News & Views

July 04, 2017

Out in the wild: the esssence of wilderness ministry

For nearly 70 years, Warren Willis trip camps have offered summer adventures for generations of youth. From climbing steep rock cliffs to hiking deep into Appalachian mountains, they are experiences in nature long remembered.

June 29, 2017

'Go' by Darlene Zschech

Australian Darlene Zschech is acclaimed all over the world as a composer, worship leader, pastor and speaker, most notably for her involvement in the music from Hillsong Church, Sydney over many years.

June 29, 2017

Florida Southern: A Frank Lloyd Wright treasure trove

Florida Southern College, founded in 1883 by the Florida Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, is on the National Register of Historic Places and was named a National Historic Landmark of the United States. This year, the 113-acre campus also became a United Methodist Historic Site.

June 28, 2017

Prayer vigils have transformational potential

In part two of a story about prayer vigils, one church turned to praying on street corners to remember homicide victims, while the other brought unity following tragedy in a Charleston church 600 miles away.

June 26, 2017

Simple Church model blends dinner, worship and enterprise

Congregants gather for a sacred weekly meal where the conversation serves as the sermon and freshly baked bread provides nourishment, communion and income. Other churches are using their template to replicate the experience.

June 23, 2017

We Are Messengers: 'Point To You'

We Are Messengers is an Irish worship band from Monaghan, Ireland, and they formed in 2015, with vocalist Darren and Heidi Mulligan. Their first studio album, "We Are Messengers," released in 2016, with Word Records and Curb Records.

June 21, 2017

Readying for the storm in hurricane season

The time to prepare for hurricane season is now! Disaster Response Coordinator Pam Garrison and others offer helpful information to ensure your church is ready before the storm hits.

June 20, 2017

Breaking bread in Cuba's house churches

Although the Cuban government still prohibits The United Methodist Church from building new sanctuaries, house churches have become a thriving alternative in the island nation.

June 16, 2017

Prayer vigils impact communities

A two-part story on the impact prayer vigils can have on the communities our churches serve begins with revisiting the vigil held for the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando a year ago.

June 15, 2017

'I'm Still Here' by Mandisa

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, known professionally as Mandisa, is an American gospel and contemporary Christian recording artist. Her career began as a contestant in the fifth season of American Idol, in which she finished in ninth place.

June 13, 2017

AC 2017 closes with spirit of revival

Friday evening concluded with music and revival, and Saturday, June 10, 51 persons were licensed, commissioned and ordained.

June 10, 2017

Keynote speakers champion revival of the Church

Friday's annual conference events included keynote speakers the Revs. Elaine Heath and Kevin Watson addressing the theme, "Revive Us Again," presenting ways to reinvigorate churches today. Orders of business included voting on resolutions and the discontinuance of 16 churches.

June 09, 2017

AC votes on amendments, approves redistricting

Clergy and laity voted on constitutional amendments to the Book of Discipline, approved policy and organizational changes and received an update on the conference's health care costs.

June 08, 2017

Laity call for a future of inclusivity

While lighthearted presentations and uplifting music marked the Laity Session of the 2017 Florida Annual Conference, the underlying message for lay leaders attending the opening event was that inclusivity is critical to the future of the Church.

June 08, 2017

All Sons and Daughters: 'This My Inheritance'

All Sons & Daughters is an American Christian worship music duo, who perform in the styles of acoustic and folk music, originating from Franklin, Tennessee. The group's leads are Leslie Anne Jordan on vocals and guitar and David Alan Leonard on vocals and piano. They are worship leaders at Journey Church in Franklin, which is a non-denominational church.

June 08, 2017

Photos from the Annual Conference 5K in Orlando

The fourth Florida Annual Conference 5K started at the historic Windermere Town Hall on Thursday morning, June 8. Donning coats and umbrellas, participants braved the rain in support of a good cause. Together they raised a total of $2225. Proceeds from the 5K supported the Cuban Pastors Pension Fund.

June 05, 2017

Palm Coast pastor experiences South Korean culture

Described as an academic, cultural and spiritual encounter, the Rev. Kevin James, pastor at Palm Coast UMC, and his wife, Linda, recently returned from an eight-day trip to South Korea. James was one of 19 United Methodist Church pastors selected from across the U.S. to join the mission.

