CENTRALFLORIDAEPISCOPALIAN NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA • WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG • Volume 119, No. 1 • Jan. 2017
CONVENTION 2017 ISSUE Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Barbados’ Independence Answer the Call to Action to Stop Human Trafficking A Deacon’s Divine Perspective on Prayer
2017
Living in a Global Context
The Diocese of Central Florida The Right Reverend Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop Serving 15 counties through 86 churches and 30,000 members
Table of Contents Living in a Global Context...................................................................................................... 3 Human Trafficking: A Call to Action......................................................................................... 4
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
When the Spirit Comes.......................................................................................................... 5
The Anglican Communion The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury A global community of over 85 million Christians in over 165 countries around the world
Clergy Conference Recap....................................................................................................... 8
A Deacon's Divine Perspective............................................................................................... 6 St. George's Benefit Concert ................................................................................................. 7
Special 2017 Convention Section.......................................................................................... 9 2017 Nominees for Elected Office.......................................................................................... 10
Central Florida Episcopalian
Convention Showcases Many Opportunities........................................................................... 22
The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer. Bishop
Caroline Miller: Helping People Discern Their Call................................................................... 24
The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe Retired
Diocesan Calendar and Bishop’s Visitations........................................................................... 26
The Rt. Rev. Hugo Pina-Lopez Retired The Rt. Rev. John Said Retired The Rt. Rev. William H. Folwell, Retired
Canterbury/Camp Wingmann Calendar.................................................................................. 27 The 50th Anniversary of Barbados’ Independence................................................................... 28
The Rev. Canon Timothy Nunez Canon to the Ordinary
Evangelism Matters Conference Inspires Many....................................................................... 30
The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb Canon for Vocations
In an article introducing our five newly ordained deacons in the November 2016 issue, The Reverend Dorothy Hunter-Spencer was incorrectly listed. We apologize for this oversight. Deacon Dorothy serves at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Haines City.
The Ven. Kristi Alday, Archdeacon
The 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 notices two months before event to:
Mr. Earl Pickett, Diocesan Administrator Mr. Erick Perez, Subscription Manager
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The Central Florida Episcopalian 1017 E. Robinson Street • Orlando, FL 32801-2023 Email: eperez@cfdiocese.org • www.cfdiocese.org
Tel.: (407) 423-3567 • Fax: (407) 872-0006
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BISHOP BREWER
LIVING in a GLOBAL CONTEXT By Bishop Brewer
“If you are a Christian, your family is not just the people with the same last name as you, but those baptized in the same name as you."
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he above quote is from the Rev. Sam Allberry—a priest in the Church of England. Although it is not unusual for a bishop in The Episcopal Church to make a point using a quote from a British cleric, outside of such Anglican circles, it is a rare event. We say up front that we are an international church—and claim both history and the Bible as our precedents. Though there are forces within our country that would draw us more inward, the Bible does exactly the opposite. The biblical and Anglican vision of the church encompasses people from “every tribe, tongue, language, people, and nation” (Revelation 5, 14, and Book of Common Prayer, p. 93). We routinely quote as authoritative references from a book, the Bible, which has its origins in the Middle East. Many of our leaders crisscross the globe in humanitarian outreach.
In our Sunday Cycle of Prayer, we join with Christians from around the
world to regularly pray for Christians regardless of their race or national origin. As the hymn says of the church’s ministry of prayer, “Through all the world her watch is keeping and rests not now by day or night” (1982 Hymnal, Hymn 24). In our view of the church and the church’s mission, our vision is local, national, and global. Thus, in our day, Christian missionaries are not just sent out from the West, but also come from countries all over the globe, some of whom have come to evangelize the United States.
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If the church in Indonesia, North Korea, or Saudi Arabia is suffering, it is axiomatic that we will pray for them, offer humanitarian aid when needed, and take their concerns as our own. We never say, “If they are not from the United States, I don’t have to care about them.” Quite the opposite. Our Christian sisters and brothers are coequal members of God’s household, and we care for their well-being, both in sentiment as well as practical ways. They are our Christian family.
Bishop Greg Brewer
Though we live in one locale and focus much of our ministry in that locale (and appropriately so), our scope, even at the local level, is meant not only to be local but also international. Given the pressures on Christians in so many places (particularly where Christians are persecuted or poverty is rampant), the Anglican Communion needs us. Plus, we need them. We need to hear their voices, to listen to the scriptures from their perspective, and to pay heed to the challenges they face. Such interactions change us and them, making both of us more deeply Christian. It is for all these reasons the theme of our upcoming Diocesan Convention is “Forming Partnerships for the Great Commission.” The Global Anglican Communion is a gift, and, by virtue of our identity as Episcopalians, we are a part of it. My hope is that God will use this convention to invite us more deeply into this global enterprise and to find new ways to serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Want to hear more from Bishop Brewer? Read his blog at www.cfdiocese. org/bishopsblog/
Grace to you,
Bishop Gregory O. Brewer
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REACHING OUT
Human Trafficking: A Call to Action
Resource Center, and greater Orlando ranks third among Florida cities. In the last few months, we have heard reports of a sophisticated humantrafficking ring in Seminole County that involved at least 20 victims and the forced prostitution of two young teen girls from Orlando that ended with the death of one of the victims. These are just two of the stories.
Join the workshop and learn more: January 14, 2017
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lavery did not end 150 years ago. It still exists. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and it is the third-largest and fastest-growing crime worldwide. Globally, more than
20 million people are enslaved—more than at any other time in history. These men, women, and children are exploited every day, day after day, for years on end.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 79 percent of human trafficking is for sexual exploitation. These victims are predominantly women and girls. Forced labor accounts for 18 percent of human trafficking. However, it may occur more often than this because it is less frequently detected and reported than trafficking for sexual exploitation. Worldwide, almost 20 percent of all trafficking victims are children. One of the myths of human trafficking is that it involves only the poor of developing countries who are sold across borders to pimps and procurers for the sex trade. In truth, human trafficking exists in almost every country on the globe, including the U.S. Victims of modernday slavery are, in fact, found in every state and most cities in America. Victims are working in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and many other industries. They work as maids, housekeepers, and babysitters. And they also work in brothels and on street corners.
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A human-trafficking victim may be a young girl from your town forced into prostitution at the nearest truck stop, or it may be a man from across the world now working in your local restaurant kitchen, his passport taken away and held against his will. All trafficking victims share one essential experience: the loss of freedom. No matter where you are, there is probably a trafficking victim no more than a few miles away. This is especially true here in Central Florida. Florida ranks third among all states in reports to the National Human Trafficking
These stories are sad and horrible. And there are more. But there is also hope. As Gary Haugen, the founder and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM), has put it, “God has a plan to help bring justice to the world—and his plan is us.” Organizations such as IJM are addressing the global problem of modern-day slavery through rescue and restoration of victims and by working to help governments create just legal systems in countries where corruption and indifference have made fertile ground for trafficking. Locally, Florida Abolitionist and other advocate organizations that make up the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force are working with both victims and law-enforcement agencies. Just a few days before this writing, the Orange
“As the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (traffickingresourcecenter.org) says, churches ‘have a crucial role in the anti-trafficking field. As integral members of the community, faith communities are in a position to identify situations of trafficking, report tips to law enforcement, connect victims with lifesaving resources, and advocate for social change.’"
To register for this free workshop, or if you have any questions, contact Deacon Mary Delancey at deaconmary@graceocala.org.
“Florida is the THIRD in the U.S. in the number of reported cases of Human Trafficking. (Polaris Project Statistics). Every 30 seconds another person becomes a victim." “The goal of the upcoming seminar is to raise awareness in the larger community and identify ways that everyone can join in the fight against human trafficking. The panel of experts will include representatives from the International Justice Mission, Florida Abolitionist, and other organizations. Even one person can make a difference, but the power of many can stop human trafficking in our lifetime. All are welcome.”
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DIOCESAN FAMILY County Commission unanimously approved a pilot program for a much-needed crisis shelter for adult victims of human trafficking. Churches including Northland and those in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando have programs to address human-trafficking issues. But there is more work to do. The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida covers 15 counties and has 30,000 members in 86 churches. If we all came together to fight human trafficking and to join the work others are doing, we could accomplish glorious things. Action is needed, but first comes awareness. Until everyone knows what human trafficking is, how it affects its victims, and what it costs the kingdom of God, change will be slow. We must do as said in the words of the prophet Isaiah (1:17a), “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed.” On Saturday, January 14, from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, Winter Park, the Diocese of Central Florida and the Institute for Christian Studies are sponsoring a workshop for the diocese and the larger community. The goal is to raise awareness and identify ways we all can join in the fight against human trafficking.
Bishop Brewer stated this concerning the workshop, “Proverbs 31:8-9: ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.'" The Rev. Mary Delancey has been a member of Grace Episcopal Church Ocala since 2009 and was ordained a deacon in December 2012. During 2015, she served in the Philippines, ministering to teenage girls who were victims of human trafficking. Before she retired, Mary worked as a nurse, educator, and administrator.
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When the Spirit Comes …
Church of Our Savior is making an impact on the world By Fr. Loren Fox
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n Acts 1:8, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will come with power on his disciples and that they shall be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. At Church of Our Savior, Palm Bay, this promise is captured in the phrase, “When the Spirit comes, the people go out.” God is doing great things in our parish as He fulfills that promise in our midst today. Church of Our Savior is not a large congregation, but it has an impact far beyond the parish into the world. We have active partnerships with St. Mary’s Church in Bolahun, Liberia, and with Father Stephen and Mary Dass in São Paulo, Brazil. Our advocacy for the unreached Dong people of China has grown from a small prayer team into a multi-church network. Both of the parish clergy have traveled overseas—Deacon Tom Williams to Liberia and Father Loren Fox to Asia. There are other projects sponsored by the ECW, DOK, and Brotherhood of St. Andrew that support efforts in Haiti, Honduras, and elsewhere. Church of Our Savior was instrumental in organizing the Light2Ignite conference in April—the first ever conference in Brevard County mobilizing the church for the least-evangelized peoples of the world. Tim Born, senior director of strategic partnerships at Wycliffe Bible Translators and member of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, was the keynote speaker. The Light2Ignite conference spawned three major initiatives in Brevard County: the launch of a Perspectives Course in Palm Bay in January 2017, training to effectively reach the Muslims in our community, and a multi-church outreach to international students at Florida Tech. Missions, local and international, is the evidence of the Spirit’s arrival. When the Spirit comes, the people go out.
A Swiss Chalet in China When our team went to China last summer, none of us expected to find a Swiss-style chalet—still being built with fresh-cut aromatic cedar. We had arrived for two weeks of building friendships as part of Church of Our Savior’s commitment to pray and care for the Dong people. The Dong are a minority in China, with their own language, culture, and history. They do not have the Bible in their own language, and most Dong have never met a Christian. The small number who have had the opportunity of becoming believers are now looking for ways to share their joy and hope with neighbors and family. One creative opportunity has come through the importance of growing and drinking tea. This year, our team gave a try at picking tea leaves, picking perhaps a quarter of a basket in an hour. Our host picked the same amount by himself in five minutes! The chalet is on one of these tea plantations. The owner hopes people from all around China will come to the chalet to pray and seek the Lord. We have now sent five teams over the last five years. Each year the team finds a new open door to expand our circle of friendships. This time, we were especially touched by the invitations to return in 2017. One such invitation focuses on high school graduates, who must pass an English exam before they can begin college classes. We are looking for college students and young adults to join the team, to make friends and give our Dong friends the opportunity to practice their English.
