In 1999 and 2000, the Synod of ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and The Episcopal Church USA agreed and ratified a Call to Common Mission. This agreement enabled our two faith-traditions to be in communion with one another. I rejoice that I have been able to live out this common vision on many levels….
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Bishop Gregory Brewer ordained the following nine candidates as transitional deacons on the evening of January 30 at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando: Karl Nicholas Braunschneider, John Garry Edwards, Joshua Michael Gritter, Lauren Renee Ellis Larkin, Zachary David Neubauer, Gladys Rodriguez, Frank Wayne Samuelson, Louise Bernhardt Samuelson, and Ashton Knight Williston. Ordination as a transitional deacon is the final step before becoming…
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Although Deacon Becky Chapman is the newest member of the diocesan staff, she has been volunteering in the offices for the last year and a half. Deacon Becky’s broad background in finance, nonprofit development, training, hospitality, and large event management have helped her become the staff utility player. In addition to coordinating catering and hospitality for the last two convention lunches and this year’s convention dinner, she assists in…
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On the afternoon of January 15, 2017, the Rev. Adam Young was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Gregory Brewer at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando. Adam will continue to serve on the Cathedral staff, where he has been serving as a transitional deacon. Congratulations to Adam and blessings on his present and future ministry.
[ Read More]We are delighted to announce that the Rev. Rebecca Toalster has been called as rector of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Bartow. She officially began January 1, and her first Sunday was January 15. A native of Lakeland, the Rev. Toalster was sponsored for ordination by St. Stephen’s, Lakeland, and is a graduate of Trinity School…
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We all realize our culture is changing—fast. As rectors, deacons, vestry members, and lay leaders, we all must consider how to adapt our sermons and services to reach our communities with the gospel without compromising the values and tradition we share. This conference is all about helping you do just that: becoming not just aware…
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“If you are a Christian, your family is not just the people with the same last name as you, but those baptized in the same name as you. “ The above quote is from the Rev. Sam Allberry—a priest in the Church of England. Although it is not unusual for a bishop in The Episcopal…
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Contemplative Retreats for Vestries In a line I’ve always loved from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus invites his disciples, “Come away to a lonely place and rest awhile” (6:31b). They’d been teaching and healing on the road for days and were no doubt exhausted by the demands of the crowds. Jesus knows that what the…
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Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. New Covenant United Methodist Church The Villages $20 Registration Fee, Open to Clergy and Laity Fresh Expressions is an exciting movement that is cultivating new forms of church alongside existing congregations in order to reach a changing world. The Diocese of Central Florida, in…
[ Read More]In this election season, isn’t it tempting to get caught up in the frenzy. Everyone we encounter seems to want to polarize and divide us. “Whose side are you on?” “If you vote for him/her you are voting to dismantle our democracy!” “If you don’t vote at all, you’re just giving a vote to him/her.”…
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