WE ARE THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

You hear that declaration every Sunday morning as we greet our visitors.  How bold of us to say such a thing!  But that is what Jesus told us to be—the light of Christ.  And we here at St. Francis endeavor to be that light to all with whom we come in contact, particularly those who worship with us.  That’s why we give candles to our visitors, as a reminder of our charge in life—to light the world in the name of Jesus. 

When I arrived in Lake Placid in November 1998, I was greeted with a warmth and kindness that I had never before experienced in an Episcopal Church. Coming from very humble beginnings, the family of St. Francis has earned their reputation for being a welcoming church. That’s where the idea for our beautiful stained glass windows came from.  We knew we wanted three windows. We knew we wanted Jesus flanked by St. Francis and the Virgin Mary, but what kind of a Jesus would it be? The designer asked us one question: “Tell me something about your church.”  And the answer was easy. It’s the comment that comes from almost every visitor. It’s the comment that comes from almost every newcomer.  It’s even a comment that I hear from other  clergy in the diocese. And the comment is this:  St. Francis is a warm, welcoming church. “Well, then,” said the window designer. “The center window must be a Welcoming Jesus, eyes gazing forward in love, hands outstretched in welcome.”  And so it is.

We welcome you.  Jesus welcomes you.  We trust that the Lord will love and guide you in this place, helping you to discern your gifts, and encouraging you to share with us what the Lord has given you in His great mercy.   Most of all, in all that you do, endeavor to be the light of Christ . . .

 

Elizabeth L. Myers +

Rector

Lake Placid Florida is centrally located in the middle of the state. We are approximately 2 hours from Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers and Sarasota. Lake Placid is small town living at its best with thirty one lakes, rolling hills, and beautiful sunsets. Lake Placid is definitely God's country.