The Diocese of Central Florida is home to a wide range of vibrant ministries that reflect our deep commitment to faith, service and community. From nurturing the next generation through Youth Ministry, to deepening spiritual understanding at the Institute for Christian Studies, our work spans all ages and walks of life. We support both local and global outreach through efforts like the Episcopal Relief & Development Fund and the Episcopal Christian Caring Fund. We equip future leaders through our Episcopal Schools and Residency Program, and foster prayer and service through ministries like the Daughters of the King, Brotherhood of St. Andrew and the Diocesan Altar Guild. Together, these ministries embody the heart of our diocesan mission.
Ministry pages will be built into our new website as time and funds permit, and we’re excited about what’s ahead! For now, explore the list of ministries below – and stay tuned as we continue to add new features and updates.
The Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation’s mission is to provide financial assistance for reasonable housing and healthcare, to elderly Episcopalians from the Southeast, Southwest, and Central Dioceses of Florida, who have faithfully served their parish or diocese. The funds are to be used only for those who can demonstrate a financial need.
Learn more at bgrfoundation.org
Nestled on the shores of Trout Lake in Central Florida, Camp Wingmann is a sacred space where faith, friendship and fun come together. Offering summer and winter camping programs, spiritual retreat opportunities and event rentals all year long, Camp Wingmann provides a place where both young and old can rest, grow, and encounter God.
Learn more at campwingmann.org
Whether you’re a parent or educator, we invite you to discover the vibrant, faith-based learning communities that are part of our diocesan family.
Learn more at our Central Florida Episcopal Schools page.
The Central Florida Residency Program is designed to invest in the next generation of priests by providing hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned leaders. During a paid residency with full benefits, these new clergy will minister in a church while developing the tools to dynamically teach, preach, serve the community and lead God’s people. After two to three years, they are sent out prepared to meet the demands of ministry today.
Learn more at cfresidency.org
Episcopal Relief & Development is committed to responding faithfully to human suffering across the globe. With over 80 years of service, the organization partners with local and faith‑based groups in nearly 40 countries to provide both relief after disasters and long‑term development that restores dignity, fosters resilience and creates lasting change.
Learn more at episcopalrelief.org
ICS provides in-person and online courses developed for individuals discerning their call to ministry and those seeking Christian education for personal or group formation. ICS courses are also approved by the Diocese of Central Florida for the continuing education of deacons and priests.
Learn more at icscourses.org
The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida’s Youth Ministry connects students to Christ through dynamic programs, leadership opportunities and community events. Visit the site to explore upcoming events, meet the Youth Ministry Coordinators and access resources to stay engaged.
Learn more at our Youth & Children’s Ministry page.
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is an international men’s ministry rooted in the Anglican tradition and committed to drawing men and youth closer to Christ through a life shaped by prayer, study, and service. To learn more, visit here.
The Rev. Edward Bartle, Diocesan Coordinator
The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK) is an international women’s lay order that focuses on prayer, service, and evangelism. Founded in 1885, DOK members commit to a Rule of Life — pledging lifelong support for their clergy, spiritual growth for their parishes and outreach into their communities. To learn more, visit here.
The Altar Guild (AG) is responsible for preparing and maintaining the church’s sacred spaces and elements for each service. Known as the “Guardians of the Sacred Spaces and Sacred Elements,” AG members have the privilege of handling holy items with care. Each AG ministry is tailored to the specific needs of the church and its services. The size and structure of an AG depend on the number of weekly services and the requirements of the priest. Many Altar Guilds also include subgroups such as the Flower Guild, Linen Guild, and Wedding Guild.
Cyndy Berry, Treasurer
Judy Henderson, Newsletter
The Rev. Michelle Roach, Chaplain
Kathy Shearer, President
Betsy Watson, Secretary
Central Deanery: Kathy Shearer, Eve Hyatt, and Beth Hyatt
Northeast Deanery: Judy Valk, Riek Fitzpatrick, Sandi Hendriks and Susan Gummey
Northwest Deanery: Dianne Casson and Lynn Johns
Southeast Deanery: Judy Henderson
Southwest Deanery: Betty Seckinger, Betsy Watson and Cyndy Berry
Churches are welcome to contact their Deanery representative or another Board member for individual assistance and churches are always welcome to submit articles for the newsletter to let others know about something that is working well in their church.
Recruitment of AG members is always a challenge, but many people understand that it’s a rewarding ministry with great personal satisfaction.
For additional information about the Diocesan Altar Guild, feel free to contact Kathy Shearer at wwdassoc@gmail.com.
The Episcopal Christian Caring Fund of Central Florida, Inc., disburses funds to assist the truly needy who have exhausted all other means of help or who are faced with an emergency situation.
All Grant Application Forms are to be submitted and signed by the Rector, Vicar, or in their absence, Assistant, Deacon, or Senior Warden of the parish within which the proposed care recipient resides and/or is a member.
If the Grant Application is approved, a check will be payable to the church for disbursement by the Rector, Vicar, or other authority.
Please include the following when requesting funds:
Since 1871, the National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) has empowered women of all ages to live boldly in faith, serve with compassion and lead with courage. As a ministry of The Episcopal Church, ECW fosters spiritual growth through study, worship and fellowship while also engaging in tangible mission through community grants, education and advocacy.
Christine Allen, Interim President & Southeast Deanery Director | St. Simon’s, Fort Pierce: ladydr34982@gmail.com
Lisa Cherry, Art Communications Director | St. Augustine’s, Vero Beach
Bonnie Harris, CPC Director | St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce
Elizabeth Herrick, Northwest Deanery Director | Church of the Advent, Dunnellon: tinlizziehr@yahoo.com
The Rev. John Liebler, Chaplain | St. Simon’s, Fort Pierce: frjohnliebler@gmail.com
Valzie Peterkin, Financial Advisor | Shepherd of the Hills, Lecanto
Tina Rahming, Parliamentarian | St. Simon’s, Fort Pierce
Marcia Somersall, Historian | St. Mark’s Church
Aquinda Topping, UTO Director | Holy Faith: lady.topp@gmail.com