11.17.25

Note from Jessica Scott
Associate Conference Lay Leader

Dear Friends,

How is it with your soul?

Last week I had the opportunity to join about 80 clergy and lay folks in Sanford for a new innovation conference called Unfurled, Daring to Chart New Waters. Today, the United Methodist Church stands at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. Rooted in Wesleyan theology, our call to innovation is not merely about new methods or technology—it is about renewing our commitment to spreading scriptural holiness across the land. 

Scripture invites us to embrace newness in the Spirit: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19, NRSVA). God’s creativity is ever present, and as followers of Christ, we are called to discern where God is leading us next. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit empowered ordinary people in extraordinary ways, launching the church into new expressions of community and witness.

Wesleyan innovation means listening to the Spirit, honoring our history, while also stepping into the future. Whether exploring fresh outreach methods, adopting technology for connection, or reimagining worship, let us ground every endeavor in prayer and love. As Paul reminds us, “Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NRSVA).

As you move through this week, this month, this season of gratitude, I encourage you to be open to the how the Holy Spirit is guiding you to innovate and transform your community. 

In hope, 

Jessica B. Scott
Associate Conference Lay Leader

Around the Conference

Job Opening: Conference Disaster Recovery Coordinator
After almost eight years of dedicated service, Trish Warren has accepted a new role outside of FLUMC. This means the Conference is seeking a new Disaster Response Coordinator. If you know someone or are someone who might be a good fit for this important role, check it out HERE.

New from Warren Willis Camp
Have you seen Warren Willis’s own detective, “Sheer Luck” Holmes and his quest to seek out the mystery of changing lives? Check out the behind the scenes look at the ministry that is happening at Warren Willis as they kick off their annual stewardship campaign HERE.

New Series: Awakened to Grace
A new chapter of Wesleyan Rooted begins in just two weeks! Join clergy and laity across our Florida Conference in the yearlong spiritual renewal series, Awakened to Grace. Find all of the resources HERE.

Around the Connection

FLUMC News: UMC Passes Landmark Amendments
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church announced that four constitutional amendments were passed overwhelmingly and are effective immediately. Read more of Joe Henderson’s article HERE.

Commission Announces Theme for GC28
The Commission on the General Conference gathered November 10-12 in Minneapolis, Minnesota where they continued their work in preparing for the 2028 event. After vetting various concepts from United Methodist Communications, the Commission selected and voted on the theme and logo direction for the 2028 General Conference. Love Serve Lead: Empowered by the Holy Spirit. Read more of the press release HERE.

VIDEO: Connectional Table lives into the New UMC Vision
The UMC’s Connectional Table, which acts as a sort of denomination-wide church council, held its Oct. 16-19 meeting in the Philippines. During the gathering, Filipino members highlighted their church’s history and ministries, and the table focused on creating action plans aligned with the church’s new vision to “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.” Watch the video from UM News HERE.

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