Autumn 2022 Southern Cross

YOUTH 2022

FALL RETREATS AT DAYSPRING

NEW BEGINNINGS

e New Beginnings weekend retreat is designed to respond to the unique spiritual and social challenges facing youth in grades 6 through 8. Created together by adults and young people, this program encourages participants to express their feelings within an atmosphere of openness and zero judgement and results in growth in their love for God, themselves, and those around them.

HAPPENING

Ma hew Bowers

Summer Camp Director, Director of Youth Ministry & Programming mbowers@episcopalsw .org 941-556-0315 x976

Michelle Mercurio, Registrar mmercurio@episcopalsw .org 941-556-0315 x977

Happening is a spiritual and transformative experience for high school students in grades 9 to 12. is weekend retreat helps participants navigate through the tough questions of faith which many high school students struggle with in their daily lives. Students come away from the weekend with a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationship with God, and how to share that faith with others in their community. During a Happening weekend, participants experience the love of God through music, talks, prayer, and worship. Led by fellow high school students, they are encouraged to ask questions, verbalize internal struggles, and build a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ. An integral part of the weekend is when participants realize how much we are all loved by God and how close we can become as a Christian community in such a short period of time.

From the Bishop

SERVING THE LORD IN THIS TIME AND PLACE

My Dear Friends,

This has been a full year! It has been, and will continue to be full because of the election of our next bishop, the coming retirement of the current one, the General Convention, the ordination and consecration of Douglas F. Scharf as the sixth bishop of the diocese, the 54th Diocesan Convention, and the ongoing vitality of all of our congregations and schools. The Diocese of Southwest Florida is a vibrant and honored diocese in The Episcopal Church and I am deeply proud to have been able to serve here.

I am pleased Douglas Scharf will be out next Bishop Diocesan. I am certain he and Shannon will discover the vitality and fullness of life that Mary and I have had the joy of experiencing in this great diocese.

This will be the last time I have the opportunity to write the members of the diocese in Southern Cross. I simply want to thank all of you for allowing me the privilege of serving our Lord and you in this time and in this place. I can literally think of countless occasions when I would offer thanksgiving to God for being able to experience the joy of serving where I have both childhood and young adulthood memories. I also had numerous occasions when I was just struck by the natural beauty that God gave us in Southwest Florida.

Thank you for all that you have nurtured me with. By the time I resign it will be about just a month shy of my 16 years of serving here. I am blessed and fortunate to have been able to serve God here with you. Thank you for the abiding joy of serving as your Fifth Bishop. What an enduring honor. May God bless all of you.

Bishop Dabney Smith

Fifth Bishop of Southwest Florida

SOUTHERN CROSS

The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith | Bishop

The Diocese of Southwest Florida

The Rev. Dr. Douglas F. Scharf | Bishop Coadjutor The Diocese of Southwest Florida

The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman | Canon to the Ordinary & Chief of Staff rnorman@episcopalswfl.org

Michael Booher | CFO mbooher@episcopalswfl.org

The Rev. Christopher Gray | Canon for Stewardship cgray@episcopalswfl.org

Matthew Bowers | Director of Youth Ministry & Programming mbowers@episcopalswfl.org

Geraldine “Jerry” Buss | Diocesan Controller jbuss@episcopalswfl.org

John Edgar | Director of Congregation Support jedgar@episcopalswfl.org

Angie Ford | Receptionist & Registrar aford@episcopalswfl.org

Wendy Martucci | Executive Assistant to the Bishop wmartucci@episcopalswfl.org

Michelle Mercurio | Administrative Assistant mmercurio@episcopalswfl.org

Lindsey Nickel | Director of Communications lnickel@episcopalswfl.org

Carla Odell | Executive Director - DaySpring execdirector@dayspringfla.org

Tana Sembiante | Administrative Assistant to Canon Norman tsembiante@episcopalswfl.org

CLERGY

SOUTHERN CROSS

Editor & Director of Communications

Lindsey Nickel

Managing Editor & Creative Director Shannon Weber

Contributing Writers

The Rev. Deacon Lisa Parker, Matthew Bowers, the Rev. Adrienne Hymes, the Rev. Charles Cannon, Anna Haeffner, Andrew Yow, the Rev. Joseph Maiocco, the Rev. Deacon Robert Vaughn, Kim Kalaman, Hillary Peete, Maureen Belote, Melissa Rau, Karen Owen, and John Edgar.

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

Winter Issue: October 14

On the cover:

Pictured: Bishop Dabney Smith with Bishop Coadjutor-elect Douglas Scharf at the ordination of the Rev. Brian Cleary on August 27, 2022, at St. Thomas Chapel, DaySpring.

The Rev. Alex Andujar

Diocesan Coordinator for Latino & Hispanic Formation

aandujar@episcopalswfl.org

The Rev. Carol Fleming

Diocesan

Parrish cfleming@episcopalswfl.org

The Rev. Scott Nonken

School for Ministry

Meet the Priest

THE REV. SCOTT NONKEN

Originally from Kansas, the Rev. Scott Nonken moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2010. Fr. Nonken holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Southwestern College, in Winfield, KS, and a Masters’ in Leadership and Liberal Studies from Duquesne University. Fr. Nonken completed his ministerial training in the Diocese of Southwest Florida’s School for Ministry. He was ordained a deacon on December 1, 2018 and served The Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg until his ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests on May 17, 2022. Prior to his ordination, he was actively involved at The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, singing in the choir, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and leading the Outreach Committee. Fr. Nonken is also a Brother in the Companions of St. Luke. On January 1, 2021, he began

serving as the Chaplain of St. Anselm’s Episcopal Chapel Center at USF Tampa. On May 25, 2022, Fr. Nonken was named Dean of the School for Ministry for the Diocese of Southwest Florida. In addition to his service in the diocese, he has been a part of the Kairos prison ministry at the Zephyrhills Correctional Institute. Fr. Nonken also works full-time for a national firm providing information systems support for the Federal Government.

Q: You are recently ordained; can you share a little about your discernment process and journey to ordination?

A: The first time I remember feeling a call to ordained ministry was in 1985 following conversations with the youth minister at my church. I began some pre-seminary work at the Methodist college I was attending but discerned that the circumstances and timing were not right to pursue that call. Taking a beat, I completed college and began working in the IT field and put the whole ministry thing out of my mind.

As it turned out God never gave up. There were several other times over the years that I felt the tug of a call, but each time I decided that the time wasn’t right. Eventually, in 2012, after a failed attempt at diaconal parish discernment, I discerned a call to Benedictine life and began my journey with the Companions of St. Luke. I quickly felt at home in the contemplative community and believed I had finally discovered my call. However, it turned out that it was only a part. A couple of years later, after discussions with the Very Rev. Stephen Morris, Dean of The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, I again began discerning a call to the diaconate. After several years of sobriety and a stronger spiritual foundation, I and the wider church community confirmed the call and I began the formation process. After my diaconal ordination, aside from my work at the Cathedral, it seemed like more and more of the work God was calling me to was pastoral in nature and I felt my call evolving again (this time coming full circle to where I started in 1985). I learned that our diocesan

Dean of the School for Ministry in the Diocese of Southwest Florida and USF Chaplain.

The Rev. Scott Nonken at his ordination on May 17, 2022.

participation in the Iona Collaborative meant that there was now an option for local formation for the priesthood. After some discussion with Bishop Dabney Smith and Dean Morris, I decided to pursue discernment for ordination as a priest. Although it has taken a long time, I believe each of these steps in my journey was an essential part of getting me to where I am today.

Q: You served as Deacon at The Cathedral Church of St. Peter and currently serve as Chaplain of the Episcopal Chapel Center at USF; what experiences from those roles shaped you for your new position as Dean of the School for Ministry?

A. These roles have given me exposure to two very different sized communities and environments. Through serving in both these worlds, I have developed an appreciation for what each offers, and what it takes to be effective with each group. I come to the Dean’s role with both experience operating as one part of a larger team and serving in the lead role of a much smaller worshiping community. Hopefully, this diversity of experience in the ministry, along with the organizational skills I bring from my secular job, will give me the tools I need to be successful in this new role.

Q: What are you most excited about in this new role with the School for Ministry?

A. I am most excited about building on the good foundation the school already has for clergy formation and then expanding it to include opportunities for lay people (whether or not they are seeking licensure) to fully participate. Having been through local formation I am a strong believer that it is an appropriate educational option.

