Florida Episcopal Area

Mission and Ministry
Neighborly’s "Welcome Party" volunteers create signs that say “welcome” in Arabic, Pashto and Dari, to use at airport pickups when refugees from Afghanistan and Syria first arrive to Tallahassee, Florida. James Barnett is seated at right rear. Photo courtesy of Kristin Barnett.

Encounter at a Nicaraguan dump proves life-changing

Reading Scripture with fresh eyes, James Barnett decided to leave a lucrative career and minister with his homeless neighbors.
Disaster Relief
Members of a volunteer team from the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church clean out a home in Fort Myers, Fla., that was flooded by Hurricane Ian. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Churches walk alongside Hurricane Ian survivors

In the first weeks following Hurricane Ian striking southwest Florida, pastors and church volunteers sprang into action to assess need and provide comfort. Joey Butler reports with photos from Mike DuBose.
Disaster Relief
Ced Franklin is assisted by sheriff’s officers before being evacuated after Hurricane Ian caused widespread destruction in Matlacha, Florida, on Oct. 2. United Methodists in the region are assessing damage and responding to the needs of survivors in the wake of the deadly storm. At least 150 United Methodist churches have been damaged to varying extents, according to the Florida Conference’s disaster response coordinator. Photo by Marco Bello, REUTERS.

Hurricane recovery begins in Florida

United Methodists plan to lead the way to recovery after Hurricane Ian unleashed substantial damage in Florida and South Carolina. But volunteers are being asked to stay put until things get more organized.
Church Leadership
When the Rev. Vance Rains suggested suspending origami doves to syfrom First United Methodist Church's sanctuary ceiling, he wasn't sure what to expect. The congregation embraced the idea. Photo courtesy of the Florida Conference.

At church, paper doves send message of hope

A thousand origami doves are bringing comfort to the grieving and keeping the spirit of Pentecost going through the summer months at First United Methodist Church in Orlando, Fla.

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