2021 Christmas Southern Cross

CHRISTMAS 2021

VOLUME 52 | ISSUE 3

Southern Cross MAGAZINE OF THE DIOCESE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Angels among us

“SEE, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW” • EPISCOPAL CHARITIES CHRISTMAS CONCERTS • YOUTH PROGRAMS IN 2022 • SAFEGUARDING GOD’S PEOPLE

YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS Our campers participate in a Christian program designed to deepen their faith and strengthen their friendships through a variety of activities. Campers learn team-building skills and are challenged on our ropes courses, enjoy canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the Manatee River, and get a chance to just be themselves playing games and creating arts and crafts. Come experience God’s love through great music, worship and food this summer! Planning for 2022 is underway: for the latest updates and more details, head to

CAMP

WWW.DAYSPRINGFLA.ORG

2022

ADOPT-A-CAMPER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Support our diocesan youth ministry by participating in the Adopt-A-Camper Scholarship program! Your donation sends a child to a camp session they may otherwise be unable to attend, and gives them memories which last a lifetime. You’ll receive a thank you note from your camper, and if you choose, you can inspire them with a note to your camper ahead of their camp session. For more information about this program, contact Matthew Bowers, Camp Director / Director of Youth Ministry & Programming at

mbowers@episcopalswfl.org

BEST. SUMMER.

EVER.

From the Bishop WHAT JESUS WOULD SAY When I was a young priest, I had the fortune of serving as Rector of St. Michael & All Angels in South Bend, Indiana. Its patronal feast was, of course, St. Michael & All Angels which is on September 29. We observed the feast on a Sunday, so I preached something about angels every year. Well, I finally ran out of preaching inspiration. One Saturday evening I was sitting alone in the Church desperately praying for any help I could get. And then it came to me through the inspiration of Revelation 12: 7-8: "And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place or them in heaven." Below are the words that poured into my head and heart. All I did was write them down with great gratitude. As we prepare for Christmas and remember the Angels, please receive this as a spiritual glimpse. I am still thankful for that evening. I hope the words give you joy.

I made you because I love you. I made you so I could love you. I made you to be loved. I made you for love so that you could love and, in loving, you could love me in return. I made you because I love you.

I gave you the life that dwells in me, that is me, so that you could live. There was a risk and I knew it. The risk was that you would take the freedom of life I gave you and turn away from me. The risk was that you would try and make it without me. I loved you so much though ... and I desired your love so much that you became worth the risk. You are worth the risk.

The risk has brought evil into creation. Please try and remember that the reality of evil means you are worth the risk of loving. I am with you. You are not alone. The Light of Life dwells in the darkness.

I know your darkness. I know the pain and fear you suffer in. Some of you, my children, hurt your children by never accepting them as worthy of attention and affirmation. All of my children desire praise and peace. When you do not accept each other as being worthy of love, you help turn each other to self-hatred instead of self-acceptance; to acts of anger instead of acts of compassion; to attitudes of isolation instead of attitudes of healing community. I know your darkness.

I know your suffering. I know that you often live in fear that others will find out who you really are. But that person you fear being found out is the one who lives in sin. Who you really are is a being that can reveal so much love that mountains can, indeed, be moved. You do not need to continue this life of fear. Listen to my voice. I am with you. Many of you participate in great evil because you do not listen to my voice. By choosing to hide from me you make yourself available to hear the whispers of the father of lies. Your life reflects what you allow to come into your heart. I know your suffering.

I know your fear. You fear each other and you fear yourselves.

You fear that someone you desire to love will hurt you again.

You fear the stranger who fears you. Your fear seethingly orders you to accept the invitation of the demons. The demons would have you believe that there is a haven in addiction, in promiscuity, in greedful gathering, in selfish security, in the fortress of self. The haven they offer is the trap of hell. You fear getting hurt or rejected by others so you make decisions that only bring you into the life you fear. There is no life without love. There is no freedom in fear. I know. I've lived with you. I know your fear.

Remember this: the evils you choose cannot abide in my presence. I desire your presence but you cannot bring your shackles with you. They must be removed from you but you must choose to let go of them. You have heard that there was war in heaven and that evil was cast out. This is true. The forces of darkness cannot abide in my presence. But the war continues in your lives. Help me cast out the dragon. Let me help you live in freedom. Invite me into your fears, your sufferings, your darknesses and I will bring the Kingdom of Heaven into your life. You have heard that the gates of hell cannot prevail against me. This is true. I will come into your pain and bring peace. The forces of darkness cannot abide in my presence ... but you can.

I desire you. I want your love. I have chosen you. Will you this day choose me? Come to me. The war is over in Heaven. The war is over in Heaven.

I made you because I love you. And for you is this ...

the war is over in Heaven.

Bishop Dabney Smith Fifth Bishop of Southwest Florida

SOUTHERN CROSS

YEAR 52 | ISSUE 3 | CHRISTMAS 2021 FIRST PUBLISHED AD 1970

Matthew Bowers | Director of Youth Ministry & Programming mbowers@episcopalswfl.org Geraldine “Jerry” Buss | Bookkeeper jbuss@episcopalswfl.org Angie Ford | Receptionist & Registrar aford@episcopalswfl.org

The Rev. Canon Christopher Gray | Canon for Stewardship cgray@episcopalswfl.org Wendy Martucci | Executive Assistant to the Bishop wmartucci@episcopalswfl.org Michelle Mercurio | Administrative Assistant mmercurio@episcopalswfl.org The Ven. Dr. Kathleen Moore | Archdeacon; Dean, School for Ministry kmoore@episcopalswfl.org Lindsey Nickel | Director of Communications lnickel@episcopalswfl.org The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman | Canon to the Ordinary rnorman@episcopalswfl.org Carla Odell | Executive Director - DaySpring execdirector@dayspringfla.org Tana Sembiante | Administrative Assistant to Canon Norman tsembiante@episcopalswfl.org Anne M. Vickers | Canon for Finance & Administration | CFO avickers@episcopalswfl.org Director of Congregational Support in transition contact avickers@episcopalswfl.org ADJUNCT CLERGY The Rev. Alex Andujar | Diocesan Coordinator for Latino Hispanic Formation | aandujar@episcopalswfl.org The Rev. Carol Fleming | Diocesan Missioner, Parrish cfleming@episcopalswfl.org The Rev. Scott Nonken | USF Chaplain snonken@episcopalswfl.org The Rev. Michael Todd | State College of Florida Chaplain mtodd@chsosprey.org

Bishop | The Diocese of Southwest Florida The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith Assisting Bishops The Rt. Rev. J. Michael Garrison, The Rt. Rev. Barry R. Howe Canon to the Ordinary The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman Canon for Finance & Administration | CFO Anne Vickers SOUTHERN CROSS Editor & Director of Communications Lindsey Nickel Managing Editor & Creative Director Shannon Weber Contributing Writers The Bishop Coadjutor Search Committee, Matthew Bowers, Christy Dumont, The Rev. Paige Hanks, Misty Landers, Lindsey Nickel, The Rev. William Van Oss, Shannon Weber Subscriptions | The Southern Cross is mailed free of charge to parishioners of the Diocese of Southwest Florida from member parish lists. Contact aford@episcopalswfl.org to subscribe or update delivery preferences.

Editorial Submissions | The editors welcome submission of articles for every section of the magazine, including features, news and departments. Please submit articles to lnickel@episcopalswfl.org 2022 Submission Deadlines Easter Issue: January 28 Pentecost Issue: March 11 Advent Issue: October 14 On the cover:

Beautiful Christmas decorations fill our 79 churches over the holiday season, making this time of year especially merry and bright for our parishioners and clergy alike.

FEATURES

16 "SEE, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW"

We look back at the 53rd annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, including Treasurer's Report highlights and election information.

20 LOVE THY NEIGHBOR

The Episcopal Charities Fund granted 15 programs more than $40,000 this past fall, including St. James House of Prayer’s Cornerstone Kids.

26 SAFEGUARDING ALL GOD'S PEOPLE New advances in Safeguarding All God’s People online make training easier and more effective across the diocese.

DEPARTMENTS Around the Diocese Meet the Priest | The Rev. Eddie Gibbons Beloved Community | Dr. Catherine Meeks Youth | Youth Programming Underway for 2022 Communications | 2022 Word Out Conference Parish Profile | Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church

6 8 10 12 13 14

29

IN MEMORIAM Holiday Baking Faith Journey First Person Transitions Retirement Coadjutor Search | Update Looking Back

31 32 33 34 35 36 38

Around the Diocese

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS EDITION

J

oy to the world, the Lord has come! And come we all will, to raise our voices in praise during another Advent season. Across the diocese, churches will be filled with candlelight, music, and the spiritual harmony of the Lord. Below you will find a selection of 2021 Advent concerts.

CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. PETER 140 4TH ST N, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701

spcathedral.org

Service of Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, November 28 at 5 p.m.

A beautiful service of readings and music that point the way to Christmas, including 14 carols or hymns, some familiar, some less so: “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree,” Britten’s “Hymn to the Virgin,” and more. For more information, visit spcathedral. org/music-events

Cathedral Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 12 at 10:15 a.m.

The children's choir will sing spirituals and hymns telling the story of the shepherds and wise men following the star to find the Christ child.

Longest Night Service Tuesday, December 21 at 7 p.m.

Through music, silent meditation, scripture, and healing prayer, we reach out to acknowledge sadness with comfort, to reflect on loss and remember together the real reason for the season: The Light shines in the darkness. God is with us. For more information, visit spcathedral.org/longest-night

CHRIST CHURCH 4030 MANATEE AVE W, BRADENTON, FL 34205

cecb.church

Sarasota Young Voices December 12 at 4 p.m.

Sarasota Young Voices in concert with Genevieve Beauchamp, conductor 6

Advent Organ Recitals December 9 at 12:15 p.m. – Richard Benedum December 16 at 12:15 p.m. – John Behnke Home-made lunch following each recital.

CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 639 EDGEWATER DR., DUNEDIN, FL 34698

cogsdunedin.com

Annual Carol Sing Sunday, December 19 at 4 p.m.

You are invited to the annual Carol Sing which will feature the Bells of Hope and the parish choir. A variety of Christmas music will be presented with an opportunity for the attendees to sing many of their favorite carols. A dessert reception will follow and a free-will offering will be taken.

CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY 2507 DEL PRADO BLVD. SO. CAPE CORAL, FL 33904

epiphanyepiscopalchurch.org

Advent Service of Lessons and Carols Thursday, December 16 at 6 p.m.

Light refreshments will follow in the Church Hall, all are welcome.

CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER 222 S PALM AVE, SARASOTA, FL 34236

RedeemerSarasota.org

Advent Lessons and Carols December 5 at 5:15 p.m., Free

Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota: Sounds of the Season December 7 at 5:30 and 7 p.m., $25 Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 Purchase tickets at RedeemerSarasota.org/GreatMusicSeries

Annual Messiah Sing-A-Long: Memorial Tribute to Daniel Moe December 12 at 7 p.m., $25 Bring your score!

