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CENTRALFLORIDAEPISCOPALIAN NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA • WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG • Volume 121, No. 2 • March-April 2019 D E N T R O : ¡ E l b o l e t í n d e n o t i c i a s e s p a ñ o l e s t á d e v u e l t a ! P o r f a v o r, c o n s u l t e l a s p á g i n a s 2 2 - 2 5

‘Keep Saying Yes to Jesus’

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We Need the Whole Story – Lent, Easter Sunday, Eastertide – to Understand Jesus

Bishop Curry Energizes 50th Anniversary Revival, Says ‘Keep Saying Yes to Jesus’

Prayer Teams Go Out of Comfort Zones to Help

Special Report: Worldwide Crisis Thrives in Central Florida

Father Charles Myers Brings Multicultural Background to St. John the Baptist

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50th Annual Revival Energizes Diocese, Encourages Evangelistic Mission

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

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

Table of Contents Bishop Brewer’s Column: Revival Work Continues.................................................................................3 We Need the Whole Story – Lent, Easter Sunday, Eastertide – to Understand Jesus................................4 Easter Evangelism: Lessons Learned From the Mall Food Court..............................................................5 Bishop Curry Energizes 50th Anniversary Revival, Says ‘Keep Saying Yes to Jesus’..............................6-7 Prayer Teams Go Out of Comfort Zones to Help.......................................................................................8 Revival’s Music Delivers Christ-Exalting Service......................................................................................9 50th Diocesan Convention Pays Tribute to Founding Bishops, Exults Over Promising Future......... 10-11 Bishop Brewer’s Convention Address: ‘Saying Yes to Jesus’ Through Choice and Change.............. 12-13 Diocese Celebrates Convention’s Close With ‘After-Church Outdoor Lunch’..........................................14 Trinity Prep Hosts Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church.........................................15 Diocese Announces Appointments, Election Results, Awards, More......................................................16 50th Annual Diocesan Convention in Photos........................................................................................17 Camp Wingmann Ready for a Red-Hot Summer in 2019................................................................ 18-19 Wingmann’s Winter Camp Draws Record-Setting Turnout .............................................................. 20-21 Boletín Informativo Español Página 1………El obispo Curry energiza el avivamiento del 50 aniversario, dice que “sigan diciendo sí a Jesús”.............................................................................22 Boletín Informativo Español Página 2………Columna de Obispo Brewer............................................23 Boletín Informativo Español Página 3………El obispo Curry energiza el avivamiento del 50 aniversario, dice que “sigan diciendo sí a Jesús”.............................................................................24 Boletín Informativo Español Página 3………Calendario de visitas del Obispo Brewer........................24 Boletín Informativo Español Página 4………La 50ª convención diocesana rinde homenaje a los obispos fundadores, exulta por un futuro prometedor.................................................................25 Special Report: Worldwide Crisis Thrives in Central Florida............................................................ 26-27 Father Charles Myers Brings Multicultural Background to St. John the Baptist............................... 28-29 Diocese Celebrates New Rector at St. Peter’s: Rev. Jeremy Bergstrom...................................................30 Diocesan Calendar/Bishop’s Visitations.................................................................................................31 The Central Florida Episcopalian is published by the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. Submissions are welcome, but are subject to editing and use at the discretion of the Central Florida Episcopalian.

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

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 or Fax: 407-872-0006 Erick Perez, Subscription Manager, eperez@cfdiocese.org Web: www.cfdiocese.org

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

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BISHOP BREWER

Revival Work Continues By Bishop Gregory O. Brewer

Our ‘Keep Saying Yes to Jesus’ revival will stand in history as a tremendous success, both for the Diocese of Central Florida and for the kingdom of God.

his affirmation came from the office of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who preached our revival sermon. Bishop Curry and his staff all said it was the best revival they had been a part of in terms of organization, hospitality, music and venue. Bishop Curry told us, “Our office does these [revivals], and this is better than anything we have done.” We receive all of this as both a high compliment and a profound challenge.

Bishop Greg Brewer

Beyond an Event

But this event, as I have said from its inception, was never meant to be just an event. It wasn’t just a time we could celebrate together; it wasn’t just the vehicle God used to touch people, although both of those things were true. Instead, the “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” revival was meant to be an invitation for our local congregations to become more evangelistic.

Worth the Work

It is my hope that congregations would examine what they do on Sundays, especially, and say, “What could we do to make our services more accessible? What can we do to reach out more, to welcome more people into the life of our community? What can we do to be clearer about how we proclaim the gospel? And what do we say to people about what it means to keep saying yes to Jesus?”

One of our prayers was for full diocesan participation, and no church went unrepresented. We had at least 30 buses bringing people to the revival, sometimes for one church and sometimes for two or more churches that went together.

From here on out, any follow-up has to arise out of local Episcopal congregations asking questions like this in their own context, in their own communities; that may vary from place to place. In fact, the revival itself was meant to reflect the local context of Central Florida in everything from musical choices to participants.

The revival was hard work. It required hundreds of volunteers along with countless hours of prayer and planning. But God honored the efforts we made.

As the service closed, a number of people came forward for prayer, which means God used the revival to deeply touch their hearts. It also means the evening was worth all the work we put into it. Everywhere I’ve gone, people have expressed their delight in the way the revival turned out. They couldn’t think of a better way to commemorate the diocese’s 50th anniversary, and they were thrilled that we did something so big, so well. It made them proud to be a part of the Diocese of Central Florida and of The Episcopal Church.

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If we were holding a revival meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or in Boston, Massachusetts, we might do some things differently. But we were there to celebrate our 50 years together as the Diocese of Central Florida. So, just as we tried to reflect a local context, how does a local church in a local community think about what it can do? The revival’s follow-up questions and answers must come from our local congregations: “Yes, that was a revival, but what can we learn from this?”

“How can we create a more evangelistic culture in our local church?”

Keys to Success

The primary thing that I hope people saw – both in personnel as well as in music – was a diversity of race and age and culture. We wanted anybody who came to that revival to have the sense of “People like me are included. People like me are welcome.” Yes, there is a definite parallel about how a local congregation should think about reaching out to populations in its community. “How can we build those bridges?” is what they should be asking. No matter who you are in the local community, you can come to The Episcopal Church and have a sense that, yes, “There are people like me here, so I’m welcome.” I’ve said over and over again that the keys to the revival’s success were prayer, leadership and a strong, supportive team. And I believe that’s true at a local church, too. If a church wants to grow and develop, it needs to have those three things in place: prayer, leadership and a strong, supportive team. May God bless our efforts to “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” as, throughout our diocese, we seek to reach others with Christ’s redeeming love. Grace to you,

Bishop Gregory O. Brewer

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

EASTER

We Need the Whole Story – Lent, Easter Sunday, Eastertide – to Understand Jesus By Father Matt Ainsley

Father Matt Ainsley

’m not a cradle Episcopalian. I’m a good ol’ Baptist boy turned zealous Anglican convert. I could say that I chose this Communion, but that wouldn’t be true. I was called here, drawn in. And one of the things that drew me into the Anglican tradition was the church year. It is, in my opinion, one of our greatest treasures as Episcopalians. In it, we are immersed in the story of redemption. In it, we journey through the life and ministry of our Lord. In it, we live, year by year, the whole story.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2).

And we need the whole story, not just the high points and not just the parts we like. The climax of an epic saga doesn’t make much sense if it’s siloed off from the rest of the story. For example, if you had never seen The Lord of the Rings trilogy, you wouldn’t start with the third movie. Sure, it might be cool to watch Frodo and Sam climb Mt. Doom to destroy the one ring, but the fullness of the victory would be lost on you.

We are now approaching the high point in the church year, the celebration of the apex of human history, the climax of the story of salvation: Easter. And the importance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ cannot be overstated. As St. Paul so bluntly writes, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). In other words, there is no Christianity without the Resurrection.

But to get to Easter Sunday, we have to go through Good Friday. To get to Eastertide, we have to go through Lent. Christ’s victory at Easter must be understood in the light of the battle He fought with sin, death and the devil. It’s only when we realize all that He saved us from that we can truly rejoice in so great a salvation. Again, we need the whole story. Lent is not a season that we fast forward through in order to get to the best part of the story. Nor is its essence left behind after 40 days. On the contrary, Lent is a season of intense emphasis of an ever-present aspect of the Christian life: repentance. Thus, Lent and Easter are inextricably linked.

In Colossians 3, St. Paul demonstrates how the crucified life (emphasized during Lent) and the resurrected life (emphasized during Eastertide) come together. He writes “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). And why is it that we should set our minds on things above? “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). In holy baptism (see Rom. 6), we are united with Christ in His death. One life ends, and a new life begins. But the vestiges of that old life hang around, which is why Paul urges us to walk in our baptismal identity by putting “to death, therefore, what in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry)” (Col. 3:5). But Paul continues in verse 12, “As God’s chosen ones, holy

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Now, the former exhortation (verse 5 and following) is the stuff of Lent, and the latter (verse 12) is the stuff of Easter. But we need both verses. We need both seasons. We need repentance and rejoicing. We need to recognize our sin so we can receive forgiveness. We need to look into the darkness that remains in us so the purifying light of the resurrected Christ can shine into our hearts all the brighter. And in the church year faithfully observed, we get all of the above and more.

We get the whole story. – Father Matt Ainsley is assistant to the rector at Church of the Ascension in Orlando.

Lent 2019 runs from Wednesday, March 6 (Ash Wednesday) to Thursday, April 18 (Maundy Thursday). Holy Week runs from Sunday, April 14, to Saturday, April 20. Good Friday is Friday, April 19. Easter is Sunday, April 21. Eastertide runs from Easter to Sunday, June 9.

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EASTER

EASTER EVANGELISM: Lessons Learned From the Mall Food Court By Rev. Scott T. Holcombe

Rev. Scott T. Holcombe

ost shopping malls have a hub where people can gather in the midst of their shopping adventure to get something to eat. There are commonalties in these food courts that appeal to a wide variety of patrons. There are fastfood burgers, some sort of chicken place, one or two spots featuring Asian-inspired food, a pretzel shop, ice cream shop, a pizza shop, barbecue restaurant or a restaurant catering to local ethnic options. The point is simply this – one can’t offer the same fare and expect everyone to like the same food. Often in the church, we forget this simple lesson. We offer one type of worship, one type of education, one type of fellowship, one type of music and then wonder why people don’t flock through the doors. The Lent/ Easter seasons are great times to switch things up! At St. David’s by-the-Sea in Cocoa Beach this Lent, in addition to our year-round Wednesday 5 p.m. informal worship, 6 p.m. potluck and 6:30 p.m. Bible study, we are also offering an every-Friday soup supper and Stations of the Cross. Many of our lectors have vested in the past, and yet some are now choosing to wear

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“The Lent/Easter season is a great time to think about the worship/ study/ministry diet offered at our parishes. Perhaps this is the time when God is asking us to expand our menus!” said Rev. Scott T. Holcombe, rector of St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Cocoa Beach.

their street clothes when serving at the altar. They do not process but come to the chancel as the offering is being presented. We normally say or sing the psalm, but during this season, we are returning to the use of familiar canticles. We are also intentionally adding more quiet time: soft instrumental interludes between parts of the service to refocus our attention. Our organist has selected a wide variety of music and styles to enhance our worship. We are working on some professionally printed flyers to hand out to our folks to make it easy for them to invite

others to some of our special events. We serve waffles at the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, and we now have three Ash Wednesday services at noon, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. There are lively upbeat options and quiet, reflective settings. We do Rite One and Rite Two every week. We can’t just wait for people to show up and be nice to them. It is time that we must leave the comfort and safety of our church buildings and carry the gospel (and ourselves) to where the people are. As the Apostle Paul underscored in 1

Corinthians 9:22b-23, “ I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.” The Lent/Easter season is a great time to think about the worship/ study/ministry diet offered at our parishes. Perhaps this is the time when God is asking us to expand our menus! – The Rev. Scott T. Holcombe is rector of St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Cocoa Beach.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

50th ANNIVERSARY REVIVAL

Bishop Curry Energizes 50th Anniversary Revival, Says ‘Keep Saying Yes to Jesus’

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, right, enters the stage alongside Spanish translator Dinorah Padro.

By Jeff Gardenour

hey came by the busloads and by car to be a part of the energy of an event that not only commemorated a golden an niversary, but reinvigorated people’s commitment to Jesus Christ.

On a historic evening that brought a record-setting crowd of 4,000plus to First Baptist Church of Orlando, Presiding Bishop Michael

Curry electrified the Friday, Feb. 1 audience and urged them to “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus,” the theme of the 50th Annual Diocesan Convention’s revival. Curry, who became a worldwide celebrity last May when he delivered the sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once again emphasized “the power of love” and elicited cheers, ovations and more. Curry’s presence played a big part in drawing a crowd that set a record for the most people at an Episcopalian revival in the state of Florida and quite possibly the nation, according to the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida. Speaking to the audience, “I thank God for you,” said Curry, whose humility and gracious way of speaking have enamored many around the world. “I thank God for your witness, for the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus.”

PHOTO BY JEFF GARDENOUR/CFE

Busloads of people from across Florida made the trip to Orlando to see Presiding Bishop Michael Curry deliver the sermon at the “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” Revival.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, right, enjoys a free moment with Bishop Greg Brewer of the Diocese of Central Florida.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TALKING HEAD STUDIO UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED

Preaching in short phrases with Spanish-language translator Dinorah Padro at his side, Curry then got the crowd going: “I pray that this revival will kick off, jumpstart, catalyze, set on fire, another 50 years that lights up Central Florida … that lights up Florida … that lights up the Southeast … and lights up America … and lights up the world. God bless, God bless. “Happy Birthday, Central Florida,” Curry said. “And to all who have gathered here this night. God loves you and God bless you.” Curry set his sermon in motion by discussing 2 Corinthians 5, where the apostle Paul talks about the ministry of reconciliation: “For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.

