Florida Episcopal Area

Cedar Key United Methodist Church, located near where Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, is experiencing flooding for the first time in its history because of the record storm surge. Members are scrambling to remove carpeting and linoleum to allow the floor to dry out properly. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Robin Jocelyn.

United Methodists begin Idalia recovery

After the monster storm roared onto land, United Methodists in the U.S. Southeast were assessing the damage and responding to immediate needs. Church members from neighboring states also were quick to offer a helping hand.

Annual Conferences

UM News is the official news gathering agency of the 13-million member United Methodist Church. Map courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by UM News.

Exiting Florida churches’ lawsuit dismissed

A Florida judge dismissed a lawsuit originally filed by 106 churches seeking to leave The United Methodist Church without paying exit fees. However, the judge’s ruling opened the way for an appeal.

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.

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