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ABOUT
We are thrilled to invite you to the Fresh Expressions United Methodist National Gathering 2026, a three-day event designed to ignite generational discipleship and deepen our shared calling to be the church, altogether now.
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Held in the heart of Ocala, Florida, this year's gathering is built around the theme:
Altogether Now: Seven Generations and Beyond.
We'll explore what it means to be a multigenerational, Spirit-led movement that honors legacy, embraces innovation, and reflects the full diversity of the body of Christ.
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Whether you're clergy, laity, a student, or feel like a spiritual misfit, this experience offers something for everyone:
TED-Style "Jazz-Notes and interactive panels
Immersion visits to local Fresh Expressions
Creative, contextual worship across cultures and generations
Guided small groups for deep connection, spiritual formation and accountability
The FXUM National Gathering is more than a conference. It's a celebration, a commissioning, and a collaborative space for the future of the church.
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Yoga Renewal Immersion
Begin your National Gathering experience with rest for your body, mind, and spirit. Yoga Church is a gentle, contemplative practice that blends movement, breath, scripture, and silence in a sacred rhythm of embodied worship.
Open Table Immersion
Start your National Gathering journey with an immersive experience at Family Table, a Fresh Expression of church hosted by St. Mark’s UMC. This open table gathering blends food, faith, and friendship in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Connection
Keep the conversation going! After Family Table, join us for a casual evening of connection and networking with fellow Fresh Expressions leaders, dreamers, and doers.
We’ll choose a nearby venue with space to gather, unwind, and spark meaningful dialogue. (Details announced soon!)
Why Seven Generations?
The FXUM National Gathering 2026 envisions a church where all generations come together in unity, honoring the wisdom of the past while embracing the innovations of the future.
It's a call to co-create a vibrant, inclusive community that reflects the diverse body of Christ, fostering connections across ages, cultures, and traditions. Through shared worship, storytelling, and immersive experiences, we aim to cultivate a movement that empowers every generation to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the church and the world.
In many Indigenous traditions, decisions are made with the well-being of seven generations in mind — honoring those who came before while shaping a just, joyful future for those yet to come.
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This gathering invites us to do the same:
To be the church altogether now — a people who remember, resist disconnection, and reimagine what it means to be the body of Christ across age, culture, and experience.
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We’re not just building for today.
We’re planting seeds for the spiritual descendants we may never meet.
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FEBRUARY 28
9:00 am
9:45 am
10:30 am
11:15 am
12:15 pm
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Immersive Session with Michael Beck
Jazz Note 5 and Panel Discussion
Jazz Note 6 and Panel Discussion
Worship and Connective Commisioning
​Closing
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FEBRUARY 25 (Optional)
4:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
8:15 pm
FEBRUARY 26
9:00 am
10:30 am
11:15 am
12:00 pm
1:30 pm
4:00 pm
5:30 pm
6:15 pm
Yoga Church Retreat
Family Table
Small Group Study
Network Connection
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Welcome and Opening Worship
Jazz Note 1 and Panel Discussion
Jazz Note 2 and Panel Discussion
Lunch
Immersions
Connectives: Small Groups with
Altogether Worship
Dinner Break
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FEBRUARY 27
9:00 am
10:30 am
11:15 am
12:00 pm
1:30 pm
4:00 pm
5:30 pm
6:15 pm
Morning Worship and Reflection
Jazz Note 3 and Panel Discussion
Jazz Note 4 and Panel Discussion
Lunch
Immersions
Connectives
Altogether Worship
Dinner
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Coming Soon...
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First Ocala United Methodist Church is located in the heart of Ocala, FL, just a short drive from major highways and city conveniences. The church is easily accessible—only a few miles from I-75 and less than 10 minutes from Ocala’s historic downtown. It’s approximately 75 miles from Orlando International Airport, 95 miles from Tampa International Airport, and 40 miles from Gainesville Regional Airport, making travel simple for both in-state and out-of-state guests.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of North Central Florida, First Ocala UMC offers a welcoming blend of classic charm and modern ministry spaces. With tree-lined walkways, a vibrant sanctuary, and flexible gathering areas, the campus serves as both a spiritual home and a launch point for innovation, hospitality, and connection.
Presented in partnership by:
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