For more information, contact Loren Fox at office@ oursaviorpalmbay.org.
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DIOCESAN FAMILY
A DEACON’S DIVINE PERSPECTIVE
“On your knees in prayer; on your feet in action.” By the Rev. John E. Clark
What is prayer?
How does it influence my daily life and yours? Calling this article “Divine Perspective” didn’t really say it all. It made sense to me to come up with a subtitle; one that gave action to my perspective, a deacon’s perspective. Looking at my prayer life made me ask, “What is the action of prayer?” There had to be a place to start searching for the answer to that question. Then it hit me: just go to the holy scriptures.
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e all know that scripture has the answer to all questions about life. I started to pray and read the Word of God. Recalling the words of the Rt. Rev. Hugh Montefiore, it hit me like a brick. “On our knees in prayer … on our feet in action.” Montefiore’s words give clarity to the meaning of holiness and divine perspective. His words make it seem so simple. Or is it? More questions came to mind. What is prayer? What is action? How do I achieve prayer and action in my life? The first place I searched was the Old Testament book of Ezra. Ezra was a
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priest, a scribe, and a great leader who recorded events from about 538 B.C. through 450 B.C. His name means “help,” and that is what he did his whole life. He dedicated his life to serving God and the exiled Jews who had returned from captivity. Ezra’s prayer actions answered the questions Why do we pray? and What should we expect from prayer? “So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer” (Ezra 8:23). God answers prayer. But are we listening for His answer? When we communicate with God through prayer, we need to be still and listen for his answer. Prayer is serious and a deliberate action. It’s our act of obedience to God. We’ve prayed, listened, and heard an answer from God. Now what? Continue to pray. Pray even if others might notice. That’s scary. Someone might notice that I am praying! Pray like Daniel, who continued to pray even when it meant he might be put to death. Daniel said the Jews who were captive prayed, and they heard from God. God told them He was in control of heaven and earth. He was directing nature, the destiny of nations, and the future of His people.
God spoke to Daniel in a vision. That was
Daniel’s “Now what?” moment. So what did he
do then? What should we do when we have that “Now what?” moment? Daniel praised God. “To you, O God of my ancestors, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and power, and have now revealed to me what we asked of you, for you have revealed to us what the king ordered” (Daniel 2:23). Daniel was driven to pray. Could I be driven to pray? Are you driven to pray? Is prayer your rule of life? Could it be mine? Prayer doesn’t guarantee me a life without problems. And it won’t do that for you. Life still has challenges, road bumps, potholes, and distractions. It leaves me in a physical, mental, and spiritual mess. We try to turn to prayer as an escape from our troubles (I know I do). But God’s not just in my life when I hit a pothole. He’s present every moment of my life. We all need to turn to God in moment-by-moment prayer. Pray not as an escape but as a discipline to remind you of God’s presence in every moment of every day. In the seventh century, St. Isaac of Syria gave advice on the relation between prayer and our daily lives. He said, “Do not reduce your prayer to words; make the totality of your life a prayer to God.” Live every moment of every day in the presence of God in prayer.
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DIOCESAN FAMILY When I was ordained in God’s church, my discipline of prayer became a desperate desire for moment-by-moment communication with God. Prayer gives me strength to sustain the demands of life. And God can give us all the strength to rise from our prayer onto our feet and fulfill the ministry He has called each of us to do. When we rise to that calling, we are transformed by the power of prayer. We are transformed into more than just a person who only knelt to pray. At that point of transformation, like Daniel, we are able to understand. God is in control of everything on heaven and earth. Surrender to God’s control, and things really start to happen. When we surrender and get up off our knees, God can put us in circumstances we do not control. Off my knees and on my feet in action lets me get a peek of who God wants me to be. At that moment of transformation, your life in Christ is changed. You become more deliberate and daring in a creative sense of the present while remembering the past. Transformation gave me the hopeful vision of a future grounded in my conviction of God’s grace and salvation. In that transformation, we then take hold of who we are and not what we do, and we live it in love. John reminds us of this in his Gospel writing. Simon Peter spoke to Jesus: “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me” (John 13:6b-8). Jesus was using his time with Simon Peter as a teaching moment. And today He is still trying to teach you and me the same lesson. To be a
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leader, you must be a servant. We serve others in love because we are the eyes, hands, and feet of Christ in the community. We are more and more deeply involved in the life of the community. Now we are able to interpret the needs of the community and bring those needs to the church. A deacon’s ministry is being present with people who struggle and are broken. While we minister to those in need, we don’t have all the answers. What we must offer is consistent encouragement, compassion, and prayer. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are to live and work for God’s praise and to his glory while we bring the needs of the world to the body of the Church. Is our prayer life changing us? Are we being stretched? A regular prayer life takes us out of our comfort zone. We will be challenged to go places we would not normally go. And when we go to those places, we act on our deliberate and daring need to be in God’s presence through prayer. As our communication with God increases, we are increasing our ability to communicate with others. I am again reminded of the words of the Rt. Rev. Montefiore, an Anglican theologian of the Church of England, who died in 2005. These are his words: “Holiness means living within divine perspective. Divine perspective is achieved through our attention to praise God, on our knees in prayer. And from our obedience to God, on our feet in action.” The Rev. John E. Clark serves as Deacon at St. Gabriel’s in Titusville. John is Director of the No One Hungry ministry and is a member of the International Order of St. Luke the Physician, where he holds the office Florida State Representative and was recently elected to the OSL North American Board of Directors.
Ken McBride
Benefit Concert at St. George Episcopal Blesses Haiti Congregants’ hearts are with the Haitian people
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n October 28, Irish balladeer Ken McBride held a concert at St. George Church in The Villages to benefit its mission in Haiti. Two hundred and ninety people were in attendance and $4,500 was raised. St. George is a member of the Episcopal Partnership Program and supports St. Thomas Church in Arcahaie and its rector, Father Max Accime. The money raised is helping finish the three classrooms St. George has helped build and purchase a generator for the church’s school, as well as assisting parishioners who lost crops following Hurricane Matthew. In addition to these projects, St. George helps with both a student meal program and ensuring teachers’ salaries.
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DIOCESAN FAMILY
Clergy Conference 2016 A fun and inspiring event for clergy each year
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bout this year’s clergy conference, Father Andrew Petiprin recalls: “Each year we see more collegiality than the year before. It is a required event every October for most of our clergy, but it is also one that most of us eagerly look forward to. We deliberately build in a lot of time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. This year, we had two nice dinners on the patio at Canterbury. The weather was beautiful and we sat and talked for hours into the night. For most of us, this is a very rare gift and a big break from the everyday demands of church and family life. The clergy conference is an opportunity for all parochial priests and many deacons to sit at the feet of a scholar—this year, two scholars—and become better equipped to serve the people entrusted to them. Each year there is a different focus but always a high level of intellectual engagement. The two scholars who taught this year were Dr. Woody Anderson and the Rev. Esau McCaulley. They guided the clergy through 2 Corinthians, with a particular focus on what can be learned about their vocations to ordained ministry in their particular contexts. Dr. Anderson is a committed teacher and frequent retreat speaker. He has been the professor of New Testament and Greek at Nashotah House since
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2007 and was recognized with Asbury Theological Seminary’s 2006-2007 Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award. Dr. Anderson’s research interests center especially on narrative approaches to reading the Gospels, the parables of Jesus, Pauline soteriology, and the theological appropriation of the New Testament. Rev. McCaulley has served across many professional and cultural contexts throughout his ministerial career and theological study. His recent areas of research have focused on Paul’s letters in Galatians and Romans as well as Second Temple Judaism and the Greco-Roman background to the New Testament. McCaulley has dedicated his work in Christian higher education to instructing students on the proper interpretation and application of biblical texts. On the last day of the conference, Bishop Brewer shared an inspiring message. He said, in part:
What I want to propose is this: can we pray into the call to participate in “the ministry of the Spirit,” which comes in glory (2 Corinthians 3:6), without thinking that we are returning to the good or bad stories that came out of charismatic renewal, now a generation ago? In the same way that Dr. Anderson helped us in thinking about biblical inspiration that went beyond fundamentalist understandings of it, can we not pray into the call to this gospel mission, empowered by the Spirit, without feeling like we need to go back to seminars on how to develop one’s TOP: The Rev. Dr. Neville Crichlow prayer language or how to be slain in (St. Timothy's, Daytona Beach) the Spirit? Charismatic renewal did & The Rev. Scott Holcombe (St. much to call The Episcopal Church David's, Cocoa Beach). MIDDLE: to recapture what had been lost for The Rev. Tom Seitz Jr. & The Rev. many, which was a vital, personal, John Motis (both serve at Good Shepherd, Lake Wales). BOTTOM: even intimate relationship with God The Rev. Rich Chandler (St. Anne's in ways that were life-changing and Crystal River) & The Rev. Jim Shevlin (Our Saviour, Okeechobee) miraculous.
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“This conference inspired me to seek deeper knowledge of Scripture in my day-to-day business as a parish priest,” Father Petiprin said. “It also encouraged me to know that I have so many colleagues that I can depend on. We really are in this together.”
Cathedral Hosts
Transitional Diaconate Ordinations January 30 at 7 p.m. Come join in the celebration at St. Luke’s Cathedral in Orlando. Here is the list of ordinands to the transitional diaconate: Karl “Nick” Braunschneider:
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Auburndale
John Garry Edwards:
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Haines City
Joshua Gritter:
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lake Mary
Lauren Renee Ellis Larkin:
Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando
Zachary Neubauer:
Grace Episcopal Church, Ocala
Gladys Rodriguez:
Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo
Frank Samuelson:
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Orlando
Louise Samuelson:
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Orlando
Ashton Williston:
St. James’ Episcopal Church, Ormond Beach
Come and show your support on January 30. www.cfdiocese.org
SPECIAL SECTION
CONVENTION NEWS
CONVENTION 2017
2017 THE RT. REV. DR. GRAHAM KINGS, Mission Theologian in the Anglican Communion and Honorary Fellow of Durham University (U.K.), will preach at the Diocesan Convention Eucharist on Friday, January 27 and at the Cathedral on Sunday, January 29. www.cfdiocese.org
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CANDIDATES
2017 Convention Positions and Nominees Positions to be filled by election at the 2017 Convention are: STANDING COMMITTEE The Standing Committee is a council of advice to the bishop. When there is no bishop, the Standing Committee is the ecclesiastical authority for all proper purposes. The Standing Committee generally meets monthly or at the special call of the president of the standing committee or the bishop. The Standing Committee serves as the resolutions committee for all regular and special meetings of the Convention.
Trustees of the University of the South elect and appoint the board of regents, a chancellor, the vice chancellor and a chaplain. Trustees hold the land in trust for the university, promote church support and student enrollment, and approve or reject plans for growth and development. They meet annually and ratify the work of the board of regents. To be elected: One clergyperson to be elected (three-year term)
To be elected:
DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION 2018
One clergyperson to be elected to a four-year term One layperson to be elected to a three-year term
The Diocese of Central Florida shall be entitled to representation in the House of Deputies at the General Convention of The Episcopal Church, which is to convene in Austin, Texas, July 5-13, 2018, by not more than four ordained persons, presbyters or deacons, canonically resident in the diocese and not more than four laypersons, confirmed adult communicants of this church, in good standing in the diocese but not necessarily domiciled in the diocese.
