Condition of this Website – We are sorry to say that this website is not working properly due to several circumstances. This page is the only one we can partially update. Some links on other pages are broken and cannot be fixed. We are looking at other avenues, so we are staying here for now and are ready to make the migration as soon as it is possible. We do not know how long of a process this will be, so we are grateful for your patience!
News
October News
Outreach Tip
Laundry Love Outreach Guide
This guide outlines how a small team from your church can launch a “Laundry Love” outreach program. It’s a simple, practical way to bless the community by meeting people where they are, showing kindness, and gently inviting them into the life of the church. Preparation
Choose a Location: Select a local laundromat with steady traffic (Belleview, Summerfield, or Ocala). – Supplies Needed: • $40–$100 in quarters (depends on number of loads). • Single-load detergent packs or pods. • Small info cards with church name, service times, and a warm message. Day of Outreach
Team Size: Just 2–3 volunteers. – Approach: Smile and say: “We’re from St. Paul’s and would love to bless you today. Can we cover a load or two of your laundry?” – Hospitality: Sit and chat with people as they wait, offering warmth and kindness before mentioning church.
Spiritual Touch Offer prayer only if people are open: “Is there anything we can pray for you about today?” – Keep prayers short, sincere, and encouraging. Respect those who say no.
Invitations
Give a card as people leave: “This is from your friends at St. Paul’s. You’re always welcome here.” – Optional: Add a handwritten note like, “We’ll be praying for you this week.”
Repeat & Build
- Schedule Laundry Love once a month. Consistency builds trust. – Share stories and testimonies in church to inspire others to join the ministry. – Expand as interest grows, covering more loads or adding more laundromat locations.
Sample Budget Item Estimated Cost
Quarters (for about 20 loads $50
Detergent Packets (20) $10
Printed Info Cards $15
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Total $75
Emails
Communication by email is very common because of ease and is affordable. The only drawback is that people can receive many emails each week. So, it is recommended that when parishes receive information from the diocese or national Church, please forward to those on your parish email list.
Safety Check
If you haven’t thought of it yet, consider inviting the police and fire departments to inspect your parish facilities to give suggestions on how to make your site safer for parishioners.
WD Outreach Fund
A reminder that at our last diocesan Synod a decision was made to discontinue the special collection supporting the Bishop Kardas Memorial Home in Davie, FL. Beginning this year, the Sunday before Thanksgiving (November 23) will be a special collection for the newly created Western Diocese Outreach fund. This fund will be used to support outreach activities in parishes and our diocese.
Thank you for placing this on your calendars and for your support and participation!
It Can Happen Today!
Our diocesan Outreach commission has reviewed and is offering a program called “It Can Happen Today!” This program is an opportunity for parishes with the assistance of a facilitator to identify strengths, weaknesses and other aspects to begin shaping renewed outreach efforts. If you are interested or would like more information, please feel free to contact me.
Discipleship
Karen Sobiechowski from the Eastern Diocese Mission and Evangelism commission sent out a PDF from Navigators with 7 Great Discipleship Questions. Feel free to look over this great resource (see the attachment).
Upcoming Events
October 14 &15 – National Clergy Conference in Lancaster, NY (see attachment)
October 24 to 26 – Young Men’s Society of Resurrection national convention
Hosted by St. Mary’s Parish in Parma, OH (see attachments)
November 1 – All Saints Day
November 1 – Turn clocks Back 1 hour when you retire
November 4 – Diocesan Outreach commission meeting at 7pm (ct)
November 23 – Collection to support the diocesan Outreach Fund
November 27 – Thanksgiving! National Events – Please place in your calendar!
National Mission and Evangelism Workshop – May 29 to 31
National Youth Convocation – August 3 to 7
General Synod – September 28 to 30
Thank You for all you do for our Church!