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The Diocese of Florida Bishop Transition Committee came together for a fruitful time of preparation on October 10.

The Rev. Teri Calinao shared:



"What a blessing this afternoon and evening to spend time in a leadership retreat with the Episcopal Diocese of Florida Bishop's Transition Committee. I am thankful for all who answered the call to serve on this committee. Dear friends and family, I would ask if you have a moment to please pray for the committee and the work we are called to and for the person God is calling to be the next Bishop of Florida."

In the library at Diocesan House, you’ll find The Mitre Might Jar, a space where we are gathering prayers, hopes, and reflections for our next Diocesan Bishop. We invite you to stop by, write a message on a slip of paper, and add it to the jar.

Can’t make it in person? Send your prayer or note to us via email at bishop@diocesefl.org, and we’ll gladly place it in the jar for you.

This jar will be presented as a gift for our new bishop, offered as a heartfelt symbol of the love, hope, and faith that have surrounded them from the very beginning.

Come add your light to the prayers guiding our next bishop!

The Diocese of Florida clergy had a wonderful time at the Fall Clergy Conference hosted at Camp Weed on October 20-21. Our attendees enjoyed hearing from David Zahl, author and director of Mockingbird Ministries. His talks centered around his book, "The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World."

Bishop Douglas Scharf shared much wisdom during a thoughtful Question & Answer session with clergy. We were glad to have him join us.

We hope that the Clergy Conference was a restorative and joyful time for all who attended!

On Friday, October 17, the Diocesan Staff, Bishop Stokes, and the Rev. Justin Yawn gathered for a special lunch to honor and thank our outgoing President of the Standing Committee, the Rev. Sarah Minton. The gathering was a warm expression of appreciation for Mtr. Sarah’s faithful leadership, steady guidance, and tireless service to the Diocese of Florida.

During her time as President, Mtr. Sarah has provided thoughtful discernment, pastoral care, and unwavering commitment to the mission and ministries of our diocese. Her dedication has been a blessing to both clergy and lay leaders alike, and her work has helped strengthen the life and witness of our diocesan community.

As she concludes her term, we give thanks for her many contributions and the spirit of collaboration and grace she has brought to her ministry. We wish Mtr. Sarah every blessing, joy, and success in this next chapter of her journey, trusting that God will continue to work through her in wonderful ways. In her own words, “Let’s go!”

In 2022, following the Covid Pandemic, Friends of the Episcopal Church in Cuba launched the first Project Feliz Navidad, a program to provide a Christmas community meal to all Episcopal parishes and communities throughout Cuba.  

The Diocese of Florida has supported this program over the past three years, and we rejoice that every one of the 52 Cuban episcopal communities have been able to host a Christmas celebration each year!

We once again seek your support for Project Feliz Navidad 2025, providing a community meal and Christmas celebration for our brothers and sisters in Cuba.

The situation in Cuba continues to be extremely challenging. Tremendous shortages of food and gas persist, electricity and water are available only sporadically, and government policies continue to add to daily hardships.

The Friends of the Episcopal Church in Cuba's goal this year is to raise $20,000 for distribution to all the communities in Cuba. This represents an average of $385 per community. The funds will be distributed directly by Bishop Angel Rowe.

Donations are appreciated, and they are also tax deductible. If you would like to donate, please send a check payable to:

Friends of E.C.C

Write the project name in the memo section.

Mail the check to:

Mark Pendleton, Treasurer

218 Post Road

Greenland, NH 03840

We reflect and remember the events that took place in October 2024, and we give thanks for the protection and healing of Fr. Matt Marino. He sets a wonderful example of faith and forgiveness. A reflection on these events was recently shared in the Florida Times Union. An excerpt is shared below, and the full article can be read here.

In the past year, Father Matt Marino has thought a lot about forgiveness.

This, of course, isn’t a new topic for a priest. And the word “forgiveness” is right there in the greeting for Trinity Parish, the more than 200-year-old Episcopal Church in the heart of St. Augustine. Welcome to grace, forgiveness and hope in Jesus Christ.

“It's in our mission to forgive,” he said.

But he realizes it’s one thing to say, another to do. He quotes something C.S. Lewis said in the aftermath of World War II: "Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.”

Marino certainly had things to forgive before Oct. 23, 2024. But that was the morning he was sitting in front of a St. Augustine restaurant with a friend, waiting for it to open for breakfast, when a young woman rode by on a bike, stopped, approached him and said, “I’ve got a lot of problems.”

The Reverend Fred Beebe passed away on Thursday, October 23 in New Jersey with his family at the age of 82. Fr. Beebe served both Holy Comforter, Crescent City and Emmanuel, Welaka.