DIOCESAN BOARD The Diocesan Board is the board of directors of the corporation known as the Diocese of Central Florida Inc. The affairs of the diocese not falling within the exclusive province of the bishop shall be managed by the Diocesan Board. The board generally meets monthly or at the call of the ecclesiastical authority. Board members are expected to serve on a commission or committee of the diocese. To be elected: One clergyperson to be elected to a three-year term Two laypersons to be elected to a three-year term •
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TRUSTEE, UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH
The unexpired term of Dorothy Adams, former president of the Northeast Deanery, is open for election. This will be a one-year position.
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To be elected: Four clergypersons to be elected deputies Four laypersons to be elected deputies Four clergypersons to be elected alternates Four laypersons to be elected alternates NOTE: Deputies shall hold office for two years and thereafter until their successors have been regularly elected.
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CANDIDATES
Candidates for Elected Office Diocesan Board Lay Order and Candidate for General Convention Deputy Lay Order Mr. Sid Glynn Sid Glynn, member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Lakeland, is seeking election to the Diocesan Board, Lay Order. Sid serves and has served the Diocese of Central Florida in numerous capacities. He was the President of the Southwest Deanery, a member of the Diocesan Board 2004-2009 and 2011-2013, served four years on the Stewardship Commission, and was a member of the Standing Committee in 2009 and 2013-2016. Sid was a Lay Deputy to General Convention in 2006, 2012, and 2015. He has been a member of the Commission on Ministry since 2004 and served for many years on the Diocesan Liturgy & Music Commission, where he helped with the development of youth in the acolyte ministry, with adults in the verger ministry, and with Diocesan Conventions. He has served for a number of years as Verger of the Diocesan Convention and was the Master of Ceremonies for the consecration of Bishop Brewer in 2012. He has worked with the development of youth in the diocese since 2001, and he is the director of the Diocesan Acolyte Festival, director of the Diocesan Acolyte Wet ’n’ Wild Event, and has led the Acolyte Pilgrimage to the Washington National Cathedral, where he helps verging the diocesan processions. At All Saints’ he has served as the parish Master Verger for the last 15 years. His service in his parish has included membership on the Stewardship Council, two terms as Senior Warden, nine times a delegate to Diocesan Convention,
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Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Bible Study Facilitator, and Acolyte Master. His community service includes serving as a district leader of the Boy Scouts of America. He was awarded the St. George Award of The Episcopal Church—a national recognition for distinguished service to the physical, mental, and moral development of youth through service to The Episcopal Church. Sid is a resident of Lakeland and has been a member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church since 1995. He and his wife, Sharon, have two grown children. He is in the computer business. He served his country for 20 years in the United States Marine Corp, from 1966-1988. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? There are many complex challenges in our years ahead: First part of the challenge for 2018 is the completion of the transition of our new Presiding Bishop; second is ascertaining the Presiding Bishop’s direction for the existing programs of The Episcopal Church; third—the most difficult of all—is developing a strategy and plan of action to grow The Episcopal Church.
Mr. Erick Perez I was received into The Episcopal Church by Bishop John Howe and haven’t looked back since. I have been part of a Bible study ministry that caters to college students and young
adults, sponsored by Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo. I transitioned from active participant to part of their leadership, taking part in teaching some of the sessions. I am still a member of Church of the Incarnation, having served as Vestry member and Clerk for four years, which included serving in a couple of Parish Discernment Committees and a search committee to look for a new clergy to lead our parish. I have scaled back my activities to just being part of our communications ministry and volunteering whenever possible. This was due to the fact that I decided to return to academia to finish my undergraduate degree (God willing, graduating December 2017). Currently I work at the diocesan office as an appointed jack-of-all-trades. Currently I manage the subscription for the Diocesan newspaper, The Central Florida Episcopalian, being the receptionist as well database manager, translator for visitors and clergy, member of the newly reorganized Hispanic Commission, and many other things that would take too long to name. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? The most important challenge is how to prepare and raise a new generation of leaders to continue in the wonderful traditions of The Episcopal Church—not just through liturgy, but also in how we are involved in our respective communities serving all peoples of all walks [of life]. For, “they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
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CANDIDATES Candidates for Deputy to General Convention Lay Order Mrs. Sonya Shannon Born in Tyler, Texas, I was confirmed at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. I met my husband, Colin, in high school, and we were married at St. Andrew’s in 1990. We joined the Cathedral Church of St. Luke when we moved to Orlando in 1993. Today we are the proud parents of three beautiful cradle Episcopalians. Shelby is 22, Erin is 18, and Kendall is 15. I continue to seek to secure a safe place for my girls to grow in their love of the Lord. I currently work at the Cathedral as the Nursery Coordinator. In diocesan work, I have served on Standing Committee and currently serve on the Diocesan Board and the Camp Wingmann Board. I have served as a lay deputy to the 2009, 2012, and the 2015 General Conventions. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? As a diocese, in fact, as the church, we face a culture that is increasingly non-Christian. We routinely encounter individuals who have only a limited knowledge of Jesus Christ. They are looking for answers and meaning but have no idea of where to turn for grace and hope. Our first challenge, therefore, is to renew our own faith and find ways to articulate those personal stories of faith and encounters with the Lord. Our call to evangelism is to step out of our comfort zone. Our comfort zone for many years has been to stay within the confines of our parish, even literally within our very church buildings. We can no longer wait for people to come to us. As strong as our witness is right now, we can become even stronger in our faith. We should continue to develop programs that teach the basics of the faith, renew the spiritual life of the individual
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members of the world around us and provide the tools for growth in the life of the church. I believe our Church has a unique opportunity for those who would seek to know our Lord and deepen their relationship. I will continue to work to make a difference in the life of the church by helping to maintain the continuity and integrity throughout the churches in the Diocese of Central Florida. I am committed to serve as best as I can to help the bishop fulfill his vision of raising up new leaders and restoring lives in our community. I believe I can be effective in this effort as a Lay Deputy to the 2018 General Convention and as a representative of our Diocese.
Mr. Tom Alday Thomas G. Alday III has been active in real estate since 1983. He has worked in the lending, appraisal, and real estate consulting and development segments of the industry. In addition, he has provided appraisal and consulting work for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and the Resolution Trust Corporation. Tom received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Accounting from Rollins College.
asset management, and final disposition. Because our professionals have proven business experience on the bank/creditor side as well as the business/debtor side, we are able to clearly communicate to both sides the specific circumstances, problems, and solutions involved in this particular situation. We are able to clearly explain the lender’s position(s) to the debtor and help the lender understand specific problems that the debtor may encounter that have resulted in the current financial position of the property. Our service is important during an asset’s period of financial restructuring, foreclosure, REO, or other hardship. Tom has served as Co-Chairman of the Real Estate Committee for the Diocese of Central Florida since 2011. During this time period, Tom has worked with more than 15 diocese properties including schools, churches, and other properties regarding acquisition, disposition, repairs, expansion, land swaps, and financing. Tom was recently appointed as Project Manager and Diocesan representative for the Vision Plan for the potential expansion of the Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center. Additional Appointments and Committees: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Winter Park: Buildings and Grounds member for four years, Real Estate Committee, Master Plan Committee. City of Winter Park: Planning and Zoning Board for nine years, including Chairman for three years; Master Planning for City Properties; Downtown Parking/Park Avenue Merchants, Comprehensive Plan. Rollins College, Winter Park: Committee person on the Rollins College Master Plan.
Tom has been associated with Interlachen Financial Group since 1995 as a commercial mortgage banker.
What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018?
Tom is a director of The Asset Preservation Group, which provides real-estate-asset reposition services. The Asset Preservation Group provides the client with full, encompassing real estate services including value preservation,
I believe there are many challenges for the church today. I see, as a critical challenge facing General Convention, the stewardship of the church. We need to seek creative ways to support the Great Commission and be better stewards of the church.
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The first factor is evangelism and discernment—increasing followers of Jesus Christ with new and inventive ways.
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The second factor is financial stewardship— having a better understanding of the current resources of the church and seeking to institute changes within the national church including possible decentralizing and better understanding of the highest and best use of our fixed assets. In addition, encouraging our local churches to prayerfully engage in examining their stewardship and instituting change are necessary.
Ms. Krisita Jackson Krisita A. Jackson is a proud native Floridian and grew up in Fort Lauderdale. I was baptized and confirmed at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and was active in the Episcopal Young Churchmen. I was a Camp Wingmann kid. I have been a member of The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist since 1977. My involvement in church ministries include: active membership in The Episcopal Church Women; being a member of the Communications and Technology team, which coordinates and develops church printing and communications and edits the monthly newsletter, The Orlando Forerunner; serving three terms as a Vestry member including two years as Senior Warden and participating in two search committees. My other roles include membership on the worship and liturgy and membership committees. I was a founding member of the Central Florida Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians and held the offices of Treasurer and Vice President. I also worked with the SHARE program, which provided food assistance to the needy.
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Since 1999 I have been a member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. It has been an honor to have served as chapter President, Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan 2nd Vice President and past President of The Order in the Diocese of Central Florida. I have been called to serve first as an appointed and now elected member of the National Council and serve as National Membership Chair. I am currently a member of the board of Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center. It was a privilege to be elected to serve as a Lay Deputy to the 2015 General Convention. I am a retired BellSouth Sales and Marketing professional. I am self-employed as a Mobile Notary Public and Certified Signing Specialist. One of my greatest pleasures in serving has been for the Orlando mayor’s Martin Luther King Holiday Commission for more than 15 years as a member and past chair. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? I am quite excited about the Jesus Movement led by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. In my travels throughout the diocese and exposure to the activities of churches in the provinces and nationally, it is easy to see the decline in our church—in membership numbers and from aging. It saddens me, but I am not without hope. Our church has much to offer our communities and nation, and it is much-needed now. Our various and numerous ministries offer opportunity for any person, no matter what circumstances or status in life, to become part of us. The Jesus Movement must develop methodologies to help us all participate in this movement of evangelism. As a General Convention, we must address how to become the evangelists Jesus Christ called us to be and continue to spread the good news to the world.
Mrs. Heather F. WashburnRodriguez I am a member of the Diocesan Board and the Minister of Music at Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo. Over the last 10 years, together with my husband and other lay leaders, I have worked in Young Adult and College outreach in the UCF area. I have been a member of the Church of the Incarnation since its establishment as a mission church. I have experienced not only planting a mission church but also restarting a college ministry and now am working with my husband as our church launches a new Hispanic ministry. Church growth and evangelism have been at the forefront of my ministry experience over the last 10 years. I am also a small-business owner and was previously a school teacher leading an elementary and middle school band at a Seminole County private school. I am married to the Rev. José Rodriguez and am the mother of Elijah, 4, and Eva, 1. I am committed to my community and want to work for other young families like mine. Having young children has made me aware of the many issues facing young families in our local churches and in the wider church. I am a native Floridian and have served on church worship teams since my teenage years. My family has called the Diocese of Central Florida home for many years, having been married at All Saints’ Church in Winter Park then working to help establish the Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo. I want to see the kingdom grow and its members in Central Florida prosper. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? “For as the body is one and has many parts ... so it is with the church of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12). I think one of the biggest challenges facing General Convention is gathering up a council of
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CANDIDATES Candidates for Deputy to General Convention Lay Order believers that is truly representative of the church. Sometimes it feels like those representing the church and speaking out on our behalf are not in sync with the vast diversity of people and thought throughout our dioceses. I believe our diocesan family has a voice and point of view that not only has withstood the test of time, but also is urgently needed in the councils of our church. If elected, I want to represent our diocesan family and help strengthen relationships with the greater church for the benefit of all future generations in our Anglican tradition.
