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.
Kindness of neighbors: Hurricane recovery in Pahokee
Florida communities devastated by Hurricane Irma are not alone thanks to connections of volunteers established by Florida Restores.
New Covenant growth spurs planting of new campus
New Covenant United Methodist Church’s Lake Deaton campus is located on a 10-acre site in the fast-growing Wildwood area of The Villages. Initial development will include a 26,600-square foot multipurpose building.
Way Forward report released in all four official languages of General Conference
The Commission on a Way Forward’s final report has been translated in all four official languages of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church.
'Hands and feet of Jesus' tackle Irma damage
Seven months after Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys last September, the Rev. Terri Hill, pastor at Key West United Methodist Church, reflected on how the world embraced her small community.
30x30 Challenge funds next generation leadership development
The campaign will fund the Future Generations Fund, which provides grant for programs that groom young Methodists under 30 for leadership.
Faith-based partnership can save lives, too
For the past two years, Christ UMC in Neptune Beach has provided a middle school with supplies, volunteers and will soon add a food and clothing pantry. Rev. Bridget Thornton knew the faith-based partnership could change lives. Now, she knows it can save lives, too.
The Portico celebrates one year of serving the community
The re-purposed former First UMC Tampa campus is bustling with activity as an event venue that happens to have a church service on Sunday nights.
Manatee school finds an angel in Oneco UMC
“The school is right across the street, and I just felt led by the Holy Spirit that we should be doing more for these kids.”
Hoops in a parking lot is a new Fresh Expression
Todd Leclair believed his passion for basketball could turn into a true life-changing experience for others, creating the unity of brotherhood and sisterhood through play.
Irma campus-based recovery team ‘loves out loud’
Many schools refer to mission trips as “alternative spring breaks.” The Virginia Tech campus minister says for the Wesley Foundation “it's not an alternative. It's just what they do.”
Summer camp at Warren Willis: playing and praying
Scenes from week one at Warren Willis summer camp.
Mission U to build on covenant relationship
Mission U takes place at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach July 12-15 and is open to all wishing to study the covenant relationship practiced by The United Methodist Church.
Bishop Carter, Cabinet invite others to join in Scripture reading
The Bishop and Cabinet invite anyone to join in reading the following passages – Isaiah 40-66, Romans 8, Philippians 1-4 – each month. The plan is to read a chapter a day, beginning with Isaiah 40 on the first day of the month and ending with Philippians 4 on the last day of the month.
Fourth recipes: a real summertime celebration
July Fourth is a real summertime celebration: fruits and berries are in abundance, the grill has been tuned up and Florida’s hot, humid weather rolls in every morning. Enjoy the Fourth with recipes submitted by other people from around the Conference.
New team to lead Fresh Expressions initiatives
The goal of the Florida Conference is to have at least 500 Fresh Expressions of church in operation by 2025. Rev. Dan Jackson, director of The Vital Church Initiative for the Conference, said he believes it could be sooner.
The Gospel, a stranger and the burnt ends of the brisket (Luke 24. 13–35)
Who was the stranger who joined us when we sat down to break bread together at the Haywood Smokehouse?
Churches approach 'Brain Fitness' intergenerationally
College students see that what textbooks say about dementia isn’t what people living with dementia are; they can be contributing members of the community for a long time. Club members, many of them doctors, lawyers and businesspeople, mentor the students and feel a sense of accomplishment.
5 other Bible verses for Jeff Sessions to consider
"The problem is not with a politician quoting scripture. Promoting biblical literacy in the public square can be a good thing. The biggest problem is not even with misinterpreting scripture. We are all susceptible to it. The problem is in its misuse, to promote an agenda that is not only antithetical to the Gospel, but is destructive to the highest and best human institution that God created: the family."
Installing new doors for a hurricane-damaged church
In April, a team of skilled volunteers from First United Methodist Church in Land O'Lakes responded to disaster recovery needs in the Florida Keys. The team brought tools and construction know-how to Big Pine Key UMC where they installed new doors in the church facilities.
Micanopy UMC adopts school in new ministry
Apart from Sunday, Tuesday is the most joy-filled day of the week for Pastor D. J. Muszynski of Micanopy United Methodist Church.
Churches bridge the summer hunger gap for children
About 21 percent of Florida children are considered “food insecure,” meaning they do not have regular access to healthy food, according to the federal government. To combat that during the school year, these children receive free breakfast and lunch at school. In the summer, feeding programs provide nourishment.
Where there is Irma misery, there is ministry opportunity
Case managers help survivors figure out where they are, what recovery looks like for them, walk them through the process and help them identify and access resources.
UM ARMY is transforming for young adults on mission
Working with elderly, low-income and disabled homeowners in Gulfport, this June young adults will be painting, doing minor floor repairs, working on siding and debris cleanup, among other things.
AC 2018 concludes with a new vision for the future
After spending the week of 2018 Annual Conference re-connecting United Methodists with the basics of their faith through the theme “Remembering Who We Are, ”laity and clergy come away with a new vision as they continue to make disciples "On Mission Together."
Way Forward session innovative, highly participatory
The Way Forward session Friday afternoon was highly participatory and innovative.
