Central Florida
CFE EPISCOPALIAN
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Volume 122, No. 3 / May - June 2020
“Let us be faithful to HEAR, faithful to RESPOND, faithful to FOLLOW HIM.” —— Bishop Greg Brewer
staying connected
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him... Romans 15:13
CONTENTS BISHOP BREWER God’s Message in a Season of Waiting............................................................................................. 3
CANON HOLCOMBE Tennis Shoes on the Ground............................................................................................................ 4
MINISTRIES
8 Feeding the Hungry During COVID-19 Pandemic
Virtual Run/Walk Works for Canterbury............................................................................................ 4 Camp Wingmann 2020 Zoom Lunches and Virtual Camp................................................................ 5 Cursillo Commission Moves Forward With New Chairman, Retreat Dates........................................ 6 Even During Pandemic, Daughters of the King Reach Out............................................................... 6 Canterbury Adapts Ministry to COVID-19......................................................................................... 7 Called to Pray................................................................................................................................... 7
PEOPLE & EVENTS Youth Ministry Institute Offers Virtual Connection Resources.......................................................... 8 Small Church Does Big Work to Help Protect Health Care Workers................................................ 10
EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS Schooling in the COVID-19 World.................................................................................................. 11
DIOCESAN FAMILY Super Senior Citizens Remain Active in Parish Life......................................................................... 14
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Praise for Parishioners on the Frontlines During Coronavirus Pandemic........................................ 15
St. Michael’s Makes a Difference During COVID-19 and Beyond
Empty Building, Full Church.......................................................................................................... 16
CFE EN ESPAÑOL Obispo Brewer: ............................................................................................................................. 19 Mensaje de Russell Enfatiza en ‘Tú Eres’........................................................................................ 20 La Realidad de la Resurrección....................................................................................................... 21
STEWARDSHIP Online Giving, Where Faith and Finances Mix................................................................................ 22
STAYING CONNECTED .................................................................................................... 23
17 When There Isn’t Safety at Home Watch weekly video reflections by Bishop Brewer at
www.tinyurl.com/BishopBrewerReflections.
These may be used as part of your personal devotion time or shared electronically as part of a virtual worship or study group. Be sure to “subscribe” to the diocesan YouTube channel, Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, so you receive updates when new videos are published.
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe Retired The Rt. Rev. William H. Folwell Retired The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb Canon for Vocations The Rev. Canon Scott Holcombe Canon to the Ordinary The Ven. Kristi Alday, Archdeacon Mr. Earl Pickett, Diocesan Administrator Mr. Erick Perez, Subscription Manager
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN is published by the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. Submissions are welcome, but are subject to editing and use at the discretion of the Central Florida Episcopalian. Please submit event notices three months prior to the event to: Central Florida Episcopalian 1017 E. Robinson St. Orlando, FL 32801-2023 Wendy Leech, Communications Coordinator wleech@cfdiocese.org / 407-925-6008
BISHOP BREWER’S SERMONS
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The Diocese of Central Florida The Right Reverend Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop Serving 15 counties through 81 churches and 30,000 members The Episcopal Church The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate An international community of 2.5 million Christians in North and South America, Europe and Taiwan The Anglican Communion The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury A global community of more than 85 million Christians in more than 165 countries worldwide
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Erick Perez, Subscription Manager eperez@cfdiocese.org / 407-423-3567 Connect with us on social media
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BISHOP BREWER
God’s Message in a Season of Waiting By Bishop Gregory O. Brewer
For several weeks now, we as a community, as a church and as a diocese have lived under enforced isolation. Much of what we consider “normal” ended abruptly as we faced the real threat of COVID-19. Although this has looked different for each one of us, we have all experienced the impact of the virus. We have suffered profound grief through the loss of precious family members, longtime friends, jobs, income, even the traditional trappings of a senior prom or child’s birthday party. We missed our friends. We missed our church family. We missed our lives.
Back to Normal? And now, it seems we are on the verge of what we call “getting back to normal.” But what is “normal”? And do we really want to get back to it? After Christ’s resurrection, when he appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he gave them a promise tied to some specific instructions: “I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49b). This was the season of Pentecost, which, in Jerusalem, was an extraordinarily cross-cultural event. For this feast, as Acts describes, people would make a religious pilgrimage back to the city from all over the known Jewish world. That meant everyone who lived in Jerusalem was committed to public hospitality in a way no Airbnb could ever match. In every household, it was “all hands on deck,” so the home, the food and the festivities could match the level of that extraordinary occasion.
Setting Apart And in the midst of that craziness, for these brand-new followers of Jesus, everything stopped. With his parting words, he took them out of normalcy and into isolation. He moved them out of the crazybusy of their normal lives and set them apart, even from family and friends, to prepare their hearts for the greater gift of his presence in the Holy Spirit.
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Our Lord was using this time to deliberately cultivate within their hearts a deep willingness to be obedient to him. Even if what he asked didn’t make sense. Even if it were to cost them in terms of people not understanding them, of people making fun of them.
Bishop Greg Brewer
That’s what the Christ followers at that time were enduring. And they didn’t know how long they would have to endure it. Jesus said “wait”—but he didn’t give them a time frame. Does any of this sound familiar? It should. If we truly believe in a sovereign and loving God, we know that although he never rejoices in sin and sickness and death, he does work “all things together for good for those who love [him], who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). In setting his followers apart from a busy season, Jesus was intentionally training them for the missionary purposes that accompanied the power from on high. Could it be that through these days he has set us aside, training us for the missionary purposes that come with the lifting of quarantine and the opening of a world of possibilities? A part of the power of Pentecost is that when we say yes to the gift of the Holy Spirit, we no longer have the right to live life on our own terms. To claim such a right would, in fact, be idolatry. As we watch the season shift and anticipate our long-awaited return to “normal,” I urge you to listen for his still, small voice. What is he saying about life post-virus? Surely the wind of his Spirit is blowing even through this hour of isolation, blowing into our hearts and empowering us to be salt and light in a world that may at long last be awakening to its need. Let us be faithful to hear, faithful to respond, faithful to follow him. Grace to you,
Bishop Gregory O. Brewer
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
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M I N I ST R I E S
Great things are happening at Canterbury!
Virtual Run/Walk Works for Canterbury
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ith just three days of marketing, Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center pulled off a successful virtual Easter 5K Scholarship Run/Walk. More than 70 runners and walkers participated in the event using the Charge Running app on Saturday, April 11. Glitches with its website prevented the retreat center from staging a full-blown marketing campaign. But a Memorial Day event is planned for May 25 at 8:00 a.m., and information is already on the website. Sales and Marketing Director Arnold Soliman, who participated in the Easter event, expects “more than 200 people” to take part. “I know people out there want to get out. Even the government has said to go out and exercise,” said Soliman, who tested a number of virtual apps before choosing Charge Running. “The live event makes the difference. Listening to the coach read the chat, what people are saying during the run, has really made a difference.”
six deer on the retreat grounds at the start of the event, serene moments reflecting on the significance of the day and the team-building experience for the Canterbury staff. “It was a nice way to bring the staff together although we can’t be together. People participated that we didn’t think would.” “These events give people the opportunity to do something physical, although remotely. For the first one, we had people running the boardwalks of Brooklyn, people running around Lake Gem here at Canterbury, and people running the Appalachian Trail up in the Berkshires,” said Canterbury Director Chalmers Morse, who also said the retreat center is “taking advantage of the down time to make progress on the renovations.”
Proceeds from the Easter event went to The Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center Foundation Scholarship, which helps offset the costs of retreats for individuals in need.
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
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By The Rev. Canon Scott Holcombe, aka “Scooter”
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s the news spread about the COVID-19, so did the fears. Anxiety levels heightened. The feared pandemic was in full bloom and spreading like
wildfire. Some pretended it wasn’t too bad; conspiracy theories surfaced, and people pointed fingers.
