_{The Sunshine Connection}

September 3, 2026

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What's Happening In Florida Conference UCC

Introducing Rev. Mary Nelson

Bridge Conference Minister for

Florida Conference United Church of Christ

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Rev. Mary Nelson comes to us with a wealth of experience across the Church. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Rev. Nelson attended Grinnell College and earned a BA in Religious Studies, then attended the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, for her MDiv. A lifelong member of the United Church of Christ, she served as a pastor in UCC congregations in Atlanta and in Colchester, Vermont, and during that time became the first Treasurer of the 2030 Clergy Network of the UCC. She served as a Regional Minister in the Connecticut Conference (later Southern New England Conference) from 2014 to 2021, and then became the Transitional Conference Minister of the Missouri Mid-South Conference from 2021 through 2025. Since the beginning of 2026, Rev. Nelson has served as Bridge Pastor of First Congregational Church UCC of Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Rev. Nelson has served on several committees and task forces for the national setting of the United Church of Christ over the years; most notably, co-chairing the Giving Task Force, which reimagined OCWM and proposed a “new plan of giving” adopted by General Synod in 2017. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees of Chicago Theological Seminary, and on the Board of Directors of United Church Funds; she is Chair of UCF’s Sustainable and Responsible Investing Committee.

Mary and her partner Brian live in Holyoke, Mass., with their cat, Tiberius.

Mary's Bridge Conference Ministry will be hybrid, sharing her time between Massachusetts and Florida until a Settled Minister is called. The Board of Directors and Staff look forward to her ministry and leadership within the Florida Conference.

FL Conference Board of Directors:

Serving Together with Hope

Throughout the summer months, the Florida Conference Board of Directors has been putting in extra time to serve together with renewed hope.

During this time of transition, we held an in-person Board Training, called Bridge Conference Minister Rev. Mary Nelson, elected Rev. Shawn Proctor as our new Vice Moderator, and held Special Board Meetings to review offers on the Conference Property at 9300 University, one of which has been accepted.

By serving together with hope, the FL Board of Directors has remained dedicated and committed to serving the mission and vision of the Conference. If you are interested in serving as a leader in the Conference, please be in touch. We would love to hear from you!

God is still speaking,

Sheila

2027 Annual Gathering

Save the Date | February 4-6, 2027

Neighbors in Need | SUN October 4th

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

You are invited to attend:

Preparedness Month Kick- Off

Tuesday, September 8 | 3pm.

Join UCC Disaster Ministries, Insurance Board, Pension Boards, and Cornerstone Fund, for a collaborative Preparedness Month kickoff webinar. Through an interactive mock disaster scenario, participants will explore practical strategies for how churches can effectively care for congregants, support clergy, safeguard facilities, and serve their communities when disasters strike.

Church Moderators Community of Connection | Tues, September 8th

Tuesday | September 8th | 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

What's Happening In Our Local Churches

Sacred Connections Flier

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.

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

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:

September 23: Gen Z and Generosity
October 28: Thanking People

Upcoming Webinars from UCC

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.