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.
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.
A ‘Fresh’ Approach To Ministry At Wildwood
Instead of waiting for people to come to the church, Wildwood UMC is bringing Jesus to where they are.
‘Blue Christmas’ service gives comfort for the hurting
Dealing with loss or pain at the holidays can be difficult, but some churches offer special services to address that need.
A mission of mercy and a life of service
Pastor Jean-Jacques Agones, with help from Florida UMC churches, brings food, the Gospel, and education to a remote Haitian Island. It can be dangerous work
Online services become “a church within a church”
Streaming options help share the message of Christ beyond the Sanctuary walls.
We Must Fight The Good Fight For Our Environment
Floridians face an urgent need to act against climate change to preserve God’s creation for future generations.
Conference starts ministry in women's prison
The United Methodist Church committed to bringing the gospel of Jesus to inmates at Lowell Correctional Institution.
Creation Care Christian Observers
Soon I will be traveling to Madrid, Spain, to meet with 22 other Creation Care leaders from around the world selected as Christian Observers at the United Nations annual climate conference called ...
Branches provides a lifeline where it’s needed most
The family service organization in Miami-Dade County offers education, nutrition, and financial planning to help many people break the cycle of poverty
Old racial wounds start to heal through honest conversation
Grace UMC in St. Augustine helped the city confront its racial divide and reach a joyful conclusion.
Council of Bishops focuses on “justice, reconciliation, and healing.”
Semi-annual meeting includes a renewed commitment to relationships, which are at the heart of Jesus’ prayer for unity with his disciples.
Feel led to become FLUMC Lay Leader? Apply now!
The Conference is accepting applications for this important position.
Oviedo and University Carillon join community landscaping blitz
There was pressure-washing, marathon style. There was the cutting back of overgrown trees and bushes, enough clippings to fill 75 industrial-sized bags. There were touch-ups and spruce-ups. Just in ...
Florida’s need for immigration services is acute
In the 20 years since its founding, Justice for Our Neighbors has opened 17 offices in 15 states, including two in Florida. And, according to the National JFON website, it had its busiest year in 2018, serving 4,395 new clients from 112 different countries.
Children’s Home chapel gets a facelift
It’s part of a lot of exciting changes on the campus of the Children’s Home. Gym renovations also recently were completed.
"I was called to mission work in another country."
Deb Ralph of Oakhurst UMC in Seminole is leaving for a mission trip to Kenya, where she will work in discipleship and assist Bishop Justus Bundi Miriti with the project for disabled children.
Apportionments and End of Year Payments
Apportionment payments for 2019 must be received in the lockbox at Regions Bank or paid on line by Friday January 10, 2020. This is not a postmarked by date but is the last day by which monies must ...
Apportionments for 2020 are now available
Apportionments for 2020 are now available on the conference website.
Conference has new emphasis on Hispanic/Latino ministries
A refugee from Castro’s Cuba whose family endured imprisonment and forced labor for their religious devotion, Rev. Dr. Rini Hernandez will lead the effort. He has been a church-founding pastor and Methodist district superintendent in both Cuba and Florida.
Alturas churches serve community ecumenically
The congregations routinely get together to do things, like the upcoming fall festival, which serves as a Halloween alternative. There are the Christmas cantata, the Easter sunrise service at the lake on the property of the Methodist church and the Fifth Sunday sings.
Bishop Carter's 'Growing the Center' presentation to be Livestreamed Sat., October 26
Bishop Carter's presentation will include insights regarding leadership in a season of change.
Irma recovery: homes to be dedicated in Spanish
The Florida Conference will dedicate three rebuilt homes—one in LaBelle and two in Clewiston—with two of the ceremonies conducted completely in Spanish, a first.
SERVE to show teens their power to make a difference
The SERVE Retreats, which are open to middle and high school students from across the state, will focus on local service this year, national service in 2020 and international service in 2021.
Disney grant to fund ‘Hotels to Home’ ministry
The Community Hope Center, sometimes known as Hope 192, recently received a $75,000 Disney grant that will be used to start a program known as “Hotels to Home.’’
Resources for November's Native American Heritage Month available
The beginnings of Native American Heritage Month go back to 1915, when Red Fox James, a Native American of the Blackfoot Nation, rode a horse from state to state seeking approval from 24 state ...
Children’s joyful dancing part of worship service
“They are part of a dance company. No experience is needed. It’s an outlet for them to express spiritual joy without competition and feeling they have to be perfect.”
Church partnership bringing arts to its community
Mandarin UMC and the emerging Fine Arts Conservatory team up to fill the gaps in art education, painting, sculpture, theater and music in the community surrounding the church.
‘Matthew 25 Challenge’ focuses on lives of the least
The “Matthew 25 Challenge,’’ a weeklong event held at Orlando’s Pine Castle United Methodist Church, energized its members by not only giving back, but also by undergoing real-life exercises that were everyday occurrences for the least of their brethren.
Fifteen ways to pray for your pastor
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. One of the best ways we can support our pastors and show them our appreciation is to regularly pray for them. But it can be difficult to know exactly what we should pray for. To help get started, the denomination assembled fifteen areas of pastors’ lives and ministries where they would value your prayers.
UMW retreat celebrates 150-year legacy
UMW members had to overcome the rules of society and the limits imposed by their own national and racial identities to assume vital leadership roles.
Ministry is window into the world of immigrant teens
“Picture My Life’’ is a photography exhibit that is spearheaded by UMCM-Suncoast, a Largo-based organization that addresses poverty through innovative educational programs.
Art in the Park is Fresh Expression
Art in the Park is a Fresh Expressions outreach of St. Mark’s Ocala United Methodist Church.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and worship resources
United Methodist Communications provides resources for outreach, celebration and worship.
Small church is committed big time to literacy
Trinity UMC’s biggest commitment is helping kids learn to read, focusing on the second graders—those about to enter the crucial third-grade year when reading competence becomes critical for further advancement.
Helping Hurricane Dorian survivors
Many of you and your congregants have been asking how you can help the Bahamas after the devastation of Hurricane Dorian. A Hurricane Dorian fact sheet was sent to your districts Thursday to update them on current activities in the Bahamas and how we, as The United Methodist Church, are responding—both now and over the next few months.