_{The Sunshine Connection}

July 10, 2025

What's Happening In Florida Conference UCC

A Prayer from the Florida Conference UCC

This week, years of nationwide preparation culminates with the 2025 General Synod meeting in Kansas. In accordance with the bylaws of UCC, the Florida Conference is sending 13 delegates. They along with other members of Conference Staff, Conference leadership, local church leadership, laity and youth are making their way to Kansas.

Creator, for all the paths and spaces made to gather, meet, and convene we ask Your blessing. Christ, for meeting us where we are, and extending Love Incarnate we thank you.

Compassion, for Your presence in the learning, listening, and noticing, we ask for Your guidance. May Your vision of creating a Just World for All be ever present in the hearts of our siblings at General Synod in the days ahead. Amen.

From the Transitional Conference Minister

RSVP for Our Geographical Gatherings!

Click the links below to RSVP to one of our three Geographical gatherings. The Gatherings are open to anyone within the UCC church, Laity and Leadership alike!

RSVP: Venice UCC Saturday 8/9

RSVP: Ft. Lauderdale Saturday 9/6

RSVP: Jacksonville RiversideSaturday 9/27

RESOURCING YOUR MINISTRY

Calling All Church Moderators

Church Moderator Community of Connection ZOOM Drop-In

Tues Aug 12th, 12:00pm | the 2nd Tues of the month | No mtg in July

Is your church moderator looking for ways to connect with other church council leaders across the state? This is a great opportunity for lay leaders to engage in meaningful conversation, share experiences, and build connections with peers via Zoom. We look forward to fostering deeper connections and strengthening our leadership together. REGISTER HERE for the zoom link.

Clergy Connection Drop-In

Authorized Clergy of the FLUCC ZOOM Drop- In

12:00pm | the 2nd Wed of the month | No mtg in July

Authorized Ministers currently serving in Florida are invited to an informal Zoom drop-in. This is a space to connect with Conference staff and fellow clergy—no agenda, just time for conversation, support, and community. Drop in as you’re able—we’d love to see you!

LEAS Drop-In

A monthly opportunity to connect with Rev. LaTrell Harrison, ACM of Search and Call and Congregational Care. With the support of Rev. LaTrell the drop in is a place to ask questions and share concerns about church health and well being. Drop-In's will resume in August.

What's Happening In Our Local Churches

Ft. Lauderdale UCC Invites All to Contemplative Prayer

JupiterFirst UCC Seeks Director of Music Ministry

JupiterFirst is seeking a creative and passionate music leader who will shape vibrant, intergenerational worship rooted in musical excellence, joyful participation, and artistic expression. We are prayerfully preparing the stage so this Director of Music Ministries can carry the vision forward, bringing fresh ideas and Spirit‐led energy while nurturing volunteers and professionals alike and inspiring Sundays that echo far beyond the sanctuary. Click here for the full JupiterFirst Director of Music Ministries Job Posting.

Congratulations to our Newest Open and Affirming Congregation:

Faith Congregational Church in Port St. Lucie!

Please join us in celebrating First Congregational Church in Port St. Lucie as a newly-certified Open and Affirming congregation!

We are so proud of the congregation and grateful to the church’s leadership for the hard work that led to this milestone in their history. Join us in prayer that their ONA covenant will be a blessing to their LGBTQ+ neighbors.

Share with us programs and events happening in your churches to invite others to join with you and we will be happy to share it with The Florida Conference. Please email a flier and event details to: office@uccfla.org. Thank you.

What's Happening In the Wider Church

"The church was born from a movement of resistance, led by a man who knew what it meant to be poor and unseen. Jesus fed the people. He spoke out against the colluding religious leaders of his day. He pushed back against the Roman who colonized and occupied his home then. The church is a part of the resistance, a prophetic witness resisting the principalities and powers of this age. Resistance is in the sacred texts. Resistance is in the pulpits."

Excerpt taken from, "On My Mind Today"

with Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson

published on Jun 9, 2025

General Synod 35 Plenaries to be Livestreamed

As many plan to gather for General Synod in Kansas City in just a few weeks, the United Church of Christ National Setting has prepared special options for people to tune into parts of Synod’s work and worship from near and far. Click here to read more about the options available, and to access the livestream link.

Learn About Proposed General Synod Resolutions

Service of Appreciation for Federal Environmental Justice Staff and Grantees

The UCC will hold a service of appreciation to honor public servants in a time of uncertainty about the future of federal environmental justice programs. The service will feature key founding figures in the movement for environmental justice: Dollie Burwell, Rev. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., Charles Lee, and Richard Moore. Even if you can’t join us live on Wednesday, July 23^rd at 1 pm ET, still register, and we will send you a recording. Register now!

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.

UCC Action Center