The Florida Conference is dedicated to bringing you news stories about United Methodists here and beyond. Whether the news is about the global church or the church on the corner, look for it here. You’ll also find thought-provoking commentaries and opportunities for education and fellowship. Have a story to share? Email webadmin@flumc.org or click here to use our convenient “Submit a story” form.
Study shows strong support from Blacks to remain United Methodists
However, with racism, advancement opportunities, and pay inequity as obstacles, they also say the status quo is not acceptable.
Commentary: As Methodists grapple with disaffiliation, the world is watching
Do we continue to show the love of Christ even in our denominational disagreements? Or is it more about following rules?
News, Notes, and Announcements from The Florida Conference
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Florida UMC missionaries help provide eye-opening care in Angola
While malaria and malnutrition remain major problems, cataracts are a significant, less-publicized issue.
As the Warren Willis Camp turns 75 this year, it's still "a sacred space"
The Warren Willis Camp United Methodist Camp plans a summer-long celebration of its past while looking to the future.
"A person will never be able to love their neighbor as themselves until they decide that they are against racism."
We are coming to the end of Black History Month as the days of February rapidly pass. I found it an opportune time to sign The Florida Conference Anti-Racist Pledge. I did this to join members of The ...
How to achieve peace when it seems impossible? Try rethinking conflict
The Marcy's Cohort from The Florida Conference hopes to use lessons from a trip to Israel to address issues here
A special message everyone needs to hear on Valentine's Day
No one should live on Loveless Lane.
Edgewater UMC praised God through the storm with its lips and actions
Hurricane Ian badly damaged Edgewater UMC, but that didn't stop the church from providing vital services to its community.
Bishop Berlin Announces Changes to Cabinet Leadership
Bishop Tom Berlin announced today the appointment of three district superintendents and the creation of a new position, Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Mission, effective July 1, 2023. “...
Bishop Tom Berlin's message: Reach out to those who live on Loveless Lane
Bishop Berlin was installed Saturday as the leader of The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Haiti is the face of resilience despite incredible challenges
Disasters, hunger, and violence is routine in Haiti. But The United Methodist Church won't let the people be forgotten.
Celebrating fresh expressions of church with Bishop Berlin
Just one day after moving to Florida from his home state of Virginia where he ministered in various churches for over 30 years, Bishop Tom Berlin traveled to St. Mark’s UMC in Ocala to spend time with the Fresh Expressions team.
Florida Conference historical records now available from the comfort of your home
The Florida United Methodist Heritage Center has the immense privilege and careful task of ensuring the Florida United Methodist Archives are preserved and protected. From books to pictures, ...
Disaffiliating churches could face huge insurance costs
The Conference insurance program will no longer cover churches that choose to leave the Florida Conference.
North Georgia Conference hits pause on disaffiliations
Conference leaders said they arrived at the decision because so much misinformation was being spread that they couldn’t trust the validity of congregational votes.
Bishop Berlin Announces Virtual Special Sessions of the Annual Conference
Dear Lay and Clergy Members of the Florida Annual Conference: As the new resident bishop of The Florida Annual Conference, I think it is important to provide opportunities for the annual conference...
Fresh Expressions FL welcomes new team addition
Fresh Expressions Florida is excited to announce the newest addition to the Conference team: Jessica Taylor.
Many Florida churches still deciding about disaffiliation
Bishop Tom Berlin urges grace and peace as churches decide whether to remain with the United Methodist Church.
Peace, Patience and the Promise of God
In anticipation of his birth, there was a word from the prophet, Isaiah: He will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, prince of peace. Isaiah 9 The father of John the ...
"We Are On The Way to a Better Church”
“We Are On The Way to a Better Church” Remarks shared with The Florida Conference Hyde Park UMC, Tampa December 11, 2022 Bishop Ken Carter I want to say that I am grateful to The Florida Conference ...
AC 2023 resolutions due Jan. 31
According to the Standing Rules of the Florida Conference, Par. 206 2(d), “All submitted resolutions must be received by the Conference Secretary by Jan. 31. . .
Church court: No new elections needed for 2024 General Conference
The Judicial Council, The United Methodist Church’s top court, faced questions about whether the coming legislative assembly should be regarded as the postponed 2020 session or the next regular session.
For some, Christmas brings painful memories instead of joy
The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church will hold a virtual Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. on December 15.
Bishop Ken Carter's era remembered for his compassion and vision
As Bishop Carter prepares to leave Florida for the Western Carolina Conference, he is recalled as a voice of calm leadership in times of trouble.
