Central Florida Episcopalian Magazine - Easter 2023

ARTÍCULOS NOTABLES EN ESPAÑOL

CONTENTS

COVER PHOTO

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as your bishop.” — The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer

Photo Credit: Carlos Amoedo ESPAÑOL

Connect with us on social media @cfdiocese

“This was the final Convention as bishop for the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, set to retire in July following the consecration of Bishop-elect Dr. Justin S. Holcomb on June 10 at Calvary, Orlando.”

“To build a future of diversity, we have to look at the lessons learned from the past.” - Dr. John Robertson

“It is my

- Bishop-elect Dr. Justin S. Holcomb

THE DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

The Right Reverend Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop Serving 15 counties through 81 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

Entering a Future With Hope

BY THE RT. REV. GREGORY O. BREWER

How can we, as individuals and as the Diocese of Central Florida, enter a future with hope? I know only one way.

Imagine for a moment a future when Jesus was not raised from the dead, when there was no possibility of resurrection. In that world, there would be no idea of eternal life. Death would be final. Funerals would only offer grief and loss.

And because of all of that, we would have no hope. By contrast, with his death and resurrection, Jesus gave us a very different world. Not only did he extend the promise of eternal life, but he laid out for us how to live into that promise. His words, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2b) assure us that we are living in a world where death does not have the final word.

Because of this divine assurance, I’m not living for death. I’m living for heaven. I’m living for union with Jesus Christ and reunification with all the saints of God who have preceded me.

Living with that kind of hope is life-changing –because the alternative is despair. In the end, we all die, and there is nothing left. Hope says there is a future, and that future is eternal. Hope provides impetus for missions and evangelism; it’s the impetus for caring for people, which we call social action. In other words, hope is not a private commodity; it is God’s gift to humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Anyone who wants to live in that hope, the promise of forgiveness of sins and the capacity to walk in eternal life, will find it available.

Hope is also the impetus for love. Much more than a private assurance of heaven, it radically transforms the way we live right now. Jesus lived the way he did because he knew that one day, he would be united with his heavenly Father and all who became his followers. It’s the message of Hebrews 12, that Jesus “for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God” (v. 2b).

Hope is our rationale for living joyful, courageous and even sacrificial lives as Christians, because we are living into eternity now. That’s the one thing that causes our lives to make sense; there is no other adequate explanation for the miraculous way we give, live and love. It’s not because we are particularly nice people, are better informed morally or take our responsibilities more seriously. Only the hope of eternal life, the promise of Jesus’ resurrection power, provides an answer.

Because of that hope, we live not for today but for eternity. Because of that hope, we have the deep desire to share this, the very best news of all, with others. Today, tomorrow and forever, the doorway to a future of hope is our faith in Christ’s death and resurrection. Alleluia!

Grace to you,

Gregory O. Brewer

Hacia un futuro con esperanza

¿Cómo podemos nosotros, como individuos y como Diócesis de la Florida Central, entrar en un futuro con esperanza? Solo conozco una manera.

Imagínese por un momento un futuro en el que Jesús no haya resucitado de entre los muertos, en el que no haya posibilidad de resurrección. En ese mundo, no habría idea de una vida eterna. La muerte sería definitiva. Los funerales solo ofrecerían dolor y pérdida.

Y, por si fuera poco, no tendríamos ninguna esperanza. Por el contrario, con su muerte y resurrección, Jesús nos dio un mundo muy diferente. No solo extendió la promesa de la vida eterna, sino que nos explicó cómo vivir esa promesa. Sus palabras, “Voy a prepararles un lugar para ustedes” (Juan 14:2b PDT), nos aseguran que vivimos en un mundo donde la muerte no tiene la última palabra.

Debido a esta seguridad divina, yo no vivo para la muerte. Vivo para el cielo. Vivo para la unión con Jesucristo y la reunificación con todos los santos de Dios que me han precedido.

Vivir con esa esperanza cambia la vida, porque la alternativa es la desesperación. Al final, todos morimos y no queda nada. La esperanza revela que hay un futuro, y ese futuro es eterno. La esperanza proporciona ímpetu para las misiones y el evangelismo; es un ímpetu por el cuidado de las personas, que llamamos acción social.

En otras palabras, la esperanza no es un bien privado; es el regalo de Dios a la humanidad a través de la muerte y resurrección de Jesús. Cualquiera que quiera vivir en esa esperanza, la promesa del perdón de los pecados y la capacidad de caminar en la vida eterna, la hallará disponible.

La esperanza es también el ímpetu del amor. Mucho más que una garantía privada del cielo, transforma radicalmente la manera en que vivimos en este momento. Jesús vivió como lo hizo, porque sabía que un día estaría unido a su Padre celestial y a todos los que se convertirían en sus seguidores. Es el mensaje de Hebreos 12, que Jesús, “por el gozo que le esperaba, soportó la cruz y no le dio importancia a la vergüenza que eso significaba, y ahora está sentado a la derecha del trono de Dios” (v. 2b NBV).

La esperanza es nuestra razón de ser para vivir vidas alegres, valientes e incluso sacrificiales como cristianos, porque ahora estamos viviendo en la eternidad. Eso es lo único que hace que nuestras vidas tengan sentido; no hay otra explicación adecuada para la manera milagrosa en que damos, vivimos y amamos. No es porque seamos personas particularmente agradables, estemos mejor informados moralmente o tomemos nuestras responsabilidades más en serio. Solo la esperanza de la vida eterna, la promesa del poder de la resurrección de Jesús, nos ofrece la respuesta. Debido a esa esperanza, no vivimos para el presente sino para la eternidad. Por esa esperanza es que tenemos el profundo deseo de compartir esta, la mejor noticia de todas, con los demás.

Hoy, mañana y siempre, la puerta hacia un futuro de esperanza es nuestra fe en la muerte y resurrección de Cristo. ¡Aleluya!

Gracia sobre usted,

Gregory O. Brewer

EL EXCMO. RVDO. GREGORY O. BREWER

The Hope of Glory

BY THE REV. SARA OXLEY

experience a terrible job, a troubled marriage, a difficult child or other seemingly impossible situation. It seems easier to stop pressing forward.

But we are people who live by hope, and our faith allows us to anticipate what lies ahead on our journey. We know what happens after the 40 days of Lent and Holy Week: The tomb is empty. Christ is risen!

In this way, the message of Easter brings us hope. We can face the struggles of life knowing that he understands what we are going through because he also experienced pain and suffering. Not only that, but he has promised to be with us “to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20b).

St. Paul wrote, “Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Rom. 12:12). We live by hope because we know God is with us in good times and bad. We are never alone in our struggles. Our prayers connect us to the Lord, so we may rejoice today, knowing

our challenges will not last forever. The God of hope fills us with joy and peace (Rom. 15:13), but not because we ignore problems or pretend everything is fine. Our hope runs deep because Christ is the “hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). Christ is our hope and has promised to restore us and all his creation. Because of what he did – his death and resurrection – we can expect to share in his glory. He is the creator, provider and source of hope.

In this way, we are different from the rest of the world. We have a Savior who suffered and who understands our suffering. We have joy and peace that others lack. We are not alone; our tears do not go unnoticed. Our Lord loves and provides what we need. No matter what we face, the living God is with us, and he brings us hope.

Blessings on your journey to the cross. May our Lord fill you with the hope of glory along the way.