Holcombe Since I’m married to a retired ICU nurse of 40-plus years who also has asthma, we took the necessary precautions: restricting movement and in-person contact, and trying to figure out the new normal. Bishop Brewer and the diocesan staff cooperated with the Orange County stay-in- place guidelines, and the diocesan office was closed. Now what? For years, my wife has been begging me to walk with her. Now, I have no excuses. So each morning and evening, we walk 4.5 miles. In our 9-mile-a-day trek, I have greeted neighbors, noticed bat houses and learned that our retention ponds actually do have alligators. I have spoken to my wife about everything from the trivial things to deep matters of the heart. We have attended drive-through Communion—
Seth Stradling, student ministries director at Church of Incarnation in Oviedo, enjoyed the run for a number of reasons – seeing
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Tennis Shoes on the Ground
May / June 2020
www.cfdiocese.org
M I N I ST R I E S
Camp Wingmann 2020 Zoom Lunches and Virtual Camp
something I thought I would never do. We have binge-watched Netflix shows, hosted and attended Zoom staff meetings and videoconferenced diocesan board meetings. My new normal is six to seven hours a day online and attending Zoom, Vimeo, FaceTime, Skype and Google Hangouts meetings. I have learned more about technology and social media than I ever desired to know. And God’s church is still alive and well. It doesn’t look or act the same, but God’s people still find a way to pray for their needs and the needs of others. God’s people still fellowship while squinting at computer screens instead of hanging around the coffeepot. We still dwell in God’s presence, whether walking 9 miles or making time to watch the sun rise and set each day. My boots on the ground may be tennis shoes right now, but I find a way to love and serve the Lord daily. I am reminded in 2 Corinthians 5:7 that I am to “walk by faith, not by sight.” These days, I wear tennis shoes much more often than dress shoes, but it’s still a great joy to bask in the glow of God’s presence – even if only by the blue-light screen of a computer!
www.cfdiocese.org
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o stay connected to the Camp Wingmann family during the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Director Joshua Joseph instituted Zoom Lunches in April. Using the Zoom virtual meeting app, Camp Wingmann staff, alumni, current campers and their families meet for 30 minutes on Wednesdays at noon. “We started these lunches to give our camp family a chance to connect and talk with each other and to keep them engaged,” Joseph said.
In addition to opening and closing prayers, Zoom lunches feature a rap session and an activity.
Christin Hill, Camp Wingmann office manager, elaborated. “We open with the camp grace. We chat for a few minutes and then do an activity together. We close with a growing prayer list of needs voiced by the people who show up for lunch.”
Camp Wingmann 2020 also will be a new experience incorporating some familiar elements. “We feel that it’s in the best interest of our campers, staff, families and communities if we cancel our June camp sessions for the safety of all,” Joseph said.
Following the template for virtual Jeopardy!, Camp Jeopardy! was added to the Zoom lunch meetings. Each Wednesday, Camp Wingmann publishes the link on Facebook and Instagram.
The Wingmann team has developed the virtual summer camp, the framework of which is already in place. Also, because so many campers like to collect the camp shirts, Camp Wingmann will still offer a 2020 T-shirt. “We will charge for that, and we’ll dropmail the shirts,” he said. “The Camp Wingmann Ambassadors are going through the program and telling us what works and what doesn’t,” Joseph said. “The virtual camp is a replica of camp. We have Compline (evening prayers) and devotions. It is the same vibe as camp.” The virtual camp is free to anyone who wants to participate. “We know people are struggling now, and we don’t want to add to their burdens,” Joseph said.
Zoom lunches help keep the Camp Wingmann family connected and engaged. Photos courtesy of Camp Wingmann.
To stay abreast of Camp Wingmann happenings, visit www.campwingmann.org/ coronavirus-update. Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
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M I N I ST R I E S
Even During Pandemic, Daughters of the King Reach Out
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ot only has the coronavirus changed lives around the world, but it has also had an impact on faith organizations like The Order of the Daughters of the King. Social distancing limitations and quarantine have led to many choices and changes over the past few months on local, national and global scales. Despite this, the mission of the Daughters, “the extension of Christ’s kingdom through prayer, service and evangelism” has not changed.
diocese is helping support an urban Daughters chapter as well.
The Daughters recently made an important decision at the prompting of The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer: Over a 3-month period, they would send funds to Daughters in The Episcopal Diocese of Cuba, newly reaffiliated with The Episcopal Church. Dr. Karen Adderly Clark of St. John the Baptist, Orlando, diocesan president, reported that the initial funds have already reached Cuba.
“Thanks, sisters. The Daughters of the King are doing great work. They are buying the older people things and taking them to their homes so they do not leave their homes,” Moreira added. “And they are praying every day, because when this disaster is over, the money you send will [be used to] invest in a farm to produce food and to help people in need. Thank you … Daughters of the King; God be with you forever.”
“There are two Daughters at St. Luke’s, Live Oak, who have an established ministry in Cuba with The Rev. Juan Carlos Dize Moreira and three rural chapters of the Daughters of the King,” Clark said. The
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“So far we are fine although the high curve of [coronavirus] contagion now comes in May. What worries me most about Cuba is the economic disaster,” Moreira said in a thank-you note. “We must force people to violate the [quarantine] measures because we have to go out and do long queues, up to five hours, to buy food or personal hygiene products. ... the danger is still imminent.”
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
Commission Moves Forward With New Chairman, Retreat Dates By Chuck Pierce, chairman of the diocesan Cursillo Commission and member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne
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rowing up in Turkey, I spent all my summers and many of my holidays traveling through Turkey and Greece. Athens was one of the places I could visit on a weekend, so I spent a great deal of time walking in
the footsteps of Paul. I can understand his words to the citizens of Athens about the unknown God, emphasizing that Jesus was the Son of the true God who could bring them to a new awakening. In this time of great danger, can we as Christians forget the God who loves and cares for us? Let us go to him with prayer and supplication. Although I had an excellent background in the Bible as history, not until I attended Cursillo did I fully understand the meaning of what I had learned. I went from being a pew sitter to a leader in the church. These past months include many changes and adaptations to a national medical crisis that has turned our nation and our churches upside down. But our faith in God and in our nation have not faltered. Because of the COVID-19 virus, the Cursillo Commission had moved the Men’s and Women’s Cursillo Weekends to September. But after prayerful consideration, the Cursillo Commission,
Chuck Pierce and his wife, Pat
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M I N I ST R I E S
Canterbury Adapts Ministry to COVID-19
along with Servant Community committee chairs, has decided that for now, it is best to cancel all Cursillo activities. The Commission is still in email contact to handle Cursillo business and will meet again as soon as it is safe to do so. Applications to attend a Cursillo weekend currently on file will get priority for invitation in 2021. We always have more spots available, and we encourage anyone interested in attending a Cursillo to apply.
Cursillo 2021 Dates: Men’s Weekend
April 9-11
Women’s Weekend April 16-18 Co-ed Weekend
Sept. 24-26
Check out www.cfepiscopalcursillo.org for more information. Cursillo still needs candidates, especially men. The Cursillo movement is designed to train leaders for the present and the future, equipping them to strengthen and maintain their faith. See your parish representative, your priest or go to the website and download the membership application.
For more information, contact Phil Phillips, strumminguy55@yahoo.com Karen Stout, 4karenjs@gmail.com Kim McMaster, kmcmaster1@cfl.rr.com or access the diocesan Cursillo website at www.cfepiscopalcursillo.org. Connect to the Central Florida Facebook page @CentralFloridaCursilloGroup. If you are not receiving the Cursillo information emails, please let one of us know. www.cfdiocese.org
Called to Pray
By Marti Pieper
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By The Rev. Kim Spears
“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the father” (John 14:12).
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he International Order of St. Luke the Physician (OSL) foundational belief is rooted in this scripture. OSL is an international, interdenominational, Christian organization made up of communities committed to healing prayer in the name of Jesus to all who are in need. There are different types of healing: spiritual, emotional, and physical. OSL members have received sound and vigorous training in the healing ministry of Jesus. We are simply willing vessels seeking guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit to transform lives and bring wholeness. As we desire to extend God’s love to people through the power of prayer, healing is experienced on some level. Given the current climate in the midst of the coronavirus and its effects, people are in dire need of God’s healing love and power. There are many avenues in which this can be offered. Our parish, St Edward’s of Mount Dora is offering a free meal to our community on a drive-thru basis. Many in our community are unemployed and the need for food is significant. Yet in such times, it’s not just meeting the need for physical feeding but spiritual feeding. We have an incredible opportunity to share the love of Christ in the environment in which we find ourselves. God is calling us to be creative, bold and courageous as we pray for the healing of individuals, our community, nation and our world.
For further information on starting up an OSL community, please contact The Rev. Johnny Clark, regional director, deaconjohnny@deaconjohnny.com. Or contact The Rev. Kim Spear, keespear@ comcast.net
rastic times may call for drastic measures, but in the Diocese of Central Florida, drastic times also call for giving, caring and ministering where possible. The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer made that clear in his statement to clergy on March 18 when he said, “We have to figure out ways to take care of each other so that we can continue to walk through this together. We really do have to find new and deeper ways to work together.” Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center in Oviedo exemplified this spirit of cooperation during the COVID-19 crisis, which forced Canterbury to temporarily close all its buildings in March. However, during a time of social distancing, the conference center still found ways to minister. Director Chalmers Morse said, “While the buildings are all temporarily closed at Canterbury, we are still allowing the public to walk the beautiful grounds, especially the Canterbury trail around Lake Gem. While on the trail, they will find the Stations of the Cross, where in these difficult times you can offer prayers and spend time with our Lord, all in the midst of his beautiful creation.” When a need from the Seminole County Emergency Management (SCEM) arose, Canterbury reached an agreement with the SCEM for the retreat center to house first responders who had been quarantined because of exposure to COVID-19. “The head of SCEM contacted me about housing first responders when the initial location decided not to house them,” Morse said. “After prayerful consideration, I consulted with Doug
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PEOPLE & EVENTS
Feeding the Hungry During COVID-19 Pandemic By Linda B. Axelson, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Crystal River
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The Community Food Bank of Citrus County supplies food each month to over 15,000 individuals in need via food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.
