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…
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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…
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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,…
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“This is not a failure – faithfulness is never a failure.” The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb used these words in making a difficult announcement during his address to delegates and honored guests at the 2025 Diocesan Convention at Trinity, Vero Beach: The Diocesan Board allocated no funding for All Souls’ mission in 2025,…
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In many ways, both the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb and Canon Sarah Caprani feel as if she has already been performing the role of chief of staff for the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida – just without the title. But that no longer is the case. Caprani’s exemplary work with…
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From liturgy to learning, from presentations to praise and worship, from the Eucharist to elections – all carried out the overarching theme of “For the Churches, for the Gospel” and filled the two days of the 56th annual Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, held Jan. 24-25 at Trinity, Vero Beach. This…
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Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is a major staple of American culture. Few know much about its history, however. Some dismiss Feb. 14 as a “Hallmark holiday” created to indulge the consumerist habits of wealthy Americans; others disdain it as overly romantic and serving little purpose. Yet for the majority of Americans, Valentine’s…
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Roman Franklin, CFO for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, has accepted an invitation to serve a three-year term on the Client Council of the Church Pension Group. “I am honored to have a seat at the table to participate in discussions with the decision makers of CPG,” said Franklin. “I’m honored to have the opportunity…
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Winter Camp at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park has a different theme every year, but according to camp executive director Joshua “J.J.” Joseph, the camp maintains the same focus: building gospel-based connections. The recent Winter Camp, which took place the weekend of Dec. 27-29, had the theme “Total Surrender” and revealed the many ways Winter…
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Regardless of politics, the topic of immigration has become one of increasing concern in both the U.S. and the state of Florida. Now, the factors surrounding this issue are having direct impact on clergy and congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. According to the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Smith, canon to the ordinary,…
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