Central Florida Episcopalian Newspaper Nov-Dec , 2017

CENTRALFLORIDAEPISCOPALIAN NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA • WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG • Volume 119, No. 6 • Nov.-Dec. 2017

Damage Everywhere, but Churches, Ministries Persevere After Irma 49th Annual Diocesan Convention to Kick Off New Year Honduran Student Thankful for the Diocese of Central Florida Ordinands Make History in Their Calling to Serve the Lord Shepherd of the Hills Parishioner Meets Bishop Curry at U.N. H OLIDAY S EASON

Celebrating

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas

The Diocese of Central Florida The Right Reverend Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop Serving 15 counties through 86 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 over 85 million Christians in over 165 countries around the world

Table of Contents Bishop Brewer’s Column – Honduras: Beyond the Borders......................................................3 Damage Everywhere, but Churches, Ministries Persevere After Irma.................................... 4-5 49th Annual Diocesan Convention to Kick Off New Year....................................................... 6-7 Dozens Called to Conference on Ministry................................................................................8 Holiday Issue Inside Cover.....................................................................................................9 Honduran Student Thankful for the Diocese of Central Florida...............................................10 Diocesan Churches to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Many Ways.................................................11 Holiday Calendar of Events............................................................................................ 12-13 Holiday Season Features Joyful Voices of Cathedral Choirs....................................................14 Canterbury to Celebrate Holidays with Wild Game Dinner......................................................15 Church of the Good Shepherd Invites All to ‘Follow the Star’.............................................16-17 Ordinands Make History in Their Calling to Serve the Lord............................................... 18-23 Younger Clergy in Diocese of Central Florida Bucks National Average.....................................24 Camp Wingmann Asks Men to Seek God’s Call at Retreat......................................................25 Shepherd of the Hills Parishioner Meets Bishop Curry at U.N.................................................26

Central Florida Episcopalian

Diocesan Calendar of Events/Bishop Brewer Visitation Schedule..........................................27

The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe Retired The Rt. Rev. Hugo Pina-Lopez Retired The Rt. Rev. John Said Retired The Rt. Rev. William H. Folwell Retired The Rev. Canon Timothy Nunez Canon to the Ordinary The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb Canon for Vocations

And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

—Matthew 25:40 The Central Florida Episcopalian is published by the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida through the cooperative efforts of HigherLife Publishing & Marketing in Oviedo. Submissions are welcome, but are subject to editing and use at the discretion of the Central Florida Episcopalian.

Please submit notices two months prior to event, and follow-up information as soon as possible to:

The Ven. Kristi Alday, Archdeacon Mr. Earl Pickett, Diocesan Administrator Mr. Erick Perez, Subscription Manager

2

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

The Central Florida Episcopalian 1017 E. Robinson St. Orlando, FL 32801-2023 Email: eperez@cfdiocese.org • www.cfdiocese.org Tel: (407) 423-3567 • Fax: (407) 872-0006 Or HigherLife Publishing & Marketing Editorial Director: Jeff Gardenour / editorial@ahigherlife.com Project Manager: Will Hadley / whadley@ahigherlife.com website address: www.ahigherlife.com

www.cfdiocese.org

BISHOP BREWER

Honduras: Beyond the Borders

By Bishop Gregory O. Brewer

“We have always gone beyond our borders.”

That’s what I shared in a documentary produced several years ago about the Diocese of Central Florida, and it’s just as true today. In fact, going beyond our borders is a vital part of taking the Gospel to every creature. And one of the evidences of that is our long-standing partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras.

God Moves Through Relationships

O

ur partnership goes back to the early 1970s when Bishop Bill Folwell went to Honduras to participate in the relief effort after Hurricane Fifi. That began a real partnership, and we’ve been connected ever since. In fact, the relationship between Central Florida and Honduras comprises the longeststanding partnership between United States and overseas dioceses in the entire Episcopal Church.

It’s an incredibly important part of our identity.

I really believe the way God moves in calling someone to engage in a missionary enterprise is through relationships. I believe He arranges those relationships, and they become an invitation from Him to get involved.

That's precisely what happened in the formation of our partnership with Honduras. Bishop Folwell already had a strong heart for Latin America, and he knew the Honduran bishop, Hugo Pina-Lopez.

That relationship gave Pina-Lopez the open door to ask him to come, and others went along.

Relationships Impact the Future At the invitation of current Honduran Bishop Lloyd Allen, I traveled to Honduras this past spring in the company of Wesny Dubic, chair of our

www.cfdiocese.org

diocesan Honduran Commission. We participated in their annual diocesan convention, and I spoke at the Cathedral there. We also visited some of their mission enterprises that we have financially supported over the years.

Bishop Allen has made a strong commitment to investing in and raising up a new generation of leaders, both lay and clergy. The Diocese of Honduras now has a formal relationship with St. Augustine’s University in North Carolina, a historically black college of which the Episcopal Church has long been a part. St. Augustine’s has partnered with Honduras and is, in essence, offering a free education to Hondurans who academically qualify. I had the privilege of meeting some of the fine young people who were already students there.

Bishop Allen’s approach is very strategic. The Diocese of Honduras has several fine secondary schools, well-known throughout the country.

Particularly since Honduras is so small, the future leadership of the country will in part—perhaps even in large part—come from the graduates of those secondary schools. That’s why we decided that this year’s Thanksgiving offering, which always goes to Honduras, will specifically go toward education. A portion of this year’s offering will underwrite the extra expenses of students from Honduras who attend St. Augustine’s. You will read more about one of these students in this issue. The remaining amount gathered through this year’s Thanksgiving offering will go toward Bishop Allen’s local diocesan theological program. This program has formed most of the Diocese of Honduras’s clergy over the last 12 years, but unfortunately is subject to budget cuts annually.

If we can do our best to financially support students in Honduras with four-year or theological education, it allows us to have a significant influence on the future leadership of that country, not only in church, but also in medicine, law, and business—in other words, all the major fields of leadership a country requires. What an opportunity!

Relationships Further the Kingdom of God The gift of our partnership Bishop Greg Brewer in Honduras has resulted in deep and long-standing friendships, the key to almost any ministry. We trust each other. And that takes time, particularly when they’re cross-cultural friendships.

Because that’s the case, we have a real opportunity to continue to work together in a way that allows that trust to flourish, and we can count on that trust as we move forward. I value this, for it speaks of a relationship much deeper than a one-time mission trip where you spend much of the time just getting to know people. Our 40-year partnership gives us a significant entrée into that country.

God has used this partnership to open our eyes, to give us opportunities to be challenged by the Hondurans about the things we believe in a way that's been meaningful for both of us. It’s not a "one-way" partnership; it is a true partnership where we, out of friendship and common Christian relationship, have a deep impact on each other.

God values relationships, and He uses those relationships to further His kingdom. Whether or not you can go to Honduras, you can be a part of that kingdom work. Through prayer and through our Thanksgiving offering, I encourage you to join us in “going beyond the borders.”

Grace to you,

Bishop Gregory O. Brewer

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

3

DIOCESAN FAMILY

Damage Everywhere, but Churches, Ministries Persevere After Irma Dozens pitch in to help clean up in wake of monster storm

By Jeff Gardenour and Nina Keck

Hurricane Irma stormed through Central Florida on Sept. 10-11, knocking down power lines, ripping up trees, smashing roofs, and flooding properties and buildings. But it did not squelch the spirits of the many residents who weathered the storm.

A powerful hurricane that first hit the Keys as a Category 4 storm before losing speed and hitting Florida a second time as a Category 3, Irma caused nearly $63 billion in damage to the islands and the U.S. The nearly 90 churches and ministries in the Diocese of Central Florida sustained their share of damage, with some still recovering as late as mid-October.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAMP WINGMANN

Camp Wingmann in Avon Park suffered extensive building damage during Hurricane Irma.

Several ministries, outposts and churches were hit harder than others, including Camp Wingmann in Avon Park – a camp and retreat facility in northern Highlands County. But parishioners, volunteers and businesses far and wide came to the rescue in the restoration effort.

Here is a look at what some went through: Camp Wingmann hit hard, but many pitch in to help pick up

T

he huge facility, which has been a welcoming place for decades with its summer camps and spiritual retreats, lost about eight large oak trees, two large pine trees, half of a building, roofs, and walls, according to the Rev. Deke Miller, Camp Wingmann director.

The camp also lost power and had no running water for a period of time.

In response to the damage, Miller organized backto-back workdays on Sept. 16 and 23. “We had two

4

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAMP WINGMANN

a work crew of inmates to finish cutting small limbs and picking up debris. Volunteers worked from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both Saturdays.

Miller also said Marsha Ward of Ward’s Nursery and Debbie Barber provided a lot of labor help for the cleanup. “They hired a work crew to come out during the week on two different occasions to rake and clean,” Miller said. “The five-man crew worked two 10-hour days and did an amazing job raking and hauling away the small bits. Marsha donated the cost for one day, and Debbie Barber donated the cost for the other day.”

The assistance helped defray some of the damage costs, which are estimated to be in the thousands.

“We also had to do repairs on the well; the pump wiring took a power surge,” Miller said. “There is substantial damage to the Retreat House roof, and two porch roofs on cabins. We lost carpet due to water intrusion on the east side of B-Wing in the Lodge and in the living room of the rectory.”

Currently, Camp Wingmann officials are in the planning stages for the reconstruction of the Lake House and are trying to get some weekend events going, Miller said. But for now, Miller is grateful for the support the retreat received.

“I am in awe of the response that we have received in the way of physical and financial help at the camp,” he said. “I cannot thank all of our volunteers who drove from all over the diocese to come and work. We have a way to go as far as the buildings, and it will be pricey, but the outpouring of love and support for the camp is simply awesome!”

Scores of volunteers were needed to clean up fallen trees at Camp Wingmann after Hurricane Irma.

amazing workdays,” Miller said. “On both those days, Rev. John Motis and Todd Motis brought out heavy equipment and a lot of manpower to help with the heavy tree-cutting and cleanup. We also had 30 volunteers from around the diocese come out to help on the 16th and about 10 or 12 on the second Saturday.”

The Rev. Canon Tim Nunez, Canon to the Ordinary, and other board members came out to help, along with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, who helped Todd Motis arrange for

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAMP WINGMANN

Hurricane Irma damaged a number of buildings at Camp Wingmann.

CFE/JEFF GARDENOUR

One of St. Richard’s tallest trees lies on the ground in front of the church after Hurricane Irma passed through.

www.cfdiocese.org

DIOCESAN FAMILY St. Richard’s bounces back after power line is downed, trees uprooted

Holy Trinity Episcopal, Melbourne, battles water intrusion

H

oly Trinity co-rector the Rev. Stephen Easterday was glad to see that the church’s historic chapel that dates to 1886 was still standing after Irma.