Knox
Those who haven’t already done so will want to join YMI’s Facebook group www.facebook.com/yminstitute/ and subscribe to its “Making Sense of Youth Ministry” podcast to receive these resources and many more. YMI recently recorded a podcast with four ministry experts about navigating this season and answered some common questions.
Though these ministries still connect with the hungry, the pandemic and lockdown have had an impact. Shortfalls mean some people may go hungry.
Free Resources: Listed below are 20 Zoom games, a helpful blog and two upcoming digital gatherings.
Tired of searching everywhere for more games and activities for Zoom? This list of 20 is designed to help. To receive this free resource, visit www.ow.ly/q3NB50zaqTw.
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, Crystal River, has a strong history of feeding the hungry. Its food ministry includes a food pantry; a Saturday hot meal program,
In the first three weeks of April, approximately 1500 people received food supplies.
Our Father’s Table; and the St. Anne’s Mobile Ministry (SAMM) program. In this unprecedented time of social distancing, St. Anne’s has morphed its food ministry into a temporary but effective program. Every Wednesday, from 4:00–6:30 p.m., the church makes available fresh fruits and vegetables along with milk, bread and other food staples to anyone willing to come by the church parking lot and pick them up. In the first three weeks of April, approximately 1500 people received these food supplies, with a projected 2800 for the month. Various community sources coordinate with businesses such as Publix, Winn-Dixie and Sam’s Club to gather excess foods and share with St. Anne’s.
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
By Kirsten Knox During this season of social distancing, the Youth Ministry Institute (YMI) is producing resources to help churches, youth ministers and others who connect with students succeed. Listed below are a few of YMI’s current resources and links.
unger affects us in many ways. We have physical hunger as well as hunger for human connections, personal growth, security and safety.
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Youth Ministry Institute Offers Virtual Connection Resources
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Pastor Aikens, an evangelical, and his friend Jerry Barger collect the food and work tirelessly with several volunteers from St. Anne’s to organize and distribute more than 100 cases each Wednesday. “The numbers are not exact because we do not know how many people there are in each family,” said Barger. “There was one woman who picked up 15 cases of food. She is running a home for the elderly, and this food will go a long way.” Barger, who often reads from the Book of Common Prayer during the distribution period, finds helping with the food ministry brings him a sense of peace. “If you feed the hungry, you feed their physical and spiritual hunger,” he said.
May / June 2020
For many ministries, the current average attendance on Zoom is 40%-60%. But how can your ministry extend beyond Zoom? Here are five ideas on how to engage the other students and children in your ministry: www.ow.ly/dPoK50zcAxt. Back by popular demand, the YMI Children and Family Minister Digital Gathering! YMI is here to help you succeed! These gatherings are a great free way to find new ideas, answers and community during this time of social distancing.
Also, back by popular demand, the YMI Youth Minister Digital Gathering! What will you do to celebrate your seniors? How are you helping students and families process the grief many of them may be experiencing? These gatherings are one more great free way to find new ideas, answers and community as the quarantine continues. The diocese also provides consulting services through YMI; these meetings can take place virtually.
Connect: To receive YMI’s newsletter for gathering dates or to schedule a more in-depth session with YMI, contact Kirsten Knox: kirsten@yminstitute.com. If you are a youth leader, join the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida Youth Leaders Facebook group, www.facebook.com/groups/cflyouthleaders/. www.cfdiocese.org
PEOPLE & EVENTS
St. Michael’s Makes a Difference During COVID-19 and Beyond By Marti Pieper
breaks through its partnership with St. Michael’s and Second Harvest food bank.
“If St. Michael’s disappeared off this corner … would anybody other than St. Michael’s people notice?” “That’s the question The Rev. Rick Luoni asked when he became St. Michael’s rector four years ago,” said Mike Robertson. As assistant parish administrator and outreach coordinator, it’s a question he still considers. Robertson spoke with CFE about how St. Michael’s, Orlando, has found ways to make a difference in its community and how the coronavirus is shaping its efforts.
The Gathering “The only thing we really had [four years ago] as far as outreach was something called The Gathering, which has been going on at St. Michael’s for over 30 years, where we cook the meals every Tuesday for the Coalition for the Homeless,” Robertson said. “Every Tuesday, we cook for 400-plus people and have groups go down to serve.” Since the pandemic began, “Like most places around Orlando, the coalition has seen an increase in need and a decrease in donations,” Robertson said. With some of the church’s older volunteers in the vulnerable category, “We have had a few younger folks who have really stepped up and helped out. … You cook, and you wear masks and gloves, and you stay at social distance.” Because of the virus, the coalition is closed to volunteers, but “We load up the truck, bring the food down there and drop it off,” Robertson said. www.cfdiocese.org
Right now, Robertson added, One Heart is “seeing five times the normal amount of people.” The organization might typically provide food assistance for 3000 people a month. Recently, it helped 1100 people in just three days.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Orlando
Feed My Lambs, Harbor House Today, St. Michael’s has multiple connections to meet community needs. Its Feed My Lambs program involves parishioners filling shopping bags with items for students: food, personal care products and clothing. Contact with the schools is key, Robertson said, “So we’re not getting them what we think they need. We’re getting them what they actually need.” St. Michael’s sponsors the Love
Pantry at Edgewater High and Lake Silver Elementary, Robertson said. The schools order staple items from the Christian Service Center, supplemented with extras the church collects. Before the church closed its campus, Robertson said, he emptied its own pantry, offering its contents to the schools. But the
closures negated their needs. “One of the other groups we work with a lot is Harbor House, and they have a residential shelter,” Robertson said. During the lockdown, they suddenly had to provide children with snacks and lunches. The items Harbor House needed, he said, “were mostly the same items that we asked from our parishioners for the schools. So we were able to donate 100 pounds of food and hygiene products.”
One Heart for Women and Children, Central Florida United One Heart for Women and Children is another of St. Michael’s many partners. Through this organization, the church sponsors a pantry at College Park Middle School. One Heart also offers a fresh market before
But what most excites Robertson involves collaboration between volunteers, faith organizations and public private/partners through Central Florida United (CFU), a new organization facilitated by Polis Institute and designed to connect volunteers to needs. CFU’s website helps people find volunteer opportunities (including safe ways to volunteer from home) and valuable resources as well as stop the spread of COVID-19. For more information, visit www.centralfloridaunited.org. St. Michael’s realized some of the children it normally serves might not be able to receive meals through the walk-up or drive-up school programs or had dinnertime food insecurity. “We have been referring most of them to One Heart for Women and Children, and I was able to introduce the two organizations,” Robertson said. “One Heart is now being supported by Central Florida United.” If St. Michael’s disappeared, would anyone notice? Robertson knows the answer. And so do the many the church serves.
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PEOPLE & EVENTS
Small Church Does Big Work to Help Protect Health Care Workers
All photos courtesy of St. Thomas Episcopal Church
By Nina Keck
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with this pandemic, and we want to do anything we can to help our uncle and his hospital in New York,” they said.
t. Thomas, Eustis, is a small parish, but the work of six congregants will almost certainly have saved the lives of a few health care workers on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.
No sewing was involved in making the disposable PPE gowns, just cutting and taping. “Anyone interested can watch my video on the St. Thomas. Facebook page about how to make the PPEs,” Carlson said.
Despite having only three active members, the St. Thomas youth group engaged wholeheartedly in making disposable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gowns for health care workers.
Carlson provided materials for the PPE gowns out of her pocket. “I will be discussing with the kids and our treasurer about taking funds out of our youth group fundraising account for activities,” she said.
outh group leader Gail Carlson came Y up with the idea after hearing from her son Luke Carlson, M.D. “Luke is a chief pediatric resident at Bronx Lebanon Center/Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City,” she said. “He has been making these gowns for the emergency room residents at the hospital. We will certainly make gowns for our local hospital if they have a need. Right now, there is a critical shortage of PPE in New York.”
Fellow St. Thomas parishioner Nancy Conley made masks to protect local health care workers. “I have worked in the medical field most of my adult life,” she said. “So it hits home for me. This is the only way I know that I can help protect the nurses, doctors and persons who are at high risk. I am a person with a sewing machine who can do something to help.”
The youth group started working on the project during the first week of April. “I did not have the correct materials until recently,” Carlson said in a mid-April interview. “We sent 27 gowns last week and 30 gowns this week.”