He is the creator, provider and source of hope.

ENTERING A FUTURE WITH HOPE

BY CFE STAFF

The 54th annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida both celebrated and embodied its theme, “Entering a Future With Hope.” This was the final Convention as bishop for the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, set to retire in July following the consecration of Bishop-elect Dr. Justin S. Holcomb on June 10 at Calvary, Orlando.

Holy Eucharist was held Friday evening, Feb. 3, at the Convention site, the Upper School campus of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne, featuring Brewer as celebrant and Dr. Garwood Anderson, dean of Nashotah House, Nashotah, Wisconsin, as preacher. Mr. Andrew Walker, director of music at St. Michael’s, Orlando, led in worship.

The evening also included the first three of multiple thank-you videos honoring Brewer, most of which addressed the five pillars of progress outlining his strategic vision for the diocese. View the videos at cfdiocese.org/2023diocon.

Opening and Worship

The Rev. Tom Rutherford, former president of the Standing Committee and rector, Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden, officiated the Convention’s opening worship service on Saturday,

Feb. 4, at 9 a.m., with music led by the Rev. Canon Josh Bales, canon priest, Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando.

Following this brief service, Brewer called the Convention to order, welcoming participants before introducing HTEA President Dr. Katherine Cobb, who also welcomed delegates and guests.

Appointments and Announcements

Brewer then announced Convention appointments, after which Convention Secretary Sarah Caprani and her plumed pen introduced the thank-you videos featured throughout the program.

Holcomb then took the stage as chair of the Credentials Committee to report that quorums had been reached in both clerical and lay orders. Brewer announced that the 2022 treasurer’s report remains incomplete because of the resignation of former diocesan administrator and

CFO Earl Pickett due to young-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It will be made available later. He called on Ms. Lena Combs, Convention treasurer, to present the recommended 2023 operating budget, which was then adopted via voice vote. The Rev. Canon Scott Holcombe, canon to the ordinary, took the floor to introduce 15 new deacons, five new priests and 16 clergy in new positions.

Bishop’s Address

“It has been the privilege of my life to serve as your

2023 Diocesan Convention Brings Theme to Life

(L) Sarah Caprani, appointed as Convention secretary, and Bishop Brewer (R).

Andrew Walker directs the combined choir.

bishop,” Brewer said near the start of his address, adding, “I love the people of this diocese and the calling God has given me to serve together with you.”

Brewer reported that in 2022 he made 47 congregational visits, confirmed 206, baptized three and received 80 into The Episcopal Church. Thirty-eight people reaffirmed their baptismal vows, and there were 10 celebrations of new ministry.

Brewer also said he ordained 18 candidates – 12 deacons and six priests – in 2022 and will have ordained an additional 10 priests by early June; in his episcopacy, he will have performed more than 200 ordinations. The number of women clergy and clergy of color has increased significantly, while the median age has dropped dramatically.

The bishop emphasized his joy in serving the Order of the Daughters of the King as national chaplain and gave a summary of the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, held July 8-11 in Baltimore, Maryland. He gave a brief report on the 2022 Lambeth Conference in Kent, England, which, he said, “changed my life.”

He expressed regret over the deaths of “two of our champions,” the Rt. Rev. William H. Folwell and the Rev. Canon Nelson W. Pinder, and the resignation of Pickett.

The bishop then offered an update on Canterbury Conference Center, praising gains. He pointed to a diocese that is moving into a future with hope because of the gospel, reminding attendees, “All the good that has been done is, in fact, for God’s glory and

not ours, and believe me, the best is yet to be.” View his entire message at cfdiocese. org/2023diocon.

After Noonday Prayer and responsive reading led by the Very Rev. Porter Taylor, dean of the Southeast Deanery and rector of St. David’s by-theSea, Cocoa Beach, and music by Bales, the Convention adjourned for lunch.

The afternoon session began with Brewer thanking those concluding terms on the Diocesan Board, Standing Committee, Commission on Ministry and Disciplinary Board and announcing new appointments.

Elections

The Very Rev. Jason Murbarger, chair of the Committee on Nominations and Elections; dean of the Northeast Deanery; and rector of St. Mary’s, Daytona Beach, facilitated the elections, which were conducted via the online platform VPOLL.

Murbarger presented the slate of candidates for the various committees and boards and conducted the elections per the diocesan canons. Announced near the close of the Convention, those elected are:

Standing Committee: The Rev. Tom Phillips (clerical order, four-year term); Mr. Erick Perez (lay order, threeyear term).

Diocesan Board: The Rev. Kevin Bartle (clerical order, three-year term); Mrs. Irais Murphy, Mrs. Heidi White (lay order, three-year term).

Trustee, University of the South: The Rev. Dr. Robin Reed (clerical order, threeyear term).

Deputies, 2024 General Convention

Clerical Order: The Rev. Canon Scott Holcombe, the Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez, the Rev. Phyllis Bartle, the Rev. Sara M. Oxley.

Lay Order: Ms. Krisita Jackson, Mrs. La Nora Holcombe, Mrs. Heather Rodríguez, Mrs. Heidi White.

Alternates, Clerical Order: The Rev. Kay Mueller, the Rev. Laura Cook, the Rev. Woodford D. Miller, the Rev. Tracy Dugger.

Alternates, Lay Order: Mrs. Emily Fletcher, Mrs. Mary Kay Predmore, Ms. Cheryl Arnold.

Deanery Elections

(pre-Convention): The Very Rev. Deke Miller, dean, Southwest Deanery; Mrs. Heather Barlow, president, Southeast Deanery; Dr. Frederick “Drick” Heitman, president, Northwest Deanery; the Very Rev. Jason Murbarger, Dean, Northeast Deanery.

Resolutions

After the close of elections, Brewer called forward the Rev. Michelle Roach, priest-in-charge, Christ Church, Longwood, and Dr. John Robertson, both of the Beloved Community Task Force, to present and

move Resolution R-1, Canon Nelson Wardell Pinder Commemoration Day, which was adopted by acclamation.

The Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez then presented and moved Resolution R-2: Expressing Gratitude to the Diocese of Puerto Rico for its desire for an expanded relationship. The motion was discussed and adopted via voice vote.

After Murbarger’s election announcements, Brewer announced the date of the 55th annual Diocesan Convention, provisionally set for Jan. 2627, 2024, with details to come.

The Rev. Andrew Lazo, chair of the Memorials Committee and apprentice rector, Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden, led in a time of remembrance with accompanying video for clergy who died during 2022.

Convention attendees stood for a one-minute silence, after which the bishop led in prayer and the Litany of Thanksgiving. Bales led a closing hymn, followed by a unison prayer before Brewer’s benediction and adjournment.

Visit cfdiocese. org/2023diocon for complete Convention reporting.

Bishop Brewer and his wife, Laura Lee, share a tender moment after his Convention address.

(L) Dr. John Robertson and Mother Michelle Roach (R) present a resolution honoring The Rev. Canon Nelson W. Pinder.

HACIA UN FUTURO CON ESPERANZA

Convención diocesana 2023 encarna su tema

BY EQUIPO CFE

La 54.ª convención diocesana anual de la Diócesis Episcopal de la Florida Central celebró y dio vida a su tema, “Entrando a un futuro con esperanza”. Esta fue la convención final como obispo para el excelentísimo Rvdo. Gregory O. Brewer, quien se jubilará en julio luego de la consagración del obispo electo Dr. Justin S. Holcomb el 10 de junio en la Calvary Orlando, Winter Park.

