CENTRALFLORIDAEPISCOPALIAN NEWS NEWSFROM FROMTHE THEEPISCOPAL EPISCOPALDIOCESE DIOCESEOF OFCENTRAL CENTRALFLORIDA FLORIDA••WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG••Volume Volume119, 119,No. No.33••May May2017 2017
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The Aftermath of the Pulse Tragedy Canterbury to Celebrate 35th Anniversary TENS Conference’s Journey to Generosity Nashotah House: 175 Years and Counting Brotherhood of St. Andrew Feeds the Homeless
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The Diocese of Central Florida The Right Reverend Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop Serving 15 counties through 86 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 over 85 million Christians in over 165 countries around the world
Table of Contents The Opportunity of the Aftermath......................................................................................... 3 Attendance Surges During Easter Season............................................................................. 4 TENS Conference to Focus on Human Rights, Social Justice Ministries................................... 5 175 Years and Counting: Nashotah House............................................................................ 6 Learning About the Power of the Pen.................................................................................... 7 Small Church Shows Big Heart, Generosity........................................................................... 8 Q & A with St. David’s Frank Barnes..................................................................................... 9 Art Borne of Love Finds a Home in a Favorite Church........................................................... 10 Canterbury Will Celebrate Anniversary Caribbean-Style...................................................... 11 St. Peter’s Fundraising Campaign Builds Onward................................................................ 12 Orlando Rector Heads to Music City................................................................................... 13 Longtime Episcopalian at 106 and Counting....................................................................... 14 Serving the Lord Throughout Central Florida....................................................................... 15
Central Florida Episcopalian
Diocesan Reps Learn How to Face Down Disaster................................................................ 16 ECW Meeting to Focus on Empowering Women .................................................................. 17
The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer. Bishop
Vacation Bible School to Heat Up This Summer................................................................... 17
The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe Retired
Wide Spectrum of Topics Addressed at Recent Clergy Days.................................................. 18
The Rt. Rev. Hugo Pina-Lopez Retired
Homeless Awash in Generosity at St. John’s Episcopal........................................................ 19
The Rt. Rev. John Said Retired
Learning About the Power of Prayer.................................................................................... 20
The Rt. Rev. William H. Folwell, Retired
Youth Ministry Empowers Its Leaders................................................................................. 21
The Rev. Canon Timothy Nunez Canon to the Ordinary
Summer Registration Underway for Camp Wingmann.......................................................... 21 High School Ministry is Where It’s ‘Happening’................................................................... 22 At International Retreat, Bishops Resolve to Work Together in Christ.................................... 22
The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin Holcomb Canon for Vocations The Ven. Kristi Alday, Archdeacon
Diocesan Calendar/Bishop’s Visitations............................................................................ 23 The Central Florida Episcopalian is published by the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. Submissions are welcome, but are subject to editing and use at the discretion of the Central Florida Episcopalian. Please submit notices two months before event to:
Mr. Earl Pickett, Diocesan Administrator Mr. Erick Perez, Subscription Manager
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
The Central Florida Episcopalian 1017 E. Robinson Street • Orlando, FL 32801-2023 Email: CFE@cfdiocese.org • www.cfdiocese.org
Tel.: (407) 423-3567 • Fax: (407) 872-0006
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BISHOP BREWER
The Opportunity of the Aftermath
For several months, I answered the same question again and again: “What is your community like in the aftermath of Pulse?” I responded as best as I could, often by sharing your stories—the multiple ways people of faith made a difference.
By Bishop Gregory O. Brewer
And yet, somehow, I felt inadequate. Amid grief, it seemed inappropriate, even inconsiderate, to talk about healing. In the grip of tragedy nothing felt like triumph. In the presence of death who could discuss life?
“The Pulse tragedy.” Read those words, and you remember. You remember, in fact, not only where you were and what you were doing when you found out, but also your mounting horror as our city suffered a collective shock unlike ever before. You remember the terror. The tears. The prayers.
A Profound Presence And you remember, in essence, the stories of hope. First responders making rapid, life-saving decisions. Friends and strangers, many in pain themselves, carrying the wounded. Medical personnel pushing through the tears, the exhaustion, the overload. Long lines wrapped around bloodmobiles. June 12, 2017, marks the first anniversary of the event that split Orlando’s calendar into “Before Pulse” and “After Pulse.” And so at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, we will gather, as a diocese and as a community, for a memorial service at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke. Here, we will honor, not the largest mass shooting in our country’s history, but the precious lives of its victims. And here, we will honor our great God, whose mercy covers all.
Yet as awkward and inadequate as those
conversations were, they carried with them the profound presence of our Lord. Who met the sick or wounded and spoke of healing? Who mixed his tears with those of his friends, then resurrected their brother Lazarus? Who cried out in abandonment and, only three days later, demonstrated his victory over sin and the grave?
Where Would Jesus Go? Almost one year later, I can only begin to speak about what I call “the opportunity of the aftermath.” As we participate as a faith community in our response to the Pulse tragedy, let us remember Christ, in whom, as the apostle Paul says, we “live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28b). Where would Jesus go in the aftermath? I’ve concluded he would go where he always goes— with the hurting and the broken. And because Jesus goes there, we must do the same. The pain from this event doesn’t subside quickly. Those ORMC doctors, in fact, didn’t hand out Band-Aids and lollipops. And we as a church can’t hand out pat answers or trite Christianese.
Pulse Memorial Service
Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Cathedral Church of St. Luke, 130 N. Magnolia Ave., Downtown Orlando Prayers, Candle Lighting, Celebration of Holy Eucharist and Music by Cathedral Choir and Community Groups Sermon by Bishop Gregory O. Brewer For more information, visit ccslorlando.org
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We’ve given our money, and we may need to give more. But our continued response must be to keep giving of ourselves. As the hands and feet of Jesus, we need to sit with those victimized by this tragedy in any way. We need to listen. We need to learn. We need to love.
What Unites Us Is Greater Than What Separates Us A kind of tribalism has risen in American culture where I only listen to the voices that agree with me. In fact, if you don’t agree with me, there must be something wrong with you.
Bishop Greg Brewer
But what the enemy intended for evil, God has already begun using for good by bringing His people together. I have been so blessed by the tremendous outpouring of ecumenical support that surfaced almost simultaneously with the news of Pulse. Christians of various traditions read Scripture, prayed and wept as we served our community together. Yes, we have our differences. But what we have in common must be cherished and lived out, side by side. And the hand of God is in that. Jesus prayed that we would be one, and our hope, our goal, is to be part of that answer.
‘Love Is Stronger Than Death’ I shared these words from Solomon’s Song last year in my reflections on Pulse. Jesus’ own victory over death is what allows us, with faith and genuine compassion, to be present in places of deep tragedy, to serve those in need of care. As we light the candles at the Cathedral in next month’s service (and I do hope you’ll join us), we will make a profound statement: There really is something far more powerful than violence, than murder, than hatred. It’s the love God has shown us in Jesus Christ, and we’re here to demonstrate that—together. Grace to You,
Bishop Gregory O. Brewer
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EPISCOPAL AND ANGLICAN NEWS
Attendance Surges During Easter Season St. Mark’s, Haines City, finds ways to draw people to services By Jeff Gardenour
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The Rev. Chris Brathwaite has helped increase attendance at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Haines City
tudies show that more people go to church for Easter services than on any other day of the year, even Christmas. Those studies, which can be referenced in the Christian Standard and Christian Post websites, among others, will likely hold true again—at least in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. At St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Haines City, the Rev. Chris Brathwaite said he saw a marked improvement in attendance for Sunday and Wednesday worship services this Lenten season. Average attendance figures for the diocese’s 86 churches for Easter were not available by press time. For St. Mark’s, though, the power and appeal of how Jesus died for man’s sins and was then resurrected have proven to be catalysts, moving people toward an increased interest in the Bible and Christianity.
