“the body does not consist of one member, but of many; if all were a single member, where would the body be?” -Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians Dear Friends in Christ, We are gathered in convention this weekend for several purposes. We gather for worship and prayer. We gather for fellowship and formation. We gather for business and decision-making. But, above all, we gather because God has called us together as one body in Jesus Christ our Lord. We have all passed through the same baptismal waters. We have been sealed by the same Spirit. And we have been given the same commission to go forth into the world as ambassadors of God’s healing and reconciling love. As I travel around the diocese, I am continually awed by the diversity of gifts and ministries that are present in our various congregations and communities. Our diocese encompasses many different expressions of God’s mission. We bear witness in different ways to the saving grace and unconditional love of Jesus Christ. This diversity is essential to our strength and health as a diocese, for as we are reminded in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, “the body does not consist of one member, but of many; if all were a single member, where would the body be?” And so, we gather as the laity and clergy of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. We gather to take counsel for the renewal and mission of God’s church. I give abundant thanks for each one of you, and I pray that God’s Spirit will lead us into all truth, that with one heart and one mind we will glorify God through the work are able to accomplish together. Faithfully in Christ,
The Right Reverend Douglas F. Scharf VI Bishop Diocese of Southwest Florida
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Friday
6
OCT
8:00AM
Check-in, Ministry Fair, and Coffee Hour in Main Hallway
9:00AM
Morning Prayer in Hibiscus Hall A
9:30AM
Morning Workshop Session (Myakka A-B, Peace A-B, Hibiscus C) Session A: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Session B: 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
12:00PM
Lunch on the Riverwalk
1:00PM
Plenary with the Rev. Scott Gunn of Forward Movement in Hibiscus A and B
2:45PM
Afternoon Workshops (Myakka A-B, Peace A-B, Hibiscus C) Friends of Bill (Sheraton Four Points Hotel Conference Room) 2:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
4:00PM
Cupcake Party found Outside at the front entrance
5:00PM
Holy Eucharist in Hibiscus A and B
6:30PM
Waterfront Evening Reception on the Riverwalk
Saturday 8:00AM
7
OCT
Check-in, Ministry Fair, and Coffee Hour in Main Hallway
9:00AM
Morning Prayer in Hibiscus A-B-C
9:00AM
Child Care and Youth Activities in Peace A&B
9:30AM
Business Session Hibiscus A-B-C
12:00PM
Lunch on the Riverwalk
1:00PM
Business Session and Elections Hibiscus A-B-C
WiFi at Diocesan Convention There are four WiFi hotspots available throughout the Convention Center labeled ConventionSWFL. No password is needed to connect to the WiFi.
Friday Workshops MORNING SESSION A: 9:30 A.M. TO 10:30 A.M. Soul Mending After a Loss in Myakka A&B
about worksh ops
Speakers: The Very Rev. Alexander Andujar, the Rev. Dave Marshall, and the Very Rev. Michelle Robertshaw
You do not walk alone. Join this interactive workshop where we will discover spiritual practices that heal the soul after a loss. Healing for Growth in Peace A&B Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Sharon L. Lewis
Inside a burned-out redwood tree, new growth, amazingly, flourished. In the healing process, we discover that suffering and growth can coexist. Revitalizing Your Spiritual Vocabulary in Hibiscus C Moderator: The Rev. Scott Nonken; Panel: The Rev. Scott Gunn, the Rev. Adrienne Hymes, Morgan Brownlee, and the Rev. Canon Dr. Thomas Williams
Refresh and enrich your prayer life with some new ways of listening and speaking to God.
Break 10:30 A.M. - 10:45 A.M.
Lunch is at noon
MORNING SESSION B: 10:45 A.M. TO 11:45 A.M.
The Church = The Gathering Place in Hibiscus C Sue Van Oss, Director of Digital Communications & Formation, St. Michael and All Angels, Sanibel
Every church wants to nurture a vibrant and vital faith in all ages and generations. This workshop will help you and your congregation create initiatives that build a culture of lifelong faith formation and community engagement. Discover how to make it happen. Evangelism and Creating a Sacred Third Space in Myakka A&B Lindsey Nickel, Director of Communications, Diocese of Southwest Florida
Millennials and Gen Z are hungry for community, but connecting with them requires creativity. How can the church create partnerships by meeting younger people where they are to foster sacred third spaces? Kids These Days! in Peace A&B Melissa Rau, Director of Formation and Engagement, St. Mark’s, Venice
Kids today are different than they were just 20 years ago, and they are way different than they were in the ‘60s, ‘70s, etc. The church has an incredible opportunity to come alongside families with children and youth in innovative and life-giving ways.
