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.
How to achieve peace when it seems impossible? Try rethinking conflict
The Marcy's Cohort from The Florida Conference hopes to use lessons from a trip to Israel to address issues here
Celebrating fresh expressions of church with Bishop Berlin
Just one day after moving to Florida from his home state of Virginia where he ministered in various churches for over 30 years, Bishop Tom Berlin traveled to St. Mark’s UMC in Ocala to spend time with the Fresh Expressions team.
Many Florida churches still deciding about disaffiliation
Bishop Tom Berlin urges grace and peace as churches decide whether to remain with the United Methodist Church.
A Letter from Bishop Carter on the recent Judicial Council ruling
The Judicial Council of the UMC recently ruled that Paragraph 2553 of the Book of Discipline is the process to follow for churches wishing to disaffiliate due to their beliefs over LGBTQ issues.
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune "epitomizes the values we hold dear"
Florida Methodist, educator, and civil rights icon formally took her place at Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. To her right, appropriately sitting, is a statue of Rosa Parks.
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.
The Beloved Community's message: God's love extends to everyone
Christians need to be together through the Body of Christ. To do this, we must be intentional about connecting and being with others. This means building relationships with those that are different from us.
Conference offers apology and support for rejected ministry candidates
After 16 provisional ministry candidates were rejected at the Annual Conference over the LGBTQ+ issue, Bishop Kenneth Carter said he would have approved and commissioned them.
The future of the United Methodist Church: Inclusive, Respectful, Hopeful
The three-day Annual Conference focused on the question of what the Florida United Methodist Church will look like going forward. Even in uncertainty, many great things are happening.
Faith and vision led to "transformational" Bethune-Cookman University
From humble beginnings in 1904, the school Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founded with five students has grown into the dynamic Bethune-Cookman University of today.
Finding peace, purpose, and a "happy place" through painting
Larry Magee creates magic with his paintings through a collaboration that includes Hyde Park UMC. His work has earned him acclaim in the Tampa arts community. He is also homeless.
"Justice is what love looks like in public"
It is not surprising to hear about the church bearing witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ by feeding the hungry, housing the houseless, visiting those in prison and providing disaster relief. ...
A high honor for the extraordinary life of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
On July 13, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the 15th child of former slaves, will take her rightful place among the giants of our nation. That's the official unveiling of her 8-foot tall, 6,130-pound statue in Washington's Statuary Hall.
Annual Conference closes with appointments, prayer, and a challenge
The second and final day of the 2021 Florida United Methodist Annual Conference began with a reminder from Bishop Ken Carter about the primary focus of the gathering. "Some of you may have heard of ...
A Prayer for Atlanta and our Asian-American Neighbors
O God, our strength and our redeemer, we stand with our Asian-American sisters and brothers today. In the words of your saint and missionary Patrick, we pray that your Son Jesus Christ would be so ...
A Statement from the Florida Conference Cabinet on the Attack at the Capitol on January 6
The scenes that unfolded in our nation’s capital on Wednesday are troubling on many levels. Images that we never could have imagined happening were on news and media outlets as they documented the ...
Grants, scholarships available for Native Americans through FLUMC
Native Americans play an important role in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. That role is expanding with scholarships and grants to provide the training for greater leadership ...
"As laity of the church, our work matters more now than ever"
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” -- Luke 2:10-11 ...
Commentary: Hope is the flame that must carry us forward
We are more than a month removed from the election, but it is still nearly two months until President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. Much like how this year has felt, we once again find ourselves in ...
"I try to say yes when it comes to meeting needs in the community"
Temple Terrace UMC asked God to send people to them. God responded in an unexpected way, but now the Church is trying to show the love of Christ in action.
A Call for Justice and Action in "Celebration" of Hispanic Heritage Month
The notion that celebration is how we best honor the beautiful heritage of the Latinx diaspora misses the much larger call placed on us as Christians that supersedes a simple homage for 30 days.
Annual Conference focuses on opportunities in the midst of challenges
The Annual Conference is a long-standing tradition in the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. Leaders, clergy, and laity from around the state gather in-person for three days of ...
We have come a long way, but we are not there yet
August 18 marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the constitutional right to vote. We celebrate this anniversary in the midst of the current election season and with ...
We've Come This Far By Faith
The fight for racial justice, equality, and equity continues decades later, against the backdrop of de facto segregation that still exists today.
