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.
Bishop Tom Berlin: "I want to be in ministry with you"
Florida's new Bishop brings a servant's heart and said he will start by listening instead of talking.
Two jurisdictions tackle racism in bishop elections
Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin of the Florida Conference challenged the Southeastern Jurisdiction to "be the church we say we want to be" when it comes to race.
Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference starts Nov. 2
Conference delegates at Lake Junaluska, N.C. will choose at least three new United Methodist Church bishops.
Sharon Austin: A passion for service and a heart for the oppressed
The Rev. Dr. Austin is the Florida Annual Conference’s Episcopal nominee for the 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
Florida Conference asks the question: How can we help you?
After Hurricane Ian hit with such force, the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church sprung into action.
Threat to withhold apportionments violates John Wesley's "Do No Harm" rule
The threat by churches in the Wesley Covenant Association to withhold apportionments to the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church could endanger outreach programs like the Warren Willis Camp
Florida Conference helped many small churches bridge the technology gap
Many small and rural churches throughout the Florida Conference benefitted from an offering at Annual Conference to establish a technology grant.
"There was a desire ... for people to increase their understanding of the Bible"
The congregation at Hyde Park UMC in Tampa took a collective journey to read and study the Bible in one year. The result was transformative.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Disaffiliation lawsuits
Dear Clergy and Laity of the Florida Conference: Last week we made you aware of a lawsuit that has been filed against The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. We have compiled some ...
106 Florida churches sue to exit denomination
The lawsuit asks the court to rule the trust clause “invalid on its face” or enable the congregations to revoke the trust so the churches can withdraw with their buildings.
Florida Conference Response to Disaffiliation Lawsuits
Dear Clergy and Laity of the Florida Conference: Today, we became aware that a lawsuit has been filed against The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, demanding the immediate separation...
The ripples from Mary McLeod Bethune's extraordinary life continue today
She was born the 15th child of former slaves but during her remarkable life, she created what is now Bethune-Cookman University and fought impossible odds to educate thousands of mostly Black students. On July 13, that legacy will be celebrated at Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol as she takes her place among the nation's most influential individuals in history.
Bishop Carter announces full time appointment changes
Bishop Carter announces full time appointment changes to take effect July 1, 2022.
Rev. Debbie Allen Appointed as New District Superintendent
Rev. Debbie Allen will begin her appointment as superintendent of the South West District starting July 1, 2022. Rev. Allen will replace Rev. Thom Shafer who is retiring.
Two new District Superintendents are ready for the challenge
District superintendents play a vital role in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. They are the liaison between the local churches and the Conference office. They are encouragers, ...
Dr. Mary Bethune's legacy: Finding diamonds in the rough
The ripples of Mary McLeod Bethune's life continue today in the lives of students and ministers inspired by her incredible story. Placing her statue in the U.S. Capitol is a fitting tribute.
After COVID-19 shutdown, Institute of Preaching is back in session
The Institute, back after the COVID-19 shutdown, works with individual pastors with tips and training about effective preaching methods.
Rediscover the Heart of Methodism in free online course
The Duke Divinity School is offering a free online course called "Rediscovering the Heart of Methodism." The course is designed as a four-week experience for small groups, classes, and leadership ...
Hispanic Heritage Month reminds all of their profound impact on the UMC
The impact of Hispanics on Florida is profound. As of the 2020 US Census, they make up 25.5% of the state's population. Add Latinos -- the term used to describe those who hail from Latin America - ...
Application period for Ware Grants opens Sept. 24
The leadership team at Branches United Methodist Church knew something was missing. Rev. Tony Baurichter said their meetings had become too predictable. Devotional. Prayer. Discussion. Dismissal. Team...
Bishop Carter announces fixing of appointments
LAKELAND – Bishop Ken Carter and the appointive cabinet of the Florida Conference announced new appointments today, and they will become effective July 1.
Bishop Carter Announces the Projection of Two New District Superintendents
Dr. David Allen and Rev. Emily Hotho will begin appointments as district superintendents in the Florida Conference starting January 1, 2022.
Craig Smelser elected Florida Conference Treasurer
The Council on Finance and Administration unanimously recommended Craig Smelser as the Interim Conference Treasurer, effective Jan. 1, 2021. On June 11 2021, the Annual Conference elected Smelser to ...
Opening day of Annual Conference brings challenges, hope, and news
The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church convened its second consecutive virtual Annual Conference meeting, as Bishop Ken Carter noted, "From Tallahassee and Jacksonville to the Keys." ...
FLUMC to establish Rev. Geraldine Williams-McClellan Scholarship at Gammon Seminary
Shortly after Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis was named the President-Dean at Gammon Theological Seminary in February, she established the goal of reducing the cost for students to attend there. She has many ...
Bishop Carter to Serve Western NC & Florida Conferences Starting Sept. 1
On May 14, the Council of Bishops approved episcopal supervision recommendations for the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ), due to the retirement of four bishops.
Bishop Carter, Cabinet give COVID-19 update
Conference COVID Update Dear Florida Conference clergy and laity: Blessings to you in this season when we celebrate the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ. We thank you for your attention to ...
Bishop Carter announces full-time appointment changes
Appointment changes to take effect July 1, 2021.
The past year taught churches a lot about how to adapt to Holy Week
Things aren't completely back to normal after last Easter, but United Methodist churches across Florida know better now about how to hold worship in the middle of a pandemic.
Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis answers the need: Here I am, Lord. Send me.
After many years of service to the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis is moving to Atlanta as President-Dean of Gammon Theological Seminary.
Faithful giving allows vital Conference work to continue
Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, giving by United Methodist churches throughout Florida remained strong.
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.
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.