After last year's shutdown, Warren Willis Camp is back in business

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck last year, the ministry at the Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center was hit particularly hard. The Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries suspended all programs in...

Pilot program gives clergy a financial fresh start

Sign up for pre-Annual Conference workshops

Betrayal

Maundy Thursday is about an impending incident, the death of Jesus, and all of the events that lead to it. It is a significant act, this night, this meal, and we enter into by thinking about how it is interpreted, how it is "framed". It is an act of betrayal, but it is also an act of love.

Going virtual doesn't change the importance of Advocacy Day

For many people, political discussions focus solely on the President, United States Senate, and the federal government's actions. However, while those can be interesting enough, the actions that ...

Women in Ministry: Past, Present and Hope for the Future

Seven leaders in the Florida Conference reflect on the role of women in ministry.

Bishops cancel General Conference scheduled for May 8

For now, planning for when delegates can meet to deliberate on the denomination’s future remains a work in progress.

The past year taught churches a lot about how to adapt to Holy Week

Things aren't completely back to normal after last Easter, but United Methodist churches across Florida know better now about how to hold worship in the middle of a pandemic.

Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis answers the need: Here I am, Lord. Send me.

After many years of service to the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis is moving to Atlanta as President-Dean of Gammon Theological Seminary.

A Prayer for Atlanta and our Asian-American Neighbors

O God, our strength and our redeemer, we stand with our Asian-American sisters and brothers today. In the words of your saint and missionary Patrick, we pray that your Son Jesus Christ would be so ...

Clergy care a priority in pandemic year

After COVID-19 took hold, the Florida Conference formed a clergy care team, recognizing that doing ministry during a pandemic would be a nerve-wracking challenge.

Faithful giving allows vital Conference work to continue

Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, giving by United Methodist churches throughout Florida remained strong.

Florida Delegation Statement Regarding GC 2021

The delegation looks forward to reaching resolution to our denomination’s current impasse at the next General Conference in 2022.

Planned new denomination gets name

A group of traditionalists committed to leaving The United Methodist Church has chosen "Global Methodist Church" as the name for the denomination they are planning to form.

Postponement of General Conference and Call for a Special Session in May

To the People of The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church: Blessings to you friends, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, who journeys with us in these days of Lent toward a garden ...

Bishop Carter Announces Changes to District Leadership

Rev. Dr. Candace becomes the first woman president-dean of Gammon Theological Seminary; tenure begins April 1.

Staying focused and thinking of others in the face of a terrifying diagnosis

Doctors said she has a deadly form of brain cancer. Cox said her top priority is finishing a badly needed medical clinic in Gaitu, Kenya. Don't bet against her.

When did Ash Wednesday begin and why do we celebrate it?

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. Although Ash Wednesday has ancient roots, it does not appear in the rituals of The United Methodist Church or our predecessor denominations until the 20th century.

Everyone was a winner in Super Bowl Food Challenge

While the National Football League teams from Kansas City and Tampa Bay fought for Super Bowl supremacy on the field, United Methodist churches in those areas also engaged in a spirited ...

Conference Announces New Controller Christine Shutters

Christine Shutters Christine Shutters is the new Conference Controller, assuming the responsibility of overseeing the daily accounting for the Florida Conference, beginning January 1, 2021. ...

Black United Methodists want changes

Pam Garrison honored with FEPA Distinguished Service Award

Pam Garrison, the former Disaster Response Coordinator for the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, is the recipient of the FEPA 2021 Distinguished Service Award. Pam Garrison ...

Commentary: QAnon and the failure of prophecy

There have been many reports since January 20 about QAnon adherents and the failure of their prophecy about the inauguration of President Joe Biden. The advocates of the prophecy believed, among other...

Workshop can help churches enhance online worship experience

The pandemic gave many challenges to congregations throughout the Florida Conference, but it also presented an opportunity. As churches throughout the state curtailed in-person worship and offered ...

A Call to Action for The United Methodist Church in Times of Challenge

Grace and Peace to you, Sisters and Brothers in Christ. These are challenging times that we live in. The continued rise of COVID-19 infections and deaths around the world, the attack on the US Capitol last week, and the undeniable expressions of racism, white supremacy and systemic inequity in our communities

Local churches won’t bear cost of steep insurance increases

We all know the havoc that 2020 wrought upon our state, country, and world. Natural disasters such as wildfires out west and economic disasters such as COVID-19 have led to drastic rate increases in ...

A Statement from the Florida Conference Cabinet on the Attack at the Capitol on January 6

The scenes that unfolded in our nation’s capital on Wednesday are troubling on many levels. Images that we never could have imagined happening were on news and media outlets as they documented the ...