Photos from the 2018 Annual Conference 5K
On Friday morning, June 8, the fifth Florida Annual Conference 5K began on Lake Hollingsworth across from the Nina B. Hollis Wellness Center and ended on Lake Hollingsworth Drive across from Branscomb Auditorium.
Collaboration is key for new direction, 'On Mission Together'
As the Annual Conference opened Thursday afternoon, the message went out to United Methodists across Florida about a renewed collaboration that will seek to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
Laity celebrates mission outside church walls
The 2018 Florida Annual Conference laity session Thursday, led by conference Lay Leader Paulette Monroe, highlighted the vital contributions lay workers provide at United Methodist churches throughout the state.
Innovative approaches boosting church vitality
A rich mixture of good news is sweeping across the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, from a land sale that will bring in ministry-boosting resources, to new churches and mergers designed to strengthen outreach and attendance.
Prepare for the 2018 hurricane season
Assess your church’s readiness. Trim tree limbs, sandbag doors, take an inventory of property and check insurance coverage, especially the hurricane deductible. If possible, put aside funds to cover damage that isn’t covered by insurance.
‘We must disagree well’
Methodist minister from Northern Ireland shares thoughts on peacemaking.
Goodbye camp, hello open road
Dave and Donna Bruns have mixed emotions about their retirement as they leave Centenary Camp in Quincy after more than 12 years.
CROS Ministries celebrates 40 years of collaboration
One of the greatest successes has been the transformation of people's lives, from the volunteers to the people we serve. To be able to touch a person's life is an honor and privilege. We are the hands and feet of God, bringing God's love into reality for those struggling with daily living.
Bishop Ken Carter responds to Judicial Council decision
Bishop Ken Carter's statement expresses gratitude for the Judicial Council’s work and our continuing commitment to serve and lead our church, as well as providing clarity around the Council of Bishops' motivation for requesting a Declaratory Decision.
Countdown to Annual Conference 2018
The annual conference, themed “Remembering Who We Are,” is June 7–9, and it is partly a 50th-year celebration of the formation of The United Methodist Church in 1968 with the union of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Here you'll find information and links to help orient you to the event.
Picture this! Disaster recovery in action
In these photos, submitted by disaster recovery construction coordinator Hank Lunsford, a spirit of generosity is seen in volunteer teams hailing from across the country as they work hard to put roofs back over people's heads.
FUMC Tavares school partnership is jammin’
The church just completed its third year of Jesus and Me, the JAM program, with about 70 students from Tavares Elementary School. Parents get in on the fun and fellowship, as well, through what the church calls FX Family nights.
Florida team ministers in Brazilian Amazonia
Using a Methodist-owned boat turned floating clinic, doctors, nurses and other helpers navigated tributaries to the Amazon River and offered health clinics to indigenous populations. All photos by Rev. Armando Rodriguez.
ZOE empowers orphans, vulnerable children in Africa
ZOE ’s approach has proven that children living in poverty also hold the greatest capacity to create lasting solutions for themselves, their families and their communities.
Asbury, Maitland, launches dinner and conversation
“Constellation” is a Fresh Expression that brings young adults together on Monday nights to enjoy food, fellowship and spiritual storytelling.
Displaced Maria survivors continue to struggle
Maria, one of the worst Atlantic storms of the last century, left many Puerto Rican families with little or no possessions. Some still suffer from post-traumatic stress, and all are struggling to figure out their futures.
AC theme: ‘Remembering Who We Are’
“The theme ‘remembering who we are’ is about our identity in Christ and, more particularly, our identity as United Methodists within the Body of Christ.” --Bishop Ken Carter
Campus ministries growing, spreading the good news
Students across the state rallied in service to those affected by the storms that battered Florida and Texas. They are reaching out to those on their campuses to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Through technology, they are telling that story in innovative ways, as well as old-fashioned retreats and gatherings.
Madison Children’s Home celebrates new facilities
A crowd of 300 celebrated the dedication of a new chapel and state of the art counseling center at the facility in Madison on May 5.
Exploration helps young adults contemplating ministry
"Although I am still unsure of what exactly my calling is, I do have a better understanding of the fact that God is not looking for me to be a perfect person. Instead He is looking for me to simply say, Lord, do whatever you want." —Catie Hessler
Churches play vital role in Irma recovery
More than seven months into recovery, area churches and established businesses continue to play important roles they adopted in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
New missional connection brings disciples from Argentina to Florida
The missional roots of the Florida Conference are growing a new discipleship network with Argentina.
Seven Comments about the Council of Bishops’ recommendations on a Way Forward
The Council of Bishops recommends the One Church Plan as our best way forward. This vote was by a significant majority. The One Church Plan allows for contextualization of language about human sexuality in support of our mission with all people.
United Methodist Bishops recommend a Way Forward
United Methodist bishops, meeting in Chicago, engaged in a prayerful process to discern a way forward. At the conclusion of the discernment process, the Council of Bishops strongly approved the following motion and rationale.
‘The Table’ is theme for 2018 summer youth camp
Warren Willis Camp and the Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park combine operations, sharing staff and resources and are gearing up for the 2018 camping season.