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.

In case you missed it, we recently shared the individuals who will serve on the Commission on Ministry. Please join us in congratulating this outstanding group as they embark on this journey. We are grateful for their commitment and look forward to the blessings their work will bring to our diocese!



Co-Chairs:

• The Reverend Sara Rich
• The Reverend Deacon Leila Quinlan

Members: 

• Rachelle Parman
• Ted Miller
• Sue Engemann
• Melissa Murphy
• Richard Phelan
• Marcy Muldrow Sanders
• The Reverend Lonnie Lacy
• The Reverend Deacon Beth Ranoull
• The Reverend William Stokes
• The Reverend Todd Prox

Ex Officio:

• The Reverend Canon Douglas Dupree

Liaison to the Standing Committee:

• The Reverend Justin Yawn

To view their bios, please click here or the button below.

Jacob Shelly is joining Chapel of the Resurrection at FSU in Tallahassee as a Lay College Minister, while Hannah Shelly is becoming the new Chaplain and Director of Children & Youth Ministries at Holy Comforter School in Tallahassee. Congratulations to Jacob and Hannah Shelly on their exciting new roles in Tallahassee!

November 14: POST Recap

On November 14, Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center hosted P.O.S.T. (Professional Office Staff Together), bringing together church staff, including parish administrators, treasurers, communications teams, office volunteers, and ministry leaders, for a day of growth, reflection, and connection.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who dedicated their time and effort to make this event a success. We also extend a big shoutout to everyone from across the diocese who attended.

We’re grateful for this time of fellowship and learning as we continue to grow together in faith and service.

First Friday Art Walk - Trinity Parish,

St. Augustine

Every church’s location has unique missional strengths and challenges. Trinity Parish in St. Augustine may have significant parking and traffic challenges on Sunday mornings, but on First Fridays their staff saw a unique and fun opportunity: opening their patio gate onto the historic plaza for the monthly First Friday Art Walk.

The next Art Walk will take place on Friday, December 6 at 5 p.m. There will be carolers and hot chocolate.

Holiday Wild Game Dinner at Camp Weed - December 14

Join us at Camp Weed on December 14th for a Holiday Wild Game Dinner at Camp Weed! This unique and festive holiday celebration is part of Camp Weed's 100 More Years Celebration.

Family, friends, coworkers and dates are all welcome! Tickets are $75 per person. For more information, please click on the button below!

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

2025 Eucharistic Visitor Training

When: Saturday, January 18, 2025

Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Where: St. John’s Episcopal Church in Killeen Hall, 211 N. Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32301

Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Commission

The Diocesan Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Commission, currently consisting of 13

clergy and 13 laypersons, is pleased to have membership from all Diocesan regions.

There have been multiple initiatives toward racial healing and reconciliation within our

Diocese: Sacred Ground groups, historic tours and dedications, book studies, and other

educational experiences within and among our parishes related to racial healing – all of

which have contributed toward truth-telling about race, proclaiming the dream of

Beloved Community, practicing the way of healing love, and repairing the breach in

society and institutions.

Our Commission’s vision is to unite with and help strengthen all such forces of goodwill and forge common ground in our Diocesan commitment toward becoming a beloved community. More work needs to be done, and the Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Commission is very much looking forward to its first-ever in-person planning retreat to be held at Camp Weed this January 24 – 25.

Vestries Using Lectio Divina

The Standing Committee would like to invite all vestries to practice Lectio Divina together from January - December 2025. Our prayer is for diocesan leaders to connect on a spiritual level, grounding our decisions in faith and shared values. Hopefully, this practice will foster unity as we practice listening deeply to God, practice thoughtful, prayer-driven decision-making and strengthen trust and mutual respect.  

January - Acts 1:1-11

February - Acts 2:1-24

March - Acts 4:13-22

April - Acts 8:1-22

May - Acts 9:1-22

June Acts 10:34-48

July Acts 12:20-13:1-4

August Acts 15:1-29

September Acts 15: 36-41

October Acts 18:1-23

December Acts 28:11-31

On November 27, Bishop Benhase visited St. Patrick's, St. Johns.

On November 3, Bishop Stokes visited Christ Church, Cedar Key.

On November 16, Bishop Stokes visited Camp Weed for an ECW Installation.

