Central Florida Episcopalian Online

His ordination took place on the morning of Wednesday, May 10, in the Upper School at Holy Trinity Academy, Melbourne. But the Rev. Timothy Rutherford, head chaplain for the school, already sees the difference ministering with the authority of Christ makes, and he has one primary response: thankfulness. “Gratitude was the overwhelming feeling of the…

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On Friday, April 21, 170 people gathered for a retirement party to celebrate the ministry of the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer and his wife, Mrs. Laura Lee Brewer. For almost 47 years, Bishop Brewer has served the Lord as a deacon, priest and for the last 12 years, as bishop of the Diocese of…

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While the mission of Good Shepherd, Maitland, is to “make disciples of all people who are confident in their faith, filled with God’s Holy Spirit, and totally in love with Jesus!,” the congregation also recognizes the importance of its history. On its campus stands the church’s  historic chapel, built in 1883, the same year the…

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On Saturday, April 15, the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida, continued his path toward ordaining more than 200 people before the end of his episcopacy with the ordination of four men to the priesthood at All Saints, Winter Park. The four responded with joy and gratitude to God,…

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To say that The Episcopal Church and the broader Anglican Communion have faced challenges in recent years regarding their official positions on same-sex marriage would be a broad understatement. But the Diocese of Central Florida has a continuing voice in the conversation around this topic, and the Rev. Phyllis Bartle, rector of St. Jude’s, Orange…

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A lot has been said about the perils of social media, but without it, one Canadian priest might not have transitioned to the Diocese of Central Florida. The Rev. Jonathan Turtle, new rector of Emmanuel, Orlando, first met the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, diocesan bishop, through social media platforms more than six years ago….

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How does one communicate the essence of a life well-lived for Christ? Those who conduct funerals and memorial services for fellow believers must answer that question. But when the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer preached and celebrated the burial Eucharist for his longtime friend the Rev. Thomas “Tom” Comstock Seitz Jr., rector emeritus at Good…

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“It’s kind of like the Army. It’s more than just a job.” That’s what the Rev. Nancy Oliver said about her ministry to inmates of the Brevard County Jail, an extension of her calling to bless those whom Jesus called “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40). When the Pulse nightclub tragedy occurred, she stood by…

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The Rev. Dr. Robert S. Strenth, rector of St. Matthew’s, Orlando, has received the Orange County Public Schools’ 2023 Principal of the Year award. He serves as principal of Prairie Lake Elementary, Ocoee. This award “recognizes outstanding principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students and demonstrated exemplary contributions to their schools…

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On Feb. 20, 2023, St. James, Ormond Beach, reached out to those grieving loss and those who minister to them with an event designed to offer comfort and hope. “Tending to Your Broken Heart When Someone You Love Has Died” brought a diverse crowd of more than 200, which included clergy, health industry leaders, compassionate…

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