However, his mood changed a tad when he walked into the church and was greeted by a smell. “I knew then that we had water damage, and that we needed to dry things out quickly,” he said.

S

t. Richard’s Episcopal Church in Winter Park sustained damage from Hurricane Irma, but the Rev. Alison Harrity said parishioners and others made great strides in the post-storm cleanup effort.

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, some folks gathered for morning prayer, many checked on the status of others’ well-being and property, and others gathered at the church with gloves and rakes to clean up tree debris, Harrity said.

CFE/JEFF GARDENOUR

A huge tree is split in half out front at the Diocese of Central Florida in Orlando.

The church’s Bible study on Sept. 12 was canceled because the church had no power. The church also had many other issues.

With no electricity at the church, drying things out could have been an impossible task. But help arrived.

A large tree by the big shed at the back of the property fell on a power line. There was some minor roof damage, with shingles torn off and missing from the roof. Some flashing on the flat part of the sanctuary roof was bent.

“Through the hard work of volunteers who showed up with generators to power the water removal company’s equipment, the church was able to dry out the spaces flooded in the first six days after the hurricane,” Easterday said.

The church also had no water in the sanctuary building after the storm. A neighbor on Lake Howell Road came and helped Scott Schuermann cut up the large tree blocking the paved parking lot and the pine tree across the front driveway.

Janice Elsheimer showed up early to clean the Memorial Garden. Piles of branches and other debris around campus were collected by many volunteers. Power was restored to the church Sept. 17.

“Thank you, everyone,” Harrity said.

Specifically, the school courtyard flooded and surface water went into the parish hall and prayer room. Water also penetrated the walls and windows on the east side of the church and nursery rooms.

The church is bouncing back and proceeding with repairs, and it has been a monstrous task.

“Four thousand square feet of carpet has now been ordered to replace carpets that were spoiled in the flood,” Easterday said. “Wallboard has now been removed and replaced in the nursery rooms, and we are investigating ways to reseal the east wall of the church.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. AGNES EPISCOPAL, SEBRING

A Sebring church sustained severe roof damage during Hurricane Irma.

In addition to the water damage, the steeple cross was blown down, signage was stripped from buildings, and trees were snapped in two. The steeple cross was recovered from a classroom roof and will be restored by a parishioner.

The parish also lost trees and a fence. Easterday summed it up this way:

CFE/JEFF GARDENOUR

A fallen tree lies in the parking lot at the Diocese of Central Florida.

www.cfdiocese.org

“All in all, we are grateful to God that the damage was limited, and that the repairs are now in process. We hold in prayer those who suffered much greater damage.”

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY HOLY TRINITY, MELBOURNE

A cross at Holy Trinity Episcopal, Melbourne, stands in the grass after being displaced from Irma.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

5

DIOCESAN FAMILY

49th Annual Diocesan

Convention to Kick Off New Year

Evangelism: Embracing Our Neighborhoods Is 2018 Theme The 2018 Convention will meet Friday, Jan. 26, and Saturday, Jan. 27, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2365 Pine Ave., Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

Highlights from the proposed agenda: • Friday afternoon and Saturday morning: Registration of delegates and nonvoting guests • Friday worship Celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 5 p.m., Friday, January 26 Celebrant - The Right Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop Preacher - The Rev. Michael Michie, The Episcopal Church (TEC) Bishop Brewer staff officer for church planting infrastructure.

• Town Hall Meeting follows worship on Friday • Convention Fellowship Dinner in the Great Hall, catered by A Chef’s Touch, featuring local food • Displays from seminaries, organizations and ministries supported by the Diocese of Central Florida will be open Friday afternoon and Saturday morning through the end of lunch • Saturday worship Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer and Closing Worship • Bishop Brewer’s Convention Address • Elections to membership on the Diocesan Board; the Standing Committee; and Board of Trustees, University of the South • Adoption of 2018 diocesan budget

• Presentation and possible adoption of Resolutions and/or Changes in Diocesan Canons • Introductions of visitors, seminarians and clergy in new positions in the diocese • Saturday box lunch • Clergy Spouse Luncheon on Saturday hosted by Mrs. Laura Lee Brewer • Bishop’s appointments to membership on the Commission on Ministry, Disciplinary Board, Committee on Constitution and Canons, and other organizations • Recognition of service of those whose terms of office are completed • Commissioning of those newly elected to offices • Adoption of Memorial Resolution in honoring clergy who have died since the 48th Annual Convention • Invitation to the 50th Annual Diocesan Convention

Schedule of Pre-Convention Deanery Meetings & Deanery Elections SOUTHEAST DEANERY Saturday, January 6, 10 a.m. | St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 4 Church St., Cocoa 32922 NORTHEAST DEANERY Sunday, January 7, 4 p.m. | Grace Episcopal Church, 4110 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange 32127 Election: Deanery President, 3-year term on Diocesan Board CENTRAL DEANERY Thursday, January 11, 7 p.m. | Church of the Ascension, 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando 32819 Election: Deanery Dean, 3-year term on Diocesan Board NORTHWEST DEANERY Saturday, January 13, 10 a.m. | Shepherd of the Hills Church, 2540 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto 34461

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach will host the 49th Annual Diocesan Convention Jan. 26-27, 2018.

6

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

SOUTHWEST DEANERY Sunday, January 14, 4 p.m. | St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1820 E. County Road 540A, Lakeland 33813 Election: Deanery President, 3-year term on Diocesan Board

www.cfdiocese.org

DIOCESAN FAMILY

From the Committee on Nominations & Elections Offices to be filled by Election at Convention: Membership on STANDING COMMITTEE

The Standing Committee is a Council of Advice to the bishop. When there is no bishop, the Standing Committee is the Ecclesiastical Authority for all proper purposes. The Standing Committee consists of four clerical members (who shall be elected for fouryear terms) and three lay members (who shall be elected for three-year terms). The Standing Committee generally meets monthly or at the special call of the president of the Standing Committee or the bishop. The Standing Committee serves as the Resolutions Committee for all Regular and Special Meetings of the Convention.

To be elected: • One clergy person to be elected to a four-year term • One clergy person to be elected to a one-year term • One lay person to be elected to a three-year term

Membership on DIOCESAN BOARD

The Diocesan Board is the Board of Directors of the corporation known as the Diocese of Central Florida, Inc. The affairs of the diocese not falling within the exclusive province of the bishop shall be managed by the Diocesan Board. Members of the board shall be elected for three-year terms. The Diocesan Board generally meets monthly or at the call of the Ecclesiastical Authority. Board members are expected to serve on a Commission or Committee of the Diocese that meets at the call of the chair.

To be elected: • One clergy person to be elected to a three-year term • Two lay persons to be elected to a three-year term

(Deans [clergy] and presidents [lay] are elected by their respective deaneries pre- convention deanery meeting and serve a three-year term on the Diocesan Board).

Membership on BOARD of TRUSTEES,

University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee

Trustees of the University of the South elect and appoint the Board of Regents, a chancellor, the vice chancellor and a chaplain. Trustees hold the land in trust for the University, promote church support and student enrollment, and approve or reject plans for growth and development. They meet annually and ratify the work of the Board of Regents.

To be elected: • One lay person to be elected (three-year term)

www.cfdiocese.org

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. LUKE

The Right Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop, will be the celebrant of the Holy Eucharist at the 49th Annual Diocesan Convention at 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach.

From the Committee on Constitution and Canons

Proposed amendments to the constitution or canons must be submitted to the Committee on Constitution and Canons (through the diocesan office) no later than Nov. 2, 2017

From the Committee on Resolutions (The Standing Committee)

Caprani

• Proposed resolutions must be submitted to the diocesan office (attention: Sarah Caprani) on or before Dec. 8, 2017, to allow for their distribution to all clergy and lay delegates prior to the pre-convention deanery meetings in accordance with Canon IV, Section 5(b).

• Resolutions may be submitted after Dec. 8, 2017, only if the bishop is satisfied that the delay in submission was for good cause. Deviation from these requirements may be waived only by a majority vote of the delegates to the convention.

• Resolutions may be presented on the floor of the convention in accordance with the rules adopted by the convention.

—Compiled by Marilyn Lang

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

7

DIOCESAN FAMILY

Dozens Called to Conference on Ministry Candidates for priesthood or diaconate seek information from leaders

By Jeff Gardenour

F

inding out who is being called by the Lord never gets old for the Rev. Canon Tim Nunez. Each potential priest or deacon is just as exciting as the next one.

Bishop Greg Brewer speaks to the crowd at this year’s Conference on Ministry.

Nunez, who is Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Central Florida, said approximately 35 to 40 people turned out for the annual Conference on Ministry on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden. The event is an informational session for people who are sensing a call to ministry, possibly to become an ordained priest or deacon.

“For me, I’ve been going to this for eight years now,” Nunez said. “Every time I go, I get reinspired and excited about our ministry.”

Chris Brathwaite, who is the interim rector at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lake Mary, spoke in the morning session to the group about what it means to be a priest. Then, Cathedral Church of St. Luke (Orlando) Deacon Michael Matheny spoke to the participants about what it means to be a deacon, Nunez said.

Archdeacon Kristi Alday speaks to the crowd at the Conference on Ministry.

Bishop Greg Brewer speaks to those who are interested in being a priest or deacon.

Ormond Kimbrough, chairman of the Commission on Ministry, speaks to the crowd.

In the afternoon, participants met in groups according to their calling. Nunez and the Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb, the Canon for Vocations, spoke to those individuals about the priesthood, and then the Ven. Kristi Alday, Archdeacon, spoke to those interested in the diaconate and/or licensed lay ministries.

“It’s very exciting to see how many people actually are looking into being ordained in ministry,” Nunez said.

Nunez said rectors and parishioners from around the diocese encourage individuals who are seeking information about more intentional ministry to attend the conference. Participants who discern that they are being called to pursue ordained or licensed ministries return to their parishes/missions to work with their rectors and vestries on completing and submitting an application to become licensed lay ministers or to enter the discernment process toward possible ordination.

Attendees engage in a Q&A with leaders at the Conference on Ministry.

8

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CFE/Erick Perez

www.cfdiocese.org

Celebrating H OLIDAY S EASON

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas

Your Guide to Festive Meals, Worship Services, Musical Programs, Special Holiday Events, More www.cfdiocese.org

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

9

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas

Honduran Student Thankful for the Diocese of Central Florida Area donations help Saint Augustine’s University sophomore

A

s an international student studying in the U.S., Jeydri Urbina Rubi is severely limited as to what money she can earn. Consequently, she has learned to pinch every penny, knowing that frugality can help buy a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread or pay for an Uber ride.

So, when the Honduran resident found out this year that she was a partial recipient of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras’ annual monetary gift, the Saint Augustine’s University student was thankful beyond words. Each year around Thanksgiving, the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida raises money for its sister diocese in Honduras, which then decides how to allocate the funds.

