2014 Easter Southern Cross, Diocese of Southwest Florida

Epiphany/Lent 2014

Volume 45, Issue 1

Archbishop Visit X Parish Gardens X Church Cookbooks 1

DaySpring Eucharist & Lunch

WeOn dn Fir es st da ys

Join us at DaySpring Episcopal Center for our Diocesan Holy Eucharist at historic St. Thomas Chapel and lunch with Diocesan staff in Curry Hall. Each month, a priest from the Diocese celebrates. Wednesdays at 11 a.m. with lunch ($10) following. If you wish to stay for lunch, R.S.V.P. to DaySpring at frontdesk@dayspringfla.org the preceding Friday.

February 5

The Rev. Ernestine Flemister Rector, St. James House of Prayer, Tampa The Rev. Flemister, a native of Liberia, is a lifelong Episcopalian whose first career was law. She moved to Ohio with her family, where she earned an additional undergraduate degree in finance, and then received an MBA at Xavier.

Heeding a call to ministry, she entered seminary in 2004 and finished in 2007.

March 5

The Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, Fifth Bishop Bishop Smith is a Florida native. He is the Fifth Bishop of the Diocese. He and wife Mary Wallis Smith are the parents of five grown children.

April 2

The Rev. James Reho Pastor/Rector, Lamb of God, Ft. Myers Originally from Staten Island, The Rev. Reho was raised in the Greek Orthodox tradition, spent time in Roman Catholic seminary, and then was drawn to the Episcopal Church.

His first career was as a chemist, after earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Princeton University and postdoctoral work at Los Alamos National Labs. He earned his M.Div. at General Theological Seminary.

SeptEMBER 3

The Rev. Chris Gray, Canon for Development The Rev. Canon Gray was raised in Orlando. He served as rector of St. Mark’s, Venice for 19 years. Since his retirement he has served as the part-time Development Officer for the Diocese of Southwest Florida. Chris is married to Paula Gray and they have two grown children.

October 1

The Rev. Virginia Herring, Priest-inCharge, St. Wilfred, Sarasota The Rev. Herring is priest-in-charge at St. Wilfred in Sarasota, where she has been since she retired from full-time ministry on June 1, 2013. Her 25 years of ordained ministry have been spent in the Diocese of North Carolina, where she was rector of St. Anne’s in Winston-Salem, and for the last 15 years, assistant at Holy Trinity in Greensboro.

A n n ua l B i s h o p ' s A p p e a l

su p porting and su staining i n n o vat i v e m i n i s t ry t o day a n d f o r g e n e r at i o n s t o c o m e .

November 5

The Rev. Eric Cooter, Diocesan Missioner The Rev. Cooter leads the mission to create new forms of Christian community that are steeped in the local culture and at the same time, rooted in the heritage of the Episcopal Church. Prior to joining the Bishop’s staff, Eric served as rector of St. David’s in Englewood.

December 3

The Rev. Jo Popham Priest, Diocese of Southwest Florida The Rev. Popham is currently serving as an The Rev. Michelle Ortiz itinerant priest in the Diocese, including St. Diocesan Youth and Family Coordinator, John the Divine, Ruskin and Sun City Center.

Asst. Rector, Holy Innocents’, Valrico She was priest-in-charge at St. Andrews The Rev. Ortiz is a graduate of Sewanee and was or- Anglican Church in Calgary. Before entering dained as an Episcopal priest in 2012. Michelle serves at seminary together in 2002, Jo handled copyright royalty litiHoly Innocents’ and at the Diocese as Youth and Family gation for the Motion Picture Association of America with Coordinator. her husband Jim, and conducted a retreat ministry at their home on Cherry Island on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Together they have five children.

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Episcopal Charities Endowment

Episcopal Charities Endowment provides funds in the Diocese of Southwest Florida for congregationbased community outreach and special needs ministries. Annual grants are administered through the Council of Deacons.

DaySpring is a sacred place that exists to enrich and empower its visitors in Christ. While DaySpring is self-sustaining in terms of annual operating expenses, the endowment will enhance and uphold the ministry for future generations.

I WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THE

May 7

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DaySpring Endowment

After prayerful consideration, I/we wish to contribute: □ $5,000 □ $1,000 □ $500 □ $100 □ $50 □ $20 □ $__________

You may donate online at www.episcopalswfl.org or mail to :

USE MY GIFT

□ For the Episcopal Charities Endowment Fund □ For DaySpring Endowment Fund □ Share my donation equally between the two funds

Diocese of Southwest Florida OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 8005 25th St East □ Please contact me about giving Parrish, FL 34219 □ I have included the Diocese in my estate plan □ Keep my gift anonymous □ My company matches; the matching form is enclosed □ Donate my gift in honor of _______________________________

a p peal

NAME: _______________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________ CITY: __________________________ STATE: ____ ZIP: _______ PHONE: _______________ EMAIL: ________________________ PARISH (Optional): _____________________________________

METHOD OF PAYMENT

□ Check (Please make payable to Diocese of Southwest Florida) □ Contribute online at www.episcopalswfl.org. □ VISA □ MASTERCARD CARD NUMBER : ______________________________________ EXPIRATION:____________ 3-DIGIT CODE: _______________ SIGNATURE: __________________________________________

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In this Issue

Gospel procession at Church of the Redeemer. Lord Carey is to the left of the procession.

See page 16 for sermon.

Departments Briefly: About The Southern Cross, Poetry by Sandy Davis ..…………………………...........…… 7 Seminary Report: Letters from Seminarians …..................………………………………………… 8 At Diocesan House: Honoring Fr. John Culmer ………………………...............……..………….. 9 Garden: Potted plants can perk up your parish, by Jim Bixler ………………………………........... 22 Art: A Modern Pilgrim to Canterbury, by Marcia Allison …………………………………............. 24 Finance: A Vestry’s Year, by Martha Goodwill ……………………………………………….............. 25 Ideas: ‘Past’ the Plate: Alternative Revenue, by Martha Goodwill ………………………….............. 27 Mission: Modeling Paul’s Discipleship, by the Rev. Eric Cooter …………………………................... 28

Features

Music: Six Oft Overlooked Hymns, by Mari Reive …………………………………………............. 30

11 Q&A: Bishop Smith

A conversation on mission in the Diocese of Southwest Florida

Parish Life: When ‘Meantime’ isn’t Mean Time, by the Rev. Canon Michael Durning ……..............… 32

13 History: Idlyllic Breezes on Holmes Beach

David Lowe remembers life with his father, The Rev. Gerald Lowe

16 Whom Shall I Send?

19 Cooking Up Diocesan History

Recipes from vintage Episcopal Church Women cookbooks take us back

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19

Revitalization: Being Authentic at St. George’s, by the Rev. Bryan O’Carroll………............………. 34 Around the Diocese ………………………………………………...........……………………….. 35

Lord Carey, 103rd Archbishop, speaks on the special burden of priests

16

Outreach: Ten Ideas on Greeting Visitors, by the Rev. Jon Roberts ………………………................. 31

17

Classified ……………………………………………………………............……………………... 37 Glancing Back to 2004, 1994, 1984 and 1974 ……………………………………….………. .......... 38

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24

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Year 45 | Issue 1 | Epiphany/Lent 2014 X Founded A.D. 1970 Bishop, Diocese of Southwest Florida: The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith Editor: Garland Pollard Copy Editors: Jeanne Lewis, Martha Goodwill Contributing Writers Marcia Allison, Jim Bixler, The Rev. Eric Cooter, Martha Goodwill, David Lowe and Wendy Andrus-Lowe, The Rev. Bryan O’Carroll, Mari Reve, The Rev. Jon Roberts Editorial Submissions: The editor welcomes submissions of articles for every section of the magazine including features, news and departments. Email editor@episcopalswfl.org. Manuscripts must be in Microsoft word format.

Vestry Retreat

Saturday May 10

Letters: We invite letters to the editor on subjects of interest to the entire Diocese. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity.

Advertising Inquiries: Garland Pollard, 941-556-0315 or gpollard@episcopalswfl.org.

Subscriptions: The Southern Cross is mailed free to parishioners of the Diocese of Southwest Florida from member parish lists. Email address to southerncross@episcopalswfl.org to subscribe or update delivery preferences.

Identification Statement: The Southern Cross is published by the Diocese of Southwest Florida, Department of Communications. permit No. 946.

Diocese of Southwest Florida DaySpring Episcopal Center 8005 25th St. East Parrish, FL 34219 941-556-0315

Register with csalyers@Episcopalswfl.org Questions call 941-556-0315 6

www.episcopalswfl.org editor@episcopalswfl.org Twitter: @episcopalswfl Redesign: Shannon Weber

Briefly

From Palm Branch to The Southern Cross Even during the lean times of the Great Depression, our predecessor Diocese of South Florida had a publication, The Palm Branch. It was a stylish magazine with advertisements and essays, and of course included news of parishes and mission.

Prior to the formation of the Diocese on October 16, 1969, the Episcopal Diocese of South Florida published the Gulfcoast Archdeanery News, which was described by editor H.C. Harrison as a “vehicle for providing maximum communications between the General Planning Committee (as listed herein) and the communicants throughout this Archdeanery.” After the creation of the Diocese, the publication became the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida News, the first edition of which was published in February of 1970. It included information on Diocesan Assessments and a story and photos from the installation of Bishop William Hargrave at St. Peter’s Cathedral, as well as a column by Clara (Mrs. Gurney) Stone of the Episcopal Church Women.

The Diocese held a deanerywide contest to rename the publication, submitting names to Diocesan Council. The winner was The Southern Cross, predating the Crosby, Stills & Nash megahit by 12 years. Some of the names submitted included The Palm Leaf, The Southwest Star, and The Trum-

peter. One member disagreed with the choice of the majority citing then-popular mattress brand of the same name. Another, on hearing this, suggested Southern Comfort. We can give thanks for majority rule!

Thus in May 1970, The Southern Cross became the official news publication of the Diocese.

– Jeanne Lewis At right, versions of The Southern Cross. At first it was a newsletter, then newspaper and later magazine. With this 2014 redesign, we revamped the look and content, and will again be sending it out to parishioners in the Diocese.

The Southern Cross In starry splendor eons old The Southern Cross has led And shown the way to parts unknown To men, as oft’ was said.

The Crux, as seen in heavenly light, Would guide the traveler’s way And mark the journey’s steady path The evening of each day.

May we too mark within our hearts That Cross whereon He died May it’s great light our lives and souls Illume. He walks beside And guides the steps we take, The paths we choose, the ways we go.

The Southern Cross, in writ, in word: May it His glory show.

Poem composed for the redesign of The Southern Cross by Sandy Davis, Church of the Good Shepherd, Venice. Sandy, who contributes poetry to Anglican Digest, is the wife of the Rev. Calvin Davis. © Sandy Davis 7

Seminary Report

Letters from Maggie Sullivan and Chris Wood From Maggie Sullivan in Alexandria, Virginia: I have successfully completed one semester at Virginia Theological Seminary. It has been a great adjustment and an incredible blessing to me. My children helped me pack for school, having experienced dorm life and winter weather far more recently than I had, so I was physically prepared quite well.

Although it had been many years since I was a full-time student, I had taken several college-level classes over the years since undergrad days, so I was not shocked by the heavy workload. Dorm life has been a treat for me. I have just my own little room and bath to see to, and my meals are all supplied. Adjusting to the pace and traffic of the Washington, D.C. metro area took more work, but with practice and the help of fellow students’ navigation, I get around well now. I have been to services at over two dozen churches since I arrived here, and am amazed at the beauty and wide variety of worship spaces, congregations and liturgical styles in the Episcopal Church.

I am adjusting to the demands of academic life. I don’t know if I could pull an all-nighter studying or writing anymore, but I’ve been in some great study groups working until the wee hours. I am looking forward to the semester to come. I trust God will continue to provide His guidance and grace as I further prepare for ministry. I am so blessed to be able to be at seminary with my life focused on study and worship! I am able to immerse myself in my formation here because of the reassurance and support I receive from my family and loved ones in the community, my parish, and diocese.

I feel the strength of your prayers, and I keep you in mine.

From Chris Wood, just before Christmas, at Nashotah House, Wisconsin It is currently a balmy 32 degrees outside, which is about 30 degrees warmer than it was one week ago. Finals are over, the stockings are hung from the curtain rod with care, and we can’t wait for Christmas day to be here. It has been a fun and challenging first semester at Nashotah House. I have completed four classes this semester, Historical Theology 1, Church History 1, Hebrew, and 8

From left, the Rev. Glen Graczyk, recent Sewanee graduate with Robert Douglas,Alexander Andujar, Chris Wood, Daniel Lemley, Robert Baker, Margaret Sullivan, Canon Michael Durning, Bishop Dabney Smith.You can email seminarians by going to episcopalswfl.org and clicking on the ‘Leadership’ tab then ‘Seminarians’ page.

