Central Florida Episcopalian Newspaper May-June, 2019

Central Florida

CFE EPISCOPALIAN PENTECOST

Volume 121, No. 3 / May - June 2019

C OME , H OLY S PIRIT

DENTRO: ¡El boletín de noticias español está de vuelta! Por favor, consulte las páginas 27-30

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The Diocese of Central Florida The Right Reverend Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop Serving 15 counties through 82 churches and 30,000 members

The Episcopal Church The Most Reverend Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate An international community of 2.5 million Christians in North and South America, Europe and Taiwan

The Anglican Communion The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury A global community of more than 85 million Christians in more than 165 countries worldwide

PENTECOST – The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Greatest Present.

CONTENTS

BISHOP BREWER An Unexpected Lesson........................................................................................................................3 PASTORAL CARE Clergy Sabbatical: Rest, Renewal, Refocus, Reconnection..................................................................4 Seek Sabbath Rest or Fall Short of Finish Line....................................................................................5 PEOPLE & EVENTS News Briefs......................................................................................................................................6-9 BACAM Conference Helps Aspirants Discern True Calling.................................................................10

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Tips to Keep Friends, Online Users Safe from Traffickers.

MINISTRIES Kids Can Learn About the Lord in Cool-Themed VBS Camps..............................................................11 Camp Wingmann Gearing Up for Popular Summer Camps..............................................................12 New Beginnings 112 Is Big Hit for Middle Schoolers.......................................................................13 Daughters of the King Doing for Others...........................................................................................14 Camp Wingmann Helps Church’s Prayers for Youth Come True........................................................15 MISSION ‘Memento Mori’ Sign Reminds Us of Importance of Repentance............................................... 22-23 SPOTLIGHT Former Diocesan Assistant Celebrates Priesthood Ordination..........................................................24 Former Ski Instructor Ordained to Diaconate at St. James................................................................25 Canterbury to Refresh Under Hospitality Veteran.............................................................................26

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CFE EN ESPAÑOL Obispo Brewer: Una Leccion inesperada..........................................................................................27 Eldon del Espíritu Santo...................................................................................................................28 Dale a alguien un verdadero regalo de Pentecostés.........................................................................29 Tiempo de Sabatico para el clero: Reposo, Renuevo, Reenfoque, Reconección................................30 DIOCESAN CALENDAR...................................................................................................................31

Lakeland Parish Teams With Organizations to Revitalize, Pray in Lakeland Community.

Want to know what this Sunday’s Scripture readings are all about?

Well, check out Lectionary Living, the new weekly online feature on CFEOnline in which you can be inspired by a short devotion written by one of our local spiritual leaders and coordinated with the upcoming Sunday’s Lectionary Scripture reading.

Go to Lectionary Living on the home page of cfdiocese.org

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Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe Retired The Rt. Rev. William H. Folwell Retired The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb Canon for Vocations The Ven. Kristi Alday, Archdeacon Mr. Earl Pickett, Diocesan Administrator Mr. Erick Perez, Subscription Manager 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 prior to event, and follow-up information as soon as possible to: The Central Florida Episcopalian 1017 E. Robinson St. Orlando, FL 32801-2023 Email: Wendy Leech, Communications Coordinator

wleech@cfdiocese.org / Phone: 407-423-3567

Jeff Gardenour, Editorial Director editorial@cfdiocese.org / Fax: 407-872-0006

Erick Perez, Subscription Manager eperez@cfdiocese.org

www.cfdiocese.org

BISHOP BREWER

An Unexpected Lesson

By Bishop Gregory O. Brewer

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ake a few mental screenshots of the New Testament, and you’ll see Jesus doing the unexpected: Raising Lazarus from death after waiting three days to show up. Holding a wellside chat with an immoral woman from a rejected people group. Girding his waist with a towel to wash his disciples’ dust-laden feet.

‘Take My Yoke’ Conventional wisdom, the popular sentiment and ideas of the day, never seemed to influence our Savior. In fact, He took the standards of popular Jewish culture as a challenge, teaching people a new and better way. “You have heard, but I say” was Jesus’ way of showing them that kingdom lives differ from ordinary ones, that His truth was so much more profound and encompassed so much more.

As I write this column, I am away from you for three months. I have received this sabbatical as a gift both from the diocese and our Lord and Savior, who continues to say and do the unexpected.

And what He is saying to me right now sounds very close to these familiar words: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29).

‘Learn From Me’

You will read elsewhere in this issue about the importance of Sabbath rest. As both a student of Scripture and a follower of Christ, I believe in the Sabbath and all it entails. But lest you confuse the two, “Sabbath” and “sabbatical,” although they come from similar Greek and Hebrew roots, are not synonyms.

God planned the Sabbath as a day of true rest. And as you know, man developed an entire code of laws around what did and didn’t qualify (perhaps the Sanhedrin included a few Episcopalians).

Many of us have examined what the Sabbath should look like in our hurried, harried culture as well as our individual situations.

In any case, a sabbatical is not the Sabbath. Although one of its purposes is indeed rest (see Rev. James Sorvillo’s excellent article, “Clergy Sabbatical”), I intend to spend my time in a variety of ways, which you can read about in the April 2019 issue of Leadership News. But the most significant use of my time has to do with Jesus’ words about bearing His yoke.

Once again, Jesus brings forth the unexpected.

We think of a yoke as a symbol of control and oppression. But our Lord’s yoke comes to us in the way He comes alongside us and works within us to support and to guide. Even in the midst of hardship, hard times and hard work, we bear His yoke. In fact, it is ours by divine appointment.

‘You Will Find Rest’

Have you ever seen an unbalanced team of horses or other animals? One pulls left, the other right.

One moves forward, the Bishop Greg Brewer other hangs back. If those animals bear a yoke, it quickly slips off-center and may even cause pain.

As I contemplated the possibility of this sabbatical, I realized my yoke has slipped. I haven’t left the service of the Savior. I haven’t walked away or dropped out. I haven’t lost an ounce of passion for Jesus or for this diocese. But the yoke He intends to bear in perfect harmony with me needs adjusting.

As I rest, read, pray, plan, walk and work over these next weeks and months, I intend to draw closer to Jesus. I intend to get back to the perfect harmony that marks what He calls “abundant life.” I intend to listen for His voice telling me not what I need to do during the final five years of my episcopacy, but what kind of bishop I need to be — for the people I serve. For the clergy I guide.

For the Lord I honor and adore.

For these and many other reasons, Laura Lee and I covet your prayers throughout this time. I am asking God to use every element of it in ways that would bring me more into conformity with His perfect Son, whose yoke I bear in humble obedience and love.

Grace to you,

Special note from Bishop Brewer: Welcome to the May/June issue of

the Central Florida Episcopalian! You’ll notice our publication has a new look, which I hope you’ll think of as the result of a good spring once-over. Breathe in its fresh aroma and enjoy the results of our efforts. I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!

www.cfdiocese.org

Bishop Gregory O. Brewer

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PASTORAL CARE

Clergy Sabbatical: Rest,

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TALKING HEAD STUDIO

Renewal, Refocus, Reconnection

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The Rev. Dr. James Sorvillo stands in front of a centuries-old Irish monastery on Skellig Michael, a crag located off the Ireland coast, during his 2018 sabbatical.

By the Rev. Dr. James A. Sorvillo t was February of 2018, and my wife and I were at dinner with Bishop Greg (Brewer) and (his wife), Laura Lee, prior to his Episcopal visit at (Church of the) Ascension. As we ate and talked, he asked about my upcoming year. I shared that Ascension had granted me a sabbatical for the upcoming summer in thanks for my 15th year and as a way to strategize about what would come next for the church.

As I was sharing, it dawned on me that Bishop Greg had served our diocese for seven years, so I asked him, “And by the way, aren’t you due for a sabbatical?”

The look on his face caught me by surprise. It was a combination of “You mean that could be a possibility?” and “I’m not sure I even want to hope for that.” As a member of the Standing Committee at the time, I asked him if I could float a few balloons with the diocesan leadership to see if this could be an option.

The rest, as they say, is history. As I write this, Bishop Greg is just now setting off for this important time of rest, renewal, refocus and reconnection.

As someone who has benefited from two sabbaticals over my now 16 years as a rector, I can only tell you from experience that a directed, purposeful sabbatical has brought the “four R’s” not only to Ascension, but to my wife and me as well. Each of these seasons provided new life and new direction for the church in ways that continue to bear fruit to this day. My hope for each member of the clergy reading this, and each member of a parish who is served by someone who has given their life and vocation for Christ, will take this possibility into consideration as well. Here are some things to think about:

Rest: There are many vocations in

life that are challenging to be sure.

First responders – fire, police and EMTs – face all types of crises of the human condition that carry a heavy emotional weight. Business owners carry the weight of employees who depend on the success of that business to provide for their families.

The list can go on. It is fair to say clergy carry a unique spiritual and emotional weight as they shepherd those The Rev. Dr. James Sorvillo smiles in front of Skellig Michael, a fourth-century Irish monastery eight miles off the Ireland coast, during his 2018 sabbatical. Sorvillo is rector of Church of the Ascension in Orlando.

who attend their churches. This is not a complaint; it goes with the job, and we are blessed to have God’s Spirit carry much of the load. However, a time of designed and complete rest (no Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, emails or phone calls) goes a long way toward helping clergy to remain strong and faithful to their call.

Renewal: As God called the peo-

ple of Israel to a time of rest called Sabbath, He calls us to be renewed in our spirits. The seven-year cycle for a sabbatical echoes the seven-day cycle for Sabbath. God provided it because he knows we all need it. Our lives are not sprints; they are marathons. Running the race with godly integrity includes our need for time to renew and refresh to accomplish His work in us and through us.

Refocus:

In his book, “Leadership Without Easy Answers,” Ronald Heifetz uses the term “getting on the balcony.” Imagine a great ball.

Dressed in their finest, people are gliding across the dance floor. The motion, the direction, of each couple flows in synchrony with the others.

Bishop Greg Brewer of the Diocese of Central Florida, right, is currently on a sabbatical. Here he is speaking at the 50th Anniversary “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” Revival in February.

the blessings and challenges of each parishioner. But it’s hard to see the patterns when we’re part of them.

Sabbatical offers a time to get “on the balcony” to review what is working and what is not in order to move forward with a more healthy parish and personal life.

Reconnection:

I’m so blessed to have a wife who is faithful to Christ and supportive of my ministry. However, as we all know, there are seasons when we don’t get to spend as much time with our spouses and family as we had hoped. When things at home are solid, we have more flexibility to care for our churches. When things at home are not going well, it affects everything we do. Sabbatical offers a time to shore up those relationships.

From the balcony, though, this picture looks very different. You can see the patterns of movement, where people are bunching up and where people are moving more freely. You can see those who are standing alone and those who are in groups.

May we hold our bishop and his family in daily prayer as he takes this three-month journey. May we hold our diocesan staff in daily prayer as they hold the fort in his absence. And may we be open to times of rest, renewal, refocus and reconnection in our lives so we may all serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with our best selves so He is glorified in all things.

Clergy are on the dance floor with those in their care. We experience

— The Rev. Dr. James A. Sorvillo is rector of Church of Ascension in Orlando.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE REV. DR. JAMES A. SORVILLO

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PASTORAL CARE

Seek Sabbath Rest or Fall Short of Finish Line

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By the Rev. Dr. James A. Sorvillo

Our lives and this race are so similar. But if you pass too many of those stations and begin to dehydrate or lose energy, you invite trouble. And the same thing can happen in ministry.

Seek Sabbath rest, or you may not make it to the finish line in one piece.

Sabbath rest is a state of mind and spirit. It is a recognition that we cannot do this on our own, an awareness that we need sustenance along the journey and an acknowledgment that we need rest when necessary, or we invite trouble.

— The Rev. Dr. James A. Sorvillo is rector of Church of the Ascension in Orlando.

Ministry can be a great diverter from that recognition. When we are present with people in need and y father, the late Rev. Dr. “Augie” are told how wonderful, how pastoral, how importSorvillo, taught me a great many ant we are to our parishioners, we can easily set things about being a priest. One aside a truth from a spouse or child that is inconveof those teaching moments went nient to our egos. In that, the temptation sets in to like this: “A priest can err on two spend more time than we should at church where extremes: One, as the bishop does not check your “we are loved and honored,” instead time card, a priest can get away with Sabbath rest was of at home cutting the grass, finishbeing very lazy. On the other hand, ing the bills or … you fill in the blank. since God’s work is never done, a given to us by God priest can easily become a workSabbath rest was given to us by God for our health: aholic. Both have negative consefor our health: spiritually, emotionspiritually, quences.” ally, and physically. This is one of the In regard to Sabbath rest, I would like to discuss the latter, especially as it pertains to the emotional and spiritual red flags that inform our need for Sabbath time.

emotionally, and physically.

This is one of the major themes that set Israel apart from others.

As I wrote in my article on the 4 R’s of a sabbatical, in ministry (both lay and ordained), we are running a marathon, not a sprint. With that in mind, if you’ve ever run a race of any significant distance, you know there are water stations along the way. You get a drink, eat a banana, throw some water on your face and head out for the next leg.