THE REV. SCOTT GUNN
Plenary
1:00 P.M. IN HIBISCUS HALL
The Rev. Scott Gunn, executive director of Forward Movement, will offer fresh insight on congregational vitality and present new research from RenewalWorks, a ministry that helps churches and individuals refocus on spiritual growth and identify the ways that God is calling them to grow.
AFTERNOON SESSION: 2:45 P.M. TO 4:00 P.M.
Building Your Financial Future in Hibiscus C Jim Murphy, Managing Partner, The Episcopal Church Foundation
ECF360 is a new online resource from the Episcopal Church Foundation that offers self-service tools and resources for financial campaigns and for legacy giving programs. Healthy Clergy Personal Finance in Peace A&B Dick Helms, CPA
Clergy taxes can be a mystery. This workshop, aimed at new clergy (and those with questions) and treasurers, will explore the basics of the tax code, requirements, best practices, record-keeping, and pitfalls to avoid. Insuring Your Future in Myakka A&B Bill Lodico, Church Insurance Company Preparing your property, dealing with deferred maintenance, and recovering from disaster.
Holy Eucharist 5:00 P.M. IN HIBISCUS HALL
Come and join in the sacred tapestry of our diocese, and celebrate the rich diversity that graces our community in worship. During this divine Rite II service, our priests and deacons stand alongside lay leadership and youth representatives that span our entire diocese. Serving worship are devoted volunteers from the Diocesan Altar Guild, the Cathedral Vergers, the Church of the Redeemer Choir, and ushers from Good Shepherd in Punta Gorda, along with acolytes representing the many corners of our diocese. A special offering will be collected.
Cupcake Party
4:00 P.M.
Join us after Holy Eucharist at our Waterfront Evening Reception. As the sun sets over the tranquil waters of Charlotte Harbor, we invite you to embrace the shared spirit that unites us, cherishing moments of togetherness and celebrating the bonds that enrich our journey together.
Ministry Fair
OPEN FRIDAY 8:00 A.M. TO SATURDAY AT LUNCH
Race and Reconciliation Committee DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center Union of Black Episcopalians CM Almy Church Supplies Education for Ministry The Order of the Daughters of the King(DOK) EYC of SWFL Our Little Roses Episcopal Relief and Development School for Ministry The Verdin Company Episcopal Church Women Bishop Gray Retirement Foundation
he University of the South, T Sewanee School of Theology Diocesan Altar Guild SWFL Cursillo St. Thomas' Choir School Dominican Development Group Faithful Access Order of St. Luke Cornerstone Kids, Inc. Forward Movement Garden of Grace Counseling Deaf Ministry
Device Charging Stations MAIN HALLWAY
Attention Diocesan Convention-goers! We've upgraded the Main Hall with charging stations for your electronic devices. No more praying for a full battery! Plug in, charge up, and let the divine energy flow into your smartphones and tablets. Recharge your devices and your spirit simultaneously - it's a divine double feature!
Saturday Agenda 55 TH ANNUAL DIOCESAN CONVENTION Registration and Coffee Morning Prayer, Rite II
8 – 8:50 a.m. Call to Order - 9:30 a.m.
Opening Video “Rediscovering our Why” Bishop’s Address Conclusion Video “One in Christ’s Mission” Introduction of Clergy Spouses First Business Session Introduction of Visiting Dignitaries Credentials Report Appointments for Convention Final Credentials Report Report of the Committee on Dispatch of Business Report of the Treasurer and Budget Presentation Meet the Diocesan House Staff Video Break Second Business Session Ministries Video: Youth. Introduction of New Canonically Resident Clergy Introduction of Non-Canonically Resident Clergy Ministries Video: Hispanic and Latino Communities Introduction of Seminarians Ministries Video: Serving the Whole Child, Episcopal Schools Recognition and Awards St. Bede’s Resolution Noonday Prayer together with Necrology
The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf The Rev. Canon Richard Norman The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf The Rev. Canon Richard Norman The Very Rev. Michelle Robertshaw Mike Booher, CFO The Rev. Canon Richard Norman
The Rev. Canon Richard Norman The Rev. Canon Richard Norman The Rev. Canon Richard Norman The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf Timothy McDonald
Lunch 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. Third Business Session Report on Nominations, Elections, and Explanation of Process Elections A-F Voice Vote Confirmation/Deanery Reps to Diocesan Council Bishop Appoints and Convention Confirms Bishop’s Appointee Resolutions through the Constitution and Canons Report of the Resolutions Committee Courtesy Resolutions Report of Vote Recognition of Carla Odell Announcement: 2024 Water & the Word Announcement: 2024 (56th) Diocesan Convention Closing Prayer and Adjournment
The Rev. Canon Richard Norman The Rev. Canon Richard Norman The Very Rev. Michelle Robertshaw The Very Rev. Michelle Robertshaw The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf Vice Chancellor Gregory Hearing, Esq. Vice Chancellor Gregory Hearing, Esq. Vice Chancellor Gregory Hearing, Esq. The Rev. Canon Richard Norman The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf Melissa Rau Judy Stark The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf
Online Voting
Visit conventionswfl.org/onlinevoting to learn more about online voting.