Church Music. I enjoyed the challenges of academic life and I think I have knocked off the 11 years of rust I had accumulated since the last time I was in school.

The community life here is wonderful; we have already made so many friends and bonds. Michael turned 1 on November 6, and Maggie Jane turns 4 on January 24.

Kate is still interviewing and searching for a job locally, please pray for her to find suitable work, however we are extremely thankful for the contract work she has with Sarasota County; it has been an immense blessing for her to have that work.

We miss family and friends in Southwest Florida, but we are looking forward to spending time together as a family during the break. I hope to get our basement organized, and go sleigh riding often with Maggie and Michael. We are joyfully awaiting Christmas, and we are grateful for the prayers and support from our Diocese. We feel your prayers, and we enjoy hearing from folks from Southwest Florida. If you are ever in the neighborhood make sure you stop in at Nashotah and say hey, we have a bunch of Floridians here, all “enjoying” the cold and snow!

God Bless. X

At Diocesan House Diocese Honors Civil Rights Leader

Tampa priest Fr. John Culmer was one of the chief architects of an integrated Episcopal Church. During the 1920s, Culmer grew Tampa’s St. James and later helped to become one of the most visible African-American priests in Dade County and a leader in the effort to desegregate. A portrait presented to the Diocese will be dedicated Wednesday, February 5.

By The Rev. Canon Michael Durning In observance of Black History Month, Bishop Smith will dedicate a photographic portrait of the Rev. John Edwin Culmer. The photograph will be displayed at Diocesan House as part of its collection of portraits of bishops and historic diocesan leaders.

Father John Edwin Culmer (May 22, 1891 – June 18, 1963) was a priest and civil rights leader. An accomplished musician, Culmer attended Oskaloosa College, where he received

a B.A. in Music. He received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Bishop Payne Divinity School. He has also received honorary doctorates from Bethune-Cookman College and the Virginia Theological Seminary.

Culmer served as Vicar of St. James Church, Tampa from 1919 to 1929.

During his 10 years there, he successfully completed the red-pressed brick church edifice, installed the pews, built the rectory, paid the mortgage indebtedness of $25,000, and nearly doubled the membership. He also started the mission of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church in the neighboring community of St. Petersburg. In 1929, when Culmer was transferred to Miami, the members of the congregation sent letters of protest to the bishop, and Tampa’s religious and civic leadership expressed profound regret at the decision.

Celebrate Culmer When: Wednesday, February 5 Where: Diocesan House and

St. Thomas Chapel

During his tenure in Tampa, he served as the Acting Executive Secretary of the Tampa Urban League and the Chairman of the Booker T. Washington Branch of the Tampa Chapter of the American Red Cross. Culmer also was a probation officer, counseling male juvenile delinquents and men.

At Saint Agnes Church in Miami, Father Culmer helped the poorly established church become one of the most acclaimed congregations in the American South.

During his tenure, he served on the Dade County Senior Citizens Board, and headed Miami’s Peaceful Integration Committee. Culmer also was chairman of the Fact-Finding Committee of the Greater Miami Negro Civic League, where he brought national attention to the deplorable housing and sanitation conditions of African Americans in Miami; this led to the building of the Liberty Square housing project, which opened in 1937.

Culmer also was a pioneering 9

Continued: Honors for Culmer leader at the diocesan, national and international Church levels. He served on both the provincial and diocesan levels as a president of the Conference of Church Workers among Colored People, known today as the Union of Black Episcopalians, a confederation of chapters and interest groups throughout the United States dedicated to the ministry of blacks in the Episcopal Church.

He is credited as the first black within the Diocese of South Florida elected as a delegate to the Provincial Synod and was elected as a provincial synod delegate more than a dozen times. In 1943, Culmer was the first person of color, in more than 50 years, elected as a deputy to General Convention. He also was elected as a deputy to the 1946, 1955, and 1958 General Conventions and was appointed to the Interim Committee of the latter.

On the international level, Culmer was one of two black clerical delegates (there were a total of 20) selected to represent the Episcopal Church of America at the 1948 Church Union International Conference in Surrey, England. He was invited to sit on the dais and was privileged to attend some of the meetings at the Lambeth Conference which followed the Surrey meeting.

In 1958 as the spokesman for the members of local civic organization, the Delphian Club, Culmer effectively advocated the need to “speed up” the integration of the area’s public buses in order to avoid chaos. The mayor of Miami, in 1960, appointed him as one of a five-member interracial committee, consisting of two blacks and three whites, given the responsibility of bringing about the smooth integration of lunch counters. The committee 10

Culmer Dedication Part of Monthly Eucharist and Lunch Series Come to DaySpring To Celebrate: The portrait was given to the Diocese by St. James House of Prayer.

It will be dedicated Wednesday, February 5, 2014.

The observance begins with the regular monthly celebration of the Holy Eucharist at St. Thomas Chapel at 11 a.m. Following lunch at Curry Hall, we will proceed to Diocesan House for the dedication. Cost for the lunch is $10.

At Saint Agnes Church in Miami, Culmer helped the poorly established church become one of the most acclaimed congregations in the South. members successfully accomplished the assigned task within the year.

As a columnist, Culmer was a regular contributor to The Miami Times, New York Amsterdam, and Palm Branch. He authored several books, including The Responsibility of the Negro in the Defense Program, Born in a Washtub, and A Manual for Catholic Worship, the latter of which was widely used in Episcopal churches throughout the country. An able speaker and preacher, Culmer was in demand and received numerous invitations from churches, institutions, and organizations to appear at local, state, and national occasions and events. In 1938

he was the first from Florida invited to speak on the then popular CBS national radio program, Wings Over Jordan, broadcast from Cleveland, Ohio.

Both the Church and Culmer’s community recognized his dedication and accomplishments with numerous awards, gubernatorial appointments, and honorary degrees, including a Certificate of commendation signed

by U.S. President Harry Truman. In 1955 Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida, bestowed upon him the honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Five years later, as the institution’s first living black priest recipient, Culmer was awarded the honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary and was recognized as “one of the nation’s greatest humanitarians.”

John Edwin Culmer is remembered today as one of the chief architects of an integrated Episcopal Church. X Sources: The Archives of the Episcopal Church. Archive information was collected with assistance from Leome S. Culmer, widow of Fr. Culmer.

Question & Answer Bishop Smith: A Conversation on Mission in Southwest Florida

A major focus in the Diocese has been the role of mission, which includes reviving college ministries, restoring ailing congregations and bringing new people into the church. In a Q&A, Bishop Dabney Smith gives specifics on these new mission areas, and how they relate to his vision of mission laid out at the 2013 Annual Convention.

Q: You have repeately spoken of new mission opportunities. What will these look like?

Bishop Smith: The answer to that question is going to be as defined as the participants who are involved. I met with the deans of the Diocese recently and distributed to them demographic survey information developed by our Diocesan Missioner, Fr. Eric Cooter. Each of those reports has deanery specific and nuanced information regarding the residents in each geographic segment of the Diocese. I gave those reports to the deans with a reminder that I said in the Address, as I was a student of the Diocese, I wanted to work with the deans to also be students of the Diocese.

As we look across the landscape of each deanery, we are going to discover congregations in very specific settings of neighborhood types, cultural identities and affinity issues and, demands for mission, be it with young people, elderly people, homeless people, what have you. We can then look at the resources that each of the congregations in those deaneries has and bring that to the table for collaborative work together.

At this stage, and although some deaneries have already done some marvelous things together, it is a time to take a jump into clear-sightedness with what is actually possible. This is not about what we remember, not about what we imagine, not about what we hope, but what is actually present.

Q: Do you think that the parishes can set aside some of their most pressing day-to-day concerns and truly work together?

Bishop Smith: This approach is not to erode any of the

particular unique qualities of any one individual congregation as much as it is to build and deepen that mission mindset that all of us have in order to work together. Each congregation has its own resources and limitations, but obviously in working together, we are always stronger.

Q: Are you expecting that the ideas will bubble up or are they simpler things we are already doing that just need to be modified?

Bishop Smith: Some things will seem so obvious that the galvanization process will happen quickly; others will have to go through brainstorming to figure out what the real priorities are, and then make a decision. Clearly, and to my way of thinking, that which inspires energy is that which will be the most productive.

Q: Do you see these more as service and outreach types of activities?

Bishop Smith: There are no boundaries here; it’s how can there be some collaboration within the deanery to bring the best of our strengths to work together.

Q: So, what can the individual parishioner do? How can they be a part of the process?

Bishop Smith: Well, I’m not sure what approach each dean is going to take at this point; an easy method would be for them to have some conversations with the clergy of each deanery and possibly add to that a deeper conversation with the deanery representatives which includes lay representatives of each congregation. But they could participate in surveys, things like round-robin: exchanges where the clergy of one congregation talks to the lay leaders of another congregation. There are different approaches 11

that can be taken; the point is to listen to all the voices that want to be heard, but ultimately to make a decision and act upon it.

Q: The Diocese has refocused and is working to revitalize its college ministry at University of South Florida and State College of Florida Manatee. How important is this to you and to our mission strategy?

Bishop Smith: I want to answer the question about the revitalization of college ministries by going back historically. Many of our more senior adults have memories of more significant college ministries from a generation or two ago. One of the decisions of the church in the latter part of the 20th century was to reduce the resources made available for collegiate ministry. Without trying to second-guess those decisions, it is clear to me that it is time to reapply our best efforts to collegiate mission and ministry for a number of reasons: one is that it is important for the church to be in environments where people are still trying to find themselves and make life decisions.

We have, I think, something of eternal significance to say about the values in the world from which they choose.

Secondly, the young people involved in collegiate ministry become the voice of the church to their peers in their own collegiate and other environments. Third, the leadership of the church, ordained and/or lay, is better equipped in the future by helping develop our leaders early on in this type of atmosphere by forming their lives, giving them opportunities to minister and telling them that they are desired, expected and needed for a healthy, vibrant and vital church.

It might not seem in terms of simple numbers from a budget that it offers a lot of return but the reality is: by committing ourselves to this type of work in the church we are producing health for The Episcopal Church for generations to come.

Q: It does seem to be, for other denominations and non-denominational growing churches, youth and young adult ministry is of highest importance. How did we lose that in The Episcopal Church?

Bishop Smith: I think we lost it due to, in one sense, wanting people to have a little more world experience before they go off to seminary, which I think was somewhat misguided. The other reason was simply budgetary constraints.

Q: You mean the actual increasing cost of having someone there to do it?

Bishop Smith: Yes. But if the budget truly is a statement of mission, look at what’s in your budget and you’ll see what’s important.

Q: What do you see for our campus ministries at University of South Florida and State College of Florida/Bradenton. They are very different college campus environments, one residential and the latter more commuter. What do you see for each of those places?

Bishop Smith: I’m not sure I want to answer that in a 12

way that becomes a definition that precludes other things from emerging. In general I would see the USF Chapel Center emerging as a site for residential community formation for students under the watch of healthy mentoring, and going out farther, I see an enhanced sense of presence within the college community and, a greater sense of program and intentional spiritual formation for the students who become involved.

Q: You have often spoken about your wish to attract young deacons. How can we take that next step?

Bishop Smith: I see a couple of factors here: one is rooted entirely in the intentional revitalization of collegiate ministries, being a place of not only formation but direct recruitment of individuals to wrestle with the discernment possibilities of ordination. The second factor is, both congregations and their clergy need to be intentionally on the lookout for young adults to both invite, encourage, recruit, equip and assist them in the journey to the diaconate and the priesthood.

Q: But we don’t have a lot of people who even know what that looks like in our recent history; maybe we did in our past?

Bishop Smith: We have enough of it in our memory to know how to do that; we have priests in this Diocese who went through collegiate ministry and were formed of it. We do have it in our memory; we just need to recover it as a practice. It’s like anything else, you just have to do it the first time and the second time you are a little more comfortable.

Q: How will we know we have succeeded?

Bishop Smith: In my Convention address I simply said five over the next five years. That’s kind of a low bar, but the point is not the number, the point is doing the work necessary for there to be even the first one, and then a second.

Q: So if I’m a parish leader, or even a parishioner, and I’m not called in that area, and I see that in someone - what should I do?

Bishop Smith: I think you should talk to the person and arrange a meeting with the priest, start the conversation going. Recognize that it is rarely going to be a onetime conversation; it’s got to be a conversation that builds a relationship of trust.

Q: Diocesan staff has put attention and energy on the revival of the School for Ministry. Can it play a part?

