Slideshow image

Several times each year, when a month includes a fifth Sunday, congregations across the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church share in a meaningful tradition: receiving a special Fifth Sunday Offering to support Residing Hope, formerly known as the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home in Enterprise, Florida.

This longstanding practice is one way United Methodists across our state live out our shared commitment to care for children, youth, and families in need.

A Ministry Rooted in Hope

Residing Hope has served vulnerable children and families in Florida for more than a century. What began as a children’s home has grown into a comprehensive ministry providing:

  • Residential care for children and youth

  • Foster care and therapeutic services

  • Counseling and family support programs

  • Prevention and community-based care

While the name has changed, the mission remains the same: to provide safe, stable, Christ-centered environments where children can heal, grow, and thrive.

Why the Fifth Sunday Offering?

The Fifth Sunday Offering is a Conference-wide expression of connectionalism — one of the hallmarks of The United Methodist Church. Rather than supporting this ministry alone, each congregation participates together, pooling gifts to make a lasting impact across Florida.

These offerings help fund:

  • Daily care and housing

  • Educational and therapeutic support

  • Spiritual nurture and mentoring

  • Programs that help families remain safely together

It is a tangible way for our local church to join hands with churches across the state to extend hope beyond our own community.

More Than a Donation

When we give on a Fifth Sunday, we are doing more than placing money in a plate. We are affirming that:

  • Every child is beloved of God.

  • Every family deserves support and stability.

  • The church’s mission extends beyond our walls.

Our participation reflects the generous heart of God and our shared call to care for “the least of these.”

How You Can Participate

On designated Fifth Sundays throughout the year, we will receive a special offering for Residing Hope. You may give during worship or designate your gift accordingly if giving online.

Thank you for being part of this Florida Conference tradition. Together, we are helping create spaces where hope resides — and where children and families can experience the love of Christ in practical, life-changing ways.

Serve
Mission Partners