“From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view;

even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:14-18). Curry then simplified it for the audience, as he famously does, before reinforcing the message of love: “I think there’s something here. Let me say it this way. The love of Christ. This love is the only way. There is no other way. We don’t need another

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry holds the hands of a revival attendee following the event on Feb. 1.

way. This love is all we need. “It is a way to a new you, and to a new me,” Curry said. “It is a way to a new Florida, a new America, a new world, a new creation. This love is the real good stuff.” Curry, a descendant of slaves and sharecroppers from the Deep South, then recounted an old slave saying: “The old slaves would tell it this way: ‘If you can’t preach like Peter, and you can’t pray like Paul, you just tell the love of Jesus, how God will save us all.’” The presiding bishop then explained the importance of reconciliation of God and with each other, citing the popular TV show “Survivor” and a

CNN documentary on Ruth Bader Ginsburg before ending the night by talking about his newfound www.cfdiocese.org

50th ANNIVERSARY REVIVAL edge to it. You have to ‘Keep Saying Yes to Jesus.’ You say it once, and you have to keep saying it and keep saying it. I meant it at the very end, when I said, ‘Now, when you get to work tomorrow: Keep saying yes to Jesus.’”

More than 4,000 people attended the 50th Anniversary “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” Revival.

This revival is the latest of many that Curry has held and that have become a part of a new evangelistic movement in The Episcopal Church in which people are reaching out to others and inviting them to know Jesus.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

celebrity from the royal wedding and a riveting, transformational

moment between the late baseball great Jackie Robinson and Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey. Robinson, whose 100th birthday was celebrated on Jan. 31, became famous for breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier. He was signed by Rickey, a devoutly religious man who wanted to bring all of the game’s best players to the major leagues. Curry touched on Rickey’s first meeting with Robinson and what he said to the talented athlete: “There are those who are going to hate you, but you can’t hate them back. There may be those who will call you and hurt you. But you can’t call them names and hurt them back. God forbid, there may be those who do you physical harm. But you can’t strike them back. “And Robinson stood up and looked at Branch Rickey and said: ‘You just want a Negro who is afraid to fight back.’ And then Rickey said: ‘I want a great ballplayer who has the courage to not fight back, just like our Savior, Jesus Christ.’” www.cfdiocese.org

But Curry said the pivotal moment came minutes later when Rickey pulled out a book of the teachings of Jesus and read, “‘Love the Lord our God. Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Jackie then reached out his hand, and those two men shook hands. They were following the way of love that Jesus teaches.” Curry’s inspiring sermon followed a spoken word presentation from music director Josh Head, several short speeches by Brewer, a personal testimony from deacon Nina Bolton and a statement from the Rev. Jose Rodriguez. Head oversaw a rousing musical celebration, which included a standing ovation following the performance of Kimberly Milton, who sang Moses Hogan’s arrangement of “Give Me Jesus” with accompaniment from Timothy Hearn. “Kimberly Milton is an award-winning opera singer based out of St. Paul’s Episcopal in Winter Haven,” Head said. “I’ll never forget hearing her sing for the first time at my dad’s (Fr. Paul Head) installation as the rector of St. Paul’s. I’m an opera singer as well, and her expressive instrument just blew me away. More than her artistry, though, I appreciate her

friendship over the years. She is a deeply encouraging friend.” The revival’s music, speeches, Curry’s sermon and more impressed Brewer. “I thought it was a great joy,” said Brewer of the success of the two-day convention that ended on Saturday, Feb. 2, with elections, speeches and various presentations. “Everyone I talked to was so enthusiastic about the caliber of the music, the presiding bishop’s speaking. It was just a celebration of the wonderful things that are happening here.” Curry said he thought it was wonderful that the diocesan revival proved to be a record-setting one in terms of turnout. “There are two things about that,” he said after the revival. “One, it really does reflect the life that’s here. There’s really life in the Spirit. And God is alive in this place. And that’s been going on. I think it reflects that. And I think Bishop Brewer has been really intentional of helping to call us to follow Jesus, and to make that the centerpiece of our lives.” The presiding bishop said Brewer’s message of “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” is similar to his message of the power of love, but “there’s a practical

“As Christians, we feel our faith,” Curry said. “(But) we don’t do that in ways that are rude or mean-spirited or having bad presumptions about other people’s religions. You kind of want to tell somebody else. You kind of want to find out, ‘How does the Lord work in their life?’ “I think what’s happening is there’s a sense of (what) evangelism is becoming,” Curry said. “I think the time will come when it’s normal for us. That takes a while; I grew up in The Episcopal Church. I can’t tell you that it’s normal for us. But now, I’m hearing Episcopalians begin to say, ‘How do I do it in such a way that my life is a witness? How do I invite others into a relationship with Jesus Christ?’” Curry’s impact on evangelism and The Episcopal Church is being felt far and wide. “He’s done a great job,” said Krisita Jackson, a local parishioner and the national president of Daughters of the King. “I don’t know how he does it. He’s energized, reenergized the churches, the Church as a whole. As Bishop Brewer said, ‘We’ve been hearing more about Jesus than forever in our Church.’ He’s the right man for the time.” “I really loved the presiding bishop,” said Father Bill Yates, director of Camp Wingmann in Avon Park. “His preaching was inspiring, energetic and fun. I really enjoyed that.”

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

50th ANNIVERSARY REVIVAL

Prayer Teams Go Out of Comfort Zones to Help

Revival concludes with church groups praying for others

Deacon Kay Mueller of Church of Our Saviour, Okeechobee, foreground, prays with attendees.

By Larry J. Leech II

People enjoy life much more while remain ing in their comfort zones. But at the recent “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” Revival, members of that night’s prayer teams were pulled away from their comfort – on purpose.

People gather with prayer teams at the conclusion of the revival.

his intentional move was designed to get those praying to let go of their normal prayer routines and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them.

which is much different, according to Sapp. “Intercessory prayer, usually done from a list, is different than standing with someone and praying one-on-one,” she said.

“I thought we might have some pushback, but as I said it (during training), I scanned the audience and noticed a number of people nodding,” said Deacon Rose Sapp of Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando, leader of the event’s prayer teams.

Sapp and Kate Maier, members of the prayer team from Cathedral Church of St. Luke, said people requested prayer for anxiety, depression, finances, healing from physical illness, forgiveness, guidance, relationship issues, pending divorce, their children, addiction and “even to love better as was the theme of the evening.” Some recited the Sin-

Many of the prayer team members were part of the prayer ministries from their respective church,

ner’s Prayer to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Maier, one of 86 members to serve 19 stations, found the experience fulfilling. “We also prayed for the attendees and volunteers in the weeks leading up to the event; and we prayed protection over the venue, walking along the rows of seats, the stage, the control room, all the doors, etc.,” she said. “Being a part of that preparation, unseen by most but helping ‘set the stage’ for a successful event, was also very fulfilling.” Sapp, also director of The Inheritance House, headquartered in Orlando, said, “Prayer does make a difference, for both those prayed for and those who prayed. Some on the prayer team said they were changed and humbled to serve and to hear the voice of Jesus in this event.”

ABOVE: A revival attendee asks a prayer team for advice. LEFT: Prayer teams pray for an individual after the conclusion of the revival.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

In this way, the intercessors became the hands of Jesus – all while being pulled out of their comfort zones. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TALKING HEAD STUDIO

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50th ANNIVERSARY REVIVAL Music Team Master List: New Beginnings Band Lead vocals - Amy Yates Harmony vocal - Meagan Miles Harmony vocal - Sarah Head Mike Uebele Bass Acoustic guitar - Rev. Kevin Bartle

Revival’s Music Delivers Christ-Exalting Service Variety in worship reflects a diverse diocese

Piano - Josh Head Drums - Zach Switzer Kid’s Choir - 20 voices

SEU Worship Band

By Marti Pieper

Vocals - Carrell Andrews Vocals - Tyler Armstrong Keys - Zach Johnson Saxophone - Jared Drake Bass - Noah Lehman Drums - Bryce Riviera Electric guitar - Nathan Gonzalez Electric guitar - Justin Thompson

hen Bishop Greg Brewer approached Josh Head—worship director for Grace Episcopal Church, Ocala, and director of Grace School of the Arts— about leading worship for the 50th Anniversary Revival, he was tempted to decline.

“It just sounded overwhelming to me, truly,” Head said, despite having played the same role in the previous two diocesan conventions. “But Bishop Brewer just convinced me that I was the right person to do it. Because his vision was to have all these different genres, but to have it not be a talent show, to have it be a time of leading people’s hearts in worship. “And once he gave me that vision, I just thought, ‘OK, I really want to see this happen.’”

Jesús de Nazaret Team

That common thread was the Gospel message. “My prayer was that I wanted people to have a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, what He’s done, what His work is: the finished work on the cross,” Head said. With this focus in mind, he included worship elements ranging from spoken word to classical to urban gospel to Hispanic to contemporary Christian. “If we want people to say yes to Jesus, they have to understand who He is,” he said.

A choir composed of children from various churches, performing with op Brewer began Head’s path the New Beginnings praise band, to what everyone in attenadded a unique element to the evedance agreed was a Christ-exHead ning’s worship. Though the choir alting service. The evening included numerous groups, soloists (directed by Sarah Head, youth director and choirs with participants from at St. Paul’s, Winter Haven) came togeththroughout the diocese (see inset for er for the first time just prior to the service, they presented a rousing rendition of complete list). Planning for this year’s Friday night Rend Collective’s “My Lighthouse” comworship service on Feb. 1, Head said, plete with hand motions.

Saying yes to Jesus and to Bish-

began months ahead of time. He worked with each group and soloist to choose music with a common thread.

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A praise team from Jesús de Nazaret, Orlando, brought both cultural and musical diversity to the evening. The group

shared four numbers in Spanish, including the catchy “Alabaré a Mi Señor” (“I Will Praise the Lord”). Additionally, Southeastern University’s praise team, led by freshman keyboardist and Head’s former student, Zach Johnson; a gospel choir; and a classical ensemble all captured the heart of the congregation and of God, sharing in a variety of music both before and during the service. The powerful vocals of soloist Kimberly Milton (formerly soprano section leader at St. Paul’s, Winter Haven, and now a master’s student in vocal performance at Valdosta State University in Georgia) wowed listeners. Her exquisite rendering of “Give Me Jesus” moved attendees to a holy hush.

Vocal soloist - Yesenia Martinez Singer 2 & director - Nivia Ramirez Singer 3 - Katherine Diaz Singer 4 - Maritza Sanchez Singer 5 - Milagros Ramirez Singer 6 - Consuleo Rubiano Classical guitar - Jose Ramirez Drums - Jose Martinez Maracas - Julio Grau Conga - Rev. Orlando Addison Bass - Enoch Diaz

Gospel Choir and team

Piano & director - Timothy Hearn Bass - Noah Lehman Drums - Bryce Riviera Female vocal soloist - Gabrielle Hearn Male vocal soloist - Alex Lewis Choir - Jade Ferrell, Rev. Paul Head, Sophia Head, Gabrielle Hearn, Timothy Hearn, Alex Lewis, Sydney Lewis, Hannah Mazur, Joshua Mazur, Kimberly Milton, Laura Milton, Daisy Oliveri

Classical Ensemble

Vocals - Sophia Head Vocals - Meagan Miles Vocals - Josh Head Piano - Josh Head or Rev. Paul Head Acoustic guitar - Zach Johnson or Josh Head Solo violin - Audrey Flechas String quartet Cello - Mike Camel Viola - Abby Lombard Violin 2 - Emily Lombard Violin 1 - Audrey Flechas Classical choir - Jade Ferrell, Rev. Paul Head, Sophia Head, Gabrielle Hearn, Timothy Hearn, Alex Lewis, Sydney Lewis, Hannah Mazur, Joshua Mazur, Kimberly Milton, Laura Milton, Daisy Oliveri – List compiled by Josh Head.

Head, who led the evening’s music despite a broken foot, remains grateful for Brewer’s “leadership and mentorship,” giving all glory to God for the collaborative effort. “There are so many people who are ready and willing and joyful to share their music,” he said. “The vision of the revival can be the vision of any worship service in the diocese from here on out.” PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TALKING HEAD STUDIO CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

2019 DIOCESAN CONVENTION

50th Diocesan Convention Pays Tribute to Founding Bishops, Exults Over Promising Future

By Jeff Gardenour

n the heels of an en-

Diocesan officials thanked Byron Lawson, head of school for Trinity Prep, for his graciousness in

ergetic revival that

left people feeling enthused about “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus,” the Diocese of Central Florida concluded its 50th Annual Convention with a growing sense of optimism about an exciting future.

hosting this year’s event.

Bishop Greg Brewer gave an impassioned address about change during the second day of the 50th Annual Diocesan Convention at Trinity Prep in Winter Park.

The second day of the 50th Annual Diocesan Convention on Saturday, Feb. 2, drew hundreds to Trinity Prep in Winter Park for an inspiring look at the diocese’s first half-century of existence and a look ahead to promising days to come. Bishop Greg Brewer’s address, which paid tribute to the founding bishops, honored several organizations and saluted those making inroads in the diocese’s evangelistic mission, was the highlight of the 7-hour event. The convention ended with a Southern-style buffet lunch enjoyed outdoors in an open-air tent under beautiful, sunny skies. Conventioneers packed the setting, partaking of delicious barbecue, listening to bluegrass music and conversing with old and new friends in attendance.

“I thought it (the entire convention) was a great joy,” said Brewer. “Everyone that I talked to was so enthusiastic about the caliber of the music (at the revival), and the presiding bishop’s speaking. It was just a collaboration of the wonderful things that are happening here.” The final day of the convention began with coffee and exhibitors opening their display booths. After the 7:30 a.m. celebration of Holy Eucharist by retired Bishop Frank Gray, Brewer led opening worship with music led by the Rev. Canon Josh Bales.

Brewer then set the stage for a memorable address when he recited “A Song to the Lamb” (Dignus es):

Splendor and honor and kingly power Are yours by right, O Lord our God, For you created everything that is, And by your will they were created and have their being; And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain, For with your blood you have redeemed for God, From every family, language, people, and nation, A kingdom of priests to serve our God. And so, to him who sits upon the throne, And to Christ the Lamb, Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor, For ever and for evermore.