In years past, the Diocese of Honduras has used money for roof repairs and the like. But this year, the diocese decided to allocate some of the funds in a personal manner – much to Rubi’s delight.

“I am so grateful to have the Episcopal Church in my life,” said Rubi, who hails from San Pedro Sula, Honduras. “As an international college student, we

By Jeff Gardenour

have our economic limitations since we cannot work on campus. We do not have Social Security numbers, which limit us from applying to outside jobs.

“Although we have full scholarships, we still have personal expenses such as groceries and traveling expenses,” Rubi said. “For example, I have an unpaid internship at a nonprofit organization right now and I have to pay for my Uber rides/bus passes.

Since I’m not getting paid, this comes from my parents’ pockets, and it has not been easy.”

In Rubi’s favor, though, she has traveled to the U.S. before and had an idea of what to expect when deciding to study here. She participated in the 2014 EYE in Philadelphia with the Episcopal Church of Honduras in partnership with the Maryland Diocese, and participated in an exchange program at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Mississippi, where she completed her senior year and lived for six months.

But Rubi, 19, still had her share of adjustments to make at Saint Augustine’s (Raleigh, North Carolina), a historically black college/university founded in 1867 after the Civil War. “Saint Augustine’s

Honduran international college student Jeydri Urbina Rubi, far right, is all smiles with Michelle Lee, far left, and Dr. Kanton Reynolds.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WESNY DUBIC

10

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

Saint Augustine’s student Jeydri Urbina Rubi, far left, stands with, from left, Dr. Kanton Reynolds, two family members and Bishop Allen of the Diocese of Honduras.

University is my new home, and I couldn’t be more happy,” Rubi said. “I’ve learned so much about myself and really appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me.

“At first, it was a cultural shock for me,” Rubi said.

“Saint Augustine’s is an HBCU (historically black college/university), and before coming here, I had never heard the term before. Now I know the history of my campus and I am a student ambassador who enjoys giving tours to future Falcons.”

A sophomore majoring in Mass Media Communications-Strategic Communications, Rubi said the financial assistance has made Thanksgiving this year much more meaningful.

“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite American traditions because it reminds us to be thankful for our blessings,” she said. “The Diocese of Central Florida is my new blessing. Although the people in charge of raising money and the ones giving do not know me, they still give, and that blesses my heart.

I’ll be grateful every Thanksgiving for my new angels on Earth, the Diocese of Central Florida.”

As for her future, Rubi said she would like to attend graduate school and get a master’s degree, and then give back. “I’d like to give back to my country, to my people, and to my church,” she said. “I want to create an organization with its main goal: to help young Honduran girls with economic limitations to attend school and to help them to achieve their dreams of earning an undergraduate degree, just as I am being helped.”

www.cfdiocese.org

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas

By Jeff Gardenour

• Diocesan Churches to CelebrateThanksgiving in Many Ways •

T

hanksgiving Day is not only a day of thanks, but a day to do unto others. At least that’s how the parishioners at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church see it.

For the third consecutive year, St. Elizabeth’s will serve a Thanksgiving Day dinner for free to the public.

Attendees will enjoy turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes, dressing, and rolls.

“Those who attend are usually the elderly who do not have family and do not want to eat alone and want to celebrate with others,” said Father Dave Newhart, rector at St. Elizabeth’s in Sebastian, located in northern Indian River County. “The dinner is prepared in the church kitchen by one of our parishioners and a couple of her friends.”

For more information, please call

772-589-2770.

A number of other churches in the Diocese of Central Florida also are celebrating Thanksgiving, some in different ways and on different days that week. Here is a partial list as of Oct. 9:

Thanksgiving Day Holiday Calendar Churches listed in alphabetical order:

All Saints’ Episcopal Church 155 Clark St. • Enterprise, FL 32725 386-668-4108

n Thursday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.

Annual Thanksgiving service in historic chapel, followed by a Thanksgiving dinner.

Offering is given to support church’s sister diocese in Honduras.

www.cfdiocese.org

Church of the Ascension

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

St. George's Episcopal Church

4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Road Orlando, FL 32819 407-876-3480

2201 Spring Lake Road Fruitland Park, FL 34731 352-787-1500

1250 Paige Place The Villages, FL 32159-9315 352-750-1010

n Wednesday, November 23, 7 p.m.

n Thursday, Nov. 23, 3 p.m.

n Thursday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.

Thanksgiving worship service

Thanksgiving service

n Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6 p.m.

For the sixth consecutive year, Gary Sarto and Frank Smith will host a Thanksgiving dinner in the parish hall. Sarto and Smith will provide the turkey and ham, while Holy Trinity will provide the beverages. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share. Attendance has been approximately 30 parishioners each year.

Contact: Shellie Leon, parish administrator, at office@holytrinityfp.com

Church is hosting its traditional “prepare and share.”

Donations of food are requested for Loaves and Fishes food pantry.

St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church

Church of the Holy Spirit 601 S. Highland Ave. Apopka, FL 32703 407-886-1740

Corpus Christi 3430 County Road 470 Okahumpka, FL 34762 352-787-8430

n Wednesday, November 22, 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving Eve Holy Eucharist followed by Thanksgiving reception

Episcopal Church of the Blessed Redeemer P.O. Box 111565 Palm Bay, FL 32911-1565 321-725-6881

n Sunday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m.

Harvest Sunday: As part of Holy Eucharist that day, church will celebrate its annual Harvest Sunday when members bring in fruits and vegetables that they have harvested from their gardens to be blessed and sold as part of an outreach fundraiser.

n Wednesday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m.

600 4th St. South Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 321-783-2554

St. John’s Episcopal Church 610 Young St., Melbourne FL 32935 321-254-3365

n Thursday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.

Thanksgiving Worship: The church will host homeless families that week through a ministry called Family Promise of Brevard and will provide a Thanksgiving dinner for them. This is restricted to the families who are directed to the church by Family Promise of Brevard and is not open to the public.

n Wednesday, Nov 22, 5 p.m.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Thanksgiving Eve service

5555 N. Tropical Trail Merritt Island, FL 32953 321-452-5260

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 901 Clearmont St. Sebastian, FL 32958 772-589-2770

n Thursday, Nov. 23, 4 p.m.

St. Elizabeth’s is your family and you are invited to have dinner with us.

All are welcome and totally free!

Come join St. Elizabeth’s church family, a place where you can belong in celebrating the many blessings of the Lord.

Click here to find out more and sign up! https://www.stelizabethssebastian.org/events-1/ thanksgiving-day

n Sunday November 19, 10:30 am Thanksgiving Service with all those wonderful harvest hymns followed by a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. This year’s event is especially aimed at those who will be alone on Thanksgiving, but is really just a nice family meal.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church 114 N. Osceola Avenue Inverness, FL 34450 352-726-3153 stmaggies@tampabay.rr.com http://www.stmaggies.org

n Wednesday, Nov. 22, 5-6:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving Eve dinner followed by a community Holy Eucharist Service following at 7 p.m.

Thanksgiving Eve Holy Eucharist service.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

11

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas

• 2017 Holiday Events Schedule – Advent & Christmas • Church of the Ascension

Church of the Good Shepherd

Episcopal Church of St. Mary

Churches listed in alphabetical order:

4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Road Orlando, FL 32819 407-876-3480

331 Lake Ave., Maitland, FL 32751 (407) 644-5350 www.

GoodShepherdMaitland.com

5750 SE 115 St. Belleview, FL 34420 352-347-6422

Cathedral Church of Saint Luke

n Sunday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m.

An Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols

n Saturday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

n Sunday, Dec. 3, 2 p.m.

130 N. Magnolia Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 407-849-0680

Church of the Good Shepherd

Pre-Advent Quiet Day/Retreat With Lindisfarne Scriptorium artist, Mary Fleeson $12 fee to cover food, supplies.

n Sunday, Dec. 24 8 a.m., Rite II with music, use the readings

n Sunday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.

221 S. Fourth Street Lake Wales, FL 33853-3856 863-676-8578

n Sunday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m., Christmas pageant, use

(Partial list; full list will be published on CFE Online)

Advent Lessons and Carols

n Sunday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m.

Christmas Lessons and Carols

n Sunday, Dec. 24, 10:30 p.m.

Rutter’s “Gloria” for choir, brass, and organ

Church of Our Saviour 200 Northwest 3rd St. Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-4843

n Sunday, Dec. 3, 10, 17, at 9:30 a.m.

Special Christian Education series for both children and adults on the Advent Jesse Tree, the Advent Wreath, and Advent traditions in respective classrooms.

n Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.

n Sunday, Dec. 3, 11:45 a.m.

Outside parish hall Advent Wreath Workshop: Fourth annual workshop for individuals and families to make their own Advent wreaths. Fee of $10 covers cost of materials.

n Sunday, Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Banquet and Pageant: This event is the favorite evening of the year for many parishioners. Event begins with wassail in the Memorial Garden, followed by a delicious dinner.

Participants then proceed into the church to enjoy a handbell concert and traditional Christmas pageant, a 76-year tradition that includes the parish children.

n Sunday, Dec. 24, 9:30 a.m.

n Saturday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m.

Festival of Lessons and Carols: This service alternates between lessons, read by both children and parish leaders, and Christmas hymns.

Advent IV Vigil

n Sunday, Dec. 24, 5:30 and 9 p.m.

n Sunday, Dec. 24 6 p.m., Children’s Christmas Eve Pageant 9:30 p.m., Lessons and Carols 10 p.m., Christmas Eve service

Christmas Eve Services: Festival Eucharist with choir for both services. Traditionally, services include singing “Silent Night” by candlelight.

Contact: Lisa Parish, parish administrator, 863-676-8578; or via internet at office@ goodshepherdnews.com or www. goodshepherdnews.com

Taize Prayer Service

n Monday, Dec. 25, 9 a.m.

Christmas Day service

Live Nativity Journey (see story inside CFE Episcopalian) Free refreshments at end of journey.

Advent Lessons and Carols

for Advent IV. readings for Christmas Eve. 8 p.m., Traditional Christmas Eve services with candle lighting.

n Monday, Dec. 25, 9 a.m.

Christmas Day service

Church of the Holy Spirit 601 S. Highland Ave. Apopka, FL 32703 407-886-1740

Advent services n Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Public Service of Healing

n Sunday, Dec. 10 – Lessons and Carols with local churches participating

n Wednesday, Dec. 13 – The Coming Lord of Advent reconciliation service

Episcopal Church of the Resurrection 251 E. Lake Brantley Dr. Longwood, FL 32779 407-788-3704 www.resurrectionlongwood.org

n Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m.

Elf Jr. The Musical is presented. Tim Hanes is director. Tickets are $10.

n Sunday, Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m.

