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.
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 ...
Should General Conference go virtual?
With no end in sight to the deadly pandemic, a number of United Methodist leaders are urging that General Conference be virtual — if it’s to be held at all next year.
"I try to say yes when it comes to meeting needs in the community"
Temple Terrace UMC asked God to send people to them. God responded in an unexpected way, but now the Church is trying to show the love of Christ in action.
A Call for Justice and Action in "Celebration" of Hispanic Heritage Month
The notion that celebration is how we best honor the beautiful heritage of the Latinx diaspora misses the much larger call placed on us as Christians that supersedes a simple homage for 30 days.
Loving God, Loving Our Neighbor and Rendering to Caesar
What if our learning, in an election year, is that we are called to integrate our spiritual and civic lives, to love God, to love our neighbor and to render to Caesar as disciples of Jesus?
"This is when the church learns how to be the church"
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many pastors into roles for which they were not prepared, and that has led to added stress and the potential for burnout. But this trying period is also an opportunity for church growth and for members to help minister their pastors by taking things off their plates.
Seven ways to embrace the Season of Creation this fall and beyond
Around the world, United Methodists and other Christian denominations have been celebrating the Season of Creation since September 1. And although the season officially runs through St. Francis Day on...
Churches pick up after Sally
Hurricane brought strong winds, torrential rain to west Florida and south Alabama.
Duke Divinity student forgives person who shot him, hopes to become voice for others
DURHAM, N.C. — A Duke University Divinity School student who was hospitalized for almost four weeks after being wounded in a drive-by shooting last month says he is relying on his faith as he continues a long journey to recovery.
What is the role of our faith in public life?
Methodist Christians have a long history of connecting faith and social action. At our best, Methodist Christians are known for their “practical divinity” in that you see them singing, praying, ...
Annual Conference focuses on opportunities in the midst of challenges
The Annual Conference is a long-standing tradition in the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. Leaders, clergy, and laity from around the state gather in-person for three days of ...
Fires, coronavirus complicate Western disaster relief
The wildfire crisis ravaging California for weeks took a dramatic turn and spread into the Pacific Northwest, feeding off dry conditions and strong winds.
Commissioning and Ordination Services Take On Special Meaning
Leadership in the time of COVID-19 takes on a special challenge that Florida United Methodists rose to accept.
Job search opens for new Florida Conference Treasurer
The nationwide search for the next Conference Treasurer closes October 2.
A Statement Regarding the Shooting of Another Black Man by the Police
The shooting of Jacob Blake In Kenosha, Wisconsin by a police officer requires a public response from all who affirm that black lives matter, and from all who see human life as sacred. As his ...
Showing love and support in the face of COVID-19
A repast -- from the Latin word meaning "to eat" -- is often part of any home-going service. It gives the family and mourners a bit of needed closure and fellowship. But how could that happen in the COVID-19 world? When it came time to say goodbye to beloved member Jessie Loretta McSwain Denson, Trinity UMC in Lake City showed it can be done.
New director takes helm of Conference young adult mission ministry
There are many things Heidi Aspinwall will miss about her job. One is helping young adults see their gifts and talents, while building confidence in their skills. Another is watching them experience ...
Creation Care rises in the time of COVID-19
The FLUMC Creation Care Task Team will hold a statewide Creation Care Zoom gathering on August 25.
We have come a long way, but we are not there yet
August 18 marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the constitutional right to vote. We celebrate this anniversary in the midst of the current election season and with ...
In reopening UMC preschools, one size doesn't fit all
Churches in the Florida Conference that operate daycares and preschools have grappled with how to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, or whether to reopen at all.
United Methodists to Host New “Dismantling Racism” Town Hall Discussions
NASHVILLE -- Two new interactive town hall discussions are planned as part of the “Dismantling Racism: Pressing on to Freedom” initiative’s town hall series on anti-racism to explore both old and new ...