By the end of April, Conley made more than 85 masks. “There are more to come,” she said. “I’ll work on them as long as I can find supplies.” Conley did not have a set goal of how many masks she made in a week. “The last batch was 38,” she said. “God has given me the gift and ability to help. There are so many more people out there who can probably make many more masks than I do.”
“We have a very small youth group. Our youth group consists of middle and high school students: Tyler, 17; Emma 15; and Kai, 14,” Carlson said. “They are all my grandkids—the children of my two daughters.” Emma, Tyler and Kai agreed about why they wanted to help with the PPE project. “We think it’s important to help
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Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
Nancy Conley (L) demonstrates how to tie one of the 85 masks she has sewn for health care personnel.
Like Carlson, Conley paid for her supplies,” I had a dear friend give me
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May / June 2020
Tom and Gail Carlson at work making disposable PPE gowns for ER physicians at Bronx Lebanon Center/ Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
some material this past week,” she said. “None of this is about me paying for it myself or getting paid to make them. It is about doing something I can do to help save someone’s life. I do not feel that I am in any way more special than the doctors, nurses, EMS, firefighters and all the other hundreds of people by sitting in front of a sewing machine. I am just one small piece of the puzzle, willing to help where I can.”
ABOVE RIGHT: (Top) Emma prepares to tape together the sleeve of the PPE gown. (Middle) Kai tapes together the lining for a PPE gown. (Bottom) Tyler uses tape to join a side seam on the PPE gown.
If you would like to contribute money or materials toward making the PPE gowns and masks, please call St. Thomas Church, Eustis, at 352-357-4358. Watch the PPE how-to video at www. facebook.com/St-ThomasEpiscopal-Church-in-EustisFlorida-410887889687140/.
www.cfdiocese.org
PEOPLE & EVENTS
Schooling in the COVID-19 World By Nina Keck
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uring the COVID-19 crisis, home learning, via packets of work or virtual learning, has become the norm for Episcopal schools in the Diocese of Central Florida. Saint Edward’s School, Vero Beach, launched its virtual learning platforms for grades PK-12 on March 23, three days after learning the school would need to close.
Ms. Stacey’s class meets on Zoom to catch up and do a lesson.
“The leadership team, as well as our technology teachers and IT professionals, gathered at 8 a.m. Monday, March 16, and by that afternoon, we had a plan Guy Wengler, a first grader, says the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. outlined for moving forward,” Head of School Mike Mersky said. “Our goal is to Photo courtesy of St. Edward’s School continue to provide an extraordinary education to our students while supporting our families contributing members of our community, albeit at emotionally and spiritually as well.” more than 6 feet away.” Head of the Upper School and Associate Head of School Jack MacMullan continued, “Challenges like this really reveal how connected a community is. Transforming a school that is traditional in so many ways into an engaging, rigorous, fun learning environment has only highlighted how each teacher, student and parent is not only willing but excited to do his or her part.” Teachers meet with students daily on several virtual platforms and hold office hours throughout the week where students can log on and ask questions in real time. All subjects are covered, including fine arts. Wendy Porter, mother of two, says, “I could hear lots of ‘I miss you’s’ from students and teachers on the first day of school. It was heartening to hear that connection.” “Somehow I missed ‘Pandemic 101’ in my head’s training and career in education, but it’s been refreshing to be reminded that we’re all learning together, no matter the age,” Mersky said. “We are still preparing our Pirates to be strong, www.cfdiocese.org
“We are a preschool, so distance learning is difficult, says Barbara Ellerbe, director of Children of the Messiah Preschool, Winter Garden. “Teachers are holding class meetings on Zoom to allow the children to visit with their teachers and friends. The teachers are also sending parents activities from our curriculum.” The school follows the Orange County Public School guidelines, which has announced the closure of schools through the end of the school year. Preschool graduation will depend on what CDC guidelines are in place later this spring.
Photo courtesy of Children of the Messiah Preschool
them know we love their children and are looking forward to the day that we can be back in the classroom,” said Ellerbe. “We know we serve the one who will heal our schools and our communities.” During the coronavirus pandemic, Trinity Preschool, Vero Beach, is following the lead of Indian River Public Schools. “We are going by what Gov. DeSantis and the CDC recommend,” explains Kathy Rodriguez, director of parish life at Trinity Episcopal Church. Teachers at the preschool are making packets for the parents to pick up on Mondays. Rodriguez added, “We have virtual circle time every day.”
Trinity Preschool Director Reeny Sempsrott remotely teaches the students the story of Palm Sunday. Photo courtesy of Trinity Preschool
Despite the changes, the Children of the Messiah Preschool staff have been in constant communication with families. “We have let
The faculty and staff are trying to keep in touch with students and their families. “At Easter, the teachers delivered the packets to the students, waving to them from their cars and hiding Easter eggs in their yards,” said Reeny Sempsrott, director of preschool. “We wanted to make it a little easier for the students.”
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Schooling in the COVID-19 World Continued From Page 11
Each student uses either an iPad or Chromebook throughout the school year. Typically, these devices do not leave campus, but school is no longer typical. Parents used the safety of a special car line to come by the school and pick up school-issued devices and packets teachers put together for their students.
When Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne (HTA), released students for spring break on March 6, teachers told them to empty their lockers and take everything home. Faculty and staff worked hard to make sure everyone knew and had access to the technology. “I knew that our faculty had the skills, the passion and dedication to take what they do in the classrooms and translate it into online learning, and they proved me right,” Dr. Katherine Cobb, HTA president, said. “They worked throughout their spring break to prepare their virtual learning plans and have gone above and beyond to make this as smooth a transition as possible for our students.” But Trinity’s online program doesn’t just involve academics. It features an art show, Zoom conference calls, TikTok and livestreaming of chapel services. The students’ schedules are the same as they would be in person. And because many of them may have anxiety because they miss their friends and teachers, counselors continue to work with them online. “Although no one knos how long this crisis will last, our school calendar will remain basically the same,” Cobb said.
“We are so proud of our students, teachers, “Mrs. Churms and Mrs. Gilmore staff and parents in our St. Mark’s have done a wonderful job teaching their Kindergarteners online! They St. Mark’s sixth grader, Max, shows community! Together, we can do anything!” have provided the perfect balance respect by wearing his uniform Mattingly said. “Thank you for your support, of instructional videos, story time, during school time at home. patience and understanding as we moved to interactive lessons, home projects, Photo courtesy of St. Mark’s Lions Learn Online. Our teachers and staff and activities. My daughter has been Episcopal School. miss seeing students and parents and are excited to post/submit her work each grateful for the ability to see them online.” day,” says SBES parent Melissa P. “These are truly crazy times, and we are all walking Photo courtesy of St. Barnabas Episcopal School. through blindly in many ways,” Wendy Berghane, director, St. Peter’s Preschool & Kindergarten, At St. Andrew’s Academy, Ft. Pierce, online Lake Mary, said. school started March 24. “Over spring break, we developed terrific remote access that is The preschool closed for April, although it still authentic to St. Andrews,” Director of technically falls under the Department of Children Development and Public Relations Rhonda Blakey and Families as a childcare center and is deemed said. “A lot of hours went into making this work.” essential. “Because we are a part-time preschool and kindergarten program, we chose to follow Blakey is inspired by the results and support of the the Department of Education (DOE)/Seminole St. Andrew’s community during this time of virtual County Public Schools (SCPS) directives to make learning. “The teachers are absolutely the unsung sure we are doing all we can to keep our families heroes here,” she said. “I’m proud of everyone all and staff safe,” Berghane explained. the way around.” Teachers at St. Mark’s Episcopal Academy, Cocoa, are engaging with students through an online platform called Lions Learn Online. “We started LLO on Monday, March 30,” St. Mark’s Director of Development Ali Mattingly explained. “Teachers worked tirelessly to get the Lions Learn Online program running for our students.” The virtual learning program launched with a positive response from parents and students. “The teachers have designed it to meet the academic, social and particularly the emotional and spiritual needs of our students,” Mattingly said.
Social distancing can’t stop HTEA Lower School Future Problem Solvers Writing Club, which holds virtual weekly meetings with sponsor Mrs. Breeden. Photo courtesy of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy
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The school’s chapel services continue online on Facebook each morning with St. Mark’s rector, The Rev. Gary Jackson, and Head of School Joi Robertson. “Our goal is to keep our community connected in every way possible,” Mattingly said.