Mrs. Rebecca B. Watts PRESENT POSITION M.Div. student, Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest (Austin, Texas), Class of 2019 Candidate for Holy Orders, Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida (effective August 2016). Sending parish is St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lake Mary. EDUCATION Ph.D., Speech Communication, Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas), December 2003 Primary area: rhetoric and public affairs. Secondary area: organizational communication. Dissertation revised and published as book, Contemporary Southern Identity: Community through Controversy (University Press of Mississippi, 2008). M.A., English, Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina), May 1998 Primary areas: 20th century literature, U.S. literature, rhetoric and composition. B.A., English, Honors Program, Stetson University (DeLand, Florida), December 1994; Study abroad, Nottingham Trent University, England, Fall 1993
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Associate Professor (2013-2016) and Chair (20152016), Department of Communication and Media Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida (Assistant Professor, 2008-2013; Visiting Assistant Professor, 2006-2008; Lecturer 2005-2006) Leadership roles included Department Chair (2015-16), University-at-Large Faculty Senator (2014-2016), Faculty Senate Vice-Chair (20142015), Academic Affairs Committee Chair (20142015), University General Education Committee (2014-2016), Director of University-Wide Junior Seminars (2011-2013) Lecturer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Daytona Beach, Florida; August 2004-July 2005; Department of Humanities and Social Sciences; taught communication and English courses Editorial assistant, Management Communication Quarterly (academic journal); September 2002May 2004; Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas Writing center tutor; Blinn College, Bryan, Texas; February 2002-August 2002; Division of Humanities; tutored students in college writing center Graduate assistant; Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; June 2001-May 2002; Department of Communication; taught public speaking courses Editorial assistant; Rhetoric & Public Affairs (academic journal); September 2000-June 2001; Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas Graduate assistant; Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; September 1999-December 1999; Department of English; taught English composition courses Copy editor, editorial and opinions pages; The Gainesville Sun; May 1998-August 1999; New York Times Regional Newspaper Group, Gainesville, Florida
Adjunct instructor; Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville, Florida; September 1998-June 1999; Department of English; taught Advanced Composition and Writing About Literature courses What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? The most important challenge facing General Convention 2018 is twofold: (1) to seek and find unity in the love of Christ, the overflow of which compels us (2) to seek to bring people to Christ and into our church communities through an increased emphasis on evangelism throughout all spheres of The Episcopal Church. Every decision should be made keeping these priorities and challenges in mind. Rather than focusing solely what divides us, lay people and clergy throughout The Episcopal Church must make sharing the love of Christ, both to those within and those outside, our primary focus. If all The Episcopal Church remains known for are controversy and division, this makes it extremely challenging to convince those outside the church, and especially those outside the Christian faith, that our churches are places where we are truly “one holy catholic and apostolic church” through Christ’s redeeming sacrifice. We have in Christ what this broken world needs; we need to do more to communicate it effectively. As a student at one of our Episcopal seminaries, I spend time every day with classmates from dioceses around the nation. A diversity of approaches, ideologies, and backgrounds are represented, yet every day we come together through the Divine Service of the Word and the Table. Representing our diocese as a lay delegate (or alternate) at the General Convention in the summer before my senior year at seminary (which is in Austin, where General Convention 2018 will be held) would be not only a valuable experience in my formation for the priesthood, but also a way in which I can be of service to our diocese and to the body of Christ.
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CANDIDATES Candidate for Standing Committee and Deputy to General Convention Clerical Order The Rev. Phyllis Bartle I was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 2006 and have served as rector at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Orange City for 10 years. During that time, I have taken seriously the call made at ordination to proclaim the gospel, to be a faithful pastor, celebrate the sacraments and to take my share in the councils of the church. Currently I serve as Dean of the Northeast Deanery (until Jan 2017), on the Diocesan Board, as Weekend Advisor to New Beginnings and as the Treasurer of the Camp Wingmann Board of Directors. In the past I have served on Standing Committee, Congregational Development Commission, and Christian Formation Commission. I have also been active in the Cursillo movement. I have served as a deputy to four General Conventions: 2003 (as a lay deputy), 2009, 2012, and 2015 (as a clergy deputy). For each of the last two conventions, I have served on the Stewardship and Development Committee as Secretary. This experience has served well in knowing how the legislative process functions, getting to know the other diocesan deputies, and how to pace myself to fully function through the rigors of 12-hour sessions. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? The most important challenge facing the upcoming General Convention is figuring out how all voices will be heard and represented, no matter the issue. Too often over the last
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decade or so, that has not been the case. It is time for all to work together in the spread of the good news.
The Rev. Jim Sorvillo The Diocese of Central Florida has been an integral part of my spiritual life since I was 4 years old! Over the years I’ve served this diocese as a teen, through Happening and the Youth Action Committee. I’ve served as a youth minister to St. James’ church in Ormond Beach. I have now been a priest since 2000, and it has been my honor to be the rector of the Church of the Ascension for the last 13 years. During that time, I’ve also been honored to serve on the Diocesan Board twice, act as the chairperson of the Congregational Development Commission, contribute as a member of the board for Canterbury Retreat &Conference center, serve as a deputy to the 2012 and 2015 General Conventions, and currently serve on the Standing Committee. My time as a Deputy to General Convention was both challenging and rewarding. I was very proud to be part of our deputation as we represented the Diocese of Central Florida. Our 2012 and 2015 teams worked well together as we navigated the largest bicameral representative body in the world. I felt that we were not only affective but also productive in uniting voices from many different dioceses for the sake of the gospel, and I would be thrilled to have yet another opportunity to represent DCF in 2018. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? I’ve found that it takes participating in a few General Conventions to see how the wheels really work. One of my goals would be to help
equip a new generation of deputies so that they hit the ground running in order to be as effective as possible. We are blessed to have a new Presiding Bishop who has expressed a desire to make sure that all voices are heard at the tables of leadership. I want to make sure that his desire comes to fruition within the national committees of The Episcopal Church. We also have a challenge with anticipated changes to the Book of Common Prayer, and I would hope to play a role with our team to see that any changes honor God and our Anglican tradition.
The Rev. David G. Newhart My journey to ordination began at St. John’s in Kissimmee, and I was ordained as a deacon and priest in 2005. After seminary I served for two years at St. Helena’s in Boerne, Texas, and was called to St. Elizabeth’s in Sebastian, Florida, in July 2007 where I am starting my 10th year as their rector. Since returning to the Diocese of Central Florida I have served on the Clergy Event Committee, Cursillo Commission, Diocesan Board for four years, and as Dean of the Southeast Deanery. I currently serve on Commission on Ministry, the Disciplinary Board, and Chair the ICS Commission. In addition, I have taught several courses over the last five years at ICS and hosted the last two Aspiring Deacons retreats. There are two positions I am seeking to serve within the diocese: the Standing Committee and Deputy to the General Convention. The experience I have gained serving in these various positions over the last 10 years will enhance my and ability and understanding of the dynamics of serving on the Standing Committee and as a Deputy to the General Convention, should I be elected.
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CANDIDATES What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? We live in a church with varying positions on social justice and theological issues. To move forward, one needs to listen, learn, and respect others without compromising one’s theological foundation. The issues we will face at General Convention are how to demonstrate Jesus’ love to one another and to live within community with one another.
Candidates for Deputy to General Convention Clerical Order The Rev. Brian Garrison
Vicar of Holy Presence, DeLand. that same year. In March of 2012, I answered a call to serve as rector of St. Barnabas’, DeLand. Previously, I have served on the diocese board as Dean of the Northeast Deanery and was honored to represent the diocese at General Convention in 2015. This was an inspiring challenge, and I would find it a joy to participate in the councils of the church is this way again. I presently serve on the Commission on Ministry and I am entering my final year of serving on the Standing Committee. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? The most important challenge facing General Convention will be how we identify ourselves within The Anglican Communion and the resulting consequences of how we respond. Within TEC, and globally, there has been much division and unrest with the way we have governed ourselves as a part of the larger body.
My spiritual journey began and continues to be enriched through The Episcopal Church. I was blessed to receive dynamic children, youth, and college ministries as a part of my early formation. In 1993, I felt God’s call to ministry. Through a series of internships, my call into full-time youth ministry was confirmed. I joined the staff of St. Luke and St. Peter’s in St. Cloud in 1996 and became a part of this great diocese. During this time, I served on a Diocesan Antiracism Task Force and multiple Youth Committees. At the turn of the century, I was the coordinator for the Y2K4JC national youth event that paralleled General Convention in Colorado.
There will be plenty of opportunities that will define our position. Will we respond to the Primates Communique? Will we genuinely listen to one another and respond in ways that build up the church? Will we move forward with Book of Common Prayer revisions that change the landscape of our beliefs (not just in relation to marriage but in other Sacramental Liturgies as well)? Will we consider the effects of our actions upon our ecumenical brothers and sisters and the image of Christ this reflects to the world around us? Will we look beyond ourselves to share the redemptive power of the cross? These are real issues that General Convention will face. The decisions we make will communicate our response to how we understand and appreciate our identity within The Anglican Communion and to the larger body of Christ throughout the world.
In 2001, I entered seminary, answered a call to serve at All Saints’, Winter Park, as their youth minister, and began exploring the discernment process. I completed my M. Div. at Nashotah House in January of 2005 and began serving as
If selected, I would be honored to serve our diocese and our church in finding ways forward that hold on to community that reflects the power, presence, and purposes of God.
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The Rev. Canon Tim Nunez I joined Bishop Greg Brewer’s staff in May of 2014. As Canon to the Ordinary, I support Bishop Brewer’s ministry by serving congregations and clergy in leadership transitions, conflict resolution and crisis intervention, chief of the diocesan staff, implementing canons and policies, supporting clergy, and representing the bishop at meetings and functions. My ministry to the Diocese of Central Florida also includes Vice President of Camp Wingmann’s board and annual summer chaplain. I am a past President of the Standing Committee, Dean of the Northwest Deanery, Chairman of The Commission on Ministry, member of the Diocesan Board, and instructor at the Institute of Christian Studies. I served as rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview, Florida, from 2003 to 2014. During this time, the parish expanded its number and depth of ministries, including pastoral care; discipleship; healing; and local, regional, and international missions involving youth and adults. Prior to ordained ministry, I was a Certified Public Accountant and an active lay leader at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Florida. I was also active in the Kiwanis Club and Leadership Lakeland, and served on several nonprofit boards. I’m a native of Central Florida, born in Bartow and raised in Lakeland. I am a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire; earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Florida and a Master of Divinity (Highest Honors) from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. I am married to Meg; we have four children and four grandchildren. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018?
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CANDIDATES The most important challenge facing the next General Convention and indeed the church as a whole is our ongoing need to refocus on Jesus Christ and shape our common life and mission around him and his gospel of repentance and grace. Everything else—every decision and strategy—must come back to this focus. For example, The Episcopal Church voted at its most recent convention to establish a framework at the next convention for revising the Book of Common Prayer at a future convention. The very prospect of changing the Book of Common Prayer is fraught with potential competing agendas, conflict, and dissension. The temptation will be to establish a framework that will engage the broad array of diverse opinions. I’m much more concerned that the framework will bring everyone involved into deep prayer and mutual discernment about our Lord’s direction for his church and the ways we can reach the world as his body.
