Annual Convention Homily That They All May Be One The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf, Sixth Bishop

December 10, 2022

54th Annual Convention

The following is a transcript of Bishop Douglas Scharf Annual Convention Homily at the 54th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. For 2022, the diocese met in person for the Business Meeting and Worship at The Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg, FL.

Yesterday, I found myself praying and discerning what it is the Spirit is saying to God’s Church today. I think one of the things the Spirit is saying to the Church is that we need to be flexible! I also think the Spirit is saying to the Church that we need to be together. That we need each other. That we are bound to one another by the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ. And it is for that reason that we decided to rearrange our agenda for today so that we could begin in worship and prayer together, so that we could gather together at this table, not for solace only, but for strength, not for pardon only, but for renewal. The Spirit is saying to the Church that we need each other.

And so, allow me to simply share my heart with you this morning. Yesterday, as I prayed about the work we would be doing today, I was drawn to the words of Prophet Jeremiah, when he says, “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.” This image of being rooted and grounded is one that is used often in the Bible to describe the security and stability and peace that come when we are intimately connected to and immersed in the presence and power and love of God. The Apostle Paul, in his Letter to the Ephesians, prays for the church, the whole people of God, that we might be “rooted and established in love.” And again, in the Letter to the Colossians, we are called upon to be “rooted and built up in Christ himself.”

But, if we’re honest, over the past few years, it feels like so much has been uprooted all around us. We are living in an age that is characterized by instability, injustice, and insecurity. It has felt like the very ground beneath our feet has shifted. And it’s been exhausting. We’re tired. We’re frustrated. We’re worn down. And so, I don’t know about you, but I am longing to be like Jeremiah’s tree; planted by the river, sending out its roots, established, grounded, and secure in God’s love. But I know one thing for sure. I can’t do it alone. The Spirit is saying to the Church that we need each other now more than ever.

So, what does it look like for us as a community, as the church, to send out our roots, to be rooted and established in love? To help us answer that question, I would invite you to imagine that you are standing at the base of the mighty Redwood tree. The tree towers above you, reaching heights of up to 350 feet, taller than a 35-story building. But below the ground upon which you are standing is a root system that extends only about 6-10 feet. For a long time, people wondered how these massive trees could be supported by such shallow roots. But then it was discovered that the root systems of the mighty

Redwoods extend horizontally over one hundred feet and the root system of one tree is inextricably intertwined with the root systems of the other trees, which creates a massive interconnected, underground structure that supports the weight of these equally massive trees. You see, the mighty Redwoods can’t survive alone. They need one another. They support one another. They share water and nutrients. They quite literally hold each other up.

My friends, to face the challenges that lie ahead, we need that kind of interconnection and interdependence. Our strength is found in our need for one another. Our spiritual nourishment is found in our mutual love for one another. Our unity is found in the interrelationship we share as those called to be rooted and grounded in Jesus.

Ultimately, this is about our witness in the world. And let me tell you, the world is watching. I discovered this first-hand about six weeks after my consecration as a bishop, I was driving to my hotel after speaking at one of our congregations and I decided to stop at Publix to grab a few snacks. After gathering my random selection of items, I was quickly making my way down the frozen food aisle toward the self-checkout lane right in front of me when a man driving one of those electric scooter carts pulled up and blocked my path. He stared for a moment at my purple shirt and pectoral cross, and then proceeded to ask, “Are you something religious?” Feeling quite sure of myself, I said, “Why yes, I am. I’m actually a brand-new bishop.” He was not impressed. He said, “Good to meet you, Bishop. My name’s Frank. So, tell me, just what brand of bishop are you?” I said, “Well, I am one of the bishops of the Episcopal Church here in southwest Florida.” At which point, the man dropped his head, let out a deep sigh, and said, “The Episcopal Church is dying.” At first, I was taken aback, not expecting an existential crisis in the middle of the frozen pizza aisle of Publix. But after that initial shock, I began to feel a bit defensive. And I said, “Well, I just came from a congregation where over 150 men were gathered to talk about how they can be better disciples of Jesus. Last Sunday, I visited one of our church plants that is growing and vibrant and full of the Spirit. And just a few weeks before that, I spent with a congregation that is feeding over 2,000 people a day in response to the tremendous need caused by Hurricane Ian. So, I think there’s a lot of life left in the Episcopal Church.” Frank said, “I hope you’re right, Bishop. I’ve been a church consultant for 35 years. I hope you’re right.” Before allowing me safe passage, Frank had one more question. He said, “You know, I’ve only really attended non-traditional, non-denominational churches, but I’d like to find a church with a nice pipe organ and a really good choir. Do you have any recommendations?” And I thought to myself, “Have I got recommendations!” After suggesting a few churches that he might visit, we said our goodbyes and I finally make my way to the self-checkout line.

