Faith and vision led to "transformational" Bethune-Cookman University

From humble beginnings in 1904, the school Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founded with five students has grown into the dynamic Bethune-Cookman University of today.

Finding peace, purpose, and a "happy place" through painting

Larry Magee creates magic with his paintings through a collaboration that includes Hyde Park UMC. His work has earned him acclaim in the Tampa arts community. He is also homeless.

A Letter to the People of the UMC in Florida

To the people of The United Methodist Church in Florida – and especially the clergy members and lay leaders of our annual conference, Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen Savior and Lord. I write to encourage you in these days following Easter, and in anticipation of Aldersgate and Pentecost. I give thanks for the reports of confirmation classes joining local churches, persons being baptized, offerings being received for Ukraine, our continued mission work in connection with Angola, and fresh expressions of church.

United Methodists urged to relaunch their church

The new Council of Bishops president shared his hopes for a renewed United Methodist Church while lamenting the imminent departure of some to a breakaway denomination.

B-CU students have a chance to honor Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

Two Bethune-Cookman University students who submit the best entries on how Dr. Bethune impacted their lives will win a round-trip to the U.S. Capitol when her statue is unveiled in July.

Things are going to get messy: New rituals can help

Across our connection, many United Methodists are engaging in conversations about the future of the denomination. Some conversations are formal, some informal, some heated, some even-keeled, but most are imbued with an existential anxiety of what might be.

Disaster Recovery & SHIP Program to partner on $1.8 million grant

The Conference partnership with the SHIP program will help South Fort Myers tornado victims on the long road to recovery

Bishop Carter announces full time appointment changes

Bishop Carter announces full time appointment changes to take effect July 1, 2022.

"He was lynched because he didn't matter"

Bigots lynched Robert Johnson of Tampa in 1934 because he was Black. They thought no one would care, but community leaders and United Methodists came together to prove those people were wrong.

"Justice is what love looks like in public"

It is not surprising to hear about the church bearing witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ by feeding the hungry, housing the houseless, visiting those in prison and providing disaster relief. ...

A high honor for the extraordinary life of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

On July 13, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the 15th child of former slaves, will take her rightful place among the giants of our nation. That's the official unveiling of her 8-foot tall, 6,130-pound statue in Washington's Statuary Hall.

COVID relief grants help make churches stronger

Getting a grant from a COVID-19 emergency fund established by the Florida United Methodist Foundation and Florida Conference did more than ease the financial stress at cash-strapped churches.

Introducing Fresh Expressions United Methodist (FXUM)

Across the global pan-Methodist family, teams of practitioners are cultivating new Christian communities with new people, in new places, and in new ways. We are collecting and sharing imagination, wisdom, and practices from across the connection to help resource local churches and church planters in this work.

UCF Wesley feeds students on campus as food prices increase

Wesley at UCF offers free dinner every week to support students throughout their path in college.

Blessed be their Ukrainian ties

United Methodists with close ties to Ukraine include former missionaries to that country, as well as pastors with Ukrainian heritage, and local churches that have made mission trips to Ukraine.

Delegates urge hope for denomination's future

More than 275 General Conference delegates and other church leaders have signed an open letter sharing their commitments to strengthening The United Methodist Church.

Meeting at church shut to district leader, wife

A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Carter

Dear Friends,   I write to you as we lament the violence and loss of life in the Ukraine. We pray for peace, and we lift up United Methodist churches in this area and all people living in harm’s way. ...

Bishop Carter's Pastoral Response to the General Conference Announcement

We learned today of the postponement of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church until 2024. The decision was made with deliberation by the Commission on the General Conference, which is ...

General Conference postponed until 2024

Stories from the mission fields are a perfect devotional for Lent

During this season of Lent, long-time missionaries Ardell and Gordon Graner prepared a devotional featuring 47 stories from the mission fields, showing the impact that comes from sharing Christ's love.

"I was shocked at what I saw"

Malnutrition in Angola is beyond the crisis stage. A severe drought has ravaged the land, leaving children particularly vulnerable to starvation. Statistics show 50% of them will die. Icel Rodriguez of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church is trying to help.

Celebrating African American Heritage Month

Frederick Douglass: His Influence on Civil Rights, Voting Rights and Women's Rights is a Light from The Past and a Beacon for The Future

A Call to Prayer and Peacemaking

I write today to call all of us to prayers for peace in the Ukraine and across Europe. I have written to my colleague, Eduard Khegay, who is the Bishop of United Methodists in Russia and the Ukraine, ...

