_{The Sunshine Connection}

April 30, 2026

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What's Happening In Florida Conference UCC

Did You Know?

The Florida Conference has been blessed and is deeply grateful for the funds that have been gifted to it by individuals and churches who care deeply about its ministry and mission. Our Legacy funds are an offering to be used to develop, revitalize, and support the ministries of our congregations and mission partners.

The Legacy funds gifts us with a grant ministry as we offer grants of up to $5000 for specific ministries and projects that have clear plans and objectives.

The Board of Directors has approved an additional policy for the Conference to partner and walk with our congregations who have a clear call and energy, as well as a vision with a practical mission plan for renewal, such as:

· Church renewal projects, including collaborative ministry

· Projects which will redevelop, redefine, and transform the congregation’s ministry in the form of a clear plan or priorities (Please note: because the change of pace in the world is rapid, long-term plans are usually advised for 2-3 years, no more than 5)

· Innovative and creative ministries that imagine a new way of being church in this day

· Projects that strengthen the capacity of the church for resilience and wellbeing, including leadership development, pastoral leadership, so they can seize opportunities for growth

· Projects that have identified potential for ongoing support beyond the life of the grant

Funding Levels for the above-mentioned transformational ministries may be multi-year, for up to three years of support.

Churches that receive such funding will covenant with the Conference to:

· Report their progress to the Conference Minister on an annual basis.

· Keep their covenant with the Conference fulfilling their per-capita and OCWM giving (Note: If giving to OCWM is a burden, churches can designate a Sunday or two for a second-mile giving. No matter how small the amount, the covenant is kept and faithfulness demonstrated.

For questions, please reach out to the Conference Minister.

For Conference grants page click here

For additional financial and grant resources from the United Church of Christ click here

The Florida Conference UCC website is full of resources including an entire page devoted to Grants. Visit uccfla.org to explore all there is, including Grant Applications.

Report from Search Committee for Conference Minister

The search committee has been meeting and we have now organized our work as a team.

Currently we are gathering information and completing the Conference profile which will, after completion, be used to advertise the position and provide information to candidates. As we compile the conference profile we are making sure that the document is honest and reflects who we are and what we are about.

We are scheduled to meet every two weeks and we will keep you informed. In the meantime, please pray for our work and for the Spirit to guide our search.

Sumner Huthceson III

Chair of Search Committee

Suspicious Email Alert: Please Read Carefully

It has come to our attention some individuals have received emails that appear to be from the Conference Minister requesting a “discreet favor,” which ultimately involves purchasing gift cards as a form of donation. Please know that these messages are fraudulent and are not coming from our office.

Requests framed as urgent or “discreet favors”, especially those involving gift cards or unusual forms of payment, are a common scam tactic. This type of language is designed to create a sense of urgency and secrecy that discourages verification. It does not reflect how we conduct ministry or communicate.

As a reminder:

All official communication from the Florida Conference United Church of Christ will come from an email address ending in @uccfla.org.
We will never ask for donations in the form of a gift cards. Any gifts to the Florida Conference can be made securely through our website at uccfla.org/give or by mailing a contribution directly to the conference office.
If you receive a suspicious message, please do not respond or engage. When in doubt, contact us directly, by emailing office@uccfla.org, or calling (407)835-7501 to confirm authenticity.

Thank you!

Opportunities to Serve in the Florida Conference UCC

The Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ is seeking faithful, gifted individuals who feel called to serve in leadership. This is a meaningful opportunity to support the life and ministry of the wider church while helping to shape its future.

We currently have openings on One important Conference committees:

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee plays a vital role in identifying and cultivating leadership across the Conference. This team helps ensure that our Conference is guided by diverse, capable, and Spirit-led individuals.

Responsibilities include:

Presenting to the Conference nominees for:
Officers
Members and Chairs of Standing Committees
Members of the Board of Directors
Delegates to General Synod
Creating opportunities for leadership development and nurturing gifted leaders within the Conference

Serving on a Conference committee is a meaningful way to share your gifts, grow in leadership, and contribute to the ministry of the wider church.

If you feel called to serve—or would like to nominate someone—please complete the nomination form here.

Florida Conference UCC Women

Reading for Renewal 2026

Book List Announced!

