Laity Space Update - 07.11.25

07.11.25

A joint statement from Bishop Tom Berlin, Rev. Dr. Sharon G. Austin, FLUMC Director of Justice Ministries, Rev. Sherlain Stevens of the FLUMC Prison and Jail Ministry, and Rev. Beth Bostrom of the FLUMC Peace With Justice Coordinator was released on July 7 addressing the detaining of undocumented persons at the South Florida facility known as Alligator Alcatraz.

Read the statement HERE and the follow up article by Joe Henderson HERE.

Connecting in the FLUMC

Connect your College Students to FLUMC Campus Ministries
Help us connect to college-aged young adults in your family, congregation or community. Whether they are a recently graduated high school senior, a college-aged young adult heading back to campus this fall or working, we have United Methodist campus ministers and collegiate leaders across the state of Florida who are ready to meet your students where they are. Make sure they get connected this summer! Share THIS CONTACT FORM with a college student or fill it out their information on their behalf. The campus minister at or near your campus will be in touch.

Lay Pilgrimages in 2026
We announced that there will be two lay-focused pilgrimages offered in 2026: Civil Rights Pilgrimage in March and Wesleyan Heritage Tour in Late September/October. More info is coming later this summer, but make sure you let us know you are interested by completing THIS FORM.

Florida Man Ministries Summit
Join United Methodist Men from across the Florida Conference for our Florida Man Ministries Summit on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at First UMC in Lakeland, FL. This one-day event will include worship, prayer, practical skill-building, and ministry tools to equip you for transformative men’s ministry leadership. Lunch is included with registration. For more information and registration, click HERE.

Join the Fresh Expressions Florida Team for the Summer Laity Gathering on July 29 for a joyful and inspiring space to explore what it means for laity to be part of the Fresh Expressions movement. For more information and registration, click HERE.

Mark your calendars for the Fall Laity Gathering on September 6th! Click HERE to register.

All Lay Leaders in the FLUMC are invited to attend including:

Lay Members to FLAC25
Local Church Lay Leaders
Laity Serving on District and Conference Committees
Lay Supply Pastors/Certified Lay Ministers
Deaconesses and Home Missioners
Florida Laity Serving in staff roles

For more info, email Derrick Scott III.

The Latest from the UMC Connection

UMCOR’s Latest Responses in the US
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and its partners are responding to disasters across the globe every day. United Methodists are invited to pray for all who have been affected by catastrophic weather events and to consider giving to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response to support these efforts. For more information, click HERE.

Official Social Principles Book Now Available
You can now purchase the Revised Social Principles as adopted at the 2020/2024 General Conference. The official document articulates The United Methodist Church’s ethical aspirations for the common good in public policies and personal commitments. For more information, click HERE.

SCD Presents: Laity Boot Camp 2025 - October 23-25, 2025 Laity Boot Camp 2025, powered by Discipleship Ministries, promises to be more than just another conference. This two-day event will take place in Kenosha, WI and aims to rekindle passion for making a positive impact in your local church and community. Building on the success of SCD 2024 (SEE//CREATE//DISCIPLE), this gathering will provide laity with practical ministry tools to enhance your faith journey and foster connections with fellow leaders. Be a part of this enriching experience and take the next step in your ministry! For more information and registration, click HERE!

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