The Rev. Jon Davis In 1991 I became the youth officer for the diocese, on Bishop Howe’s staff. Beth and I were married in December of 1991, and she serves as the parish administrator at All Saints’ in Winter Park. Beth and I have a little farm in Oviedo where we have lived for 16 years with horses, chickens, and an assortment of English bulldogs. I was blessed to see diocesan youth ministry expand in substantial ways during my time on diocesan staff. I carry many cherished snapshots: lay leaders raised up and trained, domestic and international mission trips, diocesan events, national youth conferences, and more. In these years the young people came to Christ and grew in their knowledge and love of the Lord, and I am richer for having been a part of it.
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After completing theological studies at Reformed Theological Seminary and Trinity, I was ordained deacon and priest in 2001. I entered a doctoral program at Graduate Theological Foundation and successfully defended my dissertation and was awarded a Ph.D. in June of 2013. I left diocesan staff in 2003 to become an assistant at All Saints’ in Winter Park. In 2006, I began work in a church plant and Church of the Incarnation was successfully launched in Oviedo. In November of 2009, in addition to being Vicar of Incarnation, I became the Executive Director of Canterbury. In January of 2014 I left Incarnation to serve solely at Canterbury. I was honored to serve as a deputy to General Convention in 2015. I have served on Camp Wingmann’s Board, Ecclesiastical Trial Court, and on Canterbury’s Board. I currently serve on the Clergy Events Committee and am completing my term on the Standing Committee, having served in 2016 as president. I have joyfully served this diocese and its people for more than 25 years and look forward with eager anticipation to what God has in store for us. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? We could list a lot of important and critical issues, but in my mind one looms large on the horizon: the continued decline of The Episcopal Church in America. If we do not address this issue the rest will not matter, as we run the risk of disappearing from the landscape, or at least becoming an insignificant voice in the world. Our mission is to proclaim the gospel, the good news of God in Christ by word and example, going into all the world to make disciples. I believe the Baptismal Covenant (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 304-305) gives us a clear description of this mission to be disciples and followers of Christ. We reverse the decline by living into these promises and sowing seeds of the gospel throughout the church and the world.
The Rev. Nancy Oliver Deacon Nancy Oliver has been active in The Episcopal Church since 1974, which gives her a perspective on recent church history. Because of her husband’s career of 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, she has been a member of churches in the Diocese of New Jersey, the Diocese of California, the Diocese of Southern Virginia, the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, and the Diocese of Central Florida. Living in various regions has widened her perspective on issues that face the church. She was ordained a Vocational Deacon in September of 2015 and serves at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke. Her degree is in Social Work. Her ministries include an active jail ministry; an outreach to the homeless in both Brevard and Orange counties; and a ministry to the disabled, to provide a social group as well as a way for developmentally disabled adults to be involved in community service. She works to find employment for disabled individuals and people who are re-entering society after leaving jail or prison. She currently serves as vice chair of the Coalition of Social Services in North Brevard, and on The Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness in Titusville. She has been married to her husband, Bob, for 42 years, and they are the parents of 13 children, whom they adopted from five states and South Korea. Several of her children have special needs, including autism, deafness, fetal alcohol syndrome, and bipolar disorder. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? The nation is split into two camps. The church, which should be a unifying voice, in many ways is also split into two, or even more, camps. We need to work to find unity and common ground. We need to work to serve God’s broken people.
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DIOCESAN FAMILY CANDIDATES Candidates for Deputy to General Convention Lay Order A convention is an opportunity to come together from all over the country—from Virginia, where there are so many Episcopal churches, to Utah, where there are so few; from California, where there are more “progressive” voices, to Texas, where there are voices calling to hold on to our tried-and-true values and traditions. Finding that common ground and finding a way for all of these voices to be heard will be a challenge in 2018, at our convention and in our country.
The Rev. Becky Chapman While I was ordained to the diaconate in September 2016, I have been serving with the Diocesan Staff on a number of projects since July 2015, including updating and instructing the AntiRacism Training required for all candidates for ordination, coordination of meals and hospitality for the 2016 and 2017 Diocesan Conventions, various projects for the Canon to the Ordinary’s office, working with Archdeacon Kristi Alday on the launch of a new website for the Institute of Christian Studies, and working with individual congregations and the Diocesan Administrator’s office on financial policies and reporting requirements. I have completed the training for and am a member of the diocese’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM), which was formed as a response to the Pulse shootings in Orlando. As a member of the Bishop’s Commission on Anti-Racism along with Father Chris Brathwaite, I am actively assisting Deaneries and Parishes with their own racial-reconciliation teaching. Prior to entering the ordination process and joining the diocesan staff I was a member of Church of the Ascension in Orlando where I served on the vestry, finance committee, altar guild, LEV, led small-group
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teachings, and was head of the LEM and Lector ministries. My graduate and undergraduate degrees are in Accounting and Finance, and I have experience in both corporate and small-business/nonprofit operations. After spending 20 years with the Walt Disney Co. in Film & Television Development, Corporate Alliances, and Imagineering, I was Director of Corporate and Foundation Development for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. My husband, Rod, and I are originally from West Virginia, and we have been married 35 years. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? The most important challenge facing General Convention and The Episcopal Church is to maintain a place at the table and a voice in the discussion for differing viewpoints, modeling the love and grace that Christ has shown to us. We cannot go forth into the world rejoicing in the spirit of the Lord, nor can we do the work Jesus has commanded us to do in the world until we learn to listen to each other without fearing that to listen and understand another point of view is to lose our own. There are many individual issues that this General Convention will face: racial reconciliation, evangelism and alternative-church movements, financial struggles for our parishes and our parishioners, interfaith relations—just to name a few—but we must be able to listen and learn from each voice in order to address those challenges together as the kingdom of God.
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The Rev. Canon Justin Holcomb For over three years, I have served as Canon for Vocations for the Diocese of Central Florida and also as an associate priest for the Cathedral Church
of St. Luke. Before serving in this diocese, I was a priest in the Diocese of Virginia, where I was ordained to the priesthood in 2006. In my role of Canon for Vocations, I focus on developing and training leaders with missionary vision to lead and serve in local congregations. Lots of my time and energy is given to the discernment process for ordination to the priesthood, where I work closely with the Commission of Ministry and Standing Committee. The continued nurture and developing of our clergy is also a high priority as I oversee ministry, leadership, and mission (for newly ordained priests or priests new to the diocese); assist with continuing-education opportunities for clergy; and work closely with Clergy Event Committee and the Congregational Development Commission. I am a professor of theology and Anglican studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Previously, I taught at the University of Virginia, Emory University, and Reformed Theological Seminary. I have two master’s degrees, in theology and philosophy, and a Ph.D. in theology from Emory University. In addition to diocesan ministry and teaching, I serve on the boards of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments) and Leaders Collective. I have written or edited 14 books on a variety of topics, including biblical studies, hope and healing for survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence, vocation and calling, and historical theology. I am a native of Florida and was born in Sarasota. My wife, Lindsey, and I live in Orlando with our two daughters. We are also a foster family for Orange County. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? There are numerous challenges, such as the Presiding Bishop’s call and focus on evangelism, the challenge of declining attendance in TEC churches, and more. However, I see the most important challenge as the need for wisdom
www.cfdiocese.org
CANDIDATES regarding how to walk together in unity as The Episcopal Church, in light of significant and important doctrinal disagreements, and also how TEC relates to the global Anglican Communion. At the invitation of the Presiding Bishop and the Archbishop, Bishop Brewer and our diocese have served as a bridge in the midst of disagreement both in The Episcopal Church and the global Anglican Communion. I think this General Convention is an important opportunity to continue that ministry.
The Rev. Robert Goodridge Father Rob has served as rector of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church since 2009. During his tenure the church has grown from an average Sunday attendance of 160 to 220, and annual giving has doubled during that period. New outreach ministries flourished, including two food pantries that distribute 5,000 pounds of groceries monthly, an ecumenical healing ministry with training classes and a healing center, and a student center where more than 100 students gather weekly to grow in Christ. During that time, four priests and three deacons have been raised up, serving six different churches. Four weekend services are held, as well as two midweek services, and Morning Prayer is read weekday mornings. We worship in our sanctuary seven days a week. Father Rob established mission partnerships with local churches, including Trinity Lutheran (ELCA), Mims UMC, The Grove Church, Christ Community Church (PCA), Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, St. Andrew’s UMC, and Park Avenue Baptist Church. At the diocesan level, Father Rob serves on the diocesan board and on the Executive Committee. He served five years as Chairman of the Congregational Development Committee, overseeing the Congregational Development Grant
www.cfdiocese.org
program. He continues his interest in his former career in television production, directing the video of Bishop Brewer’s Consecration Service and producing Remembering for the Sake of Our Future, a history of the mission of our diocese, shown at the 2015 diocesan convention. Father Rob is deeply committed to the mission of this diocese and is excited about the possibility of serving as a Deputy to General Convention. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? How do we, as Episcopalians, and members of the Diocese of Central Florida, live together in mutual respect for one another, in spite of different theological positions on key issues? At the 2015 General Convention, a group was formed to help the church work through this issue of mutual respect, and Bishop Brewer was appointed as a co-chair of the group. I stand firmly with him in his position on these matters, and will bring my full support. We must find ways for The Episcopal Church to unite in Jesus for the mission of the church. Dissension stops mission and growth. Divisiveness is not unity. As the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one in Trinity, we too are called to work toward unity, in godly love and mutual affection. I pledge to serve this diocese and The Episcopal Church at General Convention as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
The Rev. José E. Rodriguez For the last three years I have served this diocese as a priest, and prior to that my wife and I worked together in College and Young Adult ministry for almost 10 years. My passion is working within the local church to reach out to our communities to expand the kingdom’s reach. I am cur-
rently serving at the Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo, where we have planted a new Hispanic ministry for East Orlando and Seminole County. I serve as President of our Hispanic Commission and work alongside my fellow presbyters and lay leaders in serving our Hispanic ministries and congregants. I also work with students and young adults at the University of Central Florida and have established ecumenical relationships with the Presbyterian and United Methodist churches on campus. I am married to Heather and am the father of Eva, 1, and Elijah, 4. I am pursuing a Doctor of Ministry focused on building healthy multicultural communities of faith in an Anglican setting. I am originally from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, but have been settled since elementary school in Central Florida, where I have worshiped at local churches that include Christ the King in Azalea Park and All Saints’ in Winter Park. Prior to ordained ministry I had a very rich lay ministry. I have served on vestries and on the boards of diocesan ministries. I have an M.B.A. from the University of Central Florida as well as extensive professional experience in finance and business administration. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? If elected, I hope to represent our diocese at General Convention and be an advocate for our diocese especially in regard to evangelism, outreach, and church growth. I first became an Anglican at St. Helen’s Bishopsgate in London and have a love for our greater Anglican family and identity. Maintaining our membership and witness as Episcopalians in the wider Anglican Communion is an important challenge for General Convention in 2018. If elected, I want to lend my voice at convention and stress the importance of cooperation and living in community. Also, Book of Common Prayer revisions are being discussed, and I want to work with others to make sure that our prayers remain “common” and can be said and celebrated by all.
