Compared to last year’s successful event, this one was  “bigger and better.” That’s how the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Smith described the 2025 Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida Vestry Training, “Equipping Vestries: For the Churches, for the Gospel,” held on Saturday, March 8, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Church of the Messiah, Winter…

Left Photo: (L-R) Emilynn, Micalynn, Natalie and Donovan Layne were baptized during chapel on April 29, 2024. Photo – REBECCA ALLISON  |  Right Photo: Chaplain Barnswell-Schmidt baptizes Penelope Hatcher, Feb. 7, 2025. – Photo courtesy of HTEA   Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne, instituted baptisms at the school in the 2023-2024 school year. The Rev. Garcia…

Bishops Justin Holcomb (L), Megan Traquair (C) and Lloyd Allen (R) | Photo: BISHOP JUSTIN HOLCOMB Since 1974, the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida and the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras have enjoyed a strong Companion Diocese relationship that has only grown stronger in recent months. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb of Central Florida…

All Saints, Winter Park, hosted the third annual “Grounded” youth event for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida on March 7- 8. Youth groups from throughout the diocese took part in the conference-style youth retreat event designed for youth leaders and youth to hear, engage, connect and experience the gospel of Christ. “Our goal was…

Dean Timothy Kimbrough (L) reads as Bishop Greg Brewer (C) and the Rev. Dr. David Decosimo (R) pray during Decosimo’s ordination service. | Photo: MOLLY HERMAN-GALLOW   Relationships – with family and friends, with three bishops, with present and future clergy and above all, with the Lord – tell the story of the Rev. Dr….

During the 56th annual Diocesan Convention, held Jan. 24-25 at Trinity, Vero Beach, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb made more than one important announcement. One of several that are already having an impact on the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida is the appointment of the Rev. Canon Ellis Brust to a new position…

After many months of hard work and difficult decisions, all undergirded by prayer, leaders from the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida are grateful to have a significant update: An executed contract has been signed and an initial escrowed deposit paid for the potential sale of 47-plus acres, which represents the bulk of the property belonging…

Lent begins with the trace of ashes and the somber words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 265). It is a season of repentance, reflection and renewal. But it is not merely a time for self-examination – it is an invitation to return to the…

Editor’s note: The following poem with original artwork, both by Rayana Blackwood, is republished with permission from “The Bridge Builder,” newsletter of St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce. Blackwood’s creations came in response to a request from the Rev. Canon Ellis Brust, rector at St. Andrew’s, that students at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy write about their understanding…

On Saturday, Feb. 15, Church of Our Savior Palm Bay hosted the annual diocesan celebration of Absalom Jones, the first Black Episcopal priest. This year’s event, “In the Spirit of the Sankofa: Shaping Our Tomorrow,” drew 119 attendees for a day of worship, reflection and a call to action. The Rev. Dr. Mark A. Jefferson,…