The Rev. Kevin Bartle, rector of St. Mary of the Angels, Orlando, officially began his position as one of three new youth ministry coordinators for the Diocese of Central Florida on Jan. 1. But thanks to a last-minute invitation, he attended a Province IV Youth Ministry Leadership and Network Meeting held Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at…
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If you’ve made some resolutions for 2024, consider this: Like other exercises of raw willpower, most New Year’s resolutions fail miserably. According to research, only 8% of Americans who make resolutions stick with them. In fact, the research also reveals that 77% of people maintain their resolution for the first week, but only 19% for…
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On Monday, Dec. 5, seven students gathered for a week-long iconography class hosted by the St. David’s Institute at St. David’s-by-the-Sea, Cocoa Beach. The third of its type taught by Jeanne Weaver, artist-in-residence for SDI and board member of The Episcopal Church and Visual Arts, the class is part of what seems to be a…
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God has opened up an exciting new avenue for St. Michael’s, Orlando, to serve its community. The church, located in College Park, held the first meeting of its mental-health support group, Holding Hope, on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m. This special group is being established for those 18 years and older to provide a…
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The Advent season highlights some staggering, life-giving truths about infant Jesus. Scriptures call baby Jesus Immanuel (God with us) and the Savior. Christmas itself is all about God becoming human—the incarnation. This central doctrine of our faith makes two amazing claims: Jesus is truly God, and Jesus is fully human. These two truths are essential…
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“Lord, what will you have me do?” This question, taken from the motto of The Order of the Daughters of the King, served as the impetus for a life lived to the glory of God. Krisita Anne Jackson, who died Dec. 1 at age 71 in an Orlando hospital, was a gifted lay leader whose…
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The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, newly appointed by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb as part-time assisting bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, has a unique view of the primary focus and goal of his role, which Holcomb described as “enhancing what my office can offer in terms of pastoral care and…
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Gateway to Hope Ministries in Ocala is partnering with St. George, The Villages, and other area organizations to offer a Christmas party for 160 children, representing 70 families, on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at Gateway to Hope. The children invited to the party have a prior relationship with the food ministry, led by the…
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I have had the joy over the past few months of teaching through the four Comfortable Words, found in our Book of Common Prayer and designed to be delivered by the priest after the confession of sin. We conclude the series with this post, but before we do, let’s take time for a quick review….
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The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida, has appointed three priests to serve as diocesan youth ministry coordinators. In addition to their current roles, the Rev. Garcia Barnswell-Schmidt (Lower School chaplain of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne), the Rev. Kevin Bartle (rector of St. Mary of the Angels,…
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