Virtual Diocesan Convention Goes Weaker, Deeper, Stronger

BY CFE STAFF

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. 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).

Erik Guzman directing the diocesan staff during the livestreamed Convention.

In addition, the following will serve on the Diocesan Board by virtue of

their election within deaneries: The Very Rev. Stuart Shelby (dean, Central Deanery, three-year term); The Very Rev. Lisa Wimmer (dean, Northwest Deanery, one-year term); Dr. Virginia Cummings-Lang (president, Southwest Deanery, three-year term); Fran Dunn (president, Northeast Deanery, threeyear term). The Rev. Chris Rodriguez will also serve as an ex officio member of the Diocesan Board this year in his capacity as president of the Standing Committee. CFO Earl Pickett presented the diocesan operating budget for 2021, which was adopted.

Bishop Brewer’s Address In this year’s shorter, virtual Convention, Brewer’s address was the sole message of the day. After expressing thanks to the diocesan staff and to his wife, Laura Lee, the bishop summarized his own busy schedule alongside the many diocesan achievements and accomplishments, all of which happened despite COVID-19 restrictions instituted on March 3, 2020. Brewer emphasized the way churches have remained proactive in connection and ministry. He said financial giving remains strong, including relief for the Diocese of Honduras, Central Florida’s companion diocese, where COVID-19 and two hurricanes have devastated both land and people. A video message from The Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen highlighted the Honduran bishop’s gratitude for the partnership of the Diocese of Central Florida amidst a sobering time. Brewer also challenged his hearers with the Convention theme, encouraging them that despite the losses that have made them weaker, God desires to use those to drive them into a deeper exploration and living out of the life of Jesus. Such pursuit will, through the power of the Holy Spirit, shape, change and restructure the diocese, making it stronger and better prepared for what Brewer called a “new missionary opportunity.” After Brewer’s message and a brief break, remaining diocesan business was conducted, including the introduction of new deanery deans, seminarians and prospective ordinands as well as newly ordained clergy. The Rev. Jennifer Grady led in a video memorial for deceased clergy members, followed by silent prayer, and Brewer thanked various members for service on diocesan committees and boards.

Final Moments Next came a humorous video invitation to next year’s Convention at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center, Jan. 28-29, 2022, along with Murbarger’s announcement of election results and the commissioning of all elected persons. Following that, a virtual choir made up of 28 singers from throughout the diocese under the direction of Andrew Walker, director of music at St. Michael’s, Orlando, presented the closing anthem, an arrangement of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You.” The virtual choir video featured scenes from the work of the diocese throughout the preceding year, and the 2021 Convention ended with a closing prayer and blessing.

Weaker. Deeper. Stronger. “Overall, we’re extremely pleased with how the virtual Diocesan Convention turned out,” Guzman said. “There were a lot of moving parts that had to come together, and I’m thankful for the hard work of so many who made it a success.” The virtual Convention itself was an illustration of Brewer’s Convention theme. Because of the challenges presented by hosting a Convention during the pandemic, the diocesan staff had to more deeply rely on God and each other. The diocese has now emerged stronger with new capabilities and opportunities. “We are already talking about things we learned this year that we can carry over to help make a smoother Convention in person next year at the Daytona Beach Convention Center, like the election process and video segments highlighting the things that happen in 2021,” Brewer said. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”

During their appointments, Secretary of Convention Sarah Caprani, Chancellor Wooten and Vice Chancellor Grimm add levity with props that fit their roles.