As the country deals with the COVID-19 virus outbreak, churches in Central Florida and around the country are refocusing their ministry efforts to virtual gatherings and digital connections for information. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis recently issued a statewide stay-at-home order from Apr. 3 at 12:01 a.m. through Apr. 30. Despite these disruptions to local ministry,…

Fifth Sunday of Lent Sunday, March 29, 2020 Lectionary A Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 Psalm 130 In this Sunday’s Gospel (John 11:1-45), we are presented with the familiar story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  When Jesus visits Lazarus’s sister Martha at the tomb after Lazarus’s death, Martha in her grief…

Drastic times may call for drastic measures, but in the Diocese of Central Florida and throughout The Episcopal Church, drastic times also call for giving, caring and ministering where possible. The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, diocesan bishop, made that clear in his statement to clergy on March 18 when he said, “We have to…

Fourth Sunday of Lent Sunday, March 22, 2020 Lectionary A 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 Psalm 23 Bishop Brewer preaches a homily from the Bishop’s Oratory at the office of the Diocese of Central Florida. He shares his reflections on the Propers for the Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 22, 2020) with emphasis…

Ezekiel 37:1-14 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45 Psalm 130 The Collect Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be…

Genesis 12:1-4a Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 John 3:1-17 Psalm 121 The Collect O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your…

First Sunday of Lent Sunday, March 1, 2020 Lectionary A Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7  Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11 Psalm 32 As Lent begins, we want to remember that in this season we are seeking to cultivate our desperation for and wonder at the redemptive work of Jesus on Good Friday and Easter. It is helpful to…

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Sunday, February 16, 2020 Lectionary A Deuteronomy 30:15-20 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 Psalm 119:1-8 You are God’s field, God’s building. If I were to ask my 11-year-old son what comes to mind when I mention the word “field,” I imagine he would initially think of a sports field. He would…

On Sunday, March 8, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Melbourne, will bless the revitalized Historic Chapel. 7:30 am Worship Service in Chapel (Rite 1) 10:00 am Celebration Worship Service in Church (Combined 9:00 and 11:15 services) 10:45 am  Procession to Historic Chapel for Receiving Communion 11:30 am Gathering in Front of the Chapel with Blessings and…

The Women of Holy Trinity, Melbourne, will hold their 2020 Women’s Retreat February 28-March at Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center, Oviedo. This year’s theme is “God with Us,” and the featured speaker is Nikki Peters, a musician and worship leader. The weekend of prayer, fellowship, and workshops is open to all women of the Diocese….