Ancient Faith, Joyful Service

BY THE RT. REV. GREGORY O. BREWER

During Advent, our ancient faith moves us to look both backward and forward to the wondrous work of God (see The Rev. Porter Taylor’s excellent article on “Ancient Advent," p. 12, for further explanation of this truth). I use the term “wondrous work” because, although circumstances occur that we would never choose on our own, the sovereign hand of the Lord moves throughout – and in the end, we can find the blessing in each one.

As I contemplate the multiple ways God has worked within the Diocese of Central Florida in this eventful year of 2021, I must first respond in humble gratitude for the many gifts we have received. Yes, the pandemic continued in ways none of us could have anticipated, but we also saw God use it to open doors wide for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We saw our clergy and congregants respond in ways that clearly communicate God's love to a hurting world.

Whether pandemic-related or otherwise, our joyful service has its roots in an ancient faith that gives us the strength to endure despite hardship, the grace to minister to others despite our personal pain and the power to proclaim the love and truth of Christ in a world filled with anything but.

I think of online stories the diocese has featured throughout the year (see the “Digital Digest Roundup,” p. 17) that point to such Spirit-empowered ministry. All Saints, Winter Park, restarted its Glennon House healing ministry, offering critical soul care by phone, Zoom and now in person.

Some of our churches had only a small food pantry or none at all. But hungry people can’t wait on

committees. St. John the Baptist in Orlando’s Washington Shores neighborhood was one of many that kicked its food pantry into high gear.

And I can’t fail to mention the tremendous vaccination effort, particularly among our churches that minister to the underserved Hispanic community. The Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez, vicar at Jesús de Nazaret in Orlando’s Azalea Park area, worked with a vibrant team to bring vaccination centers to Spanish-speaking Episcopal churches and other Latin-friendly sites.

But God does not confine his work to the past. As you peruse these pages, you'll find ongoing examples of joyful service that also stand as present-day expression of our ancient faith. “Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico Charts Provincial Path Forward” (p. 8) points to our key role in the councils of the church as well as to the work of repentance and reconciliation that lies ahead. In “Bishop Patrick Augustine: Ambassador for the Sake of the Gospel” (p. 14), you’ll read of a man who, rather than making the easy choice of retirement, allows his faith to propel him to selfless and joyful service in the Diocese of Bor, South Sudan.

The “not yet” of Advent means we will have still more opportunities to celebrate God’s great work. Will you join me in watching for it, both in this holy season and the year ahead?

Grace to You,

Bishop Gregory O. Brewer