The Flame

A Publication of the Order of the Daughters of the King

Diocesan Assembly of Central Florida

Second Quarter 2025

President's Message

Dear Daughters,

I am still on a “spiritual high” from our time together at

Spring Retreat! What a blessing it was to be together, worshipping and singing and in fellowship with each other. YOU are all my inspiration to open myself up to Christ and allow His light to shine through me to others. Being with you helps me to keep the light from dimming. What a wonderful gift we are to each other!! We are often asked what it means to be a Daughter. It is very simple to explain, we are Sisters in Christ who shine Christ’s light and love to others. In doing this, we receive God’s Hope, Peace, Love and Joy!!! Thanks be to God for this gift! And may we always be willing to ask, “Lord, what will you have me do?”

Blessings to you!

FHS & Love,

Nadine

nadinekcraig@outlook.com

770-597-7454 call or text

Membership Report

AS OF 5.25.2025

Senior Daughters (Chapter Affiliated) 914

Senior Daughters at Large 59

Junior Daughters 26

TOTAL 999

Information Sources

Forms, Event Information, and News Available at:

Central Florida Diocese Website: cfdiocese.org

National DOK Website: d oknational.org

Province IV Website: provinceiv-dok.org

Diocesan Assembly Website: dokcentralfl.org

Facebook Page: Search Facebook for dokcentralfl

Have You Ever Had Questions About Things in the Episcopal Church? Check Out the Link:

Glossary of Terms – The Episcopal Church

Mark Your Calendars

DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY SPRING RETREAT

The Diocesan Assembly of Central Florida held its Spring Retreat on May 10th at All Saints Episcopal Church, Winter Park. Jane Searcy, National DOK President attended and spoke about "Growing in God's Light." Lea Tran, author of I Did Not Miss the Boat, Memoir of A Vietnam Hoa Refugee was the guest speaker. Deacon Nancy Oliver who established the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry and is this year's outreach project was on hand to provide an update.

Father Stuart Shelby, Rector of All Saints in Winter Park hosted the Spring Retreat.

Father Andrew Lazo, Chaplain of Daughters of the King, Diocese of Central Florida.

Speaker Jane Searcy, National Daughters of the King President.

Guest Speaker Lea Tran, Author and businesswoman.

DOK President Nadine Craig welcomes Deacon Nancy Oliver, who leads the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry in Brevard County, this year's outreach project.

All 2025 Spring Retreat attendees.

1885 Designs brought their DOK items to the retreat, so members were able to shop!

Meeting/eating room at All Saints. A wonderful Spring Retreat.

Central Florida Daughters worshiping the Lord.

Treasurer Sue McIlrath and others praising the Lord.

PENTECOST, SUNDAY JUNE 8th

Pentecost is observed on the seventh Sunday after Easter and celebrates the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-31). Guided by Peter's preaching, many thousands were converted in Jerusalem. As we embrace the Spirit’s work in our lives, we are called to walk in unity, reflect Christ’s love, and boldly share the gospel. May this sacred season inspire hearts to grow in faith and experience the boundless blessings of the Holy Spirit, not just during Pentecost but in every moment of life.

PRAYER

Oh God, on this day, you taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. By that same Spirit, give us a right judgment in all things that we may always rejoice in His holy comfort; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

TRINITY SUNDAY, JUNE 15th

This year’s Trinity Sunday falls on June 15th. It falls on the first Sunday after Pentecost, which is the 50th day after Easter. Trinity Sunday celebrates a doctrine instead of a figure or an event. The doctrine of the Trinity, which is not present in Scripture, does not have any explanation. Trinity Sunday, in its essence, celebrates the mystery of faith and unity of the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christians celebrate it and God’s love for humans because of their faith and utmost appreciation for the Trinity itself.

PRAYER

May the blessing of the God of peace and justice be with us; May the blessing of the Son who weeps the tears of the world’s suffering be with us; And may the blessing of the Spirit who inspires us to reconciliation and hope be with us from now into eternity. Amen.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

The Ravages of Hurricane Helene

As we enter the 2025 hurricane season we can't help but remember the hurricane season of 2024. Hurricane Helene was a deadly and devastating tropical cyclone that caused widespread catastrophic damage and numerous fatalities across the Southeastern United States in late September 2024. It was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Big Bend region of Florida, the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, and the deadliest to strike the mainland U.S. since Katrina in 2005.

