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.
COVID-19 forces churches to grapple about how to continue worship
Some Florida Conference churches have returned to in-person worship, but others either started and quickly shut down or never re-opened at all. It's up to each church to consider the best way to navigate through this time of COVID-19.
Church parking lots fill for COVID-19 testing
More United Methodist congregations are offering space for screenings, hoping to reach groups at special risk.
How a scriptural imagination can help Christians face fear
It is natural to be afraid at a time like this. But the spiritual practice of reading Scripture within a deep tradition can be grounding for us, and can help us be resilient in the face of fear, writes Bishop Ken Carter.
The Work of Disaster Recovery Photo Essay
A look at FloridaRestores in action.
Q&A: What delay means for General Conference
The issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the United Methodist Church to navigate uncharted waters to prepare for General Conference in 2021.
Conference Launches Yearlong Initiative to Feed the Hungry
The new Fill the Table initiative seeks to provide 3 million meals in a year.
Updated Guidance as COVID-19 Cases Rise in Florida
Dear Florida Conference Churches and Clergy: Last Thursday we wrote to encourage and inform you as you make decisions in the midst of this ever-changing reality. We know there is stress and anxiety in...
Now is the time to get ready for hurricane season
Here are tips to help use before, during, and after the storm. Preparation is the key. Don't wait until it's too late!
'Service of Lament' challenges church on racism
United Methodist bishops, agencies collaborate on unflinching video as latest step in anti-racism initiative.
Conference will control historic cemetery after church closing
The closing of any church in the Florida Conference can be difficult, but members of Asbury United Methodist Church in New Port Richey have an extra concern. Asbury will close its doors as an ...
FLUMC churches move ahead with re-opening plans
Churches now have the option to reopen for in-person worship. There is a variety of ideas about how to proceed.
Warren Willis camp to remain closed for the summer
The Warren Willis Camp in Fruitland Park will remain closed for the summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the state of Florida recently allowed summer camps to open, a message the Camp’s ...
Especially now, preparation is vital in hurricane season
Floridians know all about the power of hurricanes. But with COVID-19 added to the mix, don't put off preparing your hurricane plan.
What We’ve Done (and Left Undone)
Many in America believed they had progressed from the racial turmoil of the 1960s. Then George Floyd was murdered.
Cabinet Statement in Response to Racial Injustice
From the Cabinet of the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
A Pastoral Letter to United Methodists of the Southeastern Jurisdiction June 5, 2020
Brothers and Sisters: As president of the Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops my heart rejoices over the bold, courageous, and compassionate offering of confession, lament, and call to ...
Christ Church joins protestors with prayer vigil
Cynthia Metzger Phipps The scenes of protest in South Florida were unavoidable. People of all backgrounds marched last weekend for justice after the death of George Floyd at the hands of ...
Coming together to seek social justice
Building on inter-racial relationships, United Methodist Congregations in two different communities, help to organize vigils and opportunities to work for reconciliation.
The Color of Coronavirus
How COVID-19 is impacting communities of color and the Church’s responsibility to respond
The Threat of Blackness
Four FLUMC pastors reflect on the recent deaths of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery and call for fellow Methodists to take a stand for justice.
In-person worship optional after June 15
The Florida Conference Re-Launch Task Force along with Bishop Carter and the Cabinet met this week and decided to allow churches to consider resuming in-person worship after June 15th on a limited ...
P.I.N.K. Girls learn to make a difference through Peace with Justice
P.I.N.K. Girls is a recipient of a 2019 Florida United Methodist Conference Peace with Justice grant for $3,000. So, who are the P.I.N.K. Girls? They are Pretty, Intelligent, Nice, and Knowledgeable ...
"They were all together in one place"
As Pentecost Sunday approaches, we may be separated from our church family and others, but God reminds us that His gift of the Holy Spirit will never leave us.
Annual Conference set for Sept. 19 at First Lakeland UMC
The 2020 Annual Conference meeting of the Florida United Methodist Church will be held on Sept. 19 at First Lakeland UMC. The one-day meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. An online option ...
Bishop Ken Carter's assignment to Florida is extended
In light of the postponement of the General and Jurisdictional Conferences due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Bishop Ken Carter will continue to serve as the Resident Bishop of the Florida Conference ...
