News & Views

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.

In addition, News & Views is pleased to bring you an interactive Bible crossword puzzle, with new puzzles available weekly. Click here to access this week's crossword puzzle. Have a story to share? Email webadmin@flumc.org or click here to use our convenient “Submit a story” form.

Image courtesy of www.ChristianBibleReference.org. Copyright © by Cliff Leitch.

March 29, 2023

Commentary: Looking at the totality of Jesus' sacrifice for each of us

Maybe we know the Easter story too well. Familiarity can cause even the most magnificent event to lose impact.

March 29, 2023

What Christians Need to Know About Policies that Exclude DEI and CRT

Our Florida State Legislature is in session making policy from March 7 to May 5, 2023. Once again, ...

March 27, 2023

Study shows strong support from Blacks to remain United Methodists

However, with racism, advancement opportunities, and pay inequity as obstacles, they also say the status quo is not acceptable.

March 15, 2023

Commentary: As Methodists grapple with disaffiliation, the world is watching

Do we continue to show the love of Christ even in our denominational disagreements? Or is it more about following rules?

March 13, 2023

News, Notes, and Announcements from The Florida Conference

March 02, 2023

Florida UMC missionaries help provide eye-opening care in Angola

While malaria and malnutrition remain major problems, cataracts are a significant, less-publicized issue.

February 28, 2023

As the Warren Willis Camp turns 75 this year, it's still "a sacred space"

The Warren Willis Camp United Methodist Camp plans a summer-long celebration of its past while looking to the future.

February 27, 2023

"A person will never be able to love their neighbor as themselves until they decide that they are against racism."

We are coming to the end of Black History Month as the days of February rapidly pass. I found it an ...

February 24, 2023

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

February 10, 2023

A special message everyone needs to hear on Valentine's Day

No one should live on Loveless Lane.

February 08, 2023

Edgewater UMC praised God through the storm with its lips and actions

Hurricane Ian badly damaged Edgewater UMC, but that didn't stop the church from providing vital services to its community.

January 29, 2023

Bishop Berlin Announces Changes to Cabinet Leadership

Bishop Tom Berlin announced today the appointment of three district superintendents and the creation...

January 28, 2023

Bishop Tom Berlin's message: Reach out to those who live on Loveless Lane

Bishop Berlin was installed Saturday as the leader of The Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.

January 25, 2023

Haiti is the face of resilience despite incredible challenges

Disasters, hunger, and violence is routine in Haiti. But The United Methodist Church won't let the people be forgotten.

January 20, 2023

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.

January 20, 2023

Florida Conference historical records now available from the comfort of your home

The Florida United Methodist Heritage Center has the immense privilege and careful task of ensuring ...

January 17, 2023

Disaffiliating churches could face huge insurance costs

The Conference insurance program will no longer cover churches that choose to leave the Florida Conference.

January 10, 2023

North Georgia Conference hits pause on disaffiliations

Conference leaders said they arrived at the decision because so much misinformation was being spread that they couldn’t trust the validity of congregational votes.

January 06, 2023

Bishop Berlin Announces Virtual Special Sessions of the Annual Conference

Dear Lay and Clergy Members of the Florida Annual Conference: As the new resident bishop of The ...

January 06, 2023

Fresh Expressions FL welcomes new team addition

Fresh Expressions Florida is excited to announce the newest addition to the Conference team: Jessica Taylor.

January 05, 2023

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.

December 20, 2022

Peace, Patience and the Promise of God

In anticipation of his birth, there was a word from the prophet, Isaiah: He will be called wonderful...

December 14, 2022

"We Are On The Way to a Better Church”

“We Are On The Way to a Better Church” Remarks shared with The Florida Conference Hyde Park UMC, ...

December 14, 2022

AC 2023 resolutions due Jan. 31

According to the Standing Rules of the Florida Conference, Par. 206 2(d), “All submitted resolutions must be received by the Conference Secretary by Jan. 31. . .