“Prior to Ash Wednesday (on March 1), we announced a Lenten discipline delving into the book of Isaiah,” Brathwaite said. “Since we began, it has been encouraging to see the interests and the attentiveness to this prophet’s role in the life of Israel. “Because of the excitement the discussion has generated, attendees at the group study have extended their start time by commencing 30 minutes earlier,” Brathwaite said. “We now meet Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., rather than 11 a.m.” Brathwaite said the pews began filling more in the weeks leading up to Easter, something that excites him for the future. “Easter Sunday always shows a bump in attendance, and the Sunday following shows a marked drop,” Brathwaite said. “This year will be different because since Ash Wednesday I have seen a gradual increase in new people showing up at worship each Sunday.” Brathwaite also said that this year he helped spark interest in church attendance by trying something new. “We have called the church to a holy Lent,” he said. “That is the standard call as prescribed in our collect and prayers at Ash Wednesday, and so we have scheduled open prayer meeting times for members to come together for prayer and reflection. “This open format offers people opportunities to testify to God’s goodness as they offer their prayers aloud,” he said. “These extemporaneous
The Rev. Chris Brathwaite, rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Haines City, holds a baby at a recent service.
utterances inspire and embolden others to do the same when the words are heard and the visual emotions are observed. The setting is inspiring, uplifting, contagious and sets the tone for a happy day.” Brathwaite also said that Easter and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice seem to have more meaning these days. “At best, people are seeking clarity and meaning about these troubling times,” he said. “People are unhappy but cannot clearly understand or articulate the unhappiness. Some people are frightened, but are not clear about why or what to fear. Others sincerely believe the old spiritual that says, ‘In times like these, we need a Savior.’ “That Savior is Jesus, and he can be found in worship and at prayer meetings,” he said. “Despite our nationality, ethnicity, spirituality or political persuasions, each human being needs something to hope for. When hope is removed and uncertainty and fear permeate the lives of people, they need to seek the hope found in Jesus.”
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Haines City.
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EPISCOPAL AND ANGLICAN NEWS
TENS Conference to Focus on Human Rights, Social Justice Ministries
Annual event to be held at historical St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral By Jeff Gardenour The gorgeous Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Minneapolis will be the venue for The Episcopal Network for Stewardship’s (TENS) annual conference in May, and The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida hopes to see you there.
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he Journey to Generosity annual conference will be held Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, at historical Saint Mark’s, a church that dates to the pre-Civil War days and is located on the southwestern edge of Loring Park in central Minneapolis, according to a recent www.tens.org news release. This year’s event will feature three keynote speakers who will engage and impel conference attendees on topics such as advocating political change for human rights, social justice ministries, and expanding progressive causes on issues such as faith and justice—all through the love and example of Jesus Christ. “I have had the great pleasure of representing the Diocese of Central Florida for two years now at the annual TENS Conference,” said the Rev. Gary Jackson, who has been the diocesan stewardship commission chairman for a number of years and will again represent the diocese. “Each year, the conference is held in attractive cities with wonderful accommodations.” The goals of TENS are to provide training, encouragement, nurturing, and support for stewardship leaders throughout The Episcopal Church. The conference provides training for clergy, seminarians, youth, young adults, Generation Xers, and newly ordained clergy. “There are also fantastic breakout sessions of many varieties,” Jackson said. “Each of the breakout sessions is related to handling stewardship in very practical and proven ways. One other interesting thing that I noticed was the clergy are a minority at this conference. Most of the attendees are laity who are concerned and/or excited about stewardship.”
Each year, the speakers are one of the conference highlights. One of the 2017 marquee speakers will be the Rev. Canon J. Edwin Bacon,rector emeritus of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California, which is known for its multicultural worship and ministries. Retired and living in Birmingham, Alabama, Bacon is nationally renowned for his participation
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as a guest panelist in the Spirituality 101 segment of The Oprah Winfrey Show’s “Living Your Best Life” series. A nationwide lecturer, he is also a progressive spokesperson on issues of faith and justice for all people. Also speaking is the Rev. Winnie Varghese, director of community outreach at Trinity Church, Wall Street, N.Y. A 15-year priest, Varghese is known for her social justice ministries, which include feeding the hungry and supporting public schools. Additionally, Dave Toycen, a longtime Anglican who recently retired as president of World Vision, Canada, will speak. Under his guidance, World Vision began working to inspire political change in countries that violate human rights. His book, “The Power of Generosity”, centers on motivating people to make real change in the world through the power of Jesus Christ. “One of the first things that struck me was the expertise and sincerity of the leaders and keynote speakers of TENS,” Jackson said. The keynoters and others are part of an association of church leaders who preach about and practice God’s call to generosity. It is through stewardship, gratitude, and generosity that spiritual growth is attained and becoming more like God is achieved. Those who wish to be a part of this life-changing spiritual event should inform The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida of their intention to attend by calling (407) 423-3567. The diocese will appoint a representative to serve as event liaison.
Preconference and conference registration are currently being taken: • Preconference: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2715566 • Conference: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2715569 Conference attendees are invited to stay at the Hyatt Regency, Minneapolis, the official hotel for the event. Corporate rate is $189 per night. Early reservations are suggested in order to secure the lower rate. Reserve your Hyatt room at the TENS rate: https://aws.passkey.com/go/ tens2017minn or call (1-888) 421-1442. The group name is listed as The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) 2017. “I strongly encourage representatives from as many parishes as possible to go to this year's TENS conference in Minnesota,” Jackson said. “In addition to coming back with hope, you will also come back with more friends and relationships in and around The Episcopal Church. May God speed us on our journeys to generosity.”
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
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EPISCOPAL AND ANGLICAN NEWS Nashotah House Dean Steven A. Peay addresses the congregation during the Evensong service.
175 Years
and Counting: Nashotah House Esteemed seminary celebrating anniversary with key events By Jeff Gardenour Jessica Anderson with Sloar Light Group
Getting closer to God is a deep-seated goal for those students who journey to the Nashotah House. But it may be the travels away from this esteemed seminary that allow graduates to experience spirituality in its highest form. “Our hope and our goal is always that those who graduate from Nashotah House will help guide the members of the congregations and communities they serve deeper into a relationship with God through Christ and the Spirit, and will thereby better enable every member of the church to recognize God’s call on their lives to take part in the mission and ministry of the church in and to the world,” said the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso, research professor of philosophical and systematic theology, and associate dean for academic affairs at Nashotah House.
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ecognizing God’s call and embarking on a mission and ministry have been continual goals for Nashotah House since its formation in 1842. The renowned seminary for The Episcopal Church, The Anglican Church in North America, the Episcopal Missionary Church and more, Nashotah House is in the midst of celebrating its 175th anniversary.
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Nashotah House, one of the oldest institutions in Wisconsin, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. Leaders sing a Te Deum and offer prayers at the grave of founder James Lloyd Breck on April 6. Breck is on the calendar of saints of the Episcopal Church.
Founder’s Day will be held April 6, the Feast of James Lloyd Breck (transferred from April 2); commencement will be held June 1; a conference on Anglicanism and the Church is set for June 6-9; and Land Day is scheduled for Aug. 27, Grosso said. “The seminary has since its inception been dedicated to pursuing mission on the frontier,” Grosso said. “Today the ‘frontier’ is not geographical, but cultural, and Nashotah continues to be shaped and guided by a dedication to preparing and supporting people called to proclaim both in word and deed the gospel of Christ in and to the world.” Nashotah House began its observance of the 175th anniversary at the start of the 2016-17 academic year and will continue to do so through August, Grosso said. Although the seminary has already held several events in honor of the anniversary, the most notable ones are still to come.
All the celebratory events are proof of the Nashotah House’s powerful draw through the years. “I believe the High Church, Anglo-Catholic identity and ethos of the House has over the years been the primary reason people have come here to seek formation for ministry,” Grosso said. “While there are, of course, many places people can go for academic studies designed to prepare them for ministry, there are relatively few places they can go where their experience of formation will be shaped by daily worship and the fellowship of the community to the extent that it is at the House.” Access the seminary’s website at www.nashotah.edu or call 1-262-646-6500.
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EPISCOPAL AND ANGLICAN NEWS
‘Living Sacrifice’
Focus of Nashotah House Conference LIVING SACRIFICES: REPENTANCE, RECONCILIATION, and RENEWAL, a conference on Anglicanism and the Church, will be held June 6-9 at The Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin. An examination of anticipated themes of the 2020 Lambeth Conference and the future of the Anglican Communion are included in the program. An ecumenical conversation about the mission and unity of the church and an opportunity to reflect on the call for all Christians to share in Christ’s sacrifice are also on the conference agenda. Featured presenters include Ephraim Radner, Susan Wood, Christopher Wells, Josiah Idowu-Fearon, Paul Avis, Geoffrey Rowell, Michael Poon, Wesley Hill, Michael Cover, Garwood Anderson and our own bishop, Greg Brewer. This conference focuses on the connection between repentance, reconciliation and renewal, approached under the heading, "living sacrifice," drawn from St. Paul's letter to the Romans. The Living Church Foundation and Nashotah House Theological Seminary have partnered as co-sponsors for this conference. Both are strongly committed to working collaboratively to promote the unity of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The mission of the Living Church Foundation is to seek and serve the Catholic and evangelical faith of the one Church and encourage Christian unity throughout the world. Nashotah House is currently celebrating its 175th anniversary.
Registration for this four-day conference is $150. For more information and to register, call 262-646-6500 or visit www.nashotah.edu/ conference online.
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Picturesque Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, will host the “Beyond Walls: Spiritual Writing at Kenyon” conference on July 9-15. Participants will get to experience the beauty of the Kenyon College campus.
