_{The Sunshine Connection}

July 9, 2026

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What's Happening In Florida Conference UCC

Dear Florida Conference UCC, Friends in Christ,

Grace and Peace to you.

I write to share with you that I have submitted my letter of resignation to the Board of Directors announcing the conclusion of my ministry as the Transitional Conference Minister of the Florida Conference UCC following twenty months of service effective July 31, 2026 with vacation during the first two weeks of August.

I thank you for the journey we shared together as we walked alongside one another working to connect, empower, and engage, while doing the transitional work of preparing the Conference for settled Conference leadership.

I am grateful for the many gifts I experienced in Florida: the ministry of the Conference and its unique voice and mission; the variety of ministries in which our congregations are engaged; the faithful and excellent ministry of our staff and leadership; the beautiful coastline of the state, and its lovely weather, most of the year. And, more.

I take leave confident that the Holy Spirit is guiding this Conference to a new time and that you are blessed with gifts unnumbered.

Continued blessings and peace to you,

Nayiri Karjian

The Board of Directors is working closely with the UCC National setting to ensure a thoughtful transition and will share additional information as plans are finalized.

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 Giving . Visit uccfla.org to submit your OCWM gift or make a contribution to the many ministries of the Florida Conference.

For Authorized Ministers

Church Moderators Community of Connection

Tuesday | July 14th | 12:00-1:00pm
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 meets on the second Tuesday of each month and is facilitated by Rev. Nayiri Karjian.

Disaster Response Ministry

From Coordinator John Ristow

What's Happening In Our Local Churches

Help Wanted: Christ Congregational UCC

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

Progressive Spirit UCC's Outreach team had volunteers participating in Feeding NE Florida’s (FNEFL’s) “SUMMER SNACKDOWN” event on June 18. “When schools close for summer, thousands of local children face their toughest opponent: hunger.” Here are some pictures of packing in progress and a photo of our group's completed bins from the Feeding NEFL Summer Snackdown event.

Feeding Northeast Florida is the largest, most efficient food bank serving twelve (12) counties. They work with retail partners, manufacturers, and farms to rescue high-quality food for those in need. Thanks to the generosity of our community, they are able to purchase additional food resources to meet the needs of local families and individuals who struggle to put food on the table. The support of their partners and individuals enables the work to serve over 97,000 of our neighbors in need every day.

What's Happening In the Wider Church

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 a effort with the Values in Action Foundation and your 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.

Planned Giving Seminar Registration

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

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.