Central Florida Episcopalian Magazine - Advent 2022

EPISCOPALIAN CENTRAL FLORIDA

Pillars of Progress

JOURNEY TOWARD THE BELOVED COMMUNITY:

The Rev. Canon Dr. Nelson Pinder’s

Pillars of Progress

“Our UBE chapter hopes to continue Pinder’s legacy.” p. 6

FROM VISION TO REALITY: Bishop Brewer’s Strategic Pillars of Progress

“As his episcopacy draws to a close, Brewer remains focused on the task ahead.” p. 12

ARTÍCULOS NOTABLES EN ESPAÑOL

Photo Credit: Orlando Sentinel/TCA

COVER PHOTO

The Rev. Canon Dr. Nelson Wardell Pinder (July 27, 1932 – July 10, 2022), “the street priest”

ESPAÑOL

Nuestro Adviento local y global, por Obispo Brewer

La segunda cosecha: El ministerio hispano diocesano continúa su expansión

BISHOP BREWER

Our Local, Global Advent

DIOCESAN FAMILY

Honduras Thanksgiving Offering to Have Physical, Spiritual Impact

An Advent Reminder

The Twofold Vision of Advent

Convention Clarity

LEADERSHIP

6 Journey Toward the Beloved Community: The Rev. Canon Dr. Nelson Pinder’s Pillars of Progress

Bishop Search Process Forges Ahead

From Vision to Reality: Bishop Brewer’s Strategic Pillars of Progress

The Second Harvest: Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Continues Expansion

ANGLICAN COUNCILS

Lambeth Conference Emphasizes Global Communion

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Youth Bring Soul in the City to DeLand

MINISTRIES

Holy Trinity, Melbourne, Hosts Diocesan-Wide Cursillo Grand Ultreya

Kids at Camp Wingmann Learn How to ‘Make It Matter’

A Welcoming, Sacred Place

DIOCESAN CALENDAR

23 The Nativity of Our Lord, Bishop Brewer’s Visitations, Ordinations, Subscriptions

Connect with us on social media @cfdiocese

EPISCOPALIAN

Pinder’s dual commitment to serve the powerless and the church rests within the DNA of the Union of Black Episcopalians.

“When you think about what Bishop Brewer is trying to accomplish, his ministry is relational, period, end of story,” said The Rev. Canon Tim Nunez.

Under Bishop Brewer’s leadership, our Hispanic ministries have extended a powerful posture of hospitality to the stranger.

THE DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

The Right Reverend Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop Serving 15 counties through 82 churches and over 25,000 parishioners

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry,  Presiding Bishop and Primate An international community of 2.5 million Christians in North and South America, Europe and Taiwan

THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

The Most Reverend Justin Welby,  Archbishop of Canterbury A global community of more than 85 million Christians in more than 165 countries worldwide

Our Local, Global Advent

BY THE RT. REV. GREGORY O. BREWER

Advent is the breaking in of the kingdom of God that impacts all of human history. When I consider this unique season for the church, I think about more than just how it affects me. The coming of God’s Son, both in his Bethlehem birth and in his return, is not just a private event that happens to individuals; it’s cataclysmic, world-shifting. It changes everything.

Advent represents the inauguration of a new heaven and a new earth. Although it affects me personally, it is in no way exclusive. And that’s how this season has a direct connection to the Lambeth Conference I attended this summer (see “Lambeth Conference Emphasizes Global Communion,” p. 9).

Because the Anglican Communion itself is global, Lambeth reminded me in a very real way that to be an Anglican requires us to be global citizens. As I interacted with bishops from across the world, I realized anew how everything we do in the Diocese of Central Florida, at one level or another, has a direct effect on the Communion as a whole. I bear responsibility to think about the global impact of my actions, both in terms of policy and in the way I live my life. And so do you.

Scripture itself imparts this same kind of global vision. When I think about the words of Jesus and his concern for the least of these, I see the same perspective, one that moves me to look beyond myself. It gives me the capacity and urgency to share the message of “come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28) with everyone, not just with those who look or act like me.

This has a direct connection to Advent. In a historyshaping, life-changing, world-impacting moment, God broke into space and time by sending his Son. As we look back at this divine interruption, we look forward to the day when Jesus returns, another historyshaping, life-changing, world-impacting moment. Advent also calls us to think about how we can be world changers: how we can make a positive impact on our community in a way that extends beyond our immediate area, how we can bring the good news of Christ to the world.

As the old cliche says, “Think globally; act locally.” That statement describes what it means to be an Anglican Christian and the way we are profoundly connected to one another. The gospel of Christ is a world changer, which means it changes people in Burma, in London, in Singapore and in Buenos Aires as well as in Central Florida. The gospel itself is the gospel for the whole world, not just for people like you or like me.

That’s the gift of being a part of the global Anglican Communion. And that’s the gift of Advent: the opportunity to be a profound part of God’s work in changing lives, “world without end, amen.”

to you, Gregory O. Brewer

Grace

Nuestro Adviento local y global

POR OBISPO GREGORY O. BREWER

El Adviento es la irrupción del reino de Dios que impacta toda la historia humana. Cuando considero esta temporada única para la iglesia, pienso en algo más que en cómo me afecta. La venida del Hijo de Dios, tanto en su nacimiento en Belén como en su regreso, no es solo un evento privado que le sucede a individuos; es cataclísmico, cambia el mundo. Lo cambia todo.

El Adviento representa la inauguración de un nuevo cielo y una nueva tierra. Aunque me afecta personalmente, no es de ninguna manera exclusivo. Y es así como esta temporada tiene una conexión directa con la conferencia Lambeth a la que asistí este verano (ver el artículo en la pág. 9).

Debido a que la comunión anglicana en sí es global, Lambeth me recordó de manera muy real que ser anglicano requiere que seamos ciudadanos globales. Mientras interactuaba con obispos de todo el mundo me di cuenta de nuevo cómo todo lo que hacemos en la Diócesis de la Florida Central, de una manera u otra, tiene un efecto directo sobre la comunión como un todo. Tengo la responsabilidad de pensar en el impacto global de mis acciones, tanto en términos de principios como en la forma en que vivo mi vida, y tú también. La Escritura de por sí imparte este mismo tipo de visión global. Cuando pienso en las palabras de Jesús y su preocupación por el más pequeño de estos, veo la misma perspectiva que me mueve a mirar más allá de mí mismo. Me da la capacidad y la urgencia de compartir el mensaje de “venid a mí todos los que estáis trabajados y cargados, y yo os haré descansar” (Mateo 11:28) con todos, no solo con aquellos que se ven o actúan como yo.

Esto tiene una conexión directa con el Adviento. En un momento que transformó la historia, que cambió la vida y que impactó al mundo, Dios irrumpió en el espacio y el tiempo al enviar a su Hijo. Mientras miramos hacia atrás a esta divina interrupción esperamos con ansias el día en que Jesús regrese, otro momento que transformará la historia, que cambiará la vida e impactará al mundo. El Adviento también nos invita a pensar en cómo podemos cambiar al mundo: cómo podemos hacer un impacto positivo en nuestra comunidad de manera que se extienda más allá de nuestro entorno, cómo podemos compartir las buenas nuevas de Cristo al mundo. Como dice el viejo cliché: “Piensa globalmente; actúa localmente”. Esa declaración describe lo que significa ser un cristiano anglicano y la forma en que estamos profundamente conectados unos con otros. El evangelio de Cristo es un cambiador del mundo, lo que significa que cambia a la gente en Birmania, en Londres, en Singapur y en Buenos Aires, así como en la Florida Central. El Evangelio mismo es el Evangelio para todo el mundo, no solo para gente como tú y como yo.