The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood was a joyous occasion, attended by a group of remarkable women and one gentleman, with special gratitude extended to Bishop Chip Stokes. Mother Carrie English paid tribute to the Philadelphia 11 for their obedience and acknowledged standing on their shoulders.

Thanks be to God for Sarah Kelly White, the newly appointed secretary, and Debi Squires Smith, the new treasurer. Special appreciation was given to The Rev. Eva Koon Bolton and The Rev. Tanya Scheff, whose presence made the day truly complete.

The contributions of deacons Lydia Cromer Bush and Lawanda Neitz Williams brought their characteristic joy to the event. A heartfelt shout-out was given to the talented musicians Kristin Baker Munroe and Kristen Bryant for their outstanding performances.

Kudos were also extended to President Heather Kelly Prox and her partner, Katrina Crews, for their excellent leadership and teamwork in making the celebration a success.

On November 24, Bishop Benhase visited St. Mark’s, Palatka.

Jim and Janis Hudson greeting Bishop Benhase after reaffirming their confirmation vows at St. Mark’s on Sunday November 24.

Parishioners at St. Mark’s greeting Bishop Benhase after a Sunday morning visitation with Word and Sacrament; Confirmations and Reaffirmations. 

Walter Rogero, Junior Warden; Father Jon Davis, Rector; and Bishop Benhase enjoy a reception following the morning service at St. Mark’s on November 24th. 

Position: St Paul's by the Sea Episcopal Church Office Administrator, Jacksonville Beach, Fl  

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Parish Rector 

Hours: M-F 8:30-4:30

Pay Range: $21.00  

General Summary:

Under the direction of the Parish Rector, the Administrator role includes managing church administrative activities and coordinating church office operations. Duties include editing and production of the church newsletters and bulletins, creating and maintaining church schedules, creating and managing communications and correspondence, maintaining various data bases, and organizing and sustaining the church’s filing and reporting systems. The Office Administrator is also responsible for supervision of office volunteers with focus on quality, time and responsiveness and supervision of the sexton and communications consultant. Direction is received from the Rector however the administrator is expected to exercise considerable initiative and judgment in planning and carrying out assignments.

Basic Qualifications:

• Must have a working knowledge of and a strong commitment to the mission of the Church

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written; excellent human relations and interpersonal skills

• Exercise courtesy to fellow employees and the general public

• Must be a self-starter, well organized and perform multiple tasks simultaneously, and work with a sense of urgency

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment; punctuality is a must at all times

• Proficiency in computer technology including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher

• Professional demeanor

• Criminal history and background check required

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a 2-year college in business or public administration, or equivalent experience preferred

• Two to five years experience in a high-activity environment as an administrative assistant or secretary, or equivalent

If you are interested, please contact Jerri Moats, administrator@spbts.net.

St. Thomas, Palm Coast Taste of the Islands Dinner Dance

Chapel of the Incarnation, Gainesville

Every year on All Hallows' Eve, Church of the Incarnation holds a Vigil just before midnight and then stays on the Chapel Lawn until 3:00 a.m. to pass out pancakes and water and make sure their friends enjoying Halloween Festivities make it home safely. It's one of their favorite events of the year.

Dean Kate awarded the Mutual Curiosity Award at Interfaith Coalition of Northeast Florida Annual Dinner

Dean Kate Moorehead Carroll was honored at the Interfaith Community Awards Dinner on October 29th. The Mutual Curiosity Award is given for leadership in interfaith dialogue and commitment to building relationships between different faith traditions. Congratulations, Dean Kate!

St. John's Episcopal Church, Tallahassee Cuba Outreach Ministry from Zorilla, Cuba

Our friends in Zorilla, Cuba shared the following message with St. John's Episcopal Church:

Many obstacles and challenges but many blessings and desires to serve. Once again, thanks to God and to our companion church in Tallahassee, Florida, who, using the SuperMarket 23 route, have collaborated with the sending of provisions for this community lunch.

"Because we are children of God, we will receive the blessings that God has for his people. God will give us everything that he has given to Christ, but we also have to suffer with Him to share his Glory." Romans 8:17



Keep our brothers and sisters in your prayers!