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As a small, private preschool and kindergarten program, St. Peter’s has had some challenges in moving toward virtual learning. “Part of our philosophy is to limit technology in the classroom as we feel early childhood education should be based around intentional, active, participatory learning. So we did not have any sort of virtual learning platform in place,” Berghane said. “Once we realized we would be out of school for a bit, it was so important for us to find a way to stay connected to our families, offering not only academic and learning support, but emotional support as well,” she added. “Our mission to share the love and joy of Christ did not change. So we decided to use our Facebook class pages as learning platforms.” All the preschool teachers post daily activities www.cfdiocese.org
PEOPLE & EVENTS that students can do at home. These focus on some of the skills students would work on if they were in school. Teachers are available through the Facebook Messenger system and email to answer any questions or assist in any way. “They are doing things like letter scavenger hunts, counting games, and working on their fine and gross motor skills as well,” Berghane said. The school’s kindergarten program is a little different in that the school is required to provide accountable virtual learning for those students. “Our amazing kindergarten teacher, Shannon Harshbarger, uses the Facebook class page as well as the virtual classroom app Seesaw,” Berghane said. “Every day there are math and reading lessons. She continues to assign work and move through their science and social studies units as well.” Kindergarten students received a packet with supplies and unit curriculum that covers a couple of weeks at a time. They conclude their day with a Zoom bedtime story led by Harshbarger. Berghane videos and posts morning prayer time to all class Facebook pages every morning. To keep the children’s schedule as normal as possible, she posts chapel time every Wednesday. The music, physical education and art teachers post weekly activities that correspond to their respective classes.
April 16 was the first Super Hero Thursday. The St. Barnabas community united to thank all of the essential workers on the frontline, who are the real superheroes! Thank you for keeping us safe and our community operational. Photo courtesy of St. Barnabas Episcopal School.
www.cfdiocese.org
Kimber Lytle and her sons, Duke and Brock, gather around the laptop to hear the St. Peter’s kindergarten bedtime story read by Ms. Shannon.
Seventh grader Peyton Evans knows it’s important to show your pets some love – even when you’re busy with schoolwork.
Photo courtesy of The Lytle Family.
Photo courtesy of St. Andrew’s Academy
Berghane doesn’t know when the school will welcome students back. “We will most likely follow SCPS and Florida DOE recommendations as they come,” she said. Even in this time of adjustment, Berghane sees God’s plan. “It is a hard, overwhelming and stressful time, and we are all grieving the loss of “normalcy” and community. I think it’s so important, and I am encouraging my students and parents all the time through our morning prayer and virtual interactions, to ask God for eyes to see what’s good,” she said. “I just want to encourage everyone to look for God because he is right here. He has walked ahead of us, he is with us now, and he will walk behind us to make good out of all this brokenness. It is his promise, and he is faithful.” St. Barnabas Episcopal School (SBES) in DeLand decided to have a virtual school on Tuesday, March 31, during its extended spring break. “The teachers had one week to learn a lot of technology and get it in place,” says SBES Head of School Paul Garcia. The school is using the Google Classroom learning platform.
To keep the school experience as close to normal as possible, St. Barnabas is continuing the tradition of Spirit Day Friday virtually. Students submitted pictures of themselves in their Crusader spirit wear. Photo courtesy of St. Barnabas Episcopal School.
“It went well,” he adds. “There was a big learning curve for the teachers, and an even bigger learning curve for parents and students, especially the parents of preschoolers.” Garcia had this to say about the school. “I’m incredibly proud of everyone. They have been willing to persevere!”
If your school is not listed, but you would like to promote efforts during this time, please call Nina Keck at 321-723-7523 or email her at mhs1980@hotmail.com.
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PEOPLE & EVENTS
Super Senior Citizens Remain Active in Parish Life By Nina Keck
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ver the years, numerous scientific studies have linked church attendance with longevity. The many parishioners in the Diocese of Central Florida who are over 90 support that conclusion. t 101, Ruth Squire is the oldest A member of St. Thomas, Eustis. She grew up in church and considers it an important part of her life. “Having my family attend church with me has always made it that much more important,” she said. Through the years, St. Thomas has become her second home. “The fellowship with the other parishioners is the best part of being a member of St. Thomas,” she said. Squire belongs to the St. Thomas Sunday school and Altar Guild. She
also has chaired several of the parish’s bazaars. “I’m not nearly as busy as I used to be,” Squire said, adding that she still enjoys gardening despite having less energy. “I do love plants and flowers, and working with my plants motivates me to stay active.” Ken Gooding, 90, is the oldest parishioner at All Saints, Enterprise. He still drives to church every Sunday despite being on dialysis and using a walker. “I was making it every Sunday until Bishop Curry thought better of us meeting in large gatherings,” he said. Gooding is the father of three, a son and twin daughters. A retired New York City police officer, he earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Hunter College in Manhattan after he retired from the police department. His background no doubt influences his concern for church security. “In
Ruth Squires, 101 years young, marvels at the Easter flowers, St. Thomas, Eustis . Episcopal Church. Photo courtesy of St. Thomas
this day and age, we cannot take our safety for granted,” he said. “I couldn’t be one of the church members who react in an emergency because I’m on a walker, but I will answer their questions about security.” At St. Thomas, Gooding belongs to the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. “I believe that being a church member who makes it every week has extended my life,” said Gooding. “My church family keeps me young.” At Church of the Blessed Redeemer, Palm Bay, one of its founding members, Winsam Harley-Chin, 92, has the honor of being the oldest member. “When we were still having church, I was able to attend every week,” she said.
Ken Gooding, 90, with his lovely wife, Cynthia.
Winsam Harley-Chin, 90 Photo courtesy of Church of the Blessed Redeemer.
Photo courtesy of All Saints Episcopal Church.
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In the past, Harley-Chin belonged to the choir. “I don’t sing in the choir anymore, but I still sing along with them,” she said.
She has attended church services her whole life. “When I was growing up, I went twice on Sundays to a revival church,” Harley-Chin said. “I’ve been to many different denominations. When I came to Palm Bay, I discovered the Anglican tradition. I liked it, and I’ve been part of it ever since. “Going to church has kept me going. I give it all the credit for helping me live this long,” Harley-Chin said. She had the following advice for those under 70: “Just keep going to church as long as you can.”
If your parish has super senior citizens whose stories should be told, please call Nina Keck at 321-723-7523 or email her at mhs1980@hotmail.com.
www.cfdiocese.org
P R A I S E F O R F R O N T L I N E PA R I S H I O N E R S
ER Nurse Active in COVID-19 Battle
Dental Assistant Serves in Trying Times
ASHLEY VANDER HEIDEN Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Winter Haven
CHERYL DORNBUSH
Grace Episcopal Church, Ocala
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hen we think of our parishioners who are on the front line of the COVID-19 battle, we immediately turn our thoughts to those in the medical fields as well as various types of first responders. Holy Cross in Winter Haven has several nurses in our parish, but one stands out in this season.
Pam (blue) helped Roosters on Oxford, Wildwood, bring coffee and muffins to co-workers on the front line at UF Health in Leesburg.
Health Care Family Tree
Ashley Vander Heiden, RN, works as an emergency room nurse at Winter Haven Hospital. Anyone who enters the ER may be a carrier of the coronavirus, yet asymptomatic, but Ashley loves her work.
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She has been with the hospital’s ER department for six years, starting as a certified nursing assistant. Ashley graduated from Polk State College School of Nursing in December 2018 and passed her state exam in February 2019.
Smallwood’s sister, Sandy Northcott Pratt of Asheville, North Carolina, also grew up at St. James and is a registered nurse. Sandy’s son, Brian Pratt, and his wife, Shelby, are nurse anesthetists in Jupiter Beach. Sandy’s daughter Megan recently volunteered to go to Brooklyn, New York, as a travel nurse. Sandy’s daughter-in-law, Katie Pratt, is a nurse practitioner in Gainesville. And daughter Sydney is about to graduate as a nurse practitioner too.
She is married to Kevin Vander Heiden, and the couple has three children: Ethan, Jayden and Elianna.
Pam’s niece Jessica Hayes of DeLand is a nurse practitioner, and another niece, Rachel Honeycutt of Raleigh, North Carolina, is a nurse anesthetist. Pam has two sisters who are retired nurses. The family keeps in close touch to offer mutual support through a Facebook group and occasional Zoom meetings. All of these are related to St. James vestry member Bonnie Northcott Binneveld.
Submitted by Barbara Schobl-Legee.
PAM NORTHCOTT SMALLWOOD St. James Episcopal Church, Leesburg
ecause of social distancing and the resultant online services, Pam Northcott Smallwood can finally attend St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg via YouTube. A registered nurse at University of Florida Health Leesburg, Smallwood works full time on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Smallwood is in her 27th year of service, primarily in the heart unit. But Smallwood is only one of many health care workers in her unique family.
Submitted by Bonnie Binneveld. www.cfdiocese.org
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heryl Dornbush is a strong Christian and a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Ocala. She sometimes serves as the church’s hymn leader and piano player. She sings in the choir and participates in a journey group. Through the pandemic, she has continued her work as a dental assistant, since her dental office is one of the few open in Ocala. “The office takes every precaution with both staff and patients,” she said. Dornbush admitted that in these scary times many of her patients, especially older ones, are worried and frightened. She sees her job as taking care of her patients’ physical and emotional needs and advises them to be cautious and careful, but not frightened. “God has not given us a spirit of fear,” she said. “He is in control.” In these trying times, Dornbush believes we need to spread the love of God and be good neighbors.