Corpus Christi 3430 County Road 470 Okahumpka, FL 34762 352-787-8430

Festival of Lessons and Carols featuring the Resurrection Choirs, S.E.A. Children’s Choir, and LBHS Chamber Orchestra. Director of Music is Tim Hanes. Rector is Father Paul McQueen.

Admission is free.

n Sunday, Dec. 24 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday of Advent 6 p.m., Candlelight Christmas Holy Eucharist n Monday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m.

Christmas Day Holy Eucharist followed by brunch

n Sunday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m.

Christmastide Lessons and Carols

12

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

www.cfdiocese.org

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas

• 2017 Holiday Events Schedule – Advent & Christmas • (Partial list; full list will be published on CFE Online)

n Sunday, Dec. 31 8 a.m., Rite 1 with Communion 8 p.m. Solemn Eucharist praying out the old

Churches listed in alphabetical order:

years, and praying in the new year with wine, cheese, and heavy hors d’oeuvres.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne The Scott Center on the Pineda Campus 5625 Holy Trinity Drive Melbourne, FL 32940 321-723-5272

n Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Festival of Lessons and Carols Partnering with the DOCK choir from Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition http://bndcserve.org/dock/

St. Barnabas's Church 319 West Wisconsin Ave. DeLand, FL 32720 386-734-1814

n Sunday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m.

A service of Lessons and Carols. Program includes the adult choir, children’s choir, and the new Bell Choir. Tom DeWitt is organist/ choirmaster. Beverlee Hays directs the children’s choir. Becky DeWitt directs the Bell Choir. A reception follows in the Canterbury House.

All are welcome.

Contact: The Rev. Nancy Wade Kline, Deacon

St. James's Episcopal Church

n Wednesday, Dec. 20, 5:35 p.m.

38 South Halifax Drive Ormond Beach, FL 32176 386-677-0872

Service

n Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.

St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church 414 Pine St. Titusville, FL 32796 321-267-2545

n Saturday evening, Dec. 2 New Year’s Eve bash on evening before the 1st Sunday in Advent.

Several top-notch jazz players provide live music.

Advent Lessons and Carols and Eucharist

n Sunday, Dec. 24 (Advent 4) 8 a.m., Holy Eucharist I 10 a.m., Holy Eucharist II n Sunday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) 5 p.m., Pageant and Family Eucharist 8 p.m., Candlelight Eucharist n Monday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m.

Christmas Day Eucharist

n Saturday, Dec. 16, 5:30 p.m.

A service of Christmas Lessons and Carols featuring The Christmas Choir with a professional string quartet in the Sanctuary.

The Grand Christmas Feast follows at 6:30

p.m.

Tickets available by calling 321-267-2545.

St. George's Episcopal Church 1250 Paige Place The Villages, FL 32159-9315 352-750-1010

Advent schedule n Friday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.

St. Matthias's Episcopal Church 574 W. Montrose St. Clermont, FL 34711 352-394-3855

The 2017 Christmas Service schedule n Sunday, Dec. 24: 10 a.m., Lessons and Carols 5 p.m., Christmas Eve service 7 p.m., Christmas Eve service n Monday, Dec. 25: 10 a.m., Christmas Day service

African Children’s Choir Concert

n Sunday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

St. David’s by-the-Sea

Advent Lessons and Carols

600 4th St. Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 321-783-2554

n Sunday, Dec. 24, 9 a.m.

656 Avenue L, NW Winter Haven, FL 33881 863-294-8888

n Sunday, Dec. 24 8 a.m., Rite 1 with Communion 10:15 a.m., Lessons and Carols 7 p.m. Rite 2 Choral Eucharist

www.cfdiocese.org

The 4th Sunday of Advent service

Christmas schedule n Sunday, Dec. 24, 4 and 9 p.m.

n Sunday, Dec. 3, 5 p.m.

Christmas Eve services

n Wednesday, Dec. 6, 13, at 5:35 p.m.

n Monday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m.

Christmas Day service

Advent Lessons and Carols program

n Sunday, Dec. 24 9:30 a.m., regular Christmas Eve service 5:30 p.m., family Christmas Eve service 10:30 p.m., candlelight Christmas Eve service n Monday, Dec. 25 No services

St. Richard’s Episcopal Church 5151 Lake Howell Road Winter Park, FL 32792-1095 407-671-4211

n Sunday, Dec. 24 7 p.m., “Messiah” (Part 1, excerpts), by George Frederick Handel; Schola of St. Richard’s with music remembrance strings; Michael LeGrand, organist; Dr. Carl MaultsBy, conductor.

7:30 p.m., Christmas Eve service

n Sunday, Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Lessons and Carols

St. Simon the Cyrenian Church 1700 Ave. E. Fort Pierce, FL 34954 772-461-2519 Service of Lessons and Carols with other small churches in the area TBA. Father John Leibler, Rector.

Holiday Advent schedules are subject to change.

Please refer to www.cfdiocese.org for the most current schedules.

Blue Christmas Taize service

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

13

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas PHOTO PROVIDED BY CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF SAINT LUKE

Holiday Season Features Joyful Voices of Cathedral Choirs

By Jeff Gardenour

Joyful voices will fill the air this holiday season, bringing the good news of the birth of Jesus and more.

F

or 46 years, the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke in Orlando has celebrated Advent and Christmas with an array of concerts featuring its famed Orlando BoyChoir and Girls Choir, as well as its Cathedral Choristers (youth) and men’s choir. More than 150 children and adults, including musicians, clergy and reception hosts, will participate in a four-part concert series that runs Dec. 3 through Jan. 7.

The concert series is part of the church’s annual concert schedule, with all events held at the church.

Additionally, the church will host or be involved in other events this holiday season.

“For liturgical churches worldwide, Advent and Christmas are always seasons of anticipation, joy and celebration,” said Ben Lane, Cathedral music director. “We at the Cathedral experience a succession of themes and moods through the many special services that we hold each Sunday morning and on certain Sunday evenings, which altogether include a wide variety of music and choirs singing.

“We also host other musical organizations who desire to present holiday music in such a worshipful setting as the Cathedral; for example, Lake Nona High School Chorus will sing Benjamin Britten’s cantata ‘Rejoice in the Lamb’ on Tuesday evening, Dec. 19,” Lane said.

A variety of music will entertain folks all season.

Lane said Cathedral choirs will sing Advent hymns for Advent services, and Christmas carols for

14

Christmas services.

“There will be no secular music, but a lot of liturgical music at all of our services, as always,” Lane said. “It’s not that we have a prohibition against secular music in concerts; simply that we’ll be holding worship services rather than concerts during this time.”

The concert series begins at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3, when the Cathedral The Orlando BoyChoir and Girls Choir will be among the featured choirs Choir and Chamber Singers lead a during the 2017 Cathedral Concert Season through the holidays. candlelight procession through the church’s Gothic aisles and arches. It will be “a joyful The Cathedral operates its entire concert service of carols, anthems, readings and prayers for series budget on donations. For more the holiday season,” Lane said. A reception will pre- information on donating or volunteering, please call 407-849-0680. cede the service at 5 p.m.

Two weeks later, the Orlando BoyChoir and Girls Choir (formerly the “Deanery” Choirs) will join the Cathedral Choristers and the men’s choir for Christmas Lessons and Carols. On Christmas Eve, the Cathedral Choristers will sing at the 5 p.m. Celebration of Holy Eucharist and a Christmas pageant.

In addition to two other full services of Holy Eucharist on Christmas Eve, the Cathedral Choir will sing a major wok – John Rutter’s “Gloria” – with a large brass ensemble and percussion, Lane said.

The holiday concert series ends Sunday, Jan. 7, with the church’s 10 a.m. Eucharist, including Epiphany Lessons and Carols sung by a guest girls choir – Belle Voci, conducted by former Cathedral Girls Choir director Claire Hodge. Lane said the Epiphany Lessons and Carols is a service the Cathedral has never done before.

Although no orchestras are included in the holiday concerts, the Cathedral will present significant brass and percussion on Christmas Eve, Lane said.

However, all services feature the Cathedral organs with the choirs.

Additionally, the Cathedral choir has been invited to sing the National Anthem at a Harlem Globetrotters game in December. Lane said he also will perform individually outside the Cathedral at a Christmas concert at the Basilica Shrine of Mary Queen of the Universe in Orlando.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

Cathedral Concerts Downtown: 2017-2018 Season Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, at 6 p.m.

The Cathedral Choir and Chamber Singers lead a candlelight procession through our Gothic aisles and arches, in a joyful service of carols, anthems, readings and prayers for the holiday season. Preceded by a festive reception at 5 p.m.

Christmas Lessons and Carols Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, at 6 p.m.

Don’t miss hearing our Orlando BoyChoir and Girls Choir (formerly called “Deanery” Choirs) and Men’s Choir with our Cathedral Choristers in one of Orlando’s favorite holiday performances! Beloved carols and choral works highlight this festive service based on the renowned Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge, U.K.

John Rutter’s “Gloria” Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, at 10:30 p.m.

Our annual Christmas Eve concert features the joyous “Gloria” by favorite British composer John Rutter. The Cathedral Choir, brass ensemble, percussion and organ perform together as a prelude to Midnight Mass, which begins at 11 p.m.

Epiphany Lessons and Carols Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, at 10 a.m.

Holiday music continues with the lovely sounds of Belle Voci, a local girls choir directed by Claire Hodge. Our principal Sunday service begins with seasonal readings, music and prayers, followed by Holy Eucharist.

www.cfdiocese.org

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas

Canterbury to Celebrate Holidays with Wild Game Dinner Popular December event is year-end fundraiser

By Jeff Gardenour

W

hen the Rev. Dr. Jon Davis some years ago noticed a holiday event at the Nashotah House Seminary in Wisconsin, visions of a wild game dinner at Canterbury danced in his head.

“We have had elk tenderloin tips and a wild boar carving station, as well,” Davis said. “A favorite was a venison hash we did last year. Great holiday sides – root veggies; rice dressing; hot, fresh baked breads; casseroles; and so forth. Amazing desserts!”

Davis’ vision quickly became a reality, and once again a capacity crowd of 150 is expected to be on hand Saturday, Dec. 16, when the Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center holds its fifth annual Holiday Wild Game Dinner. The event, which will run from 5-8 p.m., features venison, wild game birds and other select courses on the menu, and serves as a year-end fundraiser.

Davis said all food is cooked on site by Canterbury’s hospitality staff, led by director Teri Garcia.

“I saw that Nashotah House, an Episcopal Seminary in Wisconsin, put on a similar dinner and I thought it would go over well,” said Davis, who is the executive director at Canterbury. “It is unique in this area and it is a great way to celebrate the holidays. The event’s goal is to celebrate the Christmas season, give people a quality Canterbury experience, share the Canterbury mission and give an opportunity for folks to make a year-end gift to Canterbury, becoming a Canterbury partner.”

The food is the highlight of the event. Davis said venison and game birds are just a few of the things that attendees can enjoy.

