Faith in Action
This year, through your support and donations, we are serving so many in our communities across the diocese.
The Bishop’s Appeal funded 17 outreach programs through the Episcopal Charities Fund to serve communities across the diocese. Bishop’s Appeal also assists DaySpring with additional funds for its capital improvements, helping to share the ministry of Jesus with 38,000 people each year.
STEWARDS OF GIFTS
The Episcopal Charities Fund of Southwest Florida has just over $1 million in assets and supports and nurtures the unique ministries of our 77 congregations. Each year, upwards of 20 charitable agencies are selected as recipients of the fund, further expanding our network of outreach ministries and creating a stronger and more loving future.
DAYSPRING ENDOWMENT FUND
DaySpring Endowment Fund looks outward towards our community and beyond. In the midst of an ever-expanding city, DaySpring – our 97-acre oasis on the Manatee River – remains a sacred natural environment that supports diverse wildlife, existing as a haven that serves not only our diocesan community, but dozens of charitable agencies and programs dedicated to providing help for children and families. We provide affordable access to more than 5,000 youth each year for programs that support Christian education, mental health initiatives, cancer survival, interscholastic athletics, and handicap-accessible adventure: vital services which work to promote and improve wellness for body, mind, and spirit. The DaySpring Endowment Fund enhances DaySpring for future generations by supporting essential maintenance.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Dabney T. Smith
December 7, 1953 – October 26, 2024
Bishop Smith was elected Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida in December of 2006. He served briefly as Bishop Coadjutor and was consecrated Bishop on March 10, 2007. Bishop Smith lovingly served Southwest Florida until his retirement in December of 2022. He is remembered for his passion for the health of congregations, pastoral care of clergy, development of leaders, the establishment of diocesan wide endowment programs, support of Episcopal schools, and the establishment of DaySpring Episcopal Center’s master plan. Supported by devoted lay leaders and an outstanding diocesan staff, achievements include the relocation and building of the Diocesan House on DaySpring property in 2012, returning the publication, The Southern Cross, to print in 2015, and the establishment of the Diocesan Endowment Management Program. In 2015, he was honored to be one of the four bishops to be nominated to become the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church USA. During the months leading up to the election, Bishop Smith said, “We are given the blessing and the gift of living for others with God’s love. I am excited for the ministry of the Episcopal Church in the living ministry of reconciliation. I believe it is God’s desire and our purpose.”
Memorial contributions in Bishop Smith’s name can be made to The Episcopal Charities Fund of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, DaySpring Endowment Fund or The Mary Ellen Smith Memorial Endowment Fund.
CLICK HERE to Make a Memorial Donation on behalf of Bishop Dabney Tyler Smith
EASY, SAFE ONLINE DONATION
We invite you to consider supporting our efforts by making a donation to the Bishop’s Appeal. We are all the oil of gladness that keeps Christ’s light glowing in our communities.
For each Episcopal Charities donation made, a 10 percent tithe of the gift is distributed in the current year. At mid-summer, parish ministries across the diocese can apply for grants. Each August, the Council of Deacons reviews the applications and makes recommendations for funding, which are announced just before the Annual Convention in October.