Q. What is your favorite part of your ministry with students both at the college level and those discerning the call?

A. My favorite part is helping students discover for themselves the many ways God is working in their lives. I think God is always there, always knocking, and sometimes we just don’t slow down enough to listen. If I can help people to hear that still, small voice, it's a good day.

MINISTRY IN THE DIOCESE Art Department

Art Ministry is a growing expression of faith at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Snell Isle. The program began in 2019 when St. Thomas’ hosted its first art exhibition entitled “Icons in Transformation,” by renowned Swedish artist Ludmila Pawlowska from November 2019 to February 2020. Numerous St. Thomas donors and volunteers supported the exhibition and several thousand people from the community attended, making it an overwhelming success.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 put a temporary halt to many of their plans, but with a little passion and persistence, St. Thomas resumed their Art Ministry in December 2021.

“St. Thomas is a neighborhood church. As we were able to return to more frequent in-person activities, the Very Rev. Ryan Whitley, our rector, encouraged us to rekindle the art ministry with the goal of enhancing our worship and welcoming the broader community to our campus,” said Mary Jane Park, St. Thomas’ Art Project CoChair and Senior Warden.

The parish established the St. Thomas' Art Project, co-chaired by parishioners Gina White and Mary Jane Park. Its first exhibition focused on the themes of “Hope, Love, and Promise,” displaying art created by Lower School students at Canterbury School of Florida.

With a successful second exhibition completed; the St. Thomas’ Art Project made a plan for Lent. Investment in a gallery display system in the nave was made and a collaborative art program was planned. Beginning in January 2022, parishioners gathered with local St. Petersburg artist Dee Perconti to learn about the principles of collage art and to

begin to dream, plan, and execute a piece of art responding to one of the fourteen “Stations of the Cross.”

“Art exhibited in our sacred space reveals a certain vitality in and provokes curiosity among both members of our parish and our wider community,” said Fr. Whitley. “It enhances the spiritual

experience congregants and visitors enjoy and draws us closer to the work of God through the way of beauty, creation, and expression. We are all made in the image of God and these pieces of art then are a reflection of God’s creation.”

Those stunning pieces of art were displayed during the season of Lent,

Works of art from St. Thomas’ “Stations of the Cross” collage exhibit on display during Lent of 2022.

St. Thomas' Art Project launches new exhibition; the Rev. Deacon Lisa Parker's quilt installation. by Lindsey Nickel

leading parishioners and guests through the traditional spiritual devotion of the Stations of the Cross. This marrying together of the traditional liturgy with modern artistic interpretations conveyed a moving and emotional experience felt by both the artists and the congregation.

Currently, St. Thomas’ is exhibiting works from a private collection on loan from Christians in the Visual Arts (CIVA). The exhibit titled “Heads, Faces, and Spiritual Encounter,” is part of the private collection of Edward and Diane Knippers. The exhibit includes both 3-D and 2-D art, with prints by Matisse, Chagall, and Picasso. “Heads, Faces, and Spiritual Encounter,” will be on display through September 30, 2022.

In December, the St. Thomas’ Art Project will exhibit a new collection of works created by Lower School students at Canterbury School of Florida in a revival of the “Hope, Love, and Promise,” theme for Advent and Christmas.

Works of art from St. Thomas’ "Heads, Faces, and Spiritual Encounter,” on display through September 30, 2022.

STATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION: FINDING HOPE AND LIGHT IN THREAD AND FABRIC

by Lindsey Nickel

Not

long after the Rev. Deacon Lisa Parker was

ordained, the pandemic struck. The focus of her new ministry as a deacon was turned upside down. Unable to visit shut-ins, meet with Justice Ministries, or even proclaim the gospel within the midst of the congregation - all the usual activities of being a deacon were put on hold.

As the diocese adapted to the restrictions of the pandemic, the School for Ministry offered Deacon Parker the opportunity to finish her diaconal studies with an independent project. Influenced by the world coming out of 2020 and 2021, Deacon Parker set out to create a project that expressed the hope and light found in the gospel by combining her vocation with her avocation, quilting.

As part of her project, she created a 14-panel collection of quilts depicting the Stations of the Resurrection along with a devotional using excerpts from St. Augustine's Prayer Book. The quilts were created by Deacon Parker as a creative exploration of Eastertide spirituality using St. Augustine's Prayer Book Stations of the Resurrection. Below is an excerpt from Deacon Parker’s devotional guide, “Stations of the Resurrection: Finding Hope and Light in New Ways with Fabric and Thread”.

During Lent, faithful Christians all over the world pray at the Stations of the Cross. It happens in churches everywhere throughout the season. In my own town, we walk the Stations along Main Street on Good Friday to pray as a community. Lent is a time of deep examination. We take stock of the ways we have strayed from God and

assume new and deepening spiritual practices as a way of doing penance for our sins.

Then Easter happens and we give praise and thanksgiving that Christ triumphed over the Cross, and we go on with our lives. Maybe we take some of these new practices with us and maybe we don’t.

But what if we did not stop at Easter? What if we continued and what happened to the disciples happened to us? We discover new ways to pray, new ways to hope, and how to live a new life with renewed emotional and spiritual devotion.

That is what Stations of Resurrection can do for us. It is the other side of Easter. The journey we take from Easter morning to Pentecost and beyond with the same intentions that we give to get from Ash Wednesday to Easter.

Deacon Parker’s “Stations of the Resurrection: Finding Hope and Light in New Ways with Fabric and Thread,” installation was dedicated Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at St. Margaret of Scotland, Sarasota. Participants had the opportunity to pray at the Stations while viewing the quilts, then use the devotional book to reflect on their experience. The collection was up from Easter through Pentecost and is available to travel by invitation.

Quilted works made by the Rev. Deacon Lisa Parker featured in the art installation “Stations of the Resurrection: Finding Hope and Light in New Ways with Fabric and Thread.”

The Rev. Deacon Lisa Parker’s “Stations of The Resurrection” quilt installation.

Youth SCHOOL YEAR RETREATS IN FULL SWING

New Beginnings and Happening is set to return better than ever in Fall 2022.

by Matthew Bowers

After six successful sessions of DaySpring Summer Camp, we are now preparing for the 2022 school year retreats!

New Beginnings returns on October 7 – 9 and after our biggest Middle School Camp session in years we are expecting a very full weekend. Katie Arp will be serving as Lay Director for the event, and we're really excited about the direction that New Beginnings is headed. The goal of the weekend remains the same; to discuss the many different types of relationships middle schoolers encounter throughout their life and how they can strengthen their relationship with God. Registration is now open at https://www.eycofswfl.org/ retreats.

We are also excited to be bringing back Happening weekend December 2-4. During the fall of 2022, we will be taking youth leaders to experience Happening weekends across Province 4.These leaders will convene to rebuild the diocese Happening program to commence in December. Happening may look exactly the same or completely different. Either way, we are excited to bring Happening back after a year-long reset. Our goal is to maintain the meaningful experiences from Happening while offering a fresh perspective with the feedback and ideas of our youth leadership. The Rev. Whitney Burton will serve as Spiritual Director and Macy Kendzior will serve as Lay Director for this first rotation of Happening leadership.

The goal for both retreats is to have them operate under a Diocesan Youth Committee (DYC) where the youth are the primary group making decisions. If you’re an adult and want to be involved, reach out to learn more about available committee seats where you can support our youth. The DYC will be the group that receives and supplies input for our retreats and camps, and helps to determine who will be the Rector and JuniorWeekend Advisors for each event. Middle School youth enjoy programming at DaySpring.

If you have any questions about our Diocesan Youth Retreats, you can learn more at

EYCofSWFL.org

or reach out to Matthew Bowers, Director of Youth Ministry and Programming.

Community CLERGY SPOUSE ASSOCIATION

The Clergy Spouse Association charts new paths forward while maintaining what matters most.

by Lindsey Nickel

Theimpact of COVID-19 on the world is hard to measure; we continue to navigate a new way of life. For our clergy, having to shut down and reinvent the church-going experience in a virtual space carried an incredible weight. This weight was greatly supported by their spouses.

“It’s important. It’s very different, the kind of stresses that the clergy position brings, and it’s wonderful to have a support group of people who are in your same position and can understand what you’re going through,” said the Hon. Marion Fleming, founding member of the Clergy Spouse Association of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.

In 2020, the Clergy Spouse Association (CSA) knew they had to continue to meet. Like many organizations, they moved their socials to a virtual Zoom platform, but

continued to plan with the hope that their in-person events would resume.

