View as Webpage

If you're having trouble viewing the full newsletter below, please visit our Diocesan Digest newsletter archives on the website to read it in its entirety.

With profound gratitude, we congratulate The Reverend Tony Powell on his retirement following more than 13 years of faithful service to Trinity Episcopal Church, Melrose. Since December 2012, Fr. Tony and his wife, Ann, have been pillars of both their parish and the local community.

On Sunday, April 26, parishioners and friends gathered for Fr. Tony’s final service at Trinity, Melrose, followed by a celebratory luncheon filled with fellowship and heartfelt tributes. In a full-circle moment, Fr. Tony was joined by The Rev. Jim Sorvillo, the priest during his discernment process at Ascension, Orlando over 20 years ago.

Before his tenure at Trinity, Melrose, Fr. Tony served as vicar at Holy Nativity on St. Simon's Island and St. Richard's on Jekyll Island. We thank Fr. Tony for serving in our diocese as a rector, regional canon, and friend.

The Reverend Leslie Roraback

We are saddened to share the news of The Reverend Leslie Roraback's passing on April 25, 2026. Beginning in 2023, Mtr. Leslie faithfully served as the associate rector at St. John's, Tallahassee. Her preaching, intentional care, and welcoming leadership brought joy and hope to many.

A funeral will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 3:00 pm at St. Paul's-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, NC. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to join in-person.

Later, a Celebration of Life and Ministry will be held at St. John's, Tallahassee. Dates and times are to be determined.

Read Mtr. Leslie's obituary here.

The Reverend Canon Lance Horne

With much sadness we share the passing of The Reverend Canon Lance Horne, who went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Fr. Lance has served as the vicar at St. Bartholomew’s, High Springs since 2011 and previously served as the vicar and rector at several churches in the Diocese of Florida and the Diocese of Hawaii.

A date and time for a memorial service has not yet been determined.

Mark your calendars for September 11–12, 2026 as we gather at Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center for our Annual Diocesan Convention. This year holds special significance for our diocese, as Friday, September 11 will be dedicated to the election of our next Bishop, a sacred and historic moment in the life of our Church.

On Saturday, September 12, we will continue with the regular business of the diocese, coming together in prayer, fellowship, and shared purpose as we carry forward the work entrusted to us.

We encourage all clergy and lay delegates to attend this important gathering. Additional details and registration information will be shared in the coming weeks.

Parish administrators, vestry members, and ministry leaders:

We are excited to be with the Apalachee Region on Wednesday, May 13 at St. John’s, Tallahassee and the Santa Fe Region on Thursday, June 11 at Holy Trinity, Gainesville for the first E.P.IC. regional meetings! The meeting time is from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and lunch will be provided by the diocese.

It’s a great opportunity to build relationships, share ideas, and strengthen our ministries together.

Kindly RSVP to dpeck@diocesefl.org and include any dietary restrictions. In your response, please provide your name, position, church, and region.

The Epsicopal Church Women Spring Retreat for Province IV will take place on June 1 through June 3 at Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center. The retreat will be themed around Biblical Gardens, and attendees will enjoy sessions and workshops led by chaplains, local experts, and ECW leaders.

View the documents linked below for information on registration and retreat activities.

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is the global relief and development agency for the Episcopal Church. ERD works in over 30 countries around the globe with programming for women and girls, climate resilience, and disaster response. 

This season of Easter Tide offers each of us the opportunity to express gratitude through our gifts—for our communities and communities across the world. Your support for ERD offers the ability for ERD to respond to communities where the need is greatest. Please consider a gift to support their work. 

Visit episcopalrelief.org for additional information on communities and programs around the world. Thank you for your consideration.

Volunteer Day - REGISTER NOW!

Camp Weed's Volunteer Day is planned for May 8-9. There are multiple free options to register and participate (or ways to donate if you'd like!), but we can't plan ahead for this if we don't know you're coming, so please register soon! We can't wait to see you. Find more details and the link for registration here! 

Summer Camp

We have over 600 campers registered for Camp Weed Summer Camp 2026! A waitlist has already begun for girls for Final Session, and Senior Session and Middler Session 1 are filling up fast for girls as well. If you'd like to support Summer Camp 2026 financially, please consider purchasing items off our Amazon Wishlist. All items will be shipped directly to Camp Weed to be used this summer. There are items of all price ranges on this list, and any donation of any amount is deeply appreciated.

Click here to view our Amazon Wishlist. 