Purchase tickets at RedeemerSarasota.org/GreatMusicSeries

Choral Artists of Sarasota: What Sweeter Music December 19 at 5 p.m., $35

Advent Organ Recitals Various Dates, 12:15 p.m.

December 1 - Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe (OrganistChoirmaster Emeritus) December 8 - Dr. Richard Benedum December 15 - Sam Nelson December 22 - Peter Madpak

ST. ALFRED’S 1601 CURLEW RD, PALM HARBOR, FL 34683

stalfredschurch.com

Festival Service of Nine Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 19 at 4 p.m.

St. Alfred's Parish Choir and Cambridge Ringers under the direction of Organist-Choirmaster Kevin Johnson will present a Festival Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 19 at 4 p.m. The service is based on the one made famous at King's College in Cambridge, England. The service consists of prayers and readings from scripture which tell of man's fall from grace in the garden of Eden to his redemption by the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Christmas Eve Music Service Friday, December 24 at 9:30 p.m.

There will be a half-hour of Christmas music preceding Holy Eucharist by the Choirs of St. Alfred's Episcopal Church accompanied by a string quintet of members of The Florida Orchestra under the direction of Kevin Johnson, Organist-Choirmaster. The Holy Eucharist will follow at 10 p.m. with familiar carols and festive Christmas music both choral and instrumental.

ST. MARK’S, VENICE 508 RIVIERA STREET VENICE, FL 34285

stmarksvenice.com

Advent Lessons and Carols Wednesday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy the choir of St. Mark's Episcopal Church under the direction of Peter A. Madpak.

Come hear the story told in scripture and song.

Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, December 15 at 6:30 p.m.

A Contemplative service of healing and hope for those who are hurting this Christmas.

Siren Song - Ft. Robyn Rocklein and Johanna Fincher Sunday, December 19, 3:00 p.m.

Siren Song has served the Sarasota and Venice Communities by bringing the joy of music to concert stages across the country. Join us for this memorable holiday concert!

ST. BONIFACE 5615 MIDNIGHT PASS RD, SARASOTA, FL 34242

bonifacechurch.org

A Seraphic Fire Christmas Wednesday, December 8 at 7 p.m.

Celebrate Christmas at St. Boniface with the return of “A Seraphic Fire Christmas.” Join us for a night of wondrous Christmas music sung by Florida’s premiere Grammynominated vocal ensemble. Tickets are available now at SeraphicFire.org.

ST. CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA 502 DRUID HILLS ROAD, TEMPLE TERRACE, FL 33617

stcathtt.org

Welcome the Light: Choral Evensong for Advent Sunday, December 5 at 4 p.m.

Join us for gentle music, soft candlelight, and prayers as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Light, Jesus Christ.

ST. MARK’S, TAMPA 13312 CAIN RD, TAMPA, FL 33625

stmarkstampa.org

Christmas Concert Extravaganza Friday, December 10 at 7 p.m.

The concert will include selections by the Chancel Choir with soloists, handbells, brass and more. All are welcome.

Food donations of cereal or peanut butter are requested instead of tickets.

TRINITY-BY-THE-COVE 553 GALLEON DR, NAPLES, FL 34102

trinitybythecove.com

Christmas by the Cove Saturday, December 18 at 5 p.m. & Sunday, December 19 at 4 p.m.

An annual staple of the Holiday season features the choir of Trinity-by-the-Cove present beloved Christmas Carols old and new, enhanced by local musicians of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra.

7

Meet the Priest THE REV. EDDIE GIBBONS, EPIPHANY

Get to know Eddie Gibbons, the new Priest-in-Charge at Church of the Epiphany in Cape Coral.

Q: What is your experience as part of The Episcopal Church, having been ordained first as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church?

Father Eddie Gibbons is the Priest-in-Charge at Church of the Epiphany, Cape Coral. Father Gibbons was ordained a priest in the Roman Catholic Church on October 18, 1997. He joined The Episcopal Church in February 2015 and was receieved as a priest in The Episcopal Church on September 28, 2019. He most recently completed a Certificate in Anglican Studies at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, Wisconsin. Fr. Gibbons' wife, Alicia, is a trained Stephen Minister.

Fr. Gibbons holds a Master in Social Work and prior to ministry as a priest in The Episcopal Church he served as a facility team chaplain at Hope Hospice. Within the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, Fr. Gibbons is currently a member of the Commission on Ministry (COM) and the Diocesan Council.

Q: What was your church experience growing up in Ireland?

A: From an early age, my church experience growing up in Ireland was very much one of a loving community. At age seven, I became an acolyte. I have vivid memories of liturgies being well attended with lots of participation by members within varied ministries such as altar guild, lectors, eucharistic ministers and visitors. We had a wonderful music program with an adult choir and a folk group. In terms of outreach and pastoral care; both parishioners and clergy ministered well together and provided strong community support. There was a lot of fun, food and fellowship which was important in terms of building relationships and supporting the wider community.

There were also lots of opportunities provided for Christian formation, spiritual growth and development of one’s prayer life.

8

A: I left active ministry as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church with no immediate plan or intention of entering into active ministry as a priest in another denomination. Rather, I chose to be in a relationship with a view to marrying. My decision to leave active ministry as a priest in the Roman Catholic Church is one that spanned over many years. It’s easy to know this in retrospect but when going through such a lengthy time of discernment and wrestling with issues, I would say that one is not always so aware. For me, this was definitely a journey of ‘..more will be revealed.’ For about a year after leaving active ministry, I continued to attend weekly liturgies and sat in the pews of Roman Catholic churches. While I very much missed celebrating the eucharist, I also had within me a deep sense of peace in terms of being in a relationship with my now wife. In many respects, I had been formed to believe that one could not be called to both the ordained priesthood and marriage. However, I had come to believe and know that this was just not true. One morning I awoke and had this, what I can only describe as, a ‘deep burning desire within me’ to not disregard my calling to ministerial priesthood. I had come to know and believe that one calling does not eradicate the other.

If anything, they add so much more! This experience opened up conversations with some episcopal clergy and the beginning of my journey in The Episcopal Church.

From the beginning, the sense of inclusion that I had in The Episcopal Church was real. My first experience was one of hospitality that embodied authentic acceptance, welcome and invitation to fully participate as a member. Initially, I was pleasantly surprised by the many similarities between The Episcopal Church and the Roman Catholic church that I had been formed in. However, I also witnessed ‘inclusion, transparency and openness’ within the church in relation to LGBTQ members, married clergy and the ordination of women as deacons, priests and bishops. This had not been my previous experience within the Roman Catholic tradition and so I began to experience a more wholistic and open faith community.

From my earliest experience of forming a parish discernment group, as I began to explore my calling to be received into the Priesthood in The Episcopal Church, I discovered that members of the church had more to say in terms of polity and policies involving vestry as well as diocesan and national convention.

Q: What is your favorite part of ministry?

A: My favorite part of ministry is being able to journey with those with whom I minister among, as our book of common prayer notes: ‘…caring for young and old alike, strong and weak, rich and poor.’ As a priest, I get to do this by preaching, offering God’s forgiveness to those seeking it, giving God’s blessing and sharing in the administration of Holy Baptism, the Eucharist, and so much more. My experience of pastoral care is that I have, more often than not, received more than I could give, and I have come to realize that a ‘ministry of presence’ is so very important to many people today. While I have spent several years in formation in a residential seminary and also completed Anglican Studies later on at another seminary; I would say that formation continues on many levels throughout one’s ministry and those to whom we serve continue to form us.

Q: You hold a Masters in Social Work: how has this impacted the way you minister to your community?

A: Having a Masters in Social Work (MSW) has certainly helped to shape my ministry on many levels. One of the most important things social workers learn is that networking in the community is extremely important and this is true in ministry too. There are many social work tools that I have learned through practice that assist when caring for someone from a psycho-social perspective. Some of my favorites over the years have led to my approaching situations from a systemic, task oriented, and solution focus. Part of my work in the past was with teenagers who were going through legal processes for varied reasons and I discovered that practicing ‘motivational interviewing’ as a tool for change was often very effective. This can be true in a ministry setting also. On an awareness level, I have gained insight into the way in which family systems theory can unfold within a faith community. I have also gained experience in working in specific areas related to mental health, addiction, and child protection including the fostering and adoption process.

Q: How is it being relatively new at a church during the pandemic?

streaming of worship services, online scripture studies and meetings have assisted us in staying connected, but our desire to have fellowship with one-another while gathered in-person remains strong. Good fun, food and fellowship simply cannot be replaced and as a Eucharistic people, they remain important to us for all time.

Q: Your wife Alicia is a trained Stephen Minister.

How does she assist you at Epiphany?

A: Alicia, first and foremost, is an engaged listener and is always present in the moment when caring for others. She has a servant heart and is always ready to respond to the needs of others in the community. For me personally, more often than not, she is also a voice of reason. More than this, she is a committed prayer partner. She is a trained Stephen Minister but due to the pandemic, this ministry has been put on hold for a time at Epiphany. That said, Alicia is planning to train as a Stephen Ministry Leader and we are hopeful of bringing the ministry back to life again at Epiphany in the near future. In addition to working full time at the Area Agency on Aging, she feels called to respond in ministry as a choir member, lector and Eucharistic Minister / Visitor.

A: One experience for me, I would say, is that it has been more challenging getting to know and connect with people both locally and throughout the diocese. Our opportunity to gather in person has been significantly restrained throughout the pandemic and this has led to many challenges. It has been difficult not being able to visit parishioners when, for many, they needed pastoral care most. Some people have been more isolated than others which, in turn, has been difficult. At the same time, this experience of ‘pandemic-distance’ has led to new opportunities and ways of doing ministry together. Like it or not, we are all very familiar with ZOOM by now. Live9

Beloved Community

RACIAL RECONCILIATION SERIES

,,

by Misty Landers

"Where are We Now, and Where do We Go From Here?" with Dr. Catherine Meeks

O

n September 18, 2021, Dr. Catherine Meeks, Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing in Atlanta, GA, joined members of the diocese for a virtual workshop.

The seminar opened with a powerful spoken word poem by the center’s program manager, Dominique Hardy called “My Black Life.” The poem is a call to action to recognize the humanity in one another and a brave testimonial of how unsafe and traumatizing it is to be a person of color in America. The remainder of the workshop was spent listening, discussing, and reflecting on the sin of racism and how to forge a new way forward as pilgrims.

At the conclusion of the workshop participants felt renewed and hopeful about the work of racial reconciliation.

The work is hard, and it can often feel defeating but as Andrew Walker, a parishioner at St. Augustine’s in St. Petersburg commented, “I found the experience to be profoundly joy inducing and encouraging. Dr. Meeks made the beloved community seem achievable rather than insurmountable.”

Parishioners from the diocese who attended expressed gratitude for Dr. Meeks’ time, wisdom, and energy. We will do our best to become pilgrims on this journey and to each answer in our own way the call of where do we go from here?

As a follow up to the Racial Reconciliation online event, Dr. Meeks shared a letter she wrote, “Can We Have A Word With You?” for reflection of current events and the voices lost.