June 02, 2017

Moderators offer views on Mission, Vision and Scope of Commission on a Way Forward

The moderators of the Commission on a Way Forward are using a three-part commentary this summer in helping United Methodists throughout the world to understand work of the Commission.

June 01, 2017

'Home' by Chris Tomlin

Christopher Tomlin is an American contemporary Christian music (CCM) artist, worship leader and songwriter from Grand Saline, Texas, who has sold nearly 30 million records. He is a former staff member at Austin Stone Community Church.

May 31, 2017

Inner city churches

Inner city churches face many challenges, not unlike their congregations. In the first of an occasional series, church leaders from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties discuss their roles and how they are making the best of difficult situations.

May 30, 2017

Map and details for proposed eight districts available

Some of the background for the change, a map of the proposed districts and a list of churches by those districts is available.

May 30, 2017

Pastors find strength, balance in their Asian heritage

Numerous churches in the Florida Conference are blessed with Asian-American Christians joining us from places like Vietnam, South Korea and Japan. In this feature, we present three stories that are unique and diverse.

May 25, 2017

Elevation Worship: 'Yours (Glory and Praise)'

Elevation Worship is a contemporary worship music band from Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. The band's main vocalists are Chris Brown, Mack Brock, London Gatch, Jane Williams, Jenna Winders Barrientes and Jonsal Barrientes, as well as many other contributing musicians and vocalists.

May 24, 2017

Despite the times, Haitian worship is joyous

The flow of Haitian refugees into the U.S. was compounded in 2010 when the country was devastated by a major earthquake that left 1.5 million people homeless. In 2017, Southeast District Superintendent Rev. Cynthia Weems describes Haitian Churches in the Florida Conference as joyful and challenging.

May 22, 2017

Is the Old Testament dying?

“The Old Testament has often had a more insecure place with the Christian tradition,” said Stephen Chapman, professor of Old Testament at Duke Divinity School. “Even when the Old Testament is known, what’s known is a simplified version.”

May 22, 2017

Virtual gallery reflects homeless perspective

Described as a photography project to bring awareness to the plight of the homeless, My Town: Art from our Homeless Neighbors exhibited 20 juried images at First UMC Lakeland May 5. A photo essay brings the exhibit to readers of FLUMC.org.

May 19, 2017

Dr. Lovett Weems transitions to new role

Wesley Theological Seminary proved the ideal environment for a teacher who loves to learn. “I am always looking for a new way of looking at things, which has helped me move through different phases of my ministry,” Weems said. He is the former director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.

May 18, 2017

Aaron Shust: 'Lead On' (King Eternal)

Aaron Shust is an American contemporary Christian music artist on the Centricity Music label. Shust was named the Songwriter of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards of 2007, and his song, "My Savior My God", received the Song of the Year award.

May 17, 2017

CONAM bridges gap between Christianity and culture

The Committee on Native American Ministries recently held its annual summit meeting at the Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park. Terry Wildman, pastor of Northport Indian UMC in Michigan and a featured speaker at the event, describes his relationship with the American church.

May 16, 2017

U.M. ARMY paints the town, lends helping hands

The U.M. ARMY will march into Sebring June 18-24. Armed with paint brushes and tools, volunteers are lining up for another year of helping those in need in Florida. Lorraine Macpherson, National Growth and Program Manager, says registrations have doubled from those participating in 2016.

May 11, 2017

Jaci Velasquez: 'God Who Moves The Mountains'

Jacquelyn "Jaci" Davette Velasquez is an American actress and Contemporary Christian and Latin pop singer and songwriter, performing in both English and Spanish. Velasquez has sold almost five million albums worldwide,[1] recorded three Platinum and three Gold albums, and recorded 16 singles that hit No. 1 plus six more that entered the top 10. She has received seven Dove Awards.

May 10, 2017

Fresh Expressions grants include surfing pastor, brick oven pizzas

The Florida Conference recently awarded $14,450 to Fresh Expressions startups across the state. Included were an outdoor brick oven and community garden, a college pub group and a Cocoa Beach pastor who brought surfing friends together to talk about "bad religion."