The fireplace will be roaring again Saturday, Dec. 16, when the Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center holds its fifth annual Holiday Wild Game Dinner.

www.cfdiocese.org

The event also will feature a reception and a silent auction, albeit smaller than the Canterbury Anniversary Dinner auction that was held in June.

“We’ll feature a dozen or so high-end, unique items, great for some Christmas shopping,” Davis said.

Davis said the event also will feature a local high school band ensemble playing Christmas music during the reception. “We plan to have a high school choral ensemble for a few Christmas songs toward the end of the evening,” he said.

The opening and closing remarks for the event, which has drawn rave reviews through the years, will be delivered by the Canterbury executive director.

“Always positive,” Davis said. “Last year was the best.

Great kudos on the food and the evening overall. People love the Canterbury campus when it is decorated

for Christmas.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CANTERBURY RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

15

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, MAITLAND

Church of the Good Shepherd Invites All to ‘Follow the Star’

Folks can enjoy a live nativity scene at the “Follow the Star” of Bethlehem on Dec. 10 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland.

Annual live nativity features nine scenes centered around birth of Christ

By Jeff Gardenour

F

olks in Central Florida can journey through some of the most riveting scenes in biblical history in December when they “Follow the Star” of Bethlehem.

For the fourth consecutive year, Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland will present “Follow the Star,” a live nativity scene that has taken on a life of its own since the church first presented it to the public.

Thousands of people have visited the seven-acre campus to travel through nine expertly crafted scenes that culminate at the manger scene with Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus. Last year approximately 600 people took the journey, and a similar turnout is expected once again for the event, which features scores of actors, sets, props, music and more.

This year’s “Follow the Star” will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10. Guests will gather by the side of the church and be sent in groups of three: at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. There is no charge for the event.

“What started as a recurring dream by a parishioner in 2014 has evolved into a yearly event that surpasses all of our expectations,” said Church of the Good Shepherd rector, the Rev. Sarah Bronos.

“The Good Shepherd live nativity has garnered the support of the entire church family, friends, neigh-

16

boring churches and even college students.

with whom she shares her joy.

“The purpose is simple: to bring alive the events leading up to and including the birth of Jesus,” Bronos said. “We hope that believers stand in awe of this miracle and we pray that nonbelievers find hope and joy in the love of Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd live nativity is our Christmas gift to our surrounding communities.”

The third scene shows an angel of God visiting Joseph in a dream. In the fourth scene, a Roman soldier reads the decree concerning the census. In scene five, Mary and Joseph embark on their journey to Nazareth.

The live nativity begins with the Annunciation, as Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel. Scene two portrays Mary’s visit to her elderly cousin, Elizabeth,

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

In scene six, in front of the outside altar, Mary and Joseph welcome their newborn baby on bales of hay. Further along the path, guests can enjoy scene seven where they see the shepherds in their fields visited by angels.

www.cfdiocese.org

Thanksgiving • Advent • Christmas PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, MAITLAND

Folks can enjoy a live nativity scene at the “Follow the Star” of Bethlehem on Dec. 10 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland.

People who “Follow the Star” can travel at their own pace in the outdoor event, which will have luminaries lining the sidewalks, and set and prop lighting provided by the Full Sail College Lighting Department.

Folks can enjoy a live nativity scene at the “Follow the Star” of Bethlehem on Dec. 10 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland.

To help guests understand each scene, each set features the appropriate backdrop. Vogel said great attention is paid to staging and props to make the scenes look as authentic as possible. The church purchased some prop enhancements, as well as three life-size camels, donkeys and sheep from The Holy Land Experience estate sale.

Getting closer to the nativity scene, guests then see three wise men in the distance following the star in scene eight.

The ninth and final scene is the manger scene under the star. Mary and Joseph, with a live baby and many live animals, are joined by an angel and the shepherds, who upon finding the child, stand in awe of this miracle, which is God coming to dwell among us as a newborn babe, according to Good Shepherd parishioner Bobbi Vogel, whose recurring dream sparked the formation of the event.

www.cfdiocese.org

Actors wear handmade costumes created by a women’s group from the church and “bring life to the written biblical passage that is posted on a large scroll at the entrance to each set. A local 4-H club partners with us to provide live animals,” Vogel said.

Guests then end their journey in the parish hall, where they can enjoy entertainment and a sing-aalong from the 40-member gospel choir of Seminole High School in Sanford. Guests also can enjoy cookies, punch and a time for reflection, as well as meet the costumed wise men and shepherds.

“We all have family traditions and we pray that the Good Shepherd live nativity event might find special meaning to become a family tradition for you,” Vogel said. “Last year about 600 guests walked the nativity path, and the attendance has increased each year. Mark your calendar now so your family can follow the star and walk the journey to Bethlehem.”

Because of the sheer breadth of the event, Church of the Good Shepherd always welcomes actors and volunteers from other congregations.

“This event is a labor of love,” Vogel said. “Finding enough actors is always a challenge. The commitment is minimal: one short practice and costume fitting, and two hours on December 10. The memory of participating in this event will certainly outlast the commitment.”

For more information on acting, serving as a volunteer or other details, call the church office at 407-644-5350.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

17

DIOCESAN FAMILY PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFE/Erick Perez

Ordinands Make History in Their Calling to Serve the Lord

Name: Karen Davenport Current church: St. Agnes’ Episcopal Church, Sebring Title: Deacon

Twenty candidates ordained in six weeks Eleven people were ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Greg Brewer on Sept. 9 at The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke in Orlando.

The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida celebrated the ordination of 20 candidates to the priesthood and diaconate between July 30 and Sept. 9, 2017. The diocese believes the number of ordinations in less than six weeks is unprecedented in Central Florida. To commemorate this historic achievement, the ordinands joined us for a Q&A about how they were called to ordained service to the Lord, what brings them closest to God, and what their goals are going forward.

Candidates listed in alphabetical order

Name: Nick Braunschneider Current church: Bethesda Church, an Episcopal church plant in Lake Nona (Orlando) Title: Priest When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? I was raised Roman Catholic, and identified as a Catholic until I was around 24 years old. There was a short period of time when I was 8 or 9 years old when I had a strong desire to be a priest. I can remember as a young boy sitting in mass one day and being struck as Jeremiah 1:5 was read: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” I knew at that moment that God was

18

speaking to me. But as time went on, and I grew older, other things captured my interest and attention, and the sense of being called by God to the ministry faded, eventually disappearing entirely.

By the time I was a senior in college I felt very far from God and without direction for my life. The Lord brought me to a place during Holy Week of 2001 where I gave my life to Him and surrendered to His plan for me. To my surprise, that sense of calling to pastoral ministry quickly returned. I was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister (and served) for over 11 years, but never felt completely at home. In the providence of God, I met some wonderful clergy in the Diocese of Central Florida in 2015. With their help I finally realized that God’s calling for me is to serve as a priest in His church. I am finally home, serving alongside my people, and my heart is at rest.

What brings you closest to God? I feel closest to God in solitude and simplicity, away from all the outside noise and distractions. I love to spend time with the Lord while hiking a trail, or on a bike. Being in the mountains in the fall moves my heart to worship God like almost nothing else.

Your goal now that you have been ordained? I want to serve Jesus faithfully as a priest in His church.

God says in Jeremiah 1, “To all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak” (v. 6). For this season of my life and ministry He has called me and my family to be instruments of healing and hope in the Lake Nona community of southeast Orlando. We are laboring to advance the kingdom of God here, and excited to have the opportunity to watch Jesus build Bethesda Church.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

When did you feel you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? Very long story – beginning was approximately 15 years ago, but my calling was reaffirmed about four years ago.

What brings you closest to God? My participation in the liturgy and the sacraments truly bring me closer to my relationship with God, along with Bible study.

Your goal now that you’ve been ordained? My goal is to continue being a servant, to God and to people.

Name: Sean Duncan Current church: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church,

Shreveport, Louisiana

Title: Transitional Deacon When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? I have always felt the call of ministry in the Christian life, but it was not until learning about the Anglican tradition that I began to feel God’s call to professional ministry.

What brings you closest to God? I would have to say that the times I am closest to God are in times of silent prayer and meditation on Scripture. Silence is key.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

To be a faithful steward of God’s Word and sacraments, for the sake of His people. I hope one day to do further studies in historical theology and use it in service of the church in developing countries.

www.cfdiocese.org

DIOCESAN FAMILY Name: Garry Edwards Current church: St. Sebastian’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Melbourne Beach Title: Priest When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? The call to the priesthood was a childhood dream that remained hidden in my personality. As a cradle Episcopalian/Anglican, I grew up in a strong church life of service.

It began from Sunday school teacher, acolyte, lay eucharistic minister and vestry member. Losing all material possessions was the final step to realize my call to ministry. Since making that decision, it has been the best time of my life.

What brings you closest to God? My relationship with God has just increased through my faith and trust in His Word and meditation. As an Episcopalian/Anglican, no one aspect stands out more than the other. A full commitment to church, prayer, meditation, Bible study and Eucharist is the true love of God at work.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

As an ordained priest, my goal is to continue to love my St. Sebastian’s by-the-Sea congregation and grow with them as we become closer in understanding the love of Jesus Christ.

Name: Greg Favazza Current church: St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Orlando Title: Transitional Deacon When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? I originally sensed a call to some form of pastoral ministry when I was a teenager, but was in a nondenominational context at the time. I discovered the Anglican/ Episcopal tradition during my time in seminary and soon felt drawn toward the priesthood.

www.cfdiocese.org

What brings you closest to God? I seem to connect to God most naturally through music. What has always been a part of my spiritual practice is worshipping Jesus with a guitar in hand.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

Parish ministry is where I believe I am to live out my vocation, at least at this time in my life and ministry. Simply put, wherever I find myself, my goal is to fulfill my vows made in baptism, marriage and ordination through the power of God’s Spirit, serving Jesus through faithful obedience to the glory of God the Father.

to pair these dogs with children who need them and reduce the expense. I have just begun my research into this endeavor and hopefully it will be fruitful.

Please see ORDINANDS page 20

Name: Jim Flood IV Current church: St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Orange City Title: Deacon When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? It started about five years ago when I felt that God was calling me to do something more than what I was doing. My first thought was, “I’m not worthy to do this.”

So, after three years of “arguing” with God and after consulting my rector, the Rev Phyllis Bartle, I started the diaconate process. I am very happy I did!

What brings you closest to God? I feel that I am closest to God when my surroundings are quiet. I am a high school teacher, and those quiet times are very special. A lot of time it is when I am driving to work and my daughters, who attend the same school where I teach, are sleeping. Then I can have a conversation with God. I enjoy those times very much.

Other times, when it seems like things are falling apart around me and I pray for help, I can really feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. That is awesome!