,,

Can We Have A Word With You? Dr. Catherine Meeks | May 29, 2020

W

e were really just trying to live our lives. And we are wondering if you are a person who is white, if we could ask you a question. What part of the privilege that comes from having white skin are you willing to give up, so that people in black and brown skin can just live without the kind of violence that took our lives?"

We realize that many of you are sad and very sorry that we were killed. Some of you are going out to march in the streets. Others are resorting to violence which is very unfortunate because we do not think that will help the situation at all. Some of you are hosting vigils. You bring flowers to the places where we were murdered. You are outraged as you should be.

But you see, we are gone, and we are not coming back.

Was there anything that you could have done about the way that you have chosen to travel through the world as a white person that could have helped to create a world where it would not be thought that a white person in a uniform could practice violence against folks in black and brown bodies without having to worry very much because they would be protected?

How do you resist white supremacy? Is it only when a few of us get murdered in plain sight? How does white supremacy serve you? What parts of it are you ready to let go? What will that mean for you? What do you have to change? Are you willing and ready to make that change?

We want to know. We have paid the ultimate price for the world that was made for you because for some reason we were sent into the world with black skin instead of white skin.

So we think that we can ask you hard questions.

What part of your white skin privilege are you willing to give up so we can have a world that does not hate black and brown bodies so much?

Once you know the answer to that question, please do it. And then light a candle for yourself in the hope that the light will grow larger and help you see what you need to do next.

Let our deaths not be in vain!

- George [Floyd], Ahmaud [Arbery], Breonna [Taylor] 10

A NEW OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE WORK OF RACIAL RECONCILIATION

T

he diocesan Race and Reconciliation Committee has been hard at work over the last year planning diocesan-wide events examining racism (both virtual and in-person), curating a list of resources to support parishes as they begin or continue their efforts toward racial reconciliation, and creating a six-hour diocesan dismantling racism training aligned with The Episcopal Church’s priority of racial reconciliation beginning in 2022.

Diocesan deacons and members and guests of the Race and Reconciliation Committee participated in the first training on October 9, 2021. Anonymous feedback from this training included quotes such as, “best diocesan program in years,” and “very well done,” and “I believe the more we talk about the issue of racism, the more it will be dismantled.”

At their October 2021 meeting, Diocesan Council unanimously approved a new diocesan policy which outlines who is required to take Dismantling Racism training. The language from that policy reads as follows:

by the Rev. Paige Hanks

"What part of your white skin privilege are you willing to give up so we can have a world that does not hate black and brown bodies so much?"

Catherine Meeks "Can We Have A Word With You?" May 29, 2020

“Lay and ordained leadership of the diocese, including all ordained persons, church and diocesan staff, vestries, and those elected or appointed to positions of leadership on committees, commissions, agencies and boards shall participate in said anti-racism training according to diocesan policy.”

The goals for this training were laid out by The Episcopal Church following General Convention Resolution B049 in 2000 which requires training for clergy and lay on this important topic. These goals include: •

• • •

Understanding that the largest challenge eliminating racism rests in the largely unconscious systemic (including cultural) and institutional practices that reflect historic racially biased assumptions; Recognizing and addressing our personal racist tendencies and actions; Equipping participants so they can begin to help others to eliminate racism and bringing about racial healing; and Beginning the work to make institutions/systems (cultures) less racist.

Our diocesan training includes a framework for brave group dialogue, an overview of The Episcopal Church’s rationale for addressing racial injustice, a strong grounding in scripture and church tradition, and an overview of notable historical events in America. It will also include short lessons on bias, how privilege works, and how familiar systems function with inherent racism, and an overview of The Episcopal Church’s intention for Becoming Beloved

Community. Interspersed with lectures, short clips, and discussion are small group dialogue opportunities where participants share their learning and commit to taking that learning out into the world as Christian witness.

There will be four offerings of this training during the calendar year of 2022, with the first virtual event for 2022 scheduled for Saturday, January 15th. These events will be held via Zoom for the foreseeable future to accommodate the large number of clergy and lay leaders who are required to participate. Although not a diocesan requirement, parish clergy and lay leaders are encouraged to take this training together. Registration will be open soon for the January training, and future dates will be scheduled and can be found on the diocesan Race and Reconciliation webpage.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

https://www.episcopalswfl.org/ reconciliation 11

Youth GETTING READY FOR 2022

by Matthew Bowers

2022 DaySpring Camp registration opens, and youth retreat steering committees get ready to build.

T

here's a popular phrase in youth ministry - “the youth aren’t the future of the church, they’re the church today.” That is a noble thing to say, and something that we can all agree with. However, I believe there is a massive difference between making that statement and living that statement. As we move into 2022, I want to encourage our diocese to live more into the idea that our youth are the church today. The mission of the diocesan youth ministry in our diocese will always be to offer opportunities to expand faith, leadership abilities, and perspective in new and meaningful ways.

Starting in the new year, our diocesan retreats will be operating with a fresh leadership structure. Our goal is to get the youth involved in making meaningful, significant, and sometimes tough decisions for our retreats. We’ll be forming a Steering Committee for New Beginnings which will be comprised of six youth, three adults, a lay director, and a priest acting as spiritual director. This group will meet before and after each New Beginnings retreat to reflect on the retreat, select and organize the next team, and prepare for upcoming retreats.

As for Happening, we are in a state

of rebuild. Bishop Smith and I recently made the decision to postpone our Happening program to intentionally focus on rebuilding it over 2022. To be clear, where we are now does not discredit any of the good of previous Happening weekends or the work that has been done. Coming out of the pandemic, we want to build on this strong foundation and establish a fresh direction.

High school youth now have the chance to apply for the Happening Rebuild Team. The team will consist of youth, a small group of select adults, the Rev. Whitney Burton-Smith as our Spiritual Director, and myself. Over 2022, the youth will meet to discuss Happening in our diocese, participate in Happenings in other dioceses during the year, and then work to rebuild our own Happening program with a launch date of December 2022. This is going to be an incredible experience and opportunity for our youth to have a real impact on our retreat programming.

2022 is a big year for youth ministry in our diocese. Our goal is not simply youth involvement, but youth engagement. To do that, we are preparing to find ways to engage our youth in their

faith and leadership development.

This includes things such as our New Beginnings Steering Committee, our Happening Rebuild Team, but also the way we engage our campers at DaySpring Summer Camp. The result will be a diocesan youth ministry that is on fire for God and serving God’s kingdom in the world.

LEARN MORE

Find out more about our New Beginnings Steering Committees and Happening Rebuild Team by visiting

dioswfl.org Youth/Young Adult Section

@EYCofSWFL

on Instagram

Bottom: Diocesan youth attend New Beginnings in October 2021. Top: Youth attend six in-person sessions of the 2021 DaySpring Summer Camp.

12

Communications WORD OUT CONFERENCE 2022

A look at what the 2022 conference has in store for parish marketing and communications.

LINDSEY NICKEL, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, DIOCESE OF SWFL Growing up in Sarasota, Lindsey has lived in the area for more than 30 years. She is a graduate of Eckerd College where she received a B.A. in Communications and Religious Studies. Kicking off her career, she worked with international brands including Starbucks, Pedigree, and Mars Food at Ketchum Public Relations in London. Over the following 16 years, she has continued to work with notable organizations including Visit Florida, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Bayfront Medical Center, and Omni Hotels & Resorts. A passionate educator, she worked as a faculty member for Ringling College of Art & Design from 2012-2017. Lindsey is a mother of two and celebrates her love of music and art as a performer at the Florida Studio Theatre and the Players Center for the Performing Arts.

Clockwise, from top: Lindsey Nickel, Ben Hodous, the Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail, Grier Ferguson

The Diocese of Southwest Florida will host its annual Word Out conference on January 18. This fourhour communications conference assists congregations in marketing and communications best practices and emerging trends. For 2022, the diocese is offering a variety of practical training in communication planning, the use of public relations for your parish, ministry through social media and its value, marketing apps such as Canva and Ripl that can ease the burden of creating graphics and promotions, and optimizing your website for ease of user experience and content navigation.

What to expect: The pandemic thrust many of our churches into the fast lane of online communications. The who, what, when, where and why of this will be addressed during this interactive and engaging communications workshop.

Word Out will activate your creativity and raise your awareness of both fresh perspectives on trusted media tactics, and emerging ways for your church to connect with parishioners.

BEN HODOUS, PRINCIPAL DEVELOPER, GRAY SWAN SOLUTIONS Ben is the owner and founder of Gray Swan Solutions, a web consulting company based in Chicago and Sarasota that specializes in web development, graphic design, marketing and writing. Starting his career in technical writing, he transitioned into web design and development, user experience and analytics. He founded Gray Swan Solutions to provide customers with individualized plans to maximize the potential of their app, website or brand.

THE REV. LIZZIE MCMANUS-DAIL, CURATE, EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE CROSS, AUSTIN The Rev. Lizzie Mcmanus-Dail used to teach art in bars and wait tables. Now, as an Episcopal priest in a church plant in Austin, TX, she uses the skills she learned in the service industry to foster meaningful connections with people on social media.

Her academic background is in Womanist and Feminist theological studies, which she draws on to make videos online. She and her spouse have two enormous cats and are expecting their first child in February.

GRIER FERGUSON, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER, SARASOTA Grier Ferguson was born in Atlanta and grew up in Sarasota. After earning a degree in journalism with a minor in leadership from the University of Florida, she worked at an advertising, public relations and marketing agency in Sarasota as an account executive and copywriter. She then worked as a freelance writer and editor, creating content for corporations, communications agencies and nonprofit clients.

Grier previously served as the Sarasota-Manatee editor of the Business Observer newspaper, interviewing corporate and community leaders and writing articles about entrepreneurs, executives and businesses in a variety of industries. She became director of communications at Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota in April 2021.

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Parish Profile TRANSFORMING LIVES, TRANSFORMING THE WORLD Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, Valrico

F

by Lindsey Nickel

or more than 60 years, Holy School between September 2020 thru TLC is not only a way to provide food Innocents’ Episcopal Church May 2021, taking 389 volunteer man to those who are hungry, but to also has lived their mission hours to complete this mission. provide spiritual strength through of “Transforming Lives, “Holy Innocents’ is a faith prayer and ministry,” said Ray Lingrel, Transforming The World!” The church volunteer. “Not only are we feeding their community that intentionally chooses to has grown from 30 parishioners in reach out to a hurting world by trusting bellies, we’re also feeding their spiritual 1957 to just over 500 in 2021. Beyond God and going beyond the comfortable souls through prayer with whomever a robust service schedule available for place," said The Rev. Bryan O’Carroll. wishes to receive it.” both in-person and online worship, “Empowered by the Holy Spirit we are The church is also home to a local Holy Innocents' lives the gospel with picking up our cross and following Jesus.” organization, kidsPACK, that provide a variety of programs that serve the With a focus to engage meals to students over the weekends for community at large. parishioners at every age, Holy families who live in high poverty areas.

