A little familiarity went a long way for Father Reid Hensarling when the opportunity arose to lead a congregation. Having served as an associate to the rector and as priest-in-charge during a 14-year tenure at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Lakeland, the Rev. Dr. Hensarling reinforced his calling to the west Polk County church when…
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It is often said that leadership is an inherent trait. This may be true, but encouraging the discovery of that characteristic is something young-adult leaders in the Central Florida Diocese want to ensure for their peers. To that end, 16 people ages 17-23 recently attended the Young Adult Leadership Discovery Conference at Camp Wingmann in…
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Born and raised in Lakeland, Becky Toalster always felt a special calling for Polk County, so much so that she prayed she could have her own congregation in the area. Toalster’s prayers were answered on Sunday, May 7, when she was installed as rector at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Bartow, just 20 minutes from…
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“What hit me the hardest was when you said that Evangelicals need to be a praying people even more than we need to be a preaching people. I have always been a preaching pastor, but haven’t been a praying pastor. Over the last couple of months, the Lord has changed that. He is making me…
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My brother, every Christian is called to follow Jesus Christ, serving God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. God now calls you to a special ministry of servanthood directly under your bishop. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are to serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, and…
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The Episcopal Network for Stewardship’s (TENS) annual conference may last only two days, but participants can now enjoy the benefits of attending year-round. TENS Executive Director Richard Felton announced that registrants for the May 19-20 Journey to Generosity conference can download the webcast free after the event, which will be held at Saint Mark’s Episcopal…
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The Rev. Andrew Petiprin is taking a leap of faith with his new position for the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee, but is happy to follow this call. The Rev. Canon Tim Nunez, canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, announced on April 3 that Petiprin has been called to serve as…
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Studies show that more people go to church for Easter services than on any other day of the year, even Christmas. Those studies, which can be referenced in the Christian Standard and Christian Post websites, among others, will likely hold true again—at least in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. At St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Haines…
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Nearly 100 people recently journeyed to Camp Wingmann to learn about the power of prayer from one of the best sources in Central Florida: Bishop Greg Brewer. Youth Ministry Institute (YMI) Executive Director Steve Schneeberger said 97 youths and adults attended the bishop’s Earth to God annual event Feb. 24-25 at the beautiful 42-acre site…
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Engaging youth in Christ-centered activities is a powerful thing, which is why the Youth Ministry Institute does everything it can to empower its leaders. The Youth Ministry Institute (YMI) recently held its bimonthly meeting for youth leaders in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. The meetings are held during the odd-numbered months of the year…
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