News

June 03, 2019

Annual Conference, Day Two, June 3, 2019

In the News Morning Worship: For the third year at annual conference, each day began with morning worship. Bishop David Graves made this addition so that the conference session would start with a sense of Holy time and carry that ...

June 02, 2019

Annual Conference Day One, June 2, 2019

In the News Opening Worship: A capacity crowd attended the Opening Worship Service of the 2019 Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference session, which was held Sunday evening, June 2, in the sanctuary of Frazer Memorial UMC in ...

May 30, 2019

Glaize Named New Director of Alabama Course of Study

Rev. Alecia C. Glaize has been named the new director for the Alabama Course of Study Extension School (ALCOS). This school is part of a network of regional, extension, and satellite schools designed to provide vital education to ...

May 16, 2019

Important Final Details and Guide to Annual Conference 2019

We are quickly approaching the 2019 session of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference. We are excited to see many of you soon. Click here to access a working agenda. Copies of the final agenda will be distributed at the doors ...

May 02, 2019

Hurricane Michael Update and Video Resource

Hello friends of the Alabama-West Florida Conference! We are excited to share some updates on the Hurricane Michael Recovery efforts in our conference. We have had many hurdles to jump while building our recovery program. One of ...

May 01, 2019

A Video Message from Bishop Graves

We invite you to watch a video message update from Bishop David Graves. Click here to view.  Click here to read transcript.   You may also listen to this message as an audio-only podcast by clicking here, by searching for "AWFUMC ...

April 30, 2019

UMCOR Awards $4.6 Million Grant to Alabama-West Florida Conference to Support Hurricane Michael Recovery Efforts

(UMCOR) - United Methodists in Alabama-West Florida are undertaking large-scale recovery programs for those affected by Hurricane Michael with assistance from the United Methodist Committee on Relief.   A $4.6 million UMCOR grant ...

April 26, 2019

A Response to the April 2019 Judicial Council Ruling

On April 26, 2019, the Judicial Council ruled that parts of the Traditional Plan passed at the 2019 General Conference were constitutional (other parts were previously ruled unconstitutional). The Judicial Council also ruled the ...

April 25, 2019

UMCOR Assists With 2018 Hurricane Recovery

(Linda Bloom with UMNS) - United Methodists in North Carolina and Alabama-West Florida are undertaking large-scale recovery programs for those affected by U.S. hurricanes in 2018, with assistance from the United Methodist ...

April 12, 2019

Potential Palm Sunday Severe Weather

For most of our conference, there is potential for severe weather on Palm Sunday. It is impossible to know the exact timing or areas of concern, but please be aware of this possibility.  As a clergy person or a leader in your ...

April 10, 2019

Lee County Aftermath: How You Can Help

(Rev. Lisa Pierce) - We appreciate your love, support, and prayers over the past five weeks. It has been a whirlwind, as you can imagine. Below you will find an update on the progress being made in Lee County.  We appreciate so ...

April 04, 2019

2019 Annual Conference Information

Annual Conference 2019 is quickly approaching! This year's theme is, "This We Proclaim." We are most appreciative to Dr. Larry Bryars and his staff at Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery, AL, for hosting us again this year as well ...

April 03, 2019

A New Era of Leadership: Tuskegee University and AWFUMC Celebrate Inauguration of First Woman President at Tuskegee University

(Audrey Rodgers) - On Saturday, March 16, 2019, Tuskegee University installed its first female president, Dr. Lily McNair. McNair’s inauguration was a grand celebration that honored the storied history of Tuskegee University, one ...

March 21, 2019

Pierce Named Director of Lee County United Methodist Disaster Response

Rev. Lisa Pierce, current Director of Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM), has been named as the Lee County United Methodist Disaster Response Director. Pierce is an ordained deacon in the conference and has served as the ARM director ...

March 17, 2019

Bishop Announces District Cabinet Appointments

Bishop David Graves is pleased to announce two projected district cabinet appointments. Rev. Jean Tippit will serve as the Baypines District Superintendent and Dr. Ed Glaize will serve as the Dothan District Superintendent. Dr. ...

March 13, 2019

United Methodist Church Continues Disaster Recovery Work in Lee County

While many people are preparing for Spring Break and the Lenten season, critical disaster relief work continues in Lee County. The afternoon of March 3, 2019, will forever be remembered as the day where lives were lost and, for ...