This year we will be utilizing the VPOLL online voting platform for delegates to vote on resolutions and elections using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. To log into the voting platform go to www.vpoll.mobi in your web browser. You will receive your Login ID number at registration on the day of Convention. You will not receive these credentials prior to registration. Everything you need to know will be printed on your name tag. Online Voting Steps: 1. Go to www.vpoll.mobi 2. Enter the Access Code: SWFL55
3. Enter Your Login Credentials: ID Number and Last Name 4. Select the Polling Session: 55 Convention 5. Click the Submit Button
Elections Below are the offices open for election at the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention. A. Standing Committee, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) lay person to a three-year term. B. Standing Committee, Presbyters: Elect two (2). Elect 2 presbyters to a three-year term. C. Diocesan Council at Large, Lay: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) lay persons to a two-year term. D. Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) lay person to a three-year term. E. Disciplinary Board, Clergy: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) clergy to a three-year term. F. University of the South Trustee, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) lay person to a three-year term; term to begin in July of 2024.
Standing Committee: The Standing Committee is a council advising the bishop. In certain circumstances, the Standing Committee is the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese of Southwest Florida in the absence of the bishop. The Standing Committee is involved in a number of matters including church indebtedness and ordination. Standing Committee members serve three-year terms, and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. They meet monthly on Tuesday mornings, or as needed. Diocesan Council: Diocesan Council is the board of directors for the corporation of the diocese and serves as an "interim body” between conventions. It is responsible for the oversight of the work of the diocese including finance, congregational development, property issues, diocesan policy, DaySpring, and other matters concerning the fabric of the diocesan community. Council usually meets on the third Saturday of the month at DaySpring, about six times a year. Disciplinary Board: The Disciplinary Board consists of nine persons (five clergy and four lay) who meet in order to consider the ecclesiastical discipline of Members of the Clergy: the process and procedure are governed by Title IV of the Canons for the Government of the Episcopal Church. University of the South Trustee: The Board of Trustees is composed of individuals from each of the 28 constituent dioceses of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Individuals from the associated alumni, faculties, staff, the student bodies, as well as trustees at-large are also elected as representatives. The Board of Trustees elects and appoints a Board of Regents, a Chancellor, a Vice-Chancellor, and a Chaplain to serve the University and governs matters related to the Charter, the Constitution, and the University Domain.
Election Nominee Bios
READ MORE ABOUT THE NOMINEES AT WWW.CONVENTIONSWFL.ORG/ELECTION-NOMINEES
Elections
ELECTION A: STANDING COMMITTEE, LAY ELECT ONE (1) LAY PERSON TO A THREE-YEAR TERM.
