News & Views

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.

In addition, News & Views is pleased to bring you an interactive Bible crossword puzzle, with new puzzles available weekly. Click here to access this week's crossword puzzle. Have a story to share? Email webadmin@flumc.org or click here to use our convenient “Submit a story” form.

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

May 14, 2018

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.

April 15, 2018

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.

April 14, 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

March 13, 2018

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.

February 16, 2018

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.

January 26, 2018

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.

January 01, 2018

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.

November 16, 2017

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.

November 13, 2017

$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.

October 10, 2017

'Homeless Jesus' sculpture unveiled at First Miami

A life-sized sculpture was unveiled in a special ceremony held October 1 at FUMC Miami. Titled "Homeless Jesus," the bronze artwork was created by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz depicting Christ wrapped in a blanket and lying on a bench. The church also began its new mobile shower ministry for the homeless.

October 05, 2017

Our statement of solidarity with Puerto Rico

As both of our Conferences recover from the devastations of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, we, in Florida, offer our solidarity and love to our sisters and brothers in Puerto Rico.

September 29, 2017

Clergy Gathering is slated for Oct. 24-25 at Life Enrichment Center

The Bishop’s Annual Clergy Gathering is October 24 and 25, 2017 at the Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park.

September 29, 2017

Florida churches commit to long post-Irma recovery

Editor's Note: Donate here to the Florida Conference Hurricane Irma Fund to help churches and the ...

September 26, 2017

First regional meeting addresses recovery, Way Forward

In the first of three scheduled regional meetings featuring Bishop Ken Carter, topics addressed included the need to reach out to those trying to recover from Hurricane Irma and challenges faced by the Commission on a Way Forward.

September 26, 2017

Workshop postponed for 'Our Kids Training Plus'

The first in a planned series of training workshops for school-church partners, "Our Kids Training Plus," has been postponed until further notice. The event, originally scheduled for Oct. 7, is being rescheduled due to Hurricane Irma recovery efforts.

September 22, 2017

Bishop Carter's regional gatherings will be livestreamed

For those unable to attend the regional gatherings, the Florida Conference is livestreaming the events.

September 20, 2017

LEC, Warren Willis house power crews during Irma

It began the Thursday before Hurricane Irma made landfall. Power trucks from as far away as North Carolina rolled into the Life Enrichment Center and Warren Willis Camp as they opened their doors with hospitality. The facility housed up to 800 linemen in the days after the storm hit.

September 05, 2017

Hurricane Irma information and resources

Dear Church: Based on the forecasts from the National Weather Service and all relevant hurricane ...

August 31, 2017

Four generations of Native Americans come together

Several generations gathered for stories, song and fellowship at the Native American Summer Conference held July 28-30 in North Carolina. The event was part of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Association for Native American Ministries.

August 28, 2017

2018 apportionments are available

Apportionments for 2018 are now available on the conference website. Please contact your district first if you have any questions regarding your apportionments.

August 25, 2017

Registration open for 'Our Kids Training Plus'

Organizers are encouraging Florida Conference church pastors, staff and laity to register now for the first school-church partner training session. "Our Kids Training Plus" will be held Oct. 7, 2017 at St. Luke's UMC in Orlando.

July 05, 2017

Largo summit addresses caregiving, a $470 billion industry

According to AARP, caregiving is a $470 billion industry. St. Paul UMC in Largo recently hosted the 2017 Family Caregiver Lifespan Respite Summit to learn about the needs of 3 million Florida caregivers.

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.

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 01, 2017

Bishop Carter announces full-time appointment changes

The appointment changes will take effect July 1, 2017.

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 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.

March 23, 2017

Second community conversation addresses immigration

A public forum sponsored by the Florida Conference addressed the topic of immigration March 21. It was the second in a series of community discussions on society and culture.

March 01, 2017

Giving voice to our children: Florida Advocacy Days 2017

With state legislators preparing for a busy 50-day session, members of the Florida Conference are ready to march on Tallahassee once again. This year's Florida Advocacy Days takes place March 26-28. It's an opportunity to give voice to the poor and disenfranchised, especially children.

February 24, 2017

Pulpit exchanges preach justice and love

Stories of the 1960's, dynamic praise singing and marches through city streets marked the inaugural pulpit exchange of the Florida Conference.

February 24, 2017

Series begins on 'Building the Beloved Community'

With this occasional series on churches’ hard work of reconciliation and redemption, the conference will feature stories about interfaith community dialogues and activities, ecumenical initiatives to build bridges among us, “Reclaim the Common Good” conversations, church efforts to address immigration issues, churches growing the beloved community dialogue beyond the walls of the church, etc.

February 22, 2017

Florida 'Praying Our Way Forward' the week of Feb. 26

The Florida Annual Conference’s week of leading “Praying Our Way Forward” is Sunday, February 26, through Saturday, March 4. Resources to assist churches participating next week include a prayer by Bishop Carter and a litany for Ash Wednesday, as well as a video introducing our Florida prayer effort.

February 16, 2017

News & Views

News & Views

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

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