Submitted by Eleanor Simons.
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PEOPLE & EVENTS
Empty Building, Full Church
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By Erik Guzman
n ancient curse seems to have fallen upon us: “May you live in interesting times.” We feel it when we pine for the days – just a short time ago – when our kids could simply go to school, when we could eat at a restaurant or attend a concert. No, life has become far more interesting. Now those of us fortunate enough to still have jobs can’t go to work without fear of contracting a deadly virus, the economy is crashing, and the U.N. has warned that the coronavirus pandemic could lead to “famines of biblical proportions.”
“We have viewers all over the continental United States and Hawaii,” Smith exclaimed. “We have at least one family in Las Vegas who moved there about two months ago and hasn’t found a church yet, so they’re coming to church at Holy Cross. The thing that I’m as excited about as anything [is that] we have 10 or 11 families viewing in the Sanford area whom we don’t know, whom we haven’t met before.” The Rev. Jeremy Bergstrom, rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lake Mary, has been streaming services as well. “We started off like everybody else, using a cellphone and Facebook live, but the
Thankfully, we can still go to church. What? You haven’t been able to go to church because of social distancing restrictions? The Rev. Dan Smith, rector of Sanford’s Holy Cross Episcopal Church, offered some advice: “The building is empty, but the church is full.” Smith has been streaming services and Wednesday night Bible studies live on Facebook. The Sunday school ministry at Holy Cross also has a regular video series on Facebook, “Children’s Storytime.” “The first five Sundays we’ve livestreamed, we’re averaging 551 views a week, as compared to 95 in church on Sunday,” Smith reported.
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
Parishioners have told Bergstrom they’re really feeling connected. He has also heard from people all over the country (some who have been estranged from the idea of faith) and even has a gentleman in Sri Lanka who is regularly participating. Bergstrom is cautiously optimistic, “It has really encouraged a few people to think again about faith … I just don’t want to go overboard with trying to hype that people’s lives are being transformed because they’re streaming a service,” he said. “But I am hopeful that our outreach and impact can be expanded through this.” It seems “interesting times” aren’t all bad. Despite the steep learning curve, priests throughout the diocese are gaining valuable knowledge about how to reach people in our new world.
With online Sunday services alone reaching close to six times the church’s average 2109 attendance, Smith added, “When we go back to in-person worship, we’re still going to livestream. I mean, this is a new world!”
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limitations of that were clear,” Bergstrom said. The church is now using an HD camera it had on hand and has signed up for a streaming service called BoxCast. The results have pleased Bergstrom, who said, “The feed is directly piped into the internet through this service, and it allows us to simultaneously broadcast it to a player on our own website that’s embedded and also to any other destination we want. We currently have it going out to Facebook and our YouTube channel. It works great!”
Both priests interviewed for this article acknowledge the limitations of “virtual church” and see it as an
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extension of, not a replacement for, gathering together to worship and receive Communion. On Easter, Holy Cross displayed a giant loaf of bread and a chalice on the altar. The elements weren’t there to be distributed, but Smith proclaimed they were “the promise of what is to come when we are able to gather back together.” On that Easter morning, with sanctuaries waiting to be filled, Smith had these words of encouragement for the church’s Facebook viewers:
“Because the tomb is empty, the church is full.” www.cfdiocese.org
DIOCESE IN DEPTH
When There Isn’t Safety at Home By The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb
Recent quarantining because of the COVID-19 pandemic leaves many people vulnerable to suffering abuse when isolated in a dangerous situation at home.
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any abuse survivor advocates and professionals expect that child abuse, intimate partner abuse and sexual assault will increase during the pandemic because of the increased isolation. Most abusers are parents, siblings, intimate partners or acquaintances, and they now have much more access to victims. In addition, the victims may no longer have faith leaders, schoolteachers, coworkers, friends, neighbors readily available to help or detect signs of abuse. And survivors now have less access to medical and mental health care.
PHOTO © Yupa Watchanaki
Prevalence
The statistics on child abuse, sexual assault and intimate partner abuse are jarring. One in five children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday; 34% of assailants are family members and 58% are acquaintances, while only 7% of perpetrators are strangers to the child. One in four women and one in six men have been or will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Young women between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of sexual assault. One in four women and one in 20 men will experience intimate partner abuse. Nearly 75% of Americans personally know someone who is a survivor of intimate partner abuse.
Compassionate, Practical and Informed
As sobering as the statistics are, they don’t begin to speak to the darkness and grief experienced by survivors. Because abuse causes physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual pain, survivors need advocates who are prepared to respond and care in ways that are compassionate, practical and informed.
Listen and Believe
Clergy and church members must be vigilant to check on and provide accountability to potential,
alleged or known perpetrators as well as to encourage those who may feel threatened. The power of listening to and believing survivors cannot be underestimated. Research has proven that “the only social reaction related to better adjustment by victims were being believed and being listened to by others” (Sarah E. Ullman in Psychology of Women Quarterly 20, 1996).
Safety Plan
If someone is experiencing physical, sexual, emotional and/or verbal abuse, they can create a personalized safety plan that will guide them if they find themselves and their children in an emergency. The safety plan will help, even if they are not ready to leave. Planning before leaving increases the likelihood that survivors will stay safe. Such a document needs to be kept in trusted hands, so it is important to decide who will have it and where it will be stored.
Words of Hope
Survivors need to hear this message: God responds to their pain, and their story does not end with abuse. Their life was intended for more than shame, guilt, despair, pain and denial. Abuse does not define them or have the last word on their identity. Yes, it is part of their story. But the message of the gospel redeems what has been destroyed and applies grace to disgrace.
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DIOCESE IN DEPTH
RESOURCES
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Survivors Need to Hear Words of Hope Like These:
Practical resources and tips that may be useful for those supporting the vulnerable:
What happened to you was not your fault. You are not to blame. You did not deserve it. You did not ask for this. You should not be silenced. You are not worthless. You do not have to pretend like nothing happened. Nobody had the right to violate you. You are not responsible for what happened to you. You are not damaged goods. You were supposed to be treated with dignity and respect. You were the victim of assault, and it was wrong. You were sinned against. Despite all the pain, healing can happen, and there is hope.
Grace is available because Jesus went through the valley of the shadow of death and rose from death. The gospel engages our life with all its pain, shame, rejection, lostness, sin and death. So now, to your pain, the gospel says, “You will be healed.” To your shame, the gospel says, “You can now come to God in confidence.” To your rejection, the gospel says, “You are accepted!” To your lostness, the gospel says, “You are found, and I won’t ever let you go.” To your sin, the gospel says, “You are forgiven, and God declares you pure and righteous.” To your death, the gospel says, “You once were dead, but now you are alive.” Adapted from Rid of My Disgrace by Justin S. Holcomb and Lindsey A. Holcomb.
The Zero Abuse Project, “Responding to Child Abuse During a Pandemic: 25 Tips for MDTs” “Nine Ways to Protect Your Children from Sexual Abuse” by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb “Making a Safety Plan” by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb Is It My Fault? Hope and Healing for Those Suffering Domestic Violence by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb Caring for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Baysle Tchividjian and Justin Holcomb
In addition to these resources, these number and websites also offer help: National Domestic Violence Hotline Call: 1-800-799-7233 TTY: 1-800-787-3224 thehotline.org National Sexual Assault Hotline Call: 1-800-656-4673 www.rainn.org National Child Abuse Hotline Call: 1-800-422-4453 www.childhelp.org/hotline/ www.childhelp.org/childhelp-hotline/ If you are a leader in ministry, there are people close to you who are currently suffering abuse. Part of God’s mission for the church is to proclaim his healing and to seek justice for everyone it encounters. The deepest message of the ministry of Jesus, the entire Bible and the ministry of the church is the grace of God to all of us because we are all broken people in a broken world. Grace and mercy are most needed and best understood in the midst of sin, suffering and brokenness.
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Canterbury Adapts Ministry to COVID-19 Dill, our board chair, and David Mead, our co-chair, who agreed: This is what we are called to do.” “After this crisis is over, SCEM will bring in special high-tech equipment to sterilize the rooms,” Morse explained. “As part of the agreement, other than the assigned rooms, all other facilities are off-limits.” Despite the unusual circumstances, this ministry falls in line with Canterbury’s overall mission, Morse said. “Canterbury offers hospitality in a sacred space where people can come to know and grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord. It is our duty to help those in need, especially our first responders, who put their lives on the line every day serving others. How can we do anything less?”