Your goal now that you have been ordained? I love dogs and I really enjoy young children. We have a friend who has a daughter who is autistic and epileptic. They saved their money and got their daughter a service dog who can tell when the girl is about to have a seizure and alerts the parents. Unfortunately, the dog recently passed away. The service dogs are very expensive. I would like to find a way

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFE/Erick Perez

Bishop Brewer blesses an ordinand during ordinations Sept. 9 at The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke in Orlando.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

19

DIOCESAN FAMILY ORDINANDS … continued from Page 19

Name: Joshua Gritter

Name: Lauren R.E. Larkin

Name: Rob Griffith

Current church: Trinity Episcopal Church, Vero Beach

Current church: The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Lafayette, Louisiana

Title: Priest

Title: Priest

Current church: Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando Title: Transitional Deacon When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? My heart has been drawn to ministry most of my adult life. For a long time, I didn’t know what that meant.

I grew up in an evangelical, baptistic setting and eventually landed in a Reformed Presbyterian church. Still, my heart longed for a deeper connection between faith, ministry and worship.

In 2015, I was exposed to Anglican worship and the Book of Common Prayer and it felt like coming home. Having abandoned any ministry aspirations by this point, my heart began to reawaken to the notion of serving the Lord and His church. As I became immersed in the Anglican tradition and began understanding its worship, I knew that this was my home and my calling. Within a year, I entered the process of discernment to answer the question of whether this was the Lord’s calling on my life.

With affirmation of family, friends and the church, I continued the pursuit toward being ordained as a transitional deacon. The Lord and His church consenting, I hope to be ordained to the priesthood in spring of 2018.

What brings you closest to God? I have found that worship and serving in worship bring me closer to God. Equally, being in the Word and prayer and helping people draw closer to their Savior are all activities that orient the mind and heart toward our Creator. Finally, I find good art and especially music expertly performed stirs my soul and brings me to tears of gratitude.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

My goal is to serve wherever the Lord calls. My heart is drawn to parish ministry where both community and church family are being served, although I’ve been long enough on this earth to know that God may have anything at all in store for me. And so, I confidently wait for that next journey to be revealed.

20

When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? The discernment of my call has been a process rather than a definitive moment. I was called to youth ministry at St. Peter’s in 2011 through an unlikely connection evidencing the hand of God. I had no plans for vocational ministry, but was directed to seminary by the offer of an anonymous donation the morning after fervent prayer for discernment. I was nearly the furthest thing from an Episcopalian until God cultivated a love for the tradition, history and worship of this, His church. Until the very morning of my ordination to the priesthood, I was prepared to disqualify myself, to find some imperfection that the grace of God could not reach. However, He calls, qualifies and equips, and for that I am grateful.

What brings you closest to God? The mode of worship that brings me closest to God has been different at different times. It is currently prayer, either in the Daily Office preparing for the Eucharist or just sitting at my desk.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

I hope to continue my education, both formal and informal. My role in His church has continually been decided for me by His providence, and to honor His sovereignty the best I can do is fully invest in whatever challenges and opportunities are presented before me.

When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? I don’t know if I’ve ever felt called; I fought the whole way.

What brings you closest to God? Academic study of theology and Scripture; also, the liturgy.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

To continue preaching and teaching.

Name: Maurice McGee Current church: St. Agnes’ Episcopal Church, Sebring Title: Deacon When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? For many years, I felt like I was being called to do more, not on the lay side, but on the ministry side.

Going back to my Baptist upbringing, I now realize that God was calling even then, and kept calling me. When I converted to The Episcopal Church, the heritage, the liturgy and the lectionary were a real turning point in my faith. With the support of my wife, my rector and a very close friend who is a deacon already, I knew then for sure what I was being called to do.

What brings you closest to God? Being a servant to the people of God and bringing them into a closer relationship with God and each other for the kingdom brings me closest to God.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFE/Erick Perez

Bishop Greg Brewer, back middle, with Rev. Tim Nunez, Canon to the Ordinary, presents Bibles to the new ordinands.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

My goal now that I have been ordained is to bring the unchurched and those who are still seeking into that closer relationship with God, while attending to the physical needs of the community.

www.cfdiocese.org

DIOCESAN FAMILY Name: Kay Mueller

Name: Zac Neubauer

Name: Ken L. Nolen

Current church: Church of Our Saviour, Okeechobee

Current church: Christ Episcopal Church, Macon, Georgia

Current church: St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, Titusville

Title: Deacon

Title: Priest

Title: Transitional Deacon

When did you feel you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? I first started hearing the call of our Lord early in 2014 to the diaconate in the midst of other transitional issues occurring in my personal life and the life of my beloved parish. In November 2014, I moved into a period of deep personal discernment, which continued for several months, culminating in August 2015 at the Bishop’s Conference on Ministry. Ironically, paralleling this process of discernment, I was sent for secondary analysis of a suspicious mammogram in November 2014; monitored month-by-month following; and diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2015, undergoing three surgical procedures and 28 days of radiation which also culminated in August 2015. It was a period of divine intervention and divine alignment with unequivocal direction.

When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate?

At the age of 16. I was in a nondenominational church in northeast Ohio at the time. I went to a Bible college for undergrad and spent time in the Church of England, so while I was called 16 years ago, I could have never imagined then what my vocation would look like now.

When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? This question is harder to answer. I was ordained in another denomination as a health care chaplain, but as I had prior experience in The Episcopal Church, the liturgy and rituals of The Episcopal Church continue to appeal to me. Once I retired from the chaplaincy, my wife and I returned to The Episcopal Church and attended St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Springfield, Tennessee. We were very active in the church, junior warden, on the mission counsel, etcetera; but that diocese did not offer any avenue to ordained ministry. However, my wife and I moved back to Titusville to take care of her parents. Her dad suffered a stroke and died two years ago. We took care of him for over a year before his stroke. We moved our membership to St. Gabriel’s and began to regularly attend. After about two or three services, Father Rob (Goodridge Jr.) told me that he felt I was in ministry, and what would I like to do. As we discussed how we were to minister at St. Gabriel’s, it became apparent to us that I was called to the priesthood and there were provisions for us to achieve that goal. I am very thankful to my discernment committees, the COM, the diocese, and especially Bishop Greg for his trust in me, and for ordination as a transitional deacon, soon to be a priest.

What brings you closest to God? Through this process, I have a new appreciation and understanding of Psalm 46:10a: “Be still, and know that I am God.” I’ve learned a new comfort in living with silence. No more do I need the background noise of the TV blaring unnecessarily in my home, or the radio in my car. I relish this time of silence in listening to God, including walks on the beach and conversation in the still of the night!

Your goal now that you’ve been ordained? Not exactly new, but renewed – to share the good news and love of Jesus Christ with all; to identify, reach out and embrace the opportunities and needs of our community through ministries that share God’s love, grace and mercy.

www.cfdiocese.org

What brings you closest to God? Many things, and all things; one just needs to keep one’s eyes open. Most regularly, though, I am struck by a sense of God in musical worship and in times of devoted study to the Scriptures, whether that be through preparing a sermon or doing theology.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

Broadly, my goal is to fulfill the vow that I took at my ordination to the presbyterate: To be loyal to the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this church has received them. And to obey my bishop and other ministers who have authority over me and my work.

In the specific context of my position at Christ Church, Macon, my broad responsibilities are ministry to men and to young families.

Christ Church has a history of both, but work needs to be done to revitalize these ministries and to equip the laity to do the work of these ministries.

Two projects I am working on in a larger church sense are reclaiming this use of metrical Psalms (in an accessible and endearing way) for worship in the Episcopal Church. Second, I am on the board of the U.S. branch of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion, and we’re in the midst of planning our annual conference, which will be held in Orlando this coming April.

What brings you closest to God? I grow closer to God during every service that I attend. However, morning prayer and meditation/reflection during our Taizé service are my best times.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

I am assisting Father Rob in services, teaching classes, visiting the sick as needed and helping others seeking ordination as deacon or priest. When I become a priest, I will continue assisting the rector at St. Gabriel’s, teach classes and make myself available for supply or intern priest for the diocese as needed.

Please see ORDINANDS page 22

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

21

DIOCESAN FAMILY ORDINANDS … continued from Page 21

Name: Tom Phillips Current church: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lake Mary Title: Transitional Deacon When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? I first began to suspect that God was calling me to ordained ministry within The Episcopal Church after moving to Central Florida in 2015.

What brings you closest to God? Spending personal time with God in the mornings is the thing that has kept my heart alive and healthy as a Christian. I journal to practice the presence of God. I keep a prayer journal that records my prayers and records what I think the Spirit is speaking. Over the years, I’ve also developed a journal key that allows me to record other important spiritual events such as meaningful words from others and timely/meaningful scriptural passages.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

I plan to minister full-time as a priest whenever/ wherever God directs.

Name: Gladys Rodriguez

Name: Frank Samuelson

Current church: Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo

Current church: Trinity Episcopal Church, The Woodlands, Texas

Title: Priest

Title: Priest

When did you feel you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? I was called to the priesthood five years ago after studying in various seminaries.

I realized God had given me a gift of teaching, preaching and working closely with people on pastoral care. I have a Hispanic ministry, which I oversee, and (I’m) pastor at the Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo.

When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? There was a seed of a call in my early teens, and throughout my life there was a constant pull to serve God and the church as a priest. I took tentative steps toward ordination twice before, but each time there wasn’t a definitive “yes,” so I continued to follow Christ where He had me. I was in a good place with God and my life but decided to ask questions again about the process of ordination, and even looked at going to a local seminary. My priest at the time caught wind of this, and before I knew it everything flew out of my hands. I told God I was willing to do my part in the process, but He would have to direct and open the way. The difference was community. Before, “I” was trying to “figure it out” on my own. Now, in community, we discerned God’s will. This was a power lesson for me and a great affirmation to hear God’s “Yes, now is the time.”

What brings you closest to God? What brings me closer to God is prayer and meditation, which I practice every day near nature.

Your goal now that you’ve been ordained? I have many goals and dreams for my Hispanic congregation. We would like to be in a building that would be accessible to all those Hispanic people coming to Orlando. A place where they can worship and hear sound doctrine and feel at home. I understand the hardships concerning immigrants. We would like to have outreach activities and evangelism. We would love to bring families, children and youth groups into our church.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFE/Erick Perez

What brings you closest to God? I look at your suggested list (prayer, meditation, Bible study, Eucharist) and am saying yes to them all. Having a regular time reading the Bible and praying does bring me life. I also love praying while exercising.

Whether running or biking, I find that time to be rich for processing life and hashing things out with God. I have also begun using the Anglican prayer beads. I like the prayers of Julian of Norwich. I stop and take a short break, go somewhere quiet and pray through the beads. It doesn’t take much time, but it sure helps ground and recenter me.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

Now, I am a new curate at a fairly good-size church.