December 14, 2022

Church court: No new elections needed for 2024 General Conference

The Judicial Council, The United Methodist Church’s top court, faced questions about whether the coming legislative assembly should be regarded as the postponed 2020 session or the next regular session.

December 12, 2022

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.

December 07, 2022

Bishop Ken Carter's era remembered for his compassion and vision

As Bishop Carter prepares to leave Florida for the Western Carolina Conference, he is recalled as a voice of calm leadership in times of trouble.

December 05, 2022

Update from Bishop Carter about churches withdrawing from lawsuit

We are committed to providing you regular communications on the life of our Conference as it relates to our ministries as well as the greater health and wholeness of the body of Christ called The Florida Conference. To this end, we would like to share an update on the lawsuit that has been brought against The Florida Conference, our conference treasurer, members of our Board of Trustees, the district superintendents, and me.

November 18, 2022

Apportionments and End of Year Payments

Apportionment payments for 2022 must be received in the lockbox at Regions Bank or paid online by ...

November 16, 2022

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.

November 10, 2022

From Great Obstacles, Come Great Opportunities

Before our nine-person team even left the United States, obstacles started stacking up against us. ...

November 05, 2022

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.

November 04, 2022

Bishop Kenneth Carter moves from the Florida Conference

Newly confirmed Bishop Tom Berlin assumes the post of Resident Bishop of the Florida United Methodist Church.

November 04, 2022

New bishops consecrated on final day of SEJ

Hundreds from around the region gathered Friday, Nov. 4, for the final session of the 2022 ...

November 04, 2022

SEJ passes three resolutions in evening session

A day filled with activity and some controversy ends with delegates passing three resolutions.

November 04, 2022

United Methodists to Meet in Charlotte for Worldwide Conference

The Commission on the General Conference announced that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 – May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

November 03, 2022

Dr. Robin Dease elected SEJ’s third bishop, says, "You are my family"

After a lengthy back-and-forth, SEJ delegates chose the third and final bishop of the convention.

November 03, 2022

SEJ delegates select Dr. Connie Shelton as a bishop

SEJ convention delegates have chosen two bishops, with one more to be named before the gathering concludes.

November 03, 2022

SEJ Thursday morning brings strong message but no election

The morning session of Day 2 at SEJ also included a service of remembrance

November 02, 2022

SEJ elects first bishop of session

We have an election.” With those words from Bishop David Graves, the Southeastern Jurisdictional ...

November 02, 2022

SEJ kicks off with opening worship, morning business, first ballot

Delegates, reserves, bishops, volunteers and members of the media filled the seats of Stuart Auditorium early Wednesday, Nov. 2, for the first day of the 2022 session of the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference.

October 31, 2022

Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference starts Nov. 2

Conference delegates at Lake Junaluska, N.C. will choose at least three new United Methodist Church bishops.

October 26, 2022

"We are bound together, we are brothers and sisters in Christ"

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. put the "united" in United Methodists when Florida was in need. And the Florida Conference says "thank you."

October 24, 2022

A Pastoral Update from Bishop Ken Carter

October 24, 2022 Dear Florida Conference Clergy and Laity: We are faithfully responding to a ...

October 21, 2022

Preparing for the 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference

This short letter is meant to help prepare you for the upcoming 2022 Southeastern Jurisdictional (SEJ) Conference that will take place November 2-4 at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina.

October 20, 2022

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.

October 18, 2022

UMs Connected Conversations

UMs Connected "Conversations" features Bishop Ken Carter

October 12, 2022

Even in the midst of a disaster, Florida United Methodists still focus on serving

Florida United Methodist congregations mobilized to provide relief and supplies after Hurricane Ian struck.

October 05, 2022

"I knew at that point I had to do this myself.”

When two elderly ladies from Naples, including a United Methodist, were threatened by Hurricane Ian, Dan Mulkern was in the right place with the right tools to save them. A God thing? Absolutely.

October 04, 2022

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.

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News & Views

News & Views

Image courtesy of www.ChristianBibleReference.org. Copyright © by Cliff Leitch.

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