02.18.25

Note from Jessica Scott
Associate Conference Lay Leader

Friends,

How is it with your soul? My soul is both full of joy and tinges of sorrow.

In January, I began my fifth year, or my second of three quadrennia, serving on the Board of Ordained Ministry. The first week of February was interview week, in which the full board gathers and interviews candidates for ordained ministry. 

This work is both exhausting and vivifying. Walking alongside these folks who are called to ordained ministry is an honor. I am always humbled by their witness and faithfulness, even when the path isn’t easy. In our conversations, I am often in awe of how God uses each of us for ministry, ordained or not, in beautiful, surprising ways.

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

It’s a passage I return to when considering how and where I am called to serve. My hope for you is that you’ll continue to be intentional in how you use your gifts and talents to make disciples and transform the world. 

Around Florida

• February is Black History Month and Bishop Berlin has shared a reflection on the impacts of the African American and Black communities on the Church. Check it out here.

• When was the last time you visited Warren Willis United Methodist Camp and Retreat Center? Take a walk (via video) with Rev. Corey Jones, Executive Director, as he shares the latest updates. 

• With uncertainty looming and a shifting climate, please consider familiarizing yourself with the resources available for immigration. 

Around the Connection

• Have questions about Regionalization? Want to know about what’s next in the process? Are you just curious to know more? UMCOM is hosting an information session on February 20. Click here to check out the details. Registration is here.

• Wondering how the freeze of USAID is affecting missions and ministries, such as Africa University? The United Methodist News Service shared this story.

• The Germany Central Conference elected the Rev. Werner Philipp, a district superintendent in eastern Germany, on the seventh ballot.

In hope,

Jessica Scott
Associate Conference Lay Leader

Cultivating a Culture of Care

Caring for others is at the heart of a thriving, Christ-centered community. Whether you’re comforting someone in grief, welcoming neighbors to your local food pantry, or simply being present for those who feel forgotten, care ministry makes a lasting impact both inside and outside the church. Our upcoming two-day Care Training Workshop for clergy and laity will equip you with practical tools and compassionate approaches to extend care with confidence and grace.

FLUMC Local Church Training

Empower your ministry with essential skills, inspiring insights, and valuable resources tailored for local church leaders. Trainings are via zoom covering seven topics over six months. For more information on the offerings and registration, click HERE.

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