CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
GRANTS AWARDED

In January, the Diocese of Central Florida’s Annual Convention passed a resolution to set aside $50,000 in grant money for unaided congregations. Fourteen churches submitted requests, “and they were outstanding,” said the Rev. Rob Goodridge, Chairman of the Congregational Development Commission.
Paring the list down was a daunting task. The Congregational Development Commission presented their recommendations to the diocesan board meeting on July 17, and the board approved the following requests:

• $10,000 to Holy Trinity, Bartow, to seed a new contemporary Saturday evening service, with a professional worship leader, musical instruments, sanctuary implements, marketing, and promotion.

• $10,000 to Shepherd Of The Hills, Lecanto, to add needed dental care to a thriving
  healthcare ministry for those in need in their local community.

• $8,000 to St. Sebastian’s, Melbourne Beach, to provide electronic signage to reach parents of the elementary school next door to the church, and to upgrade the sound equipment for a growing contemporary worship service featuring professional volunteer musicians.

• $10,000 to St. Simon the Cyrenian, Ft Pierce, to upgrade bathrooms, offices, and Parish Hall facilities in order to expand Outreach Programs focused on an impoverished neighborhood.

• $12,000 to St. Stephens, Lakeland, to create Youth Outdoor Outreach, making their campus the go-to place for outdoor youth activities, and to bring young families onto their campus.

“We look forward to seeing the fruit of these offerings and eagerly anticipate more exciting opportunities from next years applicants,” Fr. Goodridge said.