Each month Holy Innocents’ Innocents’ builds programming Every Tuesday, the organization meets serves 900 meals to those with an intergenerational in need in the surrounding approach, striving to involve "Intergenerational worship brings all of area, including Dover all members in the same migrant workers and Meals worship and fellowship God's people to worship together, so rather on Wheels through their opportunities. than watching our children get escorted to TLC Feeding Ministry.

Children stay in Sunday School during church, we get the Close to 50 volunteers church with their families privilege of witnessing our children become a support each feeding, during service, they receive and prayers are offered to a Children’s message during Christian before our very eyes." families at each feeding the lectionary, and several along with prayer cards. adults in the congregation “While some of the meals we work to support and assist parents to pack the meals for distribution later pack go to Meals on Wheels, the large throughout the service. They also have in the week. Through the support of majority goes to the TLC Feeding what they refer to as “The Sunshine Holy Innocents’, kidsPACK delivered Ministry and San Jose Mission in Dover. 2,481 meals to Dover Elementary Room,” which is a resource room off the chapel that parents and children can utilize throughout the service.

On Wednesday evenings they host a fellowship night, which typically includes music, a potluck meal, and a study that focuses on three age groups – adults, teens, and children - all centered around the same theme or reading.

“Intergenerational worship brings all of God's people to worship together, so rather than watching our children get escorted to Sunday School during church, we get the privilege of witnessing our children become a Christian before our very eyes,” said Lauren Families worship together in intergenerational worship at

14 Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church.

D

Rosario, Holy Innocents’ parishioner.

“As a parent and a member of the church, there is nothing more special than watching this transformation.”

The Youth Group program consists of around 20 teenagers, grades 6th-12th, and meets on Sunday evenings. Within the group, they have formed a Youth Advisory Board, consisting of youth and adults from the congregation. They meet quarterly to discuss the budget of the youth program, plan events and monthly study topics, and arrange fundraisers for mission work. It is strictly youth-led, with the adults being there for support.

The youth do monthly outreach projects in our area, winter mission days in the local area, and one traveling mission trip in the summer.

“The youth program at Holy Innocents’ has provided tremendous support for our 14-year-old daughter,” said Jackie Hagman, youth parent. “Holy Innocents’ youth group created an environment where she physically felt safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

H.I. Youth allowed her the opportunity to develop relationships with other youth during a time when COVID-19 restricted so much. This program has

brought so much peace and gratitude to my family, even with the busyness of this world, we know that this H.I Youth will help her grow into an adult with a heart for God and others. Ms. Morgan, the H.I. youth leader is a Rockstar! She has created an environment for the children to grow and learn about the love of God and how that looks and translates into the world today.”

Other ways Holy Innocents' engage the surrounding community is through annual events. The church hosts a Vacation Bible School every summer, a Trunk-or-Treat every October, and a craft show every November. In addition, they have several partnerships with other churches and organizations,

including Scouts, Church of South India, and Church of the Nazarene.

“I am greatly blessed and humbled to be serving alongside God’s faithful people here at Holy Innocents’. There is no greater joy than being a part of a church that continually strives to be The Church to a world in need of the unconditional love of Jesus,” said The Rev. Bryan O’Carroll.

At left: Youth activities at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Above: Outdoor worship and TLC Feeding Ministry at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church.

15

"See,

New

I make all things

"

Notes from the 53rd annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

T 16 12

his October marked the second virtual broadcast the 53rd Annual Diocesan Convention, connecting our delegates digitally via zoom, and live streaming to the diocese for the second year in a row.

The pandemic, once again, prevented us from gathering in person in Punta Gorda, but in keeping with the Lord, we took past experiences and made them new with a hybrid model of an online and inperson convention.

With an unspoken theme of transition, the 53rd Annual Convention radiated a glow of recognition and gratitude. Assisting Bishops, the Rt. Rev. Michael Garrison, and the Rt. Rev. Barry Howe and their spouses were recognized for 10 years of dedicated service to the diocese. Also celebrated were Mr. Kraig Koach for his years of service to the Finance Committee as Chair, and other outgoing diocesan committee members.

"

EXCERPT FROM THE BISHOP'S REPORT

”I

t shows that the world is ultimately important to God. This newness is not a human achievement but an action of God to fulfill God’s purpose. God does not make all new things but all things new…

Not a bad convention theme. For all of our elections, all of our budgets, church renovations, plans, old bishops and new bishops, this is where we are going. Theologian, Gerald O’ Collins, in his book titled, Christology, put it this way, “Christ’s rising from the dead has inaugurated the end for all things, the beginning of God’s making all things new.” God’s purpose! So that seems worth thinking about! All conventions should at least have that in the back, or perhaps the front, of their minds.

I am not resigning yet, but I do want to say some things to this wonderful diocese before the next bishop is elected next year. The Coadjutor process is canonically settled in the Episcopal Church and in the Diocese. One of the interesting realities of this process is that while we await the election of our next bishop, I find out new information at the same time you do.

It feels strange after all of these years and yet, this is the process we follow. So, in preparation for this year’s convention, I looked at all of the journals of our diocese from 2007 to the present and noted some marvelous things. In 2007 I spoke about mission as who we are and noted that as I traveled around the diocese, I saw many new neighborhoods under construction.

That still feels familiar in 2021. In 2007 there was a line item in the budget for an Assisting bishop, which was seen as a desired idea, but not a decision. Then in 2008, we experienced the emergence of the first of two fragile economies during our 40th Annual Convention. In its midst the diocesan Episcopal Charities Fund was established. The next year the Diocesan Journal began to expand with greater information about our congregations. Our Vision Statement was formed and the Dayspring Endowment Fund was established. And after a full century, St. Andrew’s Boca Grande was received by the diocese as a parish. In 2010, the Dayspring Steering Committee was formed to plan, pray, discuss, and determine a new future for Dayspring. It was through that process that we realized if we ever let DaySpring go, we would never get it back. In addition, Mary Magdalene in Lakewood Ranch became a parish. Fr. Jim Hedman was the first priest that I instituted as Rector before I was even ordained Bishop. Jim is still at Mary Magdalene. I put that on the list of my most lasting work.”

- The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

TREASURER'S REPORT HIGHLIGHTS PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM | 60 of our congregations responded together to achieve more than $3 million in forgivable loans to secure valuable jobs across the diocese. Almost all of these churches have received their forgiveness approval from the Small Business Association due to the diligent attention of your congregation leadership following the terms of this United States federal program created via the Cares Act response to the COVID-19 crisis.

DAYSPRING PLANS | Phase 1 and 1.5 of the DaySpring 10-year Master Plan are complete, with funding from diocesan congregations and $1.4M of individual gifts – all celebrated front and center at the Spring of Support, what will become an iconic entrance honoring DaySpring Episcopal Center’s past and future. After an investment of $6.7M over the 6 years since 2015, we are at a natural pause before starting the larger Phases 2 and 3, a large worship space and adult lodges, each with a significant fundraising threshold required to commence.

BUDGET FOR 2022 | For 2022, the $3.9 million of income funds Budgeted Expenses of: $2 million for the work of diocesan staff supporting congregations and ministries; $826,000 of grants to our 79 congregations; $218,000 of funding for continued church planting; $595,000 to support of the life beyond our diocese via the ministries of our Episcopal Church; and $721,000 for continued programs, events and communications of our diocese in both time-trusted and new ways.

ENDOWMENT GROWTH | Endowments continue to grow across the diocese. Only 10 of our 79 congregations report lower investment balances (a total of $2.8M lower), with a big portion of this sum appropriately spent on significant capital projects. In addition to the $22M capital market appreciation, the diocese has added $14M of Additions to Endowments in just 3 years. Combined with the diocesan endowment contributions, we have grown the legacy assets of Southwest Florida to over $75M. Following the Report of the Treasurer, Canon for Finance and Administration, Mrs. Anne Vickers was recognized for her 12 years of service as she retires at the end of the 2021 year.

SEE THE WHOLE CONVENTION AT

WWW.EPISCOPALSWFL.ORG/CONVENTION

17

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS Each year a key part of the Convention is our annual elections. For the 2021 convention, Delegates voted remotely again via the Lumi voting application. Results from the 53rd Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, meeting online and at DaySpring Episcopal Center on Oct. 16 are: STANDING COMMITTEE, LAY | Mr. Duane A. Hollier Sr. STANDING COMMITTEE, CLERGY | The Rev. Charles Cannon, and the Rev. James C. Teets.

DIOCESAN COUNCIL, AT LARGE, LAY | Ms. B.J. Bishop and Mr. Richard Helms (Election by Acclamation).

DISCIPLINARY BOARD, LAY | Mr. Kevin Fitzgerald and Mr. Edwin Ortiz (Election by Acclamation).

DISCIPLINARY BOARD, CLERGY | The Rev. Chester Trow (Election by Acclamation).

The convention also affirmed Diocesan Council deanery representative elections, held in September. These are: CLEARWATER | The Rev. Robert Kinney (Re‐elected to 2nd Term) FORT MYERS | The Very Rev. Ray Buchanan (Re‐elected to 2nd Term) MANASOTA | Ms. Mary Page Hill (Elected to 1st Term) NAPLES | The Rev. Jonathan Evans (Elected to 1st Term) ST. PETERSBURG | The Very Rev. Stephen Morris (Elected to serve Unexpired Term) TAMPA | Ms. Katie Arp (Elected to 1st Term) VENICE | Mr. Randy Arsenault (Elected to 1st Term)

After the convention, the newly formed Standing Committee, elected new officers. These officers are: PRESIDENT | The Rev. Carla McCook VICE PRESIDENT | Mr. Ray Stolls SECRETARY | The Very Rev. Ryan Whitley LIAISON TO THE C.O.M. | Ms. Jacqueline Smith PRESBYTER MEMBERS The Rev. A. Charles Cannon, III [2024 - 2nd term] The Rev. Carla B. McCook [2023 - 2nd term] The Very Rev. Michelle L. Robertshaw [2023- 1st term] The Rev. James C. Teets [2024 - 2nd term] The Very Rev. Ryan R. Whitley [2022 – 1st term] LAY MEMBERS Mr. Duane A. Hollier, Sr. [2024 – 2nd term] Mr. James H. Corn [2023 - 2nd term] Ms. Jacqueline Smith [2022 - 1st term] Mr. Ray U. Stoll [2022 - 2nd term] The convention also welcomed the new Associated Worshipping Community in Parrish, FL, named Church of the Apostles, The Episcopal Church in Parrish Florida 18

SCENES FROM THE 53RD ANNUAL CONVENTION

October

THE DIOCESE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

2021

THE CLERGY SPOUSE ASSOCIATION GATHERING The Clergy Spouse Association held its annual convention gathering as a virtual event on the evening of October 14, 2021. Gathered for the event were forty clergy spouses from every corner of the diocese. The event featured the introduction of new clergy spouses, the annual election of officers for the upcoming year, and time for attendees to share in joyful fellowship. The evening’s group sharing time focused on the 53rd Annual Convention’s theme, See, I Make All Things New. Attendees were asked to share something new in their lives since last year’s convention gathering. Many shared inspiring and thought-provoking ways in which they had coped with COVID-19 by trying new and interesting hobbies and activities. The evening closed with prayers for the departed in 2021 and praying in unison the Diocesan Clergy Spouse Prayer.

