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.
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 ...
AC 2021 resolutions due Jan. 31
If you are considering a resolution for the 2021 Annual Conference, the Jan. 31 deadline is firm.
Bishop Carter Announces Mid-Year Moves
Bishop Ken Carter and the appointive cabinet of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, in consultation with the clergy and authorized lay leaders of the local churches, announce full-time appointment changes below, to take effect January 1, 2021.
Council urges no new US bishops for 4 years
United Methodist Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey presides over an online meeting of the denomination’s Council of Bishops. Amid financial pressure and a potential denominational split, the council called for postponing elections of new U.S. bishops and urged that five new African bishops be added only as resources allow. UM News screenshot via Zoom.
Craig Smelser recommended to be next Florida Conference Treasurer
The Council on Finance and Administration unanimously recommended Craig Smelser as the Interim Conference Treasurer, effective Jan. 1, 2021. In June 2021, the Annual Conference will vote on Smelser's...
New director takes helm of Conference young adult mission ministry
There are many things Heidi Aspinwall will miss about her job. One is helping young adults see their gifts and talents, while building confidence in their skills. Another is watching them experience ...
2020 Annual Conference will be virtual-only event
Bishop Carter, the Cabinet, and the Annual Conference Planning Team announce that the regular session of Annual Conference 2020 will be a virtual-only event on Saturday September 19. We had ...
COVID-19 forces churches to grapple about how to continue worship
Some Florida Conference churches have returned to in-person worship, but others either started and quickly shut down or never re-opened at all. It's up to each church to consider the best way to navigate through this time of COVID-19.
In-person worship optional after June 15
The Florida Conference Re-Launch Task Force along with Bishop Carter and the Cabinet met this week and decided to allow churches to consider resuming in-person worship after June 15th on a limited ...
Annual Conference set for Sept. 19 at First Lakeland UMC
The 2020 Annual Conference meeting of the Florida United Methodist Church will be held on Sept. 19 at First Lakeland UMC. The one-day meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. An online option ...
Bishop Carter announces full-time appointment changes
Appointment changes to take effect July 1, 2020.
Bishop Carter Announces Annual Conference Staff Leadership Changes, Addition to Cabinet
An update on some developments in a few key areas of our conference work
Bishop Carter recommends no public worship through May 15
A Pastoral Letter to the People of the Florida Conference Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Thank you for your patience and faithfulness in this season of COVID-19. This virus is very real. We have ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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.
Florida Conference: 175 years of helping, serving
Churches throughout the state will celebrate the anniversary that the Conference was founded.
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.
Apportionments for 2020 are now available
Apportionments for 2020 are now available on the conference website.
Cornerstone dares to happen so many can dream
Founded over a century ago, Cornerstone Family Ministries is motivated by reverence for the past, goals for the present and dreams for the future of children living at-risk or unchurched.
New leader carries torch for Archives and History ministry
Judi New sees the role more as an important caretaker than a job. After all, she is caring for the church’s heirlooms and artifacts, some that date back to the late 1700s.
A Call to Discipleship: Living as Disciples of a Non-Violent Lord in a Time of Violence
What is God’s dream for us? How can we become the answer to the words we say in worship, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done”? (Matthew 6). In Wesley’s words, we are being called “to reform the nation, particularly the church, and to spread scriptural holiness over the land.” -A letter from Bishop Ken Carter
Two fall gatherings with Bishop Carter are slated
Events are scheduled for October and December.
Bishop Carter announces full-time appointment changes
Bishop Ken Carter and the appointive cabinet of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, in consultation with the clergy and authorized lay leaders of the local churches, announce full-time appointment changes, to take effect July 1, 2019.
Camping Sunday is Feb. 24
Camping Sunday is the perfect time for those who have attended camps to share their stories. They also can share a message of the need for scholarship money to help send kids to camp.
LEC renovating to meet future expectations
The staff at the Life Enrichment Retreat Center of the Florida Conference wants to help guests have more sleep-filled nights so they can have more inspiration-filled days.
Florida churches raise over $1.5 million for Michael relief
Inspired by a matching funds challenge of $500,000 from First UMC Ormond Beach, Florida Conference churches raised over $1 million for Hurricane Michael relief for the Alabama West Florida Conference. A total of $1,533,096 was donated to their recovery.