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CANDIDATES The Rev. Jonathan French I came to The Episcopal Church through All Saints’, Winter Park, under the ministry of Father Dave Wilson. We loved every minute there and continue to remember our time worshiping, teaching, and serving at All Saints’ with great fondness. After seminary, we were blessed to come back the Diocese of Central Florida, serving at Grace Church in Ocala. God has done incredible things at Grace Church, unfolding his plans in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. I have served the diocese as clergy chairman of the Profile Committee during the search for Bishop Brewer, chairman of the Short Term Missions Taskforce, teacher of various ICS classes, a member of the Clergy Events Committee, and member/president of the Standing Committee. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? Our diocese has a unique and important voice in the life of the church. Therefore, the most important challenge facing General Convention 2018 is making sure the church focuses on Jesus Christ and the gospel with the same intention of our diocese. Without him at the center of all that we say and do, we will surely fail in every endeavor. Issues such as evangelism (intentionally sharing our faith), discipleship (intentional growth as a follower of Jesus), and leadership in our culture are essential if we hope to see the church reverse its decades of decline. I believe with all my heart that Jesus is calling us to lead that change and I pray we have the courage to follow Him with a reckless abandon.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
Candidate for Diocesan Board Lay Order Mr. James Waters Member in good standing of the Church of the Ascension, Orlando Married—wife Patricia Graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in business; major in accounting Currently serving on the Finance Committee at the Church of the Ascension Active in a number of ministries within our church; focus on visitors, outreach, and making all attendees of our service feel welcome Previous service: President of the Central Florida Deanery Vestry member at Ascension Honduras Commission—mission trip to Honduras Chair of the Ascension golf event designed to raise funds for one of our outreach projects and introducing nonattendees to the friendliness of our church Although there are a number of important issues facing us today, I believe the most important challenge is bringing all members of TEC together as one unified voice.
Candidate for Diocesan Board Clerical Order The Rev. Lisa Hinkle The Rev. Lisa J. Hinkle became the rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview, Florida, almost two years ago. Although she is new to the priesthood, Rev. Lisa has served in some capacity in The Episcopal Church for about 30 years. She has experience as a communications director and as a music teacher at an Episcopal school (St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce); a youth minister for 17 years (ecumenical for seven years, Episcopal for 10 years); a volunteer and coordinator for Vacation Bible School; a Sunday school teacher; a choir member; and a praise ensemble leader—among other things. Her strengths are leadership, evangelism, and teaching, and she is always encouraging others to serve the Lord with the gifts they have been given by God. Rev. Lisa began her career as a graphic artist and illustrator graduating from the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, working at a printing company and then starting her own freelance business. She opened a small advertising agency before becoming a teacher and youth minister at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and School in Fort Pierce. She has also done the bookkeeping for her own companies and one other with a keen understanding of finances. Rev. Lisa has worked in many public schools and holds teaching certificates in four subject areas. She has a God-given love for all people and is especially gifted at working with children. Rev. Lisa is willing and able to serve on the Diocesan Board as your representative.
www.cfdiocese.org
CANDIDATES
Mrs. Patty L. Tew It is an honor to serve the Diocese of Central Florida, and I would consider it a privilege to serve on the Standing Committee.
I retired last year from AlphaNet, where I served those in the Southeast afflicted with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Previously, for more than 20 years, I was employed as COO of a family-operated municipal-bond firm, and served as chairman of the City of Orlando’s Citizens Police Review Board.
www.cfdiocese.org
Candidate for Trustee University of the South Clerical Order
The Rev. Gary Jackson I am currently serving as the rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Academy in Cocoa, Florida. Prior to accepting the call to St. Mark’s, I was the rector of Holy Trinity, Bartow, for five years. I attended seminary at Asbury and Nashotah House, following a career as a field claims representative for several insurance companies handling auto, injury, and homeowner claims. This experience of working with the people in difficult times inadvertently prepared me well for ministry in this challenging seas on. For the last three years, I have been Dean of the Southwest Deanery and a member of the Diocesan Board. Furthermore, I currently serve the diocese as Chair of the Stewardship Commission and as a member of the Constitution and Canons Committee. I would add that it has been the caring of my lay and clerical colleagues that has helped make this service a wonderful addition to my life. My wife, Christina, tells me that my greatest strength is that I love The Episcopal Church almost as much as I love Christ Jesus. I find this to be true. I believe our Anglican expression of the Christian faith has much to offer our postmodern world. I now desire to serve our diocese, bishop, and you by being elected as a member of the Standing Committee. I believe that my life experience, diocesan experience, and calling to proclaim God’s love would make me a helpful member of the Standing Committee team.
The Rev. James Dorn I currently serve our Lord as the rector of St. Matthias’ Church in Clermont and as the diocese’s Clergy Trustee to the University of the South. As Trustee, I served on the Growth and Development Committee for two years until I was asked this past October to serve on the Constitution and Ordinances Committee. If it is God’s will, I would be honored, if elected, to serve another three years as the Diocesan Clergy Trustee to Sewanee.
Invitation: MRS. LAURA LEE BREWER invites ALL CLERGY SPOUSES who will be at the Convention on SATURDAY, JANUARY 28th, to order a Bag Lunch and join her in the KELLY KRANZE ROOM during the Lunch Break for fellowship and a brief presentation from MRS. LINDA FOX, wife of The Reverend Loren Fox, Rector of Church of Our Savior, Palm Bay.
all clergy spouses
Born and raised in Orlando, I am a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Church, where my husband, Butch, and I were also married. It has been an honor to serve God and his church in various leadership roles throughout the last three decades, including two three-year terms on the St. Michael’s vestry and as Senior Warden; member of the search committees that called the late Father Richard Bowman as well as our current rector, Father Rick Luoni; as a delegate to diocesan convention for the last 19 years; and as a past member and President of the Board of Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center. I chaired the Elections Committee for the 2011 Special Electing Convention that called Bishop Brewer, served on the Executive Committee of the Diocesan Board, and as a lay deputy to General Conventions 2006 and 2009. It has been a blessing to be involved in Cursillo since 1982, having served on the Diocesan Cursillo Commission, more than 15 Cursillo teams, and as Rectora of Cursillo #75.
Candidate for Standing Committee Clerical Order
all clergy spouses
Candidate for Standing Committee Lay Order
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
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DIOCESAN FAMILY CONVENTION NEWS
Don’t Miss Out on These Displays
Convention Showcases Many Opportunities to get involved with and make a difference
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ach year at Convention there is a display area with information on many different organizations. This year’s theme is missions, and there are many ministries to become involved in. Be sure to stop by the display area and look for them all.
Anglican Frontier Missions AFM is committed to going where the need is greatest and planting indigenous churches among the largest and least-evangelized peoples in the world. Though 67 generations have come and gone since Jesus’ resurrection, more than 1.5 billion people are unreached. This unseen one-fifth of the world has no geographic and/or cultural access (or limited access) to the gospel. AFM mobilizes churches and sends short-term and long-term missionaries to do pioneer, frontier missions where the church is not.
Asbury Theological Seminary In 1923, Henry Clay Morrison began Asbury Theological Seminary with a class of three students and fashioned a seal for the seminary that audaciously reads, “The Whole Bible for the Whole World.” Nearly 100 years later, those three students number in the tens of thousands, with a second full campus in Orlando, Florida. Asbury Seminary graduates reach the world through evangelism, missions, church planting, preaching, teaching, and counseling. Today the sun never sets on Asbury Seminary graduates. Asbury Theological Seminary was founded more than 80 years ago “to prepare and send forth a well-trained, sanctified, Spirit-filled, evangelistic ministry” in order to spread scriptural holiness around the world.
Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation The Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation’s mission is to provide financial assistance for reasonable housing and healthcare to elderly Episcopalians from the Southeast, Southwest, and Central Dioceses of Florida who have faithfully served their parish or diocese. The funds are to be used only for those who can demonstrate a financial need.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew The Brotherhood’s vision is to inspire, empower, and equip men and boys to fulfill the Great Commission. They do this by bringing men and youth to Christ. The Brotherhood endeavors to accomplish this mission through the threefold discipline of Prayer, Study, and Service: •
To pray daily for the spread of Christ’s kingdom, especially among men and youth, and for God’s blessings upon the labors of the Brotherhood.
•
To study the Holy Scriptures regularly and the teachings of the church, to attain a better understanding of how to follow Christ and bring others into his kingdom.
•
To make continuous efforts, week by week, to bring others nearer to Christ through his church.
Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center
Canterbury’s mission and ministry is to be a center for spiritual growth, equipping people with life and ministry skills, offering hospitality in a sacred space where people can come to know and grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord through sanctuary, retreats, and conferences.
Emmaus Bible Ministries Emmaus Ministries exists to disciple and equip the body of Christ with the Word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ through inductive Bible Study, authentic relationships, and community life. The Emmaus School of Biblical Studies is the primary program of Emmaus Ministries. It is a residential discipleship school, taking students through the content of the entire Bible in 10 months. Students learn to observe, interpret, and apply the Bible using the inductive Bible-study method, studying the text in its historical and literary context.
University of the South (Sewanee) Known familiarly as “Sewanee” by its students, faculty, staff and friends, The University of the South offers an unmatched educational experience. The university remains purposefully small and dedicated to building a sense of community.
www.cfdiocese.org
CONVENTION NEWS Camp Wingmann Camp Wingmann is the site for the wonderful summer church-camp program for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, the center for diocesan youth activities, and a beautiful year-round youth retreat center for all types of groups.
The Glennon House
Bridge Builders Linda Fox of Church of Our Savior, Palm Bay, has launched a new ministry—expanding from the Dong Team to include other churches and other people groups. She will be working with individuals, teams, and churches to help them explore, design, engage, and sustain efforts around the world. Bridge Builder’s vision is to empower and equip individual believers, teams, and entire churches to build strong, effective bridges that cross the barriers between the church and the unreached and least-evangelized people groups of the world, strengthening both sides in the process.
New Wineskins New Wineskins Missionary Network helps Anglicans to be more knowledgeable, active, and effective in fulfilling our Lord’s Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. New Wineskins: • • • •
to raise, develop, prepare and equip Christ-centered leaders through training and education in order to strengthen the Church and transform societies.
Raises mission vision and awareness Highlights unreached people groups around the world Encourages prayer and care for Anglican missionaries Sponsors the New Wineskins for Global Mission conferences
The Glennon House is the home of the All Saints Healing Ministry and is dedicated in appreciation of the healing ministry of the Rev. Canon Jim Glennon of Sydney, Australia. It is used exclusively to further the use and understanding of the healing gifts of Jesus Christ.
SAMS-USA (Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders) The Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders (SAMS) is a missionary-sending community. SAMS engages in dynamic relationships with the church worldwide, experiencing the broken restored, the wounded healed, the hungry fed, and the lost found through the love and power of Jesus Christ.
Cursillo Commission The Cursillo movement’s purpose is to help those in the church understand their individual calling to be Christian leaders through a specific method that equips and encourages those Christian leaders to live out their baptismal covenant to serve Christ.
Honduras Commission The Central Florida Honduras Commission was established by the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida to support, encourage, and enable the mutual ministry between the Diocese of Central Florida and the Diocese of Honduras.
Global Teams International Global Teams is an international mission movement focused on reaching the world’s 6,648 unreached people groups. Put another way, our desire is to reach the 2.9 billion people who have never heard the gospel.
The Good Shepherd Foundation
Global Teams equips and sends field partners from many nations to multiply disciples of Jesus within cultures least familiar with the gospel.
Founded in 2004 by the Reverend John Chol Daau, a South Sudanese priest and former Lost Boy of Sudan, GSCS is committed in its vision
Don’t miss this great opportunity to speak with individuals from these organizations to experience a true sense of purpose and mission.
www.cfdiocese.org
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
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DIOCESAN FAMILY
Caroline Miller Helping people discern their call
Rejoice…Pray… Give Thanks
What is your position with the diocese? I am the assistant to the Canon for Vocations. I do a lot of administrative work—emailing, scheduling, and so on—but I also do research and maintain the library. A big part of my job is helping people in the discernment process. I am frequently in touch with seminarians, and I help Marilyn with her work in a variety of ways. For example, this year I was the diocesan point person for organizing the Conference on Ministry.
