_{The Sunshine Connection}

August 7, 2025

What's Happening In Florida Conference UCC

Venice Geographical Gathering

This Weekend!

We are looking forward to seeing you this Saturday on August 9th for our first Geographical Gathering at Venice UCC! If you haven't registered yet, let us know you're coming.

Please bring non perishable food items, including and especially non aerosol insect repellent. Your gifts will be shared with the South County Food Pantry which collects and distributes much needed groceries to families in the Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, and Laurel areas.

Non perishable food items will be collected during all three geographical area gatherings.

Venice Courtesy Rate for Hotel Reservation

The Florida Conference has arranged a reduced hotel rate as a courtesy for anyone wanting overnight accommodations for the Venice Geographical Gathering. Both locations are within a 10 minute drive to the Venice UCC Church. Use these links to access the discounted rate and book your own reservation.

TownPlace Suites Venice

Fairfield Inn & Suites Venice

RSVP Venice Geographical Gathering | August 9th

Please forward your email inquiries to Admin Specialist at Office@uccfla.org; the emails dcyril@uccfla.org and dney@uccfla.org will no longer be active as of August 1st.

RSVP for Our Geographical Gatherings!

Click the links below to RSVP to one of our three Geographical gatherings. The Gatherings are open to all members and friends of our UCC churches, Laity and Leadership alike!

RSVP: Venice UCC Saturday 8/9

RSVP: Ft. Lauderdale UCC Ft. Lauderdale Saturday 9/6

RSVP: Jacksonville Riverside UCC, JacksonvilleSaturday 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 |

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

Wed Aug 13th, 12:00pm | the 2nd Wed of the month |

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

LEAS ZOOM Drop- In

Tues Sept. 2nd, 6:30pm

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. Register here.

An opportunity to listen and engage with your conference staff, L.E.A.S. invites all of our congregations members and friends to "drop-in"

What's Happening In Our Local Churches

RSVP For Rev. Dr. Bernice Powell Jackson's Retirement Celebration

UCC Ft. Lauderdale Invites All to Contemplative Prayer

Main Interfaith Coalition Meetings (Wednesdays at 3 PM ET) Join Zoom Meeting

Prayer Vigil Working Group (Mondays at 2 PM ET)

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.

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

General Synod Highlights

The 35th General Synod of the United Church of Christ was a memorable one for sure.

From the election of a new Associate General Minister, to the motion to form a new conference, and giving witness to urgent issues of our times, while fellowshipping and worshipping as a church, and resolutions that continue to call us to be a church for all, memories were made for a lifetime in Kansas City. Click here to learn more about the work of General Synod.

Rewriting the, "We Need More Children" Narative: Exciting possibilities for churches to minister to children and youth.

The Rev. Trayce Potter, the United Church of Christ’s youth and young adult engagement minister and director for Love of Children and the Rev. Tyler Ung, minister of children and youth and assistant director for Love of Children talk about a new way of looking at children and youth in the life of our churches.

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