Bishop Smith: Well, the school itself is not a recruiting type of institution, it’s a receiving institution that has a specific role to play. The chaplains, the clergy, and the congregations are the place where people are called, vetted, formed and sent.

And that’s the part, about recovering of that practice.

It does happen; our seminaries are seeing an increase in the number of candidates for ordination and we’ve sent some from this Diocese and we need to do more. And I’m glad that we have the opportunity to do it. X

IdYLLIc Era At Holmes BEACh The 1960s on Anna Maria Island were a peaceful time, especially at Church of the Annunciation. David K. Lowe, son of the Rev. Gerald K. Lowe, rector at Church of the Annunciation, Holmes Beach, recalls his time growing up in the parsonage. Story told with the help of his wife, Wendy Andrus-Lowe.

H

ere I am, the “tumor”! No doubt my parents were glad to see that I was not a tumor. I was only recently reminded through the daughter of one of my elementary school teachers, that here on the island I was referred to as “Mrs. Lowe’s miracle baby”!

By the time I came along, my oldest sister Audrey, who is 20 years older than I am, had gone to nursing college in Miami and married. She is the only sibling not married here at Annunciation.

Imagine my parents surprise to learn that she had eloped with a Jewish orthopedic surgeon. So the family as I knew it consisted of Mum, Dad, my two older sisters, Geraldine (who I called “Booty because I thought she was sooo beautiful, not today’s connotation of the word) and Angelica and me – the tumor.

Some of my most fond memories on the island are of the family taking walks on the beach after dinner, or lis-

tening to our parents’ and regular visitors’ conversations late at night downstairs as they were enjoying cocktails, usually after choir practice or during the holidays. I remember the curious anxiety of my first days of school at Anna Maria Elementary (just a short walk away), riding my bike everywhere, surfing – if only occasionally, and hanging out at Duffy’s Tavern with my Dad to collect our Sunday dinner, Dad with his draft and me with my Coke.

It was tradition that Mum prepared a festive lunch after church, so Sunday night was Dad’s responsibility, typically burgers or Cuban sandwiches.

It may interest you to know that the sanctuary was arranged differently then: the choir was up front in pews facing the aisle along with the organ. The interior of the sanctuary was raw concrete block and was only painted in the 1970’s. The altar area was painted first, which is why there is a vertical wood trim on the wall at the altar rail. My 13

mother was particularly bothered by the words “Cast-Crete” stamped in red on the raw concrete lintels over the doorways. The altar was up against the back wall so that my dad faced away from the congregation during the Eucharist.

A small skylight allowed a warm glow from above.

Dad was a traditionalist and mass was typically Rite I. The joke was Father Lowe’s High Church, definitely bells and smells at special holidays! We had two services during season and one over the summer.

For his 40th anniversary in the priesthood, the Vestry with Tom Stewart as Senior Warden took up a collection and sent Mum and Dad to England to celebrate and to get the right rite! While Dad was up front, Mum sat in the way back at the 8:00 service. My sisters sang in the choir, and I was an altar boy, as you might expect. My introduction to serving as an acolyte was to be the “boat boy” providing incense to the thurifer on Christmas Eve. It was especially exciting to be up late for Midnight Mass!

The Rector’s study was the part of the sacristy where the vestments are stored now. The door to Second Avenue was the formal entry for anyone paying a visit. Dad did all the clerical work for the church including typing up the bulletins. We helped fold them when they came back from the Island Printer. He was not master of his manual Smith-Corona.

You could always recognize his typing, as it was never level, and mistakes were almost always slipping past him. He typed up all his sermons ahead of time. They were kept in small three ring binders, some of which are still in the family today. My sister Booty’s husband (who founded the church and is now a Deacon) has them in his possession at present.

My sister Angelica would use Dad’s study for homework at night. The porch lighting was controlled from both the rectory and the study. My favorite trick was to turn the light off while she was halfway down that long dark porch. I had a special play space at the rectory end of the porch. It was a wood lattice barrier with a gate 14

‘For his 40th anniversary in priesthood, the Vestry, with Tom Stewart as Senior Warden, took up a collection and sent Mum and Dad to England to celebrate and to get the right rite!

that also provided a bit of a privacy buffer. Sometimes Dad would barbeque there.

thought we were tortured. But I felt special because we had three trees, two for the sanctuary and one for the rectory. This more than made up for the delay. For me that was always the best day of all, with parishioners dropping by bringing gifts or visiting for Christmas cheer.

Mum and my sisters would decorate the tree and bake in the kitchen. Two words “Rum Balls”. Parishioners would decorate the church with fresh wreaths and candles. The whole place was buzzing. The twelve days of Christmas were “religiously observed” in our house.

Sea Grape Jelly and Vicar’s Bread

Rectory at the Parish

Two of the biggest events of the church year were of course, the Holly Berry Bazaar and the White Elephant sale, for which my mother spent the entire year making things. She made dolls and knitted things. But her specialty was her marmalade: calamondin (yes, it all started back then) and kumquat. She also made Sea Grape jelly.

Dad made his famous “Vicar’s Bread” (he was featured in Look magazine) and stuffed the freezers full with it for the event. The Bazaar was held on a weekday and on more than one occasion my teachers would send me home from school to procure a loaf of the “Vicar’s Bread”.

I was privileged. People lined up outside the doors, much as they do now. We also had Pancake Suppers, and at one time we had a substantial Sunday school which allowed for church picnics at the beach.

Lent was always special, although as a kid I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. The ECW made Palm crosses for Palm Sunday. On Ash Wednesday they burned the previous year’s palm crosses to make the ashes. I got a free pass home from school for this event too. The garden came to life with the addition of colorful flowers, and the Sunday school kids received fresh lilies.

But we mustn’t forget Christmas. Being the traditionalists that they were, Mum and Dad refused to put up our Christmas tree until Christmas Eve. My friends

We originally lived in only a small portion of this parish hall. The existing rectory was built during the first year or so of my life. I’m told my favorite pastime as an infant was to watch the construction workers from my stroller in the garden. It had terrazzo floors and the doors had jalousie windows. On the beach in southwest Florida these features certainly let you know when it was winter. We had no air conditioning back then, except for a wall unit in my parent’s bedroom.

We spent most of our time upstairs in the family room, Mum ironing, reading or doing crossword puzzles and Dad watching sports. I usually lay on the floor to escape the dense cloud of cigarette smoke that filled the air, as both Mum and Dad smoked like chimneys.

Mum constantly fought with the sand that would make its way into our house from the beach. She was a stay-athome mom, but always busy with ECW or volunteer work.

She was a passionate gardener, amazed at how things grow here in Florida. A wonderful cook, she grew a lot of our vegetables and made most everything from scratch.

The addition to the parish hall was done in the late 1980’s. And the church garden was not as it is now; there were no covered walks. The arbors and mosaic tiled St. Dorothea and altar were created by the Pritchard’s and added early around 1980.

The island was quite primitive back then by today’s standards. Gulf Drive was the only paved road; all the others were shell. Water was supplied by wells and the grass was always greener over the septic tank. The concrete bridges to the island that we have today had just been built. In 1957 my sister Audrey, as Manatee High School’s Homecoming Queen, was perched upon an elephant (courtesy of Ringling Brother’s Circus) for the opening ceremonial parade across the new bridge to Cortez.

Gold Records and Marlboro Jingles There are many other parishioners and important figures from our time as a family on the Island and at Annunciation. Tom and Pam Stewart, Organist Lou Jacobson, who wrote the theme to the Marlboro Cigarette commercial (I marveled at the gold record on his wall) and one in particular who made a lasting impression on me, Aldis Brown.

“Aldie” as he preferred, was a retired artist who lived on Bay Boulevard in Anna Maria. He painted wonderful water colors and produced great sketches. A permanent fixture here at the church, he was always helping the altar guild, and adopted the self title “Sanctuary Rat”. He was very short in stature, hence the rodent metaphor. He served as acolyte at the 8 o’clock service.

Growing Up Well, my sisters and I grew up. Geraldine and Angelica married and moved away. Dad retired in 1976 after 21 years here and the three of us moved into town. Dad pulled supply duty for St. George’s for several years and occasionally filledin for vacationing priests.

I think Mum and Dad, Marge and G.K., really loved it here. They probably thought it was early retirement until the Tumor arrived. What a great chapter to add to their previous experiences. I believe that in all their travels, from Canada to South America, Canada to New York to Florida, they had finally found their “home”.

So much of our lives are wrapped up in this place. Three of us kids were married here. And Mum, Dad and Robin are all interred here. All this and much more makes this place – this church – our home. X Photos: First page, a tourism photo from the State Archives of Florida and Florida Memory Project. Inset facing page, tourist postcard of the nave.

15

Whom Shall I Send?

In December, Lord Carey, 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury, came to Church of the Redeemer. At the service, he spoke of the special burden placed upon priests.

“W

hen Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die”. These words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer convey a strong resonance with our service this evening.

We gather to share in the ordination of three wonderful human beings – Charleston, David and Jason. We surround them and their families with our love and, we as a congregation, commit ourselves to supporting them not only now, but also into the future.

‘Whom shall I send and who will go for us?’

The powerful challenge of Isaiah 6 comes to Christians in many different ways. We are not all called to be priests.

Most of us are called to be ordinary Christians in our homes, in schools, in businesses and in the Armed Forces. But I must correct myself — no Christian calling is ever ordinary. What16

Diaconal Ordinations in December

ever we are called to do is special and it includes manifesting the love of God to others and serving Him wherever we can.

But some are called to serve as priests and that responsibility belongs to the three men before us tonight.

‘Whom shall I send and who will go for us?’

God’s calling usually has those two components – He sends and we go; He takes the initiative and we respond.

My mind flashes to that famous advert of Wells Fargo in the early days of what we call the Wild West. The Pony Express was set up to carry mail quickly across the continent. The advert read: ’Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows not over 18. They must be expert riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred’.

Well, now, quite a discrepancy if we compare that calling with what we are doing now! I can’t say you are exactly skinny, and you are not under 18, nor orphans and you are hardly going to risk death daily – although we can all think of some parishioners whom, if you got on the wrong side of them, it might be a fate worse than death!

No. We are comparing two quite different realities but there is an impressive overlap. Your calling is to some extent a matter of life and death; it is, if done well, demand-

ST. PETERSBURG - Bishop Dabney T. Smith welcomed three new deacons at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter on Saturday, Dec. 7.

At the ordination service, the Ven. Dennis McManis, Canon for Outreach and Archdeacon of the Diocese, asked the new ordinands to “get their feet wet” as they reach out to the poor, the sick, the lonely.

“You are to be prophetic by bringing the concerns of the world to the church and taking the church into the world,” said McManis. “You are to be a voice to the voiceless.” As Archdeacon of the Diocese, McManis invited the ordinands and the gathered clergy and friends to “get their feet wet” in responding to God’s call on their lives.

“Those who say yes to God’s call don’t walk the walk perfectly,” said McManis. But in saying yes, we “become part of God’s actions to redeem the world.” ing and sacrificial and it is, quite often, very satisfying and noble. Jesus in the Gospel compared it to being a shepherd caring for the flock. He tells us that the heart of the Good Shepherd is someone who loves his flock, who cares for his flock, who knows his flock and someone who is prepared to lay down his life for them.

Of course, John’s Gospel is portraying Jesus as the Good Shepherd, but we may justly see this as the pattern of our calling as priests.

If pattern, what exactly do we mean by it? Nearly 50 years ago, almost to this day, the great Austin Farrer, surely one of the greatest Anglican theologians of the 20th century, preached at the Ordination of a priest and said this: ‘Here before you is a new made priest; and what does he do? What place does he hold in the mighty purposes of God? The answer is before you. He is not special in himself, he is

At the service, Alexander Andujar, Alisa Carmichael and Dr. Lynn Grinnell (pictured here from left, with Bishop Smith) were ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons.

Andujar is from St. Clement’s, Tampa, and is a Senior at the School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee. Alisa Carmichael is from St. Catherine of Alexandria, Temple Terrace, and is a recent graduate of the Diocesan School for Ministry Development. Alisa has recently been called to serve on the staff of St. John’s, Tampa. Dr. Lynn Grinnell, also a School for Ministry graduate, serves at Grace Church, Tampa. X special because the sacraments are special. Apples don’t drop from the sky, they grow on apple trees. And sacraments don’t hurtle down here, they grow on the great planting tree of the Apostles’ ministry; the tree planted by Christ when He called twelve men and made them His ambassadors; a tree which has grown and spread and thrown its arms out through history. So, a priest is a living stem, bearing sacraments as its fruit, to give you the body and blood of Christ. And that’s not all, the man who bears the sacrament is sacramental himself.