Ese es el regalo de ser parte de la comunión anglicana mundial. Y ese es el regalo del Adviento: la oportunidad de ser una parte profunda de la obra de Dios en la transformación de vidas, “un mundo sin fin, amén”.

Su gracia sobre ti,

Gregory O. Brewer

Honduras Thanksgiving Offering to Have Physical, Spiritual Impact

BY MARTI PIEPER

Salvation. Healing. Miracles. The Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen, bishop of the Diocese of Honduras, has experienced all of these and more at Holy Cross Episcopal Camp and Conference Center in Muchilena, Omoa, Honduras - including both his saving encounter with Christ and his calling to ordained ministry. His desire that the conference center remain a haven for God’s powerful work underlies his plans for this year’s annual Thanksgiving offering via the Diocese of Central Florida.

Allen recalls a 16-year-old girl who attended Happening, the youth version of Cursillo, held at the conference center. Unable to walk, she was carried into and around the center by the other youth. But after a prayer vigil the final evening, she left Holy Cross walking on her own. “It’s a spiritually moving place; it’s filled with the Holy Spirit,” Allen said. “And a lot of people who have come to know Christ have done so at Holy Cross Epis copal Camp and Conference Center.”

Whenever he sees that young woman, now an adult, she reminds him of how the time at the center changed her life. And he wants to see that vital work continue.

“Whenever a building is left and not used, it deteriorates,” Allen said of the two years the COVID-19 pandemic rendered Holy Cross inactive. “Out of the four or five buildings we have, the clergy cabin was

affected the most. The air conditioners were ruined. We had cracks in the walls. ... The doors were all cracked; some of them couldn’t open because they hadn’t been used for such a long time, so we have to do major repairs.”

The clergy cabin houses 25-30 clergy during events such as the annual restorative retreat Allen hosts after Holy Week and the pre-Advent retreat each November. It is also used during the annual Diocesan Convention and workshops for the Diocese of Honduras’ seven parochial schools as well as during events other denominations hold there.

Allen pointed not only to his diocese’s need for finances but for people as well, requesting volunteer English teachers. Those who stay for the entire academic year will receive a small stipend and

transportation to and from the U.S. Fluency in Spanish, although an asset, is not required, and an option exists for online teaching for those unable to travel. The bishop also stressed the continuing need for technical help as well as used laptops and other electronic devices to refurbish and distribute to students.

Allen expressed his gratitude to the Diocese of Central Florida for its faithful support of its partner diocese, noting that last year’s Thanksgiving offering provided essential repairs on his home church, Holy Spirit, Tela. “On behalf of the clergy and staff here at the diocesan office, I really want to express my gratitude for Bishop Greg’s leadership and his companionship with the Diocese of Honduras. Thank you all very much. Muchas gracias!”

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MADE PAYABLE TO: “Diocese of Central Florida.”

MEMO: “2022 Thanksgiving Offering”

MAIL TO: Diocese of Central Florida, 1017 E. Robinson St., Orlando, FL 32801

TO VOLUNTEER, CONTACT: Jackie de Ruiz, jruiz.ebp@episcopalhn.org

Photos courtesy the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras

Clergy cabin, Holy Cross Camp and Conference Center, October 2022

Storm damage within the clergy cabin

Journey Toward the Beloved Community

The Rev. Canon Dr. Nelson Pinder’s Pillars of Progress

BY DR. JOHN ROBERTSON

The Rev. Canon Dr. Nelson Wardell Pinder, known as Father Pinder, had one overriding mission. Dedicated to peace, he was deeply committed to bringing people together in the love of God. To accomplish this, he became a tireless warrior for social justice. He wore the title of “canon” lightly, dropping it when he felt it got in the way of connecting with others. Since his death on July 10, 2022, the Canon Nelson Pinder Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians is continuing his activist faith via pillars of progress that we hope to extend far into the future.

Few in our diocese know of UBE, The Episcopal Church’s largest advocacy organization. It is a confederation of more than 55 chapters and interest groups throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean with additional members in Canada, Africa and Latin America.

Pinder asked that contributions in his memory go toward two organizations he loved: Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach and our diocesan UBE chapter.

Pillar of Education

These bequests were consistent with his mission. Pinder saw education as an essential pillar; everyone who knew him also knew his dedication to Bethune-Cookman. He graduated from this institution, met his wife there, and grounded his faith in the required chapel services.

His support extended over the years to encompass two other historically Black colleges and universities: St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh,

Pinder receiving his honorary doctorate from Nashotah House Seminary.

North Carolina, and Voorhees University in Denmark, South Carolina. Both Episcopal schools have educated many Black leaders; St. Augustine’s is the alma mater of three current Episcopal bishops.

Pinder never forgot his journey to ordination or the struggles of young seminarians. He left a legacy of guiding priests, mentoring many up until his death. In addition to his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he received two honorary doctorates and was a proud graduate of Nashotah House Seminary.

Pinder being presented for ordination to the priesthood in 1960.

Pillar of Social Activism

Pinder’s second pillar developed out of a deep commitment to help those who resembled those in need on the streets where he grew up. As a young priest caring for the least, lost and left-out on New York City’s Lower East Side, he never forgot his roots as a descendant of Bahamian parents in segregated Liberty City, Miami.

Although Pinder wanted to remain in New York, his bishop saw the need in Orlando and sent him to the Diocese of Central Florida. His emphasis on the downtrodden continued here, solidifying his reputation as the “street priest” or “hoodlum priest” whose ministry embraced all people.

Pinder could also have been called the “traveling priest.” For several years, he conducted morning Eucharist at St. James, Daytona Beach, then drove 60-plus miles to minister at St. John the Baptist, Orlando.

Throughout his ministry, Pinder was a uniter, working with those of every denominational and political stripe. He viewed his community service as not a political but a spiritual journey, following Jesus’ declaration that “just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40b).

our spiritual ancestor, Absalom Jones, we serve as a voice for those who have none and strive to be inclusive of all our brothers and sisters in the faith, regardless of race, gender or other life status. Our membership includes Blacks, whites, Latinos and others who identify as minorities.

We serve as a voice for those who have none and strive to be inclusive of all our brothers and sisters in the faith, regardless of race, gender or other life status.

Pinder helped form the UBE in the turbulent 1960s, later becoming its 15th president. After the UBE canceled a major conference following the brutal police killing of a Black man, he is credited with leading the organization back into financial viability. He also reminded us that Black Episcopal churches were often smaller and less financially endowed than others but served as the conscience of The Episcopal Church, a role he felt should be retained.

Enduring Progress

Our UBE chapter hopes to continue Pinder’s legacy of challenging our churches and diocese to move toward Becoming Beloved Community by examining and enhancing anti-racism efforts. Our national organization has tasked each chapter to engage with its bishop to develop an effective, updated diocesan anti-racism program, and The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer has given us his time, feedback and guidance.

We embarked on a project that established an Engagement Committee to identify concerns and met with the bishop over several months. In January 2022, we formed a larger task force, reaching out to find clergy and lay members willing to devote time to reviving our anti-racism efforts.