R E C O M M E N D E D R E A D I N G : MARVA DAWN / Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting (Eerdmans, 1989) RICHARD BULLOCK / Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide To Sabbatical Planning (Alban Books) MARK BUCHANAN / The Rest of God (Thomas Nelson Publishers) SHELLY MILLER / Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World (Bethany House Publishers) www.cfdiocese.org

major themes that set Israel apart from others. “You mean your God tells you to take a day of rest? Wow!” It is a time given to us to reflect, renew and refocus for the work set before us. But if we fill our lives with so much that there is no margin on our life page, we work on fumes and our own strength, which rarely ends up well for leaders and for our parishioners.

In the 24/7 world of technology, this is even more of a challenge. We are bombarded by contact options, and if we don’t take the steps to put in healthy boundaries, trust me, no one else will do it for us!

Realizing you’re being more emotionally fed at work than by your spouse and family is a red flag. If you believe all the hype, either positive or negative, about your work habits or personality by your parishioners, that’s a red flag. If you find yourself getting mad, impatient, irritated in regard to your calling, that’s a red flag.

Seek someone who will speak a grace-filled truth to you. Find a good counselor. Start an accountability group.

Sorvillo

Prayers for Bishop Brewer O God, by your Holy Spirit you give to some the word of wisdom, to others the word of knowledge, and to others the word of faith: We praise your Name for the gifts of grace manifested in your servant Bishop Brewer, and we pray that you will stir up these gifts in him; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

— Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, p. 248

Almighty God, you gave to your servant Bishop Brewer special gifts of grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Christ Jesus: Grant that Bishop Brewer will grow in understanding of this truth and grant that by this teaching we may know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

— Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, p. 249

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit our bishop is enlightened and sustained: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for Bishop Brewer, that he will boldly proclaim and interpret the Gospel of Christ, enlightening the minds and stirring up the conscience of your people. Amen.

— Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, p. 518

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

St. John’s, Kissimmee, Named Historic Church The historic St. John’s Chapel, which dates to 1889, is still used for services.

A sign commemorating the St. John’s Chapel in Kissimmee as one of the oldest remaining church buildings in Osceola County was presented to parishioners on March 9.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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t. John’s Episcopal Church, Kissimmee, is known as “The Caring Church,” but it’s also celebrated as one of Central Florida’s most historic landmark buildings.

A special unveiling ceremony was held Saturday, March 9, at the historic St. John’s Chapel, located at the corner of John Young Parkway and Columbia Avenue. A newly placed plaque commemorating the location as a Florida Heritage Site was presented to the community and St. John’s parishioners to commemorate the historic chapel as one of the oldest remaining church buildings in Osceola County.

The St. John’s Chapel was dedicated on Jan. 13, 1890, by Bishop Edwin Gardner Weed. The sanctuary was erected nearly a century later in 1982.

Both buildings are utilized each Sunday and for special services.

Additionally, the church renovated the chapel exterior in 2014, adding a new roof, fresh paint and Florida native landscaping on the chapel grounds.

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The ceremony was the brainchild of an anonymous congregation member who donated the funds and assisted former Senior Warden Delores Griffin in pursuing the monument.

Griffin, in turn, ensured that the county received all the necessary paperwork to purchase the plaque.

According to the plaque, the Carpenter Gothic-style church was completed in 1889 and located in downtown Kissimmee on the northwest corner of Sproule Avenue and Mitchell Street. It was dedicated the following year.

St. Paul’s Celebrates 250th Anniversary of Inception

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n the run-up to the Revolution ary War, a Church of England

congregation was formed in the colony of New Smyrna – the first established Anglican congregation in Florida.

The bishop of London commissioned the Rev. John Fraser to run the church in 1769, a year after Dr. Andrew Turnbull founded the colony. Through the course of 250 years, there have been stops and starts, but the church remains a vital part of Florida history.

On Sunday, March 24, 2019, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – the successor of that Church of England plant in the late 1700s – celebrated its 250th anniversary. Bishop Greg Brewer celebrated Holy Eucharist and performed confirmations during the morning

Worshipers came to services on foot, horseback, and by horse and buggy.

In 1902, the church building was relocated to the northwest corner of Broadway and Sproule. Nineteen years later, lightning struck the church and nearly burned it down.

service, which drew approximately 100 people. Afterwards, the church held a special commemorative service at the Sugar Mill Country Club, attended by approximately 75 people.

“To be in Florida and be a part of that is fantastic,” said the Rev. Rodney Roehner, rector at St. Paul’s since 2015. “Being from Philadelphia, I’m used to that Colonial presence of the Anglican tradition.”

The City of New Smyrna Beach presented a proclamation to the church, and New Smyrna Beach Mayor Russ Owen was on hand to do the honors.

“It was an honor to attend the services and play a small part in celebrating the momentous occasion,” Owen said. “Having an institution like St. Paul’s persist as a longstanding and unchanging force for good in our community for 250 years is a treasure of immeasurable worth.

“We know that institutions like St. Paul’s may be represented by historic buildings and traditions, but those are only meaningful because of steadfast individuals of faith, courage and selflessness that bless so many in New Smyrna Beach and beyond,” Owen said.

According to the proclamation, the first resident priest-in-charge was the Rev. John Cyril Marsden in 1922.

That year, the church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. Cameron Mann and renamed St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

However, Roehner said the church has been in continuous use since the 1880s, and the current church building was built in the early 1900s.

After a second fire in 1955 destroyed the church’s sacristy, insurance proceeds allowed the church to purchase a new site at the property’s current 10-acre location. More buildings were added in the next decade, including a parish house, office and rectory.

The Rev. Rodney Roehner, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Smyrna Beach, left, receives a proclamation celebrating the church’s 250th anniversary from New Smyrna Beach Mayor Russ Owen.

—Lydia Gilmore, St. John’s Communications Committee member PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

Trip to West Virginia Sheds Light on St. David’s New Windows

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rector’s trip to West Virginia helped shed some new light on the stained-glass windows at St. David’s bythe-Sea Episcopal Church in Cocoa Beach.

The Central Brevard parish recently

concluded five years of renovation and rebuilding with the installation of a new set of 31 feet of custom doors. Woodworker Eric Johnson, formerly of Treehouse Woods in Cocoa Beach, completed the project.

Bishop Greg Brewer, back row, second from left; the Rev. Rodney Roehner, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, back row, far left; and processional members are all smiles during the church’s recent 250th anniversary.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

In 1977, the church building was moved to a new location at 1650 Live Oak St., and the sacristy was added, according to the proclamation. The Parish Day School opened on Oct. 31 that year.

– Jeff Gardenour, CFE editorial director

“These doors will help with the acoustics in the narthex and parish hall and are a beautiful addition to our facility,” said the Rev. Scott T. Holcombe, rector at St. David’s. “They also have an amazing story to tell!”

The beauty of the doors comes from the windows, which originally were installed in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bluefield, West Virginia, in 1895. In the 1920s, they were removed and reinstalled at St. James Catholic Church in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where they remained until the early 1990s.

St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Cocoa Beach recently installed 31 feet of custom doors with repurposed stained-glass windows from a Catholic church in West Virginia. The windows originally were installed in 1895.

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“At that time, they were removed during a renovation and replaced with modern contemporary windows,” Holcombe said. “From the early 1990s until now, they were stored in a basement of the church, collecting dust and dirt.”

But the windows found new life when in the fall of 2018, former St. David’s parishioners Tom and Becky Durrett and friends of Holcombe came from Clarksburg, West Virginia, to Cocoa Beach to surprise their former rector with a Sunday morning visit.

“He took one look at the repurposed main stained-glass window and the two sidelight windows going into the nave at St. David’s and informed me that he knew where there were some more windows that closely resembled ours in a Catholic church basement in Clarksburg, West Virginia,” Holcombe said. “Surely, he was mistaken, wishful thinking or gee, the Lord provides! We had looked at other stained-glass windows for our church that were owned by a Catholic church, but they would not sell them to us. I just hoped that this church would let us purchase them.”

A little detective work by Holcombe led him to St. James, which agreed to sell 11 windows to St. David’s. “I flew to Pittsburgh, rented a U-Haul truck, picked up the windows in West Virginia and headed south,” Holcombe said.

“The windows were all in fair shape when they arrived in Florida, despite a few bowed pieces and a few missing or broken panes. The repair work was done by D and S

Woodworker Eric Johnson, formerly of Treehouse Woods in Cocoa Beach, examines one of the doors that he will work on for St. David’s by-the-Sea.

Stained Glass in Melbourne.”

Church visitors can see the windows as they walk out the back doors of St. David’s heading toward the parish hall.

These new windows join the historic, repurposed main Good Shepherd stained glass window from the 1920s from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Muscatine, Iowa, located behind the altar, and the two historic 1920s doors flanking the entry/exit doors of the main nave that came from the First Christian Church in Corsicana, Texas.

“We needed a room divider between the narthex and the parish hall for aesthetics, acoustics and just a visual barrier,” Holcombe said. “Before, it was too ‘open.’ The original architect planned frameless glass windows, but I feared our folks with poor insight would walk into those, so we nixed the clear glass – that was when we came up with the idea of custom wood doors.”

Holcombe said the new windows match perfectly with the rest. “It looks like they were all made for each other and were made for the project,” he said. “Outside of beautiful new woodwork, they could have been installed in the church 100 years ago, but our church has only been around since the late 1950s. I sent photos to both their original owners. They were quite amazed. I hope they don’t want them back when they see how good they look!”

– Jeff Gardenour, CFE editorial director PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. DAVID’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

Pioneer Day Showcases History, Soups, Baked Goods, More

By Nina Keck

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Ladies of St. Luke’s man the very popular baked goods table at this year’s Pioneer Day.

ore than 1,200 people learned a little bit about history and enjoyed an array of soups and baked goods during the 2019 Merritt Island Pioneer Day in February.

Pioneer Day, held on Feb. 9, is a joint partnership between St. Luke’s and Sams House on Merritt Island – the Management and Education Center for the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program’s Pine Island Conservation Area.

“We like connecting to the community around us,” says Pioneer Day Chairperson Sharon Young. “We enjoyed seeing so many people visiting our historic chapel and cemetery and participating in many of the day’s events.”

During the day, St. Luke’s offered more than 20 kinds of homemade soup for lunch and a great variety of home-baked desserts for sale, as well as other fundraising activities. The combination of offerings brought in a healthy amount of proceeds for a variety of uses.

“We raised just over $2,000,” Young said.

“From the proceeds, we donated to Father Stephen Dass’s Mercy Ministry (in Sâo Paulo, Brazil). We also hope to rewire our historic chapel bell so we will be able to ring it in our ‘new’ church during services and once

St. Luke’s parishioners donned period dress to create an atmosphere of life in early Merritt Island at Pioneer Day.

again, hear the bell calling us to worship. Some funds will also be used to improve our website, which is such an important part of outreach to the community.”

One of the free events offered at Pioneer Day was an archaeologist’s tour of the historic St. Luke’s Cemetery. “It was well-attended!” Young said. “People learned how to clean cemetery stones while still preserving and not harming the stones. Because of the interest garnered by the tour, we will be sponsoring a seminar on the care of historic cemeteries, led by the Florida Public Archaeologist Network, on May 25.”

Molly Thomas conducts the tour of the Historic St. Luke’s Cemetery.

The tour is always a popular event and drew large crowds at this year’s Pioneer Day.

Those interested in attending the seminar are asked to please call St. Luke’s at 321-452-5260 or visit the church’s website at: www.stlukesmi.org

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

St. David’s by-the-Sea Yard Sale Raises $6,000 for Charity

A long line formed early in the morning prior to the popular St. David’s by-theSea yard sale.

By Nina Keck

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. DAVID’S BY-THE-SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH

People check out the wide variety of art and other fine items recently at the St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church yard sale.

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ong line? No problem. It’s all about helping others.

The long line for entry into the yard sale at St. David’s bythe-Sea Episcopal Church in Cocoa Beach formed a few hours before the doors opened at 8 a.m. on both Friday, Feb. 8, and Saturday, Feb. 9.

“The turnout was tremendous,” said yard sale chair Ellie Yelle. “We can only guess at how many people attended.” She estimated that 300 people came to the two-day yard sale.

The big turnout produced big numbers for the church’s outreach ministries. “Our net proceeds were just shy of $6,000,” Yelle said. “We have since given all that money to local charities that feed and house children, assist with domestic violence victims, aid veterans and help the homeless.”

Some of the local charities that will bene-

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fit from the yard sale are Family Promise of Brevard, Central Brevard Sharing Center, Emergency Money for Veterans, Veteran’s Memorial Center in Merritt Island, Cape View Elementary School in Cape Canaveral, the Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter and Hurricane Relief.

outreach. “When I asked for peanut butter, they brought me cases of the stuff!” Yelle said. “We have a healthy budget, fully funded by the sacrificial support of parishioners. Our outreach fundraisers (Fall Goods and Services Auction, and Spring Yard Sale) provide additional funding for our many outreach ministries.”