VITAL Retreat for Vestries - January 10-12

Dates: Friday, January 10, 2025 - Sunday, January 12, 2025

Location: Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center

Time: Begins Friday at 5 p.m.

Cost: $35 to $285

Join us for the Episcopal Diocese of Florida’s VITAL Retreat (Vestry Inspiration, Training, and Leadership Retreat), taking place January 10-12, 2025, at Camp Weed & Cerveny Conference Center.

This retreat offers workshops on leadership, communication, church canons and bylaws, financial management, and essential church resources, with plenty of inspiration and opportunities for worship.

Participants will engage in large group workshops, focused breakout sessions, and dedicated time for church-specific discussions for Vestry groups attending together.

Whether attending the full weekend or participating as a Friday/Saturday or Saturday-only guest, this retreat is an opportunity for Vestry members to deepen their faith, enhance their leadership skills, and connect with others from across the diocese.

The Rt. Rev. Scott Benhase will be a featured speaker for this program. The Rev.

Becky Rowell from Christ Church, Frederica will also lead us. Called to a ministry of reconciliation, she is a skilled and experienced trainer of clergy and vestries in conflict transformation skills and strategic planning.

We encourage full Vestries and clergy to participate together. However, individual Vestry members and smaller cohorts are encouraged to attend as well.

This is a joint program coordinated by the Bishop's Institute for Ministry and Leadership and Camp Weed's 100 More Committee.

For more information and registration, please click the button below.

Happening #152 Registration Open!

Happening #152 will be led by Rector Nick Spicer (St. Francis in the Field, Ponte Vedra). Happening is a weekend renewal retreat led by youth for youth. 10-12th graders are invited to attend any of our three annual Happenings, and we invite 9th graders to join us for our Spring Happening (typically held in April). High school students put together an incredibly moving weekend filled with learning, sharing, and building relationships.

Through videos, skits, talks, and more, candidates see how God and their faith fit in with the ups and downs of high school life. Happening is designed to help youth feel the love of God and their Christian community. We hope that by the end of the weekend everyone can return home knowing how to continue growing a relationship with God and having a group of fellow believers to rely on. It's a weekend full of fun, games, sharing, surprises, and most of all, spiritual renewal and empowerment.

If you need financial assistance or help finding a sponsor, please contact Sam Marxsen.

Candidate Registration Deadline: January 13, 2025

Team Application Deadline: December 22

Team Meeting: January 10-11, 2025 at St. Francis in the Field, Ponte Vedra

Other Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar now for these upcoming events and watch this newsletter and our social media for more details coming soon. 

Camp Weed Volunteer Day: Saturday, February 22

Spring Clergy Conference: Thursday, March 6 - Friday, March 7

Family Fun Day with Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 12

Camp Weed Sunday: Sunday, May 5

Camp Weed Day of Giving: Wednesday, May 8

2025 Summer Camp Regristration Open!

As a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida, Camp Weed provides a co-ed, residential, faith-based summer camp for campers in 3rd through 12th grades. Programming includes a variety of activities to engage campers and help promote their spiritual, physical, and mental growth. Activities include kayaking, archery, ropes course, swimming, arts and crafts, worship, and so much more.

Camp Weed believes camp should be available to all children, regardless of ability to pay, and has implemented tiered pricing. Realizing that campers come from different financial backgrounds, Camp Weed allows you to choose the tier that is the most suitable and affordable for your family. It is important for parents to understand that every participant receives the same experience no matter what tier is chosen. In addition, scholarships are available for those who are unable to pay any tier.

2025 Summer Camp Dates:

Senior Session (rising 10th-12th grades) - June 8-13

Junior Session (rising 8th-9th grades) - June 15-20

Middler Session 1 (rising 6th-7th grades) - June 22-27

Mini Camp (ages 7-9) - June 29-July 2

Middler Session 2 (rising 6th-7th grades) - July 6-11

Kid Camp 1 (rising 3rd-5th grades) - July 13-18

Kid Camp 2 (rising 3rd-5th grades) - July 20-25

Final Session (rising 6th-9th grades) - July 27 – August 1

Coming Up:

December 14: Wild Game Dinner at Camp Weed

December 15: Bishop Benhase to visit Grace Mission, Tallahassee