St. Anne’s in Crystal River sustained severe damage as the photos below show.

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

— Matthew 8:2 24- 27 (NIV)

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

— Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work… He brings the clouds … to water his earth and show his love.

— Job 37:5-7, 13 (NIV)

Wine & Cheese Event, Michael the Archangel Chapter, St. Augustine's, Vero Beach

St. Michael the Archangel Chapter, St. Augustine’s, Vero Beach, hosted a Wine and Cheese gathering for women of the parish on February 5th. Chapter President Nancy Kelly spoke on "The Blessing of Humility." There was delicious food, wonderful fellowship, and lots of laughter.

St. Anne's Chapter, St. Anne's, Crystal River Hosts Diocesan President

On March 1st, St. Anne's Chapter, St. Anne’s, Crystal River invited Diocesan Assembly President, Nadine Craig to speak at their meeting followed by lunch. Nadine said, “it was a blessed day.”

Esther Chapter, Shepherd of the Hills, Lecanto Hosts Tea for Prospective Daughters

On February 15^th, Esther Chapter, Shepherd of the Hills, Lecanto had a Tea during their regularly scheduled meeting. Invitations were given to all women of the church and Chapter members introduced what the order is about to eight (8) prospective Daughters, where they had the opportunity to ask questions and see that DOK is a sisterhood. A variety of teas, canapes, and sweets were served while attendees watched the DOK video series and engaged in prayer and worship.

Central Deanery Meeting Held at Church of the Ascension, Orlando

On February 22nd, Central Deanery of the Diocesan Assembly of Central Florid held its annual Deanery Meeting at Church of the Ascension, Orlando, FL, hosted by Esther Chapter. Nadine Craig, Diocesan Assembly President, and Jill Chester, Central Deanery Representative, were in attendance with over 50 Daughters, friends, and parishioners at Ascension.

Diocesan Assembly Devotion Chair Donna Burns provided a robust and spirit-filled message on “The Power of Agreement.”

Holy Trinity Chapter, Trinity, Vero Beach Admits Five New Daughters

On April 6th, Holy Trinity Chapter, Trinity, Vero Beach admitted five Daughters. President Nadine Craig and First Vice President Nancy Kelly attended.

Below Left to Right: Pam Doyle, Suzanne Dupuis, Stephanie Whitley, Lynn Howell, and Kate Unger. Lynn Howell's mother Charlotte Howell was also a chapter member.

Below: Group photo of Holy Trinity Chapter on that day.

Grace Chapter, St. Peter's, Lake Mary Admits Four New Daughters

At their Service of Admission, the Grace Chapter, St. Peter's, Lake Mary welcomed four new Daughters to the Order on January 19th.

The four new Daughters from Left to Right are Heather G, Shelly P, Anne W and Laurie M.

Group photo of the Grace Chapter on day of Service of Admission.

Esther Chapter, Saint Jude's, Orange City Holds Tea

Esther Chapter, St. Jude's, Orange City held a Tea on May 17th. Diocesan First Vice President, Nancy Kelly attended and spoke to Daughters and prospective Daughters. She is pictured here with DOK member Tammy Robertson.

Esther Chapter, Ascension, Orlando Holds Lenten Quiet Day

On Saturday, April 12th, 2025, thirty-four attendees observed Lenten Quiet Day at Church of the Ascension, Orlando. The day started with Morning Prayer, and then, Joan Allard, Convener for the Healing Hearts and Healing Hands Chapter, of the Order of St. Luke, the Physician at Ascension, guided attendees through three sessions that focused on “Being Still in the Presence of God.”

Joan Allard

Veronica Chapter, Saint Simon's, Fort Pierce Hosts

Southeast Deanery Meeting

Veronnica Chapter, Saint Simon's, Fort Pierce hosted the Southeast Deanery meeting on March 8th. They pulled out all of the stops for attendees.

Below: Veronica Chapter and

St. Andrew's attendees.

Holy Trinity Chapter, Trinity, Vero Beach End of Year Luncheon Meeting

The Holy Trinity Chapter, Trinity Vero Beach held its last meeting of the year, a luncheon, on May 17th at the home of Chapter Vice President Lisa Hastings. A Book was selected for summer reading.