“I chose to begin this time with this canticle because it honestly represents both my prayer and my vision for the Diocese of Central Florida,” Brewer said. “We will be a family of people that represents this tribe … friends, family and nation. Staying together in the inheritance that you have received to be that kingdom of priests: men and women who are both receiving the very power of the Holy Spirit

in their lives and are being channeled for that power – both in intercessory prayer and in service for the people that God sends our way.” Brewer then took conventioneers back in time, talking about the formation of the Diocese of Central Florida and paying tribute to those whose service made the diocese what it is today. The diocese was formed in 1969, one of three new dioceses — the Diocese of Southeast Florida and the Diocese of Southwest Florida were the others — established out of a division of the Diocese of South Florida. Bishop of South Florida Henry I. Louttit served as de facto bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida until Bishop William H. Folwell was elected as second bishop in 1970. He served until 1989 and was followed by Bishop John W. Howe, who served from 1990-2012. Bishop Brewer, who was elected in 2012, said that as much as things seem unchanged, there also are things that have changed. “I have to tell you that 2018 has been a year of enormous change and breakneck pace,” he said. “What has changed, what feels most obvious to me, is that the fruit of mission … is being felt across the diocese.” That fruit has been in the ordination process, where Brewer said he has ordained 147 people in his seven years as bishop. In 2018, eight people were ordained to the priesthood, 11 to the diaconate. “We presently have 49 people in the ordination process: 24 women and 25 men,” he said. “The median age of our clergy is down significantly. We now have more women and more people of color serving in the congregations than when I first began. “We are known nationally as a diocese where peoThe Rev. Canon Tim Nunez, former Canon to the Ordinary, right, received a heartfelt and funny sendoff from conventioneers at the Diocesan Convention. Nunez late last year accepted a position as rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ERICK PEREZ/CFE

10 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

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2019 DIOCESAN CONVENTION ple care for each other, especially as one that places relationships above theological or liturgical positions,” Brewer said. “We are known as a diocese that is growing, one of few that is, in fact.” Brewer also made it a point to recognize the Rev. Tim Nunez, former Canon to the Ordinary who left the diocesan staff last fall to become rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales. “Members of congregations are appreciative of Tim’s leadership, especially in the process of calling a new priest,” Brewer said. “Tim has been a col league, a prayer supporter, a kind and thoughtful pastor, and a pun master without peer.” Another topic of note from Brewer was the mention of church closures and church plants. While three churches closed their doors, two others are developing plans to become a part of the diocese’s future: Bethesda Church in Lake Nona and All Souls Church in Horizon West, located near Winter Garden. Brewer also praised two other churches that have dramatically increased their attendance. But Brewer reminded everyone it’s not the numbers that matter. “Faithfulness to Jesus is what ultimately matters,” he said. “Frankly, if we are not teaching evangelism and discipleship in a way that continues to bring more people into the kingdom of God, we have missed one of the sacred tenets of what it means to be churched in the New Testament. And there is, in fact, no substitute.” Brewer also talked about the hiring of Chalmers Morse, a former Vero Beach resident, as the new executive director of Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center in Oviedo. “He has significant experience in high-end hotel renovation, has a superb eye

Bishop Lloyd Allen of the Diocese of Honduras speaks at the 50th Anniversary Diocesan Convention. Wesny Dubic, the Diocese of Central Florida’s chairman for the Hispanic Commission, speaks at the convention after Bishop Greg Brewer, sitting in purple, honored the group’s efforts.

for detail and is a humble, thoughtful and careful leader. Expect big and positive changes at Canterbury,” Brewer said. Also receiving praise was the diocesan deputation for its hard work at the 2018 General Convention in Texas last summer. “Our deputation did an outstanding job,” Brewer said. “They were just everywhere all the time. Our team made a positive difference.” Brewer also briefly talked about the passing of Resolution B012 concerning same-sex marriage and the impact of the diocese’s Hispanic Commission at the General Convention. He also mentioned how grateful he was to be appointed National Daughters of the King (DOK) chaplain after a recommendation from new DOK president Krisita Jackson, a member of St. John the Baptist, Orlando. “To be around these powerhouse of intercessors is both humbling and amazingly powerful,” he said. Brewer also mentioned that the Diocese of Central Florida has worked with a consultant, Lyle Wells of Integrus, on establishing a vision for the future. Brewer will Conventioneers had fun holding up Rev. Tim Nunez face cards during the Diocese of Central Florida’s humorous sendoff to the former Canon to the Ordinary.

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take a sabbatical from April 1 to the end of June with his wife, Laura Lee. The couple will travel in England and Ireland, and Brewer will use the time for spiritual research and renewal. “My hope is to have my life changed,” he said. The diocese also thanked its sister diocese, the Diocese of Honduras, for its hard work and for sharing in the 50th Annual Convention, as well as the Bishop Gray Foundation, which provides financial assistance for housing and health care for senior Episcopalians. “It’s doing great because when I think about 46 years of relationships, it’s really something that’s meaningful,” said Wesny Dubic, who sits on the diocese’s Commission for the Diocese of Honduras. “Forty-six years where we changed people’s lives.” Voting for elected positions for the Standing Committee, Diocesan Board and trustee of University of the South was also held. Those elected were honored at the conclusion of the convention. The Very Rev. David Peoples and Karen Beasley, dean and president of the Southwest Deanery, extended an invitation to the 51st Annual Diocesan Convention to be held Jan. 24-25, 2020, at All Saints Academy in Winter Haven. Also, Rev. Rob Griffith read a memorial resolution to deceased members of the clergy, honoring the Rev. Don Gross; the Rt. Rev. Hugo Pina-Lopez, assistant bishop; and the Rt. Rev. John Said, assisting bishop. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ERICK PEREZ/CFE

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

2019 DIOCESAN CONVENTION

‘Saying Yes to Jesus’ Through Choice and Change Bishop Brewer’s annual address highlights growth, diversity

Rev. Jim Sorvillo, left, and Father Matt Ainsley, right, are all smiles at the ordination of Sara Oxley, center, earlier this year. Oxley is one of many on the ordination list for 2019. Sorvillo is rector of Church of the Ascension, which is helping with the church plant of All Souls.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, ORLANDO

By Marti Pieper n his 2019 Convention address, the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer articulated the Diocese of Central Florida’s role in a changing world. He spoke to delegates and visitors of the 50th Annual Diocesan Convention convened at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park on Saturday, Feb. 2.

Past to Present

Brewer began his message with a reading of “Song to the Lamb” (“Dignus Es”), which he said represents his “prayer and vision for the Diocese, that we would be people representing every tribe, tongue and nation.” This emphasis prevailed throughout his address. Pointing to the prior emphases of former diocesan bishops William H. Folwell and Henry I. Loutitt on missions and evangelism, Brewer said, “some things do not change.” But, he added, in carrying out past and present visions, much has changed. He pointed to several areas.

ordination process: 24 women and 25 men. “Younger people are being attracted to ordination,” Brewer said, and there are now more women and people of color serving congregations than when he began serving as bishop in 2012. Brewer also took time to highlight the contributions of Rev. Tim Nunez, former Canon to the Ordinary now serving as rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales. “Numerous congregations have appreciated Tim’s leadership, especially in the calling of a new priest,”

Changes in Leadership

Brewer first highlighted changes in the diocesan ordination process and the people it includes. In 2018, he ordained eight people to the priesthood and 11 to the diaconate. Presently, there are 49 people in the diocese’s

The Diocese of Central Florida hopes to build its newest church plant in the growing area of Lake Nona, Orlando.

12 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

Brewer said. “Tim has been a colleague, a prayer supporter, a kind and thoughtful pastor, and a pun master without peer.” Brewer also thanked the diocesan staff for its many contributions, noting, “Only God knows the heroic sacrifices we make regularly and gladly, the laughter we share and the thoughtfulness that continues to mark our life together.”

Changes for Churches

Next, Brewer discussed the changes he sees in both church closures and church plants. The diocese closed three congregations in 2018. “Usually a church closure is at least 10 years in the making,” Brewer said. “Either you are growing or you are already deteriorating. There is no middle ground.” However, he said, “Downturns are opportunities for creative leadership,” encouraging churches to “seek the Lord of the harvest for His plan for growth.” And extraordinary growth is happening in some churches, said Brewer, pointing to both Christ the King, Lakeland, and Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo, as examples. The diocese’s new church plant, Bethesda in Lake Nona, now has 45 regular wor-

shipers, Brewer said, and “plans are underway for the diocese to partner with (Church of the) Ascension to release Father Matt Ainsley to plant All Souls in a new community near Winter Garden called Horizon West.” But Brewer cautioned his audience to look beyond numerical growth. “Faithfulness to Jesus is what ultimately matters,” he said, still emphasizing that “the Jesus we worship has sent and continues to send His disciples out into the harvest field,” particularly in areas of population growth.

Changes at Canterbury

Brewer then introduced Chalmers Morse, new director of Canterbury Retreat & Conference Morse Center in Oviedo, who “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!” Brewer said.

Changes Across Differences

Change also took place at the de-

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2019 DIOCESAN CONVENTION nomination’s General Convention last summer in Texas, Brewer said, commending the diocesan team which, he said, was “at the hub … in organizing and meeting with Communion Partner leaders as well as working ‘across the aisle’ on especially contentious issues.”

The bishop did go over his own B012 implementation plan, which the task force has recommended the diocese adopt. It includes four main points, all in line with the resolution.

Brewer again urged the diocese toward unity: “We want to find a way to remain together even in the face of theological disagreements, trusting that others (perhaps those who come Brewer made special note of the Genafter us) will find a way to fix the placeral Convention’s passage of B012, es of our disunity.” which requires provision in every Brewer also noted the important role diocese for the availability of samesome of Central Florida’s people—insex marriage. “The resolution, while cluding Rev. José Rodriguez, leader affirming gay marriage, honors the of the diocese’s Hispanic Commisconscience of the diocesan bishop, sion—played in urging the Generwho bears the responsibility of deal Convention to make good on its fining what it means to be ‘one with promise to be a fully bilingual church. the apostles’ and the charge to ‘guard He called it “an honor” to stand with the faith, unity and discipline of the them in making their case and noted church,’” he said. that “they were heard!” At last year’s Diocesan Convention, Brewer called for a task force to examine the theological and pastoral issues surrounding this issue, a group that has now completed its report. Rather than discussing the report’s lengthy contents, Brewer invited participants to a gathering for this purpose at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21, at Church of the Ascension, Orlando.

Points of Emphasis

After an insightful 360 Review with Lyle Wells of Integrus in Austin, Texas, the clergy staff has been working to “redefine how we lead,” Brewer said. Their three points of emphasis for 2019 state that they will continue to:

1. Underscore

the centrality of mission in the Diocese of Central Florida.

Brewer’s hope for the previous night’s revival meeting was to “set a future pace, not just offer a one-time event.” He urged his audience to consider “How might our Sunday morning worship services and our day-to-day programs be reshaped so that more and more people have the opportunity to say yes to him?”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, ORLANDO

2. Underscore an

approach to both the raising up of leaders as well as developing the life of our congregations that is genuinely multicultural. Brewer said, “I

am not talking about becoming colorblind, but color diverse,” pointing to those clergy leaders now in place who do not represent the majority race of the congregations they serve. “How will [diverse races] know they are welcome unless we extend the invitation, and people are there to greet them who look like them?”

3. Provide additional sup-

port, training and encouragement for our clergy, who often feel isolated and alone.

Brewer said this is one of his highest priorities because “if clergy do their job well, it hurts as well as heals.” He quoted Eugene Peterson in describing the ministerial vocation as “a storm,” intended to “expose our lives to the brooding, hovering wind and spirit of God.”

Bishop Greg Brewer’s convention address covered growth in the church – both in new plants and existing churches, as well as new ordained clergy.

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Father Matt Ainsley, assistant to the rector at Church of the Ascension in Orlando, held an informational meeting for All Souls Church in Horizon West in late February. Ainsley will be rector at All Souls.

Forward in Mission

In recognition of this truth, Brewer said, he is accepting the diocese’s provision of a sabbatical, part of which will be spent in England and Ireland. He and his wife, Laura Lee, will leave April 1 and return at the end of June. His hope for the sabbatical, Brewer said, is “to have my life changed, to know more about the intimate and life-altering power of Jesus Christ and come away with a clearer understanding of how God wants me to spend the last five years of my episcopate.” He added, “We all need to pray and hope that both our personal lives and the lives of our congregations are changed by the power of the Holy Spirit as we continue to move forward in mission together. It is an adventure not for the faint of heart. But God promises that as we wait on him, ‘We will rise up with wings as eagles. We shall run and not be weary; we shall walk and not faint.’”

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

2019 DIOCESAN CONVENTION

Diocese Celebrates Convention’s Close with ‘After-Church Outdoor Lunch’ 4 Rivers, retired executive chef combine talents By Marti Pieper

“A Sunday after-church outdoor lunch.”

That was the vision Bishop Greg Brewer had for the meal after this year’s 50th Annual Diocesan Convention, and that was the vision Deacon John Clark of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal in Titusville carried out to perfection.

lark, a retired executive chef whose culinary gifts have blessed the diocese in multiple ways, contributed his expertise to the meal Clark that concluded Saturday’s convention activities. He and Brewer agreed that the lunch should take place outside under a tent.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, second from left, is all smiles during the post-convention luncheon at Trinity Prep. Seated to Curry’s right is Bishop Greg Brewer.

baked beans, macaroni and cheese, yeast rolls, beef brisket and pulled pork. At Clark’s direction, 4 Rivers added oranges to the coleslaw for some Florida flair and incorporated multiple cheeses into its tradiA bluegrass band tional macaroni and cheese. performed for guests Desserts (also prepared at during the post-conClark’s direction) included vention luncheon. oh-so-Southern Moon Pies and melt-in-your-mouth lemon bars.