La Sagrada Eucaristía se llevó a cabo el viernes, 3 de febrero, por la noche en el lugar de la convención, el campus de la escuela secundaria de la Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy (HTEA) en Melbourne. Brewer sirvió como celebrante y el Dr. Garwood Anderson, decano de Nashotah House en Nashotah, Wisconsin, como predicador. El Sr. Andrew Walker, director de música de la St. Michael’s en Orlando, dirigió la adoración. La velada también incluyó los primeros tres de varios videos de agradecimiento en honor a Brewer, la mayoría de los cuales abordaron los cinco pilares del progreso que describen su visión estratégica para la diócesis. Vea los videos en cfdiocese.org/2023diocon.

Apertura y adoración

El reverendo Tom Rutherford, expresidente de la comisión permanente y rector de la Church of the Messiah en Winter Garden, ofició el servicio de adoración de apertura de la convención el sábado, 4 de febrero, a las 9 a. m., con música dirigida

por el reverendo canónigo Josh Bales, sacerdote canónigo de la Cathedral Church of St. Luke en Orlando.

Luego de este breve servicio, Brewer dio inicio a la convención y ofreció la bienvenida a los participantes antes de presentar a la presidenta de la HTEA, la Dra. Katherine Cobb, quien también dio la bienvenida a los delegados e invitados.

Nombramientos y anuncios

2022 sigue incompleto, debido a la renuncia del ex diocesano administrador y director financiero, Earl Pickett, por la enfermedad de Alzheimer prematura, pero estará disponible más adelante. Hizo un llamado a la Sra. Lena Combs, tesorera de la convención, para presentar el presupuesto operativo recomendado para el 2023, que luego fue aprobado por voto de voz.

El obispo Brewer (I) celebra; El Dr. Garwood Anderson (D) predica durante la Eucaristía del viernes por la noche.

Más tarde, Brewer anunció los nombramientos de la convención, después de lo cual la secretaria de la convención, Sarah Caprani, y su bolígrafo emplumado, presentaron los videos de agradecimiento que siguieron a lo largo del programa. Holcomb luego subió al escenario como presidente del comité de credenciales para informar que se había alcanzado el quórum tanto en la orden clerical como en la laica. Brewer anunció que el informe del tesorero del

El reverendo canónigo, Scott Holcombe, Canónigo del Ordinario, tomó la palabra para presentar a 15 nuevos diáconos, cinco nuevos sacerdotes y 16 clérigos en nuevos cargos.

Discurso del Obispo

“Ha sido el privilegio de mi vida servir como su obispo”, expresó Brewer cerca del comienzo de su discurso, y agregó: “Amo a la gente de esta diócesis y el llamado que Dios me ha dado para servir junto con ustedes”.

Brewer informó que en el 2022 realizó 47 visitas congregacionales, confirmó a 206, bautizó a tres y recibió a 80 en la Iglesia Episcopal. Treinta y ocho

personas reafirmaron sus votos bautismales, y hubo diez celebraciones de nuevos ministerios. Brewer también dijo que ordenó a 18 candidatos, 12 diáconos y seis sacerdotes en el 2022, y ordenará a 10 sacerdotes adicionales a principios de junio; en su episcopado habrá realizado más de 200 ordenaciones. El número de mujeres clérigos y clérigos de color ha aumentado significativamente, mientras que la mediana edad ha disminuido drásticamente.

El obispo enfatizó su alegría de servir a la Orden de las Hijas del Rey como capellán nacional y dio un resumen de la 80.ª Convención General de la Iglesia Episcopal, celebrada del 8 al 11 de julio en Baltimore, Maryland. Ofreció un breve informe sobre la Lambeth Conference 2022 en Kent, Inglaterra, la cual señaló “cambió mi vida”.

Expresó además su pesar por la muerte de “dos de nuestros campeones”, el excelentísimo Rvdo. William H. Folwell y el reverendo canónigo Nelson W. Pinder, y la renuncia de Pickett.

Luego, el obispo ofreció una actualización sobre el Centro de Conferencias de Canterbury, elogiando los avances. Señaló a una diócesis que avanza hacia un futuro con esperanza gracias al evangelio, recordándoles a los asistentes: “Todo lo bueno que se ha hecho es, en realidad, para la gloria de Dios y no para la nuestra, y créanme, lo mejor está por venir”. Vea su mensaje completo en cfdiocese.org/2023diocon.

Después de la oración del mediodía y la lectura receptiva dirigida por el reverendísimo Porter Taylor, decano del Decanato del Sureste y rector de la St. David’s by-the-Sea en Cocoa Beach, y la música de Bales, la convención recesó para el almuerzo.

La sesión de la tarde comenzó con Brewer agradeciendo esos términos finales en la Junta Diocesana, la Comisión Permanente, la Comisión de Ministerio y la Junta Disciplinaria, y anunciando nuevos nombramientos.

Elecciones

El reverendísimo Jason Murbarger, presidente del Comité de Nominaciones y Elecciones, decano del Decanato del Noreste y rector de la St. Mary’s en Daytona Beach, facilitó las elecciones, que se realizaron a través de la plataforma en línea VPOLL.

Murbarger presentó la lista de candidatos para los distintos

término de tres años); Sra.

Irais Murphy, Sra. Heidi White (orden laica, término de tres años).

Administrador, University of the South: el Rvdo. Dr. Robin Reed (orden clerical, término de tres años).

Diputados, Convención General 2024

Orden clerical: el reverendo canónigo Scott Holcombe, el Rvdo. Dr. José Rodríguez, la Rvda. Phyllis Bartle, la Rvda. Sara M. Oxley.

Orden laica: Sra. Krisita Jackson, Sra. La Nora Holcombe, Sra. Heather Rodríguez, Sra. Heidi White.

Suplentes, Orden clerical: la Rvda. Kay Mueller, la Rvda. Laura Cook, el Rvdo. Woodford D. Miller, la Rvda. Tracy Dugger.

Resolución R-1, Canon del Día de Conmemoración de Nelson Wardell Pinder, la cual fue adoptada por aclamación. Más adelante, el Rvdo. Dr. José Rodríguez presentó y promovió la Resolución R-2: Expresión de Gratitud a la Diócesis de Puerto Rico por su deseo de ampliar la relación. La moción fue discutida y aprobada por voto de voz. Después de los anuncios electorales de Murbarger, Brewer anunció la fecha de la 55.ª Convención Diocesana anual, fijada para el 26 y 27 de enero de 2024, con detalles por venir.

comités y juntas, y llevó a cabo las elecciones según los cánones diocesanos. Cerca del cierre de la convención, fueron anunciados los elegidos. Estos son: Comisión permanente: el Rvdo. Tom Phillips (orden clerical, término de cuatro años); Mr. Erick Pérez (orden laica, término de tres años).

Junta diocesana: el Rvdo. Kevin Bartle (orden clerical,

Suplentes, Orden laica: Sra. Emily Fletcher, Sra. Mary Kay Predmore, Sra. Cheryl Arnold. Elecciones de los decanatos (preconvención): el reverendísimo Deke Miller, decano, Decanato del Suroeste; Sra. Heather Barlow, presidenta, Decanato del Sureste; Sr. Frederick “Drick” Heitman, presidente, Decanato del Noroeste; el reverendísimo Rvdo. Jason Murbarger, decano, Decanato del Noreste.