CSA attendees received a popcorn treat ahead of the gathering to enjoy virtually at the event.

NEXT EVENT Annual Clergy Spouse Retreat at DaySpring February 11-13, 2022

19

love thy 20

neighbor

by Lindsey Nickel

r

E

ven in the darkness of the pandemic, churches across the diocese have continued to shine as a beacon of support for dozens of small charities that lift up the communities around them. Over the past 37 years, a small group of volunteers at St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church have supported generations of children living in their Tampa Heights neighborhood.

It’s a difficult question every struggling parent faces “where do my kids go after school”? For the families in Tampa Heights, their beacon of light is just around the corner.

Cornerstone Kids, Inc. is a comprehensive after-school program for children in the Tampa Heights community organized and managed by St. James House of Prayer. The program began 37 years ago as Cornerstone Club with the intent to provide a safe place for the children in the underserved Tampa Heights community to play and avoid the negative influences in the neighborhood. The club was financially supported by the church and operated three days a week for many years. In October 1998, the program began operating five days a week as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with the official name of Cornerstone Kids.

“Many of our former students have finished high school and college, and are leading productive lives.

Students also return to volunteer with our summer program,” said Executive Director Olatha Leggett. “It is so fulfilling to be able to witness and share our success stories.”

The program serves youth ages 5-11 and operates with a staff of

seven and a small pool of volunteers from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Program activities offered during the school year include homework assistance and tutoring, reading and math programs, technology, mentoring, and nutrition. Another significant focus for Cornerstone Kids programing is the social and emotional development for the 30 at-risk children they support.

“I came to the program to ‘give back’ after working in the corporate world for more than 30 years but I've learned so much more from the kids than I could ever give,” shared Leggett. “I have been blessed beyond measure to be an integral part of the Cornerstone Kids organization.”

In the summer, the program offers a curriculum including arts and crafts, Vacation Bible School, field trips, organized indoor and outdoor activities, reading and math programs, and other enrichment activities.

The program is free of charge to the participating families. Funding comes from several sources, including the Episcopal Charities Fund.

“After 37 years of being a nonprofit organization, we remain true to our mission ‘To reach at-risk inner-city children and assist in their educational, spiritual, and emotional development in a safe, secure and nurturing environment.’ Thanks to the Episcopal Charities Fund for helping us to advance our mission in education and nutrition through their annual grant program,” said Leggett.

This year, the Episcopal Charities Fund provided the Cornerstone Kids with a grant to help support its nutrition program, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind. The children receive a hot nutritious meal each day. Filling the hunger gap that exists for the low-income children who attend the program is a core component of the Cornerstone Kids mission. A healthy diet promotes a better quality of life: children who have proper nutrition have been shown to achieve higher grades in school through increased well-being and improved mental clarity.

Meals are prepared on-site at Cornerstone Kids with food items from the Feeding Tampa Bay purchase program. The grant from the diocese will enable Cornerstone Kids to supplement the basic meal program with lessons that encourage healthy eating. Physical activities will also be incorporated, and parents will be given handouts to reinforce good nutrition at home.

Above: photos from the Cornerstone Kids mission at St. James House of Prayer.

21

Episcopal Charities

Recipients:

In 2021, the Diocese of All Saints, Tarpon Springs, Pack A Snack, $2,000 Southwest Florida distributed All Souls, N. Ft. Myers, Wednesday Outreach, $2,686 a round of support through Church of the Ascension, Clearwater, Food Bank Interview Room Improvement, $1,700 the Episcopal Charities Fund totaling $43,186. The grants Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota, FYI: Foster Youth Initiative, $4,000 were sent out this fall, after Holy Innocents', Valrico, TLC - Transforming Lives for Christ, $4,500 an application process, and a St. George, Bradenton, St. George's Food Pantry Assistance, $5,000 recommendation list from the St. James House of Prayer, Tampa, Cornerstone Kids, Inc., $4,000 Council of Deacons.

St. John, Pine Island, Beacon Bites Meal Delivery Program, $3,000 St. Margaret of Scotland, Sarasota, Crafters for Hope, $1,500 St. Mark, Marco Island, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, $1,500 St. Mark, Venice, Venice Area Community Dinners, $ 2,500 St. Mary, Bonita Springs, Lending Library and Reading Program Project, $ 1,800 St. Peter, Plant City, Friends in the Park, $1,000 St. Thomas & St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Benison Farm Hen's and Mangos, $ 3,000 The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, St. Petersburg, Fresh Food Program at Florida Resurrection House, $ 5,000

2021

22

Gifts that give back

I

Holiday shopping alternatives abound in diocesan thirft shops

t feels like every third story we see on TV or read online is talking about the supply chain crisis and its impact on Christmas.

Beyond what’s missing on the shelves at our local Publix or Target, for the first time in years we are seeing warnings for Christmas shipping deadlines in November and Black Friday sales starting earlier, and earlier. A piece of advice, skip the rat race all together and look to your local small businesses, Goodwill or Episcopal Church thrift store for all your gifting needs. This year, Shannon, and I, being life-long thrift shoppers, wanted to share our tips for finding the best gifts for everyone on your list.

I can’t pinpoint exactly when my passion for thrift and antique shopping began. Perhaps it was decorating cookies as a child on my Great Grandma Mimi’s 100-year-old maple dining table or maybe it was the look of the vintage clothes that lined the walls of our community theatre’s costume department, but somewhere on my journey, my creative spirit came alive among the beloved items of someone’s else’s past.

There is nothing more magical than the beauty of intention. With each gift you give this season, do so with the Love of Jesus Christ and the warmth of the Holy Spirit. And if possible, let your gift give more by supporting the stewardship of your church and community.

DIOCESAN THRIFT STORES Clearwater Deanery Region Ascension, Clearwater: The Shed Thrift Shop is located at Ascension, 701 Orange Ave., Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone: 727-447-3469. Open Thur., Fri. and Sat., 9:00-12:00.

by Lindsey Nickel & Shannon Weber

Holy Spirit, Safety Harbor: Located next to the parish hall, 601 Philippe Pkwy., Safety Harbor, FL 34695. Phone: 727725-4726. Open Thur.-Sat., 9:00-1:00.

Holy Trinity, Clearwater: Located at Holy Trinity, 3240 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, FL 33761. Phone: 727723-7631. Open Mon.-Sat., 10:00-4:00.

St. Andrew, Spring Hill: Karen's Kit 'N Kaboodle is located at St. Andrew, 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34606.

Phone: 352-686-1114. Open Mon.-Sat., 10:00-4:00.

St. John, Clearwater: Located at St. John, 1676 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL 33764. Phone: 727-531-6020. Open Tues., Thur. and Sat., 9:30-3:30.

St. Stephen, New Port Richey: Located at St. Stephen, 5326 Charles St., New Port Richey, FL. Phone: 727-846-1378.

Open Mon.-Sat., 10:00-2:00.

Tampa/St. Petersburg Deanery Regions St. Alban, St. Pete Beach: The Attic Shoppe is located at 316 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. Phone: 727-3605647. Open Wed.-Sat., 10:00-2:00.

St. Bartholomew, St. Petersburg: Located at St. Bartholomew, 3747 34th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33711.

Phone: 727-867-7015. Open Tues.-Sat., 10:00-2:00.

St. Mark's, Tampa: Located at 13310 Cain Rd. Tampa, FL 33625. Phone: 813-599-1899. Open Fri.-Sat., 10:00-2:00.

St. Vincent, St. Petersburg: Located at 5124 22nd Ave. S., Gulfport, FL 33711. Phone: 727-321-7215. Open Wed.-Sat., 10:00-2:00.

Manasota Deanery Region

Church of the Good Samaritan, Clearwater: Located next to Good Samaritan, 2167 NE Coachman Rd., Clearwater, FL 33765. Phone: 727-447-9581. Open Thur.-Sat., 12:00-4:00.

Christ Church, Bradenton: Located at Christ Church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205. Phone: 941747-3709. Open Thur. and Fri., 10:00-2:00.

Good Shepherd, Dunedin: The Little Thrift Shop is located at Good Shepherd, 506 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698 on the north side of the street. Phone: 727-734-8238. Open Mon., Thur., Fri. and Sat. 10:00-2:00. The Furniture Thrift Shop is located just south of the light at Alt. 19 and Sunset Pt. Rd., Clearwater, FL. Phone: 727-600-5820. Open Tues.-Sat., 12:00-3:00.

Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota: Episcopal Thrift House is located at 1503 Second St., Sarasota, FL 34236.

Phone: 941-365-1519. Open Tues.-Sat., 10:00-1:00.

St. Mary's, Palmetto: St. Mary's Thift Shop is located at 1010 24th Ave. W., Palmetto, FL 34221. Phone 941-722-5292.

Open Sat. 10:00-1:00.

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Venice Deanery Region

Naples Deanery Region

St. David, Englewood: Located in Englewood Square at 485 N. Indiana Ave., Englewood, FL 34295. Phone: 941-4741047. Open Mon.-Fri., 9:30-12:30 and Sat., 9:30-12:00.

St. John, Naples: St. John's Shoppe at Tamiami Square is located at 14700 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, 34110.

Phone: 239-597-9518. Open Mon.-Sat., 10:00-3:00.

St. Mark, Venice: Divine Consign Shop is at 212A S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285. Phone 941-488-3219.

Open Mon. – Sat. 10:00-4:00.

St. Mary, Bonita Springs: Penny Wise Thrift Shop is located in front of St. Mary's at 9801 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Phone: 239-947-3363. Open Wed.-Sat., 10:00-3:00.

Ft. Myers Deanery Region All Souls, North Ft. Myers: The Ruth Tucker Memorial Thrift Store is located at All Souls, 14640 N. Cleveland Ave., North Ft. Myers, FL 33903. Phone: 239-656-6229. Open Tues., Thur., Fri. and Sat., 9:00-3:00.

Iona-Hope, Ft. Myers: The One More Time Thrift Shop is located in Gulf Point Shopping Center at 15660 San Carlos Blvd., Unit 6A, Ft. Myers, FL 33908. Phone: 239-437-5333.

Open Mon.-Fri., 10:00-5:00 and Sat., 10:00-4:00.

St. Michael and All Angels, Sanibel Island: The Noah's Ark Thrift Shop is located in the last building behind St. Michael and All Angels, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Phone: 239-472-3356. Open Tues. and Fri., 9:3012:30.

St. Paul, Naples: The Unique Boutique is located at the St. Paul Farmers' Market, 3901 Davis Blvd., Naples FL 34104.

Phone: 239-353-2804. Open Sat., Fall-Spring during the farmer's market, 8:00-12:00.

L S

indsey's thrift store picks: top five gifts I'm hunting for to thrift and gift to friends and family this holiday.

hannon's thrift store picks: top five things I like to thrift and gift (or keep as a gift to myself.)