What other ministries are you involved with? I am a member of Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo. I have served as a Lay Eucharistic Minister there for the past three years, and I am looking forward to being involved in their new Spanish-language service. Also, I am part of the new Critical Incident Stress Management team the diocese is organizing.
Tell us a bit more about yourself. I grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, as the daughter of missionaries. If you have never been to Kenya, you should go! It is beautiful and so different. Since moving back to the United States, I attended college and then completed a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling. When not working in the diocesan office, I work part time as a counselor at Eirene Counseling Services. I am passionate about helping couples overcome challenges, walking through healing with trauma survivors, and assisting missionary kids through the process of re-entry into the United States.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
Women’s Retreat March 10 – 12, 2017
Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center All women in the Diocese of Central Florida are invited to attend this retreat sponsored by Holy Trinity, Melbourne, and Church of Our Savior, Palm Bay.
Featured Speaker: The Rev. Phyllis Bartle, rector, St Jude’s, Orange City
Music: Clare Toy, M.A. Begins with Friday evening reception/dinner and continues through Sunday worship and brunch.
Registration open: February 6 - 23; space is limited. Register online at www.HolyTrinityMelbourne.org. A commuter rate is also available that includes all meals.
Questions? Please call Holy Trinity Church at:
(321) 723-5272.
www.cfdiocese.org
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2017 St. Jude’s Episcopal Church’s Annual Strawberry Festival will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The festivities include spaces for vendors to sell their merchandise or advertise their businesses. (Tables are not furnished by St. Jude’s, and no food is to be sold at vendor areas unless packaged for home use.) Each space is approximately 10 feet by 10 feet. The donation for each space is $25. Please contact the church to obtain an application. Phone/ fax (386) 775-6200, e-mail stjudeschurch@embarqmail. com, visit online at www.stjudescentralflorida.org, or mail to Attn: Strawberry Fest Administrator, 815 E. Graves Ave., Orange City, FL 32763.
Ninth Annual Flower Seminar St. Peter the Fisherman Church, New Smyrna Beach Friday, February 24; cost, $5 9 a.m. – Brunch 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 – Demonstrations Send checks payable to: St. Peter the Fisherman 4220 Saxon Dr., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. For more information, call
(386) 428-7383 or visit www.stpetersnet.net.
All profits benefit St. Peter’s Flower Guild and outreach programs.
www.cfdiocese.org
“INTERIOR WISDOM: Designing Your Heart and Home for the Lord” Event
The ladies of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd invite you to an unforgettable morning: brunch, inspiration, and shopping with Leah Richardson, A.S.I.D., interior designer, and author.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 from 10 a.m.–Noon Church of the Good Shepherd, 331 Lake Ave., Maitland, FL 32751 To make your reservation, send check and contact information to the office at Good Shepherd. Cost is $25 per ticket, or sponsor a table of eight for $200. For more information, email bevlassiter@cfl.rr.com or call (407) 695-6284. CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
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DIOCESAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS Jan 12 7pm - Central Deanery Pre-Convention Deanery Meeting
at Church of the Good Shepherd, 331 Lake Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751
Jan 14 9am - Human Trafficking Awareness Workshop
at All Saints, Winter Park
Jan 14 10am - Northwest Deanery Pre-Convention Deanery Meeting at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 2540 West Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto, FL 34461
Jan 15 4pm - Southwest Deanery Pre-Convention Deanery Meeting
at St. Paul’s Church, 656 Avenue L NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Jan 15 6pm - Ordination to the Priesthood, Adam Young
at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke
Jan 27 & 28 - 48th Annual Diocesan Convention,
Trinity Preparatory School, Winter Park
Jan 29 Horns & Pipes, Cathedral Concerts Downtown,
The Cathedral of St. Luke, Orlando
Jan 30 7pm - Transitional Deacon Ordinations,
The Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando
Feb 2 St Richard's, Winter Park
New Smyrna Beach, St. Peter the Fisherman
Feb 2, 9, 16 & 23 - 2:30pm - “Walking the Mourner’s Path”
at Glennon House, Winter Park
Feb 11 9:30am- Diocesan Altar Guild Annual Meeting
at St. David’s by-the-Sea, Cocoa Beach
Feb 17 & 18 - Church Leadership Conference
at Canterbury Conference Center , Oviedo
Feb 18 10am - Absalom Jones Day Celebration
at Good Shepherd, Maitland
Feb 21- 23 - “Planning for Wellness” Conference” (aka “Planning for
Tomorrow” Conference) presented by Church Pension Group 21st -for Lay Employees & Spouses at Diocesan Office, 7:30am – 4:pm 22nd & 23rd - for Clergy & Spouses at Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando
Feb 26 Song of Democracy, Cathedral Concerts Downtown,
The Cathedral of St. Luke, Orlando
Mar 1 Ash Wednesday, beginning of Lent Mar 10 –Mar 12 - Women’s Retreat
at Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center, Oviedo
Mar 12 Downtown Progressive Organ Plus, Cathedral Concerts Downtown, The Cathedral of St Luke, Orlando
March 29- 31- Disaster Preparedness for Florida Dioceses
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presented by Office of Episcopal Relief & Development at Canterbury Conference Center, Oviedo
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
Bishop Brewer Visitation Schedule January 2017-April 2017
1/8/17 Ft. Pierce 1/15/17 (a.m.) Satellite Beach 1/15/17 (p.m.) Orlando 1/22/17 No Visitation 1/29/17 Orlando 1/30/17 Orlando 2/2/17 New Smyrna Beach 2/5/17 Winter Park 2/11/17 Cocoa Beach 2/12/17 Avon Park 2/19/17 Orlando 2/25/17 Avon Park 2/26/17 (a.m.) Cocoa Beach 2/26/17 (p.m.) Lakeland 3/5/17 DeLand 3/12/17 No Visitation 3/19/17 Mt. Dora 3/26/17 Cocoa 4/1/17 Auburndale 4/2/17 New Smyrna Beach 4/9/17 No Visitation 4/16/17 Orlando 4/23/17 The Villages
St. Andrew’s Holy Apostles Cathedral (Priesthood Ordination - Young) Cathedral (Annual Meeting) Cathedral (Transitional Deacon Ordinations) St. Peter the Fisherman St. Richard’s St. David’s by-the-Sea (Diocesan Altar Guild) Redeemer Holy Family Camp Wingmann (Diocesan Youth Event) St. David’s by-the-Sea All Saints’ (New Ministry – Hensarling) Holy Presence (Spring House of Bishops Meeting, Kanuga) St. Edward’s St. Mark’s St. Alban’s (Priesthood Ordination – Speropulos) St. Paul’s (He Got Up! Community Event, Camping World Stadium) Cathedral (Easter Sunday) St. George
Bishop Brewer’s visitation dates are subject to change. Please refer to www.cfdiocese.org for the most current visitation listing.
www.cfdiocese.org
CAMP WINGMANN /CANTERBURY
Camp Wingmann Calendar The Bishop’s Event | February 24-25 This is a youth event. Join other middle school and high school youth for a day with Bishop Greg Brewer. Interact and learn from one who humbly leads the Diocese of Central Florida. Cost is $45.
New Beginnings | March 24-26
Canterbury Calendar Church Leadership Conference February 17-18 This church leadership conference will offer you the perspective and tools you need to experience thriving church growth and impact!
New Beginnings is a weekend especially designed to respond to the issues, concerns, and needs of teenagers in middle school (12-15 years old). It was created to help young people grow in their love of themselves, others, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Western culture is increasingly hostile to the values we hold dear. Today’s leader needs new skills, new perspectives, and a commitment to authentic, Spirit-empowered leadership.
Happening | April 28-30
Daughters of the King Retreat | March 4
presented by teenagers for teenagers Designed for grades 10-12 and sponsored by the Episcopal Church. Most young people have serious questions about Jesus and the Church. Happening is designed to address these questions.
S
Calling All Nursery Directors an Cristobal Kids Care Center, located on the campus of Iglesia Episcopal San Cristobal, 7500 Forest City Road, Orlando, 32810, is seeking a nursery director.
FL
Espemarin07@yahoo.com. For more information, call (754) 234-3793.
www.cfdiocese.org
Men’s Cursillo | March 16-19 This retreat is intended to enrich and deepen men’s faith by bringing together a diverse group of Episcopalians to share the richness of many modes of worship and to broaden each person’s appreciation for our church.
Women’s Cursillo | March 23-26
It is preferred that applicants for the position be bilingual (English/Spanish) and credentialed in Early Childhood Development. The full-time position is salaried and provides medical benefits/pension. Send résumés with three references (at least two professional) and contact information to
This conference will offer you those tools.
This weekend is intended to enrich and deepen women’s faith by bringing together a diverse group of Episcopalians to share the richness of many modes of worship and to broaden each person’s appreciation for our church.
Disaster Preparedness and Response Training | March 29-31 The training will address asset-based community development, risk assessment, and The Episcopal Church’s role in disaster response. We will also pay particular attention to the ways in which participants can boost interdiocesan resilience, as well as the specific concerns of Florida-based dioceses.
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
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DIOCESAN FAMILY
The 50th Anniversary of Barbados’ Independence St. Mark’s, Haines City, joins Barbadians celebrating “The Pride of Nationhood” On Sunday, November 20, at 4 p.m., the good people of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Haines City gathered for a wonderful celebration: the 50th anniversary of independence for Barbados. The Coalition for the Barbados Association of Central Florida joined forces with St. Mark’s to provide a celebratory service followed by a Caribbean feast.
