In a previous column, I gave a simple challenge for the churches to write letters to our children and teens in the streets. Slowly but steadily, the letters came in. Then one day, we got a package that contained a bunch of letters written by children from a church in a small city in Florida….

In 1999 and 2000, the Synod of ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and The Episcopal Church USA agreed and ratified a Call to Common Mission. This agreement enabled our two faith-traditions to be in communion with one another. I rejoice that I have been able to live out this common vision on many levels….

The gorgeous Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Minneapolis will be the venue for The Episcopal Network for Stewardship’s (TENS) annual conference in May, and The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida hopes to see you there. The Journey to Generosity annual conference will be held Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, at historical Saint Mark’s, a…

Seven years ago, Becky Riley’s love of photography led her to join a photo club that has professional judges and professional photographers who give lessons. One day, Becky received a call that a world-class photographer was coming to the next photo club session. This sounded interesting, so she made sure to attend. When she arrived,…

Dear Friends of Camp Wingmann, There has been a lot of work done at our camp over the years. In fact, the pace of the work has not slowed down since my arrival. Over the last two and a half years, we have completed our cabin renovations with Trail’s End Cabin. We have also completed several…

New Beginnings began in the Diocese of Central Florida more than 30 years ago. It was originally crafted by a team of folks headed up by Pete and Joy Lockwood.  The weekend ran successfully but shut down after many years. A team of dedicated young people and adults have restarted the weekend and are working hard…

Happening is a Christian weekend experience presented by teenagers for teenagers with the help of clergy and lay adult leadership. It is designed for youth in grades 10-12 and sponsored by The Episcopal Church. These weekends are meant to bring students to a fuller personal knowledge of and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and to a…

Camp Wingmann’s summer camp program is designed to encourage campers to exercise, eat right, get proper sleep and grow in their faith. Having fun is a priority, and campers enjoy many activities such as all kinds of sports, silly games, arts and crafts, and swimming or kayaking in beautiful Trout Lake. A ropes course challenges middle schoolers…

Bishop Gregory Brewer ordained the following nine candidates as transitional deacons on the evening of January 30 at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando: Karl Nicholas Braunschneider, John Garry Edwards, Joshua Michael Gritter, Lauren Renee Ellis Larkin, Zachary David Neubauer, Gladys Rodriguez, Frank Wayne Samuelson, Louise Bernhardt Samuelson, and Ashton Knight Williston. Ordination as a transitional deacon is the final step before becoming…

Although Deacon Becky Chapman is the newest member of the diocesan staff, she has been volunteering in the offices for the last year and a half. Deacon Becky’s broad background in finance, nonprofit development, training, hospitality, and large event management have helped her become the staff utility player. In addition to coordinating catering and hospitality for the last two convention lunches and this year’s convention dinner, she assists in…