Learning about the Power of the Pen Kenyon College to host “Beyond Walls” writing conference By Jeff Gardenour
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riting is a powerful medium in today’s world, and spiritual leaders can now use their writing to reach people further than ever before. Clergy, spiritual directors and lay leaders can learn about the strength of words and the impact they can have outside their congregations when “Beyond Walls: Spiritual Writing at Kenyon” is held July 9-15 at the Kenyon Institute on the picturesque Kenyon College campus in Gambier, Ohio. The weeklong conference will utilize top methodologies in Christian and Jewish writing traditions to help students write sermons, newsletters, social media posts, blogs, op-eds and more.
The intensive program is designed to help faithbased writers reach those individuals who are not attending services, but are living or pursuing an ethical and spiritual lifestyle. Students will learn to craft original, thought-provoking pieces through seminars and lectures from well-known writers and journalists. “Beyond Walls” is broken up into three platforms to help students reach the broadest audience: small group seminars, solo writing and writing groups with feedback. Additionally, students can attend varying skill-level social media workshops every day. The writing conference will open with a dinner at 6 p.m., Sunday, July 9, and close with a special event at noon, Saturday, July 15. Jonathan Merritt, a writer for The Atlantic and columnist for Religion News Services, will be among the featured speakers. Interested persons can register online and obtain costs and details of accommodations at http:// www.kenyoninstitute.org/programs/beyondwalls-spiritual-writing-at-kenyon/ or by calling 740-427-5250.
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
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AROUND THE DIOCESE St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church Rev. Scott Holcombe has been a driving force behind the church’s outreach program.
Small Church Shows Big Heart, Generosity
St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church members pose with their “quilts of love.”
estimates that on an annual budget of $240,000 the church gives more than $40,000 to outreach far and wide.
St. David’s by-the-Sea outreach program donates far and wide
The church also generated a combined $14,000 from its two major annual fundraising events last year: a goods-and-services auction in November and a massive yard sale in February.
By Tim Ritter
“Everyone knows every penny given goes toward outreach,” Holcombe said. “People are much more generous when they know their money is going somewhere good.”
COCOA BEACH – When it comes to generosity, St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church continues to be a shining example for others to follow. The recipients of the church’s generosity are diverse and widespread: Seafarers’ House, Brevard Veterans’ Center, Food for Friends, Family Promise Ministry, Salvation Army, Brevard Domestic Violence program, Angel Trees at Christmas, local Boy Scout troops, struggling churches around Florida, missions in Bolivia and São Paolo, a seminarian in Wisconsin and local elementary schools. “We kind of preach: ‘For those to whom much is given, much is expected,’” said the Rev. Scott Holcombe of St. David’s. “We’re always trying to think, ‘How can we do more?’”
St. David’s by-the-Sea church members pose with gift baskets at an outreach team event.
They’re doing a lot. When Holcombe arrived at the small but active church in 2010, he and the congregation instantly agreed on one thing: the giving needed to increase. “It was a significant priority for me and for all of the senior wardens that ‘we need to do more than we’re doing,’” Holcombe said. “And that mindset is still here.” Since those early meetings, the church’s outreach has steadily expanded. Today, Holcombe
Holcombe believes the giving is a large reason the church has been able to sustain its membership, which includes at least half the congregation driving more than 30 minutes to attend services every week. And that outward focus isn’t likely to change anytime soon. It’s all part of a week’s work at St. David’s by-the-Sea. “Almost every month at the outreach committee we have to look at something new: ‘Do we want to take this on?’” Holcombe said. “Because once we pick up something, we rarely drop it. We know people are counting on us.” Shoppers browse at a recent St. David’s by-the-Sea flea market on Cocoa Beach. Members of the church outreach team in Cocoa Beach make a presentation recently at one of their events.
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
No Distance Is Too Far for the Church He Loves Former St. David’s by-the-Sea member returns to congregation after years away Frank Barnes
has been a member of St. David’s by-theSea Episcopal Church for only the last three years, but his roots go back to his attendance as a child in the 1970s. Though he lives more than an hour’s drive away, the 53-year-old Barnes commutes weekly with his wife to services and was recently named senior warden at the small church in Cocoa Beach. Frank joined us for a brief Q&A about his commitment to St. David’s by-the-Sea and to his faith in general. Why keep attending St. David’s even when it’s not the most geographically convenient church? It was 2014, and my wife and I were in Cocoa Beach, and I just happened to notice it was the 40th anniversary of my confirmation at St. David’s. So, I thought it’d be really nice to go and see St. David’s again. It was a Sunday, so we went, and we attended the service, and a lot of it was very close to the way it was back in the ’70s, to a certain extent. And it just had a very homey, welcoming kind of feel, very friendly. And that’s always been something about St. David’s. It’s never been a huge church; it’s always been a couple hundred people, not all of them being at church on any given Sunday. And, it had that very communal feel that really made me feel nostalgic in a lot of ways. Was there any reluctance from you or anyone in your family when you decided to start attending regularly? Actually, no. When we went there the first time, it wasn’t with the intention of making it our home parish. It was just nostalgia. It just seemed a fun thing to do. But, after the first time we went to services, my wife and I, we just thought, “Well, let’s go back again,” and after one or two times going, it just became a very natural
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to be your center. And your center’s really going to make your moral norms of what’s acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
decision. This is a church we really, really like, and this is the one we’re going to stay with. We also really appreciated Father Scott (Holcombe) quite a bit. We liked his sermon style; we liked a lot of the values he brought to the congregation, so that definitely helped.
Interestingly enough, I have an academic background in philosophy, so I thought it was really interesting to see medieval philosophy— that when you’re saying you worship God, you’re basically saying you worship goodness or justice. With a Christian, justice isn’t a man-made concept; it’s an objective fact. And not only is it an objective fact, but it’s a person with intelligence and will. And it’s really that kind of a realization, that when you’re doing the right thing you’re literally infused, or you have God in you. It’s just understanding (the concept of) stepping aside and letting God work through you as opposed to you trying to do something, (which) I think is a very valuable insight. So (after) reading Thomas Aquinas, I very much appreciate my philosophical (background).
What makes St. David’s worth that kind of regular commitment? I think it’s worth the commitment. One, because you’re truly in a community of faith, so it’s that dedication to faith that it never feels like you’re just going through the motions from a faith perspective. So, that’s very powerful. I think the connection with my youth is a big thing, and that drives a fair amount of it. And, the third point is that every time I go Father Scott just really has some great message, as do the other deacon and pastor—all three of them bring something unique to the mix. And, you always feel like you’ve gained a little bit. You have something to consider in your prayer life and always have something to walk away with in a positive way. It’s rare we ever miss. If we miss, it’s only because of illness.
And, so, I think it’s very central. I’ve worked in a very high-stress environment, and I do understand for some (people) work is the center of their life. And that decides what they consider acceptable and unacceptable. I don’t mean that by way of criticism, just as an observation. They could go for a week or so without eating lunch, just going from a meeting to another meeting to another meeting to another meeting, and it doesn’t really occur to them that they didn’t really have lunch. And they keep going that way for weeks at a time. So, you’re willing to fast for some secular goal, but you feel that fasting during lunch is going to be problematic?
How did you become a senior warden, and how did you decide to pursue it? Now, that’s interesting. We started in 2014, and then after that we always wanted to do something to get a little more involved in the church. I feel that being senior warden, I’m very pleased in that (the position) allows me to use my abilities here and any thoughts or insights, any leadership I feel I can bring to a situation to really move the vestry forward.
So, it goes to what’re you really serving here, and who you’re serving and what’s ultimately determining where your moral compass is. And, I think if you can kind of let all that go and just stick to a very simple formula of love God, which is synonymous with saying, “Love justice,” or “Love goodness” and “Love your neighbor,” that’s pretty much straightforward, I think.
What role does faith play in your life? A very central one. I think that when you look at life in general, and this may just be one person’s perception, but you have to decide what’s going St. David’s by-the-Sea’s Senior Warden Frank Barnes, rear left, is flanked, left to right, by his wife, Cynthia Barnes, sister Jeannie Barnes, and his late uncle, Thomas “Tuck” Barnes.