Yelle said she is especially proud of the 2019 yard sale: “We have been told that our yard sale is the most organized and attractive sale anyone has seen!”

For more information on how to be a part of outreach ministries at St. David’s, please call Ellie Yelle at 321-783-3992 or send her an email at eyelle@aol.com

“We subsidize the children who take part in the free breakfast and lunch program at Cape View Elementary,” Yelle said.

“In the summer, they don’t have this program, so we put together backpacks of food.

Some of the children don’t even have underwear, so we include underwear and personal care items.”

Parish members donated 3,600 pounds of food for the summer Nearly $6,000 was raised at this year’s yard sale at the Central Brevard parish.

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

BACAM Conference Helps Aspirants Discern True Calling

Bishop Greg Brewer, at podium, smiles at the BACAM Conference.

Individuals receive feedback from Commission on Ministry

By Jeff Gardenour

K

eeping things positive is always a goal for committee members of the BACAM (Bishop’s Advisory Committee for Aspirants to Ministry) Conference. When an aspirant wants to discover more about a perceived calling to pursue possible ordination to the priesthood or diaconate, he or she will receive feedback in an upbeat way.

“We are looking to find out how they can best serve,” said Orman Kimbrough, chairman of the Commission on Ministry (COM), whose members constitute the BACAM that assesses candidates. “We won’t say, ‘No, you can’t be a deacon or a priest. We’ll say, ‘laity, yes.’”

them. There might be seven sessions of meetings together, for about 1 ½ hours each.”

Bishop Greg Brewer, far left at podium, address the aspirants and their spouses at the recent BACAM Conference at the Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center in Oviedo.

mittee members are split fairly evenly between priests and deacons.

Aspirants are assessed in numerous areas at BACAM. Committee members use prayer, group observation, group discussion questions, interviews, social interaction and more to gauge whether attendees are discerning a call to lay or ordained ministry.

That positive approach has helped the BACAM Conference reaffirm the calling of “The spiritual maturity has dozens of discerners since increased year by year over Kimbrough its inception in 1996. Seventhe last five to seven years,” teen aspirants – nine men and eight Kimbrough said. “It’s positive.” women – along with their spouses, atAspirants represent a broad range of tended the 2019 BACAM Conference ages, Kimbrough said, but “they are on March 4-5 at the Canterbury Reyounger to a higher degree than they treat & Conference Center in Oviedo. were 10 years ago.”

More than 40 people were a part Of the 17 aspirants, 10 were there for of the process this year. A total of discernment to priesthood, and sev24 people sat on the committee. Of en for the diaconate, according to the those individuals, approximately half Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb, Canare ordained, and half are lay people, on for Vocations.

Kimbrough said. The ordained com-

The BACAM Conference follows up on the Conference on Ministry, held last summer at Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden. The Conference on Ministry helps those who are discerning a call to serve God – as lay ministers or possibly as ordained ministers in the diaconate or priesthood – meet with, hear from and have the opportunity to ask the bishop, the canons and archdeacon, and members of the commission questions about what discernment and training is required. After this conference, aspirants, in consultation with their rector or vicar, submit a nomination/ application form to enter the diocesan discernment process.

Kimbrough said aspirants work with a Parish Discernment Committee (PDC) to help gauge their calling for service. “There are usually five to seven people on the PDC,” he said.

“The aspirant spends anywhere from eight to 10 weeks working with

The PDC, in turn, then forwards its recommendation to Bishop Greg Brewer and to the Commission on Ministry. BACAM, in turn, makes its recommendations to Brewer at the end of the conference. Kimbrough said Brewer usually makes a decision on recommendations and communicates that decision to each aspirant two to four weeks later.

“We work with the aspirants to help them in discerning their call to service,” Kimbrough said, “whether it’s lay ministry or ordained ministry as a deacon or priest. The goal is to help provide information to them and to provide recommendations to Bishop Brewer.”

Kimbrough said Brewer, Holcomb and Archdeacon Kristi Alday attended the BACAM Conference to talk with aspirants but are not members of the committee. Kimbrough also praised diocesan staff executive assistants Marilyn Lang and Ellen Ceely for their hard work at BACAM. “The event went well, overall,” Holcomb said.

—Marilyn Lang contributed to this story.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

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MINISTRIES

Kids Can Learn About the Lord in Cool-Themed VBS Camps

S

By Jeff Gardenour

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

ummertime is about taking a break from school for most kids. Going to the beach or lake, fishing, playing video games or sports,

and taking vacations with family.

155 Clark St. | Enterprise, FL 32725 386-668-4108

But it’s also a time when youth can learn about Jesus in a fun-filled atmosphere. And that’s where VBS (Vacation Bible School) camps come in.

ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

From one end of the Diocese of Central Florida to the other, churches are planning to hold VBS camps for youth of all ages. All camps have a theme, ranging from “Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus” to “To Mars and Beyond” to “In the Wild.”

Some camps are free, while others have a nominal fee. Many offer a special dinner for participants and their families.

Following is a partial list of VBS camps in the Diocese of Central Florida. Events are subject to change, with updates available online at the Diocese of Central Florida website at: www.cfdiocese.org on the internet.

June 17-21, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Theme is “Roar.” Open to 3-year-olds through completed fifth-graders. Camp is free. Call the church office at 386-668-4108 to register.

338 E. Lyman Ave. | Winter Park, FL 32789 407-647-3413 June 24-28, 8:45 a.m.-noon. Theme is “Athens: Paul’s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth.”

Children entering kindergarten through fifth grade are eligible. Cost of $40 per week includes a VBS T-shirt, VBS CD, daily snack, and the All Saints’ exclusive “Water Day.” Parents who volunteer for the week receive waived tuition for their child and complimentary childcare for younger siblings.

For more information, contact Dolly Dunnam, children’s ministry director, at 407-617-6097.

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Road Orlando, FL 32819 | 407-876-3480 June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon. Theme is “Roar.” Camp is open to 3-year-olds through rising sixth-graders.

All youth must be fully independent in the restroom. Cost is $25 per child, $50 max per family.

For more information, access https://vbspro. events/p/events/ascension-orlando

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main St. | Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-3218 June 24-28, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Theme is “To Mars and Beyond.” Cokesbury’s VBS, explore where God’s power can take you. Open to kids in kindergarten through rising sixth-graders. Limited space for potty-trained 3- and 4-year-olds. Camp is free.

Dinner included for interested participants. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.; program, 6 p.m. For more information, access www.tmab.cokesburyvbs.com/ COTMWinterGarden

EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH Kids take a moment to smile for the camera during a St. Peter’s summer camp.

1603 E. Winter Park Road | Orlando, FL 32803 407-894-1641

A youth enjoys a water sport in a summer camp at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lake Mary.

June 24-28, time TBA. Theme is “Love Thy Neighbor.” Camps are open to kindergarteners through fifth-graders, and sixththrough 11th-graders. Cost is $10 per child, $20 per family.

Register online at on the VBS tab at https://emmanuelepiscopal. net/afternoons/

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. MARY 5750 SE 115 St. | Belleview, FL 34420 352-347-6422 July 8-12, time TBA. The camp’s theme is “Roar.”

Free and open to kids of all ages. Campers begin with singing at 5:30 p.m., then have dinner at 6 p.m. Youth can register online at www.stmarysbelleview.org

HOLY CROSS CHURCH 201 Kipling Lane | Winter Haven, FL 33884 863-324-4021

July 8-12, 6-8:30 p.m. Theme is “Roar,” an African

safari-based adventure that involves the entire herd! Through the week, we will be building and celebrating a ferocious faith that will power us through this wild life. This is the time to learn how to face life’s challenges with a mighty faith in Christ. The camp is open to first- through fifth-graders. Cost is free, but the camp can only take a maximum of 30 children. Snacks are included. Deadline to register is Monday, July 1, which allows the church enough time to finish planning and purchasing food for snacks. Interested parents or legal guardians can call email the church office at holycrosswhfl@aol.com for more information.

HOLY TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH 50 W. Strawbridge St. | Melbourne, FL 32901 321-723-5272 June 17-21, 9 am.-noon. Theme is “To Mars and Beyond.” Open to 3-year-olds through rising sixth-graders. Join us for an exciting adventure as we explore where God’s power can take us!

Cost is $15. Registration begins online May 1 at holytrinitymelbourne.org

“Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us!” Ephesians 3:20

ST. ELIZABETH’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 901 Clearmont St. | Sebastian, FL 32958

772-589-2770 July 15-19, 5:15-8:15 p.m. Theme of “In the Wild” – VBS 2019 takes you on a wild adventure with elephants and egrets, polar bears and penguins, cockatoos and crocodiles. As you seek out exotic animals, you will also find snapshots of real-life encounters with Jesus in Scripture. Kids go from bewildered to believing as they get “In The Wild” at this summer’s VBS. Dinner is included.

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH 38 S. Halifax Drive | Ormond Beach, FL 32176 386-677-0872 June 10-14, 9 a.m.-noon. Theme is “Power Up!” Open to rising VPK through fifth-graders. Cost is $25 for single child, $45 for family. Register at https://www.stjamesobfl.org/vacation-bible-school-1.html on the internet as soon as possible. Contact Brian Chance at 386-677-0872 or youth@stjamesobfl.org

ST. JUDE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 815 E. Graves Ave. | Orange City, FL 32763 386-775-6200 June 10-14, 5:30-8 p.m. Theme is “Paradise Bound.” Open to ages 3-11. Camp is free. A meal is planned for everyone each night. Registration to begin soon. Contact the church for more information.

ST. LUKE & ST. PETER 2745 Canoe Creek | St. Cloud, FL 34772 407-892-3227 June 10-14, 9 a.m.-noon. Theme is “Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus.” For more information, call 407-892-3227.

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 656 Ave. L | Winter Haven, FL 33881 863-294-8888 July 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon. Theme is “Gospel Light’s SonWorld Adventure Park VBS.” At SonWorld Adventure Park, there’s no height requirement, lines are short and everyone gets a good view of the parade. But hold onto your hats because it’s a life-changing ride! Choose Jesus. Open to rising pre-K to rising sixth-graders. Cost is $5 per child, $3 for each additional sibling. Pre-registration will be taken Sunday, July 14. Registrants can enjoy pre-VBS fun with games, crafts, face painting, snacks and more – all following the 10:30 a.m. service. Online registration begins May 19 at www.spwhfl.com via the internet.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

www.cfdiocese.org

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MINISTRIES

Camp Wingmann Gearing Up for Popular Summer Camps

By Jeff Gardenour

V

acation Bible School camps are not the only things that youth can get excited about this summer.

There’s also the popular Camp Wingmann camps, which have been red-hot for years.

Summer camp director J.J. Joseph announced that registration is being taken online at www.campwingmann.org/dates-rates-1 for high school, middle school and elementary school camps at Camp Wingmann, 3404 Wingmann Road, Avon Park. The scenic youth retreat in northern Highlands County is located 1 ½ hours from downtown Orlando.

Each of the six weeklong camps run from Sunday to Friday. Campers learn about the Lord and bonding spiritually, and participate in many fun indoor and outdoor activities.

High school camps will be held June 9-14 and July 7-12. Middle school camps will run from June 1621 and July 14-19. Elementary school camps will be held from June 23-28 and July 21-26.

The past two summer camps have been especially popular at Camp Wingmann, with the return of tubing on Trout Lake and the implementation of

Gaga ball, a style of dodgeball played in a Gaga pit.

A youth enjoys a kayak during a Camp Wingmann summer session.

“The campers are in love with Camp Wingmann and we’ve seen that love and devotion to camp grow amongst the many campers who participate not only in summer camp, but other events like our winter camp and New Beginnings,” Joseph said in an interview earlier this year. “The kids are not only excited about the fun stuff, but they really want to be challenged and engaged in spiritual dialogue that helps them navigate through their day-to-day life.”

Post-camp reviews following last year’s summer camps have Joseph feeling excited about this year’s sessions. “Our past summer was fantastic,” he said.

“We had so many parents email, call, or leave reviews on our social media saying how (the 2018) year was the best summer their kids experienced.

“Our goals moving forward are to get even more participation by connecting with our local com-

A rainbow forms behind the cross at Camp Wingmann.

A youth learns archery during a Camp Wingmann summer session.

munity, enhancing some of our current activities, and adding one more fun activity to the camp this coming summer just like we did with Gaga ball this last summer,” Joseph said.

Helping to make Camp Wingmann a success year after year are returning campers, including former campers who become counselors to the next wave of participants. “They come back because of the community they’re able to be a part of at camp,” Joseph said. “Camp is a safe space not only to be present, but a safe space to be exactly who you are.

“Kids are able to meet like-minded individuals who love what they love, and struggle with what they struggle with, and they’re all working together towards this goal of growing in their faith,” Joseph said. “Our counselors are another reason why the kids keep on coming back to camp year after year.

Our counselors are some of the best in the business and they really make camp what it is.”

Cost for camp is $395 per person. A camper sibling and or second-camp discount is $370. All fees are all-inclusive. Scholarships are available for eligible applicants.

For more information, call Camp Wingmann at 863-220-7435.