HOLIDAY DECOR Head out near Christmas to unearth some great vintage ornaments to adorn your tree. Holiday-themed tableware is a favorite of mine, and you're likely to find some amazing pieces with very little wear you can keep or gift.

24

ARTWORK Take your time with this one: you'll know a good piece when you see it. Keep an eye out for interesting pieces like this handmade crewel piece I have hanging over my piano: it's gorgeous, textural, and unique. Measure for your space ahead of time so when you see something, you know if it will fit properly.

GLASSWARE AND DISHES There was a golden age of china and glassware, and it lives in your thrift shop. I found the exact same set of low-ball Scotch glasses that Don Draper uses in Mad Men at a thrift store and paid just $4 for the set of 6. These gems are the perfect gift for the friend who loves to entertain.

ART AND FRAMES Don’t hurry past the shelves of the art section of your local thrift shop because hidden there is something rare and unique. It may be an art student's early work on color and shadow, a motivational cross-stitch quote about coffee or a whimsical animal to brighten your kitchen. This fluffy bird is a permanent addition to my gallery wall.

CUSTOMIZE IT On the theme of making all things new, I often love to further upcycle thrifted items with a little paint and elbow grease. The elephant, found at a thrift store, was painted in a custom design from my eldest daughter as a Christmas gift. The dinosaur, made from a match box, two buttons, and a broken sunglass frame was reimagined as a prehistoric Christmas-saurus who welcomes my 5-year old’s elves each Advent season.

A SCARF (OR TIE) No matter the friend or family member, I am convinced there is a scarf waiting for them at the thrift store. I once found a vintage silk Hermes scarf at the Women’s Exchange for $15 and often pair it with my vintage Saks 5th Avenue dress I found at Goodwill for $13. This scarf I scored with the tags still on for only $5.

BOXES AND DECORATIVE BOWLS The perfect bedside companion for your keys, lip balm, or change, or a lovely addition to a bookcase to hold extra candles or tea lights, these creative containers are the things people need with the design people will love.

COOKBOOKS New cookbooks are wonderful, but old cookbooks are filled with nostalgic recipes to flip through, even if you don't cook.

Find out-of-print classics, quirky one-offs, or even cookingencyclopedia style missives.

BAKERS / NICHE DISHWARE Pyrex anything is a vintage-phile's everything; I collect it when I see it, and it's a great unique gift for the cook in your life. Also fun to give are matching vintage cream/sugar vessels in interesting patterns.

CAMERAS We all have cameras in our phones, but some old film cameras still work and make beautiful photographs. If they don't work, I repurpose the heavier ones as bookends, or just use them as decor pieces on shelves.

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SAFEGUARDING ALL GOD'S

T a S T

PEOPLE

TRAINING PROGRAM

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BY LINDSEY NICKEL

E

volving from in-person training to video tape to CD and now online, the last 20 years have rapidly changed the way The Episcopal Church educates our clergy, administration, vestry, volunteers, and congregations in Safeguarding All God's People.

In June 2021, Armatus, the online Safe Church training system that the diocese has been using since 2016, migrated to a newly developed online platform, which has been rebranded as Praesidium Academy.

Recognizing the many new roles churches would take on in the COVID-19 pandemic, Praesidium improved the Safeguarding All God's People training. The new streamlined system offers both learners and diocesan online administrators easy access to the required courses, some of which have “refreshed” content.

“By combining current research and root cause analysis of several thousand cases, Praesidium’s dedicated team of researchers, psychologists, attorneys, social workers, and human resource analysts have developed an abuse risk management model, the Praesidium Safety Equation®.

Training is required every 5 years for active members of the Diocese of Southwest Florida church personnel.

This includes:

Praesidium’s root cause analyses and research demonstrated that risks fell into eight organizational operations: Policies, Screening and Selection, Training, Monitoring and Supervision, Internal Feedback Systems, Consumer Participation, Responding, and Administrative Practices.” – excerpt from 2021 Praesidium Report Safeguarding All God’s People is an in-depth online educational training program for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation in everyday life and in ministry. The Praesidium Academy provides the Diocese of Southwest Florida church personnel with the training and information they need to protect the children they know and care for in their personal lives and in the ministries in which they serve.

“This program is invaluable to anyone, not just The Episcopal Church, because it makes you more aware of what’s going on around you,” said Kevin Fitzgerald, Safeguarding All God’s People Facilitator. “It teaches that if you are aware, you have the ability to prevent. The program also establishes a strong chain of command and empowers learners to feel safe and supported in reporting.”

3 1 2 4 CLERGY

CONTRACTORS Those who contract their services to the diocese, its congregations, schools, or other agencies.

All clergy whether stipendiary, non-stipendiary, or otherwise who are engaged in ministry or service to the church.

VOLUNTEERS

PAID PERSONNEL

All paid personnel whether employed in areas of ministry or other kinds of services by the diocese, its congregations, schools, or other agencies.

Volunteers, including any person who enters or offers him or herself for a church related service, or who assists with or performs a service, whether they have been selected or assigned to do so.

Volunteers include members of advisory boards, vestries, bishop’s committees, and boards of directors.

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EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA OVERVIEW OF REQUIRED TRAINING MODULES MEET SAM Sam molests children. The course highlights the types of molesters and the methods they use to meet their own needs. You learn how to spot interactions between adults and children that may indicate danger.

IT HAPPENED TO ME Temper outbursts. Failing grades. Depression. Suicide. These are just a few of the effects of sexual abuse. The course covers children and adults describing the devastating effects abuse has had on their lives. You learn about the prevalence of abuse and specific characteristics that may put some children at higher risk of abuse.

KEEPING YOUR CHURCH SAFE Children come to us throughout the day, week after week, month after month, and year after year. They expect to learn about God, have fun, make friends, practice skills, and grow in faith. They expect to be safe. The course covers when and where abuse is most likely to occur in church programs, the steps to take to keep children safe, and how you can protect yourself from false allegations of abuse.

P

SAFEGUARDING GOD’S PEOPLE: PREVENTING SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN COMMUNITIES OF FAITH FOR CONGREGATIONS The course highlights the definition of, and facts about, sexual exploitation, the effects of sexual exploitation, facts about power in pastoral relationships, how sexual exploitation happens, how to prevent sexual exploitation, and how to respond to sexual exploitation.

SAFEGUARDING GOD’S PEOPLE: PREVENTING SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN COMMUNITIES OF FAITH FOR MINISTRIES The course highlights how sexual exploitation happens, how to maintain a healthy ministry, and how to respond to sexual exploitation.

DIOCESAN POLICIES The course outlines diocesan policies relevant to the prevention of abuse. To complete the course, you must indicate that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with these policies.

raesidium Academy’s online training courses offer extensive interactivity, video-clips, compelling graphics, and sound effects to fully engage participants. Each course takes between 30 to 45 minutes to complete and includes a content mastery quiz over key elements.

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“With the vast breath of our diocese, it’s a lot of area to cover and when we didn’t have many trainers, it was harder to facilitate in-person training,” shared Fitzgerald. “We feel Praesidium has come up with the best product to train online, allowing us to offer training to so many more people in our parishes from nursery schools to clergy.”

Since Praesidium’s launch in July of this year, the diocese has experienced dramatic growth in training activity with more than 2,500 learners in the program and 178 hours of training time utilized.

“As a member of the diocese and a certified Safe Church trainer, I am proud of the way the diocese continues to be innovative in this space to protect all Gods people,“ said Fitzgerald.

In Memoriam "For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death." -Psalm 48:14

The Rev. Alton J. Chapman, 1940-2021 Elizabeth Higgenbotham Chapman, 1946-2021 TEMPLE TERRACE – The Rev. Alton J. Chapman, a priest in the Diocese of Southwest Florida and his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Higginbotham Chapman, a music director in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, both died in the summer of 2021.

The Rev. Chapman was born on March 12, 1940, in Negaunee, MI to Elsworth Richard Chapman and Estelle Nardi.

He enlisted in the US Navy in 1958 as a hospital corpsman and went on to graduate from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and later received a Master in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary.

In the Diocese of Southwest Florida, he served as rector of St. James House of Prayer, Tampa from 1970-75, as the founding vicar of St. Luke’s, Land O’ Lakes from 1976-87, and as rector of St. Clement’s, Tampa from 1998-2005. He retired from St. Clement’s in 2005 and served in his retirement as the interim rector at St. James House of Prayer. He also served as a member of the Men’s Ministry Committee, Cursillo, Dominican Republic Ministry, Kairos Prison Ministry, and as an instructor in Education for Ministry and Safeguarding God's Children.

Betsy was born on September 10, 1946, in Tampa, FL to Dr. Samuel Higginbotham Jr. and Esther Byrnes. After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Music from the University of South Florida, she worked as a music teacher and choir director for parishes including St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church, Tampa, St. Clement's Episcopal Church, Tampa, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Land O' Lakes, and Grace Church in Iowa.

They married on April 24, 1971, at St. James House of Prayer. Together they had three children. Throughout their lives, they often worked together in the same parishes. Betsy was a lifelong and active member of the Daughters of the King and Episcopal Church Women. Most recently they attended St. James House of Prayer and St. Chad's Episcopal Church, both in Tampa. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. The Rev. Chapman was preceded in death by Betsy, his parents, and grandparents.

They are survived by their daughter Claire Chapman, sons Samuel and Richard Chapman, grandchildren Silas Chapman and Willimina Chapman, and her brother Roy Chapman.

Michael Hall Kline Sr., 1939-2021 CLEARWATER - Michael Hall Kline Sr., Chair of the Bishop’s Cabinet and a driving force behind DaySpring's development over its more than 40-year history in the Diocese of Southwest Florida died Wednesday, November 17 at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater. His wife, Joan, was with him and was surrounded by family, clergy, and friends.

"I was sorrowed to hear of the death of my good friend, Michael Kline. I remember having lunch with him in my very early era of being Bishop, seeking his help in developing DaySpring. His quick enthusiasm was a power to behold. I remain ever grateful for him,” The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.

Born on November 17, 1939, in Washington D.C. to Dr. E. Hall Kline and Evelyn Henckle Kline. He was Baptized at Grace Episcopal Church, Nyack, NY. He graduated from 29

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1968. Michael was also a national croquet champion, mentoring and conducting croquet clinics.

Michael spent his career in the insurance industry and retired as a Vice President for Episcopal Church Pension Group in 2001. Upon retirement, he served the Diocese of Southwest Florida and Bishop Smith as a risk management advisor, touring churches across the diocese conducting safety inspections, and educating local leaders about property & casualty insurance.

In the Diocese of Southwest Florida Michael served on the Diocesan Council, Finance Committee, Dominican Development Group, Companion Diocese Committee.

Mike served on many committees related to DaySpring over the last 40 years, most recently as Chair of the Bishop’s Cabinet for DaySpring Development – including the construction of the Diocesan House and current $20M 10year Master Plan projects at DaySpring.