Florida Conference churches respond to their neighborhood food shortages
United Methodist churches New Horizon and Community of Hope are among many Florida Conference churches doing what they can to provide aid during the COVID-19 crisis.
Summer in the Scriptures
Bishop Ken Carter invites you to join him for a Summer in the Scriptures as we journey through the Gospels!
Orlando's St. Luke's UMC shows the art of reaching out and filling a need
The Central Florida arts community has been devastated by the economic chaos wrought by COVID-19. But St. Luke's UMC of Orlando saw a need and mobilized to address it. In turn, an "invisible" group knew it was loved.
Sobering racial statistics on healthcare demand systemic resolution
African-American mothers are 243% more likely to die as a result of pregnancy than white women.
Zoe Empowers: A Christian response to a humanitarian crisis
Many Florida United Methodist churches are involved in the project, which was founded in 2004 to help orphans left in the wake of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.
Churches have much to consider before reopening
United Methodist churches across the country face the challenges of reopening.
Korean church kicks drive-thru food pantry into high gear during COVID-19
The Korean UMC of South Florida had a dream to serve as a feeding site for low-income families. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it was time to make that dream a reality.
Preaching Virtually, Not Virtually Preaching
The Institute of Preaching offered a webinar on May 1, 2020 entitled "Preaching Virtually, Not Virtually Preaching" to assist clergy during this time of social distancing. The webinar offers both general guidance and practical tips.
On a global mission to make a difference where it's needed most
EDITOR’S NOTE: In February, Cuban missionaries Leonardo Garcia and his wife, Cleivfy Benitez Garcia, were in Florida as part of their itineration – a practice where missionaries visit churches to tell...
The difficulties are real. You are not alone!
Practice these mindfulness tips to deal with the stress of COVID-19.
Gator Wesley students maintain community in the midst of COVID-19
For students at Gator Wesley, maintaining community means reimagining connection.
COVID-19 could push the United Methodist Church toward change
The current crisis reminds the Church that we're not in control. God is in control.
Bishop Carter announces full-time appointment changes
Appointment changes to take effect July 1, 2020.
T-shirt campaign supports Camp Scholarship Fund
Limited-edition T-shirt sales make the dream of camp possible for students in need.
"I knew I wasn't alone ... that's what kept me going"
The problem of suicide is increasing, but as a forum at Celebration UMC in Gainesville showed, treatment and unconditional love can make a difference.
Bishop Carter Announces Annual Conference Staff Leadership Changes, Addition to Cabinet
An update on some developments in a few key areas of our conference work
Bishop Carter recommends no public worship through May 15
A Pastoral Letter to the People of the Florida Conference Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Thank you for your patience and faithfulness in this season of COVID-19. This virus is very real. We have ...
Centenarian offers words of comfort during pandemic
At 102 years old, Lucille Ellison of Orlando has seen tough times before, including pandemics. Her advice is simple: “There is no sense in worrying because God gives you the strength you need to get through those tough times.”
Feeling stressed? Virtual "Taize Tuesdays" might help
The Portico in Tampa offers Taize Tuesdays streaming on Facebook Live as one way to deal with the anxiety wrought by COVID-19.
A willing spirit of volunteerism inspires Hope For Tampa
Hope N. Griffin had an idea about how to fill the chronic shortage of medical masks. But even she is surprised at how effective Hope For Tampa has been at sewing and distributing free masks for medical workers.
Rural churches are proving they can adapt and overcome obstacles
Small and rural churches can face technology challenges associated with online worship services, but they are rising to the occasion.
“Seminary certainly never prepared me for ministry in times like these"
A pandemic is more than just streaming worship online. Pastors still have to find a way to care for and support members of their congregation in this time of social distancing. It isn't easy, but some say it's also an opportunity.
COVID-19 forces UMC Licensing School online
The danger wrought by COVID-19 has forced churches across the Florida Conference to move worship and other gatherings online, and now the pandemic is changing the licensing process for local pastors. ...
Easter message will be the same, no matter how it's delivered
United Methodist pastors throughout Florida face different challenges to deliver their Easter Sunday worship services.
Palms posted on doors unite Methodists at the start of Holy Week
A simple declarative act by United Methodists throughout Florida on Palm Sunday proved there is a way to find community in the forced isolation wrought by COVID-19.