Good News: Local Clergy Help FBHS Grads Celebrate Baccalaureate

Clergy participating in the event included (Left to right) Rev.. Stelzer, Rev. Felix, Rev. Mandrick, Pastor Rachel, Mother McElwee, Rev. Higbee, Rev. Mays, and Pastor Charlie.

On Thursday, May 22nd, Pastor Charlie and Pastor Rachel participated with a group of ecumenical clergy from five other local churches to help celebrate the 2025 Fernandina Beach High School Graduates at their Baccalaureate service.

Pastor Charlie delivered a message of encouragement and hope while reflecting on scripture from Psalm 139 and Ephesians 2.

Pastor Charlie delivering a message of encouragemnet to the grads.

“Graduates, a lot is changing in your lives right now, and much more will change in the future. What does not change is that God is with you, God loves you unconditionally, and God created you to do good works in the world. So go do them...Follow God’s way through all the changes. Do the good works God has prepared for you to do and be a force for change that makes the world a better place.”

After Pastor Charlie's message, each local clergyperson, including Pastor Rachel, offered a few words of encouragement and prayers to the graduates. At the conclusion of the service, the clergy remained available to offer personal prayers and blessings to the graduates and their families.

Shelby Lyle, Landon Shields, and Zeke Binette led the grads with worship music.

A committee of FBHS seniors led by Andrew Lasserre helped plan the annual service with Rev. Charles. Shelby Lyle, Landon Shields, and Zeke Binette led the grads and their families in hymns and worship songs.

Mother McElwee offers a personal prayer to a grad after the service.

Other local clergy taking part in the Baccalaureate event were Rev. Eric Stelzer from St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Rev. Dawn Mays and Rev. Julie Higbee from First Presbyterian Church, Mother Rachel McElwee from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rev. Ben Mandrick from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and Rev. Granardo Felix from Trinity United Methodist Church.

This group of local church partners have also worked together to offer other interfaith events with our community including prayer vigils for the people of Ukraine and victims of violence and also ecumenical worship opportunities such as combined Lenten and Advent services, Longest Night services, and the annual Downtown Community Palm Processional.