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. | | Diocese of Florida Parish and Commission Attend Ribbon Cutting and Marker Unveiling for the Century Pioneer Family Farm | | | |
The Rev. Ken Johnstone and The Venerable Lydia Bush from St. Luke’s Episcopal, Live Oak joined members of the Diocese of Florida’s Ministry for Racial Healing, Reconciliation and Justice along with the community on November 22, 2025 to celebrate with a North Florida family who made state history. The event included a ribbon cutting and unveiling of a marker recognizing the Hemming Family’s 139-year old ancestral farm.
The marker honors the first African American Century Pioneer Family Farm in Florida. The legacy of the farm is traced back to Christmas Hemming, who was born a slave and purchased the farm containing 640 acres 1885.
The day was following many years of research and preservation that led to a certification by the Genealogical Society.
Among family members was Mr. Hemmings great-great-great-granddaughter, Pat Hines who authored a book in 2001: Christmas in the South: A Proud Southern Heritage, to honor his amazing life.
| | The Cathedral School is Seeking Dedicated Educators | | | |
The Cathedral School in downtown Jacksonville is seeking dedicated educators for full-time and part-time teaching positions. The Cathedral School is an independent preschool serving children ages 3 months to 5 years old (Pre-K4). The school provides a professional, supportive environment for both staff and families.
Full-time positions include paid holidays and paid time off. Part-time roles offer flexible hours. The school also welcomes applicants who are currently enrolled in college courses. Pay is competitive and based on experience, credentials, and employment type. An employee discount is available to all staff.
If you are interested in a career in early childhood education, please contact Kristine Rodman, Head of School, at 904-353-4050 or krodman@sjcsjax.org.
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Nancy Parks
Nancy Bostick Parks passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on April 25, 1934, in Quincy, Florida, Nancy lived a life defined by grace, generosity, curiosity, and quiet strength.
She married the love of her life, The Rev. Dr. Robert Ray Parks, on April 20, 1955. Fr. Bob went on to serve as the 15th Rector of Trinity Church Wall Street in New York City.
Nancy was a blessing to St. Paul's, Quincy for decades. She worshipped weekly through the church's online ministry for over 5 years. We wish her family peace and comfort.
| | Youth Confirmation Retreat | | | |
The Youth Confirmation Retreat is an opportunity for youth preparing to express a mature commitment to Christ through Confirmation. Attendees will meet other youth in the diocese as they explore an overview of the Bible, Creeds, the Book of Common Prayer, Sacraments, Spiritual Disciplines, Forms of Worship, and Church History and participate in an Instructed Eucharist. It will be coordinated by the five host churches and will be held lock-in style, beginning Friday night, January 16 at 7:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m. Saturday night with an Instructed Eucharist.
When: January 16-17, 2025
Where: Christ Church Ponte Vedra
Who: Organized by Church of Our Saviour (Jacksonville), Christ Church (Ponte Vedra), St. Francis in the Field (Ponte Vedra), St. Mark’s (Jacksonville), and St. Peter’s (Fernandina).
Designed for: 8th-12th Grade Youth who have not been Confirmed
Cost: $40, includes meals & all supplies (scholarships available)
If you have questions, contact Parker Wheeler.
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SMAA Student Leaders Graduate from Florida A&M University
It is with immense pride and joy that the St. Michael and All Angels (SMAA) Campus Ministry shares that two of their student leaders have earned their Bachelor of Science Degrees in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University College of Education.
Ashanti Watkins, who served as the President of the Registered Student Organization (RSO), demonstrated unparalleled leadership and dedication throughout her tenure, planning wonderful monthly events.
Cherish Redd served as the RSO Secretary and was the driving force behind the organization's significant membership growth, actively fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all.
We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and deeply grateful for their invaluable contributions to the organization.
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Breakfast with St. Nicholas at Church of the Advent
Episcopal Church of the Advent, Tallahassee enjoyed a wonderful Saturday morning on December 13 as they celebrated their Breakfast with St. Nicholas.
Guest were served a hot breakfast, got to play in the "snow," pet a miniature horse, make arts and crafts, and, of course, visit with St. Nicholas!
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Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Beaches Campus Presents The Festival of Lessons and Carols
The fifth grade students of Episcopal School of Jacksonville, Beaches Campus presented The Festival of Lessons and Carols in the St. Paul’s by-the-Sea sanctuary. Through scripture readings and traditional Christmas songs, the story of Christ’s birth came to life. Students in first through fourth grades joined together to sing heartfelt songs, while the older students acted out the Nativity scene.
This was one of the many Lessons and Carols held throughout the diocese in December, and we are filled with joy seeing so many wonderful events during the Advent season.
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All Saints Episcopal Church, Jacksonville Rings in the Holiday Season
All Saints Episcopal Church had the chance to share the joy of the season with residents at Starling Manor. The Handbell Choir played festive songs, and Stephanie and Michael sang a beautiful song alongside the youth and led in jolly carol singing.
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Volunteers from St. John's, Tallahassee Deliver Meals on Wheels
Members of St. John's, Tallahassee volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels the morning of Christmas Eve. These volunteers delivered joy with every meal, in partnership with Elder Care Services.
| | St. Luke's Advent Concert at Mandi's Chapel | | |
St. Luke's, Live Oak held a beautiful concert at Mandi's Chapel on December 7. Over 50 people braved the rain and the North Florida dark to find the light of Advent shining in the darkness! Over $500 was raised for the chapel and Camp Weed at the concert.
We appreciate St. Luke's for leading this event and Dr. Michael Flowers and Margie Huffman for sharing their lovely talents.
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Camp Weed is holding Episcopal Hand arts on January 29 through February 1.
Register to create memories and community in a warm, inspiring space and connect with fellow sewers.
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Happening #155 will be held January 23-25, 2026 and will be led by Rector Thomas Gibbes (Church of Our Saviour, Jacksonville), Head Gofer Emme Hnath (Christ Church, Ponte Vedra Beach), Head of Music Bella Sell (St. Peter’s, Fernandina), Adult Advisor Hannah Bardin (Church of Our Saviour, Jacksonville), and Assistant Adult Advisor Crissy Spicer (St. Francis in the Field, Ponte Vedra).
Candidate registration is available through January 5, 2026.
| | Prayer Warriors, Set Your Alarms! | | | |
Calling All Prayer Warriors!
Can you commit to one minute a day to pray for our search for a new bishop?
Please set a daily alarm for 3:25 p.m. (the address of our Diocesan Office) and pray each day for the search and transition committees, their process, and our future bishop. Know that you are lifting your voices to God with so many others in the Diocese of Florida at the same time, and trust God to guide our way.
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