Resoluciones

Después del cierre de las elecciones, Brewer convocó a la Rvda. Michelle Roach, sacerdotisa a cargo de la Christ Church en Longwood, y al Dr. John Robertson, ambos del Beloved Community Task Force, para presentar y promover la

El reverendo Andrew Lazo, presidente del Comité de Memoriales y rector aprendiz de la Church of the Messiah en Winter Garden, dirigió un momento de conmemoración acompañado con un video de clérigos que fallecieron durante el 2022. Los asistentes a la convención guardaron un minuto de silencio.

Luego, el obispo dirigió la oración y la Letanía de Acción de Gracias. Bales dirigió un himno de clausura, seguido de una oración al unísono antes de la bendición y culminación por Brewer.

Visite cfdiocese. org/2023diocon para obtener informes completos de la convención.

PHOTOS: Carlos Amoedo

Padre José Rodríguez presenta la resolución expresando agradecimiento a la Diócesis de Puerto Rico.

El obispo Brewer pronuncia el último discurso de su episcopado en la Convención.

El obispo Brewer y el panel de la Convención (la izquierda); El Padre Jason Murbarger lidera las elecciones (la derecha).

Becoming Beloved Community Task Force

Looking Back to Learn, Looking Forward With Hope

BY REBECCA TAYLOR

According to Dr. John Robertson, president of the Nelson Pinder Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, the Becoming Beloved Community Task Force is working to bring this proverb to life. “To build a future of diversity, we have to look at the lessons learned from the past, just like this old African proverb tells us,” he said.

In a video report for the 2023 Diocesan Convention, the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer explained the impetus for the task force, which he initiated in February 2022. While anti-racism training is a requirement for every diocesan priest, he believes there is still work to be done. “Our current political and cultural climate is doing its best to divide us. It is clear that our training is inadequate to the task,” he said.

Moving Toward Transformation

Brewer commissioned Robertson and the Rev. Michelle Roach, priest-incharge of Christ Church, Longwood, to organize a group to meet with one another and then discuss with him the state of race relations in the diocese.

From that meeting, the Becoming Beloved Community Task Force was born.

“The job of this task force is the creation of a long-term project that I am sure will go through many iterations and revisions, but at the heart of its work is a commitment to develop a Christlike approach to race relations among our churches and in our communities,” Brewer said.

Roach, task force chair, explained that the group chose the phrase “beloved community” because it is already being used by The Episcopal Church. The

phrase originated with philosopher and theologian Josiah Royce, who founded the Fellowship of Reconciliation in the 20th century. “The Episcopal Church eventually adopted the phrase ‘Becoming Beloved Community’ in 2017 to lead the way to racial reconciliation and healing through spiritual formation rather than through completing a training or implementing a set of programs,” Roach said. Inspired by the Racial Justice Audit of Episcopal Leadership, the task force is committed to creating transformational rather than transactional experiences to generate change. “Mindsets are difficult to change, which is why we focus on transformation that comes from the heart,” Roach said. “That is living the gospel.”

Based on the feedback from task force members, the group identified several observations and experiences of race relations in the diocese. Some of the themes of racial conflict and challenges identified include stereotyping, feelings of dismissal, economic disparities and historical denials.

“The church is a microcosm of the world. What you see going on in the world has infiltrated our churches,” said Faye Henderson, task force member. “It is easy to forget who we are. We are children of God, and we need to be examples to the world.”

Task force members then delineated several ways to counteract the identified issues. They discussed these ideas at the group’s first retreat, held in August 2022, when members engaged in discussions

There is an old proverb on the concept of sankofa from the Akan tribe in Ghana that translates loosely to English: “It is not wrong to go back to what you have forgotten.” Derived from the words for “return” (san) , “go” (ko) and “seek and take” (fa), sankofa’s symbol is a bird whose feet are planted toward the future, but who looks back to learn from the past.

The Rev. Michelle Roach and Dr. John Robertson

to identify four key topics and corresponding action plans to address racial reconciliation in our diocese: leadership, education and sharing stories. Goals include, but are not limited to, providing educational resources to lay and ordained leaders in our diocese, gathering stories of racial histories for a diocesan archive, fostering relationships with historically Black colleges and universities, and being intentional in the recruitment process to attract more clergy of color to the diocese.

Crossing Cultural Boundaries

One task force member, Lemar Williams, is a fourth-generation Episcopalian. “My daughter could be No. 5, but that decision is going to be up to her,” Williams said. “She might say, ‘Dad, The Episcopal Church is not a place for me because nobody looks like me.’ That should be a problem we all care about regardless of our race.”

Williams believes that fear – fear of change and fear of differences – lies at the heart of many of our cultural and racial tensions. “But the antidote to fear is relationships,” he said. “We have to build better relationships within our households, communities and churches.”

Henderson agrees. “We have to be intentional, even in our homes,” she said. “We all carry biases and stereotypes. It’s

important to acknowledge that so we can move forward.”

“Racism is a disease that needs to be handled by everyone,” Williams said. “It’s inclusive work we need to be a part of regardless of political affiliations or color. Luckily, we have the greatest resource ever created, scripture, as our guide.” Roach explained that Jesus went into the wilderness and crossed cultural boundaries for the sake of the gospel. “That is our call too,” she said. “We must

better reflect the communities we serve, but first, our hearts have to be transformed.”

Robertson said that the task force has positioned itself to remain close to our Episcopal heritage by embracing the call to diversity in our baptismal covenant. “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? I will, with God’s help. Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? I will, with God’s help” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 305).

Robertson added that the task force builds on a long legacy of leaders who have gone before them. “Our UBE predecessors knocked on doors, but many were not open to them. The Becoming Beloved Community Task Force is proactively knocking on those doors again, bringing issues to light, so that the doors can be fully opened this time and so we can live out our baptismal covenant.”

The Becoming Beloved Community Task Force could be seen as a diocesan sankofa bird, looking back so we can enter a future with hope.

The Becoming Beloved Community Task Force at the 2023 Diocesan Convention

MaiLinh Williams is already learning about Becoming Beloved Community.

PHOTO: Carlos Amoedo

Diocese Notified of

SUCCESSFUL CANONICAL CONSENT PROCESS

Holcomb’s Election as Fifth Diocesan Bishop Reveals Unity, Diversity in Central Florida

BY MARTI PIEPER

The Diocese of Central Florida received notification March 1 from Presiding

Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry that Bishop-elect Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, 49, has received the required majority of consents in the canonical consent process detailed in Canon III.11.3. The consents received have been certified by the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, registrar of the General Convention.

In giving consent to Holcomb’s ordination and consecration, standing committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction in The Episcopal Church attest to “knowing of no impediment on account of which” he ought not to be ordained as bishop, and that his election was conducted in accordance with the canons.

‘Not Ashamed of the Gospel’

Holcomb, who has served the diocese as canon for vocations since 2013, was elected as the diocese’s fifth bishop on Jan. 14. The election came on the first ballot out of a slate of three nominees at a Special Electing Convention held at Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park. He received 63% of votes cast in the lay order and 60% of votes cast in the clerical order. Per the diocesan canons, an election requires a simple majority of 50% plus one in each order.

