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.
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.
Commissioning and Ordination Services Take On Special Meaning
Leadership in the time of COVID-19 takes on a special challenge that Florida United Methodists rose to accept.
Showing love and support in the face of COVID-19
A repast -- from the Latin word meaning "to eat" -- is often part of any home-going service. It gives the family and mourners a bit of needed closure and fellowship. But how could that happen in the COVID-19 world? When it came time to say goodbye to beloved member Jessie Loretta McSwain Denson, Trinity UMC in Lake City showed it can be done.
Creation Care rises in the time of COVID-19
The FLUMC Creation Care Task Team will hold a statewide Creation Care Zoom gathering on August 25.
In reopening UMC preschools, one size doesn't fit all
Churches in the Florida Conference that operate daycares and preschools have grappled with how to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, or whether to reopen at all.
Worship and Ideas: Encouragement for Back To School
Dear Florida Conference Sisters and Brothers: In this time leading up to a new school year there is heightened anxiety about a return to class. Normally this time of year is a joyful one ...
For the elderly, protection comes at a cost
Senior citizens are among the most vulnerable to the ravages of COVID-19, so they need special protection. But that often means isolation, loneliness, and missing their church and family.
Pandemic challenges music ministers and choirs
Churches throughout the United Methodist denomination show how to keep a music ministry alive despite COVID-19.
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.
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.
Conference will control historic cemetery after church closing
The closing of any church in the Florida Conference can be difficult, but members of Asbury United Methodist Church in New Port Richey have an extra concern. Asbury will close its doors as an ...
Warren Willis camp to remain closed for the summer
The Warren Willis Camp in Fruitland Park will remain closed for the summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though the state of Florida recently allowed summer camps to open, a message the Camp’s ...
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.
Florida Conference churches respond to their neighborhood food shortages
United Methodist churches New Horizon and Community of Hope are among many Florida Conference churches doing what they can to provide aid during the COVID-19 crisis.
Zoe Empowers: A Christian response to a humanitarian crisis
Many Florida United Methodist churches are involved in the project, which was founded in 2004 to help orphans left in the wake of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa to break the cycle of hunger and poverty.
Korean church kicks drive-thru food pantry into high gear during COVID-19
The Korean UMC of South Florida had a dream to serve as a feeding site for low-income families. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it was time to make that dream a reality.
On a global mission to make a difference where it's needed most
EDITOR’S NOTE: In February, Cuban missionaries Leonardo Garcia and his wife, Cleivfy Benitez Garcia, were in Florida as part of their itineration – a practice where missionaries visit churches to tell...
A willing spirit of volunteerism inspires Hope For Tampa
Hope N. Griffin had an idea about how to fill the chronic shortage of medical masks. But even she is surprised at how effective Hope For Tampa has been at sewing and distributing free masks for medical workers.
“Seminary certainly never prepared me for ministry in times like these"
A pandemic is more than just streaming worship online. Pastors still have to find a way to care for and support members of their congregation in this time of social distancing. It isn't easy, but some say it's also an opportunity.
Easter message will be the same, no matter how it's delivered
United Methodist pastors throughout Florida face different challenges to deliver their Easter Sunday worship services.
Palms posted on doors unite Methodists at the start of Holy Week
A simple declarative act by United Methodists throughout Florida on Palm Sunday proved there is a way to find community in the forced isolation wrought by COVID-19.
Florida United Methodists responding well to online worship services
The initial response to a survey about on-line streaming worship services is positive.
Helping children during the COVID-19 crisis
There are effective strategies for helping children through this challenging time.