My goal is simply to pay attention and learn and grow into the priest I am to be in the church. My goal is to listen well to the people here and together discover how God is calling us to be instruments of His light and love in this community. I believe we can continually discover this as we stay in conversation with God and each other.

Clergy are all smiles after being ordained Sept. 9 at The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke.

22

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

www.cfdiocese.org

DIOCESAN FAMILY Name: Louise Samuelson

Name: Ashton K. Williston

Name: Rich Wilson

Current church: St. John the Divine, Houston, Texas

Current church: Christ Church Frederica, St. Simons Island, Georgia

Current church: St. Richard’s Episcopal Church, Winter Park

Title: Priest

Title: Priest

Title: Deacon

When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? The first time I felt called to the priesthood was when I was 13 years old. There were no women priests then, but I still thought maybe I could be one. After almost 30 years as a missionary with Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ), I again felt the call to parish ministry as a priest.

When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? I acknowledged a call to the priesthood when I was 25 years old. I was working as a youth minister at Holy Trinity, Melbourne, Florida.

However, in hindsight, when I look back at my childhood I can see now that I was called to the priesthood at an earlier age.

When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? After my training as a hospital chaplain, I felt God calling me to a deeper understanding and experience of Him before I began my ministry to provide spiritual and emotional care to the sick and dying, prisoners, people with addictions and the homeless – especially homeless youth.

What brings you closest to God? I experience God most intimately in both the solitude of contemplative prayer and the communal practice of the Eucharist.

What brings you closest to God? I feel closest to God in two ways: when I am walking on the beach and through the Eucharist.

What brings you closest to God? I feel closest to God when I am doing ministry, but I couldn’t do my ministry without prayer, contemplation and, especially now that I’m ordained, Eucharist.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

I hope to grow into the priest God has called me to be, serving and leading God’s people.

Name: Rob Strenth Current church: Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Sanford

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

Now that I am ordained, my goal is to continue working to be a better preacher and teacher. However, more importantly, to be the pastoral leader that loves the entirety of the body of Christ; to uphold the people of the church through my presence during all walks of their lives. “We who are many are one body, because we all share one bread and one cup.”

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

To continue my ministry “outside the church walls” to the sick and dying, prisoners, people with addictions and the homeless – especially homeless youth.

– Interviews conducted by Jeff Gardenour

Title: Deacon When did you feel like you were called to the priesthood or diaconate? I had sensed a calling for over 20 years before I ever acted on it. Taking Education for Ministry (EFM) helped me focus what my calling was, attending Cursillo reinforced it, and the rectors and the people of the Church of the Resurrection, and my family, confirmed and helped support my calling.

What brings you closest to God? What brings me closest to God is serving others and bringing the Gospel alive to people.

Your goal now that you have been ordained?

To serve the people of Holy Cross and lead them in their efforts to minister to the needs of the community of Sanford.

www.cfdiocese.org

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFE/Erick Perez

Members of the clergy receive wine from the new ordinands at the Celebration of Holy Eucharist during the ordination service Sept. 9 at The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

23

DIOCESAN FAMILY Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb, Canon for Vocations for the Diocese of Central Florida.

Younger Clergy in Diocese of Central Florida Bucks National Average

One such way, particularly in the Diocese of Central Florida, is drawing younger individuals to the clergy in response to an interest in Jesus by younger generations.

57 percent of recent ordinands are under the age of 45

By Jeff Gardenour

Y

outh is a powerful thing, especially for clergy in the Diocese of Central Florida.

When Bishop Greg Brewer recently read an article about how ordained Episcopal clergy were getting older in the U.S., he knew right away that wasn’t indicative of his diocese.

Bishop Brewer’s hunch proved correct. Of the 14 priesthood track candidates ordained in the Diocese of Central Florida between July 30 and Sept. 9, a total of 57 percent (8 out of 14) are under the age of 45. Tracking further, research showed that 50 percent (7 of 14) are under the age of 40, and 21 percent (3 out of 14) are under the age of 35.

“If we disciple our children, youth and young adults, they will grow into spiritual maturity at a younger age and they will be better equipped to serve God wherever He calls them, as lay people and as ordained clergy.”

Those numbers are in stark contrast to nationwide research done by former All Saints Winter Park assistant rector Cameron Nations. His article, “The Future of the Episcopal Church’s Clergy” published in the Aug. 11, 2017, issue of “The Living Church” revealed that 40 percent of all clergy ordained were between the ages of 55 and 64, according to the Church Pension Group’s 2015 Church Compensation Report: A National, Provincial and Diocesan Analysis of Clergy Compensation.

“Bishop Brewer has emphasized leadership development from the beginning of his episcopacy,” said the Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb, Canon for Vocations for the Diocese of Central Florida. “Part of that emphasis is a conscious choice to seek out and raise up young leaders who will be able to learn from the many excellent clergy people we have, and to serve the church for years to come. The benefit of developing younger clergy is that they have more time to serve the church.”

The diocese’s trend toward younger clergy being ordained comes at a time when church attendance in TEC (The Episcopal Church) has dropped below 2 million, according to “The United States of America” by Jeremy Bonner.

Consequently, church leaders are making efforts to find new ways to draw new parishioners to church.

24

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

“There are a variety of reasons the younger generations are getting involved locally (in the clergy),” Holcomb said. “One of the big ones is that there are young people out there who are passionate about Jesus and His church, and our diocese is making an intentional effort to raise them up and train them for leadership.

“Many young clergy cite the leadership of Bishop Brewer as a draw to the diocese,” Holcomb said. “He is eager and dedicated to developing good, young leaders.”

Getting more of the younger generation attracted to ordained ministry is a multistep process, Holcomb said. Few leaders just appear; rather, they need to be encouraged, mentored, and trained, he said.

“The first step is discipleship,” Holcomb said. “If we disciple our children, youth and young adults, they will grow into spiritual maturity at a younger age and they will be better equipped to serve God wherever He calls them, as lay people and as ordained clergy. Our existing leaders also need to look for leadership potential in their young parishioners and cultivate that very intentionally. Almost any ordained leader you ask will be able to tell you about someone who first encouraged them to pursue ordination. Also, the more focused the church is on kingdom-hailed mission, the more faithful leaders will emerge and want to participate.”

For now, the statistics show a younger clergy on the rise in Central Florida – and that’s something Holcomb feels good about in the years ahead.

“Going forward, the plan is not only to continue actively raising up leaders, both lay and ordained, from within our churches, but also to seek out those who are already following God’s call to leadership but need a diocesan home,” Holcomb said.

“We are raising up leaders for the church for this generation; but, even more, for the future.”

www.cfdiocese.org

DIOCESAN FAMILY words of St. Peter, ‘The promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone, whom the Lord our God calls to Him’” (Acts 2:39).

Camp Wingmann Asks Men to Seek God’s Call at Retreat

By Jeff Gardenour

L

aughing around a campfire, making music and playing sports may be a family vacation for some, but they also will be some of the fun things participants do at the 2017 Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida men’s retreat.

The ninth annual retreat, scheduled for Nov. 1719 at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park, is open to all men (high school age and adults) throughout the diocese, as well as from other faiths. The event is traditionally held in mid-November at the scenic outpost in Highlands County, and will be marked with prayer, fellowship and plenty of fun.

“The primary purpose of the retreat for any man who attends is to ‘seek God’s call on his life,’” said Holy Trinity Episcopal co-rector Steve Easterday, an event leader. “The premise is that as Christians we are all ‘called and sent.’”

“Men Called and Sent” is this year’s theme based on some powerful verses in the book of Acts. Easterday said: “As men, ‘Called and Sent,’ we remember the words of Jesus, ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). We claim this promise for ourselves remembering the

www.cfdiocese.org

Scores of men are expected to descend on Camp Wingmann to hear this message from no less than eight leaders, including Easterday. Other coleaders are the Rev. David Burnsted of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Orlando; the Rev. Deke Miller of Camp Wingmann; the Rev. Dave Newhart of St. Elizabeth’s Church in Sebastian; the Rev. Canon Tim Nunez, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida; the Rev. Steve Pessah of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Child in Ormond Beach; the Rev. Tom Rutherford of the Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden; and the Rev. Bill Yates of Redeemer Episcopal Church in Avon Park.

Leading, however, is nothing new for Easterday, Rutherford and Yates, the three of whom also led the first retreat in 2009. Then, Yates was the director of Camp Wingmann.

Also helping the attendees appreciate their call to the Lord will be keynote speaker, the Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb of the Diocese of Central Florida.

He will speak on five topics: “You Are the Glory of God”; “The Glory of the Impossible” (overview of Acts); “Ordinary Men and Extraordinary Grace”; “Advocate, Mediator, Intercessor”; and “God’s Love to You and Through You.” Easterday cautioned that the annual event is not just about talking. He said attendees will eat great food and play sports and other recreational activities, explore the masculine side of God, hang out with the guys, climb on a ropes course or cheer the other guys on, pray for healing and help, experience quiet time with priests available for guidance and/or confession; laugh around a campfire; make music; and seek God’s heart in the Bible.

The camaraderie and spirituality of the retreat has drawn many participants through the years.

However, the event is not required of clergy. When additional clergy who are not on the leadership roster do attend, current leaders incorporate them into the leadership the following year, Easterday said.

“The retreat is open to any man who would like to attend,” Easterday said. “Typically, the rectors

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAMP WINGMANN

The ninth annual Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida Men’s Retreat will be held Nov. 17-19 at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park.

involved have encouraged men from their parishes to attend, but over the years many men from throughout the diocese and some from other faith traditions have participated. All ages of adult men are included. Participants have ranged from young men just graduating from high school to men in their 80s. The focus is always on some part of the Bible, so ecumenical participation from beyond the Episcopal Church is easy and welcomed.”

Cost is $135 per person. All checks should be made payable to “Camp Wingmann.” Registrants also can pay via money order or credit card online at www.campwingmann.org on the internet.

Deadline to register is Wednesday, Nov. 8.

For more information, call toll-free 866-526-3380 or visit www.campwingmann.org on the internet.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

25

EPISCOPAL & ANGLICAN NEWS Dr. Lupe Allyson Ruiz, left, meets Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church at the U.N. Commission on the Status on Women “Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Changing World of Work” or UNSCW61, in March in New York City.

Shepherd of the Hills Parishioner Meets Bishop Curry at U.N.

“Thousands attended the UNSCW61 and perhaps 200 from the Episcopal and Anglican Churches,” New said.

s a human-rights lawyer whose mission is to advance the status of indigenous women, Dr. Lupe Allyon Ruiz felt an entirely new level of empowerment recently in New York.

Ruiz, 48, served as an observer at UNSCW61, but got the privilege to share her work in Latin America with Curry at his residence. She has been a key figure in promoting the “Planet 50-50 by 2030 Step It Up for Gender Equality” campaign in Latin America, discussing how girls and women make up more than half the world’s population but whose progress is severely impacted by poverty, climate change, food and water insecurity, lack of health care, and global economic crises.