Holcomb briefly addressed the convention after the election, thanking his fellow candidates, the Rev. Charles “Roy” Allison, rector, St. James, Ormond Beach; and the Rev. Dr. Stacey “Stace” Tafoya, rector, Church of the Epiphany, Denver, Colorado;

and others who played key roles in the process.

“It is my great privilege and joy to be chosen to serve in this role and to serve with such a gifted group of lay leaders and clergy,” he said. “I am looking forward to getting together with you and supporting you – both lay and ordained – in the ministries to which the Lord has called each of you.

“The most important and last thing I want to say is from Romans 1:16-17,” Holcomb added, quoting: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. … For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” (ESV).

Mr. Tim Wynn, parliamentarian, and the Hon. Council “Butch” Wooten Jr., chancellor, watch the election process with Bishop Brewer (L-R).

Ordained as a priest on May 28, 2006, Holcomb has also taught theology and apologetics at numerous seminaries for 22 years and has written or edited 20 books. Prior to his current position, he served as a priest at a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and was an executive director of an

interdenominational ministry. He earned his Ph.D. in theological studies from Emory University and has both a Master of Arts in theological studies and a Master of Arts in Christian thought from Reformed Theological Seminary as well as a bachelor’s in biblical studies from Southeastern University. He is married to Lindsey Holcomb, and they have two daughters, Sophia and Zoe.

Entering a Future With Hope

Holcomb’s consecration is scheduled to take place June 10, 2023, at Calvary Orlando, Winter Park. He will succeed the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, who has served as diocesan bishop since 2012 and announced his mandatory retirement last year.

In a letter to the diocese preceding the election, Brewer pointed out that the Standing Committee designed the entire election process, including the selection of members for involved committees, to represent the diocese’s diverse range of people. It resulted in six applicants, one-third of whom were Latino. No women applied.

Bishop for Pastoral Development the Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, who oversees elections in The Episcopal Church, addressed the significance of the election results in terms of diocesan unity.

“Like most dioceses in The Episcopal Church, Central Florida specifies that an election occurs when both lay and clergy orders vote on the same ballot with a simple majority of delegates in each order,” Ousley said. “Both an election of the first ballot and majorities of 63% and 60% respectively provide a sense of significant diocesan concurrence with the outcome and indicate significant support for the bishop-elect.

“In my congratulatory call to Bishop-elect Holcomb, I encouraged his recognition of significant support beyond that of a simple majority and the need to prayerfully reflect upon those portions of the diocese that will need pastoral attention as he moves toward being ordained as the fifth bishop of Central Florida,” he added. “He had already begun such reflections.”

Brewer had similar comments about Holcomb’s election, saying that the majority by which Holcomb won “signals strong support across the diocese … I have every reason to believe that he will do a fine job as the fifth bishop of Central Florida.”

Following the notification of certification of consents, Holcomb emphasized that the diocese is entering a future with hope. “For us to succeed in the ministries to which the Lord has called us as a diocese, we need healthy

and supported clergy and empowered lay leaders,” he said. “That is my priority so that we are equipped to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom to each other and to our neighbors whether they are churched, unchurched or dechurched.

“Finally, I am encouraged by Matthew 9:37-38,” Holcomb said. “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest’ “The issue is no longer that the laborers are few,” he explained. “Just look at our diocese. We have hundreds of gifted clergy, thousands of eager lay leaders, numerous committed diocesan commissions and 81 faithful churches.

“The harvest is plentiful, and the laborers are many,” Holcomb said. “Let us pray to the Lord of the harvest for even more laborers, but let us also pray for the harvest using the collect ‘For the Mission of the Church’ (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 816-817): ‘Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.’”

Sarah Caprani, Bishop Brewer and Mr. Tim Wynn review documents.

The Very Rev. Jason Murbarger (back L) discusses a key point with parliamentarian Tim Wynn as Bishop Brewer (front L) and the Hon. Council “Butch” Wooten Jr. listen.

Notificada la Diócesis

DEL PROCESO EXITOSO DE CONSENTIMIENTO CANÓNICO

Elección de Holcomb como quinto obispo diocesano revela unidad y diversidad en Florida Central

BY MARTI PIEPER

La Diócesis Episcopal de la Florida Central recibió una notificación el 1 de marzo del obispo presidente y primado, Michael B. Curry, de que el obispo electo Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, de 49 años, recibió la mayoría de los consentimientos requeridos en el proceso de consentimiento canónico detallado en el Canon III.11.3. Los consentimientos recibidos han sido certificados por el reverendo canónigo Michael Barlowe, registrador de la Convención General.

Al dar su consentimiento para la ordenación y consagración de Holcomb, las comisiones permanentes y los obispos con jurisdicción en la Iglesia Episcopal dan fe de que “no conocen ningún impedimento por el cual” no deba ser ordenado como obispo, y que su elección se llevó a cabo en conformidad con los cánones.

Holcomb, quien ha servido a la diócesis como canónigo de vocaciones desde el 2013, fue elegido como el quinto obispo de la diócesis el 14 de enero. La elección se produjo en la primera votación de una lista de tres nominados en una Convención de Elección Especial celebrada en la Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park. Recibió el 63% de los votos emitidos de la orden laica y el 60% de los votos emitidos de la del clero. Según los cánones diocesanos, una elección requiere una mayoría simple del 50% más uno en cada orden.

Holcomb se dirigió brevemente a la convención después de la elección, agradeciendo a sus compañeros candidatos, el reverendísimo Charles “Roy” Allison, rector de la St. James en Ormond Beach; y el Rvdo. Dr. Stacey “Stace” Tafoya, rector de la Church of the Epiphany en Denver, Colorado; y a otros que desempeñaron papeles clave en el proceso.

“Es para mí un gran privilegio y de mucha alegría haber

sido elegido para servir en este cargo, y servir con un grupo tan talentoso de líderes laicos y clérigos”, expresó. “Espero reunirme con ustedes y apoyarlos, tanto laicos como ordenados, en los ministerios a los cuales el Señor los ha llamado a cada uno de ustedes.

“Lo más importante y lo último que quiero decir es de Romanos 1:16-17”, agregó Holcomb, citando: “‘Porque no me avergüenzo del evangelio, pues es el poder de Dios para la salvación de todo el que cree. [...] Porque en el evangelio la justicia de Dios se revela por fe y para fe, como está escrito: Mas el justo por la fe vivirá’” (NBLA).

Holcomb fue ordenado sacerdote el 28 de mayo de 2006, y también ha enseñado teología y apologética en numerosos seminarios durante 22 años, aparte de escribir o editar 20 libros. Antes de ocupar su cargo actual, sirvió como sacerdote en una parroquia de la Diócesis Episcopal de Virginia y fue director ejecutivo de un ministerio interdenominacional. Obtuvo su doctorado en filosofía

‘No me avergüenzo del evangelio’

Canónigo para Ministerio Hispano Luis De la Cruz pronuncia una bendición (I) mientras el obispo Brewer escucha (D).

(Ph.D.) en estudios teológicos de la Emory University, y también tiene una maestría de artes en estudios teológicos y una maestría de artes en pensamiento cristiano del Reformed Theological Seminary, así como una licenciatura en estudios bíblicos de la Southeastern University. Está casado con Lindsey Holcomb y ambos tienen dos hijas, Sophia y Zoe.