“Before Covid, we would frequently remark on wishing there were ways we could be more connected during the rest of the year. Some people had ideas, but they never came to fruition,” said Quincey Jones, CSA member since 2003. “When the pandemic shut everything down, it took less than three weeks for CSA leaders to call us all together for our first “Connect, Chat, and Pray,” Zoom meeting on April 7, 2020.

“These trials and tribulations, however great, did not break us apart,” said Ning Bonoan, CSA member since 2002. “I believe these experiences only made our bond stronger by sharing and supporting each other through these common experiences. The result has been deeper relationships and intentional connectedness virtually

these last three years and a very joyful in-person reunion in June of 2022.”

Monthly "Zoom Socials" offer the opportunity for the CSA community to share laughter, prayer, concerns, love, and connection.

“Our monthly Zoom time has meant a lot to me,” said Sherre Henley, CSA member. “Zoom allowed us to meet and connect with spouses new to the diocese and recently we started using monthly themes to help integrate new members. It's all too easy for us oldtimers to do all the talking.”

A virtual retreat was also held on February 12, 2022, when the Omicron variant forced CSA to postpone its inperson retreat plans.

“The virtual monthly gatherings have been, from the start and continuing to this day, an invaluable addition to our fantastic group of clergy spouses,” said Mr. Jones.

The CSA Zoom Socials are held monthly every third Thursday and a link can be found on the Clergy Spouse Association page on episcopalswfl.org.

In June 2022 the Clergy Spouse Association hosted its first in-person retreat in two years at DaySpring Conference Center. Organized by CSA Vice President Lori Reho and CSA Secretary Sue Van Oss, the retreat theme was "Honoring the I in Me”. Participants were led in a variety of activities that focused on connecting with their identities outside of the role of clergy spouse. The weekend was spent reflecting on personal ambitions, passions, desires, and self-care.

The retreat kicked off with relationship-building activities and new member introductions. The afternoon offered an art experience led by Sue Van Oss, during which CSA members

Members of the Clergy Spouse Association make a shell cross craft at the annual CSA Retreat in June 2022.

made shell crosses gathered from near Mrs. Van Oss’ home on Sanibel Island. This was followed by gentle flow yoga and personal massages by Anna Allen from Mind Body Spirit Connected. The Clergy Spouse Association also presented Mary Wallis Smith with a prayer shawl as she and Bishop Smith anticipate retirement. The group celebrated Holy Eucharist with the Rev. James Reho in St. Thomas Chapel and the final morning of the retreat was spent at DaySpring’s labyrinth celebrating Pentecost with the Church of Apostles.

“Coming from out of state, the CSA has been a wonderful way to get connected in this diocese, and I was warmly welcomed by all the members,” said Sue Van Oss, CSA Secretary. “Whether it's the monthly zoom socials, the in-person gatherings, or the Facebook group, there are a variety of ways to receive support, make new friends, and be mentored by fellow spouses.”

This year, the CSA also created a private Facebook group moderated by board members to further connect

Members of the Clergy Spouse Association enjoy yoga and crafts, and attend Holy Eucharist at St. Thomas Chapel with the Rev. Dr. James Reho during the annual CSA Retreat in June 2022.

members on a daily basis to share and provide support.

“The CSA community has been an invaluable source of inspiration for me as a clergy spouse. We speak a particular language that only each of us can understand. CSA has been a place where I can find loving support in times of need and frivolous fun when I need to let it all out.  We celebrate together, laugh together, cry together and pray together. CSA has been a pillar on which I rely as part of my personal wellbeing,” said Lori Reho, CSA Vice President.

“I thank God for blessing us with the collective wisdom and action of our founding clergy spouses who planted seeds that continue to bear fruits for us to harvest,” said Mrs. Bonoan. “And for new sprouts of membership and leadership who help us bloom with fresh perspectives, innovative communication processes, and superb, meaningful, and relevant actions which enrich us, so we can continue to bless others in His name!”

UPCOMING EVENT

FINAL THOUGHT

Ning Bonoan, member for 20+ years, on what makes the CSA so integral to the diocese:

ONE

The time-tested resiliency and stability of the CSA, founded in love, acceptance, and respect

TWO

The unwavering focus of the CSA in helping others

THREE

The CSA as an anchor for all clergy spouses in the Diocese of Southwest Florida

The Clergy Spouse Association will host its Annual Convention Luncheon on October 15, 2022, at Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda during the Annual Diocesan Convention weekend.

Reflections Reflections CONVENTION FROM THE 80TH GENERAL

The Diocese of Southwest Florida’s Deputation, joined by Bishop Smith, Bishop Coadjutor Scharf, and Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Wendy Martucci, attended the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church in Baltimore, MD from July 8-11, 2022.

This year, General Convention considered 431 resolutions, addressing an array of topics including liturgy, Christian formation, Constitution and Canons, and many others. Some highlights from the General Convention include:

• The House of Deputies elected its next president, Julia Ayala Harris, and vice president, the Rev. Rachel TaberHamilton.

• House of Deputies affirmed Resolution A226, to recognize, honor, and lament the deaths of three members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.

• The House of Bishops voted unanimously for resolution, FA031, to clarify the definition of the Book of Common Prayer in the church’s constitution, while proposing steps to classify dozens of additional liturgical texts approved in recent decades.

• The 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church approved the reunification of the Episcopal Church in North Texas with the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.

In our diocese, the Rev. Canon Richard Norman, Canon to the Ordinary, was elected to the Board of Trustees of the General Theological Seminary in New York City. He will serve a 2-year term. Bishop Coadjutor Scharf saved the day as he stepped in to play the piano for the House of Bishops on July 8, 2022.

As a child, I spent all the summers of my formative years with my grandparents. My grandfather, a stalwart Episcopalian, and faithful leader in his parish and in the governance of The Episcopal Church, served as a deputy to General Convention when conventions were two weeks long. I will never forget my wise grandfather’s words upon returning from one of those General Conventions. Grandad said, “If you want to see The Episcopal Church move in all of her glory, go to General Convention.” Those words have lived with me into my adulthood. While I did not fully understand what kind of church work would take grandaddy away from us for such a long period of time, I instinctively knew that whatever work was being done, my grandad cared deeply about it and that it was important work.

As the grandchild, into whom grandad generously poured his love of God and the Episcopal Church, the 80th General Convention was a deeply meaningful experience.

I was a first-time deputy and elected as Chair of our diocesan deputation. I further served as Vice Chair of the Legislative Committee on Evangelism and Church Planting.

I was not entirely sure what I would be doing, however, I knew that the work leading up to, and during General Convention was important, and like my grandad, I cared deeply about that work.

Having attended as a visitor to the 2009 General Convention in Los Angeles, CA, I witnessed the “awe” of the shared energy of The Episcopal Church in all of her glory. The pandemic considerably dampened that relational, celebratory spirit with only four days for legislative sessions.

However, there was no shortage of teaching moments

(great for our deputation with many first-timers). This abridged General Convention provided grace for me to learn about deputy actions in real-time, to practice voting, and as the chair of the deputation, submit votes by orders (a responsibility reserved for the chair).

Missing was the sense of “surround-sound” voices from the legislative committees through hearings, which took place over several months, via Zoom, prior to arriving in Baltimore. As the Vice Chair for the Legislative Committee on Evangelism and Church Planting, I wanted to share the example of the Diocese of Southwest Florida’s inspiring, long-term commitment to planting and nurturing new faith communities (including St. Paul’s Wesley Chapel) with the House of Deputies. In our various forms of lament, however, there was an undeniable, and overwhelming, sense of gratitude for the gift of being able to physically gather at all in order to serve our beloved church.

I am deeply grateful to the delegates of the 2019 Diocesan Convention who elected and trusted me to serve in this leadership capacity as we embarked on the important work of The Episcopal Church’s governance.

I will never forget my wise grandfather’s words upon returning from one of those General Conventions. Grandad said, “If you want to see The Episcopal Church move in all of her glory, go to General Convention.”

- The Rev. Adrienne Hymes, Rector St. Paul's, Wesley Chapel

IIn

2019, I was deeply honored to be elected to represent the Diocese of Southwest Florida for a second time as a deputy to The Episcopal Church’s General Convention.

My two experiences as a deputy for both the 79th and the 80th General Convention shared many similarities. However, attending the 80th General Convention was a first of its kind. Due to precautions put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this year’s event was significantly shorter. As a result of the reduced timeframe and social distancing restrictions, many activities of the Convention were eliminated. Scheduled social events and the vendor hall were canceled resulting in our deputation missing out on many key opportunities to interact and connect with other deputations, bishops, and visitors. However, what I missed the most was worshiping and sharing Holy Eucharist with the entire convention.

