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 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.
Love given without expecting anything in return
What if everyone on Valentine’s Day focused on agape love more than hearts, candy, and flowers?
“The best-kept secret in the church”
A group of retirees called the Nomads travel the country in RVs, offering their help for home and church repairs, furniture refurbishing, or whatever else is need.
Making Disciples for the Transformation of the World
Participants in Florida Advocacy Day stress social justice and other issues to state lawmakers.
Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin chosen as Florida Conference candidate in 2020 episcopal election in the Southeastern Jurisdiction
She has a long, passionate desire to pursue social justice for everyone.
Bishop Carter names Thom Shafer as South West District Superintendent
Bishop Ken Carter is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Thom Shafer as the new South West District Superintendent effective July 1, 2020. Rev. Shafer will follow Rev. Dan Jackson, who is ...
Statement from Southeastern Jurisdiction Heads of Delegation regarding Protocol:
We, the undersigned SEJ Lay and Clergy Heads of Delegations, affirm the work done on the Protocol of Grace & Reconciliation Through Separation, and recommend the Protocol be among the first ...
What happens when pastors grieve?
They are called upon to guide their congregation through times of tragedy. But these leaders also need personal time to deal with loss and heartache.
United Methodists head to Tallahassee for Advocacy Day
They will meet with lawmakers to push for many items related to social justice, including felon voting rights, immigration, feeding the hungry, and children’s rights.
Defining and Growing an Inclusive, Gracious and Evangelical Center: The Future[s] of The United Methodist Church
A conversation starter for clergy and key leaders across the Florida Conference. In the following monograph, Bishop Ken Carter invites us into the difficult work of listening.
Florida Conference: 175 years of helping, serving
Churches throughout the state will celebrate the anniversary that the Conference was founded.
The battle to realize Dr. King’s dream continues
Christians must remain on guard to confront prejudice and hate in whatever form they appear.
Preparation leads to empowerment on mission trips
Assistance is available from the Conference to help mission workers have a more effective outcome for their labors.
Bishop Carter Announces Cabinet Changes
Bishop Carter Announces Cabinet Changes
“We’re here to give them a little light and a little love”
The HUGS ministry at New Covenant UMC in The Villages makes a joyful noise to those who need to hear it most.
A sign of the times; church members receive active shooter training
Members learn ways to respond if the unthinkable occurs
Bishop Carter participates in Global Mediation and interprets this for the Florida Conference
The collaboration produced a path forward for the United Methodist Church
Trinity UMC helps make a difference “one person at a time”
In cooperation with the aid organization Porch de Salamon, Trinity UMC fully funds the construction of a house and pays for medical mission services for Guatemalan villagers.
“Great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions”
A line in a prayer led Steve Harper to go from a non-affirming theology to a different journey for the full inclusion of the LGBTQ community.