I know that’s a very convoluted answer, and it sounds far more self-righteous than it should, but that’s the easiest way I can articulate that. — Interview conducted by Tim Ritter
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
Art Borne of Love Finds a Home in a Favorite Church Jeanne Weaver’s paintings capture her passion for the Lord, family By Tim Ritter COCOA BEACH – Jeanne Weaver has traveled the world. She has seen her artwork published. But her biggest adventure may have come only after she returned to the church she frequented as far back as 1955 and that hosted her wedding in 1970. Now many of the walls in St. David’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church bear her unique and inspired paintings, and she couldn’t be happier. “It is very definitely the most loving congregation I’ve ever met,” Weaver said. “I feel so terribly blessed to be part of this congregation and to feel all the love they’ve given me.” In return, Weaver has given much of herself. The most recent addition, added in February to the sanctuary walls, is eight long, narrow paintings showing the stations of the cross. The series begins with Jesus’ sentence and culminates in a triumphantly resurrected Jesus displaying His wounds as a sign of His enduring love.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
Weaver gradually began sketching her plans for her paintings in late 2016 before showing them to the church’s rector, the Rev. Scott Holcombe, in December. Anticipating a full year to complete the paintings, she was taken aback when Holcombe asked for them by the end of February 2017. “My response was, ‘That’s not possible,’” Weaver said. “On January 1, I just had a feeling I had to get them done. I still can’t believe I did it.” Weaver’s additions to the church began not long after her return there in 2011 after decades spent overseas, thanks to her husband’s foreign service job that took the family around Europe and Africa. She started digging around for the history on the church she had been away from for so long and found the church’s records in poor shape, due largely to the transitory nature of the Cocoa Beach community. “The only way I could read some of them was on carbon paper,” she said. As a result, Weaver’s first contribution was less an inspired, artistic choice than a logical one: a series of montage plaques that provide a guided tour through the church’s history. She left the final board largely empty, allowing room for the history yet to be made. Weaver followed that spirit to design perhaps her most personal contribution—a spirit wall that honors active servicemen from the congregation and commemorates two fallen soldiers. One is her son, Todd, who died on duty in Afghanistan
Jeanne Weaver, second from right, reads an announcement at the dedication of the Afghan Memorial.
in 2010. While grieving, she later published a collection of 21 portraits painted in his honor, titled “Losing Todd: A Mother’s Journey, Finding Peace in my Heart.” Several other paintings bearing a familiar signature adorn other walls of St. David’s by-theSea. Weaver may have spent four decades away from the church that played such a significant role in her formative years, but since coming back, she has certainly made up for lost time. Another painting with a ninth station of the cross is on its way soon. Holcombe and the congregation can only watch with amazement and affirm that a higher form of inspiration must have been involved. “After I saw them all done, I said, ‘You had extraspecial help,’” Holcombe explained. “She said, ‘I know.’”
www.cfdiocese.org
AROUND THE DIOCESE CONVENTION NEWS
Canterbury Will Celebrate Anniversary Caribbean-Style Capacity crowd expected for 35th annual event in June By Jeff Gardenour
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uests will sway to the music and smell the aromatic foods of the Caribbean in June when the Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center in Oviedo holds its 35th anniversary dinner. The Rev. Dr. Jon Davis, executive director of Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center, said preregistration is being taken for the event, which will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, June 11. Patrons will be treated to a Caribbean-themed evening, complete with a steel drum band, silent auction and two-hour dinner. The Caribbean theme is expected to be a big hit in sunny Central Florida, following previous successful Celtic- and bluegrass-themed dinners. “It’s a celebration of Canterbury,” Davis said, “its mission and ministry. It will be a backward-looking event, but forward-looking event (as well) to what God is doing on campus.” Davis said organizers are hoping for a sellout of 175 guests, especially after last year’s overfilled head count of 186. Cost is $35 per person or $500 for a sponsored table of eight, which includes the sponsor’s name in the program and on the table setup. Open to the public, the event has drawn many prominent Episcopal leaders and area businesses through the years. Past sponsors include the Rotary Club, Citizen’s Bank, and the Kiwanis Club. This year’s event will have three keynote speakers: Bishop Gregory O. Brewer, Davis, and the Rev. Dr. Steve Brown. Davis calls the anniversary dinner the “Super Bowl” of Canterbury’s fundraising efforts. This year’s auction is expected to include prizes such as a four-person balloon ride, a wine basket, Disney tickets and more. “Last year, we raised about $5,000,” Davis said. “This year, our goal is $7,000.” For more information, call Canterbury at 407-365-5571.
Attendees at the Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center were treated to a Celtic-themed dinner last summer. Last year’s anniversary dinner drew a number of keynote speakers. Attendees at the Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center’s 2016 anniversary dinner were the recipients of boundless hospitality.
www.cfdiocese.org
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
Congregation has raised whopping $1.8 million
Photos: Jeff Gardenour
St. Peter’s Fundraising Campaign Builds Onward
St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lake Mary is raising money for its new sanctuary, set to be built on Rinehart Road.
By Jeff Gardenour “The Church on the Hill” is inspiring members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lake Mary to build up the body of Christ. The catchy building-campaign slogan has helped the church raise close to $2 million toward the construction of a new sanctuary on the peacefullooking property, located just minutes from Seminole Towne Center on Rinehart Road. Laurie Mealor, capital campaign chairperson for St. Peter’s, said $1,803,698 has been pledged toward the new building as of March 20. The current figure represents a nice jump from February’s pledged total of $1,790,948. Church leaders have set a fundraising goal of $2.5 million before ground is broken for the sanctuary, which will be built on the empty grass field in front of the church. “While we would love for all resources to be pledged already, we believe the campaign provides us many opportunities to reach out to and connect with all members of our congregation,” Mealor said. “New leadership has surfaced through the work of the campaign effort, and some of these team members have taken on new roles within other ministries. “We are not just building a physical facility, but we are also building up the body of Christ here at St. Peter’s,” Mealor said. She added that pledges and
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
The field in front of the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will be the site of the new sanctuary once fundraising is completed.
contributions are coming in from the church’s congregation, and church leaders also have reached out to its school- and youth-outreach families for donations. Mealor explained that the building project will be broken into two phases. The $2.5 million fundraising goal covers the current estimate for Phase 1, which includes the nave, sanctuary, and narthex, with all interior rooms and spaces as designated on the conceptual drawings. “Phase 2 components will likely be funded as donors wish to target their gifts to these specific structures: sacristy, chapel, steeple and any other future additions,” Mealor said. Completion of the building and opening for worship is tentatively set for one year after groundbreaking. According to Mealor, the new church will have a seating capacity of 411, more than 100 over the church’s average weekend attendance. St. Peter’s current membership is 742.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lake Mary is currently raising funds for its "Church on the Hill" campaign, whose funds are earmarked for building a new sanctuary.
“Our initial buildings, including our current worship space, were designed and built 30 years ago in the mid-section of our campus,” Mealor said. “Space was reserved out front for the larger worship space, including the narthex, nave and sanctuary with eventual chapel and bell tower; these were envisioned at that time to be completed at a future date. “We believe the Lord is now inviting us to accomplish the building of a prominent new worship home that is spacious enough to welcome new worshippers and members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church,” Mealor said. “The spread of the gospel to the surrounding community and beyond is our No. 1 goal.”
www.cfdiocese.org
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Orlando Rector Heads to Music City The Rev. Andrew Petiprin will serve as canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee By Jeff Gardenour
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he Rev. Andrew Petiprin is taking a leap of faith with his new position for the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee, but is happy to follow this call.
The Rev. Canon Tim Nunez, canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, announced on April 3 that Petiprin has been called to serve as canon to the ordinary in the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee in Nashville. Petiprin, rector at St. Mary of the Angels Episcopal Church in Orlando since 2011, will start his new position June 1 under Bishop John Bauerschmidt. “I am honored to serve in the Diocese of Tennessee, but also sad to say farewell to my people,” Petiprin said. “I believe this call is from the Lord, and I am happy to obey. And Tennessee is a beautiful place!” Petiprin said he is excited about the new job for a number of reasons: “Canon to the ordinary is an exciting job and quite different from being a rector. I will not have my own altar, nor pulpit, nor my own parishioners. I will assist the bishop in building up all the parishes of the diocese, and I will be responsible for more day-to-day administration, finances and personnel matters.” In a diocesan announcement, Nunez said Petiprin will assist the Diocese of Tennessee’s current canon to the ordinary, the Rev. Pamela Snare, for nearly a year leading up to her retirement in February 2018 before taking over the position.
www.cfdiocese.org
Parishioners pray at a recent service at St. Mary's of the Angels Episcopal Church in Orlando.
Petiprin said leaving for Tennessee was not part of his plan while serving Bishop Greg Brewer in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. While here, he worked in the diocese’s standing committee and as chair of the Clergy Events Committee, according to Nunez. Married with two children, Petiprin previously worked in Arizona. He came to Florida as one of the area’s brightest newcomers, having been a British Marshall Scholar at Magdalen College Oxford before training for ordination at Yale Divinity School and Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University in Connecticut. “Most of our family is in Florida, so leaving for Tennessee was not something we thought about before I was asked to consider this new position,” Petiprin said. “But my wife, Amber, and I believe it will be a great move for us and for our kids.”
