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.
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.
B-CU students have a chance to honor Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
Two Bethune-Cookman University students who submit the best entries on how Dr. Bethune impacted their lives will win a round-trip to the U.S. Capitol when her statue is unveiled in July.
Stories from the mission fields are a perfect devotional for Lent
During this season of Lent, long-time missionaries Ardell and Gordon Graner prepared a devotional featuring 47 stories from the mission fields, showing the impact that comes from sharing Christ's love.
"I was shocked at what I saw"
Malnutrition in Angola is beyond the crisis stage. A severe drought has ravaged the land, leaving children particularly vulnerable to starvation. Statistics show 50% of them will die. Icel Rodriguez of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church is trying to help.
The Boy Scout oath makes a difference when you live the words
Scouting still provides the important values of leadership, servant development, and reinforces one's duty to God and country.
Virtually retrace our Savior's steps on the Jesus Journey
Retrace Jesus' steps on his final journey from Capernaum, to Jerusalem, and ultimately to an empty tomb on the Jesus Journey, a virtual experience offered by First Sebring UMC
Reaching seekers and the curious means going outside church walls
Living Room Church and Virtual Reality Church takes God's message to where the people are.
Worship Warehouse offers free music for churches
Congregations struggling to find resources to supplement virtual services can access free music videos covering a number of styles along with other resources in this new site in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.
United Methodists respond after devastating twisters
UM churches are mobilizing quickly to provide food, emergency shelter and other relief while also dealing with their own needs.
Florida Conference to aid relief effort from Kentucky tornadoes
How can you help? For now, Kentucky needs your prayers and donations of money.
Kenyan orphans find hope in vocational education
Four Florida UMC congregations have partnered with Inua Partners in Hope to teach nearly 900 orphans and vulnerable young people in Kenya various job skills.
"They know I am there for good"
Melissa Stevens, inmate number G30701 to the Florida Department of Corrections, didn't know anything about Rev. Kris Schonewolf the first time they met. Until that point, it had been just another day...
Annual gala to benefit Casa Vida
This was 2nd Annual Gala Casa Vida 2021 an event to raise funds for the ministry of the Unity Methodist Mission in Wahneta. Thank God the goal was achieved with the great effort of an intense team of involved leaders of the Board, sponsors, friends and supporters, together with the great support of the mother church St. John's UMC, an example of generosity supporting the missions.
"Is the community different because we're here?"
At Temple Terrace United Methodist Church, the answer is yes. The church is different, too.
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 - ...
As the garden grows at New Life UMC, so does its community involvement
Rev. Dr. Latricia Scriven had ambitious plans when she was named the pastor of New Life UMC in Tallahassee in 2019. In many ways, it was a dream assignment for her. When she was a math professor at ...
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...
Disaster Recovery Updates
Hurricane Ida, Afghan Resettlement, Haiti Earthquake & COVID Vaccination Clinics
"You absolutely could feel Jesus in the room"
Florida United Methodist churches and volunteers stepped up to provide aid and comfort at the site of the Surfside condo tragedy.
Big Pine UMC uses Hearts, Hammers & Hands to help its community
The Florida Keys have been romanticized in literature and song over the years. Still, residents of that little slice of paradise at Florida's extreme southern tip know it as something much more than ...
Rini Hernandez hears Cuban people chant "We're not afraid anymore"
Rev. Dr. Rinaldo "Rini" Hernandez initially couldn't believe the reports out of Cuba. People were marching in the streets, protesting against their authoritarian government. As a native of Cuba, he ...
The Carpenter's Shop brings toys and joy to thousands of children
A recent Community Assessment of Older Adults in Pinellas County reported that 37% of them report being bored, and 22% say they lonely and isolated. Many also experienced the loss of a spouse. To ...
United Methodists lead with their hearts in Miami disaster relief effort
So much was lost in the catastrophe at the Champlain Towers South in Surfside. Friends, family members and loved ones were gone in a moment, along with a sense of security that may well be hard 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." ...
"I feel like God is going to build something new"
The pandemic forced dramatic changes throughout the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. The result, though, may be stronger and more creative churches as they apply the lessons learned.
Meeting the musical challenge of a virtual Annual Conference
When leaders decided to hold a virtual Annual Conference for the second consecutive year, Jeremy Hearn immediately went to work. As the Worship Music Coordinator for the Florida Conference of the ...
Grants go to fight COVID-19 in India
A man runs past the burning funeral pyres of people who died from COVID-19, during a mass cremation at a crematorium in New Delhi, India. The escalating crisis in India will be addressed by The United Methodist Church through grants to entities there who have been partners in the past. Photo by Adnan Abidi, Reuters.
Centenary Camp closes, but the memories of 60 years will live on
A few miles outside the Gadsden County town of Quincy, about 40 miles west of Tallahassee, lies a beautiful green space of memories known as Centenary Camp. The 38-acre camp was founded in 1960, ...
The rich history of Trinity UMC in Tallahassee given state recognition
Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee calls itself the church with a heart. While that no doubt is true, it's also the church with a rich history of love, service, and faithfulness dating ...
After last year's shutdown, Warren Willis Camp is back in business
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck last year, the ministry at the Warren Willis Camp and Conference Center was hit particularly hard. The Board of Camps and Retreat Ministries suspended all programs in...
Going virtual doesn't change the importance of Advocacy Day
For many people, political discussions focus solely on the President, United States Senate, and the federal government's actions. However, while those can be interesting enough, the actions that ...
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.
Staying focused and thinking of others in the face of a terrifying diagnosis
Doctors said she has a deadly form of brain cancer. Cox said her top priority is finishing a badly needed medical clinic in Gaitu, Kenya. Don't bet against her.
Everyone was a winner in Super Bowl Food Challenge
While the National Football League teams from Kansas City and Tampa Bay fought for Super Bowl supremacy on the field, United Methodist churches in those areas also engaged in a spirited ...
Florida Conference answers Epiphany's call to bring light into the world
In the United Methodist Church, Epiphany marks the Magi's arrival to visit and honor the Christ child. They came at God's direction, offering, as we know, gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense. We ...
Faith, hope, love and the vaccine
A medical staff person acknowledges that she will not take the vaccine, because of her understanding of the Book of Revelation. She has chosen to ignore the robust studies of thousands of volunteers ...
Pandemic on Christmas Eve forces churches to innovate
For many families in The United Methodist Church, Christmas Eve is not complete until they hold lighted candles high and sing Silent Night at their houses of worship. The service is a chance to ...
"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 ...
Detective Hughes, now Pastor Hughes, and a story of redemption
Rachel Hughes was a detective in Pinellas County when she captured a bank robber, who was convicted and sentenced to prison. Twenty-eight years later, the robber came face-to-face with now-Pastor Hughes of Curlew UMC-Palm Harbor in a remarkable story of a life-turned-around.
A virtual mission trip? Sign up, buckle up, and experience Zoe Empowers
This is not another "how can we cope in the age of COVID-19" story. Yes, it's about virtual meetings, but it's more about sharing good news and contributing to the success of people you don't know and...
Manatee churches come together for racial and social justice
The problems of poverty and injustice in communities across Florida don't have a one-size-fits-all solution. These issues didn't materialize overnight, and they won't simply disappear without a ...
"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.