Mr. Karl Cieslak, Resurrection, Largo Nominee Statement: I feel called to grow in my commitment to the church and God. I am the Senior Warden for Resurrection Episcopal Church in Largo for a second non-consecutive term. I genuinely care about where the church is and where it is going. We need to do more not to become a bookmark in a history book as our church has dwindled in numbers and continues to do so. We recently called upon our first full-time clergy at our church in over a decade and have begun the healing process. I believe the church may grow and heal with good leadership. Ms. Jane McGrady, All Saints, Tarpon Springs Nominee Statement: I am interested in serving on the Standing Committee to expand my participation in the Church and the diocese. I attended the "It's All About Love" Festival in Baltimore. I felt the presence of the holy spirit there. I left asking myself," Lord what will you have me do?" I feel called to serve here. I have been an active member in my parishes for many years. My career has provided me with skills which I believe will benefit this committee. I have the time to devote to the diocese. It would be an honor to serve on this committee. Mrs. Yamilet Roman, St. Vincent’s, St. Petersburg Nominee Statement: I am interested in serving on the Standing Committee to act as an advisor and support to the Bishop on vital diocesan issues. One of the greatest strengths of our diocese is its diversity. I want to use my years of experience as a leader in the Hispanic/Latino community to give a voice to our multiethnic and multicultural communities. Revitalizing and growing our diocese means listening, and involving people from all cultures and walks of life. I am passionate about the gospel of Jesus Christ and helping the Church reach everyone with the message of God’s love. Ms. Rachel Schnabel, Holy Innocents’, Valrico Nominee Statement: I grew up in the Episcopal Church--not just one parish, but many as a Navy brat--and its tradition and reason informed how I approach God. I feel our community has so much to offer this world and I want to help ensure that the church remains stable and whole for the future. My degree in economics and business administration, my experiences with a multitude of parishes, and my understanding of what Millennials and young people are searching for in a faith community (since I am one) can all be used by fulfilling a call to Standing Committee.
Elections
ELECTION B: STANDING COMMITTEE, PRESBYTER
ELECT TWO (2) PRESBYTERS TO A THREE-YEAR TERM.
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Harris Babcock, St. Mark’s, Marco Island Nominee Statement: During my time in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, I served on the Bishop’s Council and the Commission on Ministry. Both experiences highlighted the importance of fostering healthy churches and healthy clergy from the diocesan level. My favorite role, however, was co-chairing the 2021-2022 Bishop Coadjutor Search Committee and the Transition Committee. It would be an honor to serve on the Standing Committee, providing advice and counsel to Bishop Scharf as the committee addresses important issues like church viability and clergy shortages. I believe that these issues are actually an invitation to re-imagine and build the church of tomorrow. The Very Rev. Michelle Robertshaw, St. Andrew’s, Boca Grande Nominee Statement: Entering into the councils of the Church is a sacred vow that I take seriously. I feel called to further dedicate myself to the mission and ministry of the Church and the Diocese by standing for re-election to the SC. As a member of the SC, I worked with fellow members to effect the call of our next bishop, and while this work was completed with the election of Bishop Scharf, the next three years will see the full transition of his leadership. If elected to a second term, I bring wisdom and experience to this important time for us all.
ELECTION C: DIOCESAN COUNCIL AT LARGE, LAY ELECT TWO (2) LAY PERSONS TO A TWO-YEAR TERM.
Mrs. BJ Bishop, All Angels by the Sea, Longboat Key Nominee Statement: Serving in a leadership role in my churches has been a great privilege. In addition to serving on two Vestries, I have also served on 2 selection committees for priests in those churches. I have been very active in Centering Prayer groups. I serve as an EM and have done that for over 30 years. My husband and I volunteer in a variety of ways at All Angels - serving as lectors, ushers, maintenance help, etc. Mr. Richard Helms, St. Luke’s, Ft. Myers Nominee Statement: Since moving to Ft. Myers, Mary Lou and I attended Marriage Encounter and Cursillo both as pilgrims and on teams. Serving as Treasurer was a natural since I am still a practicing CPA. Vestry membership has come and gone periodically. My experience on both the Diocesan Finance Committee and the Diocesan Council has gained me the experience to serve the Diocese in this capacity.
Elections CONT. Ms. Marla Ryder, St. Margaret of Scotland, Sarasota Nominee Statement: I feel called to look beyond where I am, to where others may be, and consider how the wider Church can provide mission, ministry, and inclusion to all who feel lost. I believe God is calling us to find ways of including and making room for all within the Christian community and the world outside our beautiful red doors. My personal areas of interest are Celtic Christianity, worshipping in the wilderness, and retaining our youth membership. I feel blessed by the Episcopal Church and would feel privileged to share God’s love and mission as a member of the Diocesan Council.
ELECTION D: DISCIPLINARY BOARD, LAY ELECT ONE (1) LAY PERSON TO A THREE-YEAR TERM.
Mr. Justin Miller, St. Boniface, Sarasota Nominee Statement: I have a strong call to serve our Diocese, wherever my skillset can be best used. I am specifically interested in the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board as I am interested in working with understanding canon law, and, while I hope the Board will be rarely, if ever, convened, have no difficulties in working with issues surrounding clergy, viewing them as humans who can err, just like anyone else.
ELECTION E: DISCIPLINARY BOARD, CLERGY ELECT TWO (2) CLERGY TO A THREE-YEAR TERM.