Older age-group campers take a moment to relax during a recent Camp Wingmann summer camp.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CAMP WINGMANN

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MINISTRIES

New Beginnings 112 Is Big Hit for Middle Schoolers

Campers and staff take a moment to relax in front of the cross during the recent New Beginnings camp at Camp Wingmann.

By Jeff Gardenour

The saying “Big things come in small packages” perfectly exemplified the latest New Beginnings weekend.

New Beginnings 112 brought about “big things” in nearly every way on March 22-24 at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park.

T

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE REV. PHYLLIS BARTLE

gage each of the participants through the open-ended questions to get conversation going.”

what they themselves are dealing with is something that many have to handle,” Bartle said.

Carl and Juli Pollard from St. Anne’s, Crystal River, served as emcees for the weekend. “This couple were key participants and team members when they, themselves, were in middle and Campers listened to teaching from high school,” Barthe Rev. Tracy tle said. “They, too, Dugger, spiritual “New Beginnings 112 was shared about their director, as well one of the finest youth experiences in the as a married couevents we have held in relationships with ple and a pair of family and the older teens about the past six years!” said church and helped relationships with the Rev. Phyllis Bartle, the students relate family, friends, event organizer. “While to folks just a bit church and the the headcount was a bit older than themLord. It was all part smaller than in years past, selves.” of team building.

Another key to New Beginnings’ success has been the return of campers year after year. Bartle, rector of St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Orange City, said the appeal for the weekend has been and continues to be that “kids come where they are emotionally and spiritually, and are accepted. They grow a bit, make new friends and can come back again and again.

As they mature, they are encouraged to come back and work on the team and help others in their walk with Christ.”

he three-day spiritual camp, open to youth ages 12 to 15 (primarily middle schoolers), has been a big hit in the Diocese of Central Florida for more than 30 years. And this year was no exception.

“Mother Tracy the weekend was filled with Leadership also love and laughter.” came from Tyler Dugger masterfulButler and Lilli ly opened the disBramley, a pair of older teens who cussions so that the students in each helped to coordinate all the activismall group could begin to explore ties for the weekend: games, team their relationships with friends, sibbuilding and talent show. “They also lings, parents and the Lord,” Bartle shared their own lives, so that the said. “The high school students who younger participants could see that led each small group were able to en-

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New Beginnings campers listen to a special speaker during the March event.

New Beginnings will hold its next weekend camp on Oct. 4-6. New Beginnings traditionally hosts two weekends per year. For more information, email Bartle at phlealess@aol.com

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MINISTRIES

DOK Sets Six Prayerful Goals at National Council Meeting

timore. Jackson and the Triennial chairperson will visit the city in May to review and select a hotel site.

As for Jackson, she has a busy schedule in her first full year as elected DOK national president. “I am excited to be planning visits to Daughters in chapters and assemblies in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Virginia this spring,” she said. “My tenure as

president is going well and keeping me busy.”

By Jeff Gardenour

Bishop Greg Brewer calls The Order of the Daughters of the King “mighty prayer warriors.” And that’s just one of the things DOK members are well-known for.

W

hen a prospective member goes through a three-month period of study and discernment, she takes a vow to abide by the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service, according to the DOK website. And they always go hand in hand. New DOK National President Krisita Jackson, a member of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, announced that the organization has begun its work on a strategic plan for the years 20182024. The DOK National Council, at its annual meeting in Atlanta in November 2018, set six goals for the sixyear timeframe, including inspiring spiritual growth and development, strengthening members’ calls to service and evangelism and instilling a spirituality of giving.

A total of 23 Daughters from across the country gathered to carry out the business of The Order, Jackson said.

Bishop Brewer, who was appointed national chaplain for DOK, celebrated Holy Eucharist, which ended with a stirring rendition of “Lift High the Cross” – the DOK’s anthem.

meeting was to begin work on the strategic plan for 2018-2024,” Jackson said. “A brainstorming session was led by our strategic planning leaders to identify concerns and hopes for the upcoming work. Committees had the opportunity to meet to work on membership, our funds, bylaws, strategic planning, literature and national enrichment.”

The strategic plan consists of “six prayerfully developed strategic goals and objectives that build on the inspired foundation of The Order’s past and propel us into the future,” Jackson said. The plan is currently being written and will be presented to the entire DOK body in September.

The six goals are:

Jackson

part – from the chapter to the diocese to the province and (to the) National Council. It is my goal that by the end of the triennium, we are able to concretely identify the accomplishments of the strategic plan to date.”

Following the Atlanta annual meeting, the DOK executive board, which consists of five elected officers and an appointed board advisor, met at Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center in Oviedo in March.

“As part of our work, we spent a morning crating and packaging food destined for food pantries with The Society of St. Andrew,” Jackson said.

Jackson also said the planning for the next DOK Triennial is underway. It will be held June 23-27, 2021, in Bal-

No. 1: Inspire Spiritual Growth and Development

No. 2: Strengthen DOK’s Call to Service and Evangelism

No. 3: Nurture and Grow DOK Members

No. 4: Raise Up and Mentor New Leaders

No. 5: Foster Community and Build Connections

No. 6: Instill a Spirituality of Giving

“The primary focus of the annual

“The life of The Order is challenged by the changes occurring in the wider Church,” Jackson said. “The plan is one in which every Daughter can play a

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Jackson said her current work includes monthly conference calls with the executive board and province presidents and biweekly calls with the DOK office manager.

“I am proud that we have undertaken projects to vastly improve the efficiency of our national office,” Jackson said. “An I.T. committee has been formed, and with the leadership of a member who owns an I.T. company, we have enhanced our membership software to allow presidents at all levels to access their member lists; this saves many days of labor for our staff.

“We have contracted with a managed services company and have upgraded software and equipment,” Jackson said. “Office software has been migrated to Office 365. We have also subscribed to Zoom, which is available for use by any Daughters in need of a conferencing platform.”

For more information on DOK, please email Jackson at krisjac1@bellsouth.net

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MINISTRIES

Camp Wingmann Helps Church’s Prayers for Youth Come True

By Deacon Kay Mueller

In November of 2018, Church of Our Saviour sponsored a Camp Wingmann Family Fun Day on campus in Okeechobee. Camp Wingmann staff was on site to worship, meet, and interact with parish families to familiarize them with the various youth programs offered at Camp Wingmann.

I

t was a day filled with music, worship, a bounce house, hamburgers and hot dogs, a snow cone machine, and ice cream sandwiches. It was also an answer to the vision and prayers of COOS ministry staff – Father Jim Shevlin, rector, the Rev. Kay Mueller, deacon, and Kevin Kinnaird, director of music, as well as vestry members and parishioners.

Attendance that November day peaked at more than 100 and a great time was had by all. But, more importantly, many of the new members of Church of Our Saviour and their families were introduced to one of the greatest assets of the diocese: Camp Wingmann.

COOS’ vision to plan a Family Day at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park was on the drawing board, but “twas

Deacon Kay Mueller of Church of Our Saviour in Okeechobee, center, enjoys a fun moment with two Camp Wingmann counselors, Jordan Vines, left, and Mady Jones.

the season!” Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, and then the Diocese of Central Florida’s 50th Annual Convention and Revival held Feb. 1-2 in Orlando, featuring Presiding Bishop Michael Curry as honored guest and keynote speaker, followed by Lent, Holy Week, and Easter all made for a busy five months.

Needless to say, COOS did not lose sight of its goal, and members continued to pray about it. Long-time parishioners Bill & Diane Kaufman, whose adult daughters, Chrissy and Jane, are alumnae of Camp Wingmann, were led to volunteer to sponsor a fundraiser for scholarship funds and proposed a fish fry, which was held at Church of Our Saviour on

The Church of Our Saviour entourage poses with Camp Wingmann staffers during a special visit to the camp.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

BY CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR, OKEECHOBEE

March 29 during Lent.

The fish fry was promoted within the

parish, the local ministerial association, the community newspaper and in advertising flyers, and posted in local businesses. Not only was it an outreach to the community, but it was a time of working together in unity, fellowship and fun for COOS members, all for a worthy cause.

Finally, on Saturday, May 4, a caravan of 20 parishioners traveled from Okeechobee to Avon Park for Family Day. This included 11 youth ranging from 1 year to 15 years of age, seven parents/guardians, Mueller and Shevlin. Of note was that one COOS family with four children was unable to attend as their oldest daughter was competing in a state cheerleading competition in Jacksonville, but had already decided Camp Wingmann was a “yes” based on the November fun day.

At Family Day, camp activities director JJ Joseph, along with counselors Jordan Vines and Mady Jones, planned an agenda that included group activities, a tour of the facilities, devotions, and a Q&A period for both potential campers and parents/ guardians.

COOS staff, in turn, provided a picnic lunch for everyone that included a choice of sandwiches (chicken salad, pimento cheese, or peanut butter and jelly), chips, fruit, cookies and

Please see CAMP WINGMANN, page 31 www.cfdiocese.org

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OUR ANGLICAN HERITAGE

Pentecost: When We Celebrate the Gift of the Holy Spirit

By Deacon Kay Mueller

W

hen selecting a gift for someone, a lot of heart and soul is invested in

finding just the right thing, that special something, taking into consideration the recipient’s personality, interests, needs, age, your relationship with them and many other factors.

As children of God, we have received the special gift of the Holy Spirit. As outlined in our Catechism, “the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, God at work in the world and in the Church even now; the giver (gift) of life, who leads us into all truth and enables us to grow in the likeness of Christ.”

We know that “God so loved the world that he gave (gifted) his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). At Pentecost, we remember the gift Jesus gave us – the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Mueller

them ... speaking in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability, about God’s deeds of power ... awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles” (Acts 2:2b-43). The power of the gift of the Holy Spirit! It was truly the beginning of the “Jesus movement!” Fast-forward 2,000-plus years – would the apostles of old applaud how we use the power of the gift of the Holy Spirit today?

If you think of air (wind) and fire as powerful elements of nature, the words of the chorus of Graham Kendrick’s song “Shine, Jesus, Shine” will resonate with you relative to the power innate within all of God’s creation – including us!

“Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works.”

I was gifted to participate in the sacrament of baptism of my two youngest grandsons.

As our priest prayed, “Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works,” my heart was filled with the peace and assurance about the journey ahead of them, as they were “sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever.” As they are maturing, I am gifted to witness their evolving growth in the knowledge of Christ, to participate in answering some of their questions and to see the influence of the Holy Spirit at work in their actions and choices.

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Pentecost (or Whit Sunday) is the time we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the church as recorded in Acts 2. It is the time that Jesus enabled the apostles of old and the disciples of today to fulfill the Great Commission to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20a), because the power of the Holy Spirit was gifted to the church.

The Scripture describes it as “a sound like the rush of a violent wind ... divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of

May - June 2019

Shine, Jesus, shine

Fill this land with the Father’s glory,

Blaze, Spirit, blaze

Set our hearts on fire;

Flow, river, flow

Flood the nations with grace and mercy,

Send forth your word

And let there be light.

May the gift of the Holy Spirit guide us in our prayer life; may its transforming strength be manifested in our witness; may it empower us to continue His ministry here on earth; and may all we do be done for His glory and honor.

– The Rev. Kay Mueller is deacon of Church of Our Saviour in Okeechobee.

www.cfdiocese.org

OUR ANGLICAN HERITAGE

Give Someone a Real Pentecost Present By the Rev. Scott T. Holcombe

PENTECOST

The biblical account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 2 is filled with incredible images: a mighty rushing wind, tongues of fire resting on heads, speaking with other tongues, people acting like they were drunk, fulfilled prophecies, 3,000 people baptized in a single day! Is it any wonder Pentecost is called the birthday of the church?

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Holcombe

M

any churches try to lieve and receive the risen Christ into mimic or recreate their lives, they fall short of becoming these magnificent children of God and inheritors of the acts by having everykingdom of heaven. one wear red shirts, Pentecost challenges us to be the body releasing helium balloons at the end of of Christ in our world, the faithful disthe service, reading Scripture texts in ciples in our generation. That same different languages during the liturgy Holy Spirit breathes life into all beand even having a huge birthday cake lievers today – but not just to do good for the church during cofworks or be faithful peofee hour! But somehow all ple. The Holy Spirit speaks “The mission of the these things fall far short through us to spread the Church is to spread of the emphasis of the gospel to people in our gospel being unleashed the gospel in a faithful generation. People who in the power of the Holy and authentic way are searching for meaning, Spirit to the ends of the that brings others to hope and forgiveness are earth. people who are searching

a point of decision

For me, the real empha- where each person can for Jesus. sis of Pentecost is sharcome to know Jesus as So why not be like Peter? ing the gospel with the Find those who do not Savior and Lord.” same zeal, the same auknow Jesus and pray that thority, the same power God will give you an opthat transforms individuals’ lives. At portunity to speak to them about what the end of the day, the mission of the the Lord has done in your life. Your Church is not to increase our average simple testimony may plant a seed Sunday attendance on our parochial that will grow to fruition and begin a report, fill the pews or balance an unlife-changing transformation in somebalanced parish budget. The mission of one else. the Church is to spread the gospel in a Give them a real Pentecost present. faithful and authentic way that brings Give them Jesus! others to a point of decision where each person can come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. We may make good – The Rev. Scott T. Holcombe is rector of St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in church members and faithful EpiscoCocoa Beach. palians, but unless people come to be-

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17

DIOCESE IN-DEPTH

Awareness, Prevention Key in Fight Against Trafficking

S

By Larry J. Leech II

ometimes, a person doesn’t need a rocket launcher and weapon of mass destruc tion to take on a big enemy.

