For some, Christmas brings painful memories instead of joy

The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church will hold a virtual Blue Christmas service at 7 p.m. on December 15.

Remembering Jay Weaver of Big Daddy Weave

Jay Weaver, 42, co-founding member of the Christian rock band Big Daddy Weave, died of complications from COVID-19. He was a lifelong United Methodist.

To be United Methodist: What is Advent?

Nov. 28 is the first Sunday in Advent, the time of preparation and anticipation of the coming of Christ into the world.

Prayer for the 20th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks

Heavenly Father, we commend to your mercy and grace all who died in the September eleventh attacks and all who have died in the past twenty years while laboring to end terrorism.

When did Ash Wednesday begin and why do we celebrate it?

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. Although Ash Wednesday has ancient roots, it does not appear in the rituals of The United Methodist Church or our predecessor denominations until the 20th century.

Commentary: The Christmas Star can bring light into our darkness

The Grand Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn combines to create the appearance of a giant, brilliant star. Many theorize its what guided the Wise Men to the baby Jesus. The phenomenon happens just once every 800 years. In this time of darkness and turmoil, we could use this light. It will occur on Dec. 21 as the winter solstice occurs, the longest night of the year.

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 ...

At 94, he’s ‘Mr. Music of United Methodism’

FLUMC churches move ahead with re-opening plans

Churches now have the option to reopen for in-person worship. There is a variety of ideas about how to proceed.

When you can't be at the church, the church can come to you online

The COVID-19 crisis has United Methodist churches throughout Florida and elsewhere focused on streaming technology to keep parishioners engaged.

Passing the peace instead of germs

Pass the peace, not a virus. The tradition in many United Methodist churches of greeting fellow parishioners with a handshake or a hug is giving way to caution because of current events. Churches "...

‘Blue Christmas’ service gives comfort for the hurting

Dealing with loss or pain at the holidays can be difficult, but some churches offer special services to address that need.

Children’s joyful dancing part of worship service

“They are part of a dance company. No experience is needed. It’s an outlet for them to express spiritual joy without competition and feeling they have to be perfect.”

A pastoral letter at Holy Week from Bishop Ken Carter

Holy Week is a complicated series of actions, with every variance of human emotion and failure. Life in a denomination can be complicated, but no more complicated than a local church or a family. The same Jesus who is surrounded with imperfect followers is the one who prays for their unity (John 17).

Camping Sunday is Feb. 24

Camping Sunday is the perfect time for those who have attended camps to share their stories. They also can share a message of the need for scholarship money to help send kids to camp.

Abide 21: Community unites through prayer

Fourteen congregations from Avon Park to Lake Placid, Sebring and smaller communities along the way have joined an ecumenical movement called Abide 21. It consists of 21 days of prayer and fasting from Jan. 6-27.

Blessings, renewal and hope for the coming New Year

Here are 12 Bible verses of renewal and hope for the coming New Year.

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy the lyrics of the hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and The Piano Guys' music video of a simple arrangement.

A Thanksgiving Day prayer

A Thanksgiving Day prayer is offered for expressing our gratefulness to the Lord.

Your Easter memories: worship, food and prayer

Easter weekend has come and gone, but the memories we have made together will live on. Thank you for filming and sharing your memories with us. See our Easter highlights reel, curated from your very own Facebook posts.

Digital church 'meets them where they are'

Sanctuaries without walls take on new meaning when churches turn to digital technology. From live internet chats during services to liturgies performed online a world away, Florida Conference churches are finding new ways to connect worshippers.

In the city of David, a Savior has been born to you...

Excerpted from Luke, Chapter 2, is the story of our Savior's birth in Bethlehem.