Staff Opportunities

We're still looking for recent/upcoming high school graduates to join us in Cabin Counselor and Kitchen Staff positions this summer. Cabin Counselors will work directly in cabins with campers each day. Kitchen Staff members will still be a part of camp staff, living in staff cabin and participating in camp activities as able, but they will have regularly scheduled shifts in the kitchen helping to prepare meals. For more information and the link to the application, visit our website by clicking here.

Happening #156

We had a fantastic Happening #156 during April 17-19, led by high school senior Zatie Venditti (St. Peter's, Fernandina). It was a wonderful weekend with 58 candidates in attendance. 68 youth and adult team members shined their lights for those candidates and spent the weekend showing them God's love. 💜 

Save the Date: Happening #157

Happening #157 will be held September 18-20, 2026 at Camp Weed and will be led by youth Olivia Sheftall (St. Mark's, Jacksonville). Both team applications and candidate registration are available now! Click here for more information and the links to registration.

If you'd like to support the Happening movement by donating supplies, you can purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist to be sent directly to camp. Click here to view the list. 

Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center Project Updates

It has been a very busy and productive few months at Camp Weed and the Cerveny Conference Center!

Our first major project, the reroofing of the Conference Center, is now approximately 99% complete. We now have a roof system in place that should serve us well for the next 40 years!

We have several other projects upcoming and nearing completion, including road repairs, guest room refurbishment, and bathroom renovations. We look forward to sharing more reports of the great work happening at Camp Weed.

In Need of a Used Pickup Truck

Are you looking to get rid of a used vehicle? 🛻 Camp Weed is in need of a used pickup truck for the maintenance team. Please contact Helen Hargreaves at helen@campweed.org if you have an available vehicle!

Bishop's Institute: Interview with Sam Marxsen

Sam Marxsen, Director of Summer Camp & Youth Programs at Camp Weed, recently sat down with The Rev. Douglas Dupree for a Bishop's Institute interview. They discuss this year’s "Wear Love" theme, the launch of a new service-oriented camp for older teens, and the vital role counselors play in fostering a Christ-centered community. Read Sam’s full interview here.

Bishop Stokes Visits St. John's, Tallahassee

St. John's, Tallahassee celebrated Palm Sunday with the confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation of youth and adults in their church family. Bishop Stokes led the service and shared a powerful message on love that turns the world upside down.

What a wonderful way to begin Holy Week!

Bishop Stokes Visits St. Mark's, Jacksonville

Bishop Stokes joined St. Mark's, Jacksonville as they celebrated confirmations, baptisms, and a joyful time of worship. We ask you to pray for the new confirmands and reaffirmed who took this next step in their faith.

Bishop Stokes Visits Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach

Bishop Stokes visit Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach to celebrate the confirmation of many parishioners, including 15 youth!

Deacon School Students Study at St. James, Lake City

The Deacon School gathered at St. James, Lake City to study the Old Testament with The Rev. William Stokes. We rejoice over their hearts of service for our diocese, and we pray for growth and insight as they continue through Deacon School.

River Region E.P.I.C. Gathering

We had a great time with the parish administrators and volunteers of the River Region at E.P.I.C.! It was wonderful to share ideas and strengthen our ministries together.

Maundy Thursday Service at Church Without Walls

Church Without Walls had a beautiful Maundy Thursday service with footwashing, prayer, and fellowship, exemplifying Jesus’ command to love one another as he loved us. 

The service was held in partnership with St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Jacksonville and St. Mary's Episcopal Church and Outreach Mission.

What a wonderful way to show love to our neighbors through service and hospitality.

Good Shepherd, Jacksonvilles Runs for a Cause

Parishioners of Good Shepherd, Jacksonville raced to the finish line at the annual Strides for Pride 5K fundraiser. The church raised over $5,000 for JASMYN, a provider of health and human services for vulnerable youth in Jacksonville.

The Bishop Transition Committee is ramping up their work to educate and equip the diocese for the upcoming bishop election this fall. Their tools and information will be helpful for all members of the diocese as we expectantly pray and prepare for our next bishop.

There are lots of ways to stay connected with the diocese and the bishop election process:

• Follow the Diocese of Florida on Instagram and Facebook.
• Subscribe to the Diocesan Digest to ensure you receive all important emails.
• Visit diocesefl.org/bishop-election as a hub for all election updates and resources.

May 2: Delegates Retreat

May 9: Mindful Aging Strategies: Paths to Second Half Thriving

May 13: E.P.I.C. Regional Meeting (for Parish Office Staff)

May 14: Clergy Lunch with Bishop Paul of the Diocese of Kapsabet

Share a link to this email