_{The Sunshine Connection}

July 30, 2026

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What's Happening In Florida Conference UCC

From: Rev. Nayiri Karjian

Transitional Conference Minister

[Click to Enlarge ]

A Time of Transition and Hope

As your newly elected Moderator, I look forward to serving our Conference in this season of leadership transition.

In recent months, several members of our leadership team have resigned, creating both challenges and opportunities for reflection, growth, and renewal. While this has been a season of unexpected change for our Conference, our Board remains united in its commitment to providing stable leadership, fostering healthy relationships, and discerning God's

direction for our future.

To help guide us during this transition, we are in the process of calling a Bridge Conference Minister who will provide interim leadership and support as we prepare to welcome our next Conference Minister.

We believe this intentional approach will strengthen our Conference and position us well for the future. We recognize that many conferences experience seasons of change, and we are committed to governing this Conference with honesty, transparency, prayer, and hope.

We invite Members of the Conference to walk alongside us in a spirit of collaboration, helping to lead with wisdom, humility, and compassion.

Together, we look forward with confidence to the next chapter of our shared ministry and to the opportunities God has before us.

In Christ’s Love,

Sheila

Rev. Dr. Sheila Harvey, Moderator

Florida Conference | United Church of Christ

Conference Office Building News

Dear Florida Conference,

Due to financial concerns related to ongoing building maintenance costs, at its May meeting, the Board of Directors voted to sell the Conference Office Building on 9300 University Ave, in Orlando.

This was not a simple or easy decision. To address the many questions and concerns that come with this decision, the Board of Directors formed an ad hoc committee to explore and make recommendations for discernment that are aligned with the vision and mission of the Conference.

The Board’s Ad Hoc Building Exploration Committee members are Kerry Weisner, Sheila Harvey, Rachel Parker McClendon and Nayiri Karjian.

The property is now listed live on several platforms. Please check them out here:

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/2942041y24210

https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/9300-University-Blvd-Orlando-FL/41446337/

https://www.crexi.com/properties/2642598/florida-9300-university-boulevard

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=6bo8Wgd15Qm&brand=0&mls=1&

Faithfully,

Board of Directors' Building Exploration Ad-Hoc Committee

Upcoming Ordinations

You are invited to a worship service to celebrate the ordination of

Shelby Hall into Christian Ministry

on Saturday, August 22 at 2pm at United Church of Gainesville

1624 N.W. Fifth Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32603

You are invited to a worship service to celebrate the ordination of

Marie Griffin into Christian Ministry

on Sunday, August 23 at 2pm at Hope United Church of Christ

2555 S Fiske Blvd Rockledge, FL 32955

Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles.

Receptions to follow

Aug 11

Church Moderators Community of Connection | Tues, August 11th

Tuesday | August11th | 12:00-1:00pm | The second Tuesday of each month
Moderators, Council Presidents, Board Chairs, and those in equivalent positions within the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ are invited to attend this monthly Zoom gathering for lay leaders. This is a welcoming, drop-in space to connect with other church leaders from across Florida, share experiences, and support one another in the work of church leadership. The gathering is facilitated by Rev. LaTrell Harrison, ACM of Search and Call and Congregational Life

A PODCAST

of the Florida Conference UCC

New Episodes Weekly

Visit, www.uccfla.org/podcast-show or subscribe on Apple or Spotify

A podcast featuring engaging conversations about faith, theology, and the issues shaping our shared life.

Join Rev. Nayiri Karjian (Transitional Conference Minister) and Neal Watkins (Minister of Vision and Vitality) of the Florida Conference UCC, as they explore timeless questions to the realities of the present moment. Grounded in conviction that God is still speaking, the conversations invite listeners into reflection, wonder and deeper conversation while exploring perspectives of faith with a spirit of curiosity, openness, and hope.

The Florida Conference UCC website is full of resources including an entire page devoted to Faith Formation Resources . Visit uccfla.org to explore the growing faith formation resources available for all ages.

For Authorized Ministers

Disaster Response Ministry

From Coordinator John Ristow

What's Happening In Our Local Churches

Help Wanted: Christ Congregational UCC Miami

Sunday School Coordinator (Part-Time)

Christ Congregational Church (UCC) is looking for a caring, creative, and reliable individual to help lead and grow our Sunday School ministry.

Right now, our program is small, but we are excited about building something meaningful and engaging as our community grows. We are looking for someone who can both care for our kids during Sunday service and who can grow with us as we expand youth programming.

Click here for full job description and contact information

What's Happening In the Wider Church

A Make a Will Resource for UCC Members

This August, the United Church of Christ is observing Make-A-Will Month by providing a free will-writing tool.

This is done in partnership between the National Ministries, The Pension Boards, and FreeWill. It’s a moment to be thoughtful stewards of family, finances, and faith. Nearly two-thirds of American adults do not have a will, and this program empowers congregation members to prayerfully plan for their future and protect loved ones.

Registration for the

2026 Southern Regional UCC Women's Retreat is OPEN!

Join the South Central, Florida, Southeast & Southern Conferences for the 2026 Southern Regional United Church of Christ Women's Retreat

For more details and the registration link click here

The UCC 2027 Desk Calendar & Plan Book Available!

“For over four decades multiple teams have touched this project and shared both time and talent creating such a worthwhile resource and point of connection between our National Ministries and the people we serve and support,” said Megan Vogias, the UCC’s director of Marketing & Communications. “My prayer is that you find just as much joy in using it as we do in creating it.”

Order Here

UCC Issues Urgent Plea After Earthquakes in Venezuela

The Global HOPE team is in working with its partners through ACT Alliance and Global Ministries to accompany those most deeply impacted by this tragedy. Members of ACT Alliance are working to provide shelter, mental health and psychosocial support services, food security and nutrition support, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support in the immediate future and plans are being developed for long-term accompaniment and recovery support. To learn more or donate click here

The UCC is part of an effort with the Values in Action Foundation and you're invited! To learn more about the movement or to sign up your church, click here.

Justice Resources For Churches

The UCC has developed tools and resources designed to strengthen the Justice Ministry in local churches. Click here to access these resources.

Stewardship Webinars | United Church of Christ

2026

Save the Dates for the 2026 Stewardship Webinars offered the following Wednesdays by the United Church of Christ. Click here for full webinar details and Zoom registration links.

Topics Include:

August 26: Narrative Budgets
September 23: Gen Z and Generosity
October 28: Thanking People

Upcoming Webinars from UCC

Pension Board Webinar: Mid-Career Check-In

UCC Partner Schools & Centers of Learning

Resources for Continuing Education

The Damascus Project a ministry of the Wisconsin and Minnesota Conferences UCC
Pathways a ministry of the Southeast Conference UCC
Lay Academy of Lancaster Theological Seminary PA Academy of Ministry
Walker Leadership Institute Eden Theological Seminary
New York School of Ministry New York Conference UCC

The UCC Action Center

The Justice and Peace Action Network is our denomination’s grassroots advocacy network that educates and engages in shaping public policy in keeping with God’s vision of a just and loving society.

Did you know that the Justice and Peace Action Network has an Action Center where you can contact your legislators on pressing issues with one click? Grounded in General Synod resolutions and consonant with historic UCC witness, and formed by a biblical understanding of prophetic ministry, the action center helps us to collectively advocate for social change across a variety of issues.

Global Ministries offers weekly prayer and stories about one of our global mission partners. This weeks prayer is with Nicaragua.

The Deadline for Sunshine Connection Articles and Submissions is Tuesday 12pm. Please email a flier and event details to: office@uccfla.org. See policy and guidelines for remittance. Thank you.