02.17.26

Note from Jessica Scott
Associate Conference Co-Lay Leader

Dear friends,

Some days the weight of the world feels like too much.

The headlines stack up — families navigating immigration uncertainty, neighbors struggling to afford housing and healthcare, communities divided by politics and fear. It’s easy to scroll, sigh, whisper a prayer… and still feel like nothing we do could possibly matter.

Helplessness sneaks in quietly like that.

But our faith — especially in our life together as United Methodists — has never been about going it alone.

Paul writes, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)

That’s not just poetry. It’s a job description.

As part of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church and the worldwide United Methodist Church, we belong to a connection built for moments exactly like these. When the world feels heavy, we don’t throw up our hands — we link arms.

We remember something simple and powerful: small acts, done together, change lives.

Here’s what that can look like:

Right here at home

• Volunteer with local food pantries, recovery programs, or tutoring ministries through your church

• Join or start a justice or missions team

• Show up at community meetings and advocate for affordable housing, public schools, and healthcare access

• Build relationships across differences — listening is holy work, too

Across the connection

• Use action alerts and advocacy tools from the General Board of Church and Society to contact elected officials on immigration, poverty, racial justice, and creation care

• Support national and global mission efforts through UMCOR and other United Methodist ministries

• Pray and learn together using Social Principles study groups or Sunday school conversations that move us from awareness to action

None of this is flashy. It won’t trend online.

But this is how the people called Methodists have always worked — class meetings, shared tables, hands-on service, practical love.

Not lone heroes.

A connected people.

So if you’re feeling helpless, take heart. That feeling isn’t a dead end — it’s an invitation.

Find your people.

Do the next faithful thing.

Trust that God multiplies what we offer.

That’s how the body of Christ moves. And together, it’s more than enough.

Grace and peace be with you,

Jessica Barber Scott
Associate Conference Lay Leader

News from the FLUMC

Conversation with Bishop Tom Berlin
In this special episode, Co-Conference Lay Leader Derrick Scott III sits down with Bishop Tom Berlin for a candid conversation about what's on his heart for the Florida Conference right now. Bishop Berlin offers an honest, pastoral perspective on a season that feels like the world is spinning. He closes with a personal challenge for Ash Wednesday and Lent that may change how you enter this sacred season. Listen to the podcast HERE.

Join us for Regional Gatherings in March 2026
Bishop Berlin and the Episcopal Office Team look forward to reporting on what they learned from you at the fall 2025 listening sessions. See the schedule below and register HERE.

• Saint Paul's Tallahassee, March 22 @ 2 pm

• Riverside Park Jacksonville, March 22 @ 6:30 pm

• First Ocala, March 23 @ 10 am

• Peace Orlando, March 23 @ 6:30 pm

• Hyde Park Tampa, March 24 @ 1pm

• Gulf Cove, Port Charlotte, March 24 @ 6:30 pm

• Hollywood Hills, Hollywood, March 25 @ 10:30am

• First, Port St. Lucie, March 25 @ 6:30 pm

Learn about the summer curriculum for Warren Willis Campers
From FLUMC News: In preparation for the influx of attendees this summer, the leaders at the Warren Willis Camp have undertaken an ambitious project designed to make the Gospel come alive in an easily relatable and personal way. Read Joe Henderson’s new article HERE.

Memorial UMC hosts interfaith community vigil
As an act of collective pastoral care for our community, a group of local pastors offered a time of vigil and prayer Thursday night. Around 250 people gathered peacefully on the steps of Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach to recognize their shared hurt by praying, singing, and finding comfort together. Read the full article HERE.

More News from UMC Connection

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 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, be a part of this incredible gathering. For more information and registration, click HERE!

UMC Bishops Condemn Violence in Minnesota
The United Methodist Church deplores the use of violence, fear, separation, and intimidation as a means of creating social order. Such means do not build beloved community. We reaffirm our longstanding commitment to the sacred worth of every person and to the way of peace taught and embodied by Jesus. Read the full statement HERE.

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.

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