He is, one might almost say, a walking sacrament’.

Those are wonderful and affirming words – bracing, affirming and true. The authority given to you today is that of Christ’s authority, not to boss people around but to love and care for them; not to assert your own holiness and knowledge but to give yourself to those who look to you as a shepherd, teacher and friend. Not to preach yourself, but always 17

Christ Jesus as Lord.

But it always comes with a price – the shepherd risks his or her life for others. Of course, in America and England no one is going to gun you down like Oscar Romero at the altar. But there are many prices that you have to pay in this calling. It may include financial costs because clergy are not paid much, and you might earn more stacking shelves at Walmart than being a curate in Sarasota – this must not be interpreted that I am trying to get the Bishop to raise your stipend!

But there is also the cost to family life when you are called away to minister when your family might need that extra element of caring. The collateral damage of the ordained ministry is that our loved ones – and I am thinking of Malacy, Rebekah and Sharon – are also swept up in your calling. They too are very special tonight and will remain so throughout your ministry. We thank God for them, and all wives and husbands who bear a different form of following in the lives of the ordained. And this reminds me to say that there is also the calling to be faithful to the other sacrament in your life, that of marriage. That holiness demands that your prayer life and your walk with God is central to all you are.

It is not easy, but neither was being a pony express boy taking good news across the wonderful land of America easy. Being a walking sacrament demands your total dedication.

But what a wonderful ministry it is!

I began with Bonhoeffer’s famous words, “When Christ calls a man- and that includes women of course – he bids him come and die”. Perfectly correct, of course.

But with respect to Bonhoeffer, Christ also bids us ‘come and live’. Live for the Lord and use your gifts in his service!

I have been ordained 51 years and 18

Cooking Up Diocesan History From left, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey of Clifton along with The Rt. Rev. Daniel Hayden Martins, The Rt. Rev. Gregory Brewer, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida and Bishop Dabney Smith. They were photographed at the Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests of Charleston David Wilson, Jason Andrew Murbarger, and David Stuart Bumsted on Mon., Dec. 9 at Church of the Redeemer.

Recipes from vintage parish cookbooks from the Cathedral, Calvary Indian Rocks Beach, Redeemer Sarasota; Church of the Ascension, Clearwater; St. Alfred’s, Palm Harbor and St. Alban’s, St. Pete Beach.

never once have I seriously thought I had made a tragic mistake. There is fun in the ministry; there is joy as you see people coming to faith and life in Christ; there is the great honour in being entrusted with peoples’ doubts, fears and brokenness.

There is also great delight in being part of the Episcopal Church, although there will be times when you will tear your hair out when it drives you close to despair. But stick with it because the Good Lord hasn’t given up on it yet.

So, Austin Farrer in his address 50 years ago said to the congregation about the new priest: “Go on, eat him alive, it’s what he is for; you needn’t feel shy of devouring his time, as long, of course, as it’s to fulfill a need”.

A little bit of exaggeration was going on there in his talk because, in a sense, there is something rather absurd about priesthood. You see, what we stand for is infinitely greater than our poor little selves, as all of us priests and senior laypeople will

he church cookbook is one of the great repositories of a culinary history of a particular time and place. The Episcopal parish cookbook is an even more unique thing. Opening one sends readers back to a post World War II rush of cocktail parties, parish suppers and Episcopal Church Women teas.

Over the 20th century, dozens were published in the Diocese, and many are collectable. We looked at just a few that we found online on Ebay in a single week this November, and purchased them from cookbook dealers. Thanks to the help of Diocesan staff, we picked one recipe from each, trying to get a representative sample of dishes.

Not only do the following look tasty, but they are a fascinating window into generations of good works and labors of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. Every recipe was contributed by a woman; the era of the male celebrity chef had not arrived yet. The cookbooks found will stay in the archives room of Diocesan House.

We wish to compile a complete collection of Diocesan cookbooks, and invite those who might have other volumes laying around to email us at editor@ episcopalswfl.org.

agree. And, by the same token, the same absurdity is there in being a Christian at all. We are pigmies in giants’ armour. The task is too great, the challenges are too awesome and we are so small. But the Lord gives us himself through his Holy Spirit.

He says: “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness’.”

You will test that time and again.

W.H. Vanstone put it so well in his wonderful hymn, Morning Glory, Star-Lit Sky: “Love that gives, gives ever more, Gives with zeal, with eager hands, Spares not, keeps not, all outpours, Ventures all, it’s all expands.

Drained is love in making full.

Bound in setting others free, Poor in making many rich, Weak in giving power to be” Charleston, David and Jason — the future awaits you. The Lord of the Church bids you come. X

T

Watermelon Rind Pickles St. Peter’s Cathedral Editor’s note: This was published in 1967 in Recipe Joys, published by the St. Peter’s Episcopal Churchwomen. The recipe is by Leah Carter; the cookbook was in the collection of Martha Goodwill, parish administration resource for the Diocese.

7 pounds watermelon rind ½ teaspoon oil of cloves * 7 cups sugar ½ teaspoon oil of cinnamon * 2 cups vinegar Trim off green and pink of rind, cut in 1 inch cubes and soak in salted water (1/4 cup to 1 quart) overnight.

Drain, rinse and cover with cold water. Cook until tender, not soft. Drain. Combine sugar, vinegar and oils.

Heat to boiling and pour over watermelon and let stand overnight. Drain, heat liquid and pour over watermelon two more times. Heat rind in syrup and seal in hot jars.

Makes 8 pints. The oil of the spices keeps the rind clear and transparent.

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Baked Potato Salad Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota Editor’s Note: This was published in 1982 in the cookbook Redeeming Recipes, and was compiled by The Episcopal Church Women of Church of the Redeemer. The Baked Potato Salad recipe was by parishioner Josephine Jackson.

6 medium potatoes ½ cup bread crumbs 1 cup sour cream or yogurt 1 cup mayonnaise (diet type can be used) 2 tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons minced green onion salt to taste 4 to 6 hard-boiled eggs, sliced ¼ cup melted butter or margarine crisp bacon (optional) Peel and slice potatoes. Cook until tender in small amount of water, drain.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon bread crumbs in greased 2 quart casserole. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, flour and onions. Place layer of potatoes in casserole.

Sprinkle with salt, add layer of eggs, then sour cream mixture. Repeat layer. Put remaining crumbs on top, pour butter over all. Can be made ahead. Sprinkle with crisp bacon, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

cookbook was published.

1/8 pound butter 2 cans tuna fish 2 tablespoons flour 2 hard-boiled eggs 1 quart milk 2 scant tablespoons mayonnaise salt to taste Make thick cream sauce of milk, flour, butter. Add tuna fish (or shrimp), eggs (cut up), salt. Stir in mayonnaise slowly.

Shrimp Rockefeller, Calvary, Indian Rocks Editor’s Note: This shrimp recipe is from the 1966 cookbook Our Daily Bread, published by the Episcopal Churchwomen of Calvary Church, Indian Rocks Beach. The recipe was contributed by Jane L. Roth.

1 package frozen spinach, chopped 4 tablespoons butter ½ tablespoon Worcestershire

sauce dash of Tabasco 6 onions 1/8 clove garlic 3 or 4 stalks celery ½ teaspoon parsley Sauce 2 ounces butter 1 ½ tablespoon flour ½ teaspoon salt dash pepper 1 ¼ cups milk ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Father Hamblin’s Favorite, An Egg/Tuna Salad Advent (now St. Alban’s), St. Pete Beach Editor’s Note: This is from Episcopal Church of the Advent, St. Petersburg.

It was published by the St. Clare’s Guild Cookbook in 1960, with recipe

by Ellen Leddy. The parish, first called St. Ambrose, was known as Church of the Advent until 1961, when it became the present day St. Alban’s. Fr. John F. Hamblin was rector there when the From top, Calvary Indian Rocks; mosaic at St.

Alfred’s; Church of the Ascension, Clearwater.

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1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese 1 pound shrimp 1 ½ cups bread crumbs Saute onions in butter. Add diced celery, parsley, garlic, Tabasco and Worcestershire, spinach. Simmer 15 minutes. Place in greased casserole.

Add layer of shrimp, cover with sauce.

Top with bread crumbs and butter.

Bake at 325 degrees for 35 minutes or until bubbly.

Sauce: Melt butter, add flour, salt and pepper. Add milk slowly. Stir until smooth and thick. Add parmesan cheese and Worcestershire sauce.

Greek Salad for Four Church of the Ascension, Clearwater Editor’s Note: This recipe was published in 1976 in the cookbook What’s Cooking. The recipe was submitted by Jane Kamensky, who was parish administrator for more than 25 years. Today, it is still a favorite recipe of parishioner Joan Kline. The cover illustration of the cookbook was Dagwood, drawn by cartoon illustrator Dean Young. Young was a “Blondie” comic strip writer.

2 pounds Idaho potatoes 4 slices canned beets ½ cup olive oil 4 anchovy filets juice of three limes 4 radishes salt, pepper, and oregano to taste 4 whole green onions ½ cup green onions, tops and all, finely chopped 12 pieces watercress ¼ cup parsley, chopped 12 cooked and peeled shrimp 4 tomatoes, cut into fourths 1 cup celery, chopped 1 cup mayonnaise 1 head lettuce 12 Greek olives 1 cucumber, cut into eighths 12 Salonika peppers 1 avocado, cut into eighths ½ cup olive oil 1 green bell pepper, cut into 8 rings ½ cup vinegar 8 slices canned beets oregano Boil potatoes in their jackets in salted water. When done, peel and break up with a fork. Pour the olive oil and lime juice over the hot potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano to taste; cool. When cool, add the chopped vegetables and mayonnaise and refrigerate. To assemble the salad, cover the bottom

of a large platter with whole lettuce leaves. Shred the rest of the lettuce. Place the potato salad in a mound in the middle of the platter and cover with the shredded lettuce. Alternate tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado around the mound. Place sliced green pepper centered with beet slices on top of salad. Arrange the cheese slices on top with an anchovy on each. Arrange the radishes, whole green onions, and watercress around the bottom of the salad. Scatter the shrimp, olives and peppers over all. Mix the olive oil and vinegar in a jar and shake well. Pour over entire salad. Sprinkle with oregano.

Kale Pudd’ Scottish Baked Pudding St. Alfred’s, Palm Harbor Editor’s Note: This recipe was in Burnt Cakes, published

by St. Alfred’s Cookbook Committee in 1988. Recipe by parishioner Elaine Foster. ¾ pound kale, stems removed ½ cup chicken stock ½ cup water 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons flour 1 cup hot milk ½ cup whipping cream dash of hot pepper sauce pinch of ground allspice ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg ¼ teaspoon pepper salt optional 2 cups cooked rice ½ cup cubed Mozzarella cheese 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine kale, stock and water in medium saucepan. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Drain; reserve the cooking liquid. Place drained kale in processor or blender with ¼ cup of cooking liquid; process until smooth. Set aside. Melt butter; stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, two minutes. Whisk in milk and cream; cook until thick. Add hot pepper sauce, allspice, nutmeg, and pepper to the pureed kale. Transfer mixture into a large bowl; add rice and Mozzarella cheese; mix well. Transfer to a buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly, about twenty minutes. Serves four to six. X 21

Here, a container plant in the historic district of Naples.

Bixler used a variety of Oderata begonia with trailing ivy geraniums and dichondra (silver falls). Raising the pot to eye level gives the colorful display extra impact. Facing page, ivy geraniums mixed with lantana with helichrysum.

Garden

The Master’s Garden Simple container plants are an easy way to quickly spruce up a parish and establish a garden guild. Ideas from Naples horticulturist (and cantor) Jim Bixler.

As both a horticulturist and professional to create a beautiful space.

musician, plant life and music have many times gone hand in hand.

Music can inspire garden settings and gardens can inspire musicians.

Composer Leo Sowerby set the text at right to music. I can only imagine he was so moved by these beautiful words and imagery that he created a small lasting masterpiece.

Landscaping is a simple way to create notice and impact to your church campus appearance. Flowers, colorful shrubs and lush plantings create a beautiful and welcoming environment. Set your parish buildings apart from others in the community by creating a living welcome mat of cheerful color and life. Create a horticulture masterpiece around your parish by adding containers of bright flowering annuals such as delicate geraniums, luscious begonias and trailing ivies to extensive beds of brilliant orange bromeliads, hot red crotons and fiery cordylines. They are a testament to God’s beauty and grace.

Parish members are always looking for ways to serve the church through their special gifts and talents.

The creation of a garden guild is a great way to build a strong community, create lasting friendship and promote team work.