On a positive note, although it felt a bit rushed, we got through a lot of business quickly and smoothly (as long as the wifi was working)! It was exciting to be a part of the election of a new President and Vice President for the House of Deputies, a “young” Latina, and an indigenous woman!

The report on the State of the Church was interesting, one of the positives of the pandemic is the strong emergence of the virtual church, and the ability for congregations to have active and engaged members worldwide.

I also had the welcome experience to chat for a few

minutes (at a social distance, outside) with the bishop and a priest from Western Kansas. It was eye-opening to hear their perspectives on what is “normal” in their small, rural congregations. It is always interesting for me to hear first-hand stories and experiences that differ from what is familiar and “normal” to me across the wide body of the Episcopal faith.

In summary, General Convention was a whirlwind, filled with exciting experiences. I left feeling truly honored to be a part of this diocese and a member of The Episcopal Church!

One of the positives of the pandemic is the strong emergence of the virtual church, and the ability for congregations to have active and engaged members worldwide.

- Anna Haeffner, General Convention Deputy

The

80th General Convention held in July in Baltimore, MD, marked my first official role in governance for The Episcopal Church. My initial calling to this work stemmed from a desire to bear witness to the diversity of our church, particularly as a young person. The Episcopal Church exists in a variety of expressions and with a variety of opinions as to what God is calling us to be. I think it is important for those viewpoints to be present at General Convention. I was pleased to find a very healthy number of young people seated in the House of Deputies. Though I did not necessarily agree with each one of them on every issue, it was a sure sign that the work of the church is not limited to one generation, but rather the whole body of the faithful is called to participate.

During our time at General Convention, I had been particularly interested in the work of the committee on Congregational & Diocesan vitality. Though the church will continue to prosper as long as Christ bids it so, it is important to take the work of evangelism seriously and to minister to the world in an effective way. Wrapped up in that is the question of how young people are invited to take part in the ministry of the church. Traditionally, the General Convention includes an official youth presence where youth from across

the denomination would take part in Convention, having a seat and voice (though no vote). This year, unfortunately, the group was not convened as a matter of COVID-19 precaution. Still, it was heartening to read some of the materials the group had prepared when they initially hoped to attend. It showed that God is at work in every generation of the church and the importance of making a place at the table for generations eager to take their seat.

The governance of The Episcopal Church, frustrating as it can be, is important work and functions at its best when a full picture of the needs of its members is communicated. I was glad to serve our diocese at the 80th General Convention and look forward to supporting the church’s work of governance in the future.

- Andrew Yow, General Convention Deputy

Though the church will continue to prosper as long as Christ bids it so, it is important to take the work of evangelism seriously and to minister to the world in an effective way.

THE 80TH GENERAL CONVENTION

Above: The House of Deputies elects Julia Ayala Harris as its next president. Below: Bishop Coadjutor Scharf plays piano for the House of Bishops. The Rev. Roy Tuff, Jacqueline Smith, the Rev. Adrienne Hymes, Bishop Dabney Smith, Bishop Coadjutor Douglas Scharf, the Rev. Charles Cannon, Anna Haeffner, Dr. Navita Cummings James, the Rev. Christian Wood, and Andrew Yow.

Iwas

honored and consider it a privilege to have represented the Diocese of Southwest Florida at General Convention #80 (GC80) in Baltimore, MD, yet I was nervous. The nerves waned as I was welcomed by a cadre of volunteers and comforted by the daily worship opportunities and morning prayer. The 850 deputies assembled represented 110 dioceses of The Episcopal Church. We fervently and regularly asked God to “fill the Church with all truth, in all truth, with all peace.”

As a member of the Diocese of Southwest Florida Deputation, I had met and come to love the members of our group prior to Convention. The overarching theme of the Convention was to meet defiantly, yet safely, for the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to cancel the 2021 General Convention.

Masked, immunized, and engaged in daily self-testing, we gathered as a radical sign of trust in God, love of The Episcopal Church, and respect for each other. The role I played was to assist eight hundred other lay and clerical deputies who were seated in the House of Deputies as we debated resolutions about purifying our church. We were tasked to set a future course; reform its deficits; strengthen it and help reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior.

Baltimorean and poet Edgar Allen Poe wrote “there is no beauty without strangeness.” The great conversion in our life together was to recognize and believe that our differing backgrounds and the unexpected events we experienced were not just disturbing interruptions in our process, but the way in which God broke through and molded our hearts in preparation for this ministry in God’s name. When our good plans were changed, we embraced others. When we were interrupted, we found other business to attend.

The memorable events of GC80 that stand out to me include the elections of new leaders, endless resolutions written to improve our church, and hundreds of twominute speeches delivered to bolster our peace of mind and strengthen our dedication to serving humanity.

I was extremely proud that the House of Deputies elected both Oklahoma lay Deputy Julie Ayala Harris, the first Latina and youngest person elected as President of the House of Deputies and the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, as the first Indigenous (Shackan First Nation), and first ordained woman to serve as vice president. Ayala Harris and the Rev. Taber-Hamilton are the first people of color serving together as leaders of the House of Deputies.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF NOTE:

•

Our host, Bishop of Maryland, Bishop Sutton, offered a moving sermon on the church’s legacy of racism.

• Overall, we shared God’s unconditional love amid the House of Deputies.

• We recognized, honored, and lamented the three members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, who were murdered on June 16, 2022, by a man attending a potluck supper at the church.

• We affirmed reproductive rights, including access to abortion in emergencies.

• We approved a $100.5 million churchwide budget through 2024.

• We condemned the national gun violence epidemic (even as a young man was killed in the Baltimore streets near our Convention) prompting our bishops and deputies to march to the site of the murder and then pass resolutions on ghost guns, urging state legislators to pass measures against gun violence, and commending investment in community violence intervention.

• We confronted The Episcopal Church’s historic ties to English colonialism, racism, sexism, and the federal system of Indigenous boarding schools.

• We engaged in truth-telling, reckoning, and healing to help eliminate racial inequity and injustice.

• We provided a safer place in our Convention and Church for LGBTQI members.

• We redefined what constitutes the prayer book – meaning it might not be just a physical book anymore – so that it enables the Church to adopt future liturgies that will give greater emphasis to care for creation and honor people of color, women, and the emerging view of human sexuality and relationships.

Baltimorean and poet Edgar Allen Poe wrote “there is no beauty without strangeness.” ...When our good plans were changed, we embraced others. When we were interrupted, we found other business to attend.

- The Rev. Charles Canon, Rector, St. Hilary's, Fort Myers

but through another

serve one love,

The Lord calls us to serve all those in need and across the Diocese of Southwest Florida, our churches answer that call in new and important ways each day Our congregations feed thousands of people, shelter the homeless, and aid families and teachers with needed education supplies. Our parishioners' care by quilting, crafting and knitting comfort for those in distress, and our churches innovate by funding partnerships that shape lives through positive change in their communities.

The following is a collection of stories submitted to Southern Cross featuring the mission outreach efforts of our churches. To submit a mission outreach story to Bridges or Southern Cross, please email Editor@episcopalswfl.org.

"

St. John's, Naples Helps to Raise $532,000 to Feed Hungry in Their Community

During Lent St. John's, Naples offered St. Matthew's House & Harry Chapin Food Bank each $122,000 in Challenge Grants matching funds raised by the organizations to serve their mission to help feed the hungry in their community. Both charities did a fantastic job, with St. Matthew's House raising $165,500 and Harry Chapin Food Bank raising $122,500.   "We give praise to God that $532,000 will go to feed our neighbors in need," said the Rev. Joseph Maiocco, Rector, St. John's Episcopal Church, Naples.

St. John's annual Challenge Grants are part of a robust outreach ministry. In 2022, St. John's also raised $15,500 for Ukraine and $222,0000 for other national and international charitable partners.

Volunteers for St. Matthew's House distribute food to those in need.

F or I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Good things are happening in Arcadia.  Since 1893, St. Edmund the Martyr Episcopal Church, Arcadia, serves the community with involvements that not only provide spiritual care but also impact the needs of people living in this rural area of the diocese struggling with limited resources.

In 2013 a number of homeless individuals began loitering in a downtown Arcadia park which caused the community concern.  The Rev. Deacon Robert Vaughn read the many social media postings about the need to do something about the homeless issue in the community and called for a community meeting hosted by St. Edmund the Martyr.