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He asked all Barbadians not to forget who they are, how they were raised, the value of mother and father in the household, how they were educated, and whom they loved and served as their God. It was nothing short of a pleasure to listen to this native son who has reached this high level in God’s church come to his own in the diaspora to speak and assure them that their island home, despite the modern-day social challenges, is still solid and God-fearing. Then came the afternoon service. Wonderful hymns were sung, both American and Caribbean. Bishop Brewer was the celebrant, and he recognized Archbishop Holder, who preached. Holder began by asking the Lord to continue to guide them in all that they do in Barbados. He opened with the text of Deuteronomy 8:7: “For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with flowing streams, with springs and underground waters welling up in valleys and hills.” “We all believe that Barbados is a good land, a special gift from God,” the archbishop said. He went on to explain that the current challenges this
land faces are the economy, youth upbringing, and the upsurge in gun violence. “We can all marvel at the distance we have traveled, just like the writer of Deuteronomy,” Holder commented. And he went on to say that 50 years ago, Barbados was struggling with how to live in a white world. They have now mastered cricket and wonderful rum, but they still have a way to go. “The true mark of development is the enhancement of people’s lives through healthcare.” He went on to say that in Barbados, “I am my brother’s keeper.” By this, he meant that people are to be like the Good Samaritan, going beyond the borders and being prepared to take some risks in order to help each other. This would be how to keep compassion. Addressing the challenge of raising youth, the archbishop said, “We need to teach honesty, forgiveness, and kindness, and that life is a precious gift of God and should not be taken from any one of us.” To the adults, he said: “It is your responsibility to raise the youth. If our youth are going to make the best of what life has to offer, then the adults must be the academy that guides them throughout life, the shepherds. We have to make a good future for them seem possible.”
he celebration actually started the night before with a gala at the Rosen Palace in Orlando. This was held in a traditional, excellent style to which Barbadians have become accustomed for this annual event. Colin Mayers, the Consul General of Barbados, based in Miami, was in attendance, and it was obvious that he and John Holder, Anglican archbishop for the West Indies, are old friends. The gala took on a Caribbean flavor with costumed dancers and caricatures of historical figures of Barbados whom most Barbadians would recognize. These honored such people as Sir Garfield Sobers and King Dyal, a well-dressed street person who played the role of a want-to-be-king. The archbishop was brilliant as he recounted, in a chronological style, the 50-year history of Barbados’ independence from Great Britain. Top Left: Barbados Flag, Bottom Left: Fr. Christopher Brathwaite, Above: Archbishop Holder and Bishop Brewer
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
Ken McBride
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DIOCESAN FAMILY Holder went on to say about modern-day progress in Barbados, “We must ensure that we do not lose our moral values in the wake of progress.” In regards to facing the issues in the country, the archbishop said: “We need to make a commitment to deal with the issues or problems, to face them and deal with them sensibly. We must learn some lessons from yesterday to see more clearly how to deal with the issues of today. “ He reminded his hearers that “we can all be thankful for the natural environment, for good governance which has transformed our country so well, and for those who work day and night to keep everyone safe.” He added: “We do not live in a world of easy answers. We live in a complex world. It is only through His grace that we can see Barbados as such a pleasant place.” Holder closed with these words from the Barbados National Anthem: “The Lord has been the people’s guide for the past 300 years. With him still on the people’s side, we have no doubts or fears. Upward and onward we shall go, inspired, exulting, free, and greater will our nation grow in strength and unity.”
While Holder was here, Father Brathwaite had the opportunity to sit down and have a brief chat with him: FATHER BRATHWAITE: Archbishop John, you are here in Central Florida to speak to the people of Barbados and to be with the people of the Caribbean who have made this area their home. You are the spiritual head of many Caribbean islands, including my island home, Barbados. As that leader, what direction do you believe the church can take in the current environment to create change that results in sound moral obligations to family and society and helps keep the church relevant?
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ARCHBISHOP HOLDER: The church must continue to preach and live the message of a God of boundless love and compassion; a God who is not restricted by boundaries. This message is the cornerstone of the church’s mission.
REV. BRATHWAITE: As a world figure, you are obviously in tune with the occurrences of the recent U.S. presidential elections. It was difficult to tune out the narrative—pro or con, wise or simple, upsetting or embracing. How do you mesh all this in one statement that would uplift the disappointed and calm the jubilant?
The church ought to be the agent in society to break down barriers. The problem with us is that we live in a world with barriers that separate the children of God.
ARCHBISHOP HOLDER: As an outsider, I must respect the results of the American election. Democracy is probably still the best system or process we have in electing our leaders, but like every human endeavor, it can be unpredictable, so that sometimes expectations can be thwarted.
As Christians, we must work to remove these. This is the mission of each parish. Barriers of race, class, gender, social standing, sexual preferences, and socio-economic standing cannot reflect the gospel message of a God of love. We must move away from creating barriers and then hurting each other in order to preserve them. REV. BRATHWAITE: Bishop, you are a world figure. You go to more places than most, and you interact with people at all levels for the sake of the gospel. How does your traveling form your message and mission? ARCHBISHOP HOLDER: My travel does two things: It shows how much we as human beings have in common with each other and it also serves to highlight our differences. My travel encourages me to work with what we have in common to emphasize the value of each and every human being. [When] one gets a chance to see how far away some people are from having the necessities of life, of course, it encourages you to do all you can, in your own context, to ensure that persons are living the type of life or standard of life that can help them to experience the goodness of God and understand that God is a God of love. We do this standing firmly on the principle that every human is a child of God.
In any democratic election, the first response is always about winners and losers, when indeed it should be about how competing interests have worked together for the common good. If we see democratic elections in this way, they then become simply part of the process that facilitates our efforts to do what we perceive as offering the best for our country. From this perspective, I have no doubt that all those involved in the most recent elections will continue to love their country and will continue to make it the best it can be. A few in attendance at the Caribbean dinner were willing to share their thoughts about this event. A woman from the St. Mark’s vestry table commented: “It is very exciting and inspirational to have everyone from the Caribbean come together as one. I am from Trinidad, so it is nice to come together as one and have the archbishop here.” A member of the Barbados Board of Directors said, “We have lived to see the 50th anniversary of the independence of our country.”
Overall, the excitement could be felt throughout all the celebration happenings. This was an event not to miss.
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
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EPISCOPAL AND ANGLICAN NEWS
Evangelism Matters Conference Inspires Many We all embraced the slogan: “Episcopal evangelist. It’s not an oxymoron.”
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vangelism Matters, an evangelism conference sponsored by The Episcopal Church, was held November 18 and 19 in Dallas, Texas. The conference was designed for anyone who wanted to learn more about evangelism and available resources to share their faith. While some people might think an Episcopal evangelist is a rare breed, more than 400 evangelism veterans and fledgling practitioners spent this time being inspired, finding camaraderie, and learning new ways to live up to the slogan “Episcopal evangelist. It’s not an oxymoron.” In recent years, we have heard: “The church isn’t dying. We are killing it.” Anglicans are not allergic to evangelism, and we need not take Excedrin before saying the word. This is a call to go back to our true identity. Evangelism is not about growing the church but sharing the love we have experienced with a hurting world. Our Canon for Evangelism and Reconciliation, Stephanie Spellers, let us all know that we are
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the Jesus Movement: We are following Jesus and growing loving, liberating, and life-giving relationships with God, with each other, and with creation. Alleluia! “This is not a program,” she reminded us, “but a way of life.” Bishop George Sumner reminded attendees that sharing the good news is not about church growth. He said we should welcome people into our church, but what we are really about is getting people to join King Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. Ride on, King Jesus. In our opening panel discussion, Mary Parmer began a second thread woven through this conference, telling us that evangelism is helping people fall in love with Jesus. Carrie Headington said evangelism is an invitation to a feast that is out of this world. Marcus Halley told us the picture of evangelism is the cross, the nexus of God and man, where we see those things that were cast down being raised up. Alberto Cutié said many in society have given up on Jesus without having even been introduced because the people they do hear talking about Jesus are scary freaks. So, our biggest challenge as a church is this: What will we offer to help people want to connect with the Jesus we know and love? Halley told us that in a society filled with fear and divisiveness, we need to trust in abundance; we have enough to do what God is asking us to do. We need to overflow into our world, letting people
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
know they are always welcome at this table because there is always enough. Parmer shared a quote that said, “The New Testament urges believers to speak the gospel clearly, fearlessly, graciously, and respectfully whenever an opportunity presents itself.” Then, when the panel discussion opened up to the nave, we were given eyes to see the larger vision with a perspective from the Dominican Republic about the global impact of this movement and how much it matters. Evangelism is work for the whole church toward the whole world. A participant from Mexico said evangelism is walking with sisters and brothers, finding out that God has arrived first, and then just being present. After lunch, Bishop Curry launched into a great sermon, telling us we may be taking part in a reevangelization of the Western world. He chose 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 as his text: “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. “ “This is not about conquering the world for Christ,” he said. “It’s about saturating the world with love. Evangelism is about going home and helping each other find our way home. We have the people and the brainpower, and we are working on the heart-power.”
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EPISCOPAL AND ANGLICAN NEWS
Then he opened up a real challenge. “What if we became Episcopalians without borders? We could use the money from closing churches to start new ones as we steward the money entrusted to us even across diocesan boundaries. What if every person preparing for ordained ministry learned evangelism as we have learned clinical pastoral education? We would change the culture of the church and change the world.” Bishop Curry added: “I have no illusion of vast numbers of Episcopalians going out two-by-two with Forward Day by Day and The Living Church under their arms. But we have Episcopalians on Facebook. I know. I have seen your cats and your dogs! This may be the new Roman highway. Facebook may be the way to help our brothers and sisters to find their way home to God and to each other.” Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon spoke of the two legs of evangelism as proclamation and mission. Mission flows from first coming to experience the power of what Jesus did for us on the cross. He said if we really want to have a movement, we need to get each bishop to be the chief evangelism officer of his or her diocese, and then each priest to be the chief evangelism officer of his or her parish, and then each individual Christian to be the chief evangelism officer of his or her family. Then we would have a movement. Baptism is about being immersed in the life of the trinity, which is a life of love. In sharing this love, we see that the Jesus Movement is not about bigger churches; it’s about a better world. This connection to telling the love of Jesus means “saturating the world in God’s love.” We know evangelism is not about growing our churches. It’s about falling in love with Jesus and then sharing that
love as naturally as we recommend a restaurant, book, or movie. Then when we really listen to others, when nudged by the Holy Spirit, we humbly and gently proclaim the difference that knowing our triune God has made in our lives. Archbishop Josiah said if we really want this to be a movement, we must move beyond seeing our presiding bishop as the chief evangelism officer. As much as we love and admire Bishop Curry, he is not Jesus, and we should not leave him alone in the work of lighting a fire across our church and then the world. Evangelism Matters was filled with passion, joy, and the hope of lives transformed by the loving, liberating, and life-giving power of Jesus Christ crucified and risen. The bishops who attended need to go proclaim they are now chief evangelism officer of their diocese. The rectors and vicars need to proclaim that they are now chief evangelism officers in their parish. And all the baptized need to become chief evangelism officers in their families. That is a movement. And that movement begins with changed behaviors and concrete next steps.
“This was a significant gathering. For the first time in decades a conference on evangelism was organized by The Episcopal Church, and the event was excellent.”
— The Rt. Rev. Gregory Brewer, Bishop, Diocese of Central Florida
The Union of Black Episcopalians Invites You to Absalom Jones Day CELEBRATION
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n February 18, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland will have a day of presentations, conversations, and music honoring the legacy of Absalom Jones, the first black Episcopal priest, an abolitionist, and a community servant.
Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. To register, please send $10 to UBE, P.O. Box 617497, Orlando, FL 32861-7497.
If you have questions, please call
(407) 621-1885 www.cfdiocese.org
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • Jan. 2017
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN 1017 E. Robinson Street Orlando, FL 32801-2023 Non-Profit Organization U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 4111 ORLANDO, FLORIDA
“Transforming Grief into Joyful Living” WALKING THE MOURNER’S PATH is a Christ-centered, non-denominational grief support program We believe grieving is not evidence of a lack of faith but a natural part of living. The ministry of Walking the Mourner’s Path is eight spiritually directed small group workshops led by trained facilitators and a member of the clergy based in a faith community.
Walking the Mourner’s Path Workshop participants find: • That although their pain is unique, they are not alone on their journey • The need to allow Christ to be a part of both the pain and the healing • Tools for moving forward with their life • A way to honor their loved one • Joy A Walking the Mourner’s Path program is scheduled for Thursdays, January 5 thru February 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the All Saints Healing Ministry – Glennon House, Winter Park. For more information or to register to attend, please contact Barbara at the Glennon House, (407) 647-8925.
CENTRALFLORIDA
Can an Episcopalian be an evangelist? Page 30
Who is Caroline Miller? Page 24
Read about the many nominees running for positions at Convention. Page 11
What do the clergy do during their conference each year? Page 8
Find out how Our Savior in Palm Bay is reaching the world. Page 5
NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG • Volume 119, No. 1 • January 2017
EPISCOPALIAN
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