Laity Space Update 09.08.25

09.08.25

Note from Jessica Scott
Associate Conference Lay Leader

Dear friends,

Several years ago, I was chatting with my good friend Helen Ryde, lamenting my frustration with how getting anything done seemed impossible. We were working on some coalition-building and it felt like we weren’t making any progress. Ever the encourager, they reminded me that this kind of work is many small steps that add up to change.

On Saturday, nearly 120 United Methodists from around the Florida Conference gathered on Zoom for a morning of connection and sharing. We shared stories of grace, resources for ministry, and joys from every corner of our connection.

In a breakout session, I shared that I’ve been struggling with feelings of helplessness. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when it seems everything is in flux and so many issues are calling for our attention. I was reminded of Helen’s encouragement: Take the small steps. The things that feel small are actually huge to the people whose lives are made better.

Whether it’s a package of tuna fish in a local food pantry or a disaster recovery bucket that helps a church or family clean up after a storm, each act of service can make a real difference on those who need it most. Even if they don’t yet know it.

I invite you to find ways to make small impacts in your own immediate community.

Jessica B. Scott
Associate Conference Lay Leader

Join us for the Florida Man Summit on Saturday, September 27th at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland, where United Methodist men from across Florida will gather to explore what it means to live as modern Wesleyan disciples. This transformative day runs from 9am to 4:30pm and features inspiring worship, practical workshops on topics like fitness and hospitality, panel discussions on the future of men's ministry, and opportunities to build genuine community with other men. Click the image above for more information and registration.

The Latest from
Laity Space Podcast

In this episode, Jessica Scott sits down with Bella Coleman, who served as a young adult counselor with the youth delegation at AC25 and Carrie McConnell-Scruggs, Conference Secretary to talk about all that happened at Florida Annual Conference in June 2025. Check out the episode HERE.

Conference News, Reminders and Updates

Fall Laity Gathering Resources
Whether you weren’t able to attend the gathering or just want to revisit all we talked about, you’ll find all the resources from our Fall Gathering HERE.

Listening Tour with Conference Leaders
This is an opportunity for clergy and laity to come together and share what God is doing in your congregation and community. More info HERE.

Buckets of Hope Challenge
Visit the website here to learn how you can help disaster recovery ministry.

Lay Servant Ministry Training
Check out Be A Disciple for a full catalog of digital learning.

Bishop’s Berlin’s Reflection in Response to Gun Violence
In the wake of another school shooting Bishop Tom Berlin implores, “While You Pray, Move Your Feet”

FLUMC News: Icel Rodriguez’s Retirement
Director of Global Missions Icel Rodriguez is retiring at the end of this month. Check out this tribute to her faithful service

UMNews: Church’s light shines bright in New Orleans
Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, this New Orleans church’s light shines bright. Click HERE to read the story.

This Advent, the Florida Conference will launch Awakened to Grace, a year-long iniitative guiding churches and individuals into deeper spiritual rhythms rooted in the Wesleyan tradition. Click HERE to watch the promo video from Bishop Tom Berlin and check out the website HERE.

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

09.08.25

Note from Jessica ScottAssociate Conference Lay Leader

Dear friends,

On Saturday, nearly 120 United Methodists from around the Florida Conference gathered on Zoom for a morning of connection and sharing. We shared stories of grace, resources for ministry, and joys from every corner of our connection.

Whether it’s a package of tuna fish in a local food pantry or a disaster recovery bucket that helps a church or family clean up after a storm, each act of service can make a real difference on those who need it most. Even if they don’t yet know it.

I invite you to find ways to make small impacts in your own immediate community.

Jessica B. ScottAssociate Conference Lay Leader

The Latest from Laity Space Podcast

In this episode, Jessica Scott sits down with Bella Coleman, who served as a young adult counselor with the youth delegation at AC25 and Carrie McConnell-Scruggs, Conference Secretary to talk about all that happened at Florida Annual Conference in June 2025. Check out the episode HERE.

Conference News, Reminders and Updates

Fall Laity Gathering ResourcesWhether you weren’t able to attend the gathering or just want to revisit all we talked about, you’ll find all the resources from our Fall Gathering HERE.

Listening Tour with Conference LeadersThis is an opportunity for clergy and laity to come together and share what God is doing in your congregation and community. More info HERE.

Buckets of Hope ChallengeVisit the website here to learn how you can help disaster recovery ministry.

Lay Servant Ministry TrainingCheck out Be A Disciple for a full catalog of digital learning.

Bishop’s Berlin’s Reflection in Response to Gun ViolenceIn the wake of another school shooting Bishop Tom Berlin implores, “While You Pray, Move Your Feet”

FLUMC News: Icel Rodriguez’s Retirement Director of Global Missions Icel Rodriguez is retiring at the end of this month. Check out this tribute to her faithful service

UMNews: Church’s light shines bright in New OrleansTwenty years after Hurricane Katrina, this New Orleans church’s light shines bright. Click HERE to read the story.