These community meetings involving more than sixty participants discussed homelessness in DeSoto County, the lack of services, and possible community responses. After a series of meetings, the group identified the need to facilitate support for the homeless and began responding in November 2013 and continued into the early part of 2014.  A core group of volunteers, consisting of community organizations, church members, and other interested individuals, continued exploring

options with monthly meetings throughout 2014.  Eventually, a plan was developed to provide basic services to chronic on-the-street homeless people, and a volunteer Board of Directors was formed. DeSoto Cares Homeless Services became operational.

Two members of St. Edmund, Mike Carter and Clifford Pierce, formed a team to go into the homeless encampments located in wooded areas and along the Peace River.  They assessed needs and responded with assistance from local charitable organizations and churches.  In 2015, DeSoto Cares Homeless Services began the process of attaining a service center for showers, laundry, mailboxes, phone and internet access, and referral services. The service center opened in December with start-up funds from Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.  DeSoto Cares Homeless Services became incorporated in April 2016, and a 501(c)(3) organization in July of that year.

Most recently, DeSoto Cares Homeless Services acquired 6.5 acres in Arcadia for the development of a transitional housing program.  It will be the only housing project for homeless people in DeSoto County.  Known

St. Edmund the Martyr's Desoto Cares Partnership Expands with Tiny Town

as “Tiny Town” because of the use of small houses, the development will be for homeless people as a step toward permanent housing.  All zoning, permits, environmental, and engineering plans have been accomplished.  The sewer and water infrastructure has been completed and construction will start this summer.  Initial funding is in place and the project is on track to receive the grant money needed to complete "Tiny Town".

St. Edmund the Martyr remains closely connected to DeSoto Cares Homeless Services.  Mike Carter serves as volunteer manager of the Service Center, Deacon Vaughn collaborates as a program and grants consultant, and his wife Nancy Jo serves as a volunteer caseworker. St. Edmund the Martyr's outreach ministries in addition to the ECW and Daughters of the King chapters regularly volunteer at the Desoto Cares' service center.  A significant level of private funding for the "Tiny Town" project is connected to St. Edmund's congregation and the church continues to host DeSoto Cares board meetings each month.

Volunteers from St. Edmund the Martyr, Arcadia, gather at Desoto Cares.

Christ Church, Bradenton Grows Backpack Ministry Donating Backpacks and Supplies to 500 Families in Manatee County

For several years Christ Church, Bradenton partnered with the Bradenton Kiwanis Club to support the club’s annual backpack giveaway every summer. In 2021, Bradenton Kiwanis notified Christ Church that they were ending the backpack program. Recognizing that there was still a significant need in the community, Christ Church decided to take on the program and the church held its first backpack giveaway in July of 2021.

Now in its second year, the congregation raised $3,556 to purchase 500 backpacks along with supply kits that include, a notebook, folder, pencil case, pencils, pens, crayons, eraser, and pencil sharpener. New to this year’s event was a back-to-school fair that included other non-profit ministries serving families in the community. Christ Church partnered with Turning Point, Project Heart, Early Learning Coalition, Christ Church Thrift Shop and Food Pantry, and PACE Center for Girls to set up booths about their services. The Christian Care Alliance of

Manatee was also on hand grilling food for families that attended.

More than 25 volunteers attended the event on Saturday, July 23, 2022, serving 500 families in the Bradenton area. All leftover backpacks and supplies were donated to area Title I schools.

More than 500 families receive free school supplies at Christ Church's back-to-school event on July 23, 2022 in Bradenton.

The Cathedral Church of St. Peter Launches Community Microgrant Program

A new Outreach Ministry program aimed to support the congregation's philanthropic passions has launched at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg. The microgrant program was designed to encourage connection between the Cathedral and organizations that work to transform the lives of the vulnerable in the community. Open to all non-profits, this seeks to fund initiatives that assist those in need through food, health, education, relationship building, and inclusivity projects.

“The idea for this program grew out of our desire to support non-profit organizations in the community that our parishioners were passionate about,” said Hillary Peete, Director of Christian Formation and Digital Communications. “We realized we could make an immediate impact on many places where resources are desperately needed, and our congregation could play a larger role in that process.”

The Cathedral, through its Outreach Committee, made $5,000 available for microgrants from its Outreach budget. The first grant cycle of

$2,500 was open in the spring of 2022 and awarded grants between $300-$700 to five organizations with compelling requests.

Spring 2022 Grant Recipients included:

• $500 to The Kind Mouse Productions - The grant will be used to purchase food for the Mouse Nibbles program which provides weekend/outof-school food packages to low-income, food insecure children. The program supplies seven Pinellas County schools.

• $500 to Refugee and Migrant Women’s Initiative (RAMWI) - The grant will be used for their Wellness Support Project, which connects refugee women, and offers them an experience of community and a safe place to learn how things are done in this country. Specific examples of uses: translators, transportation expenses, and educational items.

• $500 to Clothes to Kids, Inc. - The grant will be used to purchase underwear for children. As part of each wardrobe and shopping trip, a child receives 5 new pairs of underwear. The $500 microgrant would allow more than 57

children to receive 5 new pairs of underwear. Each year Clothes to Kids provides more than $65,000 worth of underwear.

• $700 to Good Samaritan Food Pantry (Pinellas Park) - The grant will be used to purchase canned meat for their Pantry Bags. The bags, distributed twice per month, contain mac & cheese, cans of soup, vegetables, fruit, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, canned meat, bread, dairy products, etc. They serve over 1,700 people per month.

• $300 to Victor Newman Ministries

- The grant will be used to purchase commercial insulated/storage containers to be used by volunteers to provide meat to those they serve. They deliver two tons of food to food insecure citizens in Pinellas County.

Each year the Cathedral’s Outreach Committee also donates more than $30,000 to an additional 15 organizations including: BabyCycle; Campbell Park Elementary School; Christmas Angel gift program; Daystar Life Center Client Services; Diapers for Dignity; Dominican Republic Student Scholarships; Holiday Gift Bags for Campbell Park Elementary; Florida Resurrection House; Episcopal Migration Ministries; Free Clinic Client Services; Peterborough Apartments; St. Petersburg LGBTQ+ Pride Family Day, and Florida Resurrection House.

A second grant cycle of $2,500 will open in fall 2022. To learn more about this program visit https://www. spcathedral.org/grant.

Hillary Peete, Director of Christian Formation at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter delivers the microgrant check to Kind Mouse.

The Church of the Good Shepherd, Dunedin's Prayer Quilters and Crafters (COGS Crafters) supports Good Shepherd’s Pack-A-Sac program that assists in providing food security for local school children by making prayer quilts. The group holds craft fairs throughout the year where they sell items they have made as part of ongoing fundraising efforts.

In late January 2022, they planned their first joint quilt for the year which entailed choosing a pattern and the

colors for the quilt blocks. The group selected the colors blue and yellow for the quilt.

By the time the quilt was completed in March, the war in Ukraine had begun. The group felt their color choice was God-inspired and wanted to use this quilt to assist Ukrainian refugees.

They decided to host a raffle for the quilt and send the money raised to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Ukraine Crisis Response Fund. Their goal was to raise $500. Raffle ticket

sales started in April and COGS Crafters group members sold tickets to friends and families via their Facebook pages and to other members of Good Shepherd.

They quickly reached their initial $500 goal as sales continued to grow. The quilt was raffled off on Sunday, May 15, 2022. The initial goal was exceeded by more than four times and COGS Crafters were honored to present a check to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Ukraine Crisis Response Fund for $2,100.

COGS

St. Mark's, Venice Deepens Commitment to Family Promise with $150,000 Grant

St. Mark's presents a check for $150,000 to Family Promise of South Sarasota County during a parish dinner on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

St. Mark’s, Venice has been an active supporter of Family Promise of South Sarasota County (FPSSC) since 2015 when the organization first started providing housing for area children and their families facing homelessness. Housing costs in the southern half of Sarasota County have dramatically risen in recent years, leaving many families struggling. Thanks to the generosity of dozens of grantors and hundreds of donors, FPSSC has been able to assist more than 100 families a year by providing stable housing. Some of this assistance consists of weekly sheltering provided by local churches including St. Mark's.