After that, the choice of 4 Rivers Catering was an easy one, Clark said. “Johnny Rivers is a faithful Christian known for running his business on Christian principles,” he said. “His company’s headquarters is in Winter Park, so using 4 Rivers just made sense.”

The luncheon atmosphere proved as welcoming as the food. Moderate temperatures greeted attendees as they made their way from Trinity Preparatory School’s Education Center to the large white tent set up at Chapel Point, adjacent to the parking area. Tables adorned with white cloths; small, rounded vases filled with informal bouquets and river stones; and signs bearing the name of diocesan churches added to the casual family feel. Before long, the strains of bluegrass music sounded from one end of the tent, where a local band shared its talents.

Clark met with the 4 Rivers team to add his own special touches to the barbecue buffet menu for which 4 Rivers has earned its fame. “We wanted to add some uniquely Southern dishes” Clark said, “So, people would have the experience of what a real Southern family would eat after church.” Luncheon guests had the opportunity to select from a buffet that included coleslaw, collard greens,

Dr. Lorraine Harris of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Orlando said she thought the luncheon was “wonderful” in every way. “The lines moved well,” she said, noting the abundance of food—even enough for some people to have second helpings. But Harris’ favorite element was the fellowship. “There are people you don’t get to see until convention time,” she said.

14 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

ABOVE RIGHT: Conventioneers enjoyed a “Sunday after-church outdoor lunch” following the 50th Annual Diocesan Convention on Feb. 2. The meal was catered by 4 Rivers Catering and featured Southern-style food, including barbecue, coleslaw, collard greens, and more.

“I enjoyed spending time with them.” Ellen Schwark, senior warden of Holy Presence, DeLand, who attended the luncheon with friends from her church, agreed. “It was beautifully done,” she said. As for 4 Rivers, “They couldn’t have chosen better.” Since the company is known for its barbecue, she affirmed the buffet offerings of vegetarian and plant-based choices. Like Harris, Schwark and her friends sat with people from elsewhere in the diocese, and she enjoyed the fellowship this arrangement afforded. “We Episcopalians tend to stick with our own, and mixing it up was great.” But the Very Rev. David Bumsted, rector of Emmanuel Orlando and dean of the Central Deanery, may have summed up the post-convention meal best. “It was … a really nice time after a couple of days of hard work at the convention.” PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ERICK PEREZ/CFE

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2019 DIOCESAN CONVENTION

Trinity Prep Hosts Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, center front, poses with students and others at a private event at Trinity Prep.

By Jon-Paul Wimer and Jeff Gardenour Baptist Church in Orlando.

he independent college prep and Episcopal Church-affiliated Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park welcomed a celebrity guest speaker on Friday, Feb. 1: The Most Reverend Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church in the United States. Invited by the Diocese of Central Florida to participate in its 50th Annual Convention the weekend of Feb. 1-2, Curry spoke to Trinity Prep students, faculty and staff during a special, private event in the school’s auditorium. The event preceded Curry’s evening sermon at the “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” Revival at First

Trinity Prep’s 850-plus students enjoyed the extraordinary opportunity to engage with a captivating figure both within The Episcopal Church and overall within the Christian religion. Curry is very well-known around the world as he notably pro-

vided the sermon in the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and officiated George H.W. Bush’s funeral in 2018. Curry’s 20-minute long speech focused on love. He talked about how and why we should care for and love everyone, even when it feels hard to do, sometimes. He explained in depth about how powerful love is. The presiding bishop also told great

stories, one of which happened to be about the “tiny wedding,” as he jokingly called it, that he preached at in May of 2018. Of course, he was referring to the royal wedding at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom. After the royal wedding and returning to the U.S., Curry was interviewed by TMZ, known for its celebrity and entertainment news. Curry was asked, “Since you preached about love in that wedding and said that love is the way for all of us, our younger audience wants to know, can it really work?” “No one asked me that question, yet,” said Curry, in response to the TMZ reporter. “I had to stop and think a little more deeply. And I remembered saying to them, ‘It’s the only thing that has ever worked.’

“If you think of love as just a sentiment, it is hard to see how it has great impact,” Curry said. “However, if you understand that sentiment leads to commitment, a commitment to seek the good, the welfare, the well-being of the other, even before sometimes your own self-interest, that is a commitment to what is good, what is gracious, what is kind, what is just, and what is decent. If you understand that, love is the only thing; it’s the only way that has ever changed anybody for anything for the good.” Although media were not allowed due to a limited amount of space, Trinity Prep did livestream the event on Facebook. The archived footage can be seen at its Facebook page (@TrinityPrepFL). Curry made a short appearance at the Diocesan Convention’s second day of activities on Saturday, Feb. 2, at Trinity Prep. He met with and posed for photos with conventioneers at the post-convention luncheon. Curry then delivered the sermon at The Cathedral of St. Luke in downtown Orlando on Sunday, Feb. 3, to conclude his trip to Central Florida. The 65-year-old Curry became the first African-American bishop of The Episcopal Church in 2015. He turns 66 on March 13.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry acknowledges the huge crowd that showed up to hear him speak on Feb. 1 at Trinity Prep.

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– Jon-Paul (JP) Wimer is Marketing & Communications Manager for Trinity Prep in Winter Park. CFE Editorial Director Jeff Gardenour contributed to this story.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

2019 DIOCESAN CONVENTION

Diocese Announces Appointments, Election Results, Awards, More The 50th ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION

Business session held Feb. 2 at Trinity Park, Winter Park GENERAL APPOINTMENTS

APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY Sarah Caprani

APPOINTMENT OF CHANCELLOR The Honorable Council Wooten, Jr.

APPOINTMENT OF CO-CHANCELLOR The Honorable William A. Grimm

DEANERY ELECTIONS

SOUTHEAST DEANERY: Rev. Garry Edwards, Dean (3-yr. term) CENTRAL DEANERY: Krisita Jackson, President (3-year term) NORTHWEST DEANERY: Rev. John Kelly, Dean (3-year term)

ELECTED OFFICERS

STANDING COMMITTEE Rev. Jason A. Murbarger, Clerical Order (4-year term) Sonya Shannon, Lay Order (3-year term) DIOCESAN BOARD Rev. Jose Rodriguez, Clerical Order (3-year term) Sue Grosso, Lay Order (3-year term) Paul Lagassey, Lay Order (3-year term) TRUSTEE, UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH Frank B. Gummey, III, Lay Order (3-year term)

CLERGY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEWLY ORDAINED DEACONS Rev. Nina Bolton, St. Peter’s, Lake Mary Rev. B.J. Buracker, All Saints’, Chevy Chase, Maryland Rev. Marcus Johnson, St. Mark’s, Glen Ellyn, Illinois Rev. Jared Jones, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Melbourne Rev. Palmer Kennedy, Ascension, Lafayette, Louisiana Rev. Raleigh Langley, St. Francis, Harrods Creek, Kentucky Rev. Caroline Miller, Grace, Ocala Rev. Robert Osborne, Jesus de Nazaret, Orlando Rev. Sara Oxley, Ascension, Orlando Rev. Mallene Stowe, Holy Child, Ormond Beach Rev. Gail Towell, Shepherd of the Hills, Lecanto Rev. Becky Watts, St. Peter’s, Lake Mary — Compiled by Jeff Gardenour

NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS

Rev. Kevin Bartle, St. Mary of the Angels, Orlando Rev. Sean Duncan, St. Paul’s, Shreveport, Louisiana Rev. Greg Favazza, St. Michael’s, Orlando Rev. Kathryn (Katie) Gillett, Christ Church, Pensacola Rev. Rob Griffith, Holy Spirit, Apopka Rev. Kathy Hulin, All Saints’, Lakeland Rev. Ken Nolen, St. Gabriel’s, Titusville Rev. Tom Phillips, Incarnation, Oviedo

CLERGY TRANSITIONS

DEACONS IN NEW POSITIONS Rev. Tom Bankowski, St. Mary’s, Daytona Beach Rev. Becky Chapman, St. Francis, Bushnell Rev. Michael Cannon, St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce Rev. Jim Louttit, Christ Church, Longwood

CLERGY TRANSITONS

Rev. Soner Alexandre, Associate Rector, Messiah, Winter Garden

Rev. Jeremy Bergstrom, Rector, St. Peter’s, Lake Mary Rev. Dee Bright, Rector, Church of Our Savior, Palm Bay Rev. Trey Garland, Rector, Resurrection, Longwood Rev. Cameron MacMillan, Rector, Good Shepherd, Maitland Rev. Rob Moses, Assistant to the Rector, St. Stephen’s, Lakeland

Rev. Charles Myers, Rector-Elect, St. John the Baptist, Orlando Rev. Tim Nunez, Rector, Good Shepherd, Lake Wales

Rev. Cecil Radcliff, Interim Rector, Nativity, Port St. Lucie Rev. Stuart Shelby, Rector, All Saints’, Winter Park Rev. Richard Towers, Chaplain, Trinity Prep, Winter Park

APPOINTMENTS

The Rev. Luis de la Cruz, Canon for Hispanic Ministry

COMMISSION ON MINISTRY

LAY ORDER: Dr. Lorraine Harris, Beverly Jennings, Chip Vanture (4-year-term) CLERICAL ORDER: Rev. Tracy Dugger, Rev. Jonathan French, Rev. Dr. Edward Weiss (4-year-term) CLERICAL ORDER: Rev. Mark Lafler, Rev. Maurice McGee (1-year term)

DISCIPLINARY BOARD

CLERICAL ORDER: Rev. Susan Hansell, Rev. Dave Newhart (3-year term)

LAY ORDER: Susan Shannon (3-year term) LAY ORDER: Genevieve Brathwaite (1-year term)

COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTION AND CANONS CLERICAL ORDER: Rev. Christopher Brathwaite, Rev. Christopher Rodriguez, Rev. Gary Jackson LAY ORDER: William Grimm; Chair; Sid Glynn CONSULTANT: Council Wooten, Chancellor

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

DIOCESAN BOARD CLERICAL ORDER: The Very Rev. Orlando Addison, The Very Rev. George Conger, Rev. Jason Murbarger LAY ORDER: Susan Burley, Heather Rodriguez, Sonya Shannon STANDING COMMITTEE CLERICAL ORDER: Rev. Gary Jackson LAY ORDER: Orman Kimbrough PHOTO BY ERICK PEREZ/CFE

Award recipients, from left, Heather Rodriguez, Rev. Jason Murbarger, Very Rev. Orlando Addison, Orman Kimbrough, Sonya Shannon and Rev. Gary Jackson were all smiles at the Diocesan 50th Annual Convention.

16 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

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50th ANNIVERSARY REVIVAL LEFT: Scores of people line up to receive their wrist bands for the revival. BELOW: Presiding Bishop Michael Curry greets the Rev. Jackie Ponce, second from right, prior to his sermon at the 50th Anniversary “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” Revival.

Thousands of people turned out for the 50th Anniversary “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus” Revival on Feb. 1 at First Baptist Church of Orlando.

RIGHT: Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, left, hugs Bishop Greg Brewer of the Diocese of Central Florida. In the background, Curry’s Spanish translator, Dinorah Padro, left, hugs the Rev. Jackie Ponce. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, right, takes time out for small talk during the pre-revival meal.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, third from left, poses for a shot with a group of attendees of the revival.

ABOVE: Bishop Greg Brewer, standing, talks with revival attendees, including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, right. RIGHT: Rev. Scott T. Holcombe cuts a slice of cake for the Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb prior to the start of the revival.

Singer Tyler Armstrong acknowledges the crowd during the revival’s music service. Deacon Nina Bolton, right, offers her personal testimony, translated by Rev. Jackie Ponce, left, at the revival.

Carrell Andrews praises God in song during the revival’s music service.

ABOVE: Revival attendees pray at First Baptist Church of Orlando.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, right, and Spanish translator Dinorah Padro talk to the crowd at the revival.

LEFT: Sarah Caprani, center, executive assistant to Bishop Greg Brewer, points to the TV sets in the revival “war room.” Deacon John Motis, left, and Marilyn Lang, right, administrative assistant, listen in. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TALKING HEAD STUDIO

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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

CHILDREN & YOUTH A rainbow forms behind the cross at Trout Lake at Camp Wingmann.

Camp Wingmann Ready for a Red-Hot Summer in 2019 Former counselor J.J. Joseph has re-energized the retreat with games, more By Jeff Gardenour

There is a new excitement these days surrounding Camp Wingmann, the popular year-round youth retreat that has welcomed thousands for more than 20 years to its scenic, quiet area in Avon Park.

amp Wingmann, which A 2005 Sebring High graduate, Jooriginally began as seph continued his success at JanCamp Wing-Mann in uary’s Winter Camp 2019. A re1928 and has been locord-setting 64 youth turned out for cated in several towns the three-day event that featured through the years before finally setspiritual discussions, activities and tling in Avon Park in 1998, is entergames, music, good food, worship ing its second year with Camp Direcand more. tor J.J. Joseph. A charismatic youth Joseph, who was hired by Father Bill leader who is a former campYates, current Camp Winger and counselor at Camp mann vicar, is hoping for even Wingmann, he has re-enerbetter results for this year’s gized the camp with a new summer camps. High school marketing and social media camps will be held June 9-14 presence, an array of fun acand July 7-12, midtivities and a bright vision for dle school camps the future. Joseph will be held June Joseph’s presence last year 16-21 and July 14helped draw a whopping 300 youth 19 and elementary school for Wingmann’s six weeklong camps camps on June 23-28 and that ran from mid-June to late July. July 21-26. Registration was The camps had a spiritual theme, scheduled to be available were age-specific and drew a number online March 1 at: www. of godly leaders. There were camps campwingmann.org designed for elementary, middle Kayaking is one of the many fun school and high school youth.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CAMP WINGMANN

In anticipation of another huge turnout for the 2019 summer camps, Joseph took time out to discuss the success of Camp Wingmann and how youth keep returning to learn more about the Lord in this fun-filled environment:

How have things gone in your first full year as Camp Wingmann winter/summer camp director? My first full year has been a year of learning, observing and visioning. I love being here with my family and watching my two sons grow up in such an amazing place. I’ve been able to observe how the camp operates,

Kids have fun on break at Camp Wingmann.

witness the things that make it great and note the areas we want to work on to make it even greater. Our camp-sponsored events have seen higher numbers of participants, which we are really excited about.