Lift Every Voice: A Celebration of Song from the Black Church Experience

Discipleship Ministries presents a four-part video series, “Lift Every Voice: A Celebration of Song from the Black Church Experience” with Bishop Ernest Lyght and the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson, Executive Director of Worship Resources.

Mental health initiative takes first steps to help students cope

Like many college students, Grace Oldham feels the compounding effects of work demands, classes and campus life. Mindful of her own need for mental wellness, she took advantage of the free counseling services offered at her school, the University of Florida in Gainesville. Now, she wants to continue care for the long-term, but is facing some barriers.

The Boy Scout oath makes a difference when you live the words

Scouting still provides the important values of leadership, servant development, and reinforces one's duty to God and country.

Virtually retrace our Savior's steps on the Jesus Journey

Retrace Jesus' steps on his final journey from Capernaum, to Jerusalem, and ultimately to an empty tomb on the Jesus Journey, a virtual experience offered by First Sebring UMC

“For the Transformation of the World”: Our Methodist Mission of Love and Justice

Florida Conference student Wyatt Robinson describes how this understanding of the UMC mission statement continues to grow.

Foundation president announces retirement

The Rev. Mark Becker, who served as the Florida United Methodist Foundation president since 2015, announced his plans to retire.

Northwind Seminary fits the needs of Licensed Local Pastors

The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church offers scholarships to the online seminary, which features top-notch individual instruction for advanced degree completion or simply inspiration.

FLUMC Disaster Response Team lends helping hand in Fort Myers

It could take years for some residents to recover from the devastating storms. You can help the effort with your donation.

Lent: The Original Quarantine

What might the origins of Lent offer us—a weary, wilderness people in a seemingly unending season?

Reaching seekers and the curious means going outside church walls

Living Room Church and Virtual Reality Church takes God's message to where the people are.

Rev. Debbie Allen Appointed as New District Superintendent

Rev. Debbie Allen will begin her appointment as superintendent of the South West District starting July 1, 2022. Rev. Allen will replace Rev. Thom Shafer who is retiring.

Annual Conference 2022 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 to be considered at the regular Annual ...

New Year, New Hope for Rural America in the Fight Against COVID

Rural communities are among the hardest hit as another wave of the pandemic rolls across America and Omicron renews COVID’s assault on the unvaccinated.

Register now for Florida Advocacy Days virtual workshop

Florida Advocacy Days is nearly upon us. We feel a sense of excitement and urgency to advocate as we continue through the pandemic and look forward to doing this work with you.  Children’s Week and ...

Remembering Jay Weaver of Big Daddy Weave

Jay Weaver, 42, co-founding member of the Christian rock band Big Daddy Weave, died of complications from COVID-19. He was a lifelong United Methodist.

"We don't want to build a castle. We want to build a kingdom."

The Small Church Leadership Podcast lets pastors of those churches know someone understands what they're going through.

Two new District Superintendents are ready for the challenge

District superintendents play a vital role in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. They are the liaison between the local churches and the Conference office. They are encouragers, ...

Apportionments and End of Year Payments

Apportionment payments for 2021 must be received in the lockbox at Regions Bank or paid online by Monday January 10, 2022. This is not a postmark date but is the last day by which monies must be ...

United Methodists reach settlement in Boy Scouts' Bankruptcy Case

United Methodist leaders have reached a settlement in the matter of the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) pending bankruptcy proceedings. Upon final court approval, the settlement would absolve any claims of sexual abuse that may have occurred in congregation-sponsored Scouting programs.

Dr. Mary Bethune's legacy: Finding diamonds in the rough

The ripples of Mary McLeod Bethune's life continue today in the lives of students and ministers inspired by her incredible story. Placing her statue in the U.S. Capitol is a fitting tribute.

Worship Warehouse offers free music for churches

Congregations struggling to find resources to supplement virtual services can access free music videos covering a number of styles along with other resources in this new site in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.

United Methodists respond after devastating twisters

UM churches are mobilizing quickly to provide food, emergency shelter and other relief while also dealing with their own needs.

Florida Conference to aid relief effort from Kentucky tornadoes

How can you help? For now, Kentucky needs your prayers and donations of money.

Bishop Ken Carter Announces Appointment of Michael Beck as Director of Fresh Expressions Florida

Beginning January 1, 2022, Rev. Dr. Michael Beck will lead Fresh Expressions Florida as its newly appointed director.

Kenyan orphans find hope in vocational education

Four Florida UMC congregations have partnered with Inua Partners in Hope to teach nearly 900 orphans and vulnerable young people in Kenya various job skills.

Today Justice Has Prevailed

The death of Ahmaud Arbery and the involvement of Greg and Travis McMichael and their neighbor William Bryan is such a tragedy on many levels.