With more than 450 children enrolled in south Sarasota County schools identified as homeless, the challenges and objectives were clear for St. Mark’s; more financial help was needed. Thanks to a parishioner who

left a sizable bequest to St. Mark’s — to be used at its discretion, and with the clergy's full support, Vestry voted to tithe $150,000 of the bequest to FPSSC. St. Mark’s presented the check for $150,000.00 to Family Promise of South Sarasota County during a parish dinner on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

In early 2022, FPSSC purchased Parkside Cottages, ten newly built homes to provide transitional housing for shelter clients who find it nearly impossible to acquire affordable options. During the planning of adjacent home construction, some major financial support was withdrawn, threatening the project’s completion.

Jennifer Fagenbaum, Executive Director of FPSSC, expressed gratitude to St. Mark’s for the generous grant which will significantly help the organization achieve its immediate and future goals—including the creation of attainable housing units for

the general public.

In words amplifying the organization’s mission, “Family Promise of South Sarasota County provides comprehensive services with an abundance of compassion to help families become and remain selfsustaining.” Among other things, these services include emergency shelter, financial education, employment counseling, and rent and food assistance.

For more information and volunteer/donation and/or matching opportunities, please visit www. familypromisessc.org.

What would you do if you couldn’t afford to wash your clothes or your bedding? What if you had to choose between clean laundry or gas for your car? These are the choices people make every day who now benefit from Holy Trinity’s new Laundry Love™ program, launched in May. Using the Laundry Love™ - branded program, the church pays for free laundry services at the Happy Bubbles Laundromat in Clearwater once per month. Thirteen local social service agencies, food pantries, and low-income housing providers were initially notified of the free laundry services.

The number of people served grew six-fold in the first three months as word spread. Now entering its fifth month of operating Laundry Love™ at the Happy Bubbles Laundromat, the church’s Outreach Committee leans into a wide range of human needs. A mother and son living in their car washed every bit of clothing and bedding they owned. Another man

who lived outdoors in a tent comes monthly to clean his sleeping bag.

The volunteers leave exhausted and enriched by the stories of others, prayers shared, and smiles given freely. The July Laundry Love™ was Holy Trinity’s most successful event with volunteers helping 61 people with 63 loads of laundry. The church hopes to engage others in the Clearwater Deanery to add a second Laundry Love™ event each month. Email the church at laundrylove@ holytrinityclw.org for more information about starting your own Laundry Love™ in your city.

Holy Trinity’s misson efforts also extend to children in need. In 2020, the Outreach Committee decided to focus outreach efforts on underserved youth in the Clearwater community. After some research, they selected Sandy Lane Elementary School, which has the highest percentage of free and reducedprice lunch recipients and the highest child poverty rates in the area. Over the past two years, this ministry has taken many forms beginning with the bicycle

program. Holy Trinity donated 24 new bicycles, helmets, locks, and partnered with Pinellas County Transportation to provide safety equipment. The children won the bicycles by lottery in a Scholastic Bicycle Incentive Program. The church also underwrote a teacher luncheon, supplied volunteers for Read Across America Day, donated children's winter outerwear, and provided gift cards and hand-written thank-you notes during this year’s teacher appreciation week. This year, the church provided $6,000 in backpacks and school supplies for all 340 children at the school, with costs underwritten by the church and several donors and organizations around the area. The church also presented the school’s entire teaching staff with classroom supplies, including sanitary supplies, first-aid kits, special whiteboard markers, and other materials.

Holy

in Clearwater

Holy Trinity, Clearwater, launches monthly Laundry Love program and increases Sandy Lane Elementary School donations for 2022 school year.

a

VISION FOR

THE ARTS

ST. ALFREDS

BY LINDSEY NICKEL

Fr. Moores was not only a charismatic priest, but also an accomplished pianist and organist. He had been playing piano since the age of five, had given several organ concerts in our area before coming to St. Alfred's. He was also active in the Clearwater Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.

When it came time for the current church building to be designed, it was intentional that the chancel area was designed to be a place that could be used for musical and theatrical events. The eventuality of a pipe organ was part of the original plan. Fr. Moores hoped that the new nave would enable the congregation to put more emphasis on music and the arts. He believed that a church is a place where art, music, liturgy, majesty, and mystery ought to be combined to give people "a sense of God.” In an interview with Fr. Moores, he is quoted as saying: “I think we in The Episcopal Church are at our best when we use the arts as an expression of our faith. The arts make it easy to fall in love with God - to discover God in your

own way - and we'd like to share this with the community.”

As an expression of this commitment to the arts, the church also commissioned Christopher Still to design and install a collection of stunning murals that adorn St. Alfred’s Outdoor Chapel and narthex walls and ceilings. Mr. Still was the grandson of long-time parishioners of St. Alfred’s and the murals were some of his first large-scale works. Mr. Still has since become a major artist producing significant works including the murals at the Florida State Capitol Legislative chambers.

A SERIES OF BEGINNINGS

It was always the intent of St. Alfred’s to have a pipe organ. The original plans for the church building included a space adjacent to the choir area in the southeast corner of the church dedicated to an “Organ Chamber” which, over the years was used for organ speakers and general storage.

In 1993, after Fr. Moores’ death, Dr. Eugene Szonntagh, Organist and Choir Director, presented a proposal for a pipe organ of his own design to be installed in the Organ Chamber, the platform above the screen behind the altar, and in an antiphonal division over the west entrance doors. An Organ Committee was formed and work on the project continued but did not come to fruition.

In 2007, the church again initiated a process to further prepare for the ultimate installation of a pipe organ. The church engaged Scott Riedel and Associates, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, working with Kevin Johnson, Organist and Choir Director, to assess and design both a choir space and the

Renderings of St. Alfred’s Casavant pipe organ to be installed in the summer of 2023.

The legacy of Worship and the Arts at St. Alfred’s, Palm Harbor began with the vision of the Rev. David R. Moores, the Second Rector of the Parish (1982-1990).

necessary alterations to the church to prepare for the design and installation of a pipe organ. A new raised choir space was built, and red oak platforms were designed to support two divisions of pipes behind the choir along with significant acoustical improvements made to the worship space. Completed preparations were made to support a future pipe organ. The church was ready to move forward. However, a series of clergy transitions over the next several years resulted in another delay to this project.

“The song and music of worship has carried this congregation forward in good times and bad, in prosperity and adversity, in joy and in sorrow, giving breath and life to its praises,” shared the Rev. Edward J. Henley, Interim Rector 2013 - 2015. “I continue to be grateful for my time at St. Alfred’s, in the music of worship, I am deeply aware that I am in the presence of something far greater than myself. I find my place in the created order and in the emerging reign of God.”

In 2021, during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, St. Alfred’s was inspired to initiate the project again. What better time to move forward than in a time when the church needed a forward-facing focus? So much work had been done in the parish family’s history to prepare for this. It was decided that it was time to bring this legacy to fruition. The Organ Committee was formed in April 2021 and work began on making the dream a reality.

“What began as an exploratory venture quickly turned into a decision to fund a new organ and by the grace of God and a lot of prayers, we decided what we wanted, and funds raised through anonymous donors have almost completely paid for the organ without a formal fundraising effort. I do not believe in coincidences.  I firmly believe that St Alfred’s has been blessed by the good Lord and that acquiring the new organ, coupled with establishing a Center for Music and the Arts, will provide a means for people to experience exceptional music and art,” shared Ralph Jordan, St. Alfred’s parishioner, Organ Committee member, and former Vestry member.

THE ORGAN

St. Alfred’s selected Casavant to design the pipe organ. The organ consists of three Manuals and Pedals, 33 Ranks, 28 Stops, with a total of 2019 pipes in four Divisions (Swell, Great, Pedal, and Antiphonal). There are also five digital stops by the Walker Technical Company.

As part of a robust capital campaign, St. Alfred’s received generous gifts from several lead donors in the Parish, raising enough funds to pay 80% of the cost of the instrument at the time of signing the contract in November 2021.

Casavant elected to use the two existing 2007 organ platforms for the Great and Pedal divisions in this project. The expressive (enclosed) Swell division will be housed in the existing chamber adjacent to the choir area.

The Antiphonal division will be installed above the west entrance door of the nave of the church, majestically crowning the lintel of the main door and framing the round window looking out onto the Christopher Still murals in the narthex. By virtue of its location, the Antiphonal will be able to support and lead congregational singing and enhance festival celebrations and instrumental performances via the use of the new hooded festival trumpet.

Proposed placement of Casavant pipe organ in St. Alfred’s nave.