Pinder and his allies, including the 100 Black Men and his beloved fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, broke down segregation’s walls in both Orlando and the diocese. He led efforts to integrate the police department, hospitals, schools, local government offices, businesses, lunch counters and restrooms.

His dual commitment to serve the powerless and the church rests within the DNA of the UBE, whose motto is “Celebrating the Black Presence in The Episcopal Church.” Like Pinder and

An oft-repeated story captures his more than 60-year commitment to St. John the Baptist. After retiring and staying away as required, he was asked to return twice as interim priest. “They keep firing me, then calling me back,” he said.

But Pinder’s journey was not a solitary one. Marian, his marriage partner of 62 years, often joined him in challenging the unfairness of segregation. God blessed the Pinders with two children, Gail (deceased) and Nelson, along with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The Becoming Beloved Community Task Force, chaired by The Rev. Michelle Roach, Christ Church, Longwood, held its first meeting in February 2022 and has met monthly since. At an August retreat, the task force developed an anti-racism plan and sent it for the bishop’s review; we hope to present it at the February 2023 Diocesan Convention.

The UBE welcomes you to engage in an anti-racism effort that will help our diocese become more inclusive, more diverse and more like what a Beloved Community might be for all of God’s children. As Pinder often said, “I found out a lot of people want to help; you just got to ask them.”

Photos courtesy of Mrs. Marian Pinder and Ms. Krisita Jackson

Pinder being honored by the Orlando Police Department in appreciation for his community service.

The newly married Nelson and Marian Pinder

An Advent Reminder

Remain Faithful in the Middle

BY THE REV. CANON SCOTT T. HOLCOMBE

It is virtually impossible. If you focus on the rearview mirror, everything beyond its plane appears blurred. But if you focus on the scene ahead, the rearview mirror display goes out of focus. The only way to have a clear perspective on both views is to get some distance away from both.

As we gaze into our biblical rearview mirror, we find ancient prophets who spoke of future events that would guide the faithful to know the Messiah, the Son of God. They pointed to signs of the baby to be born of a young virgin girl in Bethlehem and then visited by the magi. Later in life, this child would become the suffering servant who would atone for the sins of the world.

But scripture also invites us to look at coming events that reveal the prophetic voices pointing toward Messiah’s return.

As 21st-century believers, we read about a second coming of Christ in glory, the signs and warnings that will announce his return. We read about the earth’s future birth pangs, people’s hearts growing cold, wars and rumors of wars, false prophets and teachers speaking what itching ears want to hear, and an increase in persecutions and tribulations. What are we to make of such instruction?

Advent calls us to stand in the middle, between the first and second coming of Christ, and to be faithful. We must look back at his miraculous birth, ministry, life, death and Resurrection as we look forward to his glorious return.

When I was in seminary, a local pastor predicted the time of Christ’s return (although Matthew 24:36 says no one knows). One of the beloved professors, Dr. Donald Armentrout, was asked to give a lecture about Christ’s second coming. He agreed. As word spread from seminary to the college to the townspeople, the event was moved from a classroom to the

Bishop’s Common to All Saints Chapel (which holds over a thousand people).

On the day of the event, Armentrout walked silently to the pulpit, pulled out a legal pad, thanked the packed church and began with these words: “I have spent my whole life trying to come to grips with the first coming of Christ. I have not had time to worry about his second coming.” He then stepped out of the pulpit and walked to the exit doors.

Amid stunned silence, one unknown student said, “The word of the Lord,” to which all responded, “Thanks be to God.”

On that day I learned about the middle: what it means to grasp the power and impact of Christ’s first coming and also to stare into the apocalyptic future. It is into this middle that Advent invites us to stand, remain faithful and await the fulfillment of the prophecies of Christ’s second coming. We must not try to erase the tension or explain it away, but live into God’s purpose and plan as it unfolds around us.

Thanks be to God.

PHOTO: © David Cornelius | Dreamstime.com

When driving, have you ever tried to look forward and backward at the same time?

Lambeth Conference Emphasizes GLOBAL COMMUNION

BY MARTI PIEPER

“Life-changing.”

That’s how The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer described his and his wife’s time at Lambeth, the international assembly of Anglican bishops convened by the archbishop of Canterbury that meets approximately every 10 years. This year’s Lambeth Conference, convened by The Most Rev. Justin Welby and titled, “God’s Church for God’s World,” met at the Universi ty of Kent and Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England, July 26-Aug. 8. More than 650 bishops and spouses attended along with other leaders from the global Anglican Communion. Bishops met together every day and discussed Lambeth Calls, documents prepared for them covering a wide range of subjects and intended to express the mind of bishops in the Communion. Subjects addressed included: Human Dignity, Mission and Evangelism, Discipleship, Environment and Sustainable Development, Anglican Identity, Science and Faith, Safe Church, Interfaith Relations, Reconciliation, and Christian Unity. Those statements are presently in draft form awaiting publication.

For Brewer, there were two prima ry takeaways. “One was a very clear emphasis on reaching out to the most persecuted parts of the An glican Communion,” he said. “I had some very moving conversations with bishops from South Sudan, Burma and Pakistan. They talked about what persecution as a fact of normal life was like for them, which is almost unimaginable unless you hear those stories firsthand about what they endure just for being a Christian. The significance of these bishops is extraordinary; they are the true heroes of our Communion. They are the ones who are paying a price for the gospel that puts the rest of us to shame.”

Brewer said the second key em phasis was “the recognition of the reality of plurality in both doctrine and worship. It used to be that one could go almost anywhere in the world and still feel at home among

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the altar during the opening service at the 15th Lambeth Conference at Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday, July 31, 2022

Anglicans because we held both liturgy and doctrine in common. We now live in a Communion that wrestles with both doctrinal and liturgical diversity while still holding a common polity.

“The bishops at this Lambeth Conference expressed their commitment to remain together as one global body and to find ways to work together amid these differences,” he said. “They are choosing not to split apart. This includes the Global South Fellowship (conservative bishops who serve mainly south of the equator) who chose, courageously, to remain as constituent members of the Communion even though they do not support gay marriage.

“As the Communion moves into the 21st century, these empha ses of global diversity and the witness of the persecuted will con tinue to shape us in profound ways,” Brewer added. “Regardless of one’s theology, none of us can afford to be so irresponsible as to act as if the concerns of the rest of the Communion are subor dinate to our concerns as Episcopalians. As Episcopalians, we are only a small part of the global picture, and the call to act in full partnership with the rest of the Communion is urgent.”

Bishop Brewer and Laura Lee Brewer at Lambeth with The Most Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall, bishop of Raiwind and moderator of the Church of Pakistan

If the Diocese of Central Florida created a road sign for its bishop search process, it might read, “Full Speed Ahead.’’ The search, active for well over a year, is pressing toward its final stages with no signs of slowing down. Three candidates are on the slate, and the Special Electing Convention is set for Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at Trinity Preparatory Academy, Winter Park, with delegates from the January 2022 Diocesan Convention as electors (see “Convention Clarity” p. 22). Candidates for bishop include The Very Rev. Charles “Roy” Allison II, rector, St. James, Ormond Beach, and dean of the Northeast Deanery; The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, canon for vocations, Diocese of Central Florida; and The Rev. Dr. Stacey “Stace” Timothy Tafoya, rector, Church of the Epiphany, Denver. For more information, please visit dcfsearch.org.

