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.
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.
Celebrate Palm Sunday by hanging palm branches outside your home
Even if you can't attend Palm Sunday services in person, you can create a visual display about what the day means.
Annual Conference changed to virtual meeting June 6
Churches are also urged to hold no public worship through the end of April, and all are asked to follow the spirit and law of "Safer At Home."
Florida United Methodists responding well to online worship services
The initial response to a survey about on-line streaming worship services is positive.
Helping children during the COVID-19 crisis
There are effective strategies for helping children through this challenging time.
United Methodist food pantries face trying times
One of the main supply sources for the pantries are grocery stores that donate excess food or offer it at a discount. But with store shelves bare throughout the state, there isn't much spare food to give. That has put a crimp in efforts to serve those who need it most.
Conference churches adapt with successful online outreach services
How did the first week of widespread online worship services go in the Florida Conference? We asked pastors around the state to find out.
General Conference postponed until 2021
The Commission on the General Conference will work toward setting a specific date following this year's postponement.
COVID-19 forces postponement of 2020 General Conference
No new date has been scheduled for the global meeting.
Online giving takes on new importance for Conference and local churches
Fixed expenses go on even though worship services move online as the battle against COVID-19 continues.
When you can't be at the church, the church can come to you online
The COVID-19 crisis has United Methodist churches throughout Florida and elsewhere focused on streaming technology to keep parishioners engaged.
Bishop Carter recommends no public worship through the end of March
To: The People of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church Subject: Guidance for Ministry in this Season In order to be in partnership with others and to prevent the suffering that is ...
Passing the peace instead of germs
Pass the peace, not a virus. The tradition in many United Methodist churches of greeting fellow parishioners with a handshake or a hug is giving way to caution because of current events. Churches "...
Bishop Carter announces Cabinet changes
Bishop Ken Carter is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Durwood Foshee as the new North East District Superintendent effective July 1, 2020. Rev. Foshee is currently the North West District ...
A statement from the Appointive Cabinet of the Florida Conference
Friday, March 13, 2020 Many of our local churches across Florida are cancelling public worship on Sunday, March 15, out of an abundance of caution. We support this action. We also support local ...
Bishops request postponement of General Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has asked for the postponement of the 2020 General Conference, set to begin in six weeks, because ...
Hurricane Irma recovery efforts winding down
Although many homes still need repairs, financial resources are drying up, and volunteers are moving elsewhere.
This school has its village
Trinity UMC in Bradenton has partnered with W.D. Sugg Middle School. The result has been a dramatic rise improvement at the once-struggling school.
Preparing For A Pandemic
What to know, plan for, and how to stay safe.
Geraldine McClellan’s call to ministry was stronger than obstacles she faced
This trailblazer in the Florida United Methodist Church shattered barriers through determination, work, and empathy for others.
A vision to help, and a drive to serve those most in need
Rev. Mary Downey was named the Orlando Sentinel Central Floridian of the Year.
Ash Wednesday 2020 Pastoral Letter to the People of The United Methodist Church
On Ash Wednesday, it is the tradition of the church to focus on the cross, in the form of the imposition of ashes, and to read Psalm 51. This is also a spiritual practice for many every Friday, to ...
In the fight for justice, immigrants are our neighbors
Florida Justice For Our Neighbors gives a hand and assistance to those who need it most
The following statement has the unanimous support of the Florida Annual Conference Delegation to General and Jurisdictional Conference
"Recognizing that structural unity is no longer feasible within the United Methodist Church regarding the matter of LGBTQ+ inclusion, and that such differences diminish our ability to be a vital and ...
The Holy Spirit and Your Sister Church Await In Cuba
The relationship between Florida United Methodist churches and those in Cuba result in God moments that strengthen everyone.
A trip back in time and a sobering vision
A visit to Virginia last October by a diverse group of United Methodists led participants to an inescapable conclusion. The first step to ending racism is to acknowledge it exists.