Update from Bishop Carter about churches withdrawing from lawsuit
We are committed to providing you regular communications on the life of our Conference as it relates to our ministries as well as the greater health and wholeness of the body of Christ called The Florida Conference. To this end, we would like to share an update on the lawsuit that has been brought against The Florida Conference, our conference treasurer, members of our Board of Trustees, the district superintendents, and me.
Apportionments and End of Year Payments
Apportionment payments for 2022 must be received in the lockbox at Regions Bank or paid online by Monday January 9, 2023. This is not a postmarked by date but is the last day by which monies must be ...
Bishop Tom Berlin: "I want to be in ministry with you"
Florida's new Bishop brings a servant's heart and said he will start by listening instead of talking.
From Great Obstacles, Come Great Opportunities
Before our nine-person team even left the United States, obstacles started stacking up against us. We were in our final stages of planning for a 16-day mission trip to Quessua, Angola when I heard ...
Two jurisdictions tackle racism in bishop elections
Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin of the Florida Conference challenged the Southeastern Jurisdiction to "be the church we say we want to be" when it comes to race.
Bishop Kenneth Carter moves from the Florida Conference
Newly confirmed Bishop Tom Berlin assumes the post of Resident Bishop of the Florida United Methodist Church.
New bishops consecrated on final day of SEJ
Hundreds from around the region gathered Friday, Nov. 4, for the final session of the 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church, which handled a few remaining items of...
SEJ passes three resolutions in evening session
A day filled with activity and some controversy ends with delegates passing three resolutions.
United Methodists to Meet in Charlotte for Worldwide Conference
The Commission on the General Conference announced that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 – May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Dr. Robin Dease elected SEJ’s third bishop, says, "You are my family"
After a lengthy back-and-forth, SEJ delegates chose the third and final bishop of the convention.
SEJ delegates select Dr. Connie Shelton as a bishop
SEJ convention delegates have chosen two bishops, with one more to be named before the gathering concludes.
SEJ Thursday morning brings strong message but no election
The morning session of Day 2 at SEJ also included a service of remembrance
SEJ elects first bishop of session
We have an election.” With those words from Bishop David Graves, the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference welcomed its first episcopal election of the 2022 session, announcing Tom Berlin as the ...
SEJ kicks off with opening worship, morning business, first ballot
Delegates, reserves, bishops, volunteers and members of the media filled the seats of Stuart Auditorium early Wednesday, Nov. 2, for the first day of the 2022 session of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference starts Nov. 2
Conference delegates at Lake Junaluska, N.C. will choose at least three new United Methodist Church bishops.
"We are bound together, we are brothers and sisters in Christ"
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. put the "united" in United Methodists when Florida was in need. And the Florida Conference says "thank you."
A Pastoral Update from Bishop Ken Carter
October 24, 2022 Dear Florida Conference Clergy and Laity: We are faithfully responding to a lawsuit brought by some of our churches who are taking us to court in order to depart from the ...
Preparing for the 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference
This short letter is meant to help prepare you for the upcoming 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional (SEJ) Conference that will take place November 2-4 at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina.
Sharon Austin: A passion for service and a heart for the oppressed
The Rev. Dr. Austin is the Florida Annual Conference’s Episcopal nominee for the 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
UMs Connected Conversations
UMs Connected "Conversations" features Bishop Ken Carter
Even in the midst of a disaster, Florida United Methodists still focus on serving
Florida United Methodist congregations mobilized to provide relief and supplies after Hurricane Ian struck.
"I knew at that point I had to do this myself.”
When two elderly ladies from Naples, including a United Methodist, were threatened by Hurricane Ian, Dan Mulkern was in the right place with the right tools to save them. A God thing? Absolutely.
Florida Conference asks the question: How can we help you?
After Hurricane Ian hit with such force, the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church sprung into action.
Putting the needs of others first is highest calling for Disaster Response
A suddenly active hurricane season means the Florida Conference Disaster Response Team must be ready to provide help where needed.
Kedging our way toward a hopeful future
While the seemingly endless debate about schism rages on among the Methodist family, taking up headline space about the denomination, a movement of the Holy Spirit has been quietly spreading. New followers of Jesus, and those who describe being previously harmed by the church, are finding a spiritual home in Methodist “fresh expressions of church.” These are forms of church for our changing culture, established primarily for those not connected to a church.