Hacia un futuro con esperanza

La consagración de Holcomb está programada para el 10 de junio de 2023 en Calvary Orlando, Winter Park. Él sucederá al excelentísimo Rvdo. Gregory O. Brewer, quien se ha desempeñado como obispo diocesano desde el 2012, y anunció su retiro obligatorio el año pasado.

En una carta a la diócesis antes de la elección, Brewer señaló que la Comisión Permanente diseñó todo el proceso electoral, incluida la selección de miembros para los comités involucrados, que representaran la diversa gama de personas de la diócesis. Eso resultó en seis postulantes, un tercio de los cuales eran latinos. Ninguna mujer se postuló.

El Obispo para el Desarrollo Pastoral, el excelentísimo Rvdo. Todd Ousley, que supervisa las elecciones en la Iglesia Episcopal, abordó la importancia de los resultados de las elecciones en términos de unidad diocesana.

“Al igual que la mayoría de las diócesis de la Iglesia Episcopal en la Florida Central especifica que una elección

ocurre cuando las órdenes de clérigos y laicos votan en la misma boleta con una mayoría simple de delegados en cada orden”, señaló Ousley. “Tanto la elección de la primera votación como las mayorías del 63% y el 60%, respectivamente, brindan un sentido de concurrencia diocesana significativa con el resultado, a la vez que indican un apoyo significativo para el obispo electo.

“En mi llamada de felicitación al obispo electo Holcomb, enfaticé el hecho de que recibiera un apoyo significativo más allá del de una mayoría simple, y la necesidad de reflexionar en oración sobre aquellas áreas de la diócesis que necesitarán atención pastoral a medida que avanza hacia su ordenación como el quinto obispo de la Florida Central”, agregó. “Ya había comenzado con tales reflexiones”.

Brewer hizo comentarios similares sobre la elección de Holcomb, diciendo que, esa “mayoría significativa” por la

que Holcomb ganó, “señala un fuerte apoyo en toda la diócesis… Tengo todas las razones para creer que [Holcomb] hará un buen trabajo como el quinto obispo de la Florida Central”.

Tras la notificación de la certificación de los consentimientos, Holcomb enfatizó que la diócesis está entrando a un futuro con esperanza. “Para que tengamos éxito en los ministerios a los que el Señor nos ha llamado como diócesis, necesitamos un clero sano de apoyo y líderes laicos empoderados”, apuntó. “Esa es mi prioridad: que estemos equipados para proclamar el evangelio del reino unos a otros y a nuestro prójimo, sea que estén en la iglesia, que no estén o estén alejados de ella”.

“Finalmente, Mateo 9:3738 me alienta”, continuó Holcomb. “Entonces Jesús les dijo a sus seguidores: ‘La cosecha es mucha, pero los trabajadores son pocos. Por eso, pidan al Señor dueño de la cosecha que envíe trabajadores para recogerla’ (PDT).

“El tema ya no es que los trabajadores sean pocos”, explicó. “Solo observe nuestra diócesis. Tenemos cientos de clérigos talentosos, miles de líderes laicos entusiastas, numerosas comisiones diocesanas comprometidas y 81 iglesias fieles.

“La cosecha es abundante y los trabajadores son muchos”, añadió Holcomb. “Oremos al Señor dueño de la cosecha por aún más trabajadores, pero oremos también por la cosecha usando la colección ‘Por la misión de la iglesia’ (Libro de Oración Común, pp. 816817): ‘Dios Eterno, cuya voluntad es que todos vengan a ti por medio de tu Hijo Jesucristo: que seamos inspirados a ser testigos de él, para que todos conozcan el poder de su perdón y la esperanza de su resurrección; a quien vive y reina contigo y el Espíritu Santo, un solo Dios, ahora y por siempre. Amén’”.

El reverendo Comforted Keen adora con la familia diocesana.

Central Florida’s Episcopal Schools BRING HOPE for the FUTURE

BY DAN KING

Parents in the U.S. have become increasingly dissatisfied with K-12 education. A recent Gallup study revealed a steady decrease in satisfaction levels. Since reaching a high of 51% in 2019, satisfaction has dropped to 42%, the lowest in two decades. However, Episcopal schools in the Diocese of Central Florida continue to help students thrive intellectually, physically and spiritually, preparing them for the future and serving as a vital community outreach.

The Gallup study, conducted in August 2022, showed that the greatest source of dissatisfaction with K-12 education is related to the rigor of the curriculum and teaching methods. Respondents identify poor or outdated curriculum, lack of teaching basics (reading, writing, and arithmetic) and not learning life skills as their biggest concerns.

But there is hope. The Rev. Russell Wohlever, president of the Central Florida Episcopal Schools Association and chaplain at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park, said Episcopal schools strive to develop the full child to better prepare them for the future. Sixteen schools make up the

CFESA, which includes preschools, K-8 parish day schools, K-12 and 6-12 preparatory schools.

“Trinity Preparatory School’s core values of excellence, faith, character development and family ensure that students are immersed in a caring and supportive environment that offers the top educational programs in Central Florida,” per that school’s website.

Parents and students alike notice the difference. “[I received a] very good education that put me years ahead of others when I went to college,” said former Trinity Prep student Jack DeSimone.

Current students Devin Murphy, Samantha Murphy and Jacqueline Williams-Donaldson had nothing but praise for their school, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy, Fort Pierce. All three mentioned the school’s strong academic focus, emphasis on genuine respect and real sense of community, all of which set it apart.

CFESA schools are “places where the ethos is seeking to serve Christ in all people, loving others, striving for justice

and peace among all and respecting the dignity of every human being,” Wohlever said.

Every CFESA school includes a weekly chapel, where students “hear the teachings of Jesus, especially in serving others,” he added. “Parents have often shared that their children come home excited about what they learned in chapel. It is especially exciting when students who are not of the Christian faith share their enjoyment of attending chapel.”

In fact, “The schools are one of the biggest, if not the biggest, outreach ministries in the diocese,” Wohlever said, noting that diocesan schools, open to children of all faiths, provide a safe place where students can grow spiritually. He added, “They directly impact the lives of over 3,000 people each year.”

While many parents are looking for better solutions for their children’s education, CFESA schools are finding ways to help students enter a future with hope, not only through great academics but also by developing the whole child: mind, body and spirit. This approach to education is putting these young people far ahead of their peers as they move forward and impact the world around them.

PHOTOS: Trinity Preparatory School, Dan King and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy

(L-R), Samantha Murphy, Devin Murphy and Jacqueline Williams-Donaldson in the St. Andrew’s Academy booth at the 2023 Diocesan Convention

Trinity Preparatory School students pack boxes for the school’s 14th annual food drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank.

BY THE REV. ANDREW LAZO

But Joy Cometh

In his winsome supposal of how the passion, death and resurrection of the Son of God might play out in a world where animals talk, C. S. Lewis in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe describes a kind of Holy Saturday moment that many of us perhaps know all too well:

I hope no one who reads this book has been quite as miserable as Susan and Lucy were that night; but if you have been – if you’ve been up all night and cried till you have no more tears left in you – you will know that there comes in the end a sort of quietness. You feel as if nothing was ever going to happen again. … Hours and hours seemed to go by in this dead calm.

I can hardly think of a better description of how Holy Saturday might have felt to the disciples – hours of lifeless calm, that sense of a kind of empty futility, a feeling that the whole world has died and that nothing will ever get good again. Of weeping through the night until even weeping doesn’t work anymore.

