St. Mark's (Palatka) achieved 169 years of ministry this past month. On Sunday, Dec. 18, the parish hosted a birthday party for the church that doubled as a celebration for the Rev. Cn. Bob Marsh, who was ordained to the priesthood exactly 40 years ago (Dec. 18, 1982).

To help celebrate the church's and Fr. Marsh's generations of impact, the Palatka Daily News published a story on the rich and storied history of St. Mark's. It included historic facts about the church as well as how it has evolved over the years under Fr. Marsh's leadership and ministry.

Read the full story in the Palatka Daily News by clicking the button below.

In addition to these anniversaries, it was also recently announced that Fr. Marsh will be retiring from his role as full-time rector at St. Mark's. He will continue to volunteer in that role until the position is permanently filled. To celebrate Fr. Marsh's anniversary and retirement, Bishop Howard joined the parishioners at St. Mark's on Dec. 18. during the Sunday service. Bishop Howard also appointed The Rev. Robert (Bob) Marsh as Honorary Canon during the Sunday service.

In case you missed it, Bishop Howard recently announced that the 2023 Annual Diocesan Convention will be postponed from Jan. 28, 2023 to a date to be set later in 2023. To read the full announcement, please click the button below.

The Episcopal Relief and Development Gifts for Life Catalog features items for everyone on your shopping list. Your generosity can provide individuals and entire communities with the essentials needed to pull themselves out of poverty.

To donate, please visit https://support.episcopalrelief.org/gifts. For every purchase, you may provide a gift card similar to the one below or donors can choose to send a customizable e-card or a beautiful, printed card to tell the recipient about the life-changing gift made in their honor.

Please note: if you purchase your gift(s) before Dec. 31, your gift will be matched.  

Christmas Cantata at St. John's Cathedral in Jacksonville

On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Jacksonville Gospel Chorale, under the direction of Cedric Williams, presented excerpts from "Born to Die" Opus 25 - A Christmas Cantata by Glenn Edward Burleigh. This musical extravaganza celebrated lyrically the birth, the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Episcopal Church of the Advent

On Saturday, Dec. 17, The Episcopal Church of the Advent held a breakfast with St. Nicholas. Families gathered to enjoy a festive seasonal breakfast prepared by Advent's breakfast crew and Christmas music by Arianna Corbin, Advent's Choir Director. There were also fun activities such as a miniature horse, snow machine photo booths and more!

Tonight: St. Patrick's Episcopal Church Movie on the Lawn

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, St. Patricks Episcopal Church is presenting a movie on the lawn of the holiday classic, Elf. There will be free admission and treas. Be sure to bring a comfortable chair and blanket!

All are welcome.

Penelope Snider, from St. Joseph's Episcopal Church in Newberry, recently shared her thanks and appreciation for Camp Weed and the diocese as a whole.

"I am incredibly grateful for the renewal opportunities that our diocese offers. It was truly a joy to serve as Rector for the fall Women's Cursillo weekend. It was especially joyful to make that journey as our son, Christopher, prepared and served as the Junior Weekend Advisor for the fall New Beginnings weekend. God continues to use these vital ministries to strengthen and renew our diocese."

Do you have other words of thanks (or suggestions) for Camp Weed? If so, email Randy Winton, executive director of Camp Weed, at randy@campweed.org.

Diocesan Youth News

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and information about youth events going on throughout the Diocese through the Camp Weed Diocesan Youth Newsletter. You may view the newsletter by clicking the button below.

If you have an event that you'd like to include in the youth newsletter, please reach out to Sam Marxsen: sam@campweed.org or call 386-364-5250.

The Bishop's Institute for Ministry and Leadership Foundations Course is an introductory curriculum that puts participants on a path to lay ministry licensure.

The next in-person session will take place on Saturday, January 21. Watch-ahead video lessons, reading materials, and writing assignments for each session are available ahead of each session. You may sign up for the course on the Thinkific website here.

In case you missed it, we're back on social!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for Diocesan updates, Camp Weed events, Faithful Fridays, Election updates and more.