What are some of the changes you are seeing among campers as camps are held? Attendance, different topics, more engagement in questions about the Lord?

Youth had a blast tubing last summer at Camp Wingmann.

outdoor activities for youth at Camp Wingmann’s summer camps.

18 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

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CHILDREN & YOUTH

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CAMP WINGMANN

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 also in other events like our winter camp and New Beginnings. 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.

You had a very successful summer camp in 2018? What are your goals for this summer with the popular weeklong camps? Anything different than past summers?

Our past summer was fantastic. We had so many parents email, call or leave reviews on our social media saying how (last) year was the best summer their kids experienced. Our goals moving forward are to get even

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more participation by connecting with our local community, enhancing some of our current activities and adding one more fun activity to the camp this coming summer just as we did with Gaga ball this last summer.

Why do you think so many youth keep coming back year after year to Camp Wingmann? They come back because of the community they’re able to be a part of at camp. 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 the goal of growing in their faith. Our counselors are another reason 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.

How would you say teaching youth about the Lord is different than teaching adults about Him? The biggest difference in teaching youth about the Lord and teaching adults about the Lord is being able to allow them to see the gospel through their lenses. Adults and youth experience a lot of the same emotions, but what stimulates those emotions for adults and youth are drastically different. With youth, you talk about school, and with adults, you talk about work. With youth, you talk about a break-up, and with adults, you talk about divorce. The key is to be honest, transparent and allow them to see Jesus is with them in the midst of it all.

What have been some of the most positive things to come out of Camp Wingmann over the years? The most positive thing to come out

2 3 4 5 6

Counselors and staff enjoy a relaxing moment at Camp Wingmann. Two youth enjoy the hula hoop activity at Camp Wingmann. Youth take time for some spiritual guidance at Camp Wingmann. Three youth enjoy a fun moment at Camp Wingmann. A Camp Wingmann staffer instructs a youth how to shoot a bow and arrow. A youth has fun on a ropes activity

Camp Wingmann. are atthe people whom camp helps to KidsFrom take time outcampers mold. the 7 Camp Wingmann.for a snack atwho grew up to be incredible adults or the staff who grew into the leaders of tomorrow, there’s no other group that I would have wanted to mold me than the leadership and peers I’ve encountered while serving at Camp Wingmann. Additionally, some of the most positive things to happen at camp are the moments carried by campers who experienced Jesus here, who baptized their children here and who even got married here.

of Camp Wingmann over the years

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

CHILDREN & YOUTH Youth prepare for the start of a Gaga ball game at Camp Wingmann. Gaga ball is the camp’s most popular activity.

Wingmann’s Winter Camp Draws RecordSetting Turnout

quires NEW thinking. A weekend of RENEWAL.” Joseph said the theme’s verse to remember for the campers was Romans 12:2 (NLT): “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

By Jeff Gardenour

ore than five dozen youth started the new year in record-setting style at Camp Wingmann, establishing a new attendance record while learning about the Lord at Winter Camp 2019.

Five guest speakers gave talks during the threeday event, including Etienne Doucet, youth director of Grace Bible Church in Sebring, who spoke on opening day. The first day of camp on Jan. 4 began with lunch at noon followed by a staff activity at 12:30 p.m.

Friendships form easily at Camp Wingmann camps.

Sixty-four youth of various ages turned for the annual event Jan. 4-6 at the spacious retreat in Avon Park, located about 1 ½ hours south of downtown Orlando. A total of 24 volunteers –kitchen workers, musicians, speakers and counselors – helped ensure the camp’s success. “This year’s Winter Camp was amazing,” said Camp Wingmann youth camp director J.J. Joseph. “Our participation was the highest it’s ever been, and we’ve definitely picked up steam.” Joseph, a former Camp Wingmann camper and counselor hired by Father Bill Yates before the start of the 2018 season, said organizers decided to take this year’s camp to the next level. “We brought more energy and finesse to our sessions that allowed for the kids to both have fun while being challenged to live their lives for Jesus,” Joseph said. “At Winter Camp, we try to pack as many summer camp activities as we can into one weekend, so we did both high and low ropes, field sports and relays, Gaga ball, canteen and more.”

Kids gather around a campfire for s’mores at this year’s Winter Camp.

below the knee. Competitors are forced to dodge, strike, run and jump during the fast-paced game until there is just one person standing. “Gaga ball has literally taken over the camp since its introduction this summer,” Joseph said. “The kids just can’t get enough. But I would say that the highlight of the weekend was our night by the bonfire, where the kids had s’mores and looked at the stars with some very sophisticated telescopes provided by one of our volunteers. The kids really enjoyed that!” Campers also learned a lot about the Lord through the Winter Camp theme of “New Year, New Mindset.” The official flyer stated: “The new you re-

The big sports event was Gaga ball, which has become hugely popular at Wingmann. Gaga, a Hebrew word that translates to “touch-touch,” is a spinoff of dodgeball in which players hit the ball at each other with their hands in an effort to strike someone on or PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CAMP WINGMANN

20 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

A high ropes crash course followed at 1:15 p.m., along with the prep of cabins with water heaters, decoration of posters and photo backdrop production. Campers began making posters at 3 p.m. , followed by registration for Yates Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. Dinner was served at 6:15 p.m. Rules and introductions were discussed at 7:15 p.m., followed by Olympics at 7:30 p.m. Campers played Gaga ball with glow-in-the-dark balls at 8 p.m. A night canteen followed at 8:15 p.m. Program No. 1 in Yates Hall then began with an activity/game at 9 p.m., followed by music at 9:15 p.m. Doucet then gave a talk at 9:25 p.m. on “What Is the New You mindset? (All Things New. “Therefore if any person is [engrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!” (2 Cor. 5:17, AMPC). Campers then engaged in small-group discussion at 9:40 p.m. Compline (chapel) followed at 10 p.m., then cabin time, devotions and sleep at 10:45 p.m. On Jan. 5, campers rose early for an 8 a.m. breakfast. Morning prayer in the chapel followed at 9 a.m. Program No. 2 then followed in Yates Hall, with an activity/game at 9:30 a.m. and music at 9:45 a.m. Youth gather for worship at this year’s Winter Camp.

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CHILDREN & YOUTH Former camp assistant director Ashley White then presented Talk No. 2 on “You Become What You Think” at 9:55 a.m. The camp flyer stated: “For as [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7, NKJV). “As we learned yesterday, anyone who comes into a relationship with Jesus receives a new heart and must guard it. However, the mind of man must now be renewed daily with the Word of God,” White said. Following the talk, campers broke into small groups for discussion at 10:10 a.m. Camp-wide photos were then taken at the cross at 10:30 a.m. Youth then played kickball at 10:45 a.m. and hit the low ropes at 11:15 a.m. Lunch then was served at noon. Campers then had cabin time and rest time between 1 and 2 p.m. before hitting the high ropes. Winter Olympics-themed competitions then were held at 4 p.m. Program No. 3 at Yates Hall then began with an activity/game at 5 p.m., followed by music at 5:15 p.m. and Talk No. 3 at 5:25 p.m., “A Renewed Mind Aligns You with the Will of God” by former camp counselor Daniel Buchelle. The camp flyer stated: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of A camper has a blast on the ropes activity during Winter Camp.

Two youth are all smiles during Winter Camp.

God” (Rom. 12:2, NKJV). Small-group discussions followed at 5:40 p.m., and then dinner at 6 p.m. A riff-off battle was held at 7 p.m. followed by a night canteen at 7:30 p.m. Program No. 4 at Yates Hall then began, with an activity/game at 8 p.m. and music at 8:15 p.m. Talk No. 4 on “Thoughts Produce Desire à Action” was presented at 8:25 p.m. by former camp counselor Danielle Little. The camp flyer stated, “So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands. For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature]” (Rom. 7:21-22, AMPC). “The Apostle Paul is writing about the inner struggle we all face in life: the struggle of having a desire to do things we don’t want to do, yet finding it hard to do the things we know are right,” Little said. “A constant battle rages between the flesh and the spirit. Our born-again spirit desires to commune with God, to pray, praise and worship, but our desires and appetites are constantly bombarded by images on TV, movies and social media. We have information coming at us from every side, and we literally must fight to get quiet times. The spirit man in us has to be fed spiritual food, which comes through worship, prayer, praise and reading our Bibles or other Christian materials in our quiet times. However, the enemy of our souls knows that he cannot touch our spirit because the Holy Spirit lives there; instead, he tries to appeal to our natural senses. He draws us by making things look, sound,

feel, taste and smell nice so we can be drawn away from the reality of what is important, and that is our relationship with God.” Youth then broke into small groups for discussion at 8:40 p.m. They had Compline (chapel) and received T-shirts at 9 p.m. After that, they enjoyed a bonfire with s’mores and an astronomy activity at 10 p.m. Campers then did their devotions and went to sleep at 10:30 p.m. On the final day, Jan. 6, youth rose at 8:30 a.m. for cabin clean-up before breakfast at 9 a.m. They then participated in a time of worship before talk No. 5 at 10 a.m. on “You Are a Thought Away from Change” by former camp counselor Cydney Babione. The camp flyer stated: “For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]” (Phil. 4:8, AMPC). “Many, if not all of us, would like change to come to our lives, but if we are honest, we would prefer change to happen with a quick fix,” Babione said. “However, some issues in our lives can be deep-rooted from years of a flawed belief pattern, and the only way change could come is to first change our thought pattern; renewing your mind daily, your life will follow your thoughts.” Campers then split into small groups for discussion before attending Eucharist, with Yates as celebrant, in the chapel. Youth then took time out to write letters to themselves. A Winter Fiesta featuring Gaga ball, cornhole, football, music, lawn twister, photo booth, basketball and more was held at 11:30 a.m. Lunch then was held in Yates Hall at 12:30 p.m. Campers returned to Yates Hall at 2 p.m. for their final goodbyes, followed by a parent program. A staff powwow to reflect was then held at 2:30 p.m. Youth have a fun moment at Camp Wingmann’s Winter Camp in January.

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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

CENTRALFLORIDAEPISCOPALIAN en español

NOTICIAS DE LA DIÓCESIS EPISCOPAL DE LA FLORIDA CENTRAL • WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG • Volumen 121, Núm. 2 • marzo-abril 2019 Por Jeff El obispo Curry energiza el Gardenour avivamiento del 50 aniversario, dice que “sigan diciendo sí a Jesús”

inieron en autobuses y en auto para ser parte de la energía de un evento que no solo conmemoró un aniversario de oro, el cual, revitalizó el compromiso de la gente con Jesucristo. En una noche histórica que trajo una multitud récord de más de 4,000 a la Primera Iglesia Bautista de Orlando (First Baptist Orlando), el obispo presidente Michael Curry electrificó la audiencia del viernes 1 de febrero e instó a “Seguir diciéndole sí a Jesús”, el tema de la 50.a Convención Diocesana Anual. Curry, quien se convirtió en una celebridad mundial en mayo pasado cuando el sermón en la boda real del príncipe Harry y Meghan Markle, enfatizó “el poder de amor ”y provocó vítores, ovaciones y más. La presencia de Curry jugó un papel importante en atraer a una multitud que estableció un récord para la mayoría de las personas en un renacimiento episcopaliano en el estado de Florida y muy posiblemente en la nación, según el Reverendisimo Gregory O. Brewer, obispo de la Diócesis de Florida Central. En declaraciones a la diócesis, “agradezco a Dios por ti”, dijo Curry, cuya humildad y gracia han sido en su estilo de hablar, han enamorado a muchos en todo el mundo. “Doy gracias a Dios por tu testimonio, por el amor, El camino liberador y vivificante de Jesús”. Predicando en frases cortas con la traductora en español Dinorah Padro a su lado, Curry luego se

Miles asistieron a escuchar al Obispo Presidente Michael Curry en el avivamiento.

dirigio a la multitud: “Rezo para que este avivamiento comience, comience, catalice, prenda fuego, por otros 50 años que ilumina la Florida Central ... que ilumina la Florida ... que ilumina el Sureste ... e ilumine América ... e ilumine el mundo. Dios los bendiga, Dios los bendiga. “Feliz cumpleaños, Florida Central”, dijo Curry. Y a todos los que se han reunido aquí esta noche. Dios te ama y Dios te bendiga “. Curry puso en marcha su sermón al hablar de 2 Corintios 5, donde habla el apóstol Pablo El ministerio de reconciliación: “Porque el amor de Cristo nos impulsa, porque estamos convencidos de que uno ha muerto por todos; por eso todos han muerto. Y murió por todos, para que los que viven no vivan más por ellos mismos, sino por el que murió y resucitó por ellos. “De aquí en adelante, por lo tanto, no consideramos a nadie desde un punto de vista humano; a pesar de que una vez conocíamos a Cristo desde un punto de vista humano, ya no lo conocemos de esa manera. Así que si alguien está en Cristo, hay una nueva creación: todo lo viejo ha pasado; mira, todo se ha convertido ¡nuevo! Todo esto es de Dios, quien nos reconcilió consigo mismo a través de Cristo, y nos ha dado el ministerio de reconciliación ” (2 Cor. 5: 14-18).

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El obispo Michael Curry, a la derecha, y su traductora de español, Dinorah Padro, saludan a la multitud en el Renacimiento “Sigue diciendo sí a Jesús” en el 50 aniversario de la Primera Iglesia Bautista de Orlando.

