Central Florida Episcopalian Online

A military term coined during the 17th century, “front line” referred to the closest proximity to enemy engagement. While it seems strange at first glance to use military lingo during seasons of crisis among civilians, the term captures two essential elements of war: an enemy and a hero. For over a year, a new kind of battle has…

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For many in Volusia County, Thursdays are days of joyful anticipation. That’s when they know “Mr. Lou” or “Mr. Hallelujah” will appear at the door with fresh fruits and vegetables! This deliverer is Louis Carter, an enthusiastic friend of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church’s Faith at Work (FAW) Center, who extends the ministry’s helping arms beyond…

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In the garden, Jesus prayed “that they may all be one” (John 17:21a). Since that time, the Christian world has experienced many moments of division and unity. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, churches and leaders from diverse backgrounds are fulfilling Christ’s call to unity while offering the gift of life beyond the virus….

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When Hurricane Maria first hit the island of Puerto Rico in September 2017, no one knew its impact would continue even today. When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit the U.S. in February of 2020, no one knew its impact would last not a few weeks or a few months but well into 2021. Only the…

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He had a job! The homeless man camping somewhere in the woods just had to share his good news with someone. So he stopped by a familiar place, the food pantry where he has been a regular for a long time. The volunteers celebrated with him, giving him a large bag of food. Without it,…

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As the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and operations, Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center, under the direction of Chalmers Morse, has extended hospitality, offering those in need a sanctuary during the storm. The 48-acre center, located in Oviedo, has served the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida since 1982. During the shutdown, however, the ministry pivoted,…

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The Diocese of Central Florida is still making a difference in the lives of those in the Diocese of Honduras, where not only COVID-19 but Hurricanes Eta and Iota have had devastating impact. Wesny Dubic, chairman of the diocese’s Honduras Commission, spoke with Bishop Lloyd Allen of the Diocese of Honduras Dec. 22 and reports…

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The lives of immigrant children in Marion County, Florida, will be enriched and impacted thanks to the efforts of Ocala’s Grace Episcopal Church, which recently received $10,000 in grants from The Episcopal Church and the David and Lisa Midgett Foundation. The monies, awarded for churches addressing racial disparity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, will…

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La Iglesia Episcopal St. John’s en Melbourne, tiene planes excitantes para ministrar a las personas de habla hispana durante el próximo año. “Esperamos lanzar servicios y reuniones cada fin de semana empe en enero de 2021”, dijo el reverendo Eric Turner, rector. Este nuevo alcance será mucho más que un ministerio en español simplemente usando…

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St. John’s, Melbourne, has some exciting plans to minister to Spanish-speaking people in the year ahead. “We hope to launch weekend services and gatherings in January 2021,” said The Rev. Eric Turner, rector. This new outreach will be much more than a Spanish ministry merely using the church’s facilities, Turner said. “Folks who become part…

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