An avid writer who contributes regularly to a number of publications, including Living Church magazine, Petiprin said he is grateful for his time in Orlando. “I have had the honor to serve the most wonderful parishioners in Christendom,” he said. “Likewise, I love my colleagues with all my heart. It has been a privilege to serve under two godly bishops here and to share their ministry of the gospel.” Nunez, meanwhile, said in a diocesan news release that Petiprin will be missed. “While we hate to lose Father Andrew, we are excited that his gifts and talents will serve the Diocese of Tennessee and the broader church,” Nunez said. “He has served St. Mary’s of the Angels, Orlando, and the Diocese of Central Florida exceedingly well.”
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
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DIOCESAN FAMILY
Longtime Episcopalian at 106 and Counting Westminister Towers-Lucerne resident Mabel Sturges, right, recently celebrated her 106th birthday party in the retirement community's dining room in downtown Orlando. More than 65 people, including longtime friend Matt Gay, left, attended the party for Sturges, who was a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando for 90 years.
Orlando’s Sturges celebrates birthday in style By Jeff Gardenour
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of both Altar and Wedding guilds.
ore than a century after her birth, Orlando’s Mabel Sturges still knows how to enjoy a party.
But it may have been her dinner parties that garnered the most attention. “She kept a book, recording everyone who attended each dinner, along with the food she served and the dishes and tablecloth she used,” Gay said. “She was the perfect hostess. She loved to entertain.”
More than 65 people, including many of her fellow residents from Westminster Towers-Lucerne, gathered to celebrate Sturges’ 106th birthday party in the retirement community’s dining room on Saturday, March 11, in downtown Orlando.
Sturges also was famous for her rum cakes. She would bake 30 of the treats every Christmas, presenting them to clergy and good friends. “Although she never consumed alcohol herself and never tasted her cakes, they were a special treat to recipients because she doubled the amount of rum required from one cup to two,” Gay said.
Well-dressed partygoers sat at pristine tables decorated with fresh flowers and custom birthday invitations. It was an impressive display of appreciation for a woman who, for years, held twice-weekly dinner parties. “This is a very nice turnout,” said Matt Gay, a longtime friend and one of three health surrogates for Sturges. “It’s primarily Tower residents. These are people who have gotten to know Mabel.” Attendees signed her guest registry, left presents at the gift table and even posed for pictures with the guest of honor, dressed in blue and wearing a lovely corsage. She enjoyed herself, waving and smiling at the crowd. “I really don’t feel like I’m that age,” Sturges said. The oldest resident of Westminster TowersLucerne in downtown Orlando and arguably the most popular centenarian in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, she has been a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando for 90 years. As a longtime member of the Cathedral, she was involved in just about everything a church could offer. From forming the St. Elizabeth Guild for women to organizing senior trips to throwing dinner parties, Sturges was a proud, vital member of the church.
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PHOTO BY MATT GAY
Although she has been unable to attend church for three or four years now because of health issues, Sturges and her enormous contributions have not been forgotten. “Mabel’s a special person,” Gay said. “She never complains. Everybody loves her.” Born in 1911 in LaFollette, Tenn., Sturges has lived life to the fullest. After moving to Florida when she was 14, she joined the Cathedral two years later. She graduated from Orlando High School and then went on to found the St. Elizabeth Guild during World War II in 1942.
As for folks throwing her a party, Sturges said: “I love it. It’s fine with me.” Outside the church, Sturges was just as impressive. Shortly after marrying, she helped to take care of her parents-in-law as well as her brother-inlaw and his wife for many years. She and George Stilson Sturges had a long and happy marriage. After decades of being surrounded by people she loves, Sturges was delighted to be the recipient of a fine birthday party. “I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “I’m very, very thankful.”
She assisted the church in many other ways as well, including serving as a greeter and member
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
Dozens of people turned out to celebrate the 106th birthday of Westminister Towers-Lucerne resident Mabel Sturges in March.
JEFF GARDENOUR/CFE
www.cfdiocese.org
DIOCESAN FAMILY
Serving the Lord Throughout Central Florida Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s helping hand reaches far and wide By Jeff Gardenour
T Father James Giles, and his wife, Mary, from St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Ocala run the Soup Kitchen to help feed the homeless. Ed Bartle, associate rector from St. George Episcopal Church in The Villages, and members of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew volunteer their services at the Soup Kitchen.
he homeless come from all over Central Florida to accept the kindness and generosity of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. For church leaders like the Rev. Ed Bartle, associate rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church in The Villages, making the weekly 40-mile trip to St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Ocala to feed the homeless satisfies one of the three disciplines of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew: service.
“We’ve been volunteering on a weekly basis in the soup kitchen at St. Patrick’s,” Bartle said. “(They) feed the homeless five days per week. (St. Patrick’s) has some other great ideas about helping the homeless in the Ocala National Forest.” As the diocesan coordinator for the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Bartle stays active in helping others. He and approximately 11 others recently held an informal meeting at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park. Bartle said about six chapters of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew were represented. “We started making preparations for the regional meeting,” Bartle said. “We talked about the soup kitchen, and we got some things lined up. We’d like to put out a diocesan newsletter (for the Brotherhood of St. Andrew).” The group also discussed one of the building projects at Camp Wingmann, a massive 42-acre, year-round retreat center known for its annual summer youth camp and other diocesan youth events. “One of the chapters is building an outdoor chapel,” Bartle said. Bartle hopes his Brotherhood of St. Andrew chapter at St. George’s can assist in the completion of the chapel and other things sometime in May as part of the fifth annual National Day of Service. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew’s National Day of Service is officially scheduled for April 29, but because of time constraints St. George’s chapter is scheduling its community service project for May. “Basically, all the chapters get together and do some project in the community,” said Bartle about the National Day of Service. “We’ll go out to Camp Wingmann and help (the Rev. and Camp Director) Deke Miller. I’m sure he has some things we can do … general maintenance around the camp and so forth.”
Father Ed Bartle
www.cfdiocese.org
For more information on the Brotherhood of St. Andrew or to assist a local chapter on the National Day of Service, call Bartle at 352-750-1010.
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
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REACHING OUT Photo courtesy of The Rev. Tommy Dillon
Diocesan Reps Learn How to Face Down Disasters
People stay busy with gutting work following the September 2016 flooding in the diocese of Louisiana.
Episcopal Relief & Development team conducts program at Canterbury By Jeff Gardenour
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hen the next hurricane blows through or flooding leaves people stranded, many Central Florida church leaders will know how to respond— thanks to Episcopal Relief & Development’s U.S. Disaster Program. Representatives from all of Florida’s Episcopal dioceses, including the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, attended a special disaster preparedness and response training event March 29-31 at the Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center in Oviedo. Attendees learned how to organize area resources and utilize tools to help create or maintain community-led efforts to combat crises that arise from disasters. This was the latest event held by the Episcopal Relief & Development team from New York. “In recent years, the government and nongovernment regulatory agencies have made
incredible improvements since Hurricane Katrina,” said Lura Steele, training coordinator for the U.S. Disaster Program for Episcopal Relief & Development. “Some people fall through the cracks of traditional disaster-recovery systems. Fortunately, these are often people to whom we are connected through our outreach ministries. This makes the church uniquely positioned to help our vulnerable neighbors make a full and sustained recovery."
model and how it can impact preparing for and responding to disasters.
To help area church leaders tackle these issues, Episcopal Relief & Development training teams discussed several topics to help improve recovery efforts in response to disasters. Steele said risk assessment and training helped participants prepare for and handle a myriad of disaster scenarios, including hurricanes and flooding, which are commonplace in Florida.
Preparedness is also broken down into three segments: planning, staying informed and preparing an emergency kit. Episcopal Relief & Development offers a resource library to help folks strengthen their communities, Steele said.
Steele said Episcopal Relief & Development also addressed man-made disasters such as oil spills. “There’s a whole host of other hazards that come up on our radar.” Episcopal Relief & Development spent a lot of time addressing its community development response
Episcopal Relief & Development’s U.S. Disaster Program is broken down into three phases: rescue, relief and recovery. “Law enforcement and emergency response teams handle many rescue operations, but it’s churches that can have a huge impact in relief, especially through leveraging and expanding outreach ministries to meet the needs in the community,” Steele said.
In both preparedness and disaster-response situations, communication is key. Steele said communication in disaster situations can vary from place to place, and there is no definitive chain-of-command protocol church leaders should follow. Instead, it falls to each church and its congregation to take the steps necessary to help in disaster situations. “Every congregation, regardless if it is a mission church or a huge church, all congregations have gifts and ways to help out in the world after a disaster,” Steele said. To learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development and its programs, access the organization’s website at www.episcopalrelief.org.