Curry luego lo simplificó para la audiencia, como lo hace famoso, antes de reforzar el mensaje de amor: “Creo que hay algo aquí. Déjame decirlo de esta manera. El amor de cristo. Este amor es la única forma. No hay otra manera. No necesitamos otra manera. Este amor es todo lo que necesitamos. Es una forma de un nuevo yo, y de un nuevo yo”, dijo Curry. “Es una forma de una nueva Florida, una nueva América, un mundo nuevo, una nueva creación. Este amor es lo verdaderamente bueno “. Curry, un descendiente de esclavos y aparceros del sur profundo, luego relató un Viejo dicho de esclavos: “Los antiguos esclavos lo dirían de esta manera:” Si no puedes predicar como Pedro, y no puedes orar como Pablo, simplemente habla del amor de Jesús y cómo Dios nos salvará a todos “. El obispo presidente explicó la importancia de la reconciliación de Dios y con cada uno de nosotros, citando el popular programa de televisión “Survivor” y un documental de la CNN sobre Ruth Bader Ginsburg antes de terminar la noche hablando de su nueva celebridad de la boda real y unfascinante, momento de transformación entre el fallecido jugador de béisbol Jackie Robinson y el gerente general de los Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey. Por favor vea REVIVAL, página 24

Página 23: Columna del Obispo Brewer • Página 24: Calendario de visitas del Obispo Brewer • Página 25: La 50ª Convención Diocesana rinde homenaje a los obispos fundadores

22 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

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OBISPO BREWER

El Trabajo del avivamiento continua Más allá de un evento Por Obispo Gregory O. Brewer

Nuestro avivamiento, “Sigue diciendo sí a Jesús”, se mantendrá en q

sta afirmación vino de la oficina del Obispo Presidente Michael Curry, quien predicó el sermón del avivamiento. El obispo Curry y su equipo dijeron que era el mejor avivamiento que habían sido parte en cuanto a organización, hospitalidad, música y local. El obispo Curry nos dijo: “Nuestra oficina hace estos [avivamientos], y esto es mejor que cualquier cosa que tengamos hecho.” Recibimos todo esto como un gran cumplido y un profundo desafío.

Vale la pena el trabajo

El avivamiento fue un trabajo duro. Se requirieron cientos de voluntarios junto con incontables horas de oración y la planificación. Pero Dios honró los esfuerzos que hicimos. Una de nuestras oraciones fue por la participación diocesana completa, y ninguna iglesia quedó sin representación. Nosotros tuvimos al menos 30 autobuses que trajeron personas al renacimiento, a veces para una sola iglesia y otras por dos o más iglesias que iban juntas. Cuando se cerró el servicio, varias personas acudieron a orar, lo que significa que Dios usó el avivamiento para tocar profundamente sus corazones. También significó que la tarde valió todo el trabajo que pusimos en ello. En todos los lugares a los que he ido, la gente ha expresado su alegría por la forma en que resultó el avivamiento. No pudieron pensar en una mejor manera de conmemorar el 50 aniversario de la diócesis, y estábamos encantados de que hiciéramos algo tan grande tan bien. Les hizo sentirse orgullosos de ser parte de la Diócesis de la Florida Central y de la Iglesia Episcopal.

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Pero este evento, como he dicho desde su inicio, nunca fue pensado para ser solo un evento. No era solamente un momento en el que podríamos celebrar juntos; no era solo el vehículo que Dios usó para tocar a las personas, aunque ambas cosas eran ciertas. En cambio, el renacimiento “Sigue diciendo sí a Jesús” fue destinado a ser una invitación para que nuestras congregaciones locales sean más evangelísticas. Espero que las congregaciones examinen lo que hacen los domingos, especialmente, y digan, “¿Qué podríamos hacer para que nuestros servicios sean más accesibles? ¿Qué podemos hacer para alcanzar más y darles la bienvenida a más personas a la vida de nuestra comunidad? ¿Qué podemos hacer para ser más claros en como proclamamos el evangelio? ¿Y qué le decimos a la gente sobre lo que significa mantener decirle sí a Jesús? De aquí en adelante, cualquier seguimiento debe surgir de las congregaciones episcopales locales; formulando preguntas como estas en su propio contexto, en sus comunidades. Eso puede variar de lugar a lugar. De hecho, el avivamiento en sí, estaba destinado a reflejar el contexto local de la Florida Central en todo, desde selecciones musicales hasta participantes. Si tuviéramos una reunión de avivamiento en Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, o en Boston, Massachusetts, podríamos hacer algunas cosas de manera diferente. Pero estuvimos allí para celebrar nuestros 50 años juntos como la Diócesis de la Florida Central. Entonces, al igual que tratamos de reflejar hacia un contexto local, ¿cómo una iglesia en una comunidad local piensa en lo que puede hacer? Las preguntas y respuestas de seguimiento del avivamiento deben provenir de nuestras congregaciones locales: “Sí, eso fue un avivamiento, pero ¿qué podemos aprender de esto? “” ¿Cómo podemos crear un una cultura evangelistica en nuestra iglesia local?

Claves para el éxito

Obispo Greg Brewer

Lo principal que espero que la gente vió, tanto en lo personal como en la música, fue una diversidad de raza, edad, y cultura. Queríamos que todos los que vinieron a este avivamiento tuvieran el sentido de «Personas como yo están incluidas. Personas como yo son bienvenidas «. Sí, hay un paralelo definido sobre cómo una congregación local debería pensar en llegar a las poblaciones de su comunidad. “¿Cómo podemos construir esos puentes?” Es lo que deberían preguntarse. No importa quién seas en la comunidad local, puedes venir a la Iglesia Episcopal y tener un sentido de que, sí, «hay personas como yo aquí, así que soy bienvenido aqui». He dicho una y otra vez que las claves del éxito del avivamiento fueron la oración, el liderazgo y un equipo fuerte y solidario. Y creo que eso también es cierto en una iglesia local. Si una iglesia quiere crecer y desarrollarse, necesita tener esas tres cosas en su lugar: oración, liderazgo y un fuerte, equipo de apoyo. Que Dios bendiga nuestros esfuerzos por «Seguir diciéndole sí a Jesús» a medida que, a lo largo de nuestra diócesis, busquemos alcanzar a los demás con el amor redentor de Cristo. Gracia a ustedes,

Obispo Greg Brewer

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

2019 CONVENCIÓN DIOCESANA REVIVAL, de la página 22

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Robinson, cuyo cumpleaños número 100 se celebró el 31 de enero, se hizo famoso por quebrar la barrera de color de las grandes ligas de béisbol. Fue firmado por Rickey, un hombre devotamente religioso que quería para traer a todos los mejores jugadores del juego a las grandes ligas.

Curry mencionó el primer encuentro de Rickey con

Robinson y lo que le dijo al talentoso atleta: “Hay quienes te van a odiar, pero no puedes odiarlos . Pueden haber esos quien te llamarán nimbers insultantes y te harán daño. Pero no puedes llamarles nombres y hacerles daño. Dios no lo quiera,puede haber quienes te hagan daño físico. Pero no puedes contraatacarlos. “Y en ese momento, Robinson se puso de pie y miró a Branch Rickey y dijo:” Sólo quieres un negro que tenga miedo de contraatacar “. Y luego Rickey dijo:” Quiero un gran jugador de pelota que tenga el coraje de no contraatacar, al igual que nuestro Salvador, Jesucristo “. Pero Curry dijo que el momento crucial llegó minutos después cuando Rickey sacó un libro de la enseñanzas de Jesús y lea, “Ama al Señor nuestro Dios. Ama a tu prójimo como a ti mismo. Jackie.luego extendió su mano, y esos dos hombres se dieron la mano. Estaban siguiendo el camino de el amor que Jesús enseña. El inspirador sermón de Curry siguió a una presentación hablada del director musical Josh Head, varios discursos breves de Brewer, un testimonio personal de la diácona Nina Bolton y una Declaración del Reverendo José Rodríguez. Head supervisó una celebración musical conmovedora, que incluyó una ovación de pie después de la rendicion de Kimberly Milton quien canto un arreglo de Moses Hogan de la cancion “Give Me Jesus” con el acompañamiento de Timothy Hearn.

siono a Brewer. “Pensé que era una gran gozo “, dijo Brewer sobre el éxito de la convención de dos días que terminó el sábado, febrero 2, con elecciones, discursos y presentaciones. “Todos con los que hablé estaban tan entusiasmados sobre el calibre de la música, el discurso del obispo presidente. Fue sólo una celebración de la cosas maravillosas que están sucediendo aquí ”. Curry dijo que pensaba que era maravilloso que el avivamiento diocesano demostrara ser un record uno en términos de participación. “Hay dos cosas sobre eso”, dijo después del avivamiento. “Uno, realmente refleja la vida que está aquí. Realmente hay vida en el Espíritu. Y Dios está vivo en este lugar. Y eso ha estado ocurriendo. Creo que eso lo refleja. Y creo que el obispo Brewer ha sido realmente intencional de ayudarnos a llamarnos a seguir a Jesús, y hacer que esa sea la pieza central de nuestra vida.” El obispo presidente dijo que el mensaje de Brewer de “Sigue diciendo sí a Jesús” es similar a su mensaje del poder del amor, pero “hay una ventaja práctica en ello. Tienes que seguir diciendo Sí a Jesús. Lo dices una vez, y tienes que seguir diciéndolo y seguir diciéndolo. Lo dije al final, cuando dije: “Ahora, cuando vayas a trabajar mañana: sigue diciendo sí a Jesús”.

“Kimberly Milton es una cantante de ópera premiada basada en la iglesia Episcopal de St. Paul en Winter

Este renacimiento es el último de muchos que Curry ha tenido y que se ha convertido en parte de un Nuevo movimiento evangelístico en la Iglesia Episcopal, en el cual las personas están contactandose con otros e invitándoles a conocer a Jesús.

Haven “, dijo Head. “Nunca olvidaré escucharla cantar por primera vez en la instalación de mi padre (P. Paul Head) como rector de ST. Paul. También soy cantante de ópera, y su instrumento expresivo me dejó sin aliento. Más que su arte, sin embargo, aprecio su amistad. Es una amiga muy alentadora “.

“Como cristianos, sentimos nuestra fe”, dijo Curry. “(Pero) no lo hacemos de manera grosera o de espíritu mezquino o con malas presunciones sobre las religiones de otras personas. Tu quieres decirle a alguien mas. Usted quiere saber, “¿Cómo actúa el Señor en su vida?”

La música, los discursos, el sermón de Curry, inpre-

“Creo que lo que está sucediendo es que hay un

24 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

Una gran multitud acudió a escuchar al Obispo Presidente Michael Curry en el avivamiento.

FOTO PROPORCIONADAS POR TALKING HEAD STUDIO

sentido de (en lo qué) se está convirtiendo el evangelismo”, dijo Curry. “YO creo que llegará el momento en que es normal para nosotros. Eso lleva un tiempo; Crecí en la Iglesia episcopal. No te puedo decir que es normal para nosotros. Pero ahora, estoy escuchando a los episcopales comenzar a decir, “¿Cómo lo hago de tal manera que mi vida sea un testigo? ¿Cómo invito a otros a una relación con Jesucristo? “ El impacto de Curry en el evangelismo y la Iglesia Episcopal se está sintiendo a lo largo y ancho. “Él ha hecho una gran trabajo “, dijo Krisita Jackson, una parroquiana local y presidenta nacional de Hijas del Rey (Daughters of the King). “No sé como lo hace. El ha energizado, revitalizado las iglesias, la Iglesia como un tal. Como dijo el obispo Brewer, ‘hemos estado escuchando más sobre Jesús que antes en nuestra Iglesia. “Es el hombre adecuado para el tiempo”. “Realmente me encantó el obispo presidente”, dijo el padre Bill Yates, director de Camp Wingmann en Avon Park. “Su predicación fue inspiradora, enérgica y divertida. Realmente lo disfruté “.

Calendario de visitas del obispo Brewer 3/3/19

Louisville, KY, St. Francis en los campos (Ordenación del sacerdocio - Raleigh Langley)

3/6/19 Orlando, Catedral (Miércoles de Ceniza) 7/7/19

Oviedo, Canterbury (Junta Ejecutiva del Consejo Nacional de Hijas del Rey)

9/9/19 Chevy Chase, MD, Todos los Santos (Ordenación del sacerdocio - B.J. Buracker) 10/10/19 Chevy Chase, MD, Todos los Santos (Predicador invitado) 18/3/19 Lafayette, LA, Escuela Episcopal de Ascensión (Ordenación del sacerdocio - Palmer Kennedy) 23/3/19 Ocala, Gracia (Ordenaciones del sacerdocio - Caroline Miller y Robert Osborne) 3/24/19 New Smyrna Beach, St. Paul’s 31/3/19 Titusville, St. Gabriel’s Bishop Brewer se encuentra en el año sabático de abril a julio de 2019. Continuará las visitas en agosto de 2019. Consulte www.cfdiocese.org para obtener la lista más actualizada de visitas.

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2019 CONVENCIÓN DIOCESANA

La 50ª convención diocesana rinde homenaje a los obispos fundadores, exulta por un futuro prometedor

FOTO DE ERICK PEREZ / CFE

Por Jeff Gardenour nmediatamente después de un avivamiento energético que dejó a la gente sintiéndose entusiasmada por “Sigue diciendo sí a Jesús”, la Diócesis de la Florida Central concluyó su Convención del 50 aniversario con un sentimiento creciente de optimismo sobre un futuro emocionante. El segundo día de la 50ª Convención Diocesana Anual en el 2 de febrero, atrajo a cientos de personas a Trinity Prep en Winter Park para una visión inspiradora de la primera mitad de siglo de existencia de la diócesis y una mirada a los días prometedores por venir. El discurso del obispo Greg Brewer, que rindió homenaje a los obispos fundadores, honró a varias organizaciones y saludó a los que habían hecho avances en la misión evangelística de la diócesis, destacó el evento. La convención terminó con un almuerzo buffet al estilo del sur que se disfruta en una tienda al aire libre bajo un hermoso y soleado cielo. “Pensé que (toda la convención) fue una gran gozo”, dijo Brewer. “Todos con los que hablé estaban muy entusiasmados con el calibre de la música (en el avivamiento) y el discurso del obispo presidente. Fue una colaboración de las cosas maravillosas que están sucediendo aquí ”. El día comenzó con una celebración de la Santa Eucaristía por el obispo retirado Frank Gray. Brewer luego

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IZQUIERDA: El obispo Greg Brewer da su discurso en la 50ª Convención Diocesana Anual el 2 de febrero en Trinity Prep.

dirigió la adoración de apertura con música dirigida por el Reverendo Canon Josh Bales. Los funcionarios diocesanos agradecieron a Byron Lawson, director de la escuela de Trinity Prep, por organizar el evento. Brewer preparó el escenario para su dirección cuando recitó “Una canción para el cordero” (Dignus es). Brewer luego habló sobre la formación de la Diócesis de Florida Central en 1969. El obispo de la Florida del Sur, Henry I. Louttit se desempeñó como obispo de facto de la Diócesis de Florida Central hasta que el obispo William H. Folwell fue elegido segundo obispo en 1970. Sirvió hasta 1989, seguido por el obispo John W. Howe, quien sirvió desde 1990 -2012. El obispo Brewer, elegido en 2012, dijo que a pesar de que las cosas no han cambiado, también hay cosas que han cambiado. “Tengo que decirles que 2018 ha sido un año de enormes cambios y un ritmo vertiginoso”, dijo.

