DIOC E SAN FAM ILY
Virtual Diocesan Convention Goes
Weaker, Deeper, Stronger BY C F E STA F F
The 52nd Annual Diocesan Convention is in the books—or more accurately, on the screens. The first-ever virtual Convention streamed live from Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2021. Both planners and participants agree: Despite the challenges, the virtual format served the Diocese of Central Florida extremely well. Convention participants attended via a Zoom webinar intended exclusively for delegates, diocesan staff and crew. Others could view the proceedings simultaneously via YouTube at CFDiocese.org/2021DioCon, where the live video was embedded for easy access. There were no in-person attendees at Canterbury, which was transformed
into a “broadcast” set complete with an LED wall, lighting and stage design for the two-camera shoot. “Our ‘studio’ was the main dining room of the Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center,” The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, diocesan bishop, explained. “The team that did all of the video and audio was CommCo, under the direction of our director of communications, Mr. Erik Guzman. And I will tell you that, because of the fantastic tech team we had under Erik’s very capable direction, as well as a tremendous number of hours of preparation by our diocesan staff, it went off virtually without a hitch,” Brewer said. “Canterbury couldn’t have been finer hosts,” he added. The gathering began with an opening video montage that showcased diocesan ministry both inside and outside church buildings, visually unfolding the Convention theme of “Weaker. Deeper. Stronger.” Brewer then called the meeting to order, welcomed participants and led in prayer. Erik Guzman directing the diocesan staff during the livestreamed Convention.
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Easter 2021 CFE
A nontraditional introduction of delegates and their churches followed via their submitted videos displaying a wide range of creativity and uniqueness. After this virtual roll call, further videos, interspersed with elections and other Convention business, highlighted multiple ministries on local, national and international fronts.
Diocesan Election
The use of the ElectionBuddy platform for voting went off with few delays and even fewer glitches following a test vote conducted by The Rev. Canon Scott Holcombe, canon to the ordinary. The Rev. Jason Murbarger, chair of the Nominations/Elections Committee, introduced the various nominees and gave instructions for each vote. Those elected to the various positions, announced near the close of the Convention, are as follows: Standing Committee: The Rev. Tom Rutherford (clerical order, four-year term); Monique Myers (lay order, threeyear term); Monica Taffinder Tyedmers (lay order, one-year term). Diocesan Board: The Rev. Phyllis Bartle (clerical order, three-year term); Leslie Andreae (lay order, three-year term); Todd Pittenger (lay order, threeyear term); Tricia Powell (lay order, one-year term). Trustee, University of the South: James “Trippe” Cheek III (lay order, three-year term). cfdiocese.org
