locations with five classes in each.
Seminole Heights visits sister church in Cuba
Rev. Willetts and her sister, Isabel Willetts, along with fellow church member Paige Carlson, flew to Cuba over the summer, then rode for two hours on a seriously bumpy road to meet members of their sister church.
Celebration UMC focuses on special needs children
Focusing on spiritual, emotional and physical healing led to a ministry perhaps few, if any members, had imagined. They now offer regular services and programs geared toward children with special needs.
Keystone, Odessa, music ministry is rockin’
About 25 percent of the church’s regular attendees are in some way involved in the music ministry, Music Minister David Golden said.
Methodist mission in Wahneta gets new life
The Methodist campus that includes a church and community center was shuttered in 2017 after several stagnant years and flagging support from the faith-based community.