“The candidates we have are excellent,” said The Rev. Chris Rodriguez, chair of the Search Committee and rector of Trinity, Vero Beach. “I’m confident that we have done what the Lord has called us to do, which is to bring a pool of candidates to the Standing Committee. They’re all qualified; they all bring different strengths and personalities.

“We are certain that one of these candidates is the person whom God has chosen to be our next bishop,” he added. In his position as Search Committee chair, Rodriguez has been in close contact with all of the candidates and has come to know them well.

“All of them have gone into this with the mindset of trying to actively discern who is the person that God has called as our next bishop,” Rodriguez said. “And it might not be that individual, but they are a part of this process to help us discern whom God has chosen.”

Rodriguez is grateful for the team of men and women who assisted him in the long process of fulfilling the Search

The Very Rev. Charles “Roy” Allison II Rector, St. James, Ormond Beach, and dean of the Northeast Deanery

The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin S. Holcomb Canon for Vocations, Diocese of Central Florida

Committee’s charge from the Standing Committee. “They all did an amazing job,” he said. “And the diocese as a whole should be very thankful for how they approached this task. It was a lot of work in a very short amount of time, and they did a great job. As the chair, I was very proud of them and their hard work and dedication to the task that was given to us.”

Transition Committee Hard at Work

As of Sept. 19, when the Search Committee presented the final slate of candidates to the Standing Committee, the Search Committee’s work concluded. But the Transition Committee, chaired by The Rev. Becky Chapman, deacon at St. Francis, Bushnell, had already begun its work. “My team hit the ground running by mid-June,” she said.

In addition to Chapman, committee members include: The Rev. Kevin Bartle, rector, St. Mary of the Angels, Orlando; The Rev. John Clark, deacon and president/founder of No One Hungry, Titusville; Dr. Lorraine Harris, St. John the Baptist, Orlando; Ms. Krisita Jackson, St. John the Baptist, Orlando; Ms. Leslie Jones, Grace, Ocala; Dr. Carl MaultsBy, St. Richard’s, Winter Park; Ms. Irais Murphy, St. John’s, Kissimmee; The Rev. John Motis, deacon, Good Shepherd, Lake Wales; The Rev. Canon Tim Nunez, rector, Good Shepherd, Lake Wales; Ms. Nereida Perez, Jesús de Nazaret, Orlando; The Rev. José Rodríguez, co-rector, Christ the King and vicar, Jesús de Nazaret, Orlando; The Rev. Rose SappBax, deacon, St. Francis of Assisi, Lake Placid; The Rev. Eric Turner, rector, St. John’s, Melbourne.

The Transition Committee orchestrated the just-completed diocesan tour, which introduced the candidates and diocese to one another the week of Nov. 6. Its remaining tasks include coordinating the Special Electing Convention in January along with the Consecration for the new bishop, set for June 10.

S pecial Electing Convention Plans in Place

The Special Electing Convention, a one-day event, will include worship and a message from Dr. Garwood P. Anderson, dean of Nashotah House in Wisconsin. The Transition Committee has also reserved a block of rooms at a hotel near Trinity Prep for any lodging needs. Electronic voting will be conducted using the VPOLL platform the diocese used for the 2022 Diocesan Convention. “People will need a device – smartphone, tablet, laptop – with them at the Convention to access the Wi-Fi at Trinity Prep,” Chapman said.

Throughout the search process, the diocese has worked hard to ensure election integrity. This began with the Standing Committee’s deliberate choice to keep the candidate list small, Rodriguez explained. “There were originally six people who were nominated for the position, accepted the nomination and then were in the process. We were very selective on the front end. … And that was on purpose.”

The Transition Committee is also working toward the goal of a fair, smooth-running election. Chapman pointed to the appointment of Nunez, chair of the Subcommittee on the Electing Convention, as a key part in upholding a high standard.

“He’s uniquely qualified because he’s a former president of the Standing Committee, he’s been a candidate for bishop himself, and he’s been canon to the ordinary,” she said. “He began his work in June as soon as we confirmed that we’re going to have the election at Trinity Prep, and we’re very grateful for the school’s openness to assisting us by hosting the Convention.”

Nunez, in consultation with The Rev. Dr. Gary Butterworth, bishop search consultant from The Episcopal Church; The Rev. Tom Rutherford, president of the Standing Committee; The Hon. Council Wooten Jr., chancellor; and others, prepared the Rules of Order that will govern the election. Electors will receive information via email and can also find it at dcfsearch.org.

Chapman stressed the importance of prayer from electors and non-electors alike for the Transition Committee, the candidates and everyone involved with the Special Electing Convention.

“Prayer is one way everyone can be involved,’’ she said. Her word to electors: “Come prepared on Saturday. Come prayerfully prepared.’’

The Rev. Dr. Stacey “Stace” Timothy Tafoya Rector, Church of the Epiphany, Denver

FROM VISION TO REALITY

Bishop Brewer’s Strategic Pillars of Progress

BY CFE STAFF

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain’’ (Ps. 127:1a). This verse points to the way God has fulfilled The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer’s strategic vision for his episcopacy. Rather than laboring in vain, he has walked by faith, divine appointments often marking the execution of his vision.

FIVE STRATEGIC PILLARS

Brewer was consecrated as bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida on March 24, 2012. During his first year, he developed five strategic pillars in consultation with management coach Mr. Paul Bruno and diocesan leadership. At the 2013 Diocesan Convention, Brewer presented his five-pillared strategic vision:

1. Strengthen diocesan relationships.

2. Raise up new leaders.

3. Face the missionary challenge in our neighborhoods.

4. Take our place in the councils of The Episcopal Church.

5. Revitalize children’s and youth ministry.

“Opening New Doors for Ministry,” theme of the Diocese of Central Florida’s 53rd annual Diocesan Convention, describes both the Convention and future diocesan opportunities. Planned as a return to in-person after the first-ever virtual Convention last year, the event shifted to virtual weeks before its Jan. 29 date amid the rapid resurgence of COVID-19. Diocesan staff and vendors, including CommCo, which broadcast live via Zoom (delegates) and YouTube (all others); and VPOLL, the platform for the platform for electronic voting, worked together to yield a smooth, successful and Godhonoring event from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Canterbury Conference Center once again opened its doors as host.

The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, diocesan bishop, called the meeting to order, welcoming participants and opening with

“Those became the emphases,” explained The Rev. Canon Tim Nunez, rector, Good Shepherd, Lake Wales, who served as canon to the ordinary from 2014-2018. “That’s where we focused our energy.” That focus continues today.

STRATEGIC FOCUS WITH PASTORAL CARE

To say that Brewer has had much to face during his episcopacy is to broadly understate reality.

He met the tragedies of the Trayvon Martin shooting and the Pulse nightclub massacre with community engagement and pastoral care. These events stand out in a timeline that also holds two devastating hurricanes in Puerto Rico with enduring impact on Central Florida, including ministry to and with the many displaced families; a nation divided by politics, race and more; and a pandemic that continues to affect both our society and the church. Despite past and present crises, Brewer remained focused on his five strategic pillars while still committed to caring for the people and clergy of Central Florida, something that stands as a current trademark and future legacy of his episcopacy, which will end with the consecration of the newly elected diocesan bishop on June 10, 2023.

“When you think about what Bishop Brewer is trying to accomplish, his ministry is relational, period, end of story,” Nunez said. “That takes time. We came to call him ‘the Energizer Bunny.’ Bishop Brewer’s energy and purpose in his ministry have always been a real asset to what he’s doing.”