ENCIMA: El obispo Lloyd Allen, de la Diócesis de Honduras, da un discurso en la 50ª Convención Diocesana Anual.

Ha habido frutos en el proceso de ordenación, donde Brewer dijo que ha ordenado a 147 personas en sus siete años. En 2018, ocho personas fueron ordenadas al sacerdocio, 11 al diaconado. “La edad media de nuestro clero se ha reducido significativamente”, dijo Brewer. “Ahora tenemos más mujeres y más personas de color que prestan servicios en las congregaciones que cuando comencé”. Brewer también reconoció al Rev. Tim Núñez, ex canónigo del Ordinario que dejó el personal diocesano el otoño pasado para convertirse en rector de la Iglesia del Buen Pastor en Lake Wales. Otro tema de nota de Brewer fue la mención de cierres de iglesias y plantas de iglesias. Mientras tres iglesias cerraron sus puertas, otras dos están desarrollando. En planes para convertirse en parte del futuro de la diócesis: la Iglesia Bethesda en Lake Nona y la Iglesia All Souls en Horizon West, cerca de Winter Garden. FOTO PROPORCIONADA POR LA DIÓCESIS EPISCOPAL DE LA FLORIDA CENTRAL

Brewer también habló sobre la aprobación de la Resolución B012 sobre el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo y el impacto de la Comisión Hispana de la diócesis en la Convención General. La diócesis también agradeció a su diócesis hermana, la Diócesis de Honduras, por su arduo trabajo, así como a la Fundación Bishop Gray, que proporciona asistencia financiera para vivienda y atención médica para episcopales de edad avanzada. “Lo está haciendo muy bien porque cuando pienso en unos 46 años de relaciones, es algo realmente significativo”, dijo Wesny Dubic, miembro de la Comisión de la Diócesis para la Diócesis de Honduras. El Muy Reverendo David Peoples y Karen Beasley, decano y presidenta del decanato del suroeste, extendieron una invitación a la 51ª Convención Diocesana Anual que se realizará del 24 al 25 de enero de 2020, en la Academia All Saints en Winter Haven.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

EPISCOPAL & ANGLICAN NEWS

Worldwide Crisis Thrives in Central Florida

While sex trafficking gets most of the attention, labor trafficking is actually the bigger issue.

Report ranks Orlando third in the U.S. for trafficking By Larry J. Leech II

Modern-day slavery is big business, one of the biggest in the world today. Big enough that the impact has affected Central Florida.

of raw numbers. One possible reason for the disparity is that labor trafficking relies on cheap labor. Sex trafficking, on the other hand, relies on people who are willing to pay, sometimes large sums of money, for an “experience.”

Though sex trafficking gets most of the attention, labor trafficking is actually the bigger issue in terms

The current statistics are increasing exponentially. Less than 10 years ago, the United Nations put those annual numbers at $32 billion worldwide, with sex trafficking at $9.5 billion.

ore commonly known as “trafficking,” the industry hauls in a whopping $150 billion a year, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO). Of that $150 billion, sex trafficking pulls in an estimated $99 billion annually, according to ILO.

TRAFFICKING

M o d e r n -day S lav e ry About This Series This Month: An in-depth look at the definition of trafficking and its widespread impact.

May: How to raise awareness through programs and parental /grandparental practical tips to help to combat trafficking.

July: Victims tell their stories.

According to the Department of Defense, human trafficking is the world’s fastest-growing crime. And the U.S. Department of Labor has identified 148 goods from 75 countries made by forced and child labor. Rev. Mary Delancey, an ordained deacon at Grace Episcipole Church in Ocala who is part of Florida Abolitionist Speakers Bureau,

26 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

a nonprofit headquartered in Orlando devoted to eradicating trafficking, and is Freedom Partner coordinator on the International Justice Mission Orlando Volunteer Team, notes that many misperceptions exist, one of which is the definition of trafficking.

Human Trafficking Hotline last year alone – representing more than 10,000 individual victims, almost 5,000 potential traffickers and more than 1,500 businesses involved in human trafficking, according to Polaris, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating and preventing trafficking. This was a 13 percent increase in cases compared to 2016. Florida stood third, behind only California and Texas, in the number of reported cases.

The United Nations defines human trafficking as: “The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abCentral Florida, because of duction, of fraud, of deceptourism and its transient tion, of the abuse of power nature, is a hotbed for trafor of a position of vulnerficking. One report ranks ability or of the giving or Orlando third in the nareceiving of payments or tion for trafficking, based Delancey benefits to achieve the conon population size, behind sent of a person having control over only Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. another person, for the purpose of “We had a survivor talk to us recentexploitation.” ly who was trafficked by her mother, In the U.S., more than 8,500 human and she emphasized that this haptrafficking cases, nearly one per pens in people’s backyards,” said hour, were reported to the National Delancey.

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EPISCOPAL & ANGLICAN NEWS Reports put the number of people trafficked between 25 and 40 million worldwide. Eighty-one percent are trapped in forced labor, 25 percent are children, and 75 percent are women and girls, according to ILO. In 2017, an estimated 1 of 7 endangered runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children were likely child sex trafficking victims. In the sex industry, most victims begin before age 15 and are forced, usually in a subtle manner.

only scratch the surface. As awareness rises, the actual numbers and estimates rise as well. But with awareness on the rise, hope is too. In December 2018 and January 2019, President Trump signed four bills: Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, Abolish Human Trafficking Act, Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act, authorizing $430 million to fight sex and labor trafficking, along with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

“There seems to be this perception that children and young women are snatched off the street; (someone) followed them home, grabbed them at the mall or someone jumps out of a van,” said Delancey. “I’m not saying that doesn’t happen. That’s a high-risk take. The reason trafficking is growing is because of lowrisk behavior for the trafficker. Most children are trafficked through interaction on the internet.”

Numbers, alone, have forced action. Scores of people have been forced into the various forms of trafficking, which include sex, forced labor, debt bondage, domestic servitude, forced marriage and forced organ removal.

The reported numbers and stories

Forced labor, also known as involuntary servitude, is the biggest sector of trafficking in the world, according to the U.S. Department of State, which also notes in its annual report, “Sex trafficking disproportionately affects women and chil-

dren with forced participation in commercial sex acts. In the United States, any child under the age of 18 who has been involved in a commercial sex act is considered a trafficking victim.”

COMING IN MAY:

We’ll take a look at what can be done to combat this horrific abuse of human freedom by raising awareness as well as providing practical tips for parents and grandparents to help prevent children from being abducted.

“However, it’s not strangers they have to worry about for the most part,” said Delancey. “It’s people they know, particularly peer trafficking in high schools. And the biggest problems are online. A lot of stuff is going on with social media and internet gaming. Parents are not looking at that. They are looking at what is happening on the street, not at what’s happening in their home and on the child’s phone.

Labor trafficking: 60% Men; 40% Women

“Traffickers are looking for boys they met, grooming, through a gaming app,” said Delancey of a recent case she heard about. “It’s easy to tell a person to be wary of someone following you and be cautious about approaching strangers.”

Domestic servitude: 5.3%, $8 billion

Sex trafficking: 98% Women; 2% Men Sex: 66%, $99 billion

Forced labor: 28.7%, $43.2 billion

Source: ILO, Human Trafficking Center 2015

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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

DIOCESAN FAMILY

Father Charles Myers Brings Multicultural Background to St. John the Baptist

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY REV. CHARLES MYERS

By Jeff Gardenour he Diocese of Central Florida welcomed another new member of the clergy recently when Bishop Greg Brewer received the Rev. Charles Thomas Myers into the priesthood of The Episcopal Church on Saturday, Feb. 9, at St. John the Baptist Church, 1000 Bethune Drive, Orlando. Myers took time out to discuss his journey to the priesthood with the Central Florida Episcopalian, talking about his upbringing, some of the unique places he has served during his career and his goals for St. John the Baptist. Current city of residence: Orlando, Florida. How many people would you estimate came for the celebration? You are welcome to list any family and friends. We estimated that there were 75 people who came. I was pleased to not only have the clergy of our deanery and diocese, but my family and friends able to come as well. From my hometown of Palatka, Florida: my brother and sister-in law, Scott and Missy Myers; my adopted parents and brother, John; Susy and John Jr. Skidmore (this family took me as one of their own). I had two guests from Southern California, where I used to serve in ministry: Father Scott Pedersen, Dean of All Saints’ Cathedral for the Diocese of Western Anglicans; and Dr. Shirley Cox, a mentor, friend and adopted grandmother. Dr. Shirley and I led healing retreats together. Are you married with children? I am married to my lovely wife, Monique Sanchez Myers. We got married on Jan. 19th and moved here on Jan. 24th. Please briefly summarize your religious background growing up and then your professional ground (churches you served at) and offices, etc., you’ve held either as a lay minister, deacon or priest. When in your life did you first receive the calling to be a priest, and what was your response? I understand you preached in some unique places. How has that helped you in your work for Christ? These three questions go and flow together in my life.

ABOVE: Members of the choir receive Communion from Father Charles Myers at his installation as rector at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Orlando. FAR LEFT: Father Charles Myers, on the left, is greeted by Krisita Jackson, a member of the parish of St. John the Baptist, at his installation on Feb. 9. LEFT: Father Charles Myers, on the right, poses with his wife, Monique.

My father, E.T. Myers, was a Pentecostal evangelist; my mother was a nurse, and she led the children’s ministry. Though I was born and raised in Palatka, Florida, we spent three years in southern Georgia. At a small Pentecostal church in Cairo, Georgia, I was asked by the pastor of the church to give a five-minute sermon. I was 4 years old. My father was the associate minister at the church at the time, and so I go to ask him what I should preach on. He told me to pray and get it myself. He said he didn’t want a Daddy-called preacher. If I had the gift, God would give it. I was supposed to preach for five minutes and wound up preaching for 20. About a year and a half later, we were living in Kingsland, Georgia, and I was in kindergarten at the time. I was asked by my bus driver to preach at a youth day (at) her church. This was at Missionary Baptist Church. The church set up the Communion table as a pulpit, and I preached my second sermon in (this) all-African-American church setting. These two early experiences shaped my love for preaching and cross-cultural and cross-denominational ministry. Also, around this time, I would visit the Roman Catholic Church with my step-grandfather, and that is where I fell in love with the liturgy. My grandfather was a Eucharistic minister, and he would bring me back half of his wafer. Even at a young age, I knew that only Roman Catholics could partake of the Communion. My grandfather would tell my father that I was becoming an altar boy, and my Pentecostal father replied that I would be a tongue-talking altar boy. My father wasn’t too far off. From then on, I knew I would leave my Pentecostal tradition and wear a collar. My call to the priesthood came (when I was) around 13 years old. My father was dying with AIDS, and I was having a crisis

28 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

of faith. I wanted more substance in my faith and a system with accountability. I started to dig deep into the Catholic roots of the Church. I knew I wanted to be a priest, but I also knew that I wanted to get married. I got a book from the local library on The Episcopal Church. I loved that it kept the Catholic structure, had a heart for social justice and was the birthplace of the charismatic renewal. And oh yes: They let their priests get married. It would be another six years before I entered into the Anglican/Episcopal tradition. On Pentecost 2001, I started going to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Palatka, Florida. St. Mary’s was the historic African-American congregation in Palatka. I preached the first revival in that church. When I attended Stetson as a religious studies major, I attended St. Barnabas and Holy Presence in DeLand, Florida. However, the (Holy) Spirit led me through the many variations of our Anglican tradition before (I came) to The Episcopal Church. For four years, I was a confirmed member in The Charismatic Episcopal Church. I spent one year at Chapel of Divine Mercy in DeLand, Florida, and three at the Church of Ascension in Lombard, Illinois, outside of Chicago. I attended Northern Seminary in Lombard, where I earned my M.Div. studying under Robert Webber. My emphasis was liturgy and the African-American church experience. Eventually, I was ordained a priest in the Communion of Convergence Episcopal Churches and moved to the Los Angeles area to pursue postgraduate studies with the same emphasis as seminary. God had other plans. I was received into the Anglican Church of Uganda and then the Anglican Church in North America, where I served for three years as a curate at St. David’s Angli-