Once in a while, a small, smooth stone is all that is needed.

Here in Central Florida, that small, smooth stone is awareness and prevention in the fight against human trafficking.

For far too long, people have been oblivious or unwilling to accept that trafficking is not limited to countries and cultures overseas. Trafficking is common here in the United States.

In early April of this year, 58 were arrested during the NCAA men’s Final Four basketball tournament. Closer to home, Orlando is third in the nation, according to one report, behind only Washington, D.C., and Atlanta in trafficking.

Executive Director Dionne Coleman said, “Our programs focus on two key areas: vulnerabilities and what to do.”

Some of the vulnerabilities are obvious—financial disparity and being undereducated.

brings in a mind-boggling $150 billion annually, according to the International Labor Organization. Estimates put the number of humans trafficked between 25 and 40 million.

Trafficking as defined by The United Nations is: “The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of M o d e r n -day S lav e ry fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a poAbout This Series sition of vulnerability or March: An in-depth look at the definition of of the giving or receiving trafficking and its widespread impact, of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a reported in the March-April edition of CFE. person having control over This Month: How to raise awareness through another person, for the programs and parental/grandparental practical purpose of exploitation.” tips to help combat trafficking.

“The first step is awareJuly: Victims tell their stories. ness,” said Mary Delancey, an ordained Episcopal

While no numbers are available for Orlando, trafficking worldwide

TRAFFICKING

18

Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN

da Stapleton, Samaritan Village provides a safe place where sexually trafficked women can heal from trauma, recover from addiction and reclaim their lives to become catalysts for change in their communities, according to the website. The organization’s mission is to provide a safe place for women recovering from the trauma of trafficking and exploitation and to help each woman heal and flourish mentally, emotionally and physically.

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May - June 2019

deacon who is part of Florida Abolitionist Speakers Bureau, a nonprofit headquartered in Orlando devoted to eradicating trafficking, and is freedom partner coordinator on the International Justice Mission Orlando Volunteer Team.

Several organizations in Central Florida are providing the much-needed one-two punch in the fight against this goliath. Florida Abolitionist, Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force, 121 Hope, Love Missions and Samaritan Village are just a few. Palate Coffee Brewery in Sanford donates its profits to help fight trafficking. The owner, Tina Kadolph, was named “Hero of the Year” in March by Spectrum News Channel 13.

Samaritan Village conducts multiple awareness programs each month geared to different audiences. Founded nine years ago by Rhon-

“These are tangible things,” said Coleman. “If a person doesn’t have enough money to feed themselves or keep a roof over their head, they are vulnerable for someone to take advantage of them.”

Coleman went on to note a few less obvious characteristics that make a person vulnerable to trafficking.

“Insecurities, lack of mentoring, lack of people involved in their life, lack of activities,” she said. “These things that are overlooked are the things that a trafficker will prey on.”

Addicts and runaways also are vulnerable. For instance, “a person might start smoking drugs, meet a good-looking guy, and next thing she knows, she is involved with some hardcore drugs,” said Coleman. “We call that a hook-and-sink.”

“Kidnapping is a high-risk action.

Traffickers prefer something much more low-risk,” said Delancey.

“Most interactions are on the internet. Traffickers are looking for people who are vulnerable and willing to do anything.”

www.cfdiocese.org

DIOCESE IN-DEPTH

how to help If you suspect someone is trafficking another person, follow these three simple rules:

OBSERVE: Watch the interaction between the suspected parties, who may appear mismatched, or the younger or submissive person may look uncomfortable or nervous.

ALERT: Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888. Give as much detail

as possible of the location and situation, as well as a good description of the possible perpetrator.

DON’T ENGAGE: While the instinct might be to “rescue” the endangered individual, confronting the alleged trafficker might cost the trafficked individual their life. Let law

enforcement handle the situation.

Love Missions

Offers five options of where money goes.

Offers eight options of monetary donation.

Offers one-time or monthly options. www.lovemissions.net/donate

Helps survivors start a journey of healing through creative arts and healthy community.

Phone: 407-949-7200 Email: meg.johnson@northlandchurch.net

Purchases at following locations go toward support of survivors of trafficking:

Paving the Way Foundation

Palate Coffee Brewery

Donations made through PayPal. Information on link below. www.pavingthewayfoundation.org/donate

Samaritan Village

Offers three options of where money goes.

Offers five options of monetary donation.

Offers one-time or monthly options. www.samaritanvillage.net/give

105 W. 2nd St, Sanford, FL 32771

Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center

Coffee purchases 1601 Alafaya Trail, Oviedo, FL 32765

Transitions Boutique Resale 3843 E. Colonial Drive Orlando, FL 32803

COMING UP:

In the July-August edition, victims will share their stories of the trafficked lifestyle, getting out and their road to recovery.

www.cfdiocese.org

Without giving away the person’s identity, Coleman shared the story of a recently divorced woman in her 30s who was lured into trafficking by a family member who traded the woman for drugs. While many forms of trafficking exist, sex trafficking brings in close to $100 billion annually.

“It’s not strangers for the most part,” said Delancey, “it’s people they know. The groomer will pick out a person and isolate them emotionally, sometimes physically.”

The following places accept donations:

121 Hope

Grooming is a popular method. A person finds a target, befriends that person, makes them feel good, gains their trust, then lures the victim into some form of trafficking. Online gamers have become easy targets.

“Be plugged in as much as your child will allow you,” Coleman said.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, I think some parents are afraid to ask questions. Stay educated as to what your kids are using on their phone and what apps they are using.”

With numerous social media apps and the explosion of online gaming, kids nowadays seem to have an electronic device in their hands at younger ages each year. Trying to stay on top of a child’s activities can be an overwhelming task. But when roughly one case of trafficking is reported every hour in the U.S., according to Polaris, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating and preventing trafficking, the need for awareness and prevention cannot be understated.

And the best line of defense may come from within.

“Trust your gut,” said Coleman. “If the stories a child is sharing about where they got things don’t make sense, then something is wrong.”

She said that if a boyfriend in their teens or early 20s who doesn’t have financial resources is showering a girl with lavish gifts of clothing or jewelry, something is amiss. Also, parents and grandparents should take note of a child’s change in patterns, behaviors and friends. All are potential red flags.

“This is happening in our homes here. On their kids’ phones. That is the real danger,” said Delancey.

“Parents are not looking at that.”

Despite busy lifestyles and workloads, being involved in a child’s life might be the one thing that saves them. Ask questions about who they are hanging out with online, what kinds of apps they are using.

“You don’t have to ask to check their phone,” Coleman said. “Be subtle; say something like, ‘Teach Grandma how to work this Snapchat thing.’ A person doesn’t have to be rigid about it.”

In the coming months, several events are planned to help raise awareness and prevention in Central Florida.

Four sessions conducted by Samaritan Village will be held at Summit Church, 735 Herndon Ave., Orlando:

Session 1: Tuesday, July 23,

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Session 2: Thursday, Aug. 8,

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Session 3: Friday, Aug. 16,

9:30-11 a.m.

Session 4: Tuesday, Sept. 17,

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Also, the Fourth Annual Strike Out Trafficking Bowl-A-Thon will be held from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at Aloma Bowl, 2530 Aloma Ave., Winter Park.

Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN

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19

STEWARDSHIP

All Saints’ Cleans Up Neighborhoods, Prays for Residents

W

By Jeff Gardenour

hen it comes to missional outreach, All Saints’ Episcopal parishioners go above and beyond for those in need – even in the most troubled neighborhoods.

An All Saints’ outreach volunteer takes time out to thank others who helped during a recent clean-up day in Lakeland.

The Lakeland church group partnered with the Dream Center and New Beulah Missionary Baptist on Saturday, March 16, to do a massive cleanup project in the North Lake Wire neighborhood, an area northwest of downtown plagued by prostitution, drugs and more.

A total of 164 youth and adults from All Saints’, which organized the project, participated in the cleanup. In all, approximately 300 people helped, including the A pair of volunteers are all smiles during a Southeastern University wresrecent All Saints’ clean-up day.

Volunteer help spruce up a house during a recent A volunteer gives a small flower plant to a tling team, City of Lakeland emAll Saints’ clean-up day in Lakeland. resident during an All Saints’ clean-up day. ployees, Lakeland volunteers in medicine, Salvation Army personnel and more. Southeastern is a Bob Johnson said. “Then to bring all types of Orphans, A Woman’s Choice (pregnancy center), Christ-centered university located in Lakeland. support for the people in that neighborhood. So volunteers in Service to the Elderly and Paint “Our primary goal was to find a neighborhood that we didn’t reinvent the wheel. We partner with your Heart Out Lakeland. had drugs and prostitution,” All Saints’ Deacon different organizations to provide the residents By working with the Dream Center, which orgawith assistance. So our job is to provide spiritual nizes all of Lakeland’s gang task force events, All support, labor and organizational services.”

Saints’ was able to stage an event in the North All Saints’ has been involved in some kind of cleanup activity in Lakeland for 2 1/2 years now, Johnson said. Major events are held twice per year, interspersed with six to eight smaller events throughout the year. All Saints’ will hold another major event in September.

Some other organizations that have partnered with All Saints’ in these events include Senior The Salvation Army, one of many organizations who assisted All Saints Episcopal Church during its clean-up day, hands out meals.

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Lake Wire neighborhood this year. North Wire is bordered by Memorial Boulevard on the north, Florida Avenue to the east, Kathleen Road to the west and George Jenkins Road to the south.

Once All Saints’ was able to establish an area for cleanup, it began working to develop a relationship and cooperative effort with a church in the neighborhood. First to step up was New Beulah

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LAKELAND

May - June 2019

www.cfdiocese.org

STEWARDSHIP

A volunteer thanks a member of law enforcement during a recent All Saints’ clean-up day in Lakeland.

Youth enjoy the bounce house and other games during a recent cleanup day in Lakeland.

low up for more interactions, such as home repair, house painting and qualification for other charities. We also visit with the residents on a regular basis.”

A volunteer lets a child piggyback her during a recent All Saints’ clean-up day.

A family of volunteers sets out to spruce up the North Lake Wire neighborhood in Lakeland.

Missionary Baptist Church, Johnson said.

“As we develop relationships, we are walking alongside the residents to provide other services,” Johnson said. “For example, we had a family at All Saints’ “adopt” a family, a single mother and three children. During the last September outreach, we met them, and they had no electricity and no food, and she had just lost her job.

“The All Saints’ family is providing assistance for the single mother,” Johnson said. “Life skills are minimal or nonexistent. Just getting an oil change

was a learning event for the mother. But walking with this family to get out of the vicious cycle of poverty will effect change for the next generation with her three children.”

Working with the rest of the cleanup team, All Saints’ parishioners began the day with prayer and then cleaned and mowed lots, repaired fences, painted houses and conducted home repairs. The crew even had a bounce house at New Beulah for the kids, ran a popcorn machine, handed out flowers and food at the church and also went houseto-house offering assistance because of the high concentration of elderly residents.

The Salvation Army supplied lunch for workers and others. But more importantly, the cleanup crew talked to and prayed for people.

“We talk to the prostitutes and pray for them,” Johnson said. “We also inform them of services that are available at the Dream Center, such as the food pantry, clothing and the pregnancy center.

“We clean up empty lots so prostitutes and drug activity can be easily seen, which provides some benefits to the police,” Johnson said. “We also collect names, addresses and phone numbers to fol-

Volunteers help clean up and renovate a yard recently in the North Lake Wire neighborhood in Lakeland.

www.cfdiocese.org

Evangelism is a key component of the cleanup events, as All Saints’ team members pray for all those they meet. “We also brought an event to the neighborhood called ‘Saturate’ Lakeland, where a DVD about Jesus is given to every house in the North Lake Wire neighborhood,” Johnson said.

“This is a national program which the mayor adopted to bring to Lakeland, and we distributed to our area. We also ask if they have a church affiliation, so we use that as a dialogue-starter. If they don’t, we invite them to New Beulah Missionary.”

To donate supplies or provide assistance to a future cleanup effort, please call All Saints’ at 863-688-4502.

All Saints’ is located at 202 S. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801.

Correspondence can be mailed to: All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 209 South Iowa Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LAKELAND

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21

MISSION

‘Memento Mori’ Sign Reminds Us of Importance of Repentance

The Rev. Stephen Dass, left, who ministers in Brazil, gazes out over the city of São Paulo with his wife, Mary.

By The Rev. Stephen Dass

“A

t that very hour some Pharisees

came and said to him, ‘Get away

from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work.

Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem”’” (Luke 13:31-33).