STRATEGIC PILLARS OF PROGRESS

Divine appointments critical to progress have also undergirded Brewer’s ministry.

One came via The Rev. Canon Luis De la Cruz. “He showed up just wanting to help out,” Nunez said. “We started building support for him into the budget. Now he’s the canon for Hispanic ministries,” a key position for ministries in neighborhoods with changing demographics.

God also brought The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb to the right place at the right time. “In October of 2013 at the Clergy Conference, I had just transferred to the diocese the month before,” Holcomb recalled. “Bishop Brewer said there was a

wave of clergy retirements coming. I had no idea at the time that I would be consid ered for a new position in the diocese.” Later that year, Holcomb was hired as canon for vocations. Through his work, the diocese has expanded its leadership development pipeline and the diocesan Residency Pro gram as well as securing the $1 million Lilly grant, which emphasizes support for congregational leadership. God’s provision also arrived through Sarah Caprani, who began serving as Brewer’s executive assistant in 2015. “When Sarah came to the team, that changed a lot of things,” Nunez said. “There’s the joy that she brings to the ministry, but then she’s also so very adept and capable. She was a timely gift.”

A review of progress on each of Brewer’s five strategic pillars further reveals God’s work:

1. Strengthen diocesan relationships. During the first few years of his episco pacy, Brewer hosted a series of diocesan clergy dinners

in his home with the goal of encouraging collegiality among diverse groups. In ad dition, an extra day was built into the annual diocesan Clergy Conference and the Diocesan Convention to cre ate opportunities for social engagement and facilitate collegiality. This emphasis enhanced relationships and built trust, including among people of color.

2. Raise up new leaders. During his episcopacy, Brewer has ordained more than 130 people, including (as of the 2022 Diocesan Convention), 36% women and 20% people of color. He is on track to ordain 18 more before his 2023 retirement. He created the position of canon for vocations, which has yielded an influx of clergy and leadership support through the Lilly grant and diocesan Residency Program.

3. Face the missionary challenge in our neigh borhoods. More churches are actively engaging in local outreach events as a vehicle for sharing the love of Christ. “[Brewer] talked a lot about the parish not being the people who attend a particular church, but the place where God has planted that

church,” Nunez recalled. “And we’re supposed to be engaging our neighbor hoods and our communi ties.” Doing so amid shifting demographics in Central Florida has also required a commitment to develop Spanish-speaking clergy (see pp. 14-16).

4. Take our place in the councils of The Episcopal Church. Nearly all churches have moved from restricted to unrestricted giving, with more funds now going to the broader Episcopal Church. “Bishop Brewer … has worked very hard to be a bridge builder, both in The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion,” Nunez said. This focus gave Brewer a voice in broader discussions, and he has served on several key boards and committees.

Brewer prays over the casket of Christopher Leinonen, who was killed at the Pulse nightclub, during a funeral service at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, June 28, 2016.

5. Revitalize children’s and youth ministry. Financial support for Camp Wingmann has more than doubled during Brewer’s episcopacy, according to Nunez, president of its board. Renovations have enhanced the camp’s offerings and the New Be ginnings program. “Those have been the real linchpins of the youth ministry at the diocesan level,” Nunez said. Brewer also engaged the services of Youth Ministry Institute to support dioce san youth ministry, which Nunez described as bring ing “a breath of fresh air.”

As his episcopacy draws to a close, Brewer remains focused on the task ahead. Can he finish the work God has called him to do? He responds with a favorite phrase: “I will, with God’s help.”

The Second Harvest

Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Continues Expansion

REV. DR. JOSÉ RODRÍGUEZ

Even before the Diocese of Central Florida separated from the Diocese of South Florida and took on its own identity, Hispanic ministry was active in the area, and despite challenges, that ministry is still expanding today. Christ the King, Orlando, served Latino brothers and sisters by helping facilitate the reunification of child refugees, brought into Orlando under Operation Pedro Pan, with their parents, who had also escaped Castro’s Cuba. The official diocesan journal from 1974 mentions the “small but growing group of people” ministered to by both the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, and Emmanuel, Orlando, where the first official services in Spanish, led by The Rev. Aquilino Viñas, were held on Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 7, 1973. The congregation of Iglesia Jesús de Nazaret, Orlando, traces its heritage back to all three expressions of Hispanic ministry. Our second bishop, The Rt. Rev. William Folwell, described these early efforts as “opportunities for all Latin[o] s in the area to enjoy fellowship, receive counseling, study English and develop their own programs and projects.”

From the beginning, these projects were revolutionary in that they upheld the dignity of these early migrants by affirming their self-determination in navigating their place within our local Episcopal churches. Folwell thanked the diocese for authorizing funds for these projects, adding, “This flexibility is most desirable in this day and age, and is also most appreciated!”

The forward-thinking leadership and zeal to allow these early worshipping communities both self-determination and flexibility set our diocese apart almost five decades ago, and it paid off quickly. The congregation at Emmanuel not only nurtured the faith of a young man who would later be known as The Rt. Rev. William J. Skilton, suffragan bishop of the

Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, but also birthed the diocese’s first Hispanic congregation, La Esperanza, Orlando. This new work was established by Cen tral Florida’s local Cuban emigre commu nity, and one of its final rectors, The Rt. Rev. Leo Frade, went on to become the first bishop of Honduras and later, bishop of the Diocese of Southeast Florida.

However, flexibility and self-determi nation diminished in the years between these early fruits and the renaissance of our Hispanic ministries under The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer. While strong and vibrant, these ministries struggled in responding to the still-growing Latino presence in Central Florida, grappling with attitudes prevalent in their host congregations that reflected societal more than kingdom values.

Forty years had passed since Central Florida’s initial attempts at ministry to Hispanics, and while Hispanic ministries flourished under strong lay leadership

and many leaders were licensed and received, no diocesan bishop had yet ordained a Latino priest. That all changed in January 2013, when Brewer laid hands on this writer to ordain him to the transitional diaconate and in Spanish said, “Por tanto, Padre, por medio de Jesucristo tu Hijo, derrama sobre Jose tu Espíritu Santo; cólmale de gracia y poder, y hazle un diácono en tu iglesia.” (“Therefore, Father, through Jesus Christ your Son, pour out your Holy Spirit on Joseph; fill him with grace and power, and make him a deacon in your church.”)

But in 2019, responding both to recent challenges our congregations faced and the need to plan for future growth, our current bishop assigned the diocese’s first canon for Hispanic ministry, The Rev. Luis Manuel De la Cruz. Later, our bishop and the Diocesan Board

of

commissioned our Hispanic ministries to respond to the waves

migration coming into Central Florida after

THE

(L-R) Maritza Rosado López, The Rev. Ángel López, Christina López and Bishop Brewer at López’s celebration of new ministry and institution as rector of St. Luke’s, Merritt Island, on Oct. 16, 2022 (Ángel López Jr. not pictured)

Hurricane Maria in 2017. Congregations ministering to Latinos were entrusted with the resources necessary to ensure a culturally appropriate response to crisis immigration.

Under Brewer’s leadership, our Hispanic ministries have extended a powerful posture of hospitality to the stranger, promoting mental and public health, and offering social support and educational opportunities in culturally appropriate ways through projects that best meet the needs of all in our shared, diverse communities of Azalea Park and Kissimmee.