Photo courtesy of Karen Mackey
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
The Rev. Mark Holland celebrates Holy Eucharist with St. Francis Episcopal Church in Denham Springs, La., whose church building suffered flood damage in September 2016.
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REACHING OUT
Vacation Bible School to Heat Up This Summer By Jeff Gardenour For some kids, summertime is about more than just hitting the beaches and theme parks. It’s also the time for Vacation Bible School, or VBS. Churches across the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida are busily holding registration for 2017 VBS programs, which run in varying sessions in June, July and August. Most are designed for children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grades.
Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the VBS programs being held in Central Florida: Good Shepherd, Lake Wales – June 5-9 from 9 a.m.-
St. Anne’s, Crystal River – June 19-23 from 8:30
Open to kindergartners through rising fifth-graders. Call church office at 863-676-8578 for more information.
information.
11:45 a.m. Theme is “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
Holy Spirit, Apopka – June 5-9 from 9 a.m.-noon.
Theme is “Digging for Treasure.” Contact church office at 407886-1740 for more information.
St. James, Ormond Beach – June 5-9 from 9
a.m.-noon. Theme is “Who is My Neighbor?” An optional
art camp will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Open to rising kindergartners through fifth-graders. Register online at: www. stjamesormondbeach.com as soon as possible. Volunteer opportunities are available for rising sixth-graders through adults.
St. Matthew’s, Orlando – June 5-9 from 9 a.m.-
a.m.-noon. Call church office at 352-795-2176 for more
St. Michael’s, Orlando – June 19-23 from 9 a.m.-
noon. Theme is “Maker Fun Factory: Created by God, Built for
a Purpose.” Access https://vbspro.events/p/events/jesus for more information.
Cathedral, Orlando – June 26-30 from 9 a.m.-noon. Theme is “Maker Fun Factory: Created by God, Built for a Purpose.” Open to children who are 4 years old by Sept. 1 through rising fifth-graders. Register online at www. ccslorlando.org as soon as possible.
Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden – June 26-30
from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Dinner for registered students will
are trained through fifth-graders. Register online at www. stmatthewsorlando.org as soon as possible.
be held at 5 p.m. Theme is “Passport to Peru: Discovering God’s Good Gifts.” Open to 3-year-olds who are trained through rising sixth-graders. Register online at www.myvbs.org/COTM2017 as soon as possible.
Holy Trinity, Melbourne – June 12-16 from 9 a.m.-
St. Jude’s, Orange City – June 26-30 from 6 p.m.-8:30
321-723-5272 for more information.
6200 for more information.
noon. Theme is “Superheroes.” Open to 3-year-olds who
noon. Theme is “Miracles of Jesus.” Call church office at
p.m. Theme is “Lost at Sea.” Call church office at 386-775-
St. Augustine of Canterbury, Vero Beach – June
St. Elizabeth’s, Sebastian – July 10-14 from 5:30
Underground Church.” Call church office at 772-770-3494 for more information.
Gospel of Mark” (Olympic theme). Register online at www. stelizabethssebastian.org as soon as possible.
12-16 from 9 a.m.-noon. Theme is “Rome: Paul and the
p.m.-8 p.m. Dinner is included. Theme is “Super Kids
All Saints, Enterprise – June 12-16, from 5:30 p.m.-
Ascension, Orlando – July 31-Aug. 4 from 9 a.m.-
Created by God, Built for a Purpose.” Open to ages 3-11. Register by May 15. Forms available at www.ascenterprise.org as soon as possible.
for a Purpose.” Open to 3-year-olds who are trained through rising sixth-graders. Email kids@ascension-orlando.org for more information. Register by June 4 to receive the early rate. Volunteers get 50 percent off.
8:30 p.m. Dinner is included. Theme is “Maker Fun Factory:
St. Edward’s, Mount Dora – June 13-16 from 6:30
p.m.-8 p.m. Theme is “LEGO style – Building God’s Kingdom Around the World.” Open to ages 4-12, but limited to 32 children. Call church office at 352-383-2832 for more information.
www.cfdiocese.org
noon. Theme is “Maker Fun Factory: Created by God, Built
ECW Meeting to Focus on Empowering Women By Wendy Taryn Deluca
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he Episcopal Church Women (ECW) Central Deanery annual meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 20, at The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 1000 Bethune Drive in Orlando. Plans for the meeting include support and empowerment of women in their mission and ministry at church, home and in the community. The format includes group discussions and reflections as well as a presentation on Women of Vision (WOV), a spiritually-based training directed by the diocesan ECW at Bishop Greg Brewer’s request. Keynote speaker, the Very Rev. Sarah L. Bronos, will expound on the theme “Building Bridges of Peace and Reconciliation Within Our Parishes and Our Communities.” Bronos serves as dean of the Central Deanery, Diocese of Central Florida, and rector at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland. The Rev. Canon Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, canon for vocations for the Diocese of Central Florida, will be the preacher and celebrant at the Holy Eucharist. The Rev. Canon Nelson Pinder, rector emeritus, also will assist in the worship service. ECW is the only organization that includes all women of The Episcopal Church. Each church is encouraged to send representatives of its parish women's ministries to the meeting. Final registration is being held May 1-20. Fee includes registration, continental breakfast and lunch Registrations can be mailed to: Dr. Karen Adderly Clark, ECW Central Deanery Director, c/o The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 1000 Bethune Dr., Orlando, FL 32805. For more information call 407-719-2482, email karac915@gmail.com or visit www.ecwcentralfl.org.
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
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REACHING OUT
Wide Spectrum of Topics Addressed at Recent Clergy Days Speakers from Jacob's Well, Virginia Theological Seminary featured By Jeff Gardenour
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“All canonically resident, as well as licensed priests and deacons (active and retired), are welcome to attend all clergy events,” Petiprin said. “(We) send out announcements about events to our cleric e-mail list. Basically, anyone on the list is welcome to attend, and we usually include a link to register for events from there.
Dozens of clergy learned more about the socially powerful topic of sex addiction at the first Clergy Day of the 2017 calendar year at Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center in Oviedo.
Jay Haug
“Jacob’s Well is a ministry seeking to combat compulsion to pornography and sexual addiction,” said the Rev. Andrew Petiprin, rector of St. Mary of the Angels Episcopal Church in Orlando. Haug, who authored “The Rest of God: Finding Freedom from Lust in the Internet Age,” has been in the sexual addiction recovery movement for more than two decades. At Jacob’s Well, he directs a fellowship that focuses on complete sexual sobriety as a means of honoring God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. “I was very pleased with how Jay Haug and his team from Jacob’s Well did,” Petiprin said. “They spoke about a topic that is usually swept under the rug, but it turns out many people have to deal with it on a daily basis. Many of the clergy in attendance said they (now) felt better equipped to handle pastoral crises related to pornography and sexual addiction.” Clergy members also had the benefit of hearing the Rev. Dr. Robert Heaney at the second Clergy Day of the year on March 21. Heaney, who studied and became a priest abroad, serves as director of the Center of Anglican Communion Studies and associate professor of Christian mission at Virginia
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
Heaney's day-long teaching was entitled "The Hope of Mission as the Future of the Church.” He covered topics including the readings of John 4, inter-cultural theology and going beyond the five marks of mission. Heaney also gave an update on the Lambeth 2020 Design Group, which, he reported, has begun its work planning the July 2020 Lambeth Conference to be held in Canterbury, England, with the theme of "God's Church for God's World." “Robert (Heaney) is an important voice in the Anglican Communion,” Petiprin said. He added that the diocese usually has three or four clergy days per year, as well as its biggest clergy event—the Clergy Conference—each October.
he fight to stop pornography and sexual addiction has come to congregations worldwide, and the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida is on the front lines.
Jay Haug, executive director of Jacob’s Well (www.jacobswellhope.com), and two other guests from his organization spoke at the first clergy day on Feb. 28, which drew approximately 50 people.
Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia.
Rev. Dr. Robert Heaney “Bishop Brewer often invites others to attend as well, sometimes clergy from outside of the diocese who have a special interest in what we do here, and sometimes seminarians or other lay people who may have a special interest in a particular topic,” Petiprin said. “That is completely up to the bishop and not to me or the Clergy Events Committee.” He added that the Diocese of Central Florida has held Clergy Days many years, offering participants a wide variety of subject matter.
“We try to have a good mix of topics throughout each year,” Petiprin said. “Our big Clergy Conference, which is mandatory for all canonically resident active priests, is usually a bit more academic in nature. The Clergy Days are sometimes academic, but usually a little more practical.” Petiprin also said Clergy Days have left a positive impact on attendees. “Generally, I hear positive feedback,” he said. “In the busy lives of parish clergy, it can be a big challenge to slow down, take a day away and sit at the feet of someone who has something to teach you. Those who attend our gatherings usually report that it is like having a miniature retreat.”