I think in some ways, that day between Christ’s death and his resurrection offers an apt metaphor for this life that we live between the cross and the coming of the kingdom of God. We seek a city of true foundations, but we can’t quite see it yet. We watch rancor and rebellion swell on every side, we count the ways this world continues to make us strangers in a strange land, and we can’t quite feel comfortable here. With the Sons of Korah, we pass through the Valley of Weeping (Ps. 84:6), up all night until there are no more tears to cry. What honest heart can look upon the way things fall apart and not feel at least the temptation to despair?

But as always with God, death and despair can’t even begin to tell the whole story, no matter how long the night might last. Aslan will soon stir, and Susan and Lucy will leap to find him more gloriously alive than ever before. For ever since Easter, death always works backward. And the Resurrection itself has performed a wonder on all our weeping. This grand miracle, this fervent hope of life beyond death, does at least two things to tears.

First of all, the sufferings and death of Christ, that sword that pierced the Blessed Virgin’s heart, can transform tears. The psalm had it right: when faithful pilgrims “go through the valley of Baca [weeping] they make it a place of springs” (Ps. 84:6a). In a miraculous alchemy, God somehow trades the saltwater we weep into sweet springs of refreshment for ourselves and others. St. Paul knows about this as he gently

reminds us that the comfort by which we have been comforted will itself serve to comfort others once we have made it through those valleys and traded salty water for sweet (see 2 Cor. 1:3-4).

Weeping, as we know, lasteth all too many nights. But we mourn not as those without hope. The thorn in the ground, the inheritance of sin and weakness, the prince of darkness grim, all of these rightly give rise to a kind of long lament for how the world has fallen, sweeping us along with it. We weep like Christ before Jerusalem because we see straight into the sad condition of the world handed down to us and what we make of it all. But this is simply where the shining story starts. Another character in Narnia, facing her own dark night, comes to a helpful conclusion. Jill Pole in The Silver Chair observes that “Crying is all right in its way while it lasts. But you have to stop sooner or later, and then you still have to decide what to do.” And so too do we all of us, citizens of Holy Saturday. After weeping, we must decide to do what we can. And as the Rev. Gerard Manley Hopkins urges us in his poem “Carrion Comfort,” we can: “Can something, hope, wish day come, not choose not to be.”

We can busy ourselves with our Father’s business; we can remember what we have been told, that our good God has stored our tears in a bottle. Frederick Buechner reminds us that we have “but so many tears to shed.” One day, near the end of our lives, we will finish filling those bottles God tends to so tenderly. We will finish the race, complete the course, even as we almost hear the glad cries of the great cloud of witnesses cheering us home.

However long the night, the morning must come, and with it the joy that Jesus always offers to those he holds safe in the hollow of his hands. And so we brush our tears into God’s bottle, we enter every future with hope, we sing on Holy Saturday even as we remember that every Sunday is Easter and that

‘More Than Just a Job’

Deacon Nancy Oliver Blesses Inmates With the Love of Christ

BY DEWAYNE HAMBY

“It’s kind of like the Army. It’s more than just a job.”

That’s what the Rev. Nancy Oliver said about her ministry to inmates of the Brevard County Jail, an extension of her calling to bless those whom Jesus called “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40).

When the Pulse nightclub tragedy occurred, she waited at the receiving hospital to comfort families waiting for news. She and her husband have adopted 13 special needs children and taken in over 300 foster children. Since 2003, she has also run a club for developmentally disabled adults, including five with Down syndrome and others on the autism spectrum. And for more than a decade, the deacon at St. Mark’s, Cocoa, has served hundreds of inmates in the jail, first as a volunteer and then as a full-time chaplain. Every month, Oliver counsels 60 to 80 inmates, primarily women, and supervises 70 volunteers who teach Bible studies. She also teaches inmates and, under special circumstances, brings them the Eucharist. Although many people might hesitate to take their ministry behind bars, Oliver, who calls herself a “domestic missionary,” said she’s never had any fear. If an inmate tried to attack her with no deputies in

sight, she said, “Twenty people would jump up and protect me.”

“They love me because I love them,” she said.

Despite her passion, Oliver realizes serving behind bars is not something most priests and deacons are able to do or would even be comfortable doing. For those in that situation, she suggested partnering with her ministry as her church and others have already done. “I’ll go for you,” she said.

“On any given day, people are getting out of jail and can’t get home,” Oliver said. “So I buy around $200 worth of bus passes about every six weeks.”

And her ministry goes beyond the inmates. When a beloved deputy suddenly died, Oliver arrived at the jail at 5:45 a.m. on a Saturday to minister to everyone touched by the tragedy.

“I spent five hours going pod to pod, talking to deputies and corrections techs, who are in charge of watching cameras and pressing buttons to open or close doors,” she said.

Oliver’s background gives her a special compassion for inmates, especially those with mental disabilities. Some of them, unable to read or write, have nowhere to turn when they are set free.

“People in jail are a microcosm of our society,” she said. “They’re not just the ‘bad people.’ They are just people. They are all sinners, just like we are all sinners.”

Support from others does more than benefit her personally; it offers a new chance for inmates who are leaving the jail. One group from St. Mark’s provides a discretionary fund that helps her bless newly released prisoners.

Oliver is available to speak at churches to share stories of her work and represent the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, of which she is a part. Those interested in learning more may contact her at nancy.oliver@goodnewsjail.org or 321-863-6876.

Photos Erik Guzman

The Rev. Nancy Oliver laughs and loves with her Bible study students.

Canterbury Conference Center Enters a Future with Hope

BY NINA KECK

Canterbury Conference Center, now in its 41st year, has come back after the pandemic with improved facilities and services. Executive Director Chalmers Morse said, “Many of our old friends have gradually returned to Canterbury since the pandemic, and we also have many new groups. We ended 2022 at pre-pandemic levels, and bookings for 2023 are very strong, already booking into 2024.”

One event that returned in October was the annual Clergy Conference of the Diocese of Central Florida. “Most of the clergy attended, and it was Canterbury’s chance to shine,” Morse said. “And shine we did. In a letter from Bishop Brewer, he remarked: ‘Please extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team who made the gathering possible. … Our every need was anticipated and tended to.’”

Canterbury has gone through a million-dollar-plus renova-

tion that included refurbishing the dining room, creating a lounge known as the Bishop’s Study, constructing three firewalls, and updating guest rooms and adjoining baths. The grounds received new plants, a new boardwalk leading to the chapel and upgraded light posts. “Since the pandemic started, we have shown off the many facility improvements and food and service upgrades,” Morse said. And activity has increased over the past few months.

All 45 guest rooms were updated in the a million-dollar-plus renovation.

“We welcomed many old friends who had not been back since before the pandemic,” Morse explained. “While conferences were held in 2020 and 2021, they were mainly virtual.”

Since Jan. 1, Canterbury has held events for the Jesus Film Project, Cru and Communion Partners, all returning customers. The center also hosted an event for Touch of Presence, a new client. “The comments from them have been so encouraging,” Morse said. Another longtime client is booked for each week in 2023. “The Rotary Club of Oviedo is here every Wednesday for their breakfast meeting,” Morse said. “They have been with us since 1982.”

Canterbury’s Ruby Anniversary, scheduled for a September 2022 celebration, was postponed because of Hurricane Ian and has now been canceled. “Our 40th anniversary has passed,” Morse said. “Now it is time to celebrate the episcopacy of Bishop Brewer and look to the future with hope when Canon Holcomb is consecrated as the fifth bishop of our diocese.”