As we move toward 50 years of service, our Hispanic ministries present a beacon of hope to countless immigrants moving through Central Florida. What started even before the diocese was formed and continued to the ordination of a single transitional deacon in 2013 has become a strong wave of leadership, with

Transitional

seven ordained within our Hispanic congregations, two received from the Roman Catholic Church, three licensed from other Episcopal and Anglican jurisdictions, five priests in formation

or awaiting reception and two deacons in formation. Our Hispanic leaders are committed to a shared vision and future for our diocese as we serve all the people of Central Florida.

La segunda cosecha

El ministerio hispano diocesano continúa su expansión

POR EL REV. DR. JOSÉ RODRÍGUEZ

Antes que la Diócesis de la Florida Central se separara de la Diócesis de la Florida y tomara su propia identidad el ministerio hispano estaba activo en el área, y a pesar de los retos ese ministerio continúa expandiéndose hoy en día. Cristo el Rey, Orlando, asistió a los hermanos y las hermanas latinas al ayudar a los niños refugiados traídos a Orlando bajo la Operación Pedro Pan a reunificarse con sus padres que habían escapado del régimen de Castro en Cuba. El diario oficial de la diócesis del 1974 menciona el “pequeño pero creciente grupo de personas” que fueron ministrados por tanto la Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando como por la Emmanuel, Orlando. En esta última fue donde se llevó a cabo el primer servicio en español el domingo de epifanía, el 7 de enero de 1973, y fue por el Rev. Aquilino Viñas. La congregación de la

Iglesia Jesús de Nazaret, Orlando traza su herencia a las tres representaciones del ministerio hispano.

Nuestro segundo obispo, el Rt. Rev. William Folwell describió estos esfuerzos iniciales como “oportunidades para que todos los latinos en el área puedan disfrutar del compañerismo, recibir consejería, estudiar inglés y desarrollar sus propios

La Reverenda Griselda Delgado del Carpio, obispo de Cuba, con el Obispo Brewer en la ordenación sacerdotal del Reverendo Doctor Richard Gonzalez el 2 de agosto de 2019

y programas y proyectos”. Desde el comienzo estos proyectos fueron innovadores en el sentido que defendieron la dignidad de los inmigrantes al afirmar su autodeterminación de navegar su lugar

deacon ordinands at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, June 8, 2013: (L-R) The Rev. Berek Smith, The Very Rev. Dr. Reggie Kidd, The Rev. Meghan Farr, The Rev. David Bumsted and The Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez

en nuestras iglesias episcopales. Folwell agradeció a la diócesis por autorizar los fondos para estos proyectos y añadió: “¡Esta flexibilidad es más deseable en estos tiempos y es también más apreciada!”.

El liderazgo innovador y el fervor de permitirle tanto flexibilidad como autodeterminación a estas comunidades hizo que hace cinco décadas nuestra diócesis se distinguiera y valió la pena. La congregación de Emmanuel no solo nutrió la fe de un joven que luego se le conoció como el Rt. Rev. William J. Skilton, obispo sufragáneo de la Diócesis Episcopal de Carolina del Sur, sino que también dio a luz a la primera congregación hispana, La Esperanza, Orlando. Esta obra fue establecida por la comunidad de inmigrantes cubanos y uno de los últimos rectores, el Rt. Rev. Leo Frade, se convirtió en el primer obispo de Honduras y luego en el obispo del sureste de la Florida. Sin embargo, la flexibilidad y autodeterminación disminuyeron en los años entre estos primeros frutos y el renacimiento de nuestros ministerios hispanos bajo el liderazgo

del Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer. Aunque fuertes y vibrantes estos ministerios lucharon en responder a la creciente presencia latina en la Florida Central, lidiando con actitudes prevalecientes en sus congregaciones anfitrionas que reflejaban valores sociales más que del reino.

Habían pasado cuarenta años desde los intentos iniciales en la Florida Central de ministrar a los hispanos y mientras los ministerios hispanos florecieron bajo un fuerte liderazgo laico y muchos líderes fueron licenciados y recibidos, ningún obispo diocesano había ordenado un sacerdote latino. Todo eso cambió en enero del 2013 cuando Brewer le impuso manos a este escritor para ordenarlo al diaconado de transición y dijo en español: “Por tanto, Padre, por medio de Jesucristo tu Hijo, derrama sobre José tu Espíritu Santo; cólmale de gracia y poder, y hazle un diácono en tu iglesia”.

Pero en el 2019 respondiendo tanto a los desafíos recientes que enfrentaron nuestras congregaciones como a la necesidad de planificar para el crecimiento futuro, nuestro obispo

actual asignó al primer canon de la diócesis para el ministerio a los hispanos, el Rev. Luis Manuel De la Cruz. Posteriormente nuestro obispo y la junta diocesana comisionaron a nuestros ministerios hispanos a responder a las olas de migración que llegaron a la Florida Central después del huracán María en el 2017. A las congregaciones que ministran a los latinos se les confió los recursos necesarios para asegurar una respuesta culturalmente apropiada a la crisis de inmigración.

Bajo el liderazgo de Brewer nuestros ministerios hispanos han extendido una poderosa postura de hospitalidad al extranjero, de promover la salud mental y pública y de ofrecer apoyo social y oportunidades educativas en formas culturalmente apropiadas a través de proyectos que satisfagan mejor las necesidades de todos en nuestras comunidades diversas de Azalea Park y Kissimmee.

A medida que nos acercamos a los 50 años de servicio, nuestros ministerios hispanos presentan un faro de esperanza para los innumerables inmigrantes que se mudan a la Florida Central. Lo que comenzó incluso antes de que la diócesis se formara y continuó hasta la ordenación de un solo diácono de transición en el 2013, se ha convertido en una fuerte ola de liderazgo, con siete ordenados dentro de nuestras congregaciones hispanas, dos recibidos de la Iglesia Católica Romana, tres con licencia de otras jurisdicciones episcopales y anglicanas, cinco sacerdotes en formación o en espera y dos diáconos en formación. Nuestros líderes hispanos están comprometidos con una visión y un futuro compartidos para nuestra diócesis mientras servimos a toda la gente del centro de la Florida.

La Reverenda Gladys Rodríguez en su ordenación sacerdotal el 2 de septiembre de 2017

Twofold VISION ADVENT The of

Thanksgiving with its food-laden tables and family gatherings is barely over when Advent sneaks up on us. Of course, holiday decorating begins as early as Halloween, and long before the end of November, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go.”

No wonder many Christians, including those in our own tradition, can easily race past the four weeks of Advent into the waiting rush of parties and decking of halls. And yet Advent marks the beginning of a new church year when the millennia-old rhythms, the ebb and flow of our liturgical calendar, beckon us to a twofold vision of remembrance and anticipation.

Advent is a time to look beyond all the commercial signs vying for our attention and focus instead on divine signs. This is a season of preparation, reflection and expectation. We sing with yearning, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” and the liturgical color is a sedate but hopeful blue. In the first two weeks of Advent, we focus our attention on prophecy, repentance, John the Baptist’s preparing the way of the Lord, the last days and the Lord’s return.

Lighter in tone, the second two weeks emphasize joy embedded in the Incarnation and the fulfillment of God’s promises to his people. Author Madeleine L’Engle describes this sacred season as “irrational” in her poem “After Annunciation”: “This is the irrational season / when love blooms bright and wild. / Had Mary been filled with reason / there’d have been no room for the child.”

