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.
Craig Smelser elected Florida Conference Treasurer
The Council on Finance and Administration unanimously recommended Craig Smelser as the Interim Conference Treasurer, effective Jan. 1, 2021. On June 11 2021, the Annual Conference elected Smelser to ...
Opening day of Annual Conference brings challenges, hope, and news
The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church convened its second consecutive virtual Annual Conference meeting, as Bishop Ken Carter noted, "From Tallahassee and Jacksonville to the Keys." ...
FLUMC to establish Rev. Geraldine Williams-McClellan Scholarship at Gammon Seminary
Shortly after Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis was named the President-Dean at Gammon Theological Seminary in February, she established the goal of reducing the cost for students to attend there. She has many ...
FDLE makes arrests in scheme to steal money from churches
More than 600 churches throughout the country, including 355 in Florida, were victimized by what law officials called "a low-tech but well-organized effort to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars." Some United Methodist churches in Florida were targets.
"I feel like God is going to build something new"
The pandemic forced dramatic changes throughout the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. The result, though, may be stronger and more creative churches as they apply the lessons learned.
Peace & Unity Laity Letter
A letter to the laity from the Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders
The Holy Spirit for a Dispirited People: “Kindle in Us the Fire of Your Love"
A sermon preached by Bishop Ken Carter on the Day of Pentecost, June 23, 2021, at First United Methodist Church in Winter Park, Florida
Time is running out to register for pre-Annual Conference workshops
The deadline to register is May 24 for these informative free workshops.
A COVID-19 update following CDC announcement
Updated COVID-19 Guidance Dear Clergy and Laity of the Florida Conference: We continue to pray for those impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Yesterday the CDC issued new guidance regarding ...
Bishop Carter to Serve Western NC & Florida Conferences Starting Sept. 1
On May 14, the Council of Bishops approved episcopal supervision recommendations for the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ), due to the retirement of four bishops.
Meeting the musical challenge of a virtual Annual Conference
When leaders decided to hold a virtual Annual Conference for the second consecutive year, Jeremy Hearn immediately went to work. As the Worship Music Coordinator for the Florida Conference of the ...
Grants go to fight COVID-19 in India
A man runs past the burning funeral pyres of people who died from COVID-19, during a mass cremation at a crematorium in New Delhi, India. The escalating crisis in India will be addressed by The United Methodist Church through grants to entities there who have been partners in the past. Photo by Adnan Abidi, Reuters.
Anti-Racism Storytelling Project
Storytelling is the cornerstone for many cultures and religions, including Christianity and our Wesleyan tradition. Jesus taught His lessons through the medium of storytelling and helped challenge and...
Bishop Carter, Cabinet give COVID-19 update
Conference COVID Update Dear Florida Conference clergy and laity: Blessings to you in this season when we celebrate the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. We thank you for your attention to ...
Centenary Camp closes, but the memories of 60 years will live on
A few miles outside the Gadsden County town of Quincy, about 40 miles west of Tallahassee, lies a beautiful green space of memories known as Centenary Camp. The 38-acre camp was founded in 1960, ...
Bishop Carter announces full-time appointment changes
Appointment changes to take effect July 1, 2021.
The rich history of Trinity UMC in Tallahassee given state recognition
Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee calls itself the church with a heart. While that no doubt is true, it's also the church with a rich history of love, service, and faithfulness dating ...
Creative Ways to Celebrate Earth Week
Connect with God and nature through these creative Earth Week ideas.
After last year's shutdown, Warren Willis Camp is back in business
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck last year, the ministry at the Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center was hit particularly hard. The Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries suspended all programs in...
Betrayal
Maundy Thursday is about an impending incident, the death of Jesus, and all of the events that lead to it. It is a significant act, this night, this meal, and we enter into by thinking about how it is interpreted, how it is "framed". It is an act of betrayal, but it is also an act of love.
Going virtual doesn't change the importance of Advocacy Day
For many people, political discussions focus solely on the President, United States Senate, and the federal government's actions. However, while those can be interesting enough, the actions that ...
Women in Ministry: Past, Present and Hope for the Future
Seven leaders in the Florida Conference reflect on the role of women in ministry.
Bishops cancel General Conference scheduled for May 8
For now, planning for when delegates can meet to deliberate on the denomination’s future remains a work in progress.
The past year taught churches a lot about how to adapt to Holy Week
Things aren't completely back to normal after last Easter, but United Methodist churches across Florida know better now about how to hold worship in the middle of a pandemic.
Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis answers the need: Here I am, Lord. Send me.
After many years of service to the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis is moving to Atlanta as President-Dean of Gammon Theological Seminary.
A Prayer for Atlanta and our Asian-American Neighbors
O God, our strength and our redeemer, we stand with our Asian-American sisters and brothers today. In the words of your saint and missionary Patrick, we pray that your Son Jesus Christ would be so ...
Clergy care a priority in pandemic year
After COVID-19 took hold, the Florida Conference formed a clergy care team, recognizing that doing ministry during a pandemic would be a nerve-wracking challenge.
Faithful giving allows vital Conference work to continue
Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, giving by United Methodist churches throughout Florida remained strong.
Florida Delegation Statement Regarding GC 2021
The delegation looks forward to reaching resolution to our denomination’s current impasse at the next General Conference in 2022.
Planned new denomination gets name
A group of traditionalists committed to leaving The United Methodist Church has chosen "Global Methodist Church" as the name for the denomination they are planning to form.
Postponement of General Conference and Call for a Special Session in May
To the People of The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church: Blessings to you friends, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, who journeys with us in these days of Lent toward a garden ...
Bishop Carter Announces Changes to District Leadership
Rev. Dr. Candace becomes the first woman president-dean of Gammon Theological Seminary; tenure begins April 1.
Staying focused and thinking of others in the face of a terrifying diagnosis
Doctors said she has a deadly form of brain cancer. Cox said her top priority is finishing a badly needed medical clinic in Gaitu, Kenya. Don't bet against her.
When did Ash Wednesday begin and why do we celebrate it?
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. Although Ash Wednesday has ancient roots, it does not appear in the rituals of The United Methodist Church or our predecessor denominations until the 20th century.
Everyone was a winner in Super Bowl Food Challenge
While the National Football League teams from Kansas City and Tampa Bay fought for Super Bowl supremacy on the field, United Methodist churches in those areas also engaged in a spirited ...
Conference Announces New Controller Christine Shutters
Christine Shutters Christine Shutters is the new Conference Controller, assuming the responsibility of overseeing the daily accounting for the Florida Conference, beginning January 1, 2021. ...
Pam Garrison honored with FEPA Distinguished Service Award
Pam Garrison, the former Disaster Response Coordinator for the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, is the recipient of the FEPA 2021 Distinguished Service Award. Pam Garrison ...
Commentary: QAnon and the failure of prophecy
There have been many reports since January 20 about QAnon adherents and the failure of their prophecy about the inauguration of President Joe Biden. The advocates of the prophecy believed, among other...
Workshop can help churches enhance online worship experience
The pandemic gave many challenges to congregations throughout the Florida Conference, but it also presented an opportunity. As churches throughout the state curtailed in-person worship and offered ...
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 ...