Local Church Training Events

Each year, the Conference offers virtual training covering ten subjects over five consecutive weeks. Each subject has three opportunities for you to attend. Trainings began this past weekend and will continure throughout the month. The meetings will not be recorded. There’s still time to register.

Topics being covered include:

• Lay Leader/Member to AC Training LAST SESSIONS ARE FEB 6

• FLUM Children's Home Local Church Representatives LAST SESSIONS ARE FEB 8

• Local Church Financial Policies and Best Practices 

• Disaster Recovery

• Human Resources

• Ministry Protection for Trustees

• Local Church Finance Auditing & Best Practices

• Nominations/Lay Leadership Development Training

For registration and more info on the above sessions, click here.

News from the FLUMC

Bishop Berlin Announces New District Superintendent

Bishop Tom Berlin announced the appointment of Rev. Catherine Fluck Price as the new North West District Superintendent effective July 1, 2024. She will follow Rev. Clarke Campbell-Evans who will retire on June 30 after 40 years of service in The Florida Conference. Read more here.

WATCH: Bishop Berlin’s State of the Conference Address

Bishop Berlin gave a State of the Conference address in four in-person gathering in mid-January. In this address, he shared an inspiring message on reorienting ourselves to the resurrection of Christ, updates from the Realignment Team, details of what we can expect in the coming months and more. Watch the video here.

World Parish Mission Stories for Epiphany

The Florida United Methodist Heritage Center has been on a mission to capture stories, narratives, videos and original devotions written by missionaries connected to the Florida Conference. During Epiphany, they are sharing special videos and devotions. Check out this week’s devotion, here.

Share your Story: Why are you a United Methodist?

Laity and clergy are invited to share their thoughts on why they became United Methodists and why they stayed through the struggles of the last few years. What about this denomination and your home church keeps you coming back? Check out more here.

The UMC Connection

A Beginner’s Guide to General Conference

General Conference is the only body that can set official policy for the United Methodist Church. It has the authority to make revisions to the denomination’s Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions. The coming General Conference will bring together lay and clergy delegates from four continents whose decisions will affect how millions of United Methodists do church for years to come. Read more on how General Conference is organized and how the work is done here.

From GCFA - Data-driven Discernment: Charting Hope at General Conference

In anticipation of the upcoming General Conference, the General Commission on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is publishing videos and materials to provide data-driven discernment, in an effort to educate delegates and members alike on pressing financial and legal issues facing the denomination. The first educational video, “Strengthening the Episcopal Fund,” is being released today and is accompanied by current financial reporting and economic modeling. Watch the video and check out the additional resources here.

Applications OPEN for 2024 Mustard Seed Migration Grants

United Methodist churches in the U.S. will have the opportunity to help immigrants, migrants and refugees living in their local communities again in 2024. The United Methodist Committee on Relief’s (UMCOR) Mustard Seed Migration Grant program, now in its fourth year, provides congregations with up to $2,000 for a one-time, community-based service project. Click here.

SIGN UP FOR THE LAITY SPACE UPDATE

Would you like to receive the Laity Space Weekend Update directly to your inbox? Sign up today to receive updates each Saturday before noon on the important news and discussions for the laity of the Florida Conference. Sign up here.