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www.cfdiocese.org
CFE EPISCOPALIAN Central Florida
EN ESPAÑOL
El mensaje en esta temporada de espera Obispo Gregory O. Brewer
Ya por varias semanas hemos estado como comunidad, como iglesia y como diócesis bajo aislamiento obligatorio. Mucho de lo que consideramos “normal” terminó abruptamente y enfrentamos la real amenaza del COVID-19. Aunque esto ha sido diferente para cada uno de nosotros, todos hemos experimentado el impacto del virus. Hemos sufrido profundo dolor por la pérdida de familiares, amistades queridas, empleos, ingresos, y hasta de las tradicionales fiestas de graduación y de cumpleaños de niños. Extrañamos a nuestros amigos. Extrañamos a nuestra familia eclesial. Extrañamos nuestras vidas.
¿De regreso a la normalidad? Y ahora parece que estamos a punto de “regresar a la normalidad”. Pero ¿y qué es lo normal? ¿Y de veras deseamos regresar a eso? Después de la resurrección de Cristo, cuando Él se les apareció a los discípulos en el camino a Emaús, les dio una pro mesa junto con unas instrucciones específicas. “Ahora voy a enviarles lo que ha prometido mi Padre; pero ustedes quédense en la ciudad hasta que sean revestidos del poder de lo alto” (Lucas 24:49, NVI). Esta era la temporada de Pentecostés, la cual en Jerusalén era un evento transcultural extraordinario. Para esta fiesta, como lo describe Hechos, la gente hacía peregrinación religiosa de regreso a la ciudad desde todas partes del mundo judío. Significaba que todos los que residían en Jerusalén estaban comprometidos a brindar hospitalidad pública de tal manera que ningún Airbnb hoy día lo podría igualar. En cada casa todos ayudaban de forma que el hogar, la comida y las festividades pudieran estar a la altura de tan extraordinaria ocasión. www.cfdiocese.org
Apartados Y en medio de esa locura, para esos nuevos seguidores de Jesús, todo se detuvo. Con sus palabras de despedida los sacó de la normalidad Bishop Greg Brewer y los llevó al aislamiento. Los sacó del ajetreo de sus vidas cotidianas y los apartó hasta de familiares y amigos para preparar sus corazones para el bien mayor de su presencia en el Espíritu Santo. Nuestro Señor estaba usando este tiempo deliberadamente para cultivar en sus corazones una profunda disponibilidad a obedecerlo. Incluso si lo que pedía no hacía sentido. Hasta si les costaba en términos que la gente no los entendiera o se burlaran de ellos. Esto era lo que los seguidores de Cristo de ese tiempo estaban enfrentando, y no sabían por cuánto tiempo tenían que aguantarlo. Jesús les dijo “esperen”, pero no les dio un periodo de tiempo. ¿Suena familiar todo esto? Debería. Si verdaderamente creemos en un Dios soberano y amoroso, sabemos que aunque nunca se regocija con el pecado, las enfermedades y la muerte, Él sí “dispone todas las cosas para el bien de quienes lo aman y han sido llamados de acuerdo con su propósito” (Romanos 8:28). Al apartar a sus creyentes de una temporada ajetreada, Jesús los estaba adiestrando intencionalmente para los propósitos misioneros que acompañan al poder de lo alto. ¿Será que en estos tiempos nos está apartando, adiestrándonos para propósitos misioneros que vendrán después de la cuarentena y la apertura a un mundo de posibilidades? Como parte del poder de Pentecostés está que cuando aceptemos el don del Espíritu Santo, dejamos de tener derecho a vivir según nuestros términos. De hecho, reclamar ese derecho sería idolatría. Mientras observamos este cambio de temporada y anticipamos el muy esperado regreso a la “normalidad”, le animo a escuchar su suave murmullo. ¿Qué nos está diciendo sobre la vida después del virus? De seguro que el viento de su Espíritu está soplando aun en este tiempo de aislamiento, está soplando en nuestros corazones y empoderándonos para ser sal y luz en un mundo que por fin puede estar despertando a su necesidad. Seamos fieles a escuchar, fieles a responder y fieles a seguirlo. La gracia de Dios contigo,
Obispo Gregory O. Brewer
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
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May / June 2020
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M I N I ST E R I O S
Hasta durante la pandemia las Hijas de Rey ayudaron
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o solo el coronavirus ha cambiado vidas alrededor del mundo, sino que también ha causado impacto en organizaciones de fe como The Order of the Daughters of the King (La Orden de las Hijas del Rey). Las limitaciones del distanciamiento social y la cuarentena han provocado muchos cambios en los pasados pocos meses a nivel local, nacional y global. A pesar de esto, la misión de las Hijas, “la extensión del reino de Cristo a través de la oración, el servicio y el evangelismo”, no ha cambiado. Las Hijas recientemente tomaron una importante decisión a instancias del ret. El Reverendísimo Gregory O. Brewer: Por un periodo de tres meses enviarán fondos a las Hijas en la Diócesis Episcopal de Cuba, la cual fue reafiliada a la Iglesia Episcopal. La Dra. Karen Adderly Clark de la iglesia St. John the Baptist, Orlando, presidenta diocesana, reportó que los fondos iniciales ya llegaron a Cuba. “Hay dos hijas de la St. Luke, Live Oak, que han establecido ministerio en Cuba con el Rev. Juan Carlos Dize Moreira y tres capítulos de las Hijas del Rey”, dijo Clark. La diócesis está ayudando a apoyar
capítulos de Hijas urbanas también. “Hasta ahora estamos bien, aunque el pico más alto de contagio del coronavirus viene ahora en mayo. Lo que más me preocupa de Cuba es el desastre económico”, señaló Moreira en una nota de agradecimiento. “Tenemos que forzar a la gente a violar las medidas de la cuarentena porque tenemos que salir y hacer largas colas, de hasta cinco horas, para comprar comida o artículos de primera necesidad…el peligro sigue inminente”. “Gracias, hermanas. Las Hijas del Rey están haciendo una gran labor. Están comprando artículos para la gente mayor y llevándolos a sus casas para que no tengan que salir de sus hogares”, añadió Moreira. “Y están rezando todos los días porque una vez termine el desastre, el dinero que nos envíen será invertido en una granja para cosechar alimentos y ayudar a personas en necesidad. Gracias…Hijas del Rey. Dios esté con ustedes por siempre”.
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Pasé de ser uno que se sienta en el banquillo a ser un líder en la iglesia.
La Comisión Cursillo procede con nuevo director y fechas de retiros Por Chuck Pierce, Director de la Comisión Diocesana de Cursilllo y miembro de la Santa Iglesia Episcopal en Melbourne
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ebido a mi crianza en Turquía pasé muchos veranos y días de vacaciones viajando por Turquía y Grecia. Atenas era uno de los lugares que podía visitar los fines de semana, por lo que pasé mucho tiempo siguiendo los pasos de Pablo. Puedo entender sus palabras a los ciudadanos de Atenas sobre el Dios desconocido; enfatizar que Jesús era el Hijo del verdadero Dios los podía llevar a un nuevo despertar. En este tiempo de gran peligro, ¿podemos como cristianos olvidarnos del Dios que nos ama y se preocupa por nosotros? Aunque tuve una excelente experiencia en la Biblia como historia, no fue hasta que asistí a Cursillo que comprendí el significado de lo que había aprendido.
Estos pasados meses han incluido muchos cambios y adaptaciones a una crisis médica nacional que ha puesto al revés a nuestra nación y a nuestras iglesias. Mas la fe en Dios y en nuestra nación no ha flaqueado. Debido al virus COVID-19, Cursillo ha cancelado todas las actividades y reuniones de la Comisión por el resto del año. Con el poder y favor de Dios, Cursillo regresará en 2021. Para más información visite: http://www. cfepiscopalcursillo.org. Cursillo todavía necesita candidatos, particularmente hombres. El movimiento Cursillo está diseñado para adiestrar líderes para el presente, equipándolos para fortalecer y mantener su fe. Vea a su representante parroquial, su sacerdote o vaya a la página web y baje la solicitud de membresía.
Para más información contacte: Phil Phillips, strumminguy55@yahoo.com Karen Stout, 4karenjs@gmail.com
Kim McMaster, kmcmaster1@cfl.rr.com O visite la página web www.cfepiscopalcursillo.org. Conéctese a la página Central Florida Facebook @ CentralFloridaCursilloGroup. Si no está recibiendo los correos electrónicos con información sobre Cursillo, por favor déjenos saber.