You don’t have to be a landscape 22

Here are a few basics to keep in mind: • Growing Conditions: Evaluate the growing conditions of where your plantings will be situated. When purchasing plants, check the labels for optimal lighting conditions and other growing requirements.

• Plant Materials: Choose your plant materials for both color and texture. Ask garden center associates about durability, growing seasons and general care instructions such as watering and fertilization.

• Maintenance: Flowering annuals may require weekly care such as watering and trimming. Shrubs and foliage should only require occasional attention.

A few simple pots of happy flowers can make all the difference in the world.

It gives the message to visitors and members alike; “We care and welcome you to our parish community.” X About the Author: Jim Bixler is a member of St. Mary’s, Bonita Springs where he is a cantor and member of the parish choir.

He heads the horticulture program for the historic district of Naples, maintaining the landscape including garden beds, over 200 container gardens and seasonal hanging baskets along 3rd Street South and the Avenues. On the web at www. thirdstreetsouth.com

My Master Hath A Garden My Master hath a garden, full-filled with diverse flowers, where thou may’st gather posies gay, all times and hours.

Here nought is heard but paradise bird, harp, dulcimer and lute, with cymbal, and timbrel, and the gentle sounding flute.

Oh Jesus, Lord, my heal and weal, my bliss complete, make thou my heart thy garden plot, true, fair and neat.

Text anonymous 23

Art

A Modern Pilgrim to Canterbury

Marcia Allison went to England to represent St. Mary’s, Bonita Springs. In a gesture of faith, she presented an icon to Archbishop Justin Welby. Here is her story.

How does one tell of a story we were introduced by

so grand and special while keeping a humble heart, to not brag but again not to dismiss any significance of the event? I will do my best, and will attempt to tell you of the presentation of a painted icon to Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

As with all of my icons, I meditate and pray during each painting process, which icon painters call “writing.” It is at these times that I have closeness with God. As what often happens with ideas of future work, during a particular commissioned piece, the Lord whispered to me what my next piece will be. It was to be a crucifixion. This particular piece is an intimidating piece for a novice iconographer (which I still consider myself to be). The crucifixion has depths of feeling, pain, love, suffering and hope. I struggled with this conversation with God and let him know: Lord, if it is your will I will obey, but really? During this time, I was reading Justin Welby’s biography The Road to Canterbury. In so many places of this book, I read of being a risk taker for the Gospel. The Lord was guiding me not to be afraid of this task.

One Tuesday evening in May 2013, unannounced, The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon and his wife Jennifer, attended the evening Eucharist service at St. Mary’s. Afterward, 24

parishioners, and the six of us went to dinner. During the meal, the subject of icon writing came up with Canon Kearon. I told him about The King of Glory. I also told him that there was a reason that God had put him in front of me.

Marcia Allison, at far right, presents Welby, far left, with icon.

Hoping he didn’t think I was crazy, I explained that I vised me that this item was the last of knew he was connected to this icon in the stock and would no longer be availsome way. I asked him what he thought able, but I could return it if I wished. about this idea that I was supposed to I prayed and realized, this again was give this crucifix icon to The Archbish- neither coincidence nor mistake. op. His answer was not condescending, So it began, and I finished the icon but he explained that he wouldn’t want just in time for our trip to Canterbury my feelings hurt that all gifts received for the Compass Rose Society Conferby the Archbishop were usually given ence in October. I emailed Canon Keaway to others in some charitable fash- aron and reminded him. He sent me a ion. The conversation took a turn, and I short reply that he had contacted Lamdidn’t press the matter further. beth Palace to let the Archbishop know, After completing my current proj- and he would be in touch. I wasn’t sure ect, I began to order supplies for The how or the details of the presentation.

King of Glory. I knew that I must start I even thought possibly, and truth be it and that The Lord would continue told secretly hoped, it would be deto point me in the path of what to. I livered to the Archbishop from a side usually write icons on 11 x 14 inch door approach and I wouldn’t have to poplar boards. When I received my be present at all. Nervous doesn’t begin board, it was a hand held processional to describe the emotion I felt. Would cross. I had never done an icon of this he think it silly, another piece of art, type and immediately called to report or dismiss it entirely? I didn’t know, the mistake. They apologized, but ad- because I had left the safe presence of

God by letting doubt in.

We arrived in Canterbury, and I was told the icon would be presented, by me during the presentation of the offering. It would be blessed with the offerings the most appropriate manner for gifts received. I was told where to stand and what to do in his Grace’s presence. Fr. John Peterson told me later that the planning discussions he had had with Justin Welby were more centered around the icon presentation than any other detail of his appearance during the conference. It was being accepted with enthusiasm and excitement by all!

Before the offering service, we were given the opportunity to meet Archbishop Justin Welby and his wife Caroline.

He and his wife immediately captured the hearts of all in the room with their sincerity, love of family and groundedness. They were real life people and made us all feel at ease in his presence.

As I approached the Archbishop during the offertory procession, I asked him to humbly accept this gift of an icon, written as a gift to him, but to be used in mission for a church or group in the Anglican Communion that would benefit.

He accepted it, blessed it, kissed it and said a heartfelt prayer about the icon.

I cannot begin to recite the words of the prayer, because I was so filled with emotion I could barely breathe. I do know that he agreed that the King of Glory was sent from God to be a presence to His people in reconciliation and healing. He later told me he wasn’t 100 percent sure, but he believed he would be taking it to Nairobi for those affected by terrorist bombings. Knowing this fact was a special gift, as I was not expecting to find out where it would go. X About the Author: Marcia Allison is the wife of the Rev. Roy A. Allison, Assistant at St. Mary’s, Bonita Springs.

Finance

A Vestry’s Year There are many opportunities to take a vital role in the financial health of the church which can lead to greater opportunities for mission and ministry. When your financial house is in order, hearts and minds are free to vision what God holds in store, writes Martha Goodwill.

First, let us review the annual the LORD, but an accurate weight is

requirements which have the vestry his delight.” Proverbs 11:1 looking back at the previous year’s acAnnual audits of the church’s complishments and challenges: financial records are due to the diocese by September 1st of each year.

1. Parochial Reports But, planning ahead can have this “Remind them to be subject to rulers annual task completed well early of and authorities, to be obedient, to be the required deadline. An audit can ready for every good work…” Titus 3:1 be completed by a church committee The Parochial Report is a tool for made up of parishioners or by an outthe collection of data that is intended side auditing firm. In either case, a reto assist the wider Church in under- view of the church’s internal controls standing itself and planning for mis- is paramount. sion.

Whether a church has a full-time Annual Parochial Reports are paid staff or all volunteers, life in a completed for each calendar year and church office can sometimes feel traninclude congregational statistics and sient. New finance committee memfinancial information. This report bers, vestry members, volunteers, must be filed online with The Episco- ushers and even staff members can pal Church. The originals with signa- come and go, and not know exactly tures are then mailed to the diocese no what is expected of them. later than March 1st of each year.

Administration of church financDiocesan staff holds an annual es is a sacred trust. It is very important workshop to review the process and for the vestry and Rector to establish give hands-on assistance to those a strong system of internal control preparing the Parochial Report. This because they have the responsibility year’s workshop is on February 4, 2014. for overall stewardship of the church.

Every church should have a Policies 2. Audits and Procedures manual that will help “A false balance is an abomination to train new staff, volunteers, finance 25

Continued: Vestry Year

committee members, and clergy on what is expected of them to maintain the integrity of the church, and the trust of the congregation.

The diocese has a sample Policies and Procedures manual which churches may use in drafting policies and procedures unique to each church. The diocese also offers Audit Procedures which are to be used for committee audits. If the Audit Procedures are completed in detail then they can be used as a tool for drafting the church’s Policies and Procedures manual. Also, diocesan staff holds an annual workshop to review the Audit Procedures for committee audits.

This year’s workshop is on April 1, 2014.

Now, we can review the annual requirements which give the vestry the opportunity to envision what the next year can hold.

3. Stewardship

“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion ...” 2 Corinthians 9:11 Stewardship is a spiritual commitment to giving of our time, talent and treasure, and it is based on our belief that we give because we receive. All that we have comes from God and for this we thank God in many ways.

Churches use the term “stewardship campaign” to describe the annual effort to collect pledges of financial support from parishioners to support the operating budget for the coming year. Pledging gives the church a chance to assess priorities in a planned and thoughtful way and is an indispensable tool in the vestry’s creation of the annual budget.

Planning for the stewardship cam26

paign should be done in late summer to early fall of each year. The diocesan resource for stewardship is The Rev. Canon Chris Gray. The Rev. Gray can offer a variety of resources to the vestry in planning for a stewardship campaign.

Reserve Your Retreat Now

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and estimate the cost, to see whether he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28 For a church to be successful in managing its financial resources, budgets are an absolute necessity. Budgets are a control mechanism. But, more than that, they are a planning tool and an operational guide to help each church achieve its short- and long-range objectives. Vestries should view the budget as an opportunity to establish church goals and a tool in visioning new missions or ministries.

Diocesan staff holds an annual workshop to aid vestries and rectors with budgets. This year’s workshop is on November 4, 2014. X

Diocesan staff will also offer the annual Vestry Retreat on May 10, 2014.

Throughout the year, the staff is available to help with any questions or concerns a vestry may have. Please call or email us anytime. Questions? Email mgoodwill@episcopalswfl.org

Past the Plate: Alternative Revenue

When parishes think income, the conversation is often about pledge and plate.

Martha Goodwill looks to alternative revenue that might energize the church.

When considering the

4. Budgeting

Connect

Ideas

DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center 941-776-1018 or dayspringfla.org

income of a parish in the Diocese of Southwest Florida, pledge receipts and endowments are not the only consideration. Across the Diocese, dozens of parishes have alternative revenue streams that help carry congregations through the inevitable bumps and cash flow issues that happen.

All of these options should be viewed as adjunct. Sound policies and procedures should be in place to assure that the primary function of “doing church” doesn’t fall “between the cracks.” Below are some revenue sources used by others in our Diocese.

1. Fees for Funerals and Weddings: While not truly a “revenue” source, parishes can benefit from a fee structure for funerals and weddings to be assured that all costs are covered. For instance, most parishes pay their organist a fee to play at these special services, which is in addition to the organist’s salary. If appropriate, costs for the altar guild’s time and fees can also be added. If the parish hall is used for a reception, then additional fees can be charged to cover the facility’s use. Churches should consider a standard charge for these services.

These fees can be minimal and simply cover the costs to the church. Of course, it is up to the rector’s discretion to waive these fees so that there is never a hardship for a parishioner.

2. Memorial Garden Burial and Columbaria: As with funerals,

there are often costs related to both memorial garden and columbaria internment which are not covered in the fees charged by the parish in the initial purchase price. For instance, if the niche or plot is for spouses, has the cost for the second opening been considered? Another important consideration is your fee structure and refund policy.

Consider designating a portion of the price as a charitable donation to be restricted to maintenance of the memorial garden or columbarium. This portion would not be refunded should the purchaser change his mind. Burials in cemeteries, columbaria and memorial gardens are governed by Canon XIV, section 7 of the Diocesan Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Southwest Florida; and by Title XXXIII, Chapter 497 of the Florida Statutes.

3. Facility and Real Estate Rentals: Often a parish has facilities that are underutilized, especially during the week. Are there local civic or non-profit groups that could use your space for their weekly/monthly meetings for a small fee? Or, groups looking for space for their year-end banquet or annual fundraiser?

For parishes which have an unused rectory, could this be rented out as a home to someone? Or, used as a retreat house for groups from parishes in our own diocese? If your parish is in an area where parking is hard to come by, consider leasing your parking lot.

With all rentals there are potential tax issues so speak to a tax advisor.

4. Fundraiser Revenues:

Certain events are large fundraisers for parishes, and can account for a considerable part of the revenue. As with other ideas, make sure all actual costs of the event are covered. Are there hidden costs to the parish, such as overtime for the sexton or the use of additional electricity, which should be considered?

5. Affiliate Links: Websites such as Amazon, Cokesbury and Family Christian Stores offer affiliate programs which can benefit a parish with very little additional time required.

These are easy to implement and there is no cost. A contract is required and a button needs to be added to your website. Then your parishioners enter Amazon or Cokesbury through your site. If they buy anything, the parish receives a commission.

6. Telecom and other Easements: Is there potential for revenue from utility easements such as cell phone towers?

7. Thrift shop: There are over a dozen thrift store operations in our diocese, and these shops contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to parish outreach efforts. A business plan, a written description that tells what you plan to do and how you plan to do it, should be drafted before committing to this ambitious project. X 27

Mission

Modeling Paul’s Discipleship The Kingdom of God is found in the marketplace. To make new disciples, we need not shrug off our heritage. Instead, the Rev. Eric Cooter says that we might learn the context of the lives to which we seek to witness.