At its core, then, Advent is rooted in watching and waiting for salvation history to move ever closer to its culmination. The season speaks to the tension between all that has come to pass – our present reality – and God’s vision for our future. It functions as a bridge from the Old Covenant to the New, between what was and is and is yet to be. Our watching and waiting are not to be passive, however. Instead, our faith and hope are active. We are called to worship, pray, proclaim, give and serve, to embrace, for we are called to a holy vocation.

Advent begins with a specific goal and destination in mind, pointing us toward kingdom fulfillment. Advent invites us to hold fast and remain secure in our future hope, to passionately take on incarnational ministry even as we watch and wait for Christ’s second Advent.

May we embrace this holy season’s invitation to unleash holy imaginations, to see not simply what is or settle for the status quo, but rather to expect and hope for what can be. May we avoid the temptation to get caught up in the frenetic busyness of the Christmas holidays and choose instead to walk deliberately, intentionally and purposefully through the four weeks of Advent.

Let this twofold Advent find us remembering, listening and preparing our hearts to receive the Savior and Redeemer of the world once again.

BY THE REV. CYNTHIA P. BRUST

Photo © Jon Anders Wiken | Dreamstime.com

Youth Bring Soul in the City to DeLand

BY DAN KING

“Soul in the City has had clear positive impacts on not only the local communi ty, but also on the reach of our church,” he added, noting that part of his church’s purpose is “promoting God’s love through outreach to the communi ties we serve.”

After two summers of abbreviated expe riences due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Soul in the City returned to the Diocese of Central Florida this summer as a full five-day missions adventure, with youth, leaders and the local community all experiencing its life-changing impact. Youth and leaders from four churches across the diocese met at St. Barnabas, DeLand, July 25-29 for the annual week of service, bringing hope and encour agement to those already doing great work in the community. In addition to those from St. Barnabas, youth came from All Saints’, Lakeland; Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden; and St. Edward’s, Mount Dora. Forty-eight students and 12 adult leaders camped out on the church campus and worked at a total of 17 different community work sites.

These work sites included faith-based thrift shops, animal rescue shelters, local public and private schools, pregnancy centers, counseling centers and the DeLand Police Department. Split into

five to seven groups each day, the youth visited the various sites, where they completed projects to help support each group’s vision. The tasks varied with the organizations’ needs and included gen eral cleanup and organization, planting gardens and completing other outdoor landscaping projects, filling gift bags and many other supporting assignments.

Representatives from the local organiza tions often took the time to share with the young volunteers about the work they do and why it matters. Under standing the role of these organizations brought the youth perspective and pur pose regarding their own efforts. Many were surprised to learn how much service was already taking place. The students’ work also made a differ ence to the community. “I got feedback from a lot of sites about how appre ciative they were to have students serving with them,” said Skylar Jones, youth pastor at St. Barnabas. “They also indicated that all of our groups did good work while on-site.”

For the youth involved, the effects of Soul in the City extended well beyond the week of service. “Mission experienc es are transformative for young people,” said Kirsten Knox, youth ministry liai son to the diocese and executive director of Youth Ministry Institute. “Soul in the City gives students in the diocese an opportunity to contribute to their community and be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

The current generation of youth is look ing for ways to have an impact on the world around them. Many carried the experience of this week home, asking questions about how they could do the same thing in their own community.

“At Soul in the City, we want students to experience how they can make life better for others,’’ Knox said. “They don’t have to wait until adulthood. Right now, where they are, they can bring life to others.’’ Mission accomplished.

Visiting DeLand Police Department to deliver thank-you cookies and cards

Planting a new garden at New Hope Animal Shelter

Student-led morning devotions

Cleaning at Our Father’s Closet thrift store Packing morning-sickness gift bags for Coastal Choices Women’s Clinic

Photos Dan King

Cursillo Grand Ultreya

BY NINA KECK

Holy Trinity, Melbourne, was the site of the diocesan Cursillo Commis sion’s Grand Ultreya on Aug. 20.

Ultreya, meaning “onward,” is an ancient greeting used by pilgrims to encourage one another as they passed on the road. After a Cursillo, small regional groups called reunions are formed and meet regularly. For cursil listas (those who have experienced a Cursillo) an Ultreya is a reunion of reunion groups for support and encouragement.

The Grand Ultreya, which began at 10 a.m., was open to all in the diocese who had attended a Cursillo weekend. Before sharing a potluck lunch, the 45 attendees worshipped and heard short personal talks. The talks covered the three elements of a Christian’s life: piety, study and action. Participants gathered around tables in small groups, and all were encouraged to share what God was doing with them in any of the three focus areas.

Cursillo Commission Chairman Chuck Pierce led the event, and worship featured musicians from around the diocese.

Zach Tribble from St. Barnabas, Deland, shared how he has taken action with an unexpected opportunity to witness. “God has shown me he is in control and always has been in control,” he said. “I have ended up in places I would never have planned to go, and that’s how I know that God is in control.”

Tribble’s wife, Nancy, echoed his thoughts on going to new places. “I was unable to help with our Vacation Bible School, but I was able to help my granddaughter with hers at Stetson Baptist. And now I’m a Sunday school volunteer at a Baptist church!”

Arlene Boardman, St. Peter’s, Lake Mary, has seen God nourish family prayer time. “When my grandson asked me to teach him ‘the prayer with evil in it,’ I knew he meant the Lord’s Prayer,” she explained. “I taught him and his twin brother that prayer, and we pray that and their own prayers together every week.”

William Brown, co-chair of the diocesan Cursillo Commission, shared with the entire group how God used him to show how real Jesus is.

“A family was attending our Wednesday dinners for those less fortunate with their sons, and they want ed to know if Jesus was real, could they ask him for anything,” Brown said. “They wanted pizza. We had spaghetti first, and the kids were disappointed. Then I brought out pizza. Now those kids know that Jesus is real and he won’t let them down.”

Before the closing prayer, The Rev. Dave Newhart, priest-in-charge, Holy Trinity, Melbourne, remind ed everyone to persevere. “The Order of St. Luke teaches men to be always faithful,” he said. “Hear what others say. People need to hear that there is hope. When you start something, give thanks in it.” Cursillo weekends, held from Friday-Sunday, are filled with talks, meditations, the Eucharist, fellowship, music and great food. By the end of each Cursillo, participants have the skills to face what cursillistas call the Fourth Day: the rest of their lives, grounded in faith.

To learn more about Cursillo, please visit cfepiscopalcursillo.org.

Holy Trinity, Melbourne, Hosts Diocesan-Wide

BY DAN KING CHILDREN

Kids at Camp Wingmann Learn How to ‘Make It Matter’

This summer, children and youth from all around Central Florida came to Camp Wing mann for an experience that will have a lasting impact. More accurately, a combination of experiences worked together to help them learn how to “make it matter.” This phrase, the theme for this year’s Summer Camps, was based on Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we may walk in them.”

“The theme is important because the world around us tries to identify our purpose in life, but when we allow God to do it, we allow ourselves to live according to our design,” said Camp Director Joshua “J.J.” Joseph. “I think that is a life that matters and makes the most impact. ‘Make it Matter’ reads to me, ‘Make life matter by living the life God designed you for.’”

Each day in camp began and ended with time in the chapel. Campers, counselors, volun teers and staff gathered for morning devotions and Com pline for worship through sing

ing, Bible readings, devotional conversations and prayers.