We spent a week with our goddaughters. It is a miracle that they are now living here in Brazil. It was completely unexpected. The last time we saw them was in Singapore about 10 years ago, when they were just 3 and 2. Now, they are living in the capital of Brazil and old enough to ask serious questions.

They know we are working with children and teens just like them. Since we are their godparents, they sense a close and yet indirect connection with the homeless children. They were curious about them.

They are learning that life is not always fair. One of the many questions they asked about was our personal safety. They wanted to know if our lives were in danger. To be honest, I’d never thought about it – at least not recently.

They remembered the time a mentally ill woman tried to set me on fire and asked me about it. I did not have much to say. It seemed a long time ago.

Strangely, that event didn’t traumatize me. There was another occasion where a man attempted to kidnap a woman at the steps of the Cathedral where we sit and wait for the children. It ended with a shootout and two men dead. One of them was a homeless man who made an attempt to rescue the woman. This tragedy occurred at the exact time when we usually meet the children. However, on that day, we had to make an emergency trip to the States because Mary’s mother was seriously ill,

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and she later died. The death of a loved one saved us from encountering death in the streets.

During the course of the week with our goddaughters, we visited a historic church constructed in the 1700s in a tiny UNESCO World Heritage site in a state above São Paulo. The entrance of the church bore the words, “Memento Mori,” which literally means “remember death.” This is a forgotten tradition today. It used to be common for the church to remind us of our personal mortality before we entered the sanctuary.

Today, we pretend that if we don’t talk or think about it, death can be overcome. The tradition of “Memento Mori” is contrary to this idea. It tells us death is inevitable and encourages us to confront it face to face. The vestiges of this attitude are evident in our Ash Wednes-

May - June 2019

day liturgy: “You are dust and unto dust you shall return.” It is a time of repentance, which does not mean feeling sorry for our sins. It means changing our lives. The reality of our impending death helps us evaluate the quality of the lives we are living. In many cases, repentance is a salvation from wasting our precious moments away.

One of life’s many paradoxes is that awareness of our mortality helps us live more completely. This truth is not restricted to Christianity. Epicurean and Stoic philosophies, prominent in Jesus’ time, came to the same conclusion.

The Pharisee warned Jesus of an imminent death. Quite simply, the fear of death is universal, so it is the best way to control someone’s behavior. Governments use it. Religious authorities use it.

Common criminals use it. Businesses use it.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE REV. STEPHEN DASS

www.cfdiocese.org

MISSION

Jesus did not escape death, but His death brought life to millions. We are all going to die. Therefore, it is essential that we live our lives in a way that promotes life in this world.

People have constructed their lives around fear.

We are convinced that if we live in gated communities, we will escape death. I live in a neighborhood that is dangerous in the evenings, so our apartment building has a night guard. Everything is there to ensure that we are safe from death. Jesus Himself, on several occasions, avoided certain places because they were dangerous for Him. There is nothing wrong with keeping ourselves safe.

However, we cannot stop living our lives in order to be safe from death.

Jesus talked about abundant life. Today, many have reduced abundant life to financial well-being. Neither Jesus nor His disciples were affluent, but they lived lives of completeness.

Each one lived a meaningful existence. Jesus was completely aware of who He was: a prophet and healer. He was aware of His imminent death, which was intricately linked with His ultimate vocation. The fear of death was not going to hinder Him from living His life in fullness. Jesus discovered His significance in this life, and it helped Him overcome His fear of death. We must not forget that Jesus was 100% human, like we are, and therefore, He was subjected to all our fears and weaknesses.

Our mortality is scary. Anyone who says that they are not afraid of death is not telling the truth or is immature. I used to be one of them and thought I could face death fearlessly. Now, I am older and perhaps a little wiser. The reality of death has dawned www.cfdiocese.org

on me. This is a good thing; it is helping me discover my life.

Jesus never wasted His time on fear because death was imminent. Instead, He spent His time building upon the foundation of life. He brought life to those around Him. He spoke the words of healing and forgiveness to those downtrodden by death.

His knowledge of His imminent death transformed Him into an agent of life to those around Him. In the streets, death manifests itself in different stages. There are people who spend their whole day in a drunken stupor so they can avoid facing life. Our children and teens use intoxicants to escape their pain and suffering. There is the danger of violence. There is the presence of hatred, which seems to grow stronger each day. However, in this death-inducing environment, God has opened our eyes to see life.

While the world tends to act and believe as if death is more powerful than life, the gospel proves otherwise.

Death cannot hinder the manifestation of love revealed in the gospel. However, in order for us to discover this truth, we have to cast out our fear of death. We cannot allow our fear to dominate our actions.

At the same time, we cannot create an artificial premise that when we step out in faith and face the dangers of death, we will escape unscathed. Jesus said,

we have to live where God has placed us. We need to move forward and trust that He will show us how to live our lives to fullness.

Sergio is a young teenager with some mental challenges who has been spending time with us lately.

We are not sure if his challenges are organic or consequences of neglect. He used to be one of the most aggressive teens in the streets. He got into fights daily, and some of the teens were even afraid of him.

But recently, he has changed. He has been spending more time with us. He has stopped his aggressive behavior, and sometimes he sits and waits for us, as he did yesterday. It was raining, and he asked if we could do something together, insisted that we go to a sheltered area. On the way there, he said, quite randomly, “You are very special to me. You are like my parents and uncle and auntie.” He stayed and colored with us for an hour.

In the simple words of Sergio, we discovered what it means to have abundant life. Death looms around the corner, but it cannot overcome life that is found in love.

“‘Servants are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20b).

Jesus did not escape death, but His death brought life to millions. We are all going to die. Therefore, it is essential that we live our lives in a way that promotes life in this world.

Living an abundant life doesn’t mean living a life in the spotlight, just living a life that is meaningful.

The world may not notice what we do or how we live.

Our names will not be written in history books. It doesn’t matter. None of these things matter when we reflect on our mortality. Our time is short, and

— This blog was written by The Rev. Stephen Dass, diocesan missionary in the São Paulo Mercy Ministry in Brazil.

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23

SPOTLIGHT

Former Diocesan Assistant Celebrates Priesthood Ordination

The Rev. Caroline Miller ordained at Grace Episcopal Church, Ocala

By Jeff Gardenour

F

ormer Diocese of Central Florida Assistant to Canon for Vocations Caroline Miller was recently ordained to the priesthood at Grace Episcopal Church in Ocala. CFE contacted Rev. Miller to ask her about the ordination, her background and her goals at Grace. Here is what she had to say:

What city do you currently reside in?

I live in Ocala, Florida.

Married or single? Children?

Single. No children.

Roughly how many people attended the priest ordination? Did you have any family members attend that you’d like to mention?

About 140 people attended. My parents and all my siblings were able to attend, which was wonderful.

Also, one of my closest friends flew all the way from

Kenya to be present, along with her parents (who were my childhood pastors) and one of her sisters.

It was a joy-filled reunion as well as celebration of my ordination!

Also, briefly summarize your academic and professional background. Where did you go for seminary and what churches and in what capacities have you worked in, so far?

I have an M.A. in marriage and family counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary and a certificate in Anglican studies from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Before starting my job at Grace Episcopal Church in Ocala, I worked at the diocesan office as Canon Justin Holcomb’s assistant. I attended and served in a volunteer capacity at Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo, and St. Peter’s, Lake Mary, while I lived in the Orlando area.

How did the calling to become a priest transpire for you?

I began to discern the calling to the priesthood through the input of friends, co-workers and priests who saw that calling in me. I wasn’t sure at first, but I entered into the discernment process in order to actively discern with the wider Church whether or not I was called to this ministry.

Rev. Caroline Miller celebrates the Holy Eucharist at her priesthood ordination recently at Grace Episcopal Church in Ocala.

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Miller

It’s my understanding that you will be associate rector someday at Grace. What current goals do you have for Grace?

I am actually already serving as the associate rector at Grace. I am also Grace Church’s first resident, a position designed specifically to further equip and train newly ordained clergy in order to prepare them as well as possible for a life of ministry. My goals for being at Grace are aligned with the goals of my position of resident: I want to learn from our rector, Father Jonathan (French), who is a very experienced priest; grow in love and service to the parish; and draw closer to God as I seek to do His will. My goals for Grace are to serve the parishioners and the church well, to help her grow in love for Christ and service to the community, and to facilitate her development both internally in worship and externally in outreach.

Do you have any long-term goals of leading your own church someday?

I am still discerning where God is calling me professionally in the long run. If God calls me to serve as a rector, vicar or priest-in-charge of a church, then I will happily do so. But it is not something I particularly aspire to, as much as I deeply respect priests who serve in that capacity. I think my call is more likely to be expressed in other contexts, whether through missions or some other form of ministry.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, OCALA

www.cfdiocese.org

SPOTLIGHT

Former Ski Instructor Ordained to Diaconate at St. James The Rev. Jesse Lassiter received calling while working in the Alps

T

By Jeff Gardenour he Rev. Jesse Lassiter was ordained to the diaconate on Friday, March 22, at St. James Episcopal Church in Ormond Beach. He is one of the latest new, young clergy ordained in the Diocese of Central Florida. The Central Florida Episcopalian contacted Lassiter to get his thoughts on his celebration into the diaconate, his college and professional background and what goals he has for St. James, where he will work under the Rev. Roy Allison, rector. Here is what he had to say:

Briefly summarize your religious upbringing, what churches you grew up in and what kind of groups you belonged to.

What city do you currently reside in?

Also, briefly summarize your academic and professional background. Where did you go for seminary, and what churches and in what capacities have you worked in so far?

I’m currently in my last semester at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, Wisconsin.

Married or single? Children?

Getting married in June!

When did you first start working at St. James?

I haven’t started at St. James but will start in August.

How many people roughly attended the ordination? Did you have any family members attend that you’d like to mention?

I had 164 people at my ordination. My parents, sister, nieces, aunt, grandmother, godmother and fiancée attended. www.cfdiocese.org

My parents brought us up going to church at least twice a week. We mostly attended a Methodist church until high school, when my sister and I started attending different nondenominational churches. In college, I sang in the choir at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Gainesville, Florida.

I belonged to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Christian Surfers in high school.

I attended the University of Flori-

Bishop Greg Brewer, center, ordains Jesse Lassiter to the diaconate in March at St. James Episcopal in Ormond Beach.

The Rev. Jesse Lassiter was ordained to the diaconate on March 22 at St. James Episcopal Church in Ormond Beach.

da and earned bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Classics. I worked as a snowboard and ski instructor in the Alps after undergrad, where I received the call to the priesthood.

As time passed and I got to know more about St. James and Father Roy, it became the obvious choice!

How did the calling to St. James transpire for you?

While going through the ordination process, I took a job underwriting mortgages until I could go to seminary.

I started my discernment process at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and then transferred to St. Mary of the Angels, Orlando, where I interned for a year before going to seminary. At seminary, I volunteered at different churches in the area. For my middler year, I was assigned to work at St. Paul’s by-the-Lake, Chicago, where I preached, served, observed and taught.

At Nashotah House’s commencement last year, I met Father Roy Allison, and we spoke over the next few days about my possible employment.

The Rev. Jesse Lassiter, left, and his fiancée, Sophia Pellegrino, are all smiles at his ordination to the diaconate.

It’s my understanding that you aspire to be the associate rector someday at St. James? What kind of goals and time frame have you set for this? And, what current goals do you have as deacon for St. James?

I’m not currently functioning at St. James, yet, but will start work in August. My ordination to the priesthood will hopefully be soon thereafter. Father Roy explained that St. James has historically had two priests and that St. James needs two priests now in order to fulfill the needs of the congregation and the community. I am humbled and grateful for this chance to serve.

My goal is to live a life grounded in prayer and to help people grow in knowledge and love through preac1hing, teaching and administering the sacraments.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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25

SPOTLIGHT

Canterbury to Refresh Under Hospitality Veteran Former hotelier Chalmers Morse is new executive director

By Jeff Gardenour

C

The Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center, which has been in existence since the early 1980s, has a new executive director in Chalmers Morse.

halmers Morse has a done a lot of things in his life, including serving as executive director of the Humane Society of Vero Beach. His affection for pets, however, is just one of many deep loves he has held through the years.

Morse also has had a proclivity for excelling in the hospitality industry, working in the field for more than 30 years. Along the way, he held key management positions with Westin and Adam’s Mark hotels as well as with several independent properties.

These days, he is utilizing his fondness for helping others by serving as the new executive director of the Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center in Oviedo. He follows the Rev. Dr. Jon Davis, who left Canterbury last summer to work with Fresh Expressions.

“I felt called to the position,” said Morse, who began work at Canterbury on Jan. 2.

Canterbury’s rich history of living up to its motto – “A Sacred Space … Right in the Middle of Everything” – had a strong appeal to Morse, a cradle

Episcopalian who has always enjoyed the hospitality industry. Canterbury, open since 1982, operates under the umbrella of the Diocese of Central Florida.

attends Church of the Incarnation on campus.

At Trinity, he served on the vestry as senior warden twice and treasurer once. He also served as a Eucharistic minister and as a sub-deacon.