March 13, 2019

Bishop Leads Capacity Crowds in General Conference Regional Meetings

Over one thousand laity and clergy from around the Alabama-West Florida Conference gathered March 7-11 to hear a summary of the 2019 special-called General Conference. Three regional meetings were open to all United Methodists and...

March 12, 2019

2019 Annual Conference Missional Giving Recipient

The annual conference planning team, directed by Bishop David Graves, is pleased to announce that this year's missional giving recipient for the 2019 Annual Conference special offering is Teaming with Tanzania.   Many of you ...

March 07, 2019

Pastors became counselors after deadly tornado

(Sam Hodges for the UMNS) - Ash Wednesday gatherings at United Methodist churches in east Alabama became services of remembrance for 23 people killed in a massive tornado.  For sure, the United Methodist pastors of Lee County, ...

March 06, 2019

Post General Conference Meetings and Questions

In preparation for the post general conference meetings with Bishop Graves this week, we are announcing a dedicated gmail address where you can send your questions ahead of time. These questions will be given priority. We will ...

March 05, 2019

A Lenten Challenge from Bishop David Graves

Bishop David Graves has offered a Lenten challenge for the people of the Alabama-West Florida Conference and beyond. Click here or to see the video. We invite you to share this challenge with your local churches and on social ...

March 05, 2019

A Statement from Dr. Jeff Wilson and the Montgomery-Opelika District: Lee County Storm Damage

"The Montgomery-Opelika District suffered catastrophic damage on Sunday, March 3, 2019, as a result of violent storms and tornadoes. To date, 23 people have died and more than 50 people were injured. The response from the United ...

March 04, 2019

A Statement from Bishop David Graves Regarding Catastrophic Storms in Alabama

“I am deeply saddened as I continue to hear of the rising death toll in Lee County. Yesterday’s storms were catastrophic and will leave a permanent mark on areas of our conference. I want to express my deepest sympathy to the ...

March 03, 2019

March 3 Storm and Tornado Damage

The southern and eastern parts of Alabama have been in the line of significant storms and tornadoes today and the activity is not yet over. First responders are trying to gain access to several areas. According to Montgomery media...

February 26, 2019

General Conference Day Four: Plenary Session

A Video Message from Bishop Graves We invite you to watch a video message from Bishop David Graves related to the conclusion of General Conference. Click here to view. Click here to read transcript. You may also listen to this ...

February 26, 2019

A Statement from the Alabama-West Florida Conference

The 2019 special-called session of General Conference has adjourned. Eight hundred and sixty-four delegates from around the world convened in St. Louis, MO, from February 23-26, 2019. The delegates examined paragraphs in the ...

February 26, 2019

A Video Message from Bishop Graves: Conclusion of General Conference

We invite you to watch a video message from Bishop David Graves related to the conclusion of General Conference. Click here to view. Click here to read transcript. There are many resources available related to this special-called...

February 25, 2019

General Conference Day Three: Legislative Committee Work

"Many wondered if we could address all of the petitions in one legislative day but today we were able to accomplish that. The delegates are very focused on the petitions and the votes consistently exemplify that. Thus far, the ...

February 24, 2019

General Conference Day Two: Legislative Prioritization

"It’s a historical moment in our church and I wanted to be a part of that history. I also wanted to be here in support and prayer for those who make these difficult decisions.” -Rev. Jean Tippit, Discipleship Pastor at Christ UMC ...

February 24, 2019

AWF Clergy Make the Journey to St. Louis for Historic Conference

(Rev. Jeremy Steele for AWF Conference) - In addition to our delegates, bishop and some of the conference staff, several dedicated United Methodist leaders from our conference have made the long pilgrimage to Saint Louis joining ...

February 23, 2019

General Conference Day One: A Day of Prayer

“It was important for the United Methodist Church to come together and spend intentional time in prayer and fasting before we begin the legislative work. I, along with many other bishops and delegates, will be fasting during the ...

February 23, 2019

General Conference Begins with Prayer and Fasting

Today marked the beginning of a significant time in the life of the United Methodist Church. Bishops, media, observers, and a total of eight hundred and sixty-four delegates gathered in St. Louis at the America’s Center Convention...

February 19, 2019

United Methodists Meet in St. Louis for Worldwide Conference

St. Louis: Delegates and observers from around the world will gather at the Dome at America’s Center, February 24-26, 2019, for the Special Session of the United Methodist General Conference. The General Conference is the only ...

February 18, 2019

Resources for the Special-called Session of General Conference

A special session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church will take place February 23-26, 2019, in St. Louis, Missouri. The purpose will be to receive and act on a report from the Commission on a Way Forward based...