I grew up Methodist, became those ministering must recognize the known god.’ So you are ignorant of the

Baptist as a teen, wandered around the “religious cereal aisle” in my college years, and eventually, in my midtwenties, found the ancient liturgy, rich history and progressive theology of the Episcopal Church.

Nonetheless, the 10 years after my adult confirmation in The Episcopal Church were still a search—a bouncing around from community to community, and sometimes no community at all—yearning for a deep, beyond Sunday, communally intimate, spiritually forming, faith exploring, gifts-engaging community, in which I and my family, could sojourn with others who were also seeking God’s grace. For ten years, I was then, what some now are calling, a religiously unaffiliated person. I was a “None.” I was a person who, if I had been polled about my religious affiliation in a national survey, would have claimed “no religious affiliation at all.”

We Know Our Context

We know there is a cultural shift taking place; we know technology is changing faster than we can keep up, we know that social media is beginning to change how we relate to one another.

It seems the key to effective and lasting ministry in any culture, is that 28

uniqueness of that culture and thus, examine how they might create space for “robust, theological dialogue” within our culture. This discovery is nothing new, because if we look back through the history of the Christian community, we will recognize that intimate relationships of trust, birthed through authentic communities, is embedded in the DNA of the followers of Jesus.

Consider the story in the Acts of the Apostles of the Apostle Paul’s visit to Athens. Paul was a little discouraged to learn that the city was full of idols, but this did not stop him from engaging in “robust theological dialogue” in the marketplace, and with all types of people. Paul debated with some welllearned philosophers (Epicurean and Stoic to be exact), but Paul engaged openly with them, only after he had been in the marketplace and learned about the culture. Those same philosophers invited Paul to join them at the Aeropagus, and it was there that Paul used what he learned from the marketplace to continue to share the Good News. Paul proclaimed: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: ‘to an un-

very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:22-23 NIV) Paul modeled for us a fundamental concept in discipleship because he learned it from the Master himself, Jesus. Jesus spent time in the marketplace listening to the people, getting to know them, hearing about their culture, experiencing their societal nuances, and it was here where he taught about the Kingdom of God. I wonder, if the Apostle Paul were to traverse the American frontier today vs. the ancient Athenian metropolitan, would he say to us, “People of America! I see that in every way you are very spiritual, but increasingly less religious.”

There seems to be a misguided paradigm in U.S. culture today, that somehow one can travel a lone spiritual path, just as one might traverse the lone path of technological social interaction.

The phrase “spiritual but not religious” seems to be a cry from the soul for a deeper engagement with the divine.

We Must Experiment

In my current ministry, I assist Bishop Smith in forming new communities of faith. As Missioner, I explore, plan, and work through ecumenical, diocesan and community partners to

set the conditions and plans that lead to such communities. I am a seeker of “modern wells,” “safe spaces,” and “third places” in which, I try to gently hold hearts that are seeking grace, reconciliation, and love in Christ. I encourage and send out new leaders to do likewise.

I am less like a practitioner of “tried and true” methods of church planting or even “hip and happening” methods of emerging church. My pio-

was a self-proclaimed atheist who does not attend church, another a woman who grew up in a Jewish family but had never participated in the faith. We explored so many topics that evening; by the end of the night, my head was spinning. I would not have traded that evening for anything, because the last remark the woman made to me after our little dinner gathering was this: “My prior negative impression of all Christians – is no more.”

Presenting the Good News of God in Christ Jesus in this postmodern culture is going to take much more than merely finding and implementing the latest marketing scheme

What We Can Do

neering colleagues and I are more like explorers, experimenters, and ecclesiological scientists.

Our laboratories are out there in the marketplace, where we are trying to create spaces for robust theological exploration with people who are on the margins of the institutional church.

We invite people to Pub Theology groups, dinner groups, home churches, and coffeehouse groups where we explore deep, theological questions like, “Who is Jesus, and what is this “Way” that he taught?” “What is liturgy, and why is tradition something in which we might find something beyond ourselves?” “What is prayer, and what do the ancient prayer practices have to do with life today?”

Last summer, at one of the groups I facilitated with my wife Terri, we spent two hours with a couple we had never met before. One of our group

Presenting the Good News of God in Christ Jesus in this postmodern culture is going to take much more than merely finding and implementing the latest marketing scheme, buying and starting the hippest new young adult program, or hiring the best contemporary music band.

The institutional church does not have to shrug off our heritage, our tradition, or even our liturgy, and we do not have to add another program to the plethora of programs, already overflowing on all our plates.

Instead, we must move out of our four walls, and move out into the marketplace. We must meet people, just as Our Lord met them; we must meet them, not to proposition them or to sell them the Gospel.

People today are confronted with nearly 5,000 propositions, enticements, or advertisements every single day. It would seem, the message of Jesus, indeed the Good News of love, reconciliation, grace and mercy, is getting lost in the plethora of messages offering consumer fulfillment.

Sharing that Good News today requires us to once again, develop relationships of trust through conversation and listening. I encourage you to get out there in the marketplace and listen to those whom God loves, those with whom God offers reconciliatory grace, and those to whom we are sent as messengers. X

Getting Started

As your parish renews its local missional engagement and explores how God is calling you to “get out into the marketplace,” please get in touch. As a part of his Diocesan staff responsibilities, Fr. Eric is available to work with your parish to help you begin exploring Fresh Expressions initiatives, in your local ministry context through: • Vestry and leadership presentations and workshops • Adult forum conversations • Fresh Expressions ministry development coaching • Parish visits as preacher For more information please contact Fr. Eric at 941-548-6027 or ecooter@episcopalswfl.org

About the Author: The Rev. Cooter leads the mission to create new forms of Christian community that are steeped in the local culture and at the same time, rooted in the heritage of the Episcopal Church. Prior to joining the Bishop’s staff, Eric served as Rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church and served on Diocesan Council.

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Music

Six Oft Overlooked Hymns

While congregations like familiar hymns, some gems are overlooked.

Mari Reive tells of six from the 1982 Hymnal that deserve more attention.

When I returned to Florida in crying (tune: Ascension)

1999 after living abroad for 20 years, I came back to a new Book of Common Prayer and Hymnal. I fell in love with both. I still miss some of the hymns in the 1940 Hymnal, but there are some wonderful hymns in the 1982 Hymnal, that after 30 years are still not often sung.

Hymns are critical to worship. While choristers often join a choir to sing the anthems, it is the choir’s foremost job to lead the congregation in singing.

It is always interesting to me to peruse other musicians’ music lists and see just how varied our choices are, even though we are obviously using the same lectionary! I am always amazed how the hymns “everyone knows” differ from parish to parish. This is why I have chosen these six hymns. Some parishes will know all of them well; others may not know many of them at all. #29 O Trinity of blessed light (tune: Bromley) To begin with, it is hard to dislike a tune written by Franz Joseph Haydn. John Mason Neale translated St. Ambrose’s text. This text and tune appeared as a matched set for the first time in the 1940 Hymnal. It is in the evening section of the hymnal, but can also be used effectively in morning services at the Trinity. The range of the melody makes this hymn easily sing-able for the congregation. I especially like the chord progression toward the end of the middle system to the beginning of the last system. #75 There’s a voice in the wilderness 30

This hymn was completely new to me. I was introduced to it by the Interim Director of Music at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in 2005. I love it. The text is, of course, perfect for “John” Sunday. Ascension, with its folk-like charm, just romps along. The irregular text can be awkward initially, but the congregation can quickly catch on. #278 Sing we of the Blessed Mother (tune: Rustington) Rustington appears twice in the hymnal; the other text can be found on page 367. I particularly like George Timms’ text for this tune which is based on the major experiences of Mary’s life as the mother of Jesus. The text was originally matched with Abbot’s Leigh (in the English Hymnal), but the composer of the tune in the 1982 Hymnal is C. H. H. Parry. There is nothing of his that is not top notch. Rustington is named for the English village that Parry was living in when he died. #382 King of glory, King of peace (tune: General Seminary) This glorious setting of George Herbert’s text is by Episcopal priest and musician David Charles Walker, who wrote it in 1976 while he was on faculty at General Seminary. Because at the time he wrote this the seminarians were all men, it was originally intended for men’s voices, but it works wonderfully well with mixed voices. There is an optional descant for the third verse.

#424 For the fruit of all creation (tune: East Acklam) I use this hymn as a Presentation hymn. As the text is about the harvest, it works very well during the autumn months up until Advent. My choir and congregation really enjoy singing it. The text, by Fred Pratt Green, was written specifically for Francis Jackson’s tune, which had not had a text set to it at that time. This was a perfect marriage of text and tune. The tune is very sequential. #458 My song is love unknown (tune: Love unknown) This beautiful poem by the metaphysical poet, Samuel Crossman, was set to music by John Ireland. The tune is equally beautiful. It is a great hymn for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. This hymn first appeared in the (English) Public School Hymnal of 1919. Love unknown has long, sweeping lines and solid four-part harmony.

I hope this mini exploration has made you want to share your favorite hymns with others or explore them within your congregation. We are fortunate in the Episcopal Church to have such a rich hymnody. X About the Author: Mari Reive, organist and choirmaster at St Bartholomew’s, is a native of St Petersburg, and grew up in the music program at St Peter’s Cathedral where her father was organist/choirmaster. She has two grown children; a son in Tampa, and a daughter in Manchester, U.K.

Outreach

Epiphany About Outreach

While the need to greet visitors is obvious, the execution is far more challenging. Recently arrived at Calvary Indian Rocks Beach, the Rev. Jon Roberts is taking a fresh new look.

We need to be intentional on how we reach out to our visitors. Visitors join us in worship when they could have chosen to be anywhere else on a Sunday morning. Most parishes do not invest the time or resources into truly reaching out to those who visit, in my humble opinion. Those that do can be so overwhelmed that it may feel as though the church is stalking them.

Here is my top 10 list; consider making your own, unique to your parish.

1. Prayer: Whether it is the Vestry, the Clergy, a guild of intercessors (i.e. Daughters of the King, order of St. Raphael, etc.), staff, etc., praying is our most important resource.

2. Outreach Chair: Appoint a member of your vestry to be the head of “Outreach.” Have them provide a report to the vestry of how many and who came to visit. A brief commentary on the reasons that led them to the church are always helpful. Was it the sign in front of the Church? The website? A neighbor?

3. Create a Team: Call it something official and let the team know their purpose. We intend to reinstitute the Order of St. Raphael, patron saint of visitors.

Have greeters double up with the ushers and meet visitors at the entrances.

Let the visitors know a Greeter will be available to answer any questions before or after the service. Help them feel

comfortable. Parents of smaller children will most likely want to know if there is a nursery and have assurances it is safe and responsibly staffed. Visitors need to know where to find bathrooms and the physically impaired need to know how they can receive Holy Communion.

After a series of visits, newcomers will be looking for opportunities to grow spiritually in your church.

Find out not only what they are good at doing, but learn about their passion.

4. Welcome guests first: Have the clergy announce a welcome to all visitors at the time prescribed at the service, as the FIRST of the announcements.

Use the option to ask them to stand and introduce, but only if they are comfortable. Include the request for visitors to provide information with the visitor’s card in the pew or to sign the guest book in the narthex afterwards. Having each is important to collect data at either or both places.

5. Bulletin Welcome: Have it printed in clear view on every Sunday

announcement page. Supplement the announcement with a friendly reminder for members to wear their nametags.

6. Follow Up: There is a dull feeling for the visitor who is encouraged to fill out the book or supply their name on a card, but who never gets a follow up call or letter or visit. The church does not have the “sticking power” in community as it once did because people have so many options to choose. Follow up to see how they enjoyed or were turned off by their experience.

7. Websites: When I encounter new faces, I always ask them where they are from and what brought them. Eight out of 10 say it’s the website. What are you presenting to those who visit your website? Plan out your website and think about different types of people who visit (retirees? families? young adult? college?) and what would appeal to them.

Remodel it every year if you can to give it a fresh look. Always include photos of the interior and begin thinking about short video plugs from clergy and laity so that people can relate personally.

8. Listen: After a series of visits, newcomers will be looking for opportunities to grow spiritually in your church.

Find out not only what they are good at doing, but learn about their passion.

Invite them into the life of pastoral care if they want to be a prayerful intercessor or hospital visitor. Encourage them 31

to join the choir if you hear them sing the processional hymn with joy (and perhaps talent…although not necessary). Maybe they want to be a missionary; link them to the local food pantry or have them ring Salvation Army bells.