There, the Shepherd of the Hills Church parishioner got the chance to meet and share her views with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church at the U.N. Commission on the Status on Women “Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Changing World of Work” or UNSCW61, which met March 13-24 in New York City.

To counter those problems, UNSCW61 leaders say that change begins at home, where families can delegate responsibilities to form a family environment that is relative to economic empowerment of women. Such actions ensure a better standard of living and make globalization more inclusive for girls and women.

By Jeff Gardenour

A

resident of the U.S. and citizen of Peru, she was the only person from the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida to be appointed by Curry to attend the event, which focused on the topics Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Developmental Goals.

“Bishop Curry is very charismatic and asked that we take his message back to the parishes,” said Ruiz’s husband, Bill New, who serves as his wife’s official interpreter.

“Participating in the UNSCW61 was a That message was multifold: the U.N. wonderful opportunity and experience is not perfect, but it represents the best for me,” Ruiz said in her presentation. option available for advancing causes “I believe that I contributed to both Dr. Ruiz from women’s issues to climate change; the ecumenical as well as the sociothat the representatives at UNSCW61 economic objectives of the Episcopal take this message back to their parishes; and that Church and the U.N. My ongoing commitment is to the Episcopal Church remain in a position to help present the mission of both the Episcopal Church influence the direction of the United Nations, and the U.N. to interested groups in our diocese as according to Dr. Ruiz’s presentation. well as other Episcopal dioceses.”

For Ruiz, the opportunity to speak on the status of indigenous women was the chance of a lifetime.

Born in Tingo Maria, Peru, and a legal permanent

Although Ruiz has worked for various NGO and governmental agencies in Latin America, including USAID, this was her first trip to the U.N.

Family dynamics, in turn, help women and girls make an impact toward sustainable development, inclusive societies and economic productivity and growth, and more. Leaders are asking governments to monitor and review Agenda 2030 at all levels to ensure success, and that men take an active role in promoting equal rights. Men are asked to stand against discrimination and violence against women, and to provide equal opportunity for women in the workplace.

“The UN promulgated another resolution urging governments at all levels to continue the fight against poverty and launch efforts to reach sustainable development goals by 2030,” said Ruiz, who has resided in Citrus Hills since June of 2016. “The only way this will happen is if a nexus is created between the private and public sector.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL NEW

26

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

www.cfdiocese.org

DIOCESE •

Diocesan Calendar

•

(For Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas season event listings, please see pages 11-13) Nov. 10-11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Craft Faire

Event to be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Eustis. Proceeds will go to ERD for hurricane fund.

Nov. 10-12 – High School Retreat

“Pura Vida” spirit-filled weekend for students in grades 9-12 at Camp Wingmann, 3404 Camp Wingmann Road, Avon Park. Check-in at Mess Hall at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10. Check-out is noon, Sunday, Nov.12.

Guest speaker is Stephen Ray. Clergy leaders are Revs. Phyllis Bartle, Becky Toalster, and Deke Miller. Directing music is Kevin Bartle. More information at: www.campwingmann.org

Nov. 11, 6-7:30 p.m. – Chili Cook-off & Dessert Auction Event to be held at Church of the Good Shepherd, Maitland.

Nov. 11, 5 -8 p.m. – Masque Ball

Social event at St. Edward’s in Mount Dora, presented by the Cursillo Commission. Attire is black, white, or black and white. Masks will be available at the door for those who do not bring one. Interested persons may extend this invitation to those outside the Cursillo community to afford the opportunity to introduce them to the Cursillo family. Beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres, and music will be provided.

Prizes will be presented for best dressed and best mask. A basket raffle also will be held. A $5 donation is appreciated.

RSVP to Kim McMaster, 4th Day Chair at kmcmaster1@cfl.rr.com or call 386-672-5903.

Nov. 12, 5 p.m. – Prayer Service

Prayer Service at Bethesda Church, Frizen Center on the campus of Pioneers USA in Lake Nona, 10146 William Carey Drive, Orlando.

Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. - Installation

Dec. 1, 7 p.m. - African Children’s Choir Concert

Event to be held at St. George Episcopal Church, The Villages Benefit for “Music for Life Institute.” For more information, please watch the video using the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jH_o8Pm_Ik

Dec. 2, 4 p.m. – Retirement Dinner for the Rev. Cecil Radcliff

Event to be held at St. Luke & St. Peter Episcopal Church, St. Cloud.

Dec. 3, 5 p.m. – Prayer Service Dec. 8-9 – Dangerous Prayer Retreat

Jesus: Yesterday, Today, and Forever retreat to be held at Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center, Oviedo. Through sharing, reflection, quietness, singing, and conversation, participants will explore the life of Christian faith. By looking back, participants will identify moments of revelation, encounter, and transformation (Jesus Yesterday). Through active participation, participants will position themselves to dwell in the house of the Lord (Jesus Today). By prayerful discernment, participants will seek the Lord as to the transformation He wants to bring into their lives and how they are to grow in their knowledge of Him until they see Him face to face (Jesus Forever). Check-in at 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8. Check-out at 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9.

Dec. 12, 6 p.m. – Glennon House Healing Service Event at All Saints, Winter Park.

Dec. 14, 10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist with Confirmations/ Receptions Event at Bishop’s Oratory, Diocesan Office, Orlando.

Installation of Dr. Katherine Cobb as president, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne.

Dec. 16, 5-8 p.m. – Annual Holiday Wild Game Dinner

Nov. 17-19 Men’s Retreat

Dec. 31, 5 p.m. – Prayer Service

Event at Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center, Oviedo.

The ninth annual men’s retreat, “ACTS: Men Called & Sent,” will be held at Camp Wingmann, 3404 Camp Wingmann Road, Avon Park, FL 33825. Featured speaker is the Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb, Canon for Vocations in the Diocese of Central Florida. Retreat, which is open to all men and their friends, begins at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 17, and ends after lunch on Sunday, Nov. 19.

Prayer Service at Bethesda Church, Frizen Center on the campus of Pioneers USA in Lake Nona, 10146 William Carey Drive, Orlando.

Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Cookie Walk & Holiday Market

Jan. 5-7 – Winter Camp

Event to be held at Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo.

Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Pre-Advent Retreat

Pre-Advent Retreat with Lindisfarne Scriptorium artist Mary Fleeson at Church of the Good Shepherd, 331 Lake Ave., Maitland.

Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-1p.m. – Central Deanery Clericus Event at All Saints Episcopal Church, Winter Park.

Nov. 26, 5 p.m. – Prayer Service

Prayer Service at Bethesda Church, Frizen Center on the campus of Pioneers USA in Lake Nona, 10146 William Carey Drive, Orlando.

Nov. 26, a.m. – Celebration of New Ministry & Installation

The Rev. Reid McCormick as rector at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Fort Pierce.

Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Southwest Deanery Clericus Event at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Lakeland.

www.cfdiocese.org

Jan. 4, 2018, 10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist with Confirmations/Receptions Event at Bishop’s Oratory, Diocesan Office, Orlando.

Camp Wingmann’s Winter Camp is open to middle schoolers and high schoolers. Camp is an opportunity for youths to meet for a spiritual boost and catch up with summer camp buddies. Campers can enjoy sports, the ropes course, line dancing, stargazing, singing, great food, and praising God. Cost is $95 per person. Registration is being taken online at www.campwingmann.org and by clicking on the REGISTER Now button on the left side of the home page. Registration closes at midnight, Dec. 31. For more information, call toll-free 866-526-3380 or email the retreat at campwingmannregistrar@gmail.com

Jan. 6, 10 a.m.-12 noon – Southeast Deanery PreConvention Meeting Event at St. Mark’s, Cocoa.

Jan. 7, 4-6 p.m. – Northeast Deanery Pre-Convention Meeting Event at Grace Church, Port Orange.

Jan. 11, 7 p.m. – Central Deanery Pre-Convention Meeting Event at Church of the Ascension, Orlando.

Jan. 13, 10 a.m.-12 noon – Northwest Deanery Pre-Convention Meeting Event at Shepherd of the Hills, Lecanto.

Jan. 14, 4-6 p.m. – Southwest Deanery Pre-Convention Meeting Event at St. Stephen’s, Lakeland.

Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 – Annual Diocesan Convention

49th Annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida to be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2365 Pine Ave., Vero Beach 32960. More Information on diocesan website at http://www. cfdiocese.org/2018-annual-diocesan-convention/

Bishop Brewer Visitation Schedule 11/12/17 11/15/17 (a.m.)

11/15/17 (p.m.)

11/19/17 11/26/17

12/3/17 12/10/17 12/12/17 12/17/17 12/24/17 12/31/17 1/7/18 1/14/18 1/21/18 1/26-27/18

1/28/18 2/3/18

2/4/18 2/11/18 2/14/18 2/17/18

2/18/18 2/24/18

2/25/18

Holy Trinity, Melbourne Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy Upper School, Melbourne Church in the Son, Orlando St. Paul’s, Winter Haven No Visitation; new ministry – Fr. Reid McCormick (St. Andrew’s, Ft. Pierce) St. Francis of Assisi, Lake Placid Good Shepherd, Maitland Glennon House (All Saints’, Winter Park) St. James, Leesburg Cathedral, Orlando No Visitation Shepherd of the Hills, Lecanto Our Saviour, Okeechobee St. Agnes, Sebring 49th Annual Diocesan Convention (Trinity, Vero Beach) Cathedral, Orlando Bishop’s Youth Event (Camp Wingmann, Avon Park) Holy Trinity, Bartow St. Jude’s, Orange City Ash Wednesday (Cathedral, Orlando) Diocesan Altar Guild Annual Meeting (All Saints’, Lakeland) Ascension, Orlando Absalom Jones Celebration (Good Shepherd, Maitland) Corpus Christi, Okahumpka

Bishop Brewer’s visitation dates are subject to change.

Please refer to www.cfdiocese.org for the most current visitation listing.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Nov.-Dec. 2017

27

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN 1017 E. Robinson Street Orlando, FL 32801-2023 Non-Profit Organization U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 4111 ORLANDO, FLORIDA

GE T MORE CFE NEWS ONLINE! Readers can get more news

from the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida by accessing our online site:

www.cfdiocese.org

CENTRALFLORIDA

EPISCOPALIAN

NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG • Volume 119, No. 6 • Nov.-Dec. 2017

Page 8

Dozens Called to Conference on Ministry

Page 14

Holiday Season Features Joyful Voices of Cathedral Choirs

Canterbury to Celebrate Holidays with Wild Game Dinner

Page 15

Church of the Good Shepherd Invites All to ‘Follow the Star’

Pages 16-17

Page 25

Camp Wingmann Asks Men to Seek God’s Call at Retreat