The Rev. Mark Lafler
Rector
Fr. Mark was born in Hollywood, Florida, and raised in Sarasota, Florida. He was born shortly after his parents, Don and Diane Lafler, arrived back to the United States from Zimbabwe, Africa, where they served as missionaries . Mark had a dynamic conversion experience on June 25, 1993, shortly after he graduated from high school. He has served in the pastoral ministry since 2002. He was ordained to the priesthood on November 28, 2015 by Bishop Greg Brewer and served as a curate at St. Gabriel's, Titusville from 2015-2016 before being called to become the Rector at St. Edward's. He completed his undergraduate degree at Global University in Springfield, Missouri. He also holds an M.A.T.S. degree from Regent College in Vancouver, BC. Mark and his wife, Tera, were married in 1995 and have four children. He enjoys reading, following sports, taking walks, drinking tea, and putting together LEGO sets.
The Rev. Mickey Maxwell
Parish Deacon
Rev. Mickey Maxwell was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on October 18, 1986. Deacon Mickey attended the Institute of Christian Studies at St. Luke's Cathedral in Orlando and served his pastoral internship at St. Matthias Church in Clermont and was assigned by Bishop William Folwell to the clergy staff of St. Edward's. Mickey is married to Elizabeth and they have three children and five grandchildren.
The Rev. Bob Damon
Parish Deacon
Rev. Robert (Bob) Damon was born August 3, 1950 in Milford, CT. His parents, having enough of the New England weather, moved to South Florida in 1956. Bob was raised a Catholic in his youth but converted to the Episcopal faith in 1964. Over the years of being an Episcopalian, Bob served many roles as a member of the parishes attended. In 1999 he experienced the call from the Lord to seek ordination. He went on to attend the Diocesan School of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida and completed the required Pastoral Care Experience as chaplain for VITAS. With the support and love of his family, perseverance and the power of prayer, Bob was accepted for Holy Orders and ordained Deacon on May 30, 2015. Bob and his wife Karin, moved to Mount Dora in May of 2018, were married on October 9, 1970. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters. Andrea is a clinical psychologist and resides in Massachusetts. Amanda, a gifted special needs teacher, was called home to our Lord on August 19, 2016
The Rev. Kim Spear
Parish Deacon
Rev. Kim Spear was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on September 7, 2019. Deacon Kim is a cradle Episcopalian and has served the church and her community for many years. Deacon Kim attended Warner Christian University and the Institute of Christian Studies at the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida in Orlando. Her Pastoral Field Work was completed at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland and was assigned by Bishop Greg Brewer to the parish of St. Edward's Episcopal Church in Mount Dora. Kim is married to Mike and they have two children and one grandchild.
