Canterbury: Sacred Space and Service

Sacred Space and Service

BY CFE STAFF

For nearly 40 years, Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center has provided hospitality in a sacred space for the Diocese of Central Florida, those seeking spiritual restoration and the community at large. Nestled on 48 wooded acres encircling picturesque Lake Gem, just minutes from the University of Central Florida, Canterbury is a secluded oasis for anyone who hears the Lord calling them to “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while” (Mark 6:31a). As featured in the 2020 Advent edition of the Central Florida Episcopalian, during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lack of demand for retreats and conferences, Canterbury kept its staff employed via a major renovation to its facilities. In fact, the disruption to normal operations turned into an opportunity for renewal. The shutdown also provided an unprecedented opportunity to serve the community. In March of 2020, Canterbury began providing sanctuary in its guest rooms for first responders who needed to quarantine and families who had lost their homes. The center also made its conference rooms available to small churches who could no longer meet in public schools. “It’s not a lucrative thing for us, but something we’re called to do,” said Chalmers Morse, executive director of Canterbury. “This has created a different opportunity for us to minister.” Morse is looking forward to offering retreats and conferences for clergy, churches, laypeople, organizations and corporate groups – as well as a beautiful venue for weddings – for years to come. To do so, Canterbury will need your support and patronage. Rates are more affordable than you may think, and parishioners in the Diocese of Central Florida receive a 20% discount. Canterbury’s vision is to “support purposeful work in this sacred space, so that those who come here will return to their own communities rejuvenated, inspired and better equipped to serve others and extend God’s love.”

Enriching Lives Through Hospitality, Learning, Reflection and Renewal

• Modern meeting spaces • Nature walk • Fully renovated guest rooms • Stations of the Cross • Lakeview dining at the Overlook • Challenge (ropes) course