9. Clergy contact and meals: Ask your clergy to sign a letter to them, call them, email them and/or invite them to lunch. Being the leader of the parish carries a great deal of influence. Many parishes have a New Member’s Dinner held once or twice a year, in addition to Inquirers Classes for newcomers.

10. Make the ask: Finally, when the time comes, when the feeling is “right,” invite them to become members. Give them the ability to give back by providing them information on pledges, the endowment fund and volunteer opportunities. If the size of the congregation permits, consider asking new members, in advance, to be present at a service and stand and introduce themselves.

Watch them grow spiritually when they take this first step and celebrate their decision publicly. X About the Author: The Rev. Jon Roberts Calvary Episcopal Church, Indian Rocks Beach. Visit the church online at www.calvaryirb.org.

Connect

Fr. Jon Roberts has an extensive online ministry that includes Morning Prayer, recorded sermons and online discussions entitled Black & White Chi Rho Ministries. If you visit the website www.BWXP.org, you can read, watch and participate in discussions by registering, which is free.

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Parish Life

When ‘Meantime’ Isn’t Mean Time A congregation-in-transition may have an unknown gift. Use this opportunity to explore what God is saying to your congregation, says Canon to the Ordinary the Rev. Michael P. Durning.

I was once an avid tree climber.

As all 11-year-old boys flirt with danger, I challenged my tree-climbing peers to make the feared and perilous hand-over-hand trek that led from the old London Sycamore tree in Mrs. McGorty’s backyard to her detached garage. A large limb extending about 15 feet above the ground was the bridge to adventure.

We established a circuit that began at the tree, traversed the limb, terminated at the garage and was punctuated by a shimmy down the rainspout.

We did this several times and we fully intended to continue this until such time that we were discovered by Mrs. McGorty and removed from her property. She usually did this by means of a broom, menacingly waved about.

When tree climbing, 11-year-olds rarely factor for fatigue. On my third or fourth circuit, I found myself high up and hanging from the big limb halfway between the tree and the garage. I could feel my sweaty grip slowly undoing my hold. Looking down, I saw considerable air between me and the hard, hard clay of the earth. Look-

ing toward the garage and then back to the tree, I knew that I had run out of options, so I did what most desperate people do. I prayed. As I was soon to discover, answer to prayer is not always to our liking.

And I heard God say, “Let go”.

God’s voice was enjoined by a gathering of other eleven year-olds down on the ground. Seemingly, the voice of God was confirmed by the voice of the people.

Sometimes, vocation has little to do with what we want. The book of Genesis has lots to say about this. Like Jacob, caught between the advancing armies of his father-in-law Laban and his brother Esau, prayer and vocation comes to us only after we have exhausted all of our own options. And so, an 11-year-old boy with sweaty hands on a hot July afternoon received a lesson directly from God, a practicum of humility, and a critical incident report right there in the midst of his peers.

He prayed for one of three things: 1. Renewed effort to complete the trip to the garage, 2. Energy to return to the tree,

‘The challenge is learning to listen. In the few times I claim to have heard the voice of God, there was simply no other alternative.

3. To become the first human being to fly without assistance.

Having gotten none, he let go.

To this day, words escape the sensation. It took less than a second. It began with surrender and then fear.

Fear gave way to exhilaration. Surviving the landing restored confidence.

Having landed in the middle of a circle of potential adversaries, a new life was born. A new game was born as well. We amended the rubrics of our pastime so that all of us now climbed the tree and became skydivers.

Nowadays, I spend a lot of time with Senior Wardens (and Search Committee Chairs) as they help guide their congregation through a transition. It is a high calling to volunteer and to work under great pressure.

They navigate financial challenges.

They deal with loss. It is possible that the congregation has been in a state of denial for years and must now come to terms with annoying realities. The work of the former priest is often either vilified or sanctified and in any case, it is important to avoid an emotional reaction when making a very important strategic decision that will have an impact on the congregation for years to come.

These selfless leaders often have few resources when leading a process that is both emotionally charged and critical to a successful future. They are often pressured by people to hur-

ry a process forward. All this takes place in the context of lay leadership that does not do this type of task every day. They often tell me that they feel that they are “out on a limb”.

How does the Senior Warden make the internal leadership transition that leads to a broader, shared process?

How can this become that exhilarating experience of flying through the air and getting others to do it with you?

How do we go from slugging-through mean time to flying in the meantime?

If falling out of a tree is any help, here are some things the Senior Warden (or anyone going through a transition) might consider: • Stop. When stuck on a limb, it does no good to curse your luck. In fact, that might make things worse. If your vestry is going nowhere, might God be trying to speak?

• Listen. Hear the voice when God is talking. God is always talking to us. The challenge is learning to listen. In the few times I claim to have heard the voice of God, there was simply no other alternative. Psalm 23 is the par excellence image of hearing the voice of the Shepherd.

• Let go. Chances are, the parish was there when you arrived and will be there when you are dead. A colleague once told me that FEAR can be understood in the acronym False Evidence Appearing Real.

Or, you might recall that God’s “perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18)

Find Out More

The Diocese sponsors Fresh Start, a program for parishes in transition, where clergy and lay leadership gather to navigate your time on the vestry. Visit www. episcopalswfl.org and click on Congregations then Transitions.

• Enjoy. There are few times when a parish can see their life outside of the rector’s shadow. There are many who say that the most efficient learning curve for lay leadership is the time of transition between rectors.

• Share. Once you get through this transition, there will be others behind you. Lead then and share the joy of a new discovery.

Whatever you do, it is important to place failure in its proper place.

A Savior who was crucified with a crown of thorns crying “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” was thought by many to have failed.

There was a third day to come and on that third day a new Kingdom rose from the shame of Calvary.

So, get out on a limb. God is there waiting for you! Fall out of whatever tree God has given you.

Enjoy the flight! You will find Him receiving you. X

Have you been thinking/praying about where God may be calling you?

Join us on October 7th at DaySpring for the Vocation Information Gathering. Find out more at www.episcopalswfl.org. Click on header ‘Diocesan Events.’

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Revitalization

Being Authentic at St. George’s

Now 50 years old, this Bradenton parish has decided to focus outward, writes the Rev. Bryan O’Carroll. It’s a realization that each of us are broken souls who have found the transforming grace of God in our lives.

Our society has many criticisms of mainline denominations, and so-called “organized” religion. Without a doubt, we have earned many of the labels, e.g. “hypocrites”, “judgmental”, “inwardly focused”, “institutional”, “greedy” etc.

St. George’s, situated between downtown Bradenton and Sarasota just off Tamiami Trail, is in a unique situation. We are growing (finally) with still limited financial resources.

However, we have discovered that we are a community that understands the value of human resources. Our community understands what it means to be committed to a cause and many of us understand that a high level of commitment requires a fair amount of our time.

The great news is that when we are committed to doing the Master’s work, we do not mind working in obedience and faith – that the Master will provide, not only resources, but transformation of the workers.

After being in a very difficult place financially, we at St. George’s began a time of survival, literally trying to save the institution. As a community, and two years in, we have gone beyond survival and entered a time some would call renewal. We are no longer caught up in these earthly institutional pursuits and have instead chosen to 34

seek and serve God. As a community, we are being transformed from being hindered by our past situations into a community that is embracing all the things the critics say we should.

St. George’s is a place where we are attempting to engage in the work of ministry in a way that goes deeper than the surface activity.

We Must Know Each Other

I was standing outside the food pantry one day during distribution when one of our regulars approached me and explained that we could do this work more efficiently. It is different than many; our food pantry includes opportunity for fellowship over coffee and pastries. During distribution, the client can also pick out their own bread and produce items.

The man explained that another local ministry distributes food by handing bags through a window to the client.

The whole process takes only a few minutes for each person served. I was then asked why we don’t take a similar approach in an effort to “clean up” our process. I simply replied that “if we did that, we would not know each other.”

This man smiled, and thanked me for being his friend. Being involved with activities is not what transforms; being in relationship with God’s people is likely to change your life.

George’s is that we go out of our way to love and care for any and all who step on the property, not because we are perfect and can help these poor broken souls, but because we are broken souls that have found the transforming grace of God in our lives.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, our strength is His strength manifest in us. We do not move under our own power, but by His will.

Chosen for Mainline Church

‘We are called to share our lives, not to present ourselves in a good light.

All the research on church growth and attracting the younger generations tells us we need to be “authentic” in our lives and ministry. What this great buzzword means is be who you are.

If we are hurting, we reach out to another. If we are in need of assistance, we ask. If we are struggling, we lean on another. This also means we make ourselves available to others who are hurting, in need, or struggling. We are called to share our lives, not to present ourselves in a good light. When we are being “authentic,” we are willing to be vulnerable.

This is not a way to gain sympathy or pity; instead it is a way to give permission to others to be vulnerable, too. The church has gained a reputation of being hypocritical because it has strived to present itself without blemish, and anyone that spends more than five minutes in any faith community is going to discover that this is neither true, nor an “authentic” representation of who we are.

The beauty of being a part of St.

We find ourselves living in a time that has been labeled “post Christian,” and we as a mainline denomination represent to the world the failing institution of their parents, or so the writers say. To those who would say we are out of touch, irrelevant and obsolete, I would say please don’t tell the nearly 3,000 people a month who look to our community for an authentic experience of Christian community.

God has chosen this growing parish of St. George’s to be a place where all can come and discover the love of Jesus Christ in tangible, life-transforming ways. God is aware that the harvest is plentiful and He will provide the workers, so keep up the good work.

In your parish, don’t hesitate to move out into the field. You will not be alone; however, you might be leading the crowd because you live in a faith community that has been chosen to bring renewal to the Christian movement within the mainline church. X About the author: The Rev. Bryan O’Carroll was ordained in August, 2011 and appointed Priest in Charge at St. George’s, Bradenton. The parish celebrated its 50th anniversary Sept.

14 and 15, 2013. He serves on the Commission for Ministry.

Around the Diocese News in the Parishes

Each issue, The Southern Cross

takes a look at some of the events and news of our parishes. The original Southern Cross included a Diocesan roundup entitled Around the Diocese.

The column was not an authoritative roundup of all that has happened, nor an exhaustive list, nor a promotional calendar, but instead gave readers a hint of the hundreds of smaller activities in our 77 parishes and missions. Below are some of the items sent in or gathered for the first edition.

Send to editor@episcopalswfl.org.

Space permittting, we can use them on the web, our email newsletter Bridges and our printed Southern Cross.

All Angels by the Sea, Longboat Key: The parish is offering classes in memoir writing that began January 13 and held every second and fourth Monday through the spring. Classes are led by David Rice, who will assist writers in expressing significant experiences of their lives.

Calvary Episcopal, Indian Rocks Beach: The Pill Bottle Ministry, part of Matthew 25 Ministries, which provides medications to clinics for the poor. Those who are assisting in this ministry just peel the prescription label from a bottle of pills and the Matthew 25 Ministries does the rest in supplying pills and shipping boxes of medications to those in need. Financial donations are also accepted for this work. The church has shipped 13 large boxes in 2013. In addition, the parish donated, packed, wrapped and shipped a truckload full of shoe box

Christmas boxes for distribution to Latino missions in the Diocese.

Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota: Redeemer marked the end of the Christmas season as it celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany with evening solemn High Mass, with incense followed by an annual Epiphany parish dinner. In February, they are planning a Eucharist Workshop, taught by Bill Ryon, a member of St. Paul’s, Washington, D.C. with degrees in theology and spiritual direction and has been leading workshops on the Eucharist for many years. He will examine the Biblical, theological and historical foundations of what Episcopalians consider their most central act of worship.

Holy Innocents’, Valrico: The youth group offered for sale their annual “Super Bowl Subs,” which went on sale in the Parish Hall for $5. All proceeds benefitted the mission and ministry of the youth group.

St. Alban’s, St. Pete Beach: The Men of St. Alban’s are offering Mosa Soup after each service. The Men of St. Alban’s make homemade soup for a small donation of $5. Soups available include meatball soup, Mulligatawny with yams, chicken and coconut and ham and lentil soup. It is $5 for a cup and no charge for those who are ill.

St. Andrew’s, Spring Hill: The Order of St. Luke is a growing ministry dedicated to the church’s outreach healing ministry. St. Andrew’s new rector, the Rev. Lance Wallace and his wife Diane are members of this international order. The Order meets once a month and has a weekly healing service on Wednesdays. In addition, members of OSL are available for anointing and 35

Around the Diocese prayer in the back of the church after communion at each service.

St. Andrew’s, Tampa: St. Andrew’s installed the final stained glass window in their Children’s Chapel.

The last window completed depicts Moses and the Ten Commandments.

