News

Thanks to the Episcopal Church Women

Thanks to the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) for their $500 donation for the holiday food baskets. The ECW raised the money for their gift through their annual basket raffle. Ranging from picnic items to pet care to afternoon tea and more, the basket raffle, with donations from ECW members and other members of the church, is a success year after year.

Please join the ECW and others in supporting this important annual mission. Many area residents need our help. Thank you!

The 57^th Central Florida Diocese Convention

The 57^th Central Florida Diocese Convention was held in Orlando in January, 2026. It had a wonderful theme, Church, Gospel and Mission. I was happy to be a part of the Clergy and Lay workers at the Convention where I learned more about our Diocese and the all-important outreach shared thru this Convention’s goals. Advent sent two delegates (myself and Shirley Peloquin) as well as our Clergy, Fr. Bill.

First, I begin with the Church. We are “grounded” within our individual churches. At Advent we are a praying community where our church family is always sharing prayers, teaching and caring for one another. Our missions spread our love thru our Food Pantry, Holiday Food Baskets and other community outreach events.

The Gospel is the basis for our spiritual growth. The more we read, talk, listen and recognize the Truth, the more our hearts are filled with the Holy Spirit. But we don’t stop there. Through the Diocese missions, the Word is spread around the world.

The Missions: There were four speakers at the Convention who talked about their outreach. The first was from Honduras – a long-time mission of the Diocese of Central Florida. They have built schools, homes and structures to serve the people of this Central American country.

The second speakers were a married couple whose ministry is in Southeast Asia. A portion of mixed countries and faiths that cover this most heavily populated area of our World. There is a blend of religions, but those missionaries work to bring the light of Jesus to new followers.

The third was a newer mission spearheaded by a retired military officer and Clergy.  She has taken the path to serving veterans and those suffering from physical and mental challenges in our local communities.

Lastly was Fr. Stephen Dass and his wife who left Ocala several years ago to become missionaries to the homeless young people in Sao Paula Brazil. Fr. Dass has come to Advent in the past to tell us about their work. Their mission work is for the children and other lost individuals who have been living “on the streets” for generations. He and his wife Mary give the children one on one attention. They befriend them and help them learn about Jesus and the great commandment. Advent supports this mission with a pledged annual donation to their ministry. And I’m so happy that we do.

All the outreach by these Diocese missions – and others – are much needed but I feel close to the Sao Paulo ministry because it requires mostly prayer and focuses on the individual children of God. One at a time.  You can find more information about all these missions thru the Diocese of Central Florida. Be assured that our prayers reach many beyond our small congregation.

Submitted by Dori Sullivan
Clerk of the Vestry