For more information on Clergy Days or the upcoming Clergy Conference, call Canterbury at 407-365-5571.
www.cfdiocese.org
STEWARDSHIP
Homeless Awash in Generosity at St. John’s Episcopal, Kissimmee By Jeff Gardenour
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“We anticipate a busy but exciting and glory-filled day,” said the Rev. Michelle Roach, associate priest at St. John’s. “We look forward to serving those whom Jesus loves.” Maundy Thursday is the first of the three holy days, or Triduum, observed at the heart of Holy Week in The Episcopal Church. The washing of the feet symbolizes humility of service. St. John’s recognition of Holy Thursday and its
“I am happy to report that the congregation enthusiastically purchased the sneakers,” Roach said. “Many conversations could be heard about the bargains that were made. “For the first time, the number of sneakers donated has reached 90 pairs,” Roach said. “Ninety people – men, women and children – can now receive a new pair of sneakers. Socks are also provided to them. Church members donated money, which was used to purchase the socks.
ozens of people were expected to descend upon St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kissimmee to have their feet washed on Maundy Thursday. But what makes this holy day unique at St. John’s is that church members are washing the feet of the homeless. For more than a decade, members of the church’s outreach team have washed the feet of homeless men, women and children every year on Maundy Thursday, this year April 13, and given them a fresh pair of socks and new sneakers.
team made a request for 60 pairs and received a surprising response.
“The current outreach team is comprised of 10 members under the presidency of Mr. James Temple, who carried on from Mrs. Parker,” Roach said. The original St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kissimmee is still in operation, holding 8 a.m. and Spanish services.
outreach for the homeless was the brainchild of its rector, the Rev. Cecil Radcliff. In 2005, his vision became a reality under the leadership of Mrs. Lucinda Parker. “She approached various companies for donations or discounted prices for the sneakers,” Roach said. As the years wore on, though, outreach team members began finding it difficult to continue giving socks and sneakers. “Each year, the church purchased the sneakers, but it soon became apparent that the church could not sustain a budget for this program,” Roach said. “It was difficult to find companies willing to donate the sneakers.” Facing the possibility of having its Maundy Thursday outreach program canceled, the outreach team appealed to the congregation for help. The
She calls this outreach program a blessing. “We see God’s grace in each person who sits before us,” she said. “Many are reluctant to have us touch their feet. Most are drawn to the new shoes. But it is God’s grace that allows us to return each year. “To touch someone provides an opportunity to offer love, support and encouragement,” Roach said. Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing" (Matt. 25:35-36a). “The faces of the homeless are unknown to us,” Roach said. “We truly have no idea what lives they live. But Jesus knows them, and we invite them to sit for a moment to feel the warm water that cleans and refreshes them. Washing their feet allows us close contact with another human being. As we wash their feet, we say these words, ‘I wash your feet in the name of Jesus who came to serve, not to be served.’”
St. John’s is located at 1709 N. John Young Parkway in Kissimmee. Call 407-847-2009 for more information.
The outreach team at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kissimmee washed the feet of the homeless on Maundy Thursday. Additionally, the team gave out a fresh pair of socks and sneakers.
www.cfdiocese.org
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Learning About the Power of Prayer 97 youths and adults addressed by Bishop Brewer By Jeff Gardenour
N
early 100 people recently journeyed to Camp Wingmann to learn about the power of prayer from one of the best sources in Central Florida: Bishop Greg Brewer.
Youth Ministry Institute (YMI) Executive Director Steve Schneeberger said 97 youths and adults attended the bishop’s Earth to God annual event Feb. 24-25 at the beautiful 42-acre site in Avon Park. “It was great,” Schneeberger said. “Bishop Brewer shared a great deal about his life and how prayer has been important to him.” Schneeberger, who runs the YMI Florida division on Jackson Street in Orlando, said organizers held six separate prayer stations, each emphasizing a different type of prayer. Youth activities also were offered for students in sixth through 12th grades.
Picturesque Camp Wingmann in Avon Park hosts many youth events all year long.
“There were 10 churches and one school who participated in this event,” Schneeberger said. The Earth to God event is the latest YMI activity in which youths and adults have participated during the 2016-17 calendar year. The organization’s next scheduled event is the final retreat Year A from noon to 3 p.m. April 28 in Orlando. The day will include recognition of achievements by first- and second-year students.
A certification ceremony will then be held at 1 p.m. April 29 at First United Methodist Church, 142 E. Jackson St., Orlando. Youth ministers who have finished the two-year training and coaching program will be recognized.
For more information on YMI, call 407-341-0855 or email Schneeberger at steve@yminstitute.com.
A middle school group takes time out to relax during Bishop Brewer’s recent Earth to God event at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park. Students were placed into small groups for participation in prayer stations. Students engage in some Q & A time with Bishop Greg Brewer recently at the Earth to God event at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
www.cfdiocese.org
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Youth Ministry Institute Empowers Its Leaders Organization’s bimonthly meetings help plan for the future By Jeff Gardenour
E
ngaging youth in Christ-centered activities is a powerful thing, which is why the Youth Ministry Institute does everything it can to empower its leaders.
The Youth Ministry Institute (YMI) recently held its bimonthly meeting for youth leaders in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida. The meetings are held during the odd-numbered months of the year and allow YMI leaders to do a number of things. “We spend time planning the several events we do together as a diocese,” said YMI Executive Director Steve Schneeberger, who runs YMI’s Florida division from its headquarters at 142 E. Jackson St. in Orlando. “We also go over our calendar items to be sure we aren’t in conflict with other events.” Schneeberger said between 10 and 18 people usually attend the meetings. Attendees are volunteers, and part-time and full-time youth ministry leaders in the diocese, he said. “It is an open meeting to anyone who characterizes themselves as a youth leader in their local church,” Schneeberger said. Youth leaders also can learn a lot about YMI’s services during the meetings. YMI offers six months of free coaching for those who register for a multiple-year youth ministry coaching and training program, according to the organization’s website. YMI also offers job placement with on-site support; cohort learning via four methodologies (two-year learning, coaching, online learning and new ministry); evaluation processes; professional assessments; workshops; and conferences. For more information on YMI, call 407-341-0855 or email Schneeberger at steve@yminstitute.com.
www.cfdiocese.org
By Jeff Gardenour
2017
Summer Camp Registration Heats Up for Camp Wingmann Whether it is canoeing, kayaking, sailboarding, swimming or just watching a movie, there is no shortage of fun for youth attending a Camp Wingmann summer camp. That trend continues this year when Camp Wingmann holds six weeklong camps over a seven-week period in June and July. Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, the Camp Wingmann summer camps have been held for almost 60 years.
“I’d like to see the registration get into 400 or more,” said the Rev. Deke Miller, director at Camp WIngmann. “If we can get 400 or up, that’s a great turnout.” Based on last year’s turnout of 361, Camp Wingmann may very well reach this challenging goal. The camps are open to kids in third through 12th grades, broken down into age-group sessions: elementary, middle school and high school. The camp has been extremely popular throughout all the sessions for decades, Miller said. Camp Wingmann’s summer camps have run almost nonstop since they began in 1939. Except for a short period of closure during property ownership transactions, the camps have flourished.
• • • • • •
This year’s camp schedule should ensure another successful summer. Campers stay busy all day, beginning with breakfast around 8 a.m. After a morning prayer by a priest, they participate in the day’s first activity. Lunch is then held, followed by cabin time in which campers can take a nap or rest. Next comes a one-hour programming event in which a youth leader, Sunday Bible School leader or priest discusses a topic developed around a theme.
After the programming event comes canteen time, in which campers can buy sweet treats such as sodas or candy. They then attend a fun class such as music, swimming or another activity. They then head back to their cabins to get ready for dinner, which is usually served around 6 p.m. After dinner comes an evening activity, followed by bedtime.
Campers also engage in team building and participate in an Olympics competition at the end of the week, Miller said. The Camp Wingmann director expects young people from all around the diocese, as well as some from West Palm Beach, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, to attend this summer. “We’re very excited about this summer,” Miller said. “We’ve got a great team of staffers again. The program leaders have been here before. We really feel like it’ll be one of our best summers yet.”
Here is a breakdown of each camp:
Camp St. Mark: June 11-16. Open to senior high campers in ninth through 12th grades. Camp St. Barnabas: June 18-23. Open to middle school campers in sixth through eighth grades. Camp Trinity: June 25-30. Open to elementary age campers in third through fifth grades. Camp St. Peter: July 9-14. Open to senior high campers in ninth through 12th grades. Camp St. Francis: July 16-21. Open to middle school campers in sixth through eighth grades. Camp St. Mary: July 23-28. Open to elementary age campers in third through fifth grades.