Did you know we have a Reading for Renewal program and that it’s more than just a book list?

Each year, Reading for Renewal invites you into a shared reading journey. This year’s theme, “Being Courageous,” sets the tone.

So how can you be part of it?

You’re invited to read along at your own pace and connect with others through the Reading for Renewal Florida UCC Women online book club. Once you join, you’ll see this year’s selections listed under “Books We Want to Read.” While the list itself stays curated, the conversation is open to share your thoughts, post reflections, or even organize a discussion group and invite others to join you. New to the list this year are a few “Young Reader” titles, while they’re not officially part of the program, they’re perfect for sharing with the young people in your life or enjoying yourself.

Whether you read one book or several, the goal is simple: to find stories that challenge you, entertain you, and spark meaningful conversation within your congregation and the state wide community of UCC readers.

To learn more about how to join the book club and for the complete list, click here. For questions email Terri Crawford, readingforrenewal@uccfla.org.

Introducing, Still Speaking Theology

a PODCAST of the Florida Conference UCC

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.

Visit, www.uccfla.org/podcast-show or subscribe on Apple or Spotify

For Authorized Ministers

LEAS Two Part Spring Series: Practicing Resurrection in a World of Midnights | ZOOM

A two-part Zoom series, “Practicing Resurrection in a World of Midnights,” draws on Bishop Peter Storey’s book "Protest at Midnight." Exploring how ordinary people of faith can listen deeply, act courageously, and support one another as we follow Jesus in a hurting world, these grace-filled gatherings are for laity.
Zoom Dates:
Tues April 7 & June 2 | 6:30–7:30 pm
Come as you are, bring your questions, your curiosity, & join as we listen for how the risen Christ is calling us to practice resurrection together.

LEAS Registration | Tuesday June 2

What's Happening In Our Local Churches

Prayer Vigil and Advocacy for Immigration Detention Centers

To read more about the vigils and RSVP for bus transportation visit https://freedomvigils.org

Prayer vigils and advocacy continue in response to Alligator Alcatraz building a rhythm of prayer and solidarity rooted in the call to honor the dignity of immigrants and those currently detained. Organized in support of Florida Immigrant Coalition’s ongoing advocacy and in collaboration with a broad interfaith coalition across Florida.

If you feel called to be part of this effort, JOIN US for one or two of ongoing meetings:

• Main Interfaith Coalition Meetings (Wednesdays at 3 PM ET)

• Prayer Vigil Working Group (Mondays at 2 PM ET)

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

Prayer Vigil Working Group (Mondays at 2 PM ET) Join Zoom Meeting

What's Happening In the Wider Church

1) A Special Meeting of the General Synod UCC is scheduled for Saturday, May 9th at 6pm via zoom. The agenda for this special meeting is to vote on the nominee, Rev. Jennifer Sowell as the UCC Associate General Minster, Love of Church. Synod will be streamed at General Synod - United Church of Christ General Synod 35. You do not need to register to watch. All are invited.

To learn more about Rev. Jennifer Sowell, Nominee for Associate General Minster, Love of Church UCC click here.

Proclaiming “Love Knows No Borders”:

Moving from Desolation to Action

Thursday May 7, 2026 | 3:30pm - 4:45pm

Join the United Church of Christ National Setting for an engaging and timely webinar exploring our "Love Knows No Borders" resource, a powerful witness and resource offered to equip congregations to respond to the continued attacks on immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQIA siblings. Grounded in the Gospel call to welcome the stranger, Love Knows No Borders (LKNB) resources offer theological reflection, policy analysis, and practical strategies for advocating for our migrant siblings

This webinar will highlight voices from UCC national staff and leaders from UCC COREM ministries to share stories of how communities are being impacted and growing points of collaboration on immigrant justice, humane border policies, and the role of faith communities in confronting systems of exclusion and harm.

Together, we will:

• Explore the biblical and theological foundations for immigrant justice

• Examine current U.S. immigration policies and their human impact

• Highlight opportunities for advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels

• Share tools for congregational engagement, storytelling, and public witness

Whether you are new to advocacy or looking to deepen your congregation’s commitment to welcome, this webinar will provide actionable insights and inspiration to live out a love that truly knows no borders.

A Note for UCC Musicians

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.