Morse

Through the years, Canterbury has become a wellknown getaway for members of various organizations, many of which have a spiritual focus, to take time to reflect, bond and strengthen their business ties. Although Canterbury fell on some rough times a little more than a decade ago, it bounced back under Davis’ leadership. Now, Morse is ready to take Canterbury to the next level.

“Canterbury has been well-loved for nearly 40 years,” Morse said. “It is time for a facelift and a renewed level of service.”

Morse brings a healthy business and spiritual background to Canterbury. A member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach, he now spends much of his time in residence at Canterbury and

“Before moving to Vero Beach, I lived in Aspen, Colorado, where I served as senior warden three times and treasurer twice,” Morse said.

The new director’s credentials impressed Bishop Greg Brewer, who highlighted Morse’s background and potential in his address at the 50th Annual Diocesan Convention this February in Winter Park.

“He has significant experience in high-end hotel renovation, has a superb eye for detail and is a humble, thoughtful and prayerful leader … expect big and positive changes at Canterbury.”

For more information, call Canterbury at 407-392-9138.

“Canterbury has been well-loved for nearly 40 years,” Morse said.

“It is time for a facelift and a renewed level of service.”

The Canterbury Retreat & Conference

Center, which has hosted a variety of organizations through the years, is known for its tranquil, relaxing setting.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CANTERBURY RETREAT & CONFERENCE CENTER

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www.cfdiocese.org

Central Florida en español

CFE EPISCOPALIAN Volumen 121, Núm. 3 / mayo - junio 2019

Una Leccion Inesperada

B

Por Obispo Gregory O. Brewer

ienvenidos a nuestra edición de Mayo / Junio del Episcopal de la Florida Central (Central Florida Episcopalian) notarán que nuestra publicación tiene un nuevo estilo. Hemos hecho una limpieza y arreglos a nuestra publicación para poder servirles mejor a la diocesis. Estoy muy orgulloso con el trabajo duro del equipo de comunicaciones y el personal diocesano. Espero que lo distruten tanto como yo.

Si tomas algunas capturas de pantalla mentales del Nuevo Testamento, verás a Jesús haciendo lo inesperado: levantó a Lázaro después de su muerte y tras esperar tres días para aparecerse. Sostuvo una charla cerca de un pozo con una mujer inmoral de un grupo de personas rechazadas; atando en su cintura una toalla para lavar los pies lleno de polvo de sus discípulos.

“Toma mi yugo” La sabiduría convencional, el sentimiento popular y las ideas del día, nunca parecieron influir nuestro Salvador.

De hecho, tomó los estándares de la cultura judía popular como un desafío, enseñando a la gente de una manera nueva y mejor. “Ustedes han oído, pero yo digo” fue la manera en que Jesús les mostró que las vidas del reino difieren de las ordinarias, que su verdad era mucho más profunda y abarcando mucho más.

Mientras escribo esta columna, estoy lejos de ustedes durante tres meses. He recibido este sabático como un regalo tanto de la Diócesis como de nuestro Señor y Salvador, que continúa diciendo y haciendo lo inesperado.

Y lo que me está diciendo en este momento suena muy parecido a estas palabras familiares: “Cargen con mi yugo

“Encontrarás descanso”

y aprendan de mi, que soy paciente y humilde de corazón, y sus almas encontraran descanso. ” (Mateo 11:29).

“Aprende de mi” Leerán en otra parte de esta edición sobre la importancia del descanso sabático. Como estudiante de las escrituras y seguidor de Cristo, creo en el sábado y todo lo que conlleva. Pero para no confundir los dos, “Sábado” y “sabático”, aunque provienen de raíces griegas y hebreas similares, no son sinónimos.

Dios planeó el sábado como un día de verdadero descanso. Como saben, el hombre desarrolló un código completo de leyes en torno a lo que califica y no califica (tal vez el Sanedrín incluyó algunos Episcopales), muchos de nosotros hemos examinado cómo debería ser el sábado en nuestra ajorada y agobiada cultura así como nuestras situaciones individuales.

En cualquier caso, un tiempo de sabático no es sábado.

Aunque uno de sus propósitos es sin duda el descanso (lean el excelente artículo del Reverendo James Sorvillo, “Clero Sabático”), tengo la intención de pasar mi tiempo en una variedad de formas, lo cual lo pueden leer en la edición de Abril del 2019 de Leadership News. Pero el uso más significativo de mi tiempo tiene que ver con las palabras de Jesús acerca de llevar su yugo.

Una vez más, Jesús nos trae lo inesperado. Pensamos en un yugo como un símbolo de control y opresión. Pero el yugo de nuestro Señor viene a nosotros de la manera en que Él nos acompaña y trabaja dentro de nosotros para apoyar y guiar. Incluso en medio de las dificultades, los tiempos difíciles y el trabajo duro, llevamos su yugo. De hecho, es nuestro compromiso divino.

¿Alguna vez has visto un equipo desequilibrado de caballos u otros animales? Uno tira a la izquierda, el otro a la derecha.

Uno avanza, el otro retrocede.

Si esos animales tienen un yugo, y si ese yugo se desliza rápidamente fuera del centro puede causar dolor.

Obispo Greg Brewer

Mientras contemplaba la posibilidad de este sabático, me di cuenta de que mi yugo se había deslizado. No me he ido del servicio del Salvador. No me he alejado ni me he retirado. No he perdido una onza de pasión por Jesús o por esta diócesis; pero el yugo que Él pretende llevar en perfecta armonía con el hombre necesita un ajuste.

Mientras descanso, leo, rezo, planeo, camino y trabajo durante las próximas semanas y meses, tengo la intención de acercarme más a Jesus. Tengo la intención de volver a la armonía perfecta que marca lo que Él llama “vida abundante”. Tengo la intención de escuchar su voz diciéndome que lo que debo y no debo hacer durante los últimos cinco años de mi episcopado, pero qué tipo de obispo debo ser, para las personas a las que sirvo y para el clero yo guío.

Para el Señor que yo honro y adoro.

Por estas y muchas otras razones, Laura Lee y yo codiciamos sus oraciones durante este tiempo. Le estoy pidiendo a Dios que use cada elemento de la misma de manera que me ponga más en conformidad con su Hijo perfecto, cuyo yugo llevo en humilde obediencia y amor.

Gracia para ustedes,

Nota especial del obispo Brewer: ¡Bienvenido a la edición de Mayo / Junio del Centro

Episcopal de Florida Central! Notará que nuestra publicación tiene un nuevo aspecto, que espero que piense en el resultado de una buena primavera una vez más. Respira su aroma fresco y disfruta de los resultados de nuestros esfuerzos. ¡Sé que lo disfrutarás tanto como yo!

www.cfdiocese.org

Obispo Gregory O. Brewer

Pagina 28: Pentecostés • Pagina 29: Pentecostés • Pagina 30: Sabático

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NUESTRA HERENCIA ANGLICANA

El don del Espíritu Santo Por: Diacona Kay Mueller

A

l seleccionar un regalo para alguien, se invierte mucho corazón y alma en encontrar ese algo especial, teniendo en cuenta la personalidad, in tereses, necesidades, edad, su relación con el destinatario, ademas de otros factores

Mueller

Si avanzamos rapidamente unos 2000 años o más, nos preguntamos: ¿los apóstoles de la antigüedad aplaudirían cómo usamos el poder del don del Espíritu Santo hoy?

Como hijos de Dios, hemos recibido el don especial del Espíritu Santo. Como descrito en nuestro Catecismo, “el Espíritu Santo es la tercera persona de la Trinidad, Dios trabajando en el mundo y en la Iglesia incluso ahora; El dador de la vida, que nos lleva a nosotros en toda verdad y nos permite crecer a la semejanza de Cristo “. Sabemos que “Dios amó tanto al mundo que dio a su único Hijo, para que todos los que creean en él no perezcan, sino que tengan vida eterna ”(Juan 3:16).

Si pensamos, el aire (viento) y el fuego, siendo elementos poderosos de la naturaleza, las palabras en el coro de la canción “Shine, Jesus, Shine” de Graham Kendrick, resonarán con usted en relación con el poder innato en toda la creación de Dios, incluyéndonos a nosotros: “Brilla, Jesus brilla Llena esta tierra con la gloria del Padre,

En Pentecostés, recordamos el don que Jesús nos da, el don del Espíritu Santo.

plir la Gran Comisión: “ir, por “Sosténlos, oh Señor, Fui dotada al participar en el sacramento del tanto, y hacer discípulos de en tu Espíritu Santo. bautismo de mis dos nietos más pequeños. todas las naciones, bautizánMientras nuestro sacerdote oraba: “SosténDale a ellos un corazón dolos en el nombre del Padre los, oh Señor, en tu Espíritu Santo. Dale a inquisitivo y exigente, y del Hijo y del Espíritu Sanellos un corazón inquisitivo y exigente, el el coraje de querer y to, y enseñándoles a obedecoraje de querer y perseverar, un espíritu cer todo lo que he mandado perseverar, un espíritu de de conocerte y amarte, y el don de alegría y ”(Mateo 28: 19-20a), porque conocerte y amarte, y el maravilla en todas tus obras”. Mi corazón se llenó de paz y seguridad sobre el viaje por don de alegría y maravilla el poder del Espíritu Santo fue dotado a la iglesia. delante de ellos, ya que fueron “sellados por en todas tus obras” el Espíritu Santo en el bautismo y marcaLa Escritura describe esto dos como propios de Cristo para siempre “. como “un sonido como una A medida que van madurando, tengo el placer de ser ráfaga de un viento violento ... lenguas divididas, testigo de su crecimiento evolutivo en el conocimien- como de fuego, aparecieron entre todos, y una lengua to de Cristo, para participar respondiendo algunas de descansó en cada una de ellos ... hablando en otros sus preguntas y ver la influencia del Espíritu Santo idiomas, como el Espíritu les dio capacidad, acerca obrando en sus acciones y elecciones. de los hechos de poder de Dios ... todo el mundo se Pentecostés (o Domingo de Pentecostés) es el mo- asombró, porque muchas maravillas y señales estamento en que celebramos el don del Santo Espíri- ban siendo hechos por los apóstoles ”(Hechos 2: 2btu, el nacimiento de la Iglesia como se registra en 43).

Hechos 2. Es el momento en que Jesús capacitó a los apóstoles de antaño y los discípulos de hoy para cum-

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¡El poder es el don del Espíritu Santo! Fue realmente el comienzo del “movimiento de Jesús”.

May - June 2019

Fuego, espíritu fuego Prende fuego a nuestros corazones; Fluye, rio, fluye Inunda las naciones con gracia y misericordia, Envía tu palabra Y que haya luz.”

Que el don del Espíritu Santo nos guíe en nuestra vida de oración; que su fuerza transformadora se manifieste en nuestro testimonio; empoderanos a continuar tu ministerio aquí en la tierra; y que todo lo que hagamos sea hecho para su gloria y honor.

-La Reverenda Kay Mueller es una diacona en la iglesia Nuestro Salvador (Our Saviour) en Okeechobee.

www.cfdiocese.org

NUESTRA HERENCIA ANGLICANA

Dale a alguien un verdadero regalo de Pentecostés Por, El Reverendo Scott T. Holcombe El relato bíblico del derramamiento del Espíritu Santo en Pentecostés en Hechos 2 se llena con imágenes increíbles: un viento poderoso y apresurado, lenguas de fuego que descansan sobre las cabezas, hablando en otras lenguas, la gente actuando como si estuvieran borrachos, profecías cumplidas, ¡3.000 personas bautizadas en un solo día!

PENTECOST

¿Seria tan raro decir que Pentecostés se llame el cumpleaños de la Iglesia?

www.cfdiocese.org

M

Holcombe

uchas iglesias intentan imitar o recrear estos actos magníficos haciendo que todos usen camisas rojas, lanzando globos de helio al final del servicio, leyendo textos de las Escrituras en diferentes idiomas durante la liturgia e incluso tener un gran pastel de cumpleaños para la Iglesia durante la hora del café.

pero a menos que la gente venga a crea y reciba al Cristo resucitado en sus vidas, no llegaran a ser hijos e hijas de Dios y herederos del reino de los cielos.

Pentecostés nos desafía a ser el cuerpo de Cristo en nuestro mundo, los fieles discípulos en nuestra generación. Ese mismo Espíritu Santo nos da vida a todos los creyentes hoy, pero no solo para hacer buenas obras o ser personas fieles. El EspíriLa misión de la tu Santo habla a través de Iglesia es difundir nosotros para difundir el el evangelio de Evangelio a las personas de una manera fiel y nuestra generación. Persoauténtica que lleve a nas que buscan sentido, eslos demás a un punto peranza y perdón, son perde decisión en el que sonas que están buscando a Jesús.

Pero de alguna manera todas estas cosas quedan muy lejos del énfasis del evangelio desatado en el poder del Espíritu Santo en los confines de la tierra.