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DIOCESAN FAMILY can Church (in Burbank, California). I oversaw evangelism and outreach. I also worked and lived at Door of Hope, a program that helped homeless people get back on their feet. After three years at St. David’s, I established my own ministry (in Pasadena, California), named St. Michael’s in the City. St. Michael’s was a Fresh Expressions-based ministry that established Eucharistic communities among the poor, recovering addicts, homeless and the elderly. At one time, we had four Eucharistic communities – two were in convalescent homes, one ministered to the homeless and recovering addicts on skid row, the other was a Sunday night fellowship called Spirit Alive made up of charismatics from various church backgrounds who gathered for lectionary-based Bible study and Communion. Since these Eucharistic communities’ activities never fell during the Sunday morning worship time, I would serve as interim priest in congregations. For four years, I served as interim priest for Christ our Saviour, a fledgling church made up of older saints who wanted to know how to reach out to their community. Right before I moved to Orlando, I served as interim pastor for a year and a half (at) All Saints’ Anglican Church (in Hawthorne, California). This church’s demographic was Nigerian except for me and one other lady. I also was a teaching chaplain at the Los Angeles Mission, where I mentored and discipled the homeless and recovering addicts within our program and on skid row. It was there (that) I introduced my students to the richness of our Anglican tradition and worship as well as the early church saints through the weekly Eucharistic community; full Masses on high holy days such as Christmas and Easter; and teaching classes that combined Scripture and theology, psychology, recovery and spiritual direction. In the Diocese of Western Anglicans and my regional deanery, I served as the director of church planting and helped mentor African-American Baptist and Pentecostal churches to come into the Anglican Church and tradition. In my ministry, I have preached in diverse denominations and multicultural settings. I have co-led healing retreats with priests in the Roman Catholic Charismatic Renewal. I have preached in Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical, nondenominational (and) Methodist settings. I have preached

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in African-American, Latino, African and Korean church experiences as well. I have preached in the Anglican Church of Bolivia and the Anglican Church of Argentina. How did this calling to come to St. John the Baptist happen for you? On Dec. 23, 2017, I woke up to a Facebook message from Bishop Brewer introducing himself and asking if he could put my name in for a church. My initial response was ‘Who, me?’ So, I thought I would scare him by telling him the different ministries I was involved in to let him know I’m not a traditional rector. (He had already seen this because he follows me on Facebook.) I told him that though I was a priest in the Anglican tradition for 11 years, I was not an Episcopal priest. He was not deterred and said, “Let’s pray through this, and I (will) have my canons call you.” I became open to what God was doing because I thought I would live and do ministry in Los Angeles on skid row. I told God, “You’ve interrupted my life, and so I ask you to work this out. Let my orders received in and be called to be the rector of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist.” I knew about them before they knew about me. When I read the parish profile, it was though all the diverse ministry experiences and really, my life story, had prepared me to pastor St. John’s. I worked with Canon Justin (Holcomb) on vocational issues with orders and (former) Canon (to the Ordinary) Tim (Nunez) with placement. In late April, St. John’s reached out to me with a questionnaire and then scheduled a Skype interview. We talked, and then I let them know I was coming to visit my family in Florida and introduced them to my now-wife, Monique. In June 2018, I led evening prayer (and preached) on the readings for the Feast Day for (the) Nativity of St. John the Baptist. The title of my sermon: “Barren Things Can Give Birth Again.” We talked afterwards with more questions. Then, I waited. In this total year process, God was giving me dreams about how He was working this out and to trust Him. I would sit in diverse church settings and hear (the song): “St. John the Baptist: Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” On the last Thursday of August, I got a call from Krisita Jackson asking me Father Charles Myers, center, speaks at the Anglican Church of All Saints, a church composed mainly of Nigerian parishioners.

to become the fifth rector of The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, and I gladly accepted. It would be six months before I could take the reins. I had to close out the ministries I was involved in and get married. I made two visits to St. John’s, one in November and one (in) December, to meet everyone, listen and begin to cast a vision for the future. On February 9th, I was received in as a priest into The Episcopal Church and installed as the rector of St. John’s. What are your some of your goals at St. John the Baptist? St. John the Baptist has been in the forefront of the civil rights movement and community transformation. I want to draw on that rich legacy from the past (and) invest it in the present so that we continue to pass down this legacy in the future. · Our new motto: The New Old St. John’s—A Fore runner in Kingdom Innovation. · I want us to raise up lovers, leaders and laborers. · To invite those in who are seeking the love of God as revealed in Christ by the Holy Spirit and cultivate this love (in) deeper ways (in those) who serve Him. · To raise up leaders within the congregation and from the community to collaborate in kingdom connections and community transformation. · To send out laborers into their sphere of influence to bring forth the kingdom of God and to truly love their neighbors with the love of God. My blessing that I give at the end of Mass: “Remember the gospel: You are deeply loved, and you are radically accepted. You are the beloved sons and daughters of the Father in His beloved Son Jesus, empowered by the Holy Ghost. Walk in this reality, remain in this reality, live in this reality and let no one or nothing take this reality from you.” I want St. John the Baptist to be a teaching, preaching and healing church. I want us to be a place in the diocese where interns train for ministry and raise up (ordained clergy) from our own community. I want us to be involved in community transformation activities. We are looking into nutrition classes for kids, ministry in the hearing-impaired community (and) a counseling center. We are continuing our partnership with NA (Narcotics Anonymous), who hold their meetings three times a week at the church. We are working to modernize our church through technology and social media. We are partnering with a woman’s shelter as well.

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

DIOCESAN FAMILY

Diocese Celebrates New Rector at St. Peter’s: Rev. Jeremy Bergstrom

By Jeff Gardenour t took having a pint with three priests in a pub for Jeremy Bergstrom to realize he was having a vocational crisis about the priesthood. Years of religious study had caused him to put off ordination, but then a stop for a drink forced him to reevaluate his life. “I was struck with the absurdity that I’d put off the issue for so long,” Bergstrom recalled. “I called my bishop the next day!”

Fast-forward to 2019 and Bergstrom is now comfortably settled in Seminole County. On Saturday, Jan. 19, Bishop Greg Brewer preached and presided at Bergstrom’s new ministry and installation as rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 700 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary. Bergstrom follows the Rev. Chris Brathwaite, who served as interim rector for 14 months.

A crowd of 126 people attended the celebration, Bergstrom has hopped Bergstrom marking the latest installaaround the South after tion in what has been a very busy first having committed himself to priestfew months in 2019 for Brewer. hood. He started his ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church at St. John’s Church in Savannah, Georgia, where he served as an assistant from 2012-15. He then was called to Dallas, where he was named priestin-charge at St. Christopher’s and Canon for Vocations in the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas from 2015-18.

“Through years of relationship with Bishop Brewer, a desire to go full-time into parish ministry and to move closer to family after three years in Dallas, prompted me to call him,” Bergstrom said. “The rest was awaiting the right parish fit. When I saw the parish profile for St Peter’s this past summer, I was instantly hooked, and (former) Canon (Tim) Nunez gladly gave the search committee my name. The rest is history!” PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LAKE MARY

The Rev. Jeremy Bergstrom, far left, enjoys a relaxing moment with his three sons and wife, Jackie.

30 CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

A resident of Sanford, Bergstrom takes over at a church that experienced a revival of sorts under Brathwaite, who, in retirement, is serving the diocese at Brewer’s invitation as Canon Pastor. “Father Chris’s priorities during the interim

were to point the people to Jesus, and stabilize the ship,” Bergstrom said. “It’s hard to improve on those goals! My plan is to build on the fine foundation given St Peter’s by (former rector) Father Charlie Holt and others. They built this congregation through solid Christian discipleship and passionate engagement in the life of the Holy Spirit.”

The Rev. Jeremy Bergstrom, left, and his wife, Jackie, show appreciation for his installation as rector at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lake Mary. Bishop Greg Brewer, who presided and preached at the installation, is in the background.

Married to wife, Jackie, and the father of three sons, Nate, Will and Colman, Bergstrom is a Michigan native who was raised Methodist. His father is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church.

“I felt the call to ordained ministry ever since doing youth work in Colorado; put off ‘the ordination question’ until well into my Ph.D. studies in England” before having a “vocational crisis” in a pub, Bergstrom said.

Bergstrom went to Purdue University with the goal of entering politics but changed gears after graduation and went into ministry. He received a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and a Master of Theology from St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Crestwood, Yonkers, New York. He then earned a Ph.D. from the University of Durham in England. He also earned a certificate in Anglican Studies from Nashotah House in Wisconsin, making him one of the brightest new minds in the Diocese of Central Florida.

As the new rector at St. Peter’s, he said he is ready to implement his goals: “My aim is to go from strength to strength: engaging discipleship and Christian education with renewed vigor and careful attention to the revealed Word, vibrant community fellowship, especially as an avenue for evangelism and incorporating new members, and radical outreach and mission to our community.

Jeremy and Jackie Bergstrom were confirmed in the Diocese of New York in 2007. Jeremy served in youth ministry in Colorado Springs for three years before going to seminary and pursuing additional graduate work from 1999-2001.

“My prayer is that St. Peter’s will be a conduit for the grace of God in Lake Mary and beyond, and that many lives would be transformed by an encounter with the Holy Spirit, who draws us to the foot of the cross and carries us through to the joy of resurrection that follows,” Bergstrom said.

For more information on St. Peter’s, please call 407-444-5673.

www.cfdiocese.org

• March 9, 2019, 8:30 a.m.-noon – Spring Gathering for Women

“Women at the Well” spring gathering for women. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Belleview. Event is free. Register by email at: Church@ stmarysbelleview.org

March 9, 2019, 9 a.m. – Ordination

Ordination of The Rev. William Buracker to the priesthood, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Chevy Chase, Maryland.

March 9, 2019 – Daughters of the King Southeast Deanery Meeting

St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Cocoa Beach, time TBA.

March 10, 2019 – Offering for Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD)

First Sunday in Lent. Churches invited to designate offering for ERD.

March 13, 2019, 10 a.m. – noon – Diocesan Youth Leader Meeting & Lunch

Diocesan office, 1017 E. Robinson St., Orlando. Open to anyone in the Diocese of Central Florida who works with youth. Lunch is complimentary. Leaders are asked to reserve their lunch by calling or emailing Beverly Jennings at 407-206-4424 or bjennings@ cfdiocese.org on the internet.

Diocesan Calendar

March 16, 2019, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. – ICS Live Class Diocesan office, Orlando.

March 16, 2019, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Daughters of the King Women’s Spring Retreat

Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center, Oviedo. The women’s spring retreat is sponsored by The Order of the Daughters of the King. Guest speaker is Sharon Lundgren, former National President of The Order. Registration is open and limited to the first 90 participants. For more information, call Sue McIlrath, DOK Diocesan Treasurer, at 386-788-4438 or email her at: mcilrathsuemac@cfl.rr.com

March 18, 2019, 8 a.m. – Ordination

Ordination of The Rev. Palmer Kennedy to the priesthood, Ascension Episcopal School, Lafayette, Louisiana.

March 22, 2019, 7 p.m. – Ordination

Ordination of Jesse Lassiter to the diaconate, St. James Episcopal Church, Ormond Beach.

March 22-24, 2019 – Cursillo

Men’s Cursillo at Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center, Oviedo.

March 23, 2019, 11 a.m. – Ordinations

Ordinations of The Rev. Caroline Miller and The Rev. Robert Osborne to the priesthood, Grace Episcopal Church, Ocala.

March 29-31, 2019 – Cursillo

Women’s Cursillo at Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center, Oviedo.

•

April 24, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Administrative Assistants Luncheon

March 30, 2019 – Daughters of the King Central Deanery Meeting

St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Orlando, will honor administrative assistants across the Diocese of Central Florida with holiday-type luncheon. Donation of $15 is requested.

March 31, 2019 – Offerings

April 27, 2019 – Daughters of the King Northwest Deanery Meeting

Holy Cross Episcopal, Sanford.

Fourth Sunday in Lent. Churches invited to designate offering for Foreign Missions with focus on Sao Paulo Mercy Ministry.

March 31, 2019, 6 p.m. – Ramy Adly

Cathedral, Orlando. In an inspirational program of original compositions and improvisations, this international virtuoso of the Egyptian Oud performs during the Sunday evening service with organist Ben Lane, cellist Jules Polachek, and various choirs of the Cathedral.

Advent Episcopal Church, Dunnellon, time TBA.

May 4, 2019 – Episcopal Church Women (ECW)

Spring Deanery Meetings: NW Deanery Meeting at St. Mary’s, Belleview.

May 5, 2019 – Episcopal Church Women (ECW)

Church Periodical Club (CPC) Sunday

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

April 2019 – Episcopal Church Women (ECW)

United Thank Offering (UTO) Spring Ingathering

Bishop Brewer Visitation Schedule 3/3/19

Louisville, KY, St. Francis in the Fields (Priesthood Ordination – Raleigh Langley)

3/6/19

Orlando, Cathedral (Ash Wednesday)

3/7/19

Oviedo, Canterbury (Daughters of the King National Council Executive Board)

3/9/19

Chevy Chase, MD, All Saints (Priesthood Ordination – B.J. Buracker)

3/10/19

Chevy Chase, MD, All Saints (Guest Preacher)

St. Agnes Episcopal Church, Sebring, time TBA.

3/18/19

Lafayette, LA, Ascension Episcopal School (Priesthood Ordination – Palmer Kennedy)

April 19, 7:30 p.m. – Tenebrae for Good Friday

3/22/19

Ormond Beach, St. James (Deacon Ordination - Jesse Lassiter)

3/23/19

Ocala, Grace (Priesthood Ordinations – Caroline Miller and Robert Osborne)

3/24/19

New Smyrna Beach, St. Paul’s

3/31/19

Titusville, St. Gabriel’s

April 6, 2019 – Daughters of the King Southwest Deanery Meeting

Cathedral, Orlando. Profound Service of Darkness led annually by the Cathedral Chamber Singers with a cappella sacred works from all eras and the dramatic narration of Christ’s passion.

Bishop Brewer is on sabbatical April-July 2019. He will resume visitations in August 2019. Please refer to www.cfdiocese.org for the most current visitations listing.

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

www.cfdiocese.org

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • March-April 2019

CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN 1017 E. Robinson Street Orlando, FL 32801-2023 Non-Profit Organization U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 4111 ORLANDO, FLORIDA

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

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CENTRALFLORIDA

Page 15

Trinity Prep Hosts Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church

Pages 10-11

50th Diocesan Convention Pays Tribute to Founding Bishops, Exults Over Promising Future

Page 9

Revival’s Music Delivers Christ-Exalting Service

Page 5

Easter Evangelism: Lessons Learned From the Mall Food Court

Page 3

Bishop Brewer’s Column

NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG • Volume 121, No.2 •March-April 2019

EPISCOPALIAN