The funeral arrangements will be made by his family in New Jersey, and any memorials can be made to Church of the Holy Comforter in his name.

Dr. Lucinda Mosher is in the process of establishing a Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Committee that can begin its work in Advent.  

Therefore, she invites nominations of—or formal expressions of interest by—individuals (be they lay or clergy) with charism for and expertise in some aspect of this work.  

Perhaps you have a special interest or experience in the Episcopal Church’s dialogue and interactions with our fellow Christians in a specific church, e.g. the Roman Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian or other church.  

Or perhaps you have a special interest or experience in how our Church is in dialogue with or working together with other religious faith groups, e.g. Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or other groups.  

Or perhaps you are just curious or feel called to begin to explore an area of ecumenical or interreligious interest.  

Or perhaps you know someone in your church or the Diocese with charism for and expertise in one of these areas—who might not see this notice—but you would like to share this notice with or have Lucinda contact.  

Please drop Lucinda a line expressing your interest (preferably by November 1st) at lucinda@lucindamosher.com. Please put "Diocese of Florida EIRC" in the subject field.  

Fifteen members of the twelve month Licensed Lay Preaching course received certificates of completion on Saturday, October 18 at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville. 

The Rev. Justin Yawn, President of the Diocesan Standing Committee, presented two certificates to each graduate: one from the Diocese of Florida and one from the national Episcopal Preaching Foundation (EPF). 

The graduates are Ann Beverly (Trinity Parish, St. Augustine), Courtney L. Carter (Emmanuel, Welaka), Arelia Donaldson (St. Philip’s, Jacksonville), Martye Groble (St. Mark’s, Jacksonville), Richard M. Hussong (St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville), Stephanie Jenkins (Trinity Parish, St. Augustine), Laurie P. Johnson (St. Philip’s, Jacksonville), Richard Phelan (Good Shepherd, Jacksonville), James E. Pierce (St. Philip’s, Jacksonville), Emily Braddock Rigdon (Holy Comforter, Crescent City), Marcia Muldrow Sanders (St. John’s, Tallahassee), Jennifer Santarone (St. Patrick’s, St. Johns), Gary Walker (St. Andrew’s, Jacksonville), Jay Watson, (St. James, Lake City) and Edward Wright (St. Philip’s, Jacksonville). 

Clergy mentors: The Revds. Mark Anderson (St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville), Douglas Dupree (Rector, Bishop’s Institute), Charlie Erkman (Holy Comforter, Crescent City), Joe Gibbes (Our Saviour, Mandarin) and Lisa Meirow (St. Andrew’s, Jacksonville). Registrar: Hannia Reyes (Diocesan Office). 

All photographed above save for Mark Anderson, Ann Beverley, Joe Gibbes, Hannia Reyes, Stephanie Jenkins, Lisa Meirow, Marcy Muldrow Sanders, and Gary Walker.

Students for the Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM) register with the endorsement of their Rector or Vicar. If you are interested in information about an upcoming LLM preaching or other area of ministry course offered by the Bishop’s Institute, please contact Canon Douglas Dupree.

Women of St. Michael and All Angels Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness

The dedicated and inspiring women of St. Michael and All Angels, led by the Chenikka Usher and Sharal Jugger, recently returned energized from Camp Weed’s annual meeting. They channeled their collective spirit to participate in the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Sunday, October 19.

The ECW team was proudly and appropriately adorned in distinctive cotton candy pink "SMAA Faith Hope Love Cure" t-shirts. Their participation served as a testament to the unwavering commitment and solidarity with those affected by breast cancer. We rejoice for clear weather and an opportunity for compassionate outreach!

Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul's, Quincy

On Sunday, October 5, St. Paul's, Quincy celebrated the Feast of St. Francis and the Blessing of the Animals. The focus is St. Francis’ message—namely, man’s special call to care for the earth and all its creatures.

Fourteen pets received a blessing along with a few remote blessings for animals who "phoned in." Participants raised over $600.00 cash and over $200.00 of in-kind materials for St. Francis Wildlife Association.

Trunk or Treat!

The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Tallahassee held its second annual Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 19. One parking lot was filled with decorated trunks and candy! The OneBlood Big Red Bus was on hand to take blood donations, and there were games and hotdogs and fun to be had in our courtyard. This event is joining Breakfast with St. Nicholas and Bowls & Brews and is a wonderful event for the community. The winners of the Trunk Decorating Contest were Julie and Tony Kwasnica and their M&M trunk. 

St. Michael and All Angels Celebrates a Wonderful 143 Years!