February 18, 2019

A Statement from the Alabama-West Florida Conference

Eight hundred and sixty-four delegates from around the world will convene in St. Louis, MO, on February 23-26, 2019, to attend the special-called session of General Conference. General Conference is the top policy-making body of ...

February 13, 2019

A Video Message from Bishop Graves: General Conference 2019

We invite you to watch a video message from Bishop David Graves related to the upcoming special-called General Conference. Click here to view. Click here to read transcript.  There are many resources available related to this ...

February 07, 2019

Century Church project gaining ground

(Kari Barlow for AWFUMC) - Century Church is several steps closer to finalizing the design of its innovative new campus at The Oaks in Pike Road.   In mid-December, church members, community residents and local officials joined ...

February 07, 2019

Rev. Walter Cash to retire as Director of Alabama Course of Study School after 24 years of service

“I am where I am in ministry because of persons who have taken an interest in me – helping me and mentoring me and providing a way for me to be the best pastor I can be,” the Reverend Walter Cash reflects. “Because so many have ...

February 01, 2019

Seminar on Racial and Economic Justice Educates Conference on Past and Present Issues

The AWF Board of Church and Society held a Seminar on Racial and Economic Justice to bring awareness to current and past injustices. The seminar welcomed Gabrielle Daniel, a Racial Justice Fellow with Equal Justice Initiative ...

January 31, 2019

Think about it ... social media exposes whatever is in your heart

(Bishop David Graves for The Montgomery Advertiser) - My seminary professor of preaching was Dr. Fred Craddock who said, “The longest journey any of us will ever make is from the head to the heart.” Think about that for a moment. ...

January 24, 2019

Florida churches raise over $1.5 million for Michael relief

(Florida Conference UMC) - Inspired by a matching funds challenge of $500,000 from First UMC Ormond Beach, Florida Conference churches raised over $1 million for Hurricane Michael relief for the Alabama West Florida Conference. A ...

January 22, 2019

Conference Staff off to busy start in 2019

(Kari C. Barlow for AWFUMC) - The Alabama-West Florida Conference staff is ushering in the new year with a renewed focus on its 2018-2020 priorities.   Those four areas—growing discipleship, cultivating exceptional talent, ...

January 18, 2019

2019 Annual Conference Pre-conference Briefing Dates Announced

The Alabama-West Florida Conference will hold seven pre-annual conference briefings for clergy and lay members to annual conference. These meetings will be under the direction of Rev. Ashley Davis, AWF Director of Connectional ...

January 17, 2019

Prayers for the AWF Conference Appointment Process

Friends, Currently the Cabinet, Pastors, Staff-Parish Relations Committees (SPRC), and churches are working on the upcoming appointment year, which spans from July 2019 to June 2020. To inform you of our process, but most ...

January 15, 2019

AWF Announces Hurricane Michael Recovery Leaders

  The Alabama-West Florida Conference is pleased to announce two new leaders for the Hurricane Michael long-term recovery efforts.   Rev. Chris Ackerman will serve as the Hurricane Michael Recovery Director and Tammy Tisher will ...

January 14, 2019

A Video Message: 2019 is off to a great start!

We invite you to watch and share a video message from Bishop David Graves, staff and cabinet about several exciting things happening in 2019. Click here to view. Click here to read the transcript. Closed captioning is now ...

January 10, 2019

Deaf Prayer Service Held for those impacted by Hurricane Michael

Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Panama City hosted a Deaf Prayer Service for members of the local Deaf Community impacted by Hurricane Michael on November 24, 2018. Reverend Mark Ehrlichmann, pastor of Center Ridge United ...

December 17, 2018

Competency, Camaraderie and Creativity

New Bishop’s Clergy Learning Cohort focuses on pastoral support   (Kari C. Barlow for AWFUMC) - Bishop David Graves, in partnership with the Academy for Congregational Excellence (ACE),  has launched a new initiative—the Clergy ...

December 10, 2018

Hurricane Michael Disaster Response, December 10, 2018

The Alabama-West Florida Conference continues to serve those in need along the panhandle of Florida after Hurricane Michael.  Conference leaders and UMCOR consultants have assisted those who setup temporary shelter at Forest Park ...

December 07, 2018

Save the Date: Post General Conference Regional Meetings

Please save the date for a post 2019 general conference regional meeting in your area. Bishop David Graves and AWF conference leadership are inviting all clergy and laity to join them for an overview of the called session and a ...
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