Announcing the 4th Annual Water and the Word Conference
May 1–2, 2026 | DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center
We are pleased to invite you to the 4th Annual Water and the Word Conference, taking place Friday, May 1, through Saturday, May 2, 2026, at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center. This two-day retreat offers space for worship, learning, and renewal as we gather around the living water and the life-giving Word of God.
More Time Together as a Spiritual Community
This year’s conference has been intentionally redesigned to offer more time together as a spiritual community. Beginning Friday evening, participants will gather for worship and shared reflection, setting the tone for a full and rich Saturday of prayer, learning, and connection.
The updated schedule allows for deeper engagement, meaningful conversation, and unhurried time to listen for where God is calling us next.
Conference and Worship Leadership
The 2026 Water and the Word Conference will be led by outstanding Episcopal leaders and worship partners, including:
- The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf, Bishop of Southwest Florida and Conference Leader
- The Rt. Rev. Phyllis A. Spiegel, Bishop of Utah and Featured Plenary Speaker
- The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior, Conference Chaplain and Developing Leaders Speaker
- Liturgical Folk (Melissa and Ryan Flanigan), Conference Worship Leaders
Together, they will guide worship and teaching grounded in Scripture, Episcopal tradition, and the shared life of the Church.
New Schedule Highlights
Friday, May 1
- Opening Worship
- Opening Session and Fireside Conversation
Saturday, May 2
- Morning Prayer and Meditation
- Plenary Sessions
- Five national-level workshops, each offered twice
- Extended time for worship, reflection, Eucharist, and community gathering
By repeating each workshop in two Saturday time blocks, participants will have the flexibility to attend more sessions and engage more deeply with the topics most meaningful to their ministry and faith.
Workshop Leaders
The conference will feature five national-level workshop leaders, each offering practical and spiritually grounded sessions aligned with the Diocese of Southwest Florida’s mission priorities. Workshop leaders include:
- Wendy Claire Barrie – Forming Disciples
- The Rev. Alberto Cutié – Embracing Differences
- Sister Michelle Heyne – Congregational Vitality
- The Rev. Christian Anderson – Transforming Communities
- Additional leaders offering sessions focused on discipleship, leadership, community transformation, and faithful engagement in today’s Church
Each workshop will be offered twice on Saturday, allowing participants to attend multiple sessions.
Registration Information
Registration is now open. Visit www.waterandtheword.org/retreat to learn more, view the full schedule, and register. Overnight lodging at DaySpring is limited, with commuter options available. Register Here: https://episcopalflorida.wufoo.com/forms/2026-water-and-the-word
An Invitation
Whether you are clergy, a lay leader, or seeking spiritual renewal, Water and the Word offers a space to rest, learn, worship, and reconnect with the wider diocesan community.
We invite you to join us as we gather, listen, and are renewed together.