Para mí, el énfasis real de Pentecostés es compartir cada persona pueda el evangelio con el mismo Entonces, ¿por qué no ser celo, la misma autoridad, conocer a Jesús como como Pedro? Encuentrar Salvador y Señor. el mismo poder que transaquellos que no conocen a forma las vidas de los inJesús y orar para que Dios dividuos. Al final del día, la misión de le otorgue a usted la oportunidad de la Iglesia no es aumentar nuestra asishablarles sobre lo que el Señor ha hecho tencia promedio de los domingos en en tu vida. Tu simple testimonio puede nuestro informe parroquial, rellenar plantar una semilla que crecerá y dará los bancos o balancear un presupuesto comienzo a un cambio de vida y transparroquial desequilibrado. La misión formación en otra persona. de la Iglesia es difundir el Evangelio de Dale un verdadero regalo de Penteuna manera fiel y auténtica que lleve a costés. ¡Dale a Jesús! otros a un punto de decisión donde cada persona pueda llegar a conocer a Jesús como Salvador y Señor.

Nosotros podemos ser buenos miembros de la Iglesia y fieles episcopales,

— El Reverendo Scott Holcombe es el parroco encargado de la Iglesia de San David Junto al Mar (St. David by the Sea) en Cocoa Beach.

Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN

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CUIDO PASTORAL

Tiempo de Sabático para el Clero: Reposo, Renuevo, Reenfoque, Reconección El Reverendo Dr. James A. Sorvillo

E

ra febrero de 2018, y mi esposa y yo estábamos cenando con el Obispo Greg (Brewer) y (su esposa), Laura Lee, antes de su visita episcopal a (Iglesia de la) Ascensión.

Mientras comíamos y conversábamos, preguntó por mi proximo año. Compartí que Ascensión me había otorgado un tiempo de sabático para el próximo verano en agradecimiento por mis 15 años y como una manera de planear estrategias sobre lo que vendrá después para la iglesia.

Mientras compartía, me di cuenta de que el Obispo Greg había servido a nuestra diócesis durante siete años, así que le pregunté a él, “y por cierto, ¿no le corresponde un sabático?” La mirada en su rostro me sorprendió. Era una combinación de “¿Quieres decir que podría ser una posibilidad? ”y“ No estoy seguro de querer esperar eso ”. Como miembro del Comité Permanente en ese momento, le pregunté si podía recomendar algunas al liderazgo diocesano para ver si esto podía ser una opción.

El resto, como dicen, es historia. Mientras escribo esto, el Obispo Greg acaba de comenzar este importante momento de reposo, renovación, reenfoque y reconexión.

El Reverendo Doctor James Sorvillo parado frente un antiguo monasterio Irlandesa en Skellig Michael, un risco situado por la costa de Irlanda, durante su sabático en 2018.

Como alguien que se ha beneficiado de dos tiempos de sabático en mis 16 años como rector, solo puedo decir que la experiencia de un sabático dirigido y determinado, me ha llevado las “cuatro R” no solamente para mi parroquia Ascensión, pero para mi esposa y para mí también. Cada una de estas estaciones proporcionaron una nueva vida y dirección para la iglesia en formas que continúan dando frutos. Mi esperanza para cada miembro del clero leyendo esto y cada miembro de una parroquia a quien le sirva alguien y que haya dado su vida y vocación por Cristo, también tendrán en cuenta esta posibilidad.

Aquí hay algunas cosas para pensar:

Reposo: hay muchas vocaciones en

la vida que son desafiantes y retan el estar seguro. Como ejemplo, socorristas bomberos, policías y paramedicos: se enfrentan a todo tipo de crisis de la condición humana que conllevan un gran peso emocional. Los propietarios de negocios cargan con el peso de los empleados que dependen del éxito de ese negocio para proporcionar a sus familias.

La lista puede seguir. Es justo decir que el clero tiene un peso espiritual y emocional único al pastorear los que asis-

FOTOS PROPORCIONADAS POR LA REV. DR. JAMES A. SORVILLO

30 Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN

FOTO PROPORCIONADAS POR TALKING HEAD STUDIO

El reverendo Dr. James Sorvillo sonríe frente a Skellig Michael, un monasterio irlandés del siglo IV, a ocho millas de la costa de Irlanda, durante su año sabático de 2018.

Sorvillo es rector de la Iglesia de la Ascensión en Orlando.

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May - June 2019

ten a sus iglesias. Esto no es una queja; va con el trabajo, y estamos bendecidos de tener al Espíritu de Dios, el cual se lleva gran parte de la carga. Sin embargo, un tiempo de descanso diseñado y completo (sin Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, correos electrónicos o llamadas telefónicas) ayudan mucho al clero a mantenerse fuerte y fieles a su llamado.

Renovación: Cuando Dios llamó

al pueblo de Israel a un tiempo de Descanso, lo llamó Sábado. Dios nos llama a renovarnos en nuestro espíritu. El ciclo de siete años para un tiempo de sabático, refleja el ciclo de siete días para el sábado. Dios lo proveyó porque sabe que todos lo necesitamos. Nuestras vidas no son carreras rapidas; son maratones.

Corriendo constantemente con integridad piadosa incluye nuestra necesidad de tiempo para renovarnos y refrescarnos a cumplir su trabajo en nosotros y a traves de nosotros.

Reenfoque:

En su libro, “Liderazgo sin respuestas fáciles” (Leadership Without Easy Answers), Ronald Heifetz usa el término “ponerse en el balcón. ” Imagina una gran fiesta, gente vestida con sus mejores galas, personas deslizandose por la pista de baile. El movimiento, la dirección de cada pareja fluye en sincronía con los demás.

Desde el balcón, sin embargo, esta imagen se ve muy diferente. Puedes ver los patrones de movimiento, donde la gente se está amontonando y donde la gente se mueve más libremente. Se puede ver a los que están solos y los que están en grupos.

El clero está en la pista de baile con los que están a su cuidado. Experimentamos y somos testigos de las bendiciones y

Obispo Greg Brewer de la Diócesis de Florida Central,

derecho, presentemente en sabático.

Aquí está discursando en el 50 Aniversario de “Sigue Diciéndole Sí a Jesús” Renacimiento en Febrero.

desafíos de cada feligrés. Pero es difícil ver los patrones cuando somos parte de ellos. El sabático ofrece un tiempo para ponerse “en el balcón”, para revisar lo que funciona y lo que no debe avanzar para una parroquia y vida personal saludable.

Reconexión:

Tengo la gran bendición de tener una esposa que es fiel a Cristo y que apoya mi ministerio. Sin embargo, como todos sabemos, hay temporadas en las que no podemos pasar tanto tiempo con nuestros cónyuges y familia como habíamos esperado. Cuando las cosas en el hogar son sólidas, tenemos más flexibilidad para cuidar nuestras Iglesias. Cuando las cosas en casa no van bien, afecta todo lo que hacemos. El sabático ofrece un tiempo para reforzar esas relaciones.

En Oracion, mantengamos a nuestro Obispo y su familia en oración diaria mientras realiza este viaje de tres meses.

Mantengan tambien al personal diocesano en oración diaria mientras sostienen a el fuerte en su ausencia. Y que estemos abiertos a los tiempos de reposo, renovación, reenfoque y reconexión en nuestras vidas para que todos podamos servir a nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesúscristo con nuestro mejor ser para que sea glorificado en todas las cosas.

El Reverendo Dr. James A. Sorvillo es el parroco de la Iglesia de la Asención (Church of the Ascension) en Orlando.

www.cfdiocese.org

DIOCESAN CALENDAR May 17, 2019, 6-8 p.m.

Cursillo Ultreya

June 22, 2019, 6:30-8 p.m.

Cursillo Ultreya

May 18, 2019 – Episcopal Church Women (ECW)

June 23-28, 2019 Camp Wingmann Summer Camp #3

Meeting at Grace Episcopal Church, 4110 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange.

Spring Deanery Meetings: SE Deanery Meeting at St. Augustine of Canterbury, Vero Beach

May 18, 2019 ICS Deacon Ordination Examination Diocesan Office, Orlando

May 18, 2019, 10 a.m. noon – Diocesan Altar Guild (DAG)

Meeting at Diocesan Office, Orlando

May 18, 2019, 9 a.m.-noon Cursillo Commission Meeting at Diocesan Office, Orlando

June 3-5, 2019 – Province IV ECW Annual Retreat Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, North Carolina.

June 9-14, 2019 Camp Wingmann Summer Camp #1

Session for high-schoolers (grades 9-12), Avon Park

June 16-21, 2019 Camp Wingmann Summer Camp #2

Session for middle-schoolers (grades 6-8), Avon Park

June 15, 2019, 9 a.m.-noon Cursillo Commission

CAMP WINGMANN … continued from Page 15 drink. A “surprise” to the agenda was a check from the proceeds of the COOS fish fry presented to Camp Wingmann by Shevlin and Mueller on behalf of their parish for scholarship funds in the amount of $2,064.

Meeting at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1650 Live Oak St., New Smyrna Beach.

Session for elementaryschoolers (grades 3-5), Avon Park

July 7-12, 2019 – Camp Wingmann Summer Camp #4 Sessions for high-schoolers (grades 9-12), Avon Park

July 14-19, 2019 – Camp Wingmann Summer Camp #5 Session for middle-schoolers (grades 6-8), Avon Park

July 19, 2019 – AntiRacism Training & TEC Canons/Title IV Training

9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Anti-Racism Training; 1:30-4 p.m.: TEC Canons/Title IV Training Participants are asked to bring a lunch. Drinks will be provided.

Interested persons are asked to register and confirm their impending attendance by emailing The Venerable Kristi Alday, Dean of ICS, at kalday@ cfdiocese.org or Marilyn Lang at mlang@cfdiocese.org

July 21-26, 2019 Camp Wingmann Summer Camp #6

Session for elementaryschoolers (grades 3-5), Avon Park

Aug. 24, 2019, 10 a.m.3 p.m. – Conference on Ministry

Commission on Ministry is hosting its annual Conference on Ministry at Church of the Messiah, 241 N. Main St. Winter Garden. Conference is for those who have demonstrated leadership skills and a passion for leading and equipping God’s people.

Conference is for those who might have a call for the diaconate or the priesthood, and is required for all aspirants to ordained ministry.

To register, contact Ellen Ceely at eceely@cfdiocese.org or 407-206-4434.

July 19, 2019, 6:30-8 p.m.

Cursillo Ultreya

Meeting at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 216 Orange Ave., Daytona Beach.

Mueller, a member Church of Our Saviour youth check out the archery during a special tour of Camp Wingmann of the prayer team at equipment on May 4th. the 50th Anniversary “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” Revival, said, “This is an answer to prayer! There is power in the blood, and there is power in prayer! In one of the promotional convention videos, our presiding bishop, The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, spoke about his grandmother encouraging him to ‘have a little talk with Jesus.’ A portion of the lyrics to the chorus of that song “Just a Little Talk with Jesus” are:

Now when you feel a little prayer wheel turning You’ll know a little fire is burning You will find a little talk with Jesus makes it right!

“We were blessed to see the fires burning within many at the Feb. 1 revival as they humbly came forth seeking intercessory prayer, and to share in the expressions of confession, adoration and thanksgiving,” Mueller said. “At a local level, we are blessed to experience the fruition of a vision, prayers, and purposeful ministry in the promotion of Camp Wingmann based on the fires burning within those in our immediate community of faith.

“As they say at Camp Wingmann … God is good – all the time,” Mueller said. “Let our prayer across the Diocese be for all of our youth to share in the journey of faith, fellowship and fun at Camp Wingmann this summer.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR, OKEECHOBEE

– The Rev. Kay Mueller is deacon of Church of Our Saviour in Okeechobee.

Meeting at Diocesan Office, Orlando.

Events and dates subject to change. Please check www.cfdiocese.org for the most current listings.

www.cfdiocese.org

Church of Our Saviour youth participate in an indoor activity at Camp Wingmann.

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Central Florida EPISCOPALIAN 1017 E. Robinson Street Orlando, FL 32801-2023

Non-Profit Organization

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U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 4111

CONFERENCE ON MINISTRY — Required for all who seek ordination —

Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Cost: $10 per person

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Hear presentations from our Bishop and Diocesan Staff, Priests, Deacons, and Commission members.

Come get answers to your questions.

To register: Call the Diocesan Office (407) 423-3567 or (800) 299-3567 ext. 317 or e-mail: ECEELY@CFDIOCESE.ORG

241 N. Main St. Winter Garden, FL 34787

Presented by the Commission on Ministry, the Conference is for those interested in discerning: • The direction of their vocation as a Christian • Possible call to ordained ministry • More clarity about their call as a lay person

GE T MORE CFE NEWS ONLINE! Readers can get more news from the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida by accessing our online site:

www.cfdiocese.org

Central CFE Florida

Page 24

Former Diocesan Assistant Celebrates Priesthood Ordination

Pages 22-23

‘Memento Mori’ Sign Reminds Us of Importance of Repentance

EPISCOPALIAN Volume 121, No. 3 / May - June 2019

Kids Can Learn About the Lord in Cool-Themed VBS Camps Page 10

Camp Wingmann Helps Church’s Prayers for Youth Come True Page 15

Give Someone a Real Pentecost Present Page 17