Table Talk: Conversations on Race, Inclusion, and More

Join us in a conversation with Bishop Tom Berlin, as he shares an update on how our conference is making anti-racism a core part of its mission. Hear about his experiences serving in Virginia, the new insights he's gained in Florida, and his hopes for the future of the United Methodist Church.

In today’s podcast, we receive an update from Rev. David Williamson on the work that the FLUMC Public Policy and Witness Team is engaged in and how you can get involved.

In today's podcast, we explore the evolution and practical applications of the concept of the Beloved Community, tracing its development from the days of Josiah Royce to the era of Martin Luther King, Jr. Join us as we engage in a conversation with Reverend Dr. Sharon Austin and Philosophy Professor Dr. Daryl Scriven.

Rabbi David Kay is ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and has served in Orlando Florida, since 2004. He is the chair of the Interfaith Council of Central Florida. David is a native of Chicago and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution from the University of Illinois. 

Join us as we interview Rabbid David Kay about his passion for interfaith work as well as the challenges that it brings. Rabbid David talks about “insular communities” and how to prevent them, starting with his own story as a child growing up in Chicago all the way to his recent work leading the largest Interfaith Coalition in the Orlando area. 

Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos is the Director of Hispanic/Latinx Ministry in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference and the Consultant for Hispanic/Latinx Ministries at Alaska, Oregon/Idaho, and Mountain Sky Annual Conferences.

Join us as we discuss the past and the future of Latinx ministries in the midst of disaffiliations. Rev. Cruz has extensive experience in Latinx ministries in terms of years served and demographics served all across the nation. He shares with us the ways in which Latinx ministries are changing, examples of successful models of Latinx ministries, and encourages United Methodist conferences to financially invest in the Latinx community.

Join us as we interview Michelle Blanco who transitioned from CRU, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ, to the UMC after experiencing racial trauma from the theology and treatment she received during her college years and time on staff. Let’s learn from her experience and create a church that is anti-colonialist and embraces people’s culture.

In celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, we have extended an invitation to #Latinx leaders within the Florida Conference:

•  Rev. Esther Rodriguez

We will discuss the present reality and future of Latinx ministries, amidst challenges of disaffiliations. What does it truly mean to foster an inclusive and anti-racist ministry within a Latinx context considering the diverse origins of Latinx communities, ranging from Catholic countries to conservative evangelical movements? Tune in for insights that will equip you to more effectively connect with and serve your own Latinx community.

Join us for a conversation with guest presenters from a broad community addressing Gun Violence Prevention.  Remember who we are as United Methodists and the work of justice (General Board of Church and Society, the spirit of our UMC Social Principles, Faith & Fact Cards, and the Book of Resolutions).  Hear advocates share the reasons for their commitments to this essential work, ask questions, and explore ways in which you can become an advocate for this cause. 

This workshop explores practical steps, Biblical principles, and historical background for building a Beloved Community in your church. The goal is to deepen our understanding of what it means to love our neighbor.

Tune in as Erwin along with some special guests continue discussions on the steps of making the church a more beloved community. Specifically, this discussion focuses on educating youth groups about different religions.