Chuck Pierce y su esposa, Pat
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May / June 2020
www.cfdiocese.org
M I N I ST E R I O S
Carrera-caminata virtual funciona para Canterbury
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on solo tres días para mercadearlo, el Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center logró realizar la exitosa carrera-caminata virtual durante la Pascua de Resurrección que se llamó el Easter 5k Scholarship Run/Walk. Más de 70 corredores y caminantes participaron del evento el sábado 11 de abril utilizando la aplicación Charge Running. Fallos técnicos en la página web impidieron que el centro de retiro llevara a cabo toda una campaña de mercadeo. No obstante, se está planificando un evento para el fin de semana de Memorial Day, el 25 de mayo a las 8 a. m., la información ya está en la página web. El director de ventas y mercadeo Arnold Soliman, quien formó parte del evento de Pascua, espera que “más de 200 personas” participen. “Sé de personas allá afuera que desean salir. Hasta el gobierno ha dicho que salgamos y nos ejercitemos”, manifestó Soliman, quien probó varias aplicaciones virtuales antes de seleccionar Charge Running. “El evento en vivo hace la diferencia. Escuchar al entrenador leer la conversación, lo que la gente decía mientras corría, hizo la diferencia”. Seth Stradling, director de estudiante de ministerio en la iglesia Church of Incarnation en Oviedo, disfrutó de la carrera por varias razones. Al comienzo del evento vio seis venados en el terrero del retiro, también disfrutó de los momentos de serenidad reflexionando en el significado del día y de la experiencia del trabajo en equipo con el personal de Canterbury. “Fue una buena manera de unir al personal, aunque no podemos estar juntos. Participaron personas que no pensamos que lo harían”. “Estos eventos les dan la oportunidad a las personas de hacer algo físico, aunque sea remoto. Para el primero, tuvimos personas corriendo por los entablados de Brooklyn, por el Lake Gem aquí en Canterbury y por el Appalachian Trail en Berkshires”, dijo el director de Canterbury Chalmers Morse, quien señaló que el centro de retiro “está tomando ventaja del tiempo de inactividad para realizar renovaciones”. Los ingresos del evento de Pascua se utilizaron para la beca The Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center Foundation Scholarship, lo cual ayuda a compensar los costos de retiros para personas necesitadas.
www.cfdiocese.org
El Campamento Wingmann 2020 Zoom lanza un campamento virtual Aparte de oraciones de apertura y cierre, los almuerzos por Zoom incluyen una sesión de rap y una actividad. Foto cortesía del Campamento Wingmann.
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ara mantenerse conectado con la familia del Campamento Wingmann durante la pandemia del COVID-19, el director del campamento Joshua Joseph comenzó a lanzar almuerzos por Zoom en abril. Utilizando la aplicación virtual Zoom, personal del Campamento Wingmann, exalumnos, campistas y sus familiares se reúnen por 30 minutos los miércoles al mediodía. “Comenzamos estos almuerzos para darle a nuestras familias campistas la oportunidad de conectarse, hablar entre sí y mantenerse comprometidos unos con otros”, manifestó Joseph. Christin Hill, gerente de la oficina del Campamento Wingmann, elaboró. “Empezamos dando la gracia del Campamento. Hablamos por unos minutos y hacemos alguna actividad juntos. Cerramos con un listado de oración que ha ido creciendo, son peticiones que presentan las personas que se presentan para el almuerzo”. Siguiendo el mismo esquema del Jeopardy! Virtual, el ¡Campamento Jeopardy! fue añadido a las reuniones de almuerzos por Zoom. Cada miércoles el Campamento Wingmann publica el link (enlace) en Facebook e Instagram.
El Campamento Wingmann 2020 también será una nueva experiencia que incorpora ciertos elementos familiares. “Sentimos que por el bienestar de nuestros campistas, el personal, los familiares y las comunidades, es mejor cancelar nuestras sesiones de campamento en junio por la seguridad de todos”, señaló Joseph. El equipo Wingmann ha desarrollado un campamento de verano virtual cuya infraestructura ya está establecida. También porque a tantos campistas les gusta coleccionar camisetas del campamento, el Campamento Wingmann todavía tiene disponibles camisetas del 2020. “Cobraremos por eso y enviaremos las camisetas por correo”, dijo él. “Los embajadores del Campamento Wingmann están repasando el programa y dejándonos saber lo que funciona y lo que no”, dijo Joseph. “El campamento virtual es una réplica de un campamento. Tenemos tiempos de oración y devoción Campline. Es la misma vibra del campamento”. El campamento virtual es gratis para todo el que desee participar. “Sabemos que las personas están en aprietos y no queremos agregar a sus cargas”, dijo Joseph.
Para mantenerse al tanto de lo que sucede en el Campamento Wingmann visite: www.campwingmann.org/ coronavirus-update
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
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ST E WA R D S H I P
Online Giving, Where Faith and Finances Mix By Marti Pieper
(Note: If your church offers online giving and you want to participate, follow the instructions from your church and its specific giving platform. Your church staff will be glad to assist you if you have questions. And if you’d prefer to have your bank pay the church directly and aren’t sure how to set that up, your bank will help. Just give them a call.)
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OVID-19 has impacted multiple areas of our lives, including the way we do church. A recent Barna survey showed that while faith is thriving during the pandemic, church finances are not. Not long ago, 64% of U.S. pastors reported overall church monetary giving is down, 28% significantly and 38% slightly. The Central Florida Episcopalian reached out to local clergy for their input on a practice many churches are adopting in this crisis: online giving. The Rev. Chris Rodriguez, rector of Trinity, Vero Beach, said his church was already set up to use PayPal (www.paypal.com) for online giving even before the pandemic, but only “a few of them were giving online, not many.” But Rodriguez said that now, “online giving has really blown up. … Sunday morning, there must have been 20-25 people who pledged to PayPal on the website during the livestream. … It’s been a big spike.”
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Rodriguez said he sent a letter via email and postal mail that encouraged his parish to give online or by mailing checks. “People have really stepped up,” he said. “Some are still mailing [checks], and so a lot of people have actually fulfilled their pledges in total.” Trinity’s giving, he said, “is actually on par with where it was last year, and that’s without any plate income.”
Technology can be helpful if people want to give online.
congregation that “the better way for us, so that all of your dollars get used for their intended purposes, that is, for God’s kingdom, would be to either send us a check or have your bank send us a check,” thus avoiding the fees of online giving platforms. “Every bank that I know of does this,” said French.
communication.” His church already used Constant Contact, an email platform, to communicate with congregants. “In this time of social distancing, we’re sending out all kinds of articles about not just giving, but where we’re at, what’s going on … and ways we can help them.
He also cautioned potential PayPal users about costs. “There’s not much, but there is a fee, and you can use a credit card if that’s easier.” He added, “The other thing we’ve encouraged people to do is just do online banking,” having the bank send the church prescheduled checks.
So far, “People have been great about getting their bank set up or mailing checks themselves,” French said.” The folks here at Grace have been incredibly generous and continue to honor both their commitment that they made to the church but more importantly, their commitment they made to God. … It’s a part of who they are.”
“Just because we’re not meeting in the building on Sunday doesn’t mean that we’re not still the church,” French said. “And so when it comes to giving, folks are like, ‘I still want to be a part of this, because that’s what my commitment was. That’s who I want to be as a Christian.’ And so that’s what’s happening.”
The Rev. Jonathan French of Grace, Ocala, has shared with his
A critical key, French said, is “regular and consistent
Another great option, Rodriguez said, is that “you can do it as a recurring gift. So if somebody wants to give a certain amount every week or every month, they can do that automatically.”
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May / June 2020
www.cfdiocese.org
STAY I N G C O N N E CT E D
DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN CHRIST, I look forward with joy to the time when we can safely gather again for worship, hear the word, receive the Eucharist and rejoice in God’s love. In consultation with medical experts, municipal leaders and diocesan clergy, be assured that every effort is being made to reschedule and plan for episcopal visitations, ordinations, celebrations of new ministry and other special services in the coming months. Until that time, may God watch over you and hold you firmly in his hands.
STAY CONNECTED WITH BISHOP BREWER
SEND US YOUR STORIES
Watch weekly video reflections: www.tinyurl.com/ BishopBrewerReflections
Grace to you,
Read blog posts:
Bishop Gregory O. Brewer
Follow Bishop Brewer on social media:
www.cfdiocese.org/bishopsblog
Facebook @revgregbrewer Instagram @revgregbrewer Twitter @revgregbrewer
Do you have a parishioner who is out on the frontlines during the shelter-inplace orders? We want to hear about first responders (medical workers, police officers, firefighters, etc.), grocery store employees, delivery truck drivers, or other essential business workers who are in your parish. Send us a shout-out about these people who are continuing to serve us through essential businesses. Please email a paragraph (100-150 words) about your parishioner, describing the essential work they do. Include a few unique characteristics about this frontline hero, and a photo we can publish online. Please email Wendy Leech, communications coordinator, at wleech@cfdiocese.org, attaching the photo to your email.
www.cfdiocese.org
Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN
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May / June 2020
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Central CFE Florida
EPISCOPALIAN
Praise for Frontline Parishioners
Virtual Learning the New Norm for Episcopal Schools in Diocese
Small Church Does Big Work to Help Protect Health Care Workers
Even During Pandemic, Daughters of the King Reach Out
God’s Message in a Season of Waiting
Volume 122, No.3 / May - June 2020
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