Parishioners looking for a new church in southeast Orlando might want to check out Bethesda Church, which is currently holding informal services every other week.

The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida announced Thursday that Bethesda Church will hold services at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Frizen Center on the campus of Pioneers USA in Lake Nona, 10146 William Carey Drive, Orlando. The church is currently renting space at Pioneers USA while the diocese plans for breaking ground on the building of the permanent church, which will be located near Lake Nona High School at the corner of Tyson Road and Narcoosee Road in Orlando.

The Rev. Nick Braunschneider, who was ordained by Bishop Greg Brewer on July 30, is the rector for Bethesda. He also will hold informal services on Oct. 15 and 29, Nov. 12 and 26, and Dec. 10 and 31.

“Informal church services are not as long as the typical Eucharist service,” said Sarah Caprani, executive assistant to Bishop Brewer. “We’re doing it so people can get used to Nick. We’re hoping to drum up some interest.”

Pioneers USA and the planned location for the new church are located in an area that has a need for an Episcopal church. Caprani said the nearest churches – St. Luke and St. Pete in St. Cloud, and Christ the King in Orlando – are at least a half-hour drive away.

Caprani said the diocese will need to do fundraising and examine the number of churchgoers for a while before proceeding with construction – a process that could take anywhere from three to five years.

Individuals can check out Bethesda Church on its Facebook page at: facebook.com/BethesdaLakeNona on the internet.