(Rev. Kelli Hitchman-Craig) - From Toomer’s Corner to the Pensacola Bay, United Methodists of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference continue to champion connectionalism as new churches are planted. Over the past year, ten new United Methodist churches have been started in Alabama-West Florida alone. Each of these new communities are made possible by the strength of the United Methodist connection and the generosity of God’s people. While new churches are taking root across the Annual Conference, many established churches have stepped forward finding new ways to be supportive to ensure bright futures for these growing communities.
Open Door United Methodist Church of Pace, Florida is a beautiful example of the United Methodist connection at work. Under the leadership of Rev. Mark Lilly, Open Door UMC has partnered with several established churches in meaningful ways. The Way UMC donated facility space for Open Door’s worship services for several months, First United Methodist Pensacola meets their printing needs as well as providing discipleship materials for small groups, and now, Open Door UMC is ecumenically partnered with St. Mary’s Episcopal Church who hosts their worship services.
Grace UMC in Prattville, AL continues to be blessed by the support of First United Methodist Church Montgomery. Rev. Chris McCain utilizes office space on FUMC’s campus and was also generously gifted worship supplies, such as paraments, hymnals, and offering plates. In addition to support from FUMC Montgomery, the Conference Office meets Grace UMC’s printing needs. When asked about how the United Methodist Connection has shaped his experience planting Grace UMC, Rev. Chris McCain shared, “The Connection is our greatest asset in ministry, and these new church starts can thrive and be better prepared to serve their people and community with help and support from other local churches throughout the connection.”
Foundry Opelika has partnered with both Grace UMC and Auburn UMC. Grace UMC of Auburn, Alabama welcomed Foundry into their space for worship services this past summer. Auburn UMC supplies Foundry’s printing needs and is working towards an administrative partnership to manage Foundry’s finances. Perhaps most significantly, the Annual Conference was able to deed Foundry a United Methodist property providing them with a permanent home. Similarly to Foundry UMC, Abide UMC of Panama City, FL has also received property from the Annual Conference. Rev. Chris Ackerman described Abide UMC as a “blend of a new church start and disaster ministry all rolled into one” where they share facilities and utilities.
Restoration UMC in Cottondale, FL has received the support of the Connection in many ways! Marianna First United Methodist Church has supported Restoration UMC since their beginning. They supported Restoration in the renovation of their building (the former FUMC Cottondale, FL), First Marianna has collected donations to support the church, and continues to supply any office needs. Restoration pastor, Rev. Rebecca Rutherford, is dually appointed to both Marianna FUMC and Restoration UMC. The finances of Restoration UMC are managed by Marianna FUMC. In addition to Marianna FUMC, Restoration has been supported by Sneads UMC, who helped refinish the floors of the church, created a Christmas Parade float, and volunteered with Restoration’s “One Day VBS.” Eufala UMC has had several work days at Restoration to complete the painting of the church. FUMC Panama City facilitated the donation of a washing machine and dryer. Finally, Bonifay UMC helped make Restoration possible with their work of renovating the parsonage prior to Rev. Rutherford’s appointment to Restoration UMC.
Resurrection Fellowship UMC in DeFuniak Springs, FL has also received an outpouring of Connectional support from surrounding United Methodists. Resurrection Fellowship UMC pastor Rev. Dr. Peggy de Alminana shared the influence of some of their supporters. Point Washington UMC manages their finances as well as provides financial guidance and mentorship. Additionally, Point Washington offers their support through staff partnerships, networking, and shared community outreach events. Trinity UMC in Panama City, FL shared the expertise of their communications director who established a Resurrection Fellowship UMC online presence and designed a church logo. Marianna UMC donated paraments and communion items. Resurrection Fellowship has even been blessed by the support of other local new church starts. Rev. Dr. de Alminana shared that Rev. Mark Lilly was instrumental in transporting supplies like hymnals and Bibles. The most important support Resurrection has received is “a wide group of people praying for us,” shared Rev. Dr. de Alminana.
When asked about her support of new church starts, Point Washington UMC senior pastor, Rev. Amy Persons, explained, “John Wesley is famous for his line, ‘The world is my parish,’ and that’s what makes United Methodism so wonderfully unique. We share the distinction that we belong together.” She continued, “The church is so much bigger than a local church home—it’s a worldwide congregation, so for me, supporting other churches is part of my ordination vows. We’re simply reaching out to our brothers and sisters in the Church and helping to take care of them. I can do this one little thing.”
Other new communities, such as Emerald Coast Table Fellowship and Pike Road UMC, have received preaching support, resources, and pastoral care from clergy around the Annual Conference. Each of these new communities have been made possible by the support, encouragement, and generosity of the United Methodists of Alabama-West Florida. For all that you’ve done to equip these new churches and communities to flourish, thank you!
If you’re looking for a new church start to get involved with,
visit here. To donate to new church starts in Alabama-West Florida,
click here.
