SW District FL Conference UMC

10/29/2026

10/29/2026

💰 Save all you can. But it's about more than just putting money in the bank!

As we continue exploring John Wesley's teachings on money, we come to his second principle: Save All You Can.

Wesley wasn't just encouraging us to save for the future. He was challenging us to think about how we spend what we've been given, avoiding unnecessary extravagance and choosing to live with intention.

Because being good stewards of God's blessings isn't just about how much we earn. It's about how wisely we use what we have. ❤️

How can we be more intentional with what God has entrusted to us?

10/25/2026

What a full week across the South West District!

Sunday was filled with joy as I worshipped with Cornerstone UMC and then gathered with the Southernmost Mission Field for their Charge Conference that afternoon. This mission field includes five churches in Collier County and two in Lee County. It was wonderful to see everyone who came out and hear the encouraging testimonies of how faith is rising in these congregations! We are now more than halfway through Charge Conference season, with four of our seven conferences complete.

This week also held moments of grief and reflection as I attended the funeral of the youth director at Trinity UMC in Sarasota. Please continue to keep their family, friends, and church community in your prayers as they navigate this difficult loss.

Other highlights included spending a day in Punta Gorda meeting with pastors from Charlotte and Lee counties for clergy consultations, as well as an afternoon working alongside Lynn Ball on a growth plan with a church in Palmetto.

Grateful for the many ways God continues to work throughout our district, through moments of celebration, connection, planning, and even sorrow. 💙

10/20/2026

💰 Earn all you can. But what does that really mean?

John Wesley's teachings on money begin with a simple principle: Earn All You Can.

But Wesley wasn't just talking about making more money. He believed that how we earn it matters just as much as how much we earn. Our work should reflect our faith, honor God, and never come at the expense of others.

Because it's not just about what we earn. It's about how we use what God has given us. ❤️

10/16/2026

Love First: Equipping Your Church to Help Neighbors in Need is a 90-minute online training designed to help churches respond to neighbors seeking assistance, using the staff, volunteers, and resources they already have in place.

This training is especially timely with the launch of our new Love First Feeding Grant on November 1 and the Affordability Grant awards being determined in November. It's a great opportunity for churches receiving funding, as well as those simply looking for ways to better serve their neighbors, to gain practical tools and ideas to strengthen their ministries.

November 12, 2027 | 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Zoom

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10/16/2026

It's been an extra-long week, but one filled with so many good things happening across our connection! 💙🙌

🌎 Last Friday and Saturday kicked things off at the Beloved Community Summit at St. Luke's in Orlando! I was grateful to see eight churches from our South West District represented by clergy and laity, including one of our very own worship leaders serving in the band! It was a wonderful time of learning, conversation, and reflection on how we can create authentic, diverse congregations and spaces that reflect the full beauty of God's image in every person.

⛪ Sunday morning brought me to Bradenton, where I worshiped with Emmanuel UMC and First UMC Bradenton during their shared worship service. It's exciting to see these two congregations working together and exploring new possibilities as they navigate redevelopment conversations!

That afternoon, I had the privilege of presiding over the West Manatee Mission Field Charge Conference, hosted at First UMC Palmetto. We also had the opportunity to introduce our new District Co-Lay Leader, Donna Jungman, who will serve alongside Nancy Metz in supporting the ministries of our district. So grateful for their leadership! 💙

🙏 Monday was spent connecting one-on-one with clergy from our Sarasota County Mission Field. I also managed to squeeze in a little time for a walk to the beach and a check-in with my spiritual director. Sometimes those moments of reflection are just what we need in the middle of a busy season!

🚗 Tuesday through Friday took me to Lakeland for several days of meetings and Cabinet conversations. I'm thankful for the important work happening behind the scenes and for the many people faithfully serving our churches and conference.

From meaningful conversations about belonging and community to churches collaborating in new ways, this week has been another reminder of the strength of our United Methodist connection.

A full week, a grateful heart, and so much to look forward to! 🙌💙

10/14/2026

Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. But it doesn't stop there. ❤️

As we wrap up our Altogether Christian journey in the Awakened to Grace series, we're reminded of one more essential calling: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Our love for God should overflow into the way we love, serve, and care for those around us. Because faith isn't just about our relationship with God. It's about how we reflect God's love to the world.

How are you showing God's love to your neighbor today? 🙌

10/13/2026

Feed thousands. Build community. Make an eternal impact.

At Camp Warren Willis, every meal is more than food on a plate. It's an opportunity to serve guests as they encounter God, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting memories. We're seeking a Food Services Manager/Chef to lead our kitchen ministry and help nourish over 12,000 guests each year.

FLUMC - Food Services Manager/Chef at Camp Warren Willis, Fruitland Park Florida (Picciola Island on Lake Griffin)