06.23.25

Note from Derrick Scott III
Conference Co-Lay Leader

Dear friends —

It’s been just a few weeks since many of us gathered for Annual Conference 2025. From the ministry reports to the times of worship to the celebration of our connectional life together, there was so much to take back to our local congregations and communities. Most memorable for me, however, was the way the laity showed up this year. From the start of the Laity Celebration to packing out the Laity Orientation (more on this in a moment), the lay members of the Annual Conference were present and ready to participate. We have much to be grateful for in the FLUMC!

I do want to acknowledge the feedback we’ve received since FLAC25 ended. While the vast majority of you had a positive experience this year, I know we still have lots of work to do, specifically around communication and accessibility for our lay members. Please receive my sincere apologies for the lack of seating at the Laity Orientation. We should have anticipated a larger turn out. We have heard the voices of those whose experience at FLAC25 was less than ideal, and we are working to do better.

All that said, I know I am not the only one who awakened to grace in new ways while at FLAC25! I've got a notepad of wise quotes from Rev. Rodrigo Cruz, Rev. John Yambasu, Bishop Haupert-Johnson, and more. And I have a pretty long list of action items too! Like Pentecost, Annual Conference is a time for empowerment and realignment so that we can go back to our local contexts ready to do the work of ministry. As we move into the summer months, let's remember our connection as United Methodists in ministry together and the communities of Florida we are called to transform. I am praying for you and cheering for you!

Awakening to Grace,

Derrick Scott III

Conference Co-Lay Leader

Recap of Annual Conference 2025

Annual Conference Summary
Read a brief fact sheet of the Annual Conference business, major votes items and more. Click HERE.

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.

Annual Conference Livestream Recordings
View the video recordings of all the main sessions including the Laity Celebration with Todd Willis, the Bible Study with Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz and the Service of Licensing, Commissioning and Ordination with Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson by clicking HERE.

The Latest from the FLUMC and Beyond

Faith in Food and Health - Week of Action (June 22-29, 2025)
There is pending legislation that threatens to impose devastating cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other vital programs supporting millions of Floridians' health and well-being. These cuts would disproportionately harm children, seniors, people with disabilities, working families, and rural communities—those whom our faith traditions call us to protect. Join other Florida UMs in meaningful action to support and uplift our communities during this critical moment. Click HERE for more information.

Connect Your College Student to Florida Campus Ministries
Whether they are a recently graduated high school senior or a college-aged young adult heading back to campus this Fall, 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 out their information on their behalf.

UMNews: United Methodist ministries named in House probe
Four United Methodist ministries — including The UMC Council of Bishops, the bishops’ Immigration Task Force, United Methodist Board of Church and Society, and the Immigration Law and Justice Network are among 215 nonprofits facing demands from a U.S. congressional committee about their work with immigrants. Read more HERE.

Love Alike: A Small Group Practice Engaging Faith & Politics
Love Alike is a new three-part small group resource from Reconciling Ministries Network designed for communities seeking deeper conversations around identity, justice, and inclusion through the lens of faith. Grounded in Wesleyan theology and shaped by real-life stories, each session invites participants into meaningful reflection on how we live out God’s call to love—not in sameness, but in solidarity. Click HERE for more.

Full Communion Dialogue with the Episcopal Church Advances
In May, the United Methodist Church and The Episcopal Church dialogue committee met in person for the first time since The UMC General Conference approved the full communion agreement and The Episcopal Church General Convention affirmed the process toward full communion but not the agreement itself. Read more HERE.

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