The design of the case is inspired by the church’s architecture and various features of the interior of the church, incorporating the angles already present in the architectural elements of St. Alfred’s. The red oak is in keeping with the wood of the existing platforms. The layout of the façade pipes not only recalls the angular style of St. Alfred’s, but the ancient origins of the pipe organ with this organ’s neo-baroque design.

Throughout this process, it was clear that St. Alfred’s was building on the work of others, and it was felt that it was important to acknowledge and respect that work. To that end, the vestry approved the formation of the David R. Moores Center for Church Music & the Arts. This is an entity under the umbrella of St. Alfred’s Episcopal Church that has been developed for the advancement of music and the arts not only at St. Alfred’s but also the greater Palm Harbor community.

“I really feel like this is an incredible opportunity to frame this undertaking within the greater understanding of what it means to be good stewards of the dream we’ve inherited, all the hard work of preparation and building. In effect, this new center for the arts is the ultimate act of stewardship of our parish identity, mission, and DNA,” said the Rev. Peter A. Lane, Rector, St. Alfred’s.

The Casavant Organ is the keystone of the Center and will be a focal point for worship, education, entertainment, and outreach. As the Center develops, St. Alfred’s will provide music and arts education to youth and adults through church-related choral and instrumental programs and private instruction in organ and piano. Their goal is to encourage and grow the next generation of church musicians. The Center will be dedicated to quality choral and instrumental music through its mission to share God’s loving presence with the community through music and the arts.

“I have been an active parishioner and choir member since 1995. My home is in Pasco County and traveling to St. Alfred’s is a 25-mile trip, but I have done it for nearly 30 years because of the quality of the worship and music here. The dedication of all who are or have been involved has made it a joy to travel to participate. I am thrilled that just about a year from now we will have a quality organ worthy of supporting our St. Alfred’s music, and that it will also be used for the study and training of future church musicians and provide opportunities for organists for concertizing. I never knew Fr. David Moores, but I am certain that after 40 years he is looking down with great anticipation to the fulfillment of this dream,” said Joyce Oldmixon, St. Alfred’s parishioner, choir member, and volunteer.

It is anticipated that the new organ will be installed in the summer of 2023.

Pictured here, top and bottom: murals painted by Christopher Still in St. Alfred’s Outdoor Chapel, and narthex.

FOR THIS YEAR’S STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN, CONSIDER THE “EVERY MEMBER CANVASS”

by John Edgar, Director of Congregation Support

When I was a young(er) Episcopalian at St. John’s Church of Tampa, every fall I would begin to hear the words “Every Member Canvass” in sermons and during the coffee hour between services. These words did not mean much to me at the time, but the adults at church seemed to take them very seriously. As I grew in the church, I learned that the “Every Member Canvass” is the practice of contacting every member of your church to ask that they make their pledge of support for the following year.

Pledge campaigns are an essential part of a healthy stewardship program. Churches use pledges to project revenues and craft a budget for the fiscal year. Your “Every Member

Canvass” is your church’s opportunity to speak with parishioners on a oneto-one basis about the importance of pledging, and to solicit their financial support.

The most well-designed stewardship letters and pledge cards can be forgotten or ignored amid our busy lives outside. A phone call from a fellow parishioner adds a personal and direct touch point to a pledge campaign, and it helps us speak openly about money and the future of our churches. If your parish community is anxious when speaking about money, the canvass provides the opportunity to confront that anxiety head-on. Additionally, a canvass is an opportunity to stay in touch or reconnect as a community. As you

make your phone calls, you’ll learn that members have pastoral concerns or why they have been drifting away from the church. This information can be passed on to your clergy and lay leadership so that they can follow up with the member to provide them with the support that they need.

The logistics of calling every member of the church can seem like an insurmountable challenge, but this is the perfect opportunity to lean on our church management software systems like ACS and Realm. Keep an eye out for future workshops on how to organize an “Every Member Canvass” electronically, or contact me (jedgar@ episcopalswfl.org) for a personalized solution for your church.

Promise

Acknowledging that there is always More Than Enough, I/we promise $ for ministry. I/we plan to fulfill this pledge o weekly o monthly o semiannually o annually.

NAME

ADDRESS

PHONE

EMAIL

o Please contact me about setting up payments from my checking account/credit card.

o Please contact me about including the church in my estate plans.

o Please contact me about making my gift through stocks or securities.

o I will make my gift online this year, please look for my gift.

THE REV. MARIO E MILIÁ N Transitions

THE REV. MARIO MILIÁ N

TAMPA - Following a year-long search process, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Day School announced that the Vestry and Fr. Mario E. Milián unanimously discerned God calling Fr. Milián as their Rector. Fr. Milián and his family relocated to Tampa over the summer, and he began his ministry at St. Mary’s in July.

“My family and I are excited about joining the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida under the leadership of Bishop Smith, and soon of Bishop Coadjutor Douglas Scharf. This diocese is known for vital and healthy ministries in its parishes, schools, and ministries. I have felt that support from the diocesan leadership and staff. It’s refreshing and invigorating when our gifts

for ministry within the church are appreciated, supported, and affirmed.

I have also received great support from the community of St. Mary’s Church and Day School, including that of Mr. Steve Salvo, head of school, and I look forward to strengthening my relationship with the Vestry, School Board, and the fine people I have been called to serve. I couldn’t ask for more!”

Fr. Milián was born in Camaguey, Cuba, in 1976 and was confirmed by the Roman Catholic Church. “As part of my confirmation process, I experienced my first ‘motions’ of being called to serve God and the church as an ordained minister,” said Fr. Milián. Growing up in Camaguey, Fr. Milián lived with his maternal grandparents. His mother was actively involved as a lay leader in the life of the Roman Catholic Church, something prohibited by the Cuban government at the time, and as a result, she was punished by the government and made to work far away from our hometown. His parents had divorced years earlier when he was 7 years old.

In 1990, Fr. Milián was received into The Episcopal Church by Bishop Emilio Hernández, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba. That same year, his mother married a former Catholic Priest, Fr. Modesto, who was then received as a priest in the Episcopal Church of Cuba. Fr. Modesto retired in 2022 after serving the Episcopal Church in Cuba, Honduras, and the U.S. for more than 30 years.

In 1995, Fr. Milián was accepted to the Theological Seminary in Matanzas, Cuba. In 1996, he left

Cuba for Costa Rica to marry his high school sweetheart, Julie.

While in Costa Rica, he was invited by Bishop Leo Frade to work part-time for the Diocese of Honduras. A year later, now in Honduras, he continued theological studies and became a postulant to Holy Orders.

After Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras at the end of 1998, he felt called to work for Episcopal Relief and Development and the Diocese of Honduras. His role oversaw various social programs implemented to help the most vulnerable affected by the hurricane. Through those programs, he oversaw the building of a small town on the outskirts of San Pedro Sula with 200 homes, a church, a school, and a children’s park. Visiting groups from the United States brought needed engineering expertise and skilled labor which allowed the possibility of providing potable water and much-needed infrastructure for the growing population.

The following year, Fr. Milián moved to Arizona, where he was ordained to the diaconate, and then the priesthood on February 10, 2000 at Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix. After his ordinations, he was called to serve in Hispanic Ministry at the parishes of Good Shepherd, Cave Creek, and Saint Matthew’s, Chandler. From 2001 to 2006, he was the full-time curate for Saint Matthew´s Episcopal Church, a program size congregation in Chandler, AZ.

His time at Saint Matthew’s was instrumental in his personal and professional growth in the U.S. While at Saint Matthew’s, he learned English, obtained a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, and

The Rev. Mario E. Milián, Rector, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and Day School in Tampa.

The Rev. Mario E. Milián, his wife Julie, and children Mario and Isabella.

began working on further theological education. Since 2006, he has served as rector (2006-2008) of All Saints’ in Oxnard, CA, and later as senior associate, priest-in-charge, and rector (2008-2018) of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and School in Coral Gables, FL. In 2009, he graduated with a Master of Divinity from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA.

In addition to parish ministry, he

has served as a reserve member of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps since March 2013. After leaving St. Thomas in February of 2018, he pursued additional graduate work at the Jesuit Pontifical University of Comillas in Madrid, Spain, where he graduated with a Master in Ignatian Spirituality in the summer of 2020.

He and his wife, Julie are blessed with two wonderful children, Mario (10), and Isabella (9). Mario and Isa

have spent part of their elementary school years in places such as Coral Gables, Madrid, Northamptonshire (just minutes away from Oxford), and Cambridgeshire as the family lived overseas from 2018 to January 2022, while Fr. Milián studied spirituality and served on active duty tours in Spain and the United Kingdom. Mario and Isa will start at St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School this fall.