Cost is $350 per camper, with a nonrefundable deposit of $75 due upon registration. A forms packet will be emailed to each camper after initial registration is received.
The balance of $275, along with all forms and paperwork, is due two weeks before the registered camp, or the camper may lose their spot. Discounts for multiple family members and sessions are available.
Sign-ups will conclude one week before each camp. For more information, call toll-free 866-526-3380 or email staff at campwingmannregistrar@gmail.com.
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
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DIOCESAN FAMILY EVENTS Camp Wingmann has been a big hit with youths of all ages for years. Youths last December enjoyed their Christian experience at Winter Camp.
High School Ministry Is Where It’s ‘Happening’
advisers and a large team of youth leaders who run the event, which consists of prayer, worship and ministry.
Camp Wingmann revives Christian experience for older youth By Jeff Gardenour
A
Christian revival of sorts is “Happening” these days at Camp Wingmann, and it’s an empowering one.
On April 28-30, Camp Wingmann was scheduled to hold its third Happening for high school youth since reviving the event last year after a decades-old absence. Sponsored by The Episcopal Church, the Happening is a ministry run by teenagers for teenagers: youth in 10th through 12th grades. The Happening is much like New Beginnings, its highly successful counterpart for middle school youth, but takes a different approach. “With New Beginnings, you get the kids together and they get to know more about their faith,” said the Rev. Deke Miller, director of Camp Wingmann. “They talk about the basics of faith and who we are in faith. “With Happenings, they get to see Christian life lived out,” he added. “They see what the Christian community looks like.” Miller said he was hoping for 30 participants and approximately 25 to 27 team leaders for the spring Happening. The team is made up of adult
Almost everyone in attendance at this year’s Happening were expected to come from the Central Florida Diocese, except for one team member from the Southwest Florida Diocese, Miller said. Unlike New Beginnings, which often sees returning participants, Happening draws a new youth group each time. However, some of the Happening team leaders are former participants, which gives the event a sense of fluidity and credibility. “There’s adult advisers, but it’s the youth who are running the event,” Miller said. Miller said the main purpose of Happening is spiritual growth for the participants, but there’s an added advantage: “It’s not only that they get into a deep relationship with Christ, but they develop friends here. It’s about community and relationships. It’s a pretty close community. It’s ever-growing.” The forging of relationships in a Christian community has left a powerful impact on some, Miller said. “We’ve had stories where (someone) goes back to their church to be baptized,” he said. That sense of community, Miller believes, helps “Happening” attendees get more out of their participation and see how bringing a Christian message into a community helps them work as a Christian. “They will find kids struggling with the same things they are,” he said. “They are finding new strengths with their relationships. They go back with a newfound energy.” For more information on future Happening events, call the Rev. Becky Toalster at 863-370-7185.
Youths learn about how to develop a deeper relationship with Christ when attending events at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park.
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CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
At International Retreat, Bishops Resolve to Work Together in Christ Staff Report
B
ishops from around the world converged on northern England last month for a retreat.
Hosted by the Rev. Nick Baines, bishop of Leeds, the retreat utilized a mix of prayer, worship and fellowship to help bishops discuss their churches and missions as well as biblical theology, spirituality and more. Reaching out through their Anglican worldwide partnership links and ecumenical links with Lutherans in Europe, the diocese of Leeds hosted the archbishop of Khartoum; the bishops of Mara, Colombo, Faisalabad, southwestern Virginia and Skara; and the Superintendent of Erfurt. The group spent nearly a week with Baines and the suffragan bishops of Bradford, Huddersfield, Richmond, Ripon and Wakefield. Discussing their differences with openness and friendship, the bishops agreed to look at one another as brothers in Christ and to learn, pray and communicate with each other to address changes in churches and obstacles that endanger church unity. The next international retreat for bishops is scheduled to be held in Leeds prior to the Lambeth Conference in 2020, according to the Anglican Communion News Service.
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DIOCESAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Diocesan Calendar May 7, 4 p.m. – Celebration of a New Ministry
A celebration of a new ministry and institution of the Rev. Rebecca Denise Toalster as rector will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 500 W. Stuart St., Bartow. Reception will follow in the parish hall. Clergy are invited to process and should wear red stoles.
May 11, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Fresh Expressions Vision Day
The Diocese of Central Florida will hold the “Changing Church for a Changing World: A Fresh Expressions Vision Day” at University Carillon United Methodist Church, 1395 Campus View Court, Oviedo. The event is open to clergy and laity. Cost of $20 per person includes coffee, refreshments and lunch. To register, please visit http://freshexpressionsus.org/event/vision-dayorlando-fl/. Contact Deacon John Motis at john@cci-83.com for more information.
May 14, 9:30 a.m. – Graduation Day
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales will hold Graduation Day to honor its high school and college graduates along with its volunteers. Following the event, a complementary picnic will be held across the street under the tent near the Campbell building. For more information, call 863-676-8578.
May 19-21 – Young Adult Leadership Discovery Conference
Bishop Brewer’s Visitation Schedule, Spring 2017
This three-day event at Camp Wingmann in Avon Park is open to college students and high school students in 11th and 12th grades. Visit the Events page at www.campwingmann.org for more information.
May 20 – Feeding the Hungry
Church of the Holy Spirit in Apopka, 601 S. Highland Ave., will offer free lunches on the patio of the parish hall. The church feeds the hungry on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, call 407-886-1740.
5/7/17 (a.m.) Kissimmee, St. John’s
May 24, 2 p.m. – “Peter Pan”
5/7/17 (p.m.) Bartow, Holy Trinity (New Ministry – Toalster)
The congregation at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church in Winter Park has arranged for special seating at the showing of “Peter Pan” at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Those wishing to sit with their fellow parishioners should contact the Garden Theatre at 407-877-4736 and request to be seated in the St. Richard’s section reserved by Irv Lipscomb. Cost is $29; $25, seniors and students; $12, children 12 and under. For more information, call the Garden Theatre.
5/9/17 (p.m.) Merritt Island, St. Luke's 5/11/17
Fresh Expressions Vision Day
5/14/17
Haines City, St. Mark’s
5/21/17
Louisville, Kentucky; St. Francis in the Fields (DEPO)
5/28/17
No Visitation (Diocese of Honduras Convention)
6/4/17
Daytona Beach, St. Mary’s (New Ministry – Murbarger)
6/11/17
Orlando, Cathedral (Pulse Memorial Service)
A celebration of the Holy Eucharist remembering the Pulse tragedy will be held at the Cathedral in Orlando.
6/11/17
Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center Annual Dinner
June 11, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. – Anniversary Dinner
June 4 – Celebration of a New Ministry and 140th Anniversary
In conjunction with the commemoration of the 140th anniversary of the church's founding, a
celebration of a new ministry and institution of the Rev. Jason Murbarger as rector will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 216 Orange Ave., Daytona Beach. Reception will follow in the parish hall. Clergy are invited to process and should wear red stoles.
June 10, 4 p.m.-11 p.m. – Anniversary Ordination Dinner and Gala Dance
Holy Faith Episcopal Church, 6990 S. U.S. Highway 1, Port St. Lucie, is celebrating its 53rd year of ministry and the 16th anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of its vicar, the Very Rev. Orlando Addison, with a worship service followed by a gala dance. Proceeds will benefit Holy Faith's capital campaign. For tickets and more information, contact Mrs. Claudette Lewis at 917541-4274.
June 11, 5 p.m. – Pulse Remembrance
6/14/17
Vero Beach, Trinity (Noon Holy Eucharist)
The Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center in Oviedo will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a Caribbean-themed dinner. Bishop Gregory O. Brewer, the Rev. Dr. Jon Davis and the Rev. Dr. Steve Brown are the keynote speakers.
6/18/17
Ormond Beach, Holy Child
June 23-25 – Two-Day Cursillo
6/25/17
Clermont, St. Matthias
Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center
July 24-29 – Soul in the City
This five-day event for middle and high school youth will engage participants from across our
diocese in community service. Visit www.cfldiocese.org/episcopalyouth/event/soul-in-the-city/ for more information.
Sept. 16 – Daughters of the King Assembly
St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Crystal River Bishop Gregory O. Brewer will preach and preside at Holy Eucharist.
www.cfdiocese.org
Bishop Brewer’s visitation dates are subject to change. Please refer to www.cfdiocese.org for the most current visitation listing.
CENTRAL FLORIDA EPISCOPALIAN • May 2017
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NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA WWW.CFDIOCESE.ORG • Volume 119, No. 3 • May 2017
Attendance Jumps for Lenten season
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‘Beyond Walls’ Writing Conference Set for Kenyon College
Artist Finds Home at St. David’s by-the-Sea Church
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Orlando Rector Called to Music City
Longtime Episcopalian Celebrates 106th Birthday
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