The Sunshine Connection

September 10, 2026

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What's Happening In Florida Conference UCC

Rev. Mary Nelson

Bridge Conference Minister

[Click to Enlarge]

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 | Sunday, 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

 

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

An Appeal for Help for Nepal after Flooding

by Renee DeLuca | published on Sep 8, 2026

The United Church of Christ, through the Global HOPE team and Global Ministries, is actively supporting the relief and response activities of ACT Alliance and our local Global Ministries partners who are providing shelter, food and nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), education, and mental and psychosocial support for affected communities. The UCC has launched an urgent appeal to deliver critical life-saving aid to help meet immediate humanitarian needs while supporting long-term recovery efforts.

Click here to read more

 

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.”

Read More




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 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.


WEEKLY UCC EVENTS

NEWS FROM THE UCC

UCC ACTION CENTER

UCC DAILY DEVOTIONAL

 

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.

Conference Staff

Rev. Mary Nelson

Bridge Conference Minister

📧 conference-minister@uccfla.org

689-500-7280


Rev. LaTrell Harrison

Associate Conference Minister for

Search and Call and Congregational Care

📧 lharrison@uccfla.org

689-500-7386


Neal Watkins

Minister of Church Vitality and Vision

📧 nwatkins@uccfla.org

689-500-7288



Beth Shedden Scarbeary

Financial Administrator

📧 bshedden@uccfla.org

407-835-7501 x7392


Mary Allen Briceno

Administrative Specialist

📧 office@uccfla.org

COM Registrar

📧 registrar@uccfla.org

407-835-7501 x7670


John Ristow

Volunteer Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

📧 disasterministries@uccfa.org 

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