September 18, 2023
Beloved people of God,
We continue to pray for all in our diocese. In the past few weeks, we have been fervently praying for those in our diocese impacted by Hurricane Idalia. May we all respond with our hands and feet as well as through sacrificial giving. There are many in need including our own Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center.
Also we have been praying for our Jacksonville community where an act of hate took the lives of three black people: Angela Carr, Anolt (A.J.) Laguerre, Jr., and Jerrald De’Shaun Gallion. May we continue to stand against hate in any form while standing with each other as we work to respond with love and compassion, seeking justice and peace.
In both of these occurrences, our congregations and individuals are responding and making a difference. The kingdom of God is visible here and now in so many ways. While much work lies ahead of us, may we see how God is currently working in and through God’s people in the Diocese of Florida.
As we have told you, the Standing Committee is committed to moving forward together. We continue to seek ways to truly hear all people in our diocese.
In continuing with our relationship with Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves we are ready to take the next steps forward in the listening process. Please see this letter from Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves for the details.
Let us continue to lift one another in prayer and walk together in love.
Faithfully,
The Standing Committee
The Rev. Joe Gibbes (on sabbatical) Mr. Ben Hill
The Rev. Teresa Seagle Mr. Keith Daw
The Rev. Sarah Minton Ms. Jackie Jones
Letter-from-Mary-Gray-Reeves_Final
