01.21.26

Note from Derrick Scott III
Conference Co-Lay Leader

Friends,

I pray you are experiencing God’s grace in tangible ways as we step into a new year. I am grateful to serve alongside you as lay leaders in the Florida Conference. I am personally challenged in these first few weeks of 2026 to lean forward with expectation and a desire to remain faithful.

Here's what I know: Whether it is inside our congregations and out in our communities, our witness as laity matters. As we enter this new year, I want to encourage you to remain faithful in your roles as lay leaders. The work you do and the responsibilities you hold all carry eternal significance - even when it feels ordinary.

And here's what else I know: God isn't finished with us. While we honor all that has been, we are also called to welcome the new things God wants to do in and through us. What might God be inviting you into this year? A new ministry? A deeper commitment? A holy risk? Pay attention to those stirrings. The Spirit is on the move and we all have a part to play.

If you're looking for a way to deepen your faith and connect with our Wesleyan roots, I want to invite you to consider joining Bishop Tom Berlin, Rev. Dr. Brett Opalinski, and me for the Wesleyan Heritage Pilgrimage from September 23 – October 1, 2026. We'll travel together to England to learn about John Wesley's life and the Methodist movement. It's an incredible opportunity for spiritual growth and connection. Visit laityspace.org for more information.

Also, please mark your calendars for our Winter Laity Gathering, rescheduled for February 21, 2026, at 9am via Zoom. This gathering is a touch-point for connection, inspiration, and collaboration at the district level. All lay leaders are invited—check the information below for registration details.

Thank you for who you are and all you do. It is my honor to serve with you.

For the Sake of the World,

Derrick Scott III
Conference Co-Lay Leader, Florida Conference

More News from the FLUMC and UMC Connection

Civil Rights Pilgrimage - RESCHEDULED FOR 2027
Stay tuned for information about the Civil Rights Pilgrimage, rescheduled for the late Winter or Spring 2027. We’re excited to deepen our understanding of the intersection of Wesleyan discipleship and racial justice. More details to come.

Help Shape the Future of The United Methodist Church
The Council of Bishops and their Leadership Gathering Design Team have invited lay and clergy across the worldwide connection to participate in a survey. The results from the survey will assist with the preparations for the 2026 Leadership Gathering. Your voice will help inform how the church listens, discerns, and leads together in the years ahead. You can find the 10-12 minute survey HERE.

FXUM National Gathering 2026 at First UMC Ocala in February!
With the theme: Altogether Now: Seven Generations and Beyond, the national Fresh Expressions Gathering takes place
February 26–28, 2026 at First Ocala UMC. Registrations is donation-based for in-Person and online attendees. whether you’re a spiritual entrepreneur, a bishop, a youth leader, or someone who has been on the edge of church for a long time… come to Ocala. For more information and registration, click HERE!

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Ministry Protection released a new video in their Hot Topics series aiming to educate congregations on safeguards against carbon monoxide poisoning. Check out those resources HERE.

Laity Space is the online information hub for the laity of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.