NFL team name change victory for Native people
The decision to change the name and logo of the Washington NFL team is a “huge victory” for Indian Country, said the Rev. David Wilson, conference superintendent of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary ...
'Service of Lament' challenges church on racism
United Methodist bishops, agencies collaborate on unflinching video as latest step in anti-racism initiative.
What We’ve Done (and Left Undone)
Many in America believed they had progressed from the racial turmoil of the 1960s. Then George Floyd was murdered.
Cabinet Statement in Response to Racial Injustice
From the Cabinet of the Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
Christ Church joins protestors with prayer vigil
Cynthia Metzger Phipps The scenes of protest in South Florida were unavoidable. People of all backgrounds marched last weekend for justice after the death of George Floyd at the hands of ...
Coming together to seek social justice
Building on inter-racial relationships, United Methodist Congregations in two different communities, help to organize vigils and opportunities to work for reconciliation.
A trip back in time and a sobering vision
A visit to Virginia last October by a diverse group of United Methodists led participants to an inescapable conclusion. The first step to ending racism is to acknowledge it exists.
“Great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions”
A line in a prayer led Steve Harper to go from a non-affirming theology to a different journey for the full inclusion of the LGBTQ community.
Conference has new emphasis on Hispanic/Latino ministries
A refugee from Castro’s Cuba whose family endured imprisonment and forced labor for their religious devotion, Rev. Dr. Rini Hernandez will lead the effort. He has been a church-founding pastor and Methodist district superintendent in both Cuba and Florida.
Resources for November's Native American Heritage Month available
The beginnings of Native American Heritage Month go back to 1915, when Red Fox James, a Native American of the Blackfoot Nation, rode a horse from state to state seeking approval from 24 state ...
Ministry is window into the world of immigrant teens
“Picture My Life’’ is a photography exhibit that is spearheaded by UMCM-Suncoast, a Largo-based organization that addresses poverty through innovative educational programs.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and worship resources
United Methodist Communications provides resources for outreach, celebration and worship.
Innovation creates an autism-friendly service for children
The Azalea Park UMC kids run the full autism spectrum from high functioning to those who need to wear head protection to avoid injuring themselves. Pastor Andrew Miller said he learned to think in terms of ability level instead of linear age.
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Discipleship Ministries and United States agencies provide a wealth of resources for observing the month in services or classrooms.
Southeast churches include homeless as family
Churches in the Southeast district practice the love and gratitude of radical hospitality.
Leadership development focused on women clergy
The focus on female pastors was prompted by an increase in the number of women entering the clergy, as well as a desire to see more women in leadership positions.
November marks Native American History Month
The Committee on Native American Ministries organized the first Native American Gathering in 2006 at the Life Enrichment Center in Fruitland Park near Leesburg. The April 2019 event is expected to draw more than 70 attendees.
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.
A heart for things to be just and right in the world
UMC members from churches around Hillsborough County, joining with the interfaith group Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality (HOPE), focus on a few issues each year that they believe need immediate attention.
Alachua interfaith coalition responds to past hatred
Responding to former evangelical Pastor Terry Jones' burning of the Quran in 2010, Alachua County churches and other organizations formed a coalition to create change. They recently completed their sixth Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build Day.
Two is better than one: Historic churches form covenant
Two Jacksonville churches were steeped in history but faced financial and structural challenges. They formed a unique covenant and now share a sanctuary on Sunday mornings, along with bills for utilities, insurance and lawn care.
Miracle Village story takes center stage off-Broadway
For nearly four weeks, New York theater-goers received an intimate look at life in Pahokee, thanks to an off-Broadway play, "America is Hard to See." A talented cast portrayed the heart and soul of Miracle Village, a place where many of its residents are convicted sex offenders.
Igniting Men roundtable discusses need for racial unity
In an effort to find solutions to end racism, a roundtable discussion was held at a recent Igniting Men conference at Mandarin UMC. Christian leaders addressed a need for racial unity and focused on building relationships that model the love of Jesus.
Black History Month: African-Americans contributing to the Church
African-Americans are a vital part of the tapestry of The United Methodist Church. They have played important roles in the development of the denomination in the United States since 1758. The denomination provides resources, stories, multi-media features and historical perspective to celebrate Black History Month in February.