“Mike and Joan’s dedication and commitment to DaySpring extends back to its creation four decades ago and continues to be a driving force behind DaySpring’s renewed vision. Mike’s celebration of legacy, steady leadership, and constant focus on the DaySpring that will serve future generations have been a blessing to our diocesan community.

I find the words of Mike and Joan themselves, shared in the Tribute to DaySpring video, even more powerful than ever before. We know what Mike wants us to do,” said Canon for Finance and Administration Anne Vickers.

He also served on the vestry and numerous other committees at the Church of the Ascension, Clearwater.

Michael was highly involved in mission work in the Dominican Republic and supported Bishop Holguin both in service and financial contributions.

“Michael was a wonderful, giving, loving person who offered himself in leadership in many, many ways to the church and his community and always responded with joy and thanksgiving to what he was asked to do,” said The Rt. Rev. Barry Howe.

He married Joan Osias on March 24, 1962. Together they had two children, Christina and Michael Hall Jr. For 49 years Michael and his wife Joan attended the Church of Ascension, Clearwater.

“Without Mike Kline’s help, the Diocese of Southwest Florida would be a very different place. He had an approachability that encouraged fellowship and was uniquely gifted with a personal touch; always putting out the welcome mat of hospitality to anyone who needed help.

He had a heart for young people, and incorporated it into his passion and vision for expanding DaySpring to include youth activities like the pool, sailing docks, and more,” said the Rev. Michael Durning. “Mike was humble, helpful, and cared for our diocese in so many ways. We are going to miss him a lot.“ 30

“I have considered Michael and Joan Kline treasured friends for almost 50 years. Kathy and I got to know them both during the 20 years I was a priest in the Diocese of Southwest Florida. Michael was always involved in church and diocesan ministry, many times quietly from the sidelines. He was a faithful servant of Christ and those of us who knew him will greatly miss him,” said the Rt. Rev. Philip M. Duncan, II, Third Bishop of the Diocese of The Central Gulf Coast, resigned.

“Some do what they must. Others do what they can.

Michael not only did the work he was given to do. He did it care and joy. We are taught that pride is not a Christian virtue. However, from time to time there is nothing wrong with a bit of Holy Satisfaction. A life of Holy Satisfaction seems a fair way to express how Michael lived his life, loved his family, helped his neighbor, and loved his God, ” said the Rt. Rev. Don Johnson, retired Bishop of The Diocese of West Tennessee.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and sister Margot.

He is survived by his wife Joan Kline, his children Michael Hall Kline, Jr, his daughter Christina Kline Colletti, her husband Michael Colletti, grandchildren Andrew, Matthew and Sarah Colletti, Andrella Kline Witkowski, her husband Brett Witkowski, and great-grandson, Henrik Towns Witkowski.

MEMORIAL INFORMATION A Celebration of Life is being planned with more details to be announced in the future.

The Tribute to DaySpring video featuring Michael and Joan Kline can be watched at

https://bit.ly/dsklinevideo.

Holiday Baking GINGERBREAD CUTOUT COOKIES

Cutout cookies are an easy project, and a perfect way to keep family and friends occupied this holiday.

by Shannon Weber

10 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar 2/3 cup (200g) unsulphured molasses 1 large egg 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 Tbsp ground ginger 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground allspice 1/2 tsp ground cloves

| Preparation | In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium high speed until combined and creamy-looking. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Next, beat in egg and vanilla on high speed for 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves together until combined. On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be quite thick and slightly sticky. Divide dough in half and place each onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Wrap each up tightly and pat down to create a disc shape. Chill discs overnight or up to 3 days: chilling is essential to these cookies working well during cutout stage.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (Always recommended for cookies.) Set aside.

Remove 1 disc of chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Generously flour a work surface, as well as your hands and the rolling pin. Roll out disc until 1/4-inch thick. Tips for rolling– the dough may crack and be crumbly as you roll. What’s helpful is picking it up and rotating it as you go. Additionally, you can use your fingers to help meld the cracking edges back together.

The first few rolls are always the hardest since the dough is so stiff, but re-rolling the scraps is much easier. Cut into shapes. Place shapes 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Re-roll dough scraps until all the dough is shaped. Repeat with remaining disc of dough.

Bake cookies for about 8-11 minutes (depending on the size of your cutouts) and rotate the pan halfway through baking; the longer the cookies bake, the harder and crunchier they’ll be. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely, then decorate as desired with royal icing or cookie frosting. Cookies stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week.

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Faith Journey GOD'S SUSTAINING GRACE

Christy Dumont reflects on her faith journey as Chaplain at Sarasota Memorial Hospital during COVID-19.

I

am blessed to be a part of the rich variety of healing ministries in the Diocese of Southwest Florida. Bishop Dabney Smith has commissioned me to serve as a full-time health care chaplain in this diocese.

My church membership is at Christ Episcopal Church in Bradenton, FL, where Fr. Robert Baker has supported me in ministry. I am a lay woman who received an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, a M.Div. from Vanderbilt Divinity School and then proceeded to complete both an internship and a residency in Clinical Pastoral Education at AdventHealth.

I have served for three years as a staff chaplain at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. For almost two years, I have often been the lone presence of God’s compassionate love to many of God’s people who have died from COVID-19.

God has prepared me for this service through excellent professional training, years of service with my family in ministries with those marginalized from the mainstream of society and most importantly my fifteen years of commitment as a Benedictine Oblate, as I have lived that within my family setting.

For many years my family and I have blended a Benedictine way of life with the vision of life in God so beautifully offered in the Sermon on the Mount.

The sweet refreshing and healing water of life in Christ Jesus first came to me as a young child suffering from frequent bouts of severe asthma. I remember the terror I felt as I struggled hour after hour for air. However, what I now remember most clearly is the warmth of my mother’s arms wrapped tenderly around me and her voice offering gentle prayers and sweet songs as she rocked me through the night.

These tender gifts of God’s life came 32

as sweet water to calm and renew my soul, offering the peace that passes all understanding upon which our soul depends for its eternal life. Little did I know that some forty years later, as a chaplain serving a large hospital amid a pandemic, I would be asked to be present at the bedside of hundreds of persons as they struggled to draw their last breaths here on earth. What I offered them was the tender, compassionate, love of God in the form of prayer, song, touch, or silent presence filled with heavenly grace.

I offered what God had given me first in childhood and then repeatedly through my many years of contemplative prayer as a Benedictine Oblate. The years of prayer have opened within me a place of trust in God’s sustaining grace. Amidst the human tragedy that we experience, as we persist in our faith, God opens in countless practical and miraculous ways the blessings held for us in the promises given in the Beatitudes.

I am a long-time practitioner of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina, and my family and I join in Evening Prayer with Fr. Robert and friends from Christ Episcopal Church. I am currently finishing my final year with Center for Action and Contemplation’s Living School. My life’s journey has led me into an interest in spirituality and depth psychology. Now God has called me to serve in chaplaincy and spiritual care with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Naples, Florida. I will serve adults and children suffering with the longterm journey of their souls as they deal with many forms of biopsychospiritual illnesses which are involved in addiction and mental illness. Since ancient times the Church has addressed such healing and soul renewal through many and varied spiritual pathways to inner healing.

At present, I am in a doctoral program

at Vanderbilt Divinity School that is researching a better articulation of this psychology of grace in a manner that will allow the medical fields, particularly those of psychiatry and psychotherapy to better integrate and utilize the ancient healing waters of grace so sweetly flowing from the heart of God in the Church.

I am excited about this new academic adventure, bridging mental health and chaplaincy. One of my interests is in the role of chaplains in developing and implementing programs of Christian contemplative prayer in healing and in-depth Christian development for individuals, families, ministries, churches, and Christian schools. I hope to articulate and develop programs that address key issues I have encountered in hospital chaplaincy, as well as, in my many years of chaplaincy experiences involving church groups, school children and family groups. I look forward to adding my gifts and talents to the already rich and vibrant work in healing and teaching so abundantly offered in the Diocese of Southwest Florida!

Above: Christy Dumont is commissioned as a health care chaplain by Bishop Dabney Smith.

First Person HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST

The Rev. William Van Oss, Rector, St. Michael and All Angels, Sanibel

W

hen I was a child, the day after Thanksgiving was a very special day. It was the day my mother would climb up to the attic (a place too dark and scary for me to go) and retrieve a well-worn cardboard box and bring it downstairs. A table in our family room usually filled with family pictures was cleared, and I was given the supreme honor of setting up our family’s Christmas creche.

Opening the box, I would first pull out the wooden stand and pieces of the stable that slid together easily after so many years. Next came some straw that seemed to diminish with each passing year. Then a single lightbulb on an electric cord was fitted into a hole in the back of the stable.

Then the figures, each carefully wrapped in well-use tissue paper, would emerge from hibernation.

Carefully pulled out one at a time, this was the most exciting moment. I would anticipate which figure it would

be: the ox or donkey? A shepherd or sheep? A wise man? Mary? Joseph?

Each one had a certain place.

The shepherds were positioned near the stable while the wise men were placed on the other side of the room (they would make a journey across the room that lasted until January 6th. I was a nativity “purist”). The ox and donkey each had its spot inside next to Mary and Joseph. Sheep could be scattered about (creative license).

Baby Jesus remained wrapped up inside the box until Christmas eve.

After placing all the other figures in their proper places, the last one to find its home was the angel. She had a wire loop on her back so she could hang from a small nail in the gable of the stable. She was brightly colored, with a beaming smile, holding a banner that read: “Hosanna.” My mother told me that meant joy.

After it was all set, my family would gather around, and I would plug in the light. From above, like the angel with the Hosanna banner, we would behold the glowing scene: ordinary people who said “yes” to God’s invitation now gathered to welcome the Son of God into the world.

Setting up that Christmas creche was always a reminder of how ordinary people (those in the scene and those standing in the room) can know Christ and make him known.

Throughout more than 30 years of ordained ministry, I have witnessed this in a myriad of ways.

Since coming to St. Michael and All Angels in Sanibel, I have seen Vaccine Angels secure over 200 appointments for people struggling to navigate online scheduling. I have also witnessed a willing group of

almost 50 volunteers who serve as Angels on the Go, do small household projects, give rides, make meals, and offer support for people in need.

The angels above sing Hosanna as the angels here on earth embody Emmanuel, the love of God with us and within us.

I began serving as the rector at St. Michael and All Angels in September, 2020 after 20 years of serving parishes in Minnesota. I was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin in a devout Roman Catholic family and ordained a Catholic priest in 1996. After 5 years, I resigned to marry Sue, and we have continued to minister together every step of the way. We have one child in college in Chicago.

I love the beauty of the liturgy, the language of the Book of Common Prayer and music. I enjoy leading Bible study and small groups. I like exploring the questions with other seekers who are trying to pattern their life on Jesus' life. I love the beauty of Sanibel, jogging and riding my bike.

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Transitions

THE REV. ANDREW T. GERNS The Rev. Andrew T. Gerns joins St. John’s, Clearwater

The Rev. Andrew Gerns with wife Peg, son Rob and daughter Jamie.