Bishop Carter announces Cabinet changes for the Florida Conference
Rev. Dionne Hammond has been named as a new cabinet member by Florida Conference Bishop Ken Carter, and Rev. Dan Jackson and Rev. Rini Hernandez will continue to serve on the cabinet in new roles.
AC 2019 resolutions due Jan. 31
According to the Standing Rules of the Florida Conference, Par. 206 2(d), “All submitted resolutions must be received by the Conference Secretary by Jan. 31 to be considered at the regular Annual Conference Event later that year.”
Two extraordinary movements of the Holy Spirit this Christmas
Bishop Ken Carter shares two extraordinary movements of the Holy Spirit among us this Christmas.
Active-threat training offered to Florida churches, ministries
Church officials will learn to prepare for hostile intruders, active shooters or other threats. Emphasis will be placed on formulating routines and developing safety teams with specific instruction on trauma care.
Apportionments are due Friday, Jan. 11, 2019
Apportionment payments for 2018 must be received in the lockbox at Regions Bank or paid online by Friday, January 11, 2019.
Mosaic provides Brevard’s first cold-weather shelter
In addition to giving people a safe, warm place to stay, Mosaic Palm Bay UMC’s shelter is an opportunity for the Brevard Homeless Coalition, an umbrella organization of about 75 agencies, to provide aid for people who are otherwise living on the streets.
Young People’s Convocation unites in praise, worship
In Johannesburg, South Africa, it brought together about 300 youth and young adults from 40 nations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the merger between the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren
Bishop Carter's regional gatherings will be livestreamed
For those unable to attend the regional gatherings, the Florida Conference is livestreaming the events.
Join Bishop Carter at one of four regional gatherings
Bishop Carter will hold four regional gatherings in September of 2018. These events are open to all, and there will be an opportunity to submit questions for Bishop Carter prior to the gatherings.
‘Sacred Spaces’ is theme for Sept. UMW retreat
United Methodist Women across Florida will have a special opportunity to “press pause from the day-to-day routine’’ during a weekend retreat Sept. 7-9 at the conference Life Enrichment Center.
Children’s Home expansion creates outreach opportunities
Dreams for the 20,000 square foot building include developing a support system for young parents and creating community service projects for children who have aged out of the program.
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.
Bishop Carter announces full-time appointment changes
Bishop Ken Carter and the appointive cabinet of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, in consultation with the clergy and authorized lay leaders of the local churches, announce full-time appointment changes, to take effect July 1, 2018.
Appointment-making in a time of mission: 2018
“The Florida Conference Appointive Cabinet meetings have included prayer, discernment, silence, assessment of the gifts of clergy and discussion of approximately sixty congregations (one-tenth of the whole) who are anticipating transitions. We share these core values with you to let you know about how we do this work, and we request your continued prayers." --Bishop Ken Carter
Parkland tragedy, heart for change inspires '5000 Letters'
Calling the Parkland tragedy a "burning bush moment," Bishop Ken Carter and Florida Conference churches went beyond prayers and vigils and formed a letter-writing campaign to federal and state lawmakers. The 5,000 Letters initiative achieved its goal, but many consider it just the beginning for needed change.
Bishop Carter invites local churches to remember victims through acts of worship
Bishop Ken Carter calls on our congregations to participate in three acts of worship to remember the victims of the tragic school shootings in south Florida.
Florida Advocacy Days brings moral voice to state legislators
Carrying a message of hope and persistence for Florida's children in need, this year's Florida Advocacy Days focused on issues that would change lives for the better. Targeted legislation included using civil citations in lieu of jail time for young offenders.
Apportionments due January 12, 2018
Apportionment payments for 2017 must be received in the lockbox at Regions Bank or paid online by Friday, January 12, 2018.
Hurricane Irma claims update: a fast-track to recovery
In an effort to expedite claims filed by churches for damage incurred during Hurricane Irma, the conference is providing a fast-track process to help speed recovery. The system targets churches with less than $50,000 in damages where no flooding was involved.
$1 million UMCOR grant offers bridge to Irma recovery
UMCOR recently announced a $1 million grant award to the Florida Conference as a "bridge to recovery" from Hurricane Irma. There were 48 counties in the state that received damage from the storm.