In Memoriam

The Venerable Canon Dennis McManis, April 20, 1949 – April 26, 2022

Oak Harbor, WA - The Ven. Canon Dennis McManis, Archdeacon of the Diocese of Southwest Florida (2008-2017), died peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, following a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Tracy, son Matthew, and sister Dianne.

Archdeacon McManis was born in Salina, KS on April 20, 1949, to Ray C. and Erma McManis. He studied at Kansas State University before working in construction management where he spent much of his career building churches and religious buildings. He married his wife Linda in 1969.

Archdeacon McManis was called to serve the Lord while he was the Senior Warden at Calvary Episcopal Church in Indian Rocks Beach and was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons on January 18, 2002

During his time in the Diocese of Southwest Florida Archdeacon McManis served as Senior Warden (1999-2000) and Deacon (2002-2005) at Calvary, Chaplain for Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue through the Federation of Fire Chaplains (2002-2005), and Archdeacon and Canon for Mission and Outreach for the diocese (2008-2017). He also served the Diocese of Louisiana as the Director of Operations for the Office of Disaster Response in New Orleans (2005-2008) following Hurricane Katrina.

During his time at Calvary, Archdeacon McManis, accompanied by his church dog Roxie, and through the mentorship of the Rev. Bob Wagenseil, grew in his faith and defined his life's mission to take God’s Word and compassion into the world. He took special joy in his trips to the Dominican Republic and his service in New Orleans.

Archdeacon McManis was preceded in death by his parents and brother DeWayne.

In Memoriam

Stephen P. Fluharty, June 27, 1951 – August 11, 2022

Tampa, FL – It is with great sadness that we announce that Stephen P. Fluharty, member of the Bishop’s Cabinet to DaySpring and lay leader in the diocese, died on Thursday, August 11, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on June 27, 1951, in East Lansing, MI to Thomas Norwood Fluharty and Annis McLean Fluharty. He and his family later settled in St. Petersburg, FL in 1957. Stephen graduated from Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, FL in 1969 and graduated from Washington & Lee University with a Bachelor of Science in Physics – Engineering in 1973. In 1974, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army where he spent two years on active duty. He continued his service in the Florida Army National Guard for another 20 years and retired with the rank of Major in 1995. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of South Florida. Stephen was Executive Vice President at The Bank of Tampa.

Stephen was a life-long Episcopalian. In 1976, he moved to Tampa, met his wife, Lynn, and joined St. John’s Episcopal Church where they were married. They were members for more than 45 years and their sons, Thomas and Matthew were baptized, confirmed, and attended St. John’s Episcopal School. He served three terms on the Vestry, once as the Junior Warden. In addition, he was Chairman of the Stewardship Committee as well as the Church and Parish Day School’s Endowment Committee. Stephen also served as an usher for more than 40 years.

At the diocesan level, Stephen served as a member of the Bishop’s Cabinet for DaySpring Development. Stephen and his family were instrumental in the development of DaySpring for more than 40 years. In 1983, the Fluharty family donated the seed money for a chapel as a memorial to his father, Thomas. When the diocese learned that the Church of the Holy Spirit in Safety Harbor was standing empty in 1987, the Fluharty family agreed to fund the move to bring the chapel to DaySpring. The chapel was transported to DaySpring in the middle of the night on January 20, 1988. It had to be moved in two pieces to clear the bridges and overpasses on the 70-mile trek. The church building was rededicated as St. Thomas Chapel on June 12, 1988, as a memorial to Thomas Fluharty and as a reminder of St. Thomas the Apostle. Stephen’s son, Thomas, and wife, Kelly were married at St. Thomas Chapel and both of their daughters were also baptized there.

Stephen was also involved in several charitable organizations including Tribe Seminole Heights, Quantum Leap Farm, The Spring of Tampa Bay, and Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, which inducted him into their Hall of Fame as a National Silver Award honoree in March 2022.

He is survived by his wife Lynn Loomis Fluharty, son Thomas and his wife Kelly, son Matthew and his wife Julia, grandchildren Parker, Brett, and Stephen Fluharty, sister Susan Fluharty Regan and husband Jack, and brother Scott McLean Fluharty and wife Anna.

A funeral liturgy was held on Saturday, August 27 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 902 S. Orleans Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 with The Rev. Christian Wood officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diocese of Southwest Florida for the upkeep of St. Thomas Chapel at DaySpring, St. John’s Episcopal Church, or Berkeley Preparatory School.

The Rev. Dr. Robert Owen Baker May 1, 1962 – August 14, 2022

Bradenton, Fla – The Reverend Dr. Robert O. Baker died suddenly on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at the age of sixty. He is survived by his wife Evelyn Daniel, sons Jeremiah, Henry, and Richard, daughter Helen, and his children from a previous marriage: Zachary, Abigail, and Amelia. He is also survived by his mother Nancy, brother, Douglas, nieces Rachel and Aubrey, and nephew Christopher. Please keep Evelyn, the family, and Christ Episcopal Church in your prayers. May Robert rest in peace and be raised in glory.

Robert was born to Richard and Nancy Baker on May 1, 1962, in Tuscola, Illinois. He graduated from Bayshore High School in Bradenton, FL and then attended Manatee Community College where he received an Associate in Science degree in Nursing. Robert spent more than two decades working as a critical care Registered Nurse, concluding his time as a nurse in 2006.

Learning was a passion of Robert’s. He received a B.A. from Lee University (1989), an M.Div. from Church of God Theological Seminary (1992), a Th.M. in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary (1994), a Ph.D., in New Testament Studies from Baylor University (2004), and a certificate of Anglican Studies from Nashotah House Theological Seminary (2014).

Robert and Evelyn married on September 5, 2008. Together they were blessed with four children: Jeremiah, Henry, Helen, and Richard. Participating in his children’s lives and activities was a priority for Robert.

In 2010 Evelyn and Robert joined The Episcopal Church. Robert was confirmed by Bishop Dabney Smith at Christ Church in Bradenton on April 18, 2010. Confirmation eventually led Robert to enter into the diocesan discernment process. During his time in discernment the Commission on Ministry, his parish discernment group, and the Bishop recognized and confirmed his call to ordained ministry.

Bishop Dabney Smith ordained Robert to the Diaconate on June 29, 2014, at Christ Church. On January 4, 2015, Bishop Smith ordained Robert to the Sacred Order of Priests at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Tampa. Fr. Robert served as Chaplain and Assistant Priest of St. John’s Episcopal Church and School in Tampa from 2014 until 2018. In December 2018 Fr. Robert accepted the call to serve as Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church, Bradenton. In March 2020 he was elected Rector of Christ Church, bringing a renewed sense of pastoral care to the parish. Fr. Baker served Christ Church until his death.

A Requiem Eucharist took place at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205 on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., the Right Reverend Dabney T. Smith presiding. Gifts may be made to Christ Episcopal Church in memory of Fr. Robert Baker.

O O K

G N I

Our History

The explosive growth of the State of Florida in the post World War II years led to the creation of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. The Episcopal Diocese of South Florida founded over 40 missions in the 1960s and it became clear that South Florida would need to be divided in order to better serve its congregations.

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church met in Detroit in September of 1969. That Convention approved of a plan to divide the Diocese of South Florida. Three “Archdeaconries” were established, according to the intended boundaries of each new Diocese. The same Convention gave permission for the Diocese to elect two Suffragan Bishops.

The two elected were the Rev. James L. Duncan, rector of St. Peter’s Church, St. Petersburg and the Rev. Canon William L. Hargrave, Canon to the Ordinary. Bishop Hargrave was given oversight of the Gulf Coast Archdeaconry, which would soon become the Diocese of Southwest Florida.

The Primary Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida was held at the Bath Club, North Redington Beach, Florida October 16, 1969. Bishop Hargrave was elected Diocesan Bishop on the first ballot. He announced that St. Peter’s Church, St. Petersburg would be the new cathedral.

WILLIAM

JOHN BAILEY LIPSCOMB

ROGERS SANDERS HARRIS

EMERSON

DABNEY TYLER

ASSIST EPISCOPAL CHARITIES OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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Pictured here: A glimpse of one of the many C.M. Still murals found at St. Alfred’s, Palm Harbor. More photos and the legacy of worship and the arts at the parish can be found in “A Vision for the Arts at St. Alfred’s” on page 28.