04/19/2026
Pastor Rushing has some news to share on this Announcement Sunday in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.
After 3 years back home in Orlando, having the privilege of serving at Broadway United Methodist Church and living in the best neighborhood in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Heights, and serving as the Associate Pastor for Youth, Young Adults, and Congregational Care at First United Methodist Church of Orlando the past 9.5 months, Pastor Rushing has received a change of pastoral appointment.
Effective July 1, he will begin serving as the Pastor at Big Pine United Methodist Church in the Florida Keys.
While he is very excited to experience this move, to get to know the people at Big Pine United Methodist Church, explore the beauty of the Keys, and have a 3-bedroom parsonage to host many visitors, he also holds the bittersweet news that he will be leaving Lake Eola Heights, Broadway UMC, and First UMC Orlando at such a pivotal moment in the life of the United Methodist Church's presence in downtown Orlando.
Pastor Rushing does have good news: even though Broadway UMC will not be receiving a pastor to succeed me, Broadway will not be closing. The Lake Eola Heights Community Garden, Neighborhood Association Meetings, and other events and activities can still take place at Broadway in the months ahead. Additionally, there will be ongoing conversations between First and Broadway leadership to plan for a united future. It is bittersweet that this conversation will take place as Rushing departs, but rest assured that much of what is cherished at Broadway and in Lake Eola Heights can continue into the future. I am thankful the people at First UMC Orlando have begun to welcome the people of Broadway into the community through our combined worship services.
Over the next two months, Pastor Rushing's focus will be on ending his ministry at Broadway and First UMC Orlando well, with worship services at Broadway, community events in Lake Eola Heights, and leading the youth group at First UMC Orlando, including summer mission trips to Alaska and Miami.
Pastor Rushing's last service at Broadway will be June 21 at 11 AM, and at First UMC Orlando on June 28 at 9:30 and 11 AM. I will then move to Big Pine Key, with my first service at Big Pine UMC on July 5.