The Chapel’s ten windows depict the Biblical story beginning with Adam and Eve and ending with our Lord’s Resurrection. In addition, a gift has been made to the parish of The Stations of the Cross which now hang on St. Andrew’s walls and will become part of 2014’s Lenten devotionals.

St. Boniface Church, Siesta Key Sarasota: In December, St. Boniface’s Peace and Justice Committee joined with First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota to host Rabbi Eliyahu McLean and Palestinian teacher Daniel Aqueh. These speakers brought the audience their wellinformed and compelling advocacy for the possibilities of Israeli/Palestinian peace.

St. David’s, Englewood: Parish member Maggie McClellan painted a work now hanging in the Jubilee Center. McClellan teaches workshops across the U.S., the Caribbean and Italy and has juried such prestigious shows as Coconut Grove Art Festival and the Cheyenne National Exhibition, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

St. George’s, Bradenton: A continuing Bible study moved ahead into the new year every Wednesday evening at 5:30 in the parish hall.

Those joining the study have discussed I Timothy, II Timothy and Titus. A time of praise and worship follows in the church.

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St. Edmund’s the Martyr, Arcadia: In November St. Edmund’s confirmed 19 new members. Added to this blessed event was an interesting back story: one of the newly confirmed reflected that her great-grandfather had been in the 1950 confirmation class (in Brownwood, Texas) with the Rev. Dorsey Smith, father of The Right Rev. Dabney T. Smith, who came for the confirmations.

St. John’s, Clearwater: The parish is sponsoring The Big Class, an online book study and workshop by the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. It’s a program of ChurchNext. The course will expand on Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus, a new fall book based on “We Need Some Crazy Christians,” a widely acclaimed sermon the bishop preached at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention in 2012. Bishop Curry will moderate the course online.

St. John the Divine, Sun City: A group of officers and enlisted men from MacDill Air Force Base visited the Ruskin Campus Parish Hall, Sunday, December 22, bringing toys for distribution to children of The Lord’s Lighthouse.

St. Mark’s, Tampa: The January book club was discussing: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and My Promised Land by Ari Shavit. As part of their ongoing rector search, they have instituted a Listening Post, where a vestry member is available to listen after each Sunday service by the double doors on the side of the sanctuary.

St. Mark’s, Venice: St. Mark’s

enjoyed a bit of the British tradition of high tea while collecting funds for the church youth and its mission work at Youth High Tea. Traditional tea-time delicacies were enjoyed while the parish youth served the ladies at High Tea. St. Mary Magdalene, Lakewood Ranch: The church had a five-week Advent Study that stretched into January. The subject has been “The People of the Nativity,” and has taken the class through: The Genealogy of Jesus, Joseph, Mary, The Shepherds, and The Angels.

St. Mary’s, Tampa: The St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School celebrated a groundbreaking for a new Education and Athletics Center on Thursday, Dec. 12. Headmaster Scott Laird welcomed Bishop Smith for the Blessing and Breaking of Ground.

Concluding remarks were by Molly Smith, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

St. Thomas’s, St. Petersburg: Pub Theology St. Petersburg has been gathering for six months now, often at the Hollander Hotel. The group’s evenings begin with food and drink while catching up and discussing their latest topic, most recently ethics and the meaning behind “the coming of Christ.” While drinking a beer or a glass of iced-tea, conversation comes easy for this group of young adults. All faiths (and even those of no faith) are welcome and encouraged to join in. X Wish to be included? Send us your news of important milestones, events, visitors and mission efforts to editor@episcopalswfl.org. We can use it in print and online.

Calendar Classified Key Dates for Parishes

Below are some key dates for upcoming Diocesan events.

Consult our online calendar at www.episcopalswfl.org for contact information, times and details.

Diocesan Wide Confirmations – Saturday, April 26, Cathedral Church of St. Peter, St. Petersburg Vestry Retreat – Saturday, May 10,

Baseball with the Bishop – Friday, August 29, Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Fall Deanery Convocations – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, September 2, 3, 4 Diocesan Acolyte Festival – Saturday, September 27, 2014, Cathedral Church of St. Peter, St. Petersburg Annual Diocesan Convention – Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18 Charlotte Harbor Conference Center

Clergy Calendar Below is a list of key events for clergy.

This list may be added to throughout the year so consult episcopalswfl.org for details.

College of Presbyters – Tuesday, February 25 Retired Clergy & Spouse & Surviving Spouse Luncheon – Wednesday, February 26 Chrism Mass – Thursday, March 6, Cathedral Church of St. Peter, St. Petersburg Community of Deacons Gathering – Saturday, April 12, DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center Fall Clergy Conference/Retreat – Monday , Tuesday & Wednesday, September 8, 9 and 10, DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center

EMPLOYMENT (CON’T)

APARTMENTS

USF Residency, Fall 2014: Resident Applications being accepted for 2014 for the USF Chapel Center. Private rooms are available for Fall Semester 2014. The deadline for applications is March 1. Monthly Cost is only $300 per month!

Includes UNLIMITED use of: the kitchen, washer/dryer (no charge), common living area with TV/Cable, Free WiFi throughout center, and quiet study space. The community shares a “homecooked” community dinner every Tuesday night (no charge). Candidates will be considered, based on the application that shows commitment to the experience of intentional Christian community, the development of a mission project during residency, weekly communal worship in the tradition of ancient Christian practices, and the sharing of the responsibilities of community life. Contact ecooter@episcopalswfl.org.

EMPLOYMENT Camp Counselors: The Diocese of Southwest Florida is looking to hire camp counselors for three weeks of summer camp at DaySpring Episcopal Center located in Parrish. This is a residential program that runs for three consecutive sessions this summer (training June 13-15; high school June 15-20; middle June 22-27; elementary June 29- July 4.) Programs offered include sailing (new for 2013), canoeing, high ropes, zip line, Bible study, worship, team leadership training, tennis, basketball and court games. Room, Board and stipend will be provided. Call 941-556-0315 for more information or email campdayspring.org.

Camp Nurse: A nurse (R.N. or L.P.N) is needed for DaySpring Summer Camp’s 2014 season. Stipend and includes private housing at DaySpring and all meals. There are also scholarship options for a child of the nurse who wishes to attend camp. The camp nurse’s duties include distributing medicine, checking on injuries and keeping medical forms. The nurse needs to be available for our middle school and elementary school sessions. Email resume to Michelle Mercurio at mmercurio@episocopalswfl.org.

RELIGIOUS & EDUCATIONAL PILGRIMAGES Easter Pilgrimage: Spend Easter following in the footsteps of St. Paul in Greece and Turkey.

April 13-25, 2014: 4 hotel nights + 7 nights on cruise ship. Full sightseeing daily included. Athens, Meteora, Kalambaka, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Neapolis, Philippi, Istanbul, Pergamon, Ephesus & Miletus, Patmos & Syros. $2,975 per person, double occupancy plus airfare. For information & booking: Travel Time Services, 6725 Oak Manor Drive, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202; Phone: 941-373-1462; email: patda1@mindspring.com Contact Patda, member of St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church. All meals included except for 4 lunches and 2 dinners.

HOW TO ADVERTISE The Southern Cross is sent to Episcopalians in Southwest Florida. Reach this great market with a classified in The Southern Cross. Ads are $25 for 100 words. Email ad to southerncross@episcopalswfl.org or call 941-556-0315. You may also send in the below form. We accept checks, Visa and Mastercard.

CLASSIFIEDS FORM

Mail to: Southern Cross, Diocese of Southwest Florida, 8005 25th St. East, Parrish, FL 34219 NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: PHONE:

STATE:

ZIP: EMAIL:

METHOD OF PAYMENT □ Check (Payable to Diocese of SW Florida) □ VISA □ MASTERCARD CARD NUMBER : EXPIRATION:

3-DIGIT CODE:

SIGNATURE: CATEGORY: (For sale, Employment, Travel, Misc, or invent your own) : COPY

CPG Wellness Summit – Friday, December 12, DaySpring Episcopal Center 37

Glancing Back

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Academic Excellence

DaySpring Opens in 1984 and Charley and Frances Hit, Plus Events in 1974, 1994 and 2004

By Jeanne H. Lewis

Each issue, we’ll take a look back at where we’ve been since 1969.

The intervening years may seem short to some and ancient history to others, but regardless of your point of reference, it is an interesting history and the steps that lead us to tomorrow.

25 Years Ago, 1989

The Diocese was busy planning “Celebration ‘89” with an expected attendance of 4,000 diocesan communicants. The celebration would welcome the Rt. Rev. Rogers Sanders Harris to the Manatee Civic Center on May 12, 1989. That year, several parishes were celebrating their centennials including the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and Christ Church, Bradenton.

New churches were also flourishing and properties purchased for church growth by St. Luke’s, Fort Myers, St. John’s, Naples and six other parcels.

Other events from 40, 30, 20 and 10 years ago in the Diocese: 1974

In 1974, the five-years-young Diocese was about to elect a Bishop Coadjutor, who would become the second diocesan bishop in its history, the Rt. Rev. E. Paul Haynes.

1984

On February 16, 1984, DaySpring opened for paying guests, with Curry

38

Hall and three cabins available for use. By the April 28-29 dedication, six cabins were completed. The initial DaySpring committee included Paul Game, Jr. as president; the Rev. George Gentry as vice president; William Dorsey as secretary and Arthur Taft, treasurer. Other committees included Program Chairman the Rev. David Johnson, Publicity Chairman Dr. Jim McIlwain, Finance Chairman George Bloodworth and Buildings Chairman the Rev. Peter W. Fleming. That February, a “key person” from each parish was invited to DaySpring.

The Episcopal University Center at University of South Florida had a busy 1984. Led by the Rev. Edward J. Henley, the center held a seminar on William Glasser, author of Reality Therapy, and classes on the Torah, jointly conducted with a Hillel Rabbi. The chaplaincy continued to host theatre group rehearsals, Vocation Days, Tai Chi classes and a Wednesday Eucharist.

Five students traveled to Colorado to hear Bishop Desmond Tutu as part of the National Gathering for Students.

In August 1984, Diocesan youth were on their way to Barbados for a mission trip. Junior High students held a conference called “Abundance” at Camp Florida in Brandon. The senior retreat was “Celebration of Saintliness” and was held at the Lions camp in Lake Wales. A provincial retreat for Province IV teenagers called “Go Forth!” was

Saint Stephen’s College Acceptances

DUKE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA TUFTS UNIVERSITY BROWN UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CORNELL UNIVERSITY DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

held in April at Camp Weed. The youth effort in the Diocese was led by the Rev. John Hiers and Barbara Everett.

1994

That year, the Rev. Sharon Lewis became the first female priest ordained in the Diocese and the first woman rector of a parish in the Diocese.

2004

Hurricanes Charley and Frances came across Florida just three weeks apart. In a time of such devastation, we also recall the overwhelming outpouring of supplies and money, spiritual and hand-to-hand help that flowed in abundance from the people of our diocese. Immediately, parishes raised over $177,000.00 and sprung into clean-up, meal distribution, and spiritual support. X At top, St. Edmund the Martyr, Arcadia on the cover of the September/October edition of The Southern Cross. The historic building has since been restored.

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY HARVARD UNIVERSITY WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA PRINCETON UNIVERSITY RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN SMITH COLLEGE TULANE UNIVERSITY MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY WILLIAMS COLLEGE YALE UNIVERSITY BOSTON COLLEGE

For more information contact Linda Lutz at Saint Stephen’s Admissions 941.746.2121, LLutz@saintstephens.org www.saintstephens.org

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Non. Profit Org. U..S. Postage PAID Manasota, FL Permit No. 946

Diocese of Southwest Florida 8005 25th Street East Parrish, Florida 34219

ATTEND SUMMER CAMP AT DAYSPRING The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida is proud to offer summer camps at DaySpring Episcopal Center.

Campers participate in a Christian program designed to help them grow spiritually and emotionally. Three week-long sessions are held for elementary, middle and high school students.

The $375 fee for one week includes room, all meals and activities fees. Programs for high school and middle schoolers include sailing, canoeing, high ropes and zip line. All campers participate in canoeing, Bible study, worship, tennis, basketball and court games.

DATES Counselor Training June 13-15, 2014

CONTACT

High School Summer Camp Sunday, June 15 to Friday, June 20, 2014 Rising 9th -12th Grade

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

Middle School Summer Camp Sunday, June 22 to Friday, June 27, 2014 Rising 6th - 8th Grade

The Rev. Michelle Ortiz Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator mortiz@episcopalswfl.org

Elementary Summer Camp Sunday, June 29 to Friday, July 4, 2014 Rising 3rd - 5th Grade Register by March 31 and save $20 off the $375 price.

Register online at www.episcopalswfl.org and find out more on the camp blog, campdayspring.org 40