The Rev. Michael Alford, The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, St. Petersburg Nominee Statement: I have been involved in service to the Episcopal Church since coming to the denomination in 1998. As a layperson I have volunteered for a number of leadership roles including senior warden, chair of finance and endowment committees, lay eucharistic minister, lector, youth mission trip leader, and acolyte wrangler. At the Diocesan level, I have previously served on both Diocesan Council and the Standing Committee. I believe my work experience and background in the law and dispute resolution give me a unique perspective and would be beneficial in serving on the Disciplinary Board.
Election Nominee Bios
READ MORE ABOUT THE NOMINEES AT WWW.CONVENTIONSWFL.ORG/ELECTION-NOMINEES
ElectionsCONT. The Rev. Marcella Drawdy, Trinity-by-the-Cove, Naples Nominee Statement: I seek nomination to the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board as a member of the clergy to be an active participant in decisions regarding matters of discipline, that the parties involved in matters before the Board are given a fair hearing, and that recommendations are appropriate according to Episcopal Church and Diocesan Canons. My varied work experiences and participation in church, government, and education systems, and my familiarity with the Diocese provide me with the tools beneficial to the Diocese in this capacity. The Rev. Andrew Heyes, St. Clement’s, Tampa Nominee Statement: I wish to be on the Disciplinary Board because I believe that there should be a process that has integrity and compassion. Given the amount of spiritual care and responsibility entrusted to clergy, it is important to understand the multiple contexts within which they now work and the challenges that can bring. I am eager to support the ministry of the bishop and the diocese in creating a safe environment for ministry. My experience as a Safeguarding God’s People trainer and my work amongst diverse cultures can be an asset to this committee. The Rev. Joseph Hudson, Church of the Good Shepherd, Venice Nominee Statement: I have seen the beauty and imperfections within myself and in my fellow travelers in this journey of life. Over the years I have been able to use my broad vocational and ministry experience and educational background to be of support to others who are struggling with their own flaws and the impact this has had in their family and within the body of Christ. Work on the Disciplinary Board is hard and taxing work emotionally, mentally, and physically, but I find great reward in supporting the health and vitality of our diocese. The Rev. Barry Kubler, St. Peter’s, Plant City Nominee Statement: In my first term on the Disciplinary Board my priorities were to seek pastoral resolutions to complaints whenever possible, seeking ways to restore trust, when trust was broken, and recommend appropriate discipline when called for. I pledge to do the same in a second term. I have served as a deacon and rector in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, as Rector of St. Martin's, Hudson, and on the Diocesan Finance Committee, Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, and as Dean of the Clearwater Deanery.
Elections CONT. The Rev. Nikki Seger, St. Boniface, Sarasota Nominee Statement: At the 79th General Convention, a listening session was held by the House of Bishops to hear stories of hurt and harm done by clergy. The stories were painful. I became aware of the importance of Title IV which addresses clergy wrongdoing in a transformative way. This only deepened as I served as the Intake Officer for the Diocese of Michigan and subsequently in another role in SW Florida. My attention to detail and my commitment to biblical justice and reconciliation guide my engagement in this important work. Oh, and I have a copy of the canons spiral bound.
ELECTION F: UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH TRUSTEE, LAY ELECT ONE (1) LAY PERSON TO A THREE-YEAR TERM; TERM TO BEGIN IN JULY OF 2024.
Mr. David McCallister, St. Catherine of Alexandria, Tampa Nominee Statement: I have been a Vestryman and Senior Warden, Director of the college mission at USF, and on what was then called the Ecclesiastical Court of the Diocese. I have run for Trustee of the Univ. of the South previously. I believe a traditional Episcopalian with a broad perspective would be helpful on the Board. I have visited the school several times. I would be honored to serve the Diocese in this capacity.
Mr. Jeffery Patenaude, St. John’s, Tampa Nominee Statement: As a Sewanee alumnus, I would be honored to continue serving as a lay trustee for the University. This is a role that I have enjoyed immensely over the last several years and am proud of the work we've accomplished. I think there is a major benefit in having continuity in the position as well as knowing both the University as well as its goals, history, and rules of engagement. I have also very much enjoyed the opportunity the role presents for myself, my wife (also a Sewanee alumna), and my children (hopeful future Sewanee students) to visit the University.
Election Nominee Bios
READ MORE ABOUT THE NOMINEES AT WWW.CONVENTIONSWFL.ORG/ELECTION-NOMINEES