St. Michael and All Angels joyfully commemorated its 143rd anniversary on September 28. Bishop Stokes delivered an inspiring message, reflecting on the church's rich, enduring heritage and the sacred call to faithful service. The event featured a joint choir with talented students from FSU and the cherished voices of Advent choir. The reception was a delightful time and was enhanced by the exceptional musical talents of a Jazz ensemble comprised of students from FAMU.

Autumn Social for Wives and Widows of Retired Clergy

Wives and widows of Jacksonville area retired clergy gathered at the Diocesan Center on October 23 for an autumn social event. Along with some fine fellowship and tasty bites, it was a grand opportunity for the women to meet the members of the diocesan staff and get an overview of all that goes on in the busy Diocesan Center.  

The retired clergy who reside in the counties that make up the Diocese of Florida have come not only from the local area but also from Episcopal dioceses across the country. This diversity was reflected at the social, where both longtime residents and newcomers contributed to a joyful buzz of relationships being rekindled and new acquaintances being made.

The retired clergy living throughout the Diocese of Florida, along with their spouses, are actively engaged in their church communities and foster fellowship among one another. For more information about the retired clergy community in the Diocese of Florida, contact the Chaplains to the Retired Clergy:

• The Reverend Eric Kahl: eric.kahl.8.29@gmail.com
• Margaret MacNaughton: margmacnaughton@gmail.com

Registration is Open for Summer Camp 2026

Registration for Summer Camp 2026 is open now! You can register directly by clicking the button below, or find more information including dates and pricing by visiting our website at campweed.org. If your church would like a representative from Camp Weed to come chat with your youth either at a service or youth group event, please reach out to Director Sam Marxsen to set up a visit.

Camp Weed added an additional Middler Session last summer and is adding a service camp for high schoolers in part to try to alleviate wait lists. Make sure to secure your camper's spot now! AND if you register by December 1, you’ll receive a $25 discount for each camper!

If you are a nurse, youth leader, or priest and are interested in spending a week at camp this summer as a camp nurse or dean, please reach out to Sam Marxsen to secure your week today! 

New Beginnings #13

New Beginnings #13 takes place November 7-9, and the team at Camp Weed appreciates your prayers for this weekend! Camp Weed creates a prayer scroll with the names of people that have been praying for New Beginnings, which is displayed for all participants to see and enjoy. If you would like us to include the names of yourself, your family, and/or friends, please send them by Thursday, November 6 to newbeginningsdand@gmail.com and include "prayer scroll" in the subject line as well as the first and last names of the persons praying. This is a surprise for the participants, so please don't share this with any middle schoolers you know are coming!

Happening #155

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). Both team applications and candidate registration are available now!

We look forward to the upcoming Eucharistic Visitor Training on November 8 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The training will be led by The Rev. Diane Reeves. This training will be offered in person at Holy Trinity, Gainesville and on Zoom.

Today, October 31, is the final day to register! If you plan to attend, please contact Hannia Reyes with your name, email address, church name, and name of your sponsoring priest.

Join St. Mary's for a special service and reception honoring the urban ministries of the Reverend Canon Beth Tjoflat, whose joyful dedication to serving those on the margins has been a constant in this diocese since 2012.

WHERE: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Outreach Mission - 1924 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL

WHEN: Sunday, November 16, 5 p.m.

RSVP: cmontgomery@stmarysjax.org (by November 6 if possible) to support planning.

Review this recent eblast for more information.

We’ve been informed that some individuals have received emails from accounts falsely claiming to be from representatives of Church Insurance. While the sender’s name may appear legitimate, the email address was incorrect. Please pay close attention to the emails you receive, especially those requesting sensitive information or urgent action. When in doubt, don’t reply—contact the organization to confirm its legitimacy.

To help you stay protected, here are some tips to recognize and avoid phishing attempts:

1. Verify the Sender - If the email address looks suspicious or unfamiliar, proceed with caution.

2. Watch for Red Flags - Be wary of poor grammar, urgent requests, unexpected attachments, or links.

3. Hover Over Links - If the link doesn’t match the sender’s domain or looks odd, don’t click.

4. Be Careful When Sharing Sensitive Info via Email - We will never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers, or banking details through email.

November 2: Bishop Stokes to visit St. Catherine’s, Jacksonville

November 4: Bishop’s Institute Webinar: Eleanor Roosevelt’s Nightly Prayer

November 6: Friendsgiving Appreciation Lunch for Parish Office Staff

November 7: New Beginnings #13

November 8: Eucharistic Visitor Training

November 9: Bishop Stokes to visit Holy Comforter, Tallahassee

November 13: Eliza Griswold: Circle of Hope, presented by the Bridge Institute

November 16: Celebration of the Urban Ministry of Cn. Beth Tjoflat

November 20: ART@noon “BackStory” 

November 23: Bishop Stokes to visit Good Shepherd, Jacksonville