May 08, 2017

Countdown to Annual Conference

The 2017 Annual Conference is less than a month away, being held once again at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel in Orlando. Here's a comprehensive look at events, registration information and important links.

May 04, 2017

Hillsong United: 'Say The Word'

"Say The Word" is from "Empires," the fourth studio album from Australian contemporary worship music band Hillsong United, a worship band from Hillsong Church. The album was released on May 26, 2015.

May 03, 2017

The Fruitful Field: 'a walk in the woods' with food

In 2008, a once dying church decided to plant a community garden on a vacant lot. Today, that rock-strewn area is called The Fruitful Field, a thriving nonprofit urban farm growing more than 7,500 pounds of fresh food, raising honey bees and hiring at-risk teens.

May 02, 2017

Pre-Conference district gatherings will prepare for Annual Conference

To: All Clergy and Lay Delegates of the Florida Annual Conference From: Bishop Carter and the ...

May 01, 2017

Bishop Carter announces full-time appointment changes

The appointment changes will take effect July 1, 2017.

May 01, 2017

Four-year strategic plan bringing new churches

In the midst of a four-year strategic plan to develop new churches, Rev. Dan Jackson, director of New Church Development for the Florida Conference, is preparing for a new phase in the initiative. In 2018, at least nine churches are targeted for new starts.

April 28, 2017

Bishop Carter and the Council of Bishops respond to Judicial Council ruling

In its decision, the Judicial Council ruled on Karen Oliveto’s election and consecration as Bishop.

April 27, 2017

'Forgiven' by David Crowder

Forgiven! Forgiven! Child there is freedom from all of it, Say goodbye to every sin, You are forgiven!

April 26, 2017

Community conversation addresses climate change

An April 24 Concord Conversation, held in Lakeland, addressed key issues such as climate change, eco-theology and how to promote the stewardship of Mother Earth.

April 25, 2017

'My Town' exhibit features homeless photographers' views

Modeled after similar projects in other cities, the Florida Conference provided homeless persons in Lakeland with Fujifilm disposable cameras and asked them to photograph how they view their town. The project titled, My Town: Art From Our Homeless Neighbors, will hold its opening reception at First UMC Lakeland, May 5 from 1-3 p.m.

April 25, 2017

Bishop Ough calls for unity as church approaches Judicial Council hearing on Bishop Karen Oliveto

I am in daily prayer for all United Methodists as we are being called upon in this critical moment to tenderly hold the unity and mission of the church in our hearts and hands. --Bishop Bruce R. Ough

April 25, 2017

Native American Ministries Sunday offers empowerment

Native American Ministries Sunday is April 30, 2017. Your gifts are much needed to help seminary students honor and celebrate Native American culture in their ministries. You'll also empower entire congregations in finding new ways to minister to the communities they serve.

April 20, 2017

'Start a Fire' by Unspoken

Unspoken is an American Christian band composed of Mike Gomez, Jon Lowry, Chad Mattson, Ariel Munoz, and the newest member, pianist Don Eanes.

April 19, 2017

Disaster recovery still active for 2016 storms

Disaster response is truly a year-round effort in the Florida Conference. With two hurricanes in 2016 that resulted in $1.6 billion in damages, Disaster Response Coordinator Pam Garrison describes the work involved in helping with long-term recovery.

April 17, 2017

April 24 community conversation topic: Creation Care

The third in a series of community conversations initiated by Florida Conference Bishop Ken Carter will be held April 24 and will focus on creation care.

April 13, 2017

'Hallelujah Chorus' by Handel

This version of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" is by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and conducted by Sir Neville Marriner.

April 12, 2017

Bishop Carter: The hope of Easter

The hope of Easter sunrise is found at the tomb amid the darkness and disbelief. The shocking turn of events leads the disciples out of their grief and despair, and Paul claims this reality not only as apostolic testimony but also as existential promise: "When Christ who is our life is revealed, then you also will appear with him in glory."

April 12, 2017

College Connection retreat attended by 93 students

It's an annual rite of passage. High school students preparing for college can be exciting and challenging. A 2017 College Connection retreat held at Warren Willis Camp was attended by eight Wesley Foundations and 93 students.

News & Views

Image courtesy of www.ChristianBibleReference.org. Copyright © by Cliff Leitch.

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