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East Central District

Fresh Expressions

Creative. Relational. Grounded in community.

Welcome to your local hub for Fresh Expressions support, connection, and inspiration. From the neighborhoods of Orlando to the trails, towns, and tables across the district, the East Central is full of creative people reimagining what it means to be the church. Whether you’re gathering in a library, hosting dinner in your home, leading in a school gym, or launching something brand new, you’re part of a growing movement.

This page is designed to help you:

  • Get connected with others in the district

  • Find upcoming events and trainings

  • Access tools to support your Fresh Expression

  • Meet the team walking alongside you
     

Take your time exploring what’s available here.
We’re here to walk with you as you follow the Spirit’s lead in your community.

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Upcoming Events

Jessica Taylor

Conference Fresh Expressions Team and East Central District Cultivator Team Member

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Meet Your East Central District Cultivators 

Jessica Taylor is a creative leader, curriculum developer, and mom of two (Sophie and Andrew) living in Central Florida. She supports the ministry of Love UMC, a neighborhood-rooted congregation led by her husband, Rev. Jeff Taylor, where their family is deeply invested in building community and nurturing authentic faith. 

Jessica serves as the Associate Director of Fresh Expressions United Methodist (FXUM), a ministry housed within Path 1 at Discipleship Ministries, the agency responsible for church planting and congregational vitality in the United Methodist Church. In this role, she collaborates with leaders across the connection to cultivate new forms of Christian community within the everyday rhythms of life.

In addition, she serves as the Conference Cultivator for Fresh Expressions Florida and the East Central District Cultivator, where she provides training, coaching, and strategic support to help churches engage their communities in creative and relational ways.

A longtime color guard director, Jessica also brings her love of movement, storytelling, and youth mentorship into every space she serves. She is the creator of Spirited Swan, an emerging initiative offering play-based, trauma-informed discipleship tools for children’s ministry. She’s also currently writing her second book exploring a model of presence-centered faith formation for everyday life.

Her work is rooted in Wesleyan theology, shaped by her background in elementary education, and deeply informed by her journey into faith as an adult. Jessica is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and spiritually supported.

Steve Carleo

East Central District Cultivator Team Member

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Coming Soon

David Averill

East Central District Cultivator Team Member

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Coming Soon

Our Team.

This is an open team for anyone in the district who’s exploring Fresh Expressions. Whether you’re experimenting with something new or simply learning, there’s space for you here.

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