Although Canterbury derives a significant portion of its income from bookings, it also has the Annual Fund and the Bishop Folwell Memorial Scholarship Fund. “This past year, we had some very generous donors to our Annual Fund,” Morse said. “The scholarship fund has helped attendees who need financial assistance attend a conference. While our scholarships are limited, they have made a difference. We also were honored by the Daughters of the King, who worked very hard and raised $30,000 for Canterbury.”

Despite the current economic downturn, things are looking bright for the conference center. “We’ve had to raise prices a bit because everything we use has gone up in price,” Morse said. “We are very encouraged and are entering the future with hope.”

For more about Canterbury, the Annual Fund or the Bishop Folwell Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit canterburyretreat.org.

The Rotary Club of Oviedo meets at Canterbury every Wednesday.

The annual diocesan Clergy Conference returned to Canterbury this year.

Photos courtesy Canterbury Conference Center and Rotary Club of Oviedo

2023 Camp Wingmann Summer Camps

June 4-9

Camp St. Mark, Incoming grades 9-12

June 11-16

Camp St. Barnabas, Incoming grades 6-8

June 18-23

Camp St. Mary, Incoming grades 3-5

June 26-July 7

Camp St. John, All ages (two-week session)

For more information about Summer Camp dates and rates, check out campwingmann.org

CAMP WINGMANN OFFERS STUDENTS Connections With GOD and ONE ANOTHER

BY DAN KING

We all need to take time every once in a while to reset and refresh. That’s exactly what happened for children and youth from across the diocese over the first weekend in January at Winter Camp at Camp Wingmann. The camp provided them the opportunity to get away and gain some fresh perspective before returning to school after the holiday break.

Many grew closer to Christ, made new friends and felt challenged to take their experience back into the world. Because Camp Wingmann has campers put away their technology, students were able to fully immerse themselves in the experience, enhancing their ability to connect with God and one another.

This year’s Winter Camp theme was “So Much More,” based on Ephesians 3:20-21, which says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (ESV).

“So Much More [introduced] campers to the God who is at once massive in scale and intimately personal,” said Camp Wingmann Director Joshua “J.J.” Joseph. “Our hope [was] that everyone [would] be captured by the grandeur of God and his love for them and motivated by his perfect plan for their lives.”

“Camp Wingman genuinely has such a profound impact on the kids,” said Emily St. Pierre, a camper since summer 2017 who had her first experience as a counselor at Winter Camp this year. “Throughout the weekend, I watched these girls go from strangers to true sisters in Christ. On Sunday we had Eucharist, and the girls were asked what they could take away from this weekend. So many of them said that they had made a new friend.”

But the camp experience is about much more than making friends. St. Pierre said, “One camper specifically mentioned that the weekend had helped them learn that they want to tell more people about Jesus and be a light.”

Winter Camp also set a great tone for the upcoming Summer Camps in June and July. In 2023, Camp Wingmann will host four Summer Camps, including the usual one-week camps for each age level: elementary, middle school and high school. This year, the camp is adding a two-week program for all ages.

“A longer camp experience offers greater social, emotional, cognitive and character benefits,” Joseph said. “You can think of it like the sun and rain with flowers – a little definitely helps, but more in the right proportions is better. Camp Wingmann aims to be that nurturing environment where children can flourish and bloom. Two-week sessions offer a slower pace, deeper connections and richer memories.”

Celebrate & Serve Bishop Consecration

The Diocese of Central Florida will soon celebrate a unique occasion: the consecration of Bishopelect Dr. Justin S. Holcomb. We have the privilege of hosting the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry and bishops from throughout The Episcopal Church. Preparations are well underway as the Standing and Transition Committees attend to event details,

but we need the help of dedicated volunteers. Contact our event planner, Carol Beth Haynes, for a complete list of ways you can serve as we celebrate the consecration of our fifth bishop. Let’s roll out the red carpet for our distinguished guests and welcome them with our famed Diocese of Central Florida hospitality!

Email: carolbeth@barhamcourtconsulting.com

La Diócesis de la Florida Central pronto celebrará una ocasión única: la consagración del obispo electo Dr. Justin S. Holcomb. Tenemos el privilegio de recibir al Rvdmo. Michael B. Curry y a obispos de toda la Iglesia Episcopal. Los preparativos están en marcha, ya que los comités, el Permanente y el de Transición, se ocupan de los detalles del evento, pero necesitamos la ayuda de voluntarios dedicados.

Comuníquese con nuestra organizadora de eventos, Carol Beth Haynes, para obtener una lista completa de las maneras en que puede servir mientras celebramos la consagración de nuestro quinto obispo. ¡Despleguemos la alfombra roja para nuestros distinguidos invitados y démosles la bienvenida con nuestra famosa hospitalidad de la Diócesis de la Florida Central!

Correo electrónico: carolbeth@barhamcourtconsulting.com

PHOTO: Jonathan D. Thoreson

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

BISHOP-ELECT DR. JUSTIN S. HOLCOMB

Canon for Vocations

THE VEN. KRISTI ALDAY Archdeacon

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. Subscribe at CFDiocese.org/ CFEMagazine. Submissions are welcome, but are subject to editing and use at the discretion of the Central Florida Episcopalian.

CFE DIGITAL

DIGEST NEWSLETTER

Subscribe for monthly news and articles between issues of the CFE magazine at CFDiocese.org/CFEDigitalDigest

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

STAY CONNECTED WITH BISHOP BREWER

Watch Bishop Brewer's Video Reflections:  TinyURL.com/BishopBrewerSermons

Read blog posts: CFDiocese.org/BishopsBlog

Follow Bishop Brewer on social media:  @ revgregbrewer

CONTRIBUTE A FINANCIAL GIFT

IN GRATITUDE FOR BISHOP BREWER’S 46 YEARS OF ORDAINED MINISTRY

Make and mail your check as follows: Bishop Brewer Retirement Fund

c/o R. A. Simasek, P.A., Certified Public Accountants 601 North Ferncreek Avenue, Suite 110 Orlando, FL 32803

( Please note: Financial gifts are not tax deductible. )

BISHOP BREWER’S VISITATIONS

View Bishop Brewer’s visitation schedule with dates, times and locations for ordinations and new ministry services: CFDiocese.org/Visitations

PRIESTHOOD ORDINATIONS

The Revs. Zacher Bayonne, Winn Collier, Preston Grissom and Luke Klingstedt

Saturday, April 15, 2023, 11 a.m.

All Saints Episcopal Church, Winter Park

The Rev. Timothy Rutherford

Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 9:30 a.m.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Upper School Campus, Melbourne

The Revs. Garcia Barnswell-Schmidt, Elliott Drake, Elizabeth Garfield and Jacob Schlossberg

Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 7 p.m.

Cathedral Church of Saint Luke, Orlando

DEANERY CLERICUS GATHERINGS

Times and locations to be announced at CFDiocese.org/Visitations

Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Southwest Deanery

Thursday, April 27, 2023 - Northwest Deanery

Tuesday, May 2, 2023 - Central Deanery

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - Northeast Deanery

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - Southeast Deanery

(Please note: Attendance at these gatherings is for clergy only.)

Connect with us on social media: @ cfdiocese