FLUMC Lay Leader Update

March 18, 2022

My friends — 

I pray that you are well. As we continue through this season of many uncertain realities, my hope is that you are grounded by your faith in Christ, the grace that comes from our generous God and the ever-present Holy Spirit. Whether we are full of joy or anxiety, the truth remains that God is with us and that is the best thing of all. 

As laity in the Florida Conference, it can sometimes feel like we are powerless as we wait for decisions to be made both in our denomination as well as throughout the world. But we must remember that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us - which means our prayers, our presence and our actions have the potential to make a difference. In a season like this, we must remember that our witness as United Methodists matters. So let’s not give up while doing good. And truly there is so much good that needs to be done. 

As we prepare for the third Sunday in Lent, let’s remember to hold the Laity Webinar (March 20) and District Gatherings on the Continuing UMC in our prayers. Let us also lift up those who are impacted by the war in Ukraine, specifically the family of Mike and Zenie Zdorow who have been sharing their story with our Conference over the last few weeks (see the links below). And there are always people in our local congregations and communities that need to experience the love of Jesus in tangible ways. As Bishop Latrelle Easterling of the Baltimore-Washington Conference said in a Facebook post: “Things that have not been postponed: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, consoling the grieving, sharing the love of Christ and fervent prayer.” Yes and Amen! Let’s continue our holy work as we wait for God to work all things out for our good. 

Much love, 

Derrick Scott III - Co-Lay Leader