“Chapel is about worshipping God,” said The Rev. Mark Lafler, rector of St. Edward’s, Mount Dora. “Through prayer and scripture we find purpose and power to make it matter. Starting the day and ending the day gathered together for worship is the best way to bookend the day of magnifying Jesus in what we say and do.”

After morning chapel, activities filled the early part of each day. These included swimming, tub ing, archery and games such as nine square in the air and gaga ball. Campers also participated in team- and character-building activities on the ropes course. In addition, each camper se lected a special focus area such as art, drama, cooking, sports or other options. Not only did these activities help make the camp experience fun, but they also became some of the greatest confidence- and char acter-building opportunities of the week.

Every afternoon, campers also attended the program gather ing, in which they explored the week’s theme and key verse. A

different volunteer from one of the churches in the Diocese of Central Florida led the program each week, helping campers explore and understand ideas such as their identity in Christ, spiritual gifts and ways they could make a difference.

The interpersonal experiences campers had throughout their stay cemented these truths in their hearts and minds via the many opportunities they had to connect with the counselors and with one another. A large majority of the counselors grew up as Camp Wingmann campers, and the counselor-in-training program allows older youth to develop leadership skills. Many young campers walked away from Camp Wingmann with both the desire to be just like their counselors and a whole new set of best friends in their fellow campers.

Campers return home inspired to “Make It Matter” in the world around them and ready to re turn. Winter Camp for elemen tary, middle and high school students takes place Jan. 6-8, 2023. Learn more at camp wingmann.org/winter-camp.

A Welcoming, Sacred Place

BY REBECCA TAYLOR

Place matters. Throughout scripture, God chooses not just specific people and specific times, but also specific places to advance his purposes. Books, dissertations, seminary papers and blog posts have all been written about theology of place because place matters.

Nestled in the heart of Central Florida lies a place set apart in 1982 for the kingdom work of hospital ity on behalf of the Diocese of Central Florida. In the decades since, Canterbury Conference Center has hosted countless groups with the purpose of providing a place to learn, heal, reflect and grow.

In a recent edition of the Canterbury Epistle, Canterbury’s newsletter, Exec utive Director Chalmers Morse said, “Canterbury is rooted in Jesus, and our guests have often told us that something extraordinary happens when they arrive and feel the presence of God, knowing that they are indeed on holy ground.”

But sometimes, even holy ground needs a little refreshment (Isa. 58:12). In 2020, the Canterbury Conference Center did extensive renovations to its guest rooms, common areas and dining rooms.

Dan Wobschall serves as director of Gateway to Freedom, an intensive three-day workshop for men working to overcome unwanted sexual behaviors.

Part of Be Broken Ministries, Gateway to Freedom has held several workshops a year at Canterbury since 2016.

“When I walked onto that property, I felt a palpable presence of God and the Holy Spirit,” Wobschall said. “It’s a place where everyone feels welcome. We have people from all walks of life: FBI agents, pastors, college students and 89-year-old men.”

Lives are transformed through Gateway to Freedom’s workshops. “We want to help people go from a place of brokenness to healing and then share that healing with others,” Wobschall said. “God makes the change, but he uses people to help in that work. At Canterbury, we can rest peacefully, knowing we are taken care of, and that’s why we keep coming back.”

Robbie Fitts, project manager for Campus Crusade for Christ, has served with the organiza tion for 31 years. Cru’s Envi sion Pathway has held several

The renovated main entrance to Canterbury and a guest favorite, the fire pit with Lake Gem in the distance

Renovations have enhanced the welcoming nature of Canterbury’s guest rooms.

employee training retreats at Canterbury, but 2022 was Fitts’ first time back since the renovations, which greatly enhanced the experience.

“It was neat to see that they used COVID as time to improve,” he said. “It was a pleasure to come back, and it seemed like every inch was redone.” Fitts and his team especially appreciated the outdoor space and fire pits, even enjoying s’mores a few times. “Everyone was so accommodat ing, especially the kitchen staff, and the grounds are just beautiful,” he added.

Art Guina works with major donors in his role as regional representative for the Jesus Film Project, also a ministry of Cru. He has held several retreats at Canterbury during his tenure. “There is ample outdoor space where people can spend time with God, and the staff is so friendly,” he said.

“The peace and the presence of God at Canterbury is still unlike any venue that I’ve ever used,” Wobschall said.

Could these groups host their retreats elsewhere? Of course.

But place matters.

PHOTOS: Courtesy Canterbury Conference Center

Cru’s Envision Pathway staff during their retreat at Canterbury

BY ERIK GUZMAN

It’s an exciting time in the life of our diocese as we anticipate the election of a new diocesan bishop and prepare for The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer’s final annual convention. Two unique conventions — the Special Electing Convention and the 54th Annual Diocesan Convention—

Special Electing Convention

Jan. 14, 2023

PURPOSE: Elect a new diocesan bishop

LOCATION: Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park

DELEGATES: Those persons who were delegates to the 2022 Diocesan Convention or their alternates

DEADLINE: Certification of delegates and alternates must be transmitted to the diocesan office 10 days before the Electing Convention

ATTENDANCE: This will be an in-person event, and certified delegates must attend (there will be a viewing section open to the public)

VOTING: Voting will take place electronically via VPOLL, but not remotely , and delegates/ alternates must bring their own WiFi-enabled device and have a unique email address

PRE-CONVENTION MEETINGS: There will be no pre-Convention deanery meetings, but there will be an online practice voting session for delegates and alternates

are scheduled for early 2023. However, with two conventions occurring only three weeks apart, it’s important to clearly distinguish the differences between the two events. Here’s a handy guide that will help you apply some “conventional wisdom” and plan accordingly.

Annual Diocesan Convention

Feb. 3-4, 2023

PURPOSE: Conduct annual business

LOCATION: Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne

DELEGATES: Those persons elected as delegates for the Feb. 3-4, 2023, annual Diocesan Convention

DEADLINE: Certification of delegates and alternates must be transmitted to the diocesan office 10 days before the annual Diocesan Convention, Feb. 3-4, 2023

ATTENDANCE: This will be an in-person event, and certified delegates must attend (unreserved seating is open to the public)

VOTING: Voting will take place electronically via VPOLL, but not remotely , and delegates/ alternates must bring their own WiFi-enabled device and have a unique email address

PRE-CONVENTION MEETINGS: Pre-Convention deanery meetings will be held along with a subsequent online practice voting session

CENTRAL FLORIDA

EPISCOPALIAN

THE RT. REV. GREGORY O. BREWER Bishop

THE RT. REV. JOHN W. HOWE Retired

THE REV. CANON SCOTT HOLCOMBE Canon to the Ordinary

THE REV. CANON DR. JUSTIN HOLCOMB Canon for Vocations

THE VEN. KRISTI ALDAY Archdeacon

MR. EARL PICKETT Diocesan Administrator

MR. ERIK GUZMAN Director of Communications

MRS. MARTI PIEPER Editorial Director

MRS. SUE GROSSO Subscription Manager

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN

is published by the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. Submissions are welcome, but are subject to editing and use at the discretion of the Central Florida Episcopalian.

Please submit event notices three months prior to the event to:

Central Florida Episcopalian 1017 E. Robinson St. Orlando, FL 32801-2023

ERIK GUZMAN: eguzman@cfdiocese.org

SUE GROSSO: sgrosso@cfdiocese.org

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