THE REV. ANDREW T. GERNS JOINS ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AS PRIEST-IN-CHARGE CLEARWATER – The Rev. Andrew Timothy Gerns accepted a call from the vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church to be their Priest-in-Charge.

Describing his work in a recent stewardship video, he said, “St. John’s is a lovely, lively, active parish with a real heart for the community. It is a parish that founded a remarkable Thrift Store ministry which provides a valuable service to many in our area, hosts a feeding program that delivers packages of fresh, nutritious food to those in need, seniors, and families struggling to 34

make ends meet. The parish has one of the most engaging lay-led Bible Study programs I’ve ever seen, in addition to three choirs (voice, handbell, and the praise-band), there are many signs of energy, vitality, and creativity here.”

A life-long Episcopalian, Fr. Gerns was baptized at Truro Church in Fairfax, Virginia, and grew up in the Church of the Good Shepherd in Hartford, Connecticut and was involved in many youth and young adult ministries both within the Episcopal Church and in other Christian churches and groups such as Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. He attended Drew University, Madison, New Jersey, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, England, and the General Theological Seminary in New York City.

Following ordination in the Diocese of Connecticut, he served at St. Paul’s Church in Willimantic, which included work in a six day per week soup kitchen and an ecumenical chaplaincy at Eastern Connecticut State University in a partnership between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich and the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut. He also served at Christ Church in Stratford, along with several other parishes, as interim pastor, and was Chaplain at Windham Hospital in Willimantic, Connecticut.

Beginning in 1992, he was Rector of Trinity Church, Parkersburg, in the Diocese of West Virginia, and starting in 1994 was Director of Pastoral Care at St. Joseph’s Hospital, also in Parkersburg. He also served that Diocese through the Ohio Valley Episcopal Cluster, and the River Bend Cluster, which were regional team ministries in the Diocese of West Virginia. He became a Board Certified

Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains in 1996, and a trained trainer in Critical Incident Stress Management through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in 1995. He was also trained as a disaster response chaplain with the American Red Cross.

His clinical training took him to a variety of hospitals, hospices, and ecumenical settings including The Nuffield Orthopedic Hospital in Nuffield, Oxfordshire, England, The Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, New Jersey, Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry, Perception House (a residential drug and alcohol treatment program) in Willimantic, Connecticut, and Cabell-Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia. He also studied Medical Ethics at the West Virginia University School of Medicine.

From 2002 to 2021 he was the Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Easton, Pennsylvania. In the Diocese of Bethlehem, he was appointed Canon Pastor to the Bishop, served on several committees and commissions, including the Communications Commission, the Commission on Ministry, chaired the Evangelism Commission, and was President of the Standing Committee.

Retirement CANON ANNE VICKERS

Canon Anne Vickers to transition from CFO for the Diocese CANON FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ANNE VICKERS TRANSITIONS FROM CFO PARRISH - Canon for Finance and Administration, Anne Vickers, is retiring after 12 years from her staff role as the Chief Financial Officer for the Diocese of Southwest Florida.

“I began my relationship with the Diocese in 2007 as a lay volunteer member of the diocesan Finance Committee. When Bishop Smith asked me to serve on staff as the ‘interim CFO’ in 2009, I had no idea how the next 12 years would shape my understanding of what it means to be called to ministry,” said Anne Vickers. “The vast resources and growing expectations of our loving, liberating and life-giving Episcopal Church will continue to inspire and humble me as I embark on the next chapter of my journey.”

Anne will start her sabbatical on January 1, 2022, when she and her husband Jay plan to take an extended journey by boat across the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Bahamas and up the Atlantic seaboard.

“As part of our long-planned sabbatical, Jay and I will spend a year on our boat visiting friends, finding new adventures, and reflecting on our many blessings. I am excited about the opportunity to refresh and discern the next chapter of my continued service to our community,” shared Anne.

Anne will continue as Trustee of the Church Pension Fund of the Episcopal Church and remains a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg.

"Anne's retirement has been long planned with her husband Jay. I am so pleased for both of them. Anne has made such a substantial difference and addition to the life of the diocese. As I've seen the diocese grow under her equipping leadership, I have also witnessed her professional and personal growth as a leader and as a woman of faith," said the Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.

Clockwise from left: Canon Anne Vickers and The Rev. Canon Michael Durning in 2009; DaySpring staff circa 2017; Anne and Bishop Dabney Smith celebrate the groundbreaking for the Phase 1 Program Center and pool at DaySpring in 2015.

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Coadjutor Search BISHOP COADJUTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE Great thresholds are crossed as we draw nearer to the election of the Bishop Coadjutor.

I

n less than five months, a new bishop will be selected for the Diocese of Southwest Florida and a new chapter of God’s church will begin.

Bishop Dabney Smith, at the 52nd diocesan convention in 2020, called for the election of a bishop coadjutor who will follow him as the chief priest and pastor of the diocese. This will allow for a smooth transition once Bishop Smith retires, a date which has not yet been set.

Bishop Smith set in motion a process that now, a year later, has brought the Bishop Coadjutor Search Committee close to submitting the names of a final slate to the Standing Committee for consideration by the electing convention.

Committee members are in the process of interviewing those who put forth their names as candidates.

What does all this mean to those who sit in the pews each Sunday? For as long as there has been an Episcopal church, there have been bishops who serve on the diocesan level much as a rector serves a congregation. The Book of Common Prayer explains that, “The ministry of a bishop is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as an apostle, chief priest and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith, unity and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of God; to act in Christ’s name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ’s ministry.”

In practical terms, the bishop is the CEO of the diocese with a staff to administer the day-to-day activities of the diocese and a Standing Committee that operates much as does the vestry for a parish. The bishop has a responsibility to pastor to the clergy of the diocese, to confirm candidates for affirmation of their faith and to examine those seeking ordination to the clergy.

But the duties of the bishop are far more encompassing. As Bishop Smith explains it, there is implied a level of being spiritually mature, grounded and humble. He notes as well that a bishop must give careful consideration for the implications beyond context of his words and actions.

Bishops are ordained in a ceremony that includes the presiding bishop and at least two other bishops of the church. The presiding bishop examines the candidate for ordination with these words, “A bishop in God’s holy Church is called to be one with the apostles in proclaiming Christ’s resurrection and interpreting the Gospel, and to testify to 36

Christ’s sovereignty as Lord of lords and King of kings.”

All Episcopalians should be assured that the new bishop coadjutor will be one selected through an extensive process of discernment directed by the desires and wishes of those who worship in this diocese. Months of prayer, discussion and investigation will have gone into this decision. But in the end, the person selected will need the prayerful support of all.

UPCOMING DATES IN THE COADJUTOR SELECTION PROCESS November 2021 - Review of applications: The Bishop Coadjutor Search Committee are busy at work reviewing background work and arranging bishop coadjutor applicant interviews through January 2022.

January 2022 - Transition Committee takes over following the Standing Committee approval of the selection of the final candidates.

Spring 2022 - Deanery Walkabout: Final candidates will come to our area and spend time in various locations around the diocese meeting with parishioners. Dates and locations will be announced by the Transition Committee as it is decided.

April 2, 2022 – Electing Convention: Delegates from each church in the diocese will come together (similar to annual convention) to elect the next bishop. This will take place at the Cathedral of St. Peter in St. Petersburg. ​ September 24, 2022 - Pending Presiding Bishop and other dioceses approval, Bishop Coadjutor will be consecrated and commence ministry with Bishop Dabney Smith.

A

s the Bishop Coadjutor Search Committee winds down and wraps up its crucial part in recommending the final candidates for the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, a new committee steps up to take the banner during the transition process for finalists.

The Transition Committee, selected by the Standing Committee, will be responsible for planning the meet and greet events presenting the Search Committee’s candidates to the diocese, and the petition process for candidate nomination. The Transition Committee is also charged with planning certain aspects of the electing convention, the consecration of the new bishop, the presentation of gifts to the new bishop of the diocese.

The Transition Committee has the honor of coordinating much of the diocesan-facing events where our clergy, vestry, and parishioners can participate in the Bishop Coadjutor process. For the important role of communication, the Transition Committee works in a liaison capacity with the Standing Committee, diocesan staff and leadership, Bishop Smith, and the Presiding Bishop’s office. Finally, this committee serves the elected bishop coadjutor and their family as they begin their move to Southwest Florida in the summer of 2022.

“I am humbled to have been chosen as the Chair of the Transition Committee. Our team is assembled and is dedicated to creating an atmosphere of extreme hospitality for the candidates selected. We are at a pivotal time in the life of our diocese, that has been so prayerfully and efficiently run for these last sixteen years, and the Transition Committee is honored to serve in the process of electing the future Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida,” said Kevin M. Fitzgerald, Transition Committee Chair.

MEET THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE Kevin M. Fitzgerald, Transition Commmittee Chair Erika Cannon, St. Mary's, Tampa Donna M. Davis, Good Samaritan, Clearwater Melissa Rau, St. Mark's, Venice

Gracious God,

The Rev. Joe Hudson, Good Shepherd, Venice Dominick Maldonado, St. Francis, Tampa Leila Meizer, St. James House of Prayer, Tampa

The prayer written for this process is as follows:

as we walk by faith the shared journey of choosing a bishop for the Diocese of Southwest Florida, nurture within us discerning hearts and minds hopeful for possibilities yet to be revealed. Send to us a caring leader, we pray, who will uniquely delight in the abundant gifts of our diocese, and the beauty of this land, which so richly reflect your unity in diversity. Equip our human eyes and ears with divine recognition for the chief pastor of our diocese whom you have chosen to lead us in the ever-unfolding mission of your Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

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L I O O K I N G

t was 15 years ago, December of 2006, that the Diocese of Southwest Florida had its last Bishop Coadjutor Search. Three finalists were named by the 28-person committee on October 31, 2006 following two years of work commencing with a nationwide search for the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.

The three Finalists, the Rev. Dr. Robert S. Dannals, the Rev. Dr. Jacob Owensby, and the Rev. Dr. Dabney T. Smith were preparing for a diocesan meet and greet at the Venice Community Center on December 1. With a speedy process ahead of them, one of these finalists would be elected just 8 days later on December 9 at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in downtown St. Petersburg at a Special Electing Convention.

Also included on the election slate were four additional Nominees by Petition: the Rev. John S. Adler, the Rev. Canon Michael P. Durning, the Rev. Ed Henley, and the Rev. Sharon Lewis.

On December 9, after a single ballot, the Rev. Dr. Dabney T. Smith was elected Bishop Coadjutor.

The fast-paced nature of the last Bishop Coadjutor process did not end with the election. Bishop Smith started his position at the diocese on February 1, 2007, and was consecrated on March 10 of that same year.

As we look forward to the spring 2022 release of the names of finalists for the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, we reflect on how far we have come over the past 15 years, and how things once again are being made new.

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Top: Cover of the Special Convention to elect a bishop coadjutor in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, published in 2006. Below: Cover of the 2006 Bishop Coadjutor Search Diocese Profile, Search Timeline of 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida and Cover of The Southern Cross November/December 2006.

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