Grants, scholarships available for Native Americans through FLUMC

Native Americans play an important role in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. That role is expanding with scholarships and grants to provide the training for greater leadership ...

Florida Conference answers Epiphany's call to bring light into the world

In the United Methodist Church, Epiphany marks the Magi's arrival to visit and honor the Christ child. They came at God's direction, offering, as we know, gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense. We ...

For Pam Garrison, Disaster Response is more than a job, it's a ministry

The Florida Conference Disaster Response Coordinator and director of the Conference's Disaster Recovery Ministry is retiring after 16 years of helping people recover from catastrophe.

Faith, hope, love and the vaccine

A medical staff person acknowledges that she will not take the vaccine, because of her understanding of the Book of Revelation. She has chosen to ignore the robust studies of thousands of volunteers ...

Commentary: The Christmas Star can bring light into our darkness

The Grand Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn combines to create the appearance of a giant, brilliant star. Many theorize its what guided the Wise Men to the baby Jesus. The phenomenon happens just once every 800 years. In this time of darkness and turmoil, we could use this light. It will occur on Dec. 21 as the winter solstice occurs, the longest night of the year.

Pandemic on Christmas Eve forces churches to innovate

For many families in The United Methodist Church, Christmas Eve is not complete until they hold lighted candles high and sing Silent Night at their houses of worship. The service is a chance to ...

Tips for a Sustainable and Safe Christmas

Cara Fleischer Although COVID-19 has put a damper on our usual plans, it seems that the entire country is hoping the holidays will bring some joy into our lives during this difficult time. As...

"As laity of the church, our work matters more now than ever"

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy that will be for all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” -- Luke 2:10-11 ...

AC 2021 resolutions due Jan. 31

If you are considering a resolution for the 2021 Annual Conference, the Jan. 31 deadline is firm.

Commentary: Hope is the flame that must carry us forward

We are more than a month removed from the election, but it is still nearly two months until President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. Much like how this year has felt, we once again find ourselves in ...

2020 Advent Wreath and Readings

Advent wreath readings plus a simple Bible reading plan to help you prepare and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Detective Hughes, now Pastor Hughes, and a story of redemption

Rachel Hughes was a detective in Pinellas County when she captured a bank robber, who was convicted and sentenced to prison. Twenty-eight years later, the robber came face-to-face with now-Pastor Hughes of Curlew UMC-Palm Harbor in a remarkable story of a life-turned-around.

Want to kick the COVID-19 blues? Lake Junaluska singers hit the right note

Music and the arts are enduring traditions at Lake Junaluska, even during the middle of a pandemic. Throughout this year, Lake Junaluska has hosted artists engaged in photography and plein air ...

A 2020 Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Ken Carter

This Thanksgiving, let us lean into its spiritual purpose.

A virtual mission trip? Sign up, buckle up, and experience Zoe Empowers

This is not another "how can we cope in the age of COVID-19" story. Yes, it's about virtual meetings, but it's more about sharing good news and contributing to the success of people you don't know and...

Bishop Carter Announces Mid-Year Moves

Bishop Ken Carter and the appointive cabinet of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, in consultation with the clergy and authorized lay leaders of the local churches, announce full-time appointment changes below, to take effect January 1, 2021.

Council urges no new US bishops for 4 years

United Methodist Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey presides over an online meeting of the denomination’s Council of Bishops. Amid financial pressure and a potential denominational split, the council called for postponing elections of new U.S. bishops and urged that five new African bishops be added only as resources allow. UM News screenshot via Zoom.

Craig Smelser recommended to be next Florida Conference Treasurer

The Council on Finance and Administration unanimously recommended Craig Smelser as the Interim Conference Treasurer, effective Jan. 1, 2021. In June 2021, the Annual Conference will vote on Smelser's...

Statement from Bishop Ken Carter on the Completion of the 2020 U.S. Election

A prayer for the people of the Florida Conference

Apportionments and End of Year Payments

Apportionment payments for 2020 must be received in the lockbox at Regions Bank or paid on line by Monday January 11, 2021.  This is not a postmarked by date but is the last day by which monies must be received in the Conference or our bank lockbox to be included in 2020 apportionments receipts.

A Prayer for the Election

A Prayer for the Election by Rev. Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, pastor at Trinity UMC in Sarasota. This prayer was read during the opening session of the global Council of Bishops meeting today.  Holy God ...

Developing a Culture of Voting: Now that We Can, Can We?

Families develop many cultures, one of which should be a culture of voting.

Manatee churches come together for racial and social justice

The problems of poverty and injustice in communities across Florida don't have a one-size-fits-all solution. These issues didn't materialize overnight, and they won't simply disappear without a ...