Central Florida Episcopalian Online

“For the churches, for the gospel.” That’s why the diocesan office exists, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb told those who attended the 55th annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida on Jan. 27. That core purpose stood behind and beneath the diocese’s 2024 Vestry Training, held Saturday, March 9, at Church…

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Imagine a formational curriculum for children and teens that allows them to engage with the Bible in creative, interactive ways. Imagine it follows the liturgical calendar, connecting them with the enduring traditions of The Episcopal Church. Imagine it offers multiple entry points, allowing students and teachers to build deep connections with scripture and with one…

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In the depths of despair, when darkness seems to envelop us and hope feels like a distant memory, God breaks through with promises of hope and comfort. In the book of Lamentations and the Gospel of John, with support from the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, we find passages that speak to the human experience…

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The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida, used a familiar phrase when he presided over his first ordination to the priesthood on Feb. 10 at Grace, Ocala: “Once a deacon, always a deacon.” This phrase is commonly used to remind ordinands that a new ordination does not cancel…

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On Feb. 8, 2024, Dr. Mike Allen, academic dean of Reformed Theological Seminary Orlando, Oviedo, welcomed those gathered to the third annual Cranmer Lecture, “Worship by Faith Alone,” presented by 2024 lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Zac Hicks. Click here to listen to Hicks’ lecture in its entirety, including a Q&A. With clarity, Allen summarized the…

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Mr. Roman Franklin joined the diocesan staff as its new diocesan financial officer and administrator on Jan. 17. He replaces former CFO and financial administrator Bayard Lee “Earl” Pickett, who retired in December 2022 after 25-plus years with the diocese. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb announced Franklin’s hiring and introduced him on Jan….

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The Diocese of Central Florida‘s renewed emphasis on youth ministry comes to life with “Grounded,” the first of three 2024 gospel-focused youth events funded in its operating budget, set to take place Friday and Saturday, March 1-2, at All Saints, Winter Park. Registration begins at 7 p.m. Friday, with worship and teaching sessions slated for…

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On Saturday, Jan. 27, the doors of All Saints, Winter Park, opened to approximately 425 clergy, laity, guests and volunteers for the 55th annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida. Along with the excitement of gathering together as a diocesan family, the event carried with it a strong gospel emphasis that prevailed throughout…

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The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb appointed Canon Richard Davis Clark as canon acolyte warden on Jan. 28 at the 2024 General Meeting of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando. The requisite for conferring the title of “canon” on any member of the laity is a long and valuable service to the church….

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“As a deacon in the Church, you are to … make Christ and his redemptive love known” (Book of Common Prayer, 543). Not only was that phrase from the service for the ordination of a deacon used in the examination of seven Diocese of Central Florida transitional deacons on the evening of Jan. 11 at…

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