Central Florida Episcopalian Online

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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Bishop-elect Dr. Justin S. Holcomb was asked to serve as a resource consultant for a Lambeth Phase 3 meeting held Feb. 28-March 3, 2023, in London. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby designed the 15th Lambeth Conference to consist of three parts. Phase 1 was a listening phase held in a series of online meetings for bishops…

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“Who are these women?” Nadine Craig wondered when she began attending St. Mary’s, Belleview. “These women” were those “who seemed to just have a glow and a light about them, and they were always smiling, and they were wearing these Fleury crosses,” she explained. “And then someone said, ‘Do you know about the Daughters of…

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2023 diocesan vestry training was held on March 4, 2023 at Church of the Messiah, 241 North Main Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787. The handout, slide deck, and other resources from the sessions are available below. Handout for Vestry Training (PDF) Vestry Training Slide Deck (PDF) Operating and Procedures Manual (PDF) View all of the…

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