I have continued to ponder that encounter with Frank, and as I reflect on that moment, two related desires rise up within me. The first desire is to prove Frank wrong! The second desire is that one day Frank will make his way to the Episcopal Church in Southwest Florida. And when he does, more than a pretty building, a nice pipe organ, or a good choir - I pray that Frank will find communities of faith that are deeply in love with Jesus. Communities that are rooted and grounded in that same love. Communities that, like the mighty redwoods, are characterized by interconnection, interdependence, and mutual love for one another. I hope that the Diocese of Southwest Florida will be the living, breathing, embodied answer to the prayer of Jesus, “That they all may be one.” Because that is who we are. One Body. Empowered by One Spirit. Called to proclaim One Faith. To the glory and praise of One Lord, Jesus Christ. One God and Father of us all. Alleluia! Amen!

The Cathedral Church of St. Peter St. Petersburg, FL

Abbreviated Agenda

Call to Order.........................................................................The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

Credentials Report.....................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Introduction of New Canonically Resident Clergy........The Rev. Canon Richard Norman

Introduction of Non-Canonically Resident Clergy........The Rev. Canon Richard Norman

Introduction and Welcome of the Newest Clergy Spouses ................................................ .............................................................................................The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

Report of the Committee on Dispatch of Business....The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Appointments for Convention ...........................................The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

Report on Nominations, Elections and Explanation of Process .....................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Final Credentials Report............................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Elections &Appointees

Election A. Standing Committee, Lay: Elect two (2) ......................................................... ....................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election B. Standing Committee, Presbyters: Elect one (1)............................................... ....................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election C. Diocesan Council, At large, Clergy: Elect one (1) ..........................................

..................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election D. Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect one (1) to three-year term, Elect one (1) to two-year term...................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election E. Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Clergy: Elect two (2) to three-year term, Elect one (1) to two-year term...................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election F. University of the South Trustee, Lay: Elect one (1) ...........................................

....................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election G. University of the South Trustee, Clergy: Elect one (1) .......................................

....................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election H. General Convention, Lay: Elect four (4) ........................................................

....................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election I. General Convention, Clergy: Elect four (4) .....................................................

....................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Vote for Confirmation of Deanery Representatives to Diocesan Council… ......................

....................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman Bishop Appoints and Convention Confirms ......................................................................

....................................................................................The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Bishop’s Appointees.............................................................The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

Report of the Treasurer and Budget Presentation........................Mr. Mike Booher, CFO

Report of the Resolutions Committee......................................Chancellor Ted Tripp, Esq.

Resolutions from General Convention ............................

The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

Courtesy Resolutions.................................................................Mr. Gregory Hearing, Esq.

Welcome NSA/Central Security Service Chaplain .................... Captain Mark Winward

Announcement: 2023 (55th) Diocesan Convention...................................Ms. Judy Stark

Announcements ........................................................ .......The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

One Video ...........................................................................The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

Closing Prayer and Adjournment .................................... The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

Official Business Session Minutes

54th Annual Convention Diocese of Southwest Florida

1. Call to Order: The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

2. Credentials Report: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman (Art V & Art IX. 1) “When duly assembled, the following constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business: a. One-half of the Clergy entitled to vote in the Convention and Lay Delegates from one-half of the Congregations is entitled to representation. b. Every member of the Diocesan Council and every member of the Standing Committee who is not otherwise a member of Convention is entitled to representation. c. In the year before, the year of and the year following the General Convention, every Deputy and Alternate Deputy to General Convention, who is not otherwise a member of convention shall be entitled to representation.”

There are _130_ Clergy entitled to vote (35 Deacons & 95 Presbyters)

There are _106 _Clergy assembled (27 Deacons & 79 Presbyters)

There are _77_ Congregations entitled to representation (220 Delegates)

There are _71_ Congregations assembled

There are _186_ Delegates assembled

There are _15_ Elected Committee Members entitled to vote

There are _10_ Elected Committee Members assembled

*Thereby, a quorum is established

3. Introduction of New Canonically Resident Clergy: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Senior Seminarian:

- The Rev. Michael R. Alford

By ordination to the Diaconate:

- The Rev. Michael R. Alford

- The Rev. Hector M. Chamorro

- The Rev. Edwin G. Mata

- The Rev. William G. Pardy

- The Rev. Sandra K. Rogers

By ordination to the Priesthood

- The Rev. Brian P. Cleary

- The Rev. Amy M. Feins

- The Rev. Anne E. Hartley

- The Rev. Scott E. Nonken

By transfer:

- The Rev. Brian M. Beno

- The Rev. Andrea Rose-Marie Hayden

- The Rev. Michael W. Hurst

- The Rev. Richard J. Mahaffy

- The Rev. Mario E. Milián

- The Rev. Omar A. Reyes

- The Rev. Nikki L.S. Seger

- The Rev. David M. Svihel

- The Rev. Dale W. Van Wormer

- The Rev. Richard L. Wilson

4. Introduction of Non-Canonically Resident Clergy: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Non-Canonically Resident Clergy:

- The Rev. David C. Cobb

- The Rev. Ellen B. Curtis

- The Rev. Stephen S. Gerth

- The Rev. Frederick R. Nestrock

- The Rev. Beth A. Wagner

5. Introduction and Welcome of the Newest Clergy Spouses: The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

Join me in welcoming:

- Mrs. Carmen Chamorro

- Mrs. Ruth S. Cobb

- Mr. Jonathan Feins

- Mrs. Gilda Hurst

- Mr. Keith E. Lambert

- Mrs. Maria Mata

- Mrs. Julie A. Milián

- Mr. K. Richard Mohammed

- Mrs. Anya Pardy

- Mr. Rob Porachan

- Ms. Jennifer R. Rangel

- Mrs. Jennifer T. Reyes

- Mrs. Rebecca Massey Rogers

- Mrs. Kalista Svihel

- Mr. David F. Wagner

- Mrs. Kathie R. Wilson

6. Report of the Committee on Dispatch of Business: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman (Canon II, Sec. 1) “The Rules of Order for the Convention shall be adopted by resolution as the first order of business and shall continue in force for any subsequent meeting of the Convention except as amended by resolution.”

Text of Procedural Motion:

The Committee on Dispatch of Business moves to approve the updated Convention Agenda as presented at registration and the Rules of Order for an electronic meeting as presented in the Diocesan Guidebook as the approved agenda and rules of this Convention.

*Results of the Vote: YES 294 NO_0_ Agenda approved by Convention

7. Appointments for Convention: The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

(These are appointments already made by the Bishop, no Convention action is required)

A. Secretary: (Art. X.1): Ms. Wendy Martucci i. Vice Chancellors: (Art. XI)

B. Chancellor: (Art.XI): Mr. Theodore “Ted” Tripp, Jr.,Esq.

1. Mr. Robert P. “Page” Henderson, Esq., Fort Myers Deanery

2. Clearwater Deanery – Vacant position

3. Mr. Alan H. Prather, Esq., Manasota Deanery

4. Mr. Michael A. Durant, Esq., Naples Deanery

5. Mr. J.S. Lucas Fleming, Esq., St. Petersburg Deanery

6. Mr. Gregory A. Hearing, Esq., Tampa Deanery

7. Ms. Susan S. Park, Esq., Venice Deanery

C. Diocesan Registrar: (Art. XII) : Mrs. Tana Sembiante

D. Tellers and Judge: (Art. II.2.2[b]) i. Mr. Scott Casey (VPOLL) ii. Mrs. Debbie Pfender, Head Teller and Judge iii. Mrs. Jerry Buss, Teller iv. Mrs. Angie Ford, Teller

E. Convention Committee Chairs (Art. II.4) [Appointed by Council] i. Program: (Art.IV.a): Ms. Judith Stark ii. Nominating: (Art.IV.b): The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman iii. Resolutions: (Art.IV.c): Mr. Gregory Hearing, Esq. vi. Credentials: (IV.d): The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

F. Non-Canonical appointments (informational only) vii. Dispatch of Business: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman viii. Parliamentarian: Mr. Michael Durant, Esq. ix. Elections: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

8. Report on Nominations, Elections and Explanation of Process: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Canon Norman explained that we would be utilizing the VPOLL electronic voting platform for our voting on elections and motions. Voting Members of Convention were furnished with electronic voting credentials. All were provided with a copy of the Elections in 2022 Voting Worksheets. Each election is headed with a letter (A-I), The title of the position is indicated. Each election lists the proper number of individuals to be voted on.

Election D will have two separate ballots: Election D1 to elect one Lay Person to a 3-year term. Election D2 to elect one Lay Person to an unexpired 2-year term. Election E will have two separate ballots: Election E1 is to elect two Clergy to a 3-year term. Election E2 is to elect one Clergy to a 1-year term.

Displayed are the names of those pre-qualified as Candidates. There is a provision for additional names. At each election we will have the opportunity for nominations from the floor. Candidates must be: Informed of their candidacy, willing to serve, canonically qualified and give the exact spelling of their name.

9. Final Credentials Report: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman (Art V & Art IX. 1) “When duly assembled, the following constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business: a. One-half of the Clergy entitled to vote in the Convention and Lay Delegates from one-half of the Congregations is entitled to representation. b. Every member of the Diocesan Council and every member of the Standing Committee who is not otherwise a member of Convention is entitled to representation. c. In the year before, the year of and the year following the General Convention, every Deputy and Alternate Deputy to General Convention, who is not otherwise a member of convention shall be entitled to representation.”

There are _130_ Clergy entitled to vote (35 Deacons & 95 Presbyters)

There are _106 _Clergy assembled (27 Deacons & 79 Presbyters)

There are _77_ Congregations entitled to representation (220 Delegates)

There are _71_ Congregations assembled

There are _186_ Delegates assembled

There are _15_ Elected Committee Members entitled to vote

There are _10_ Elected Committee Members assembled

*Thereby, a quorum is established.

10. Election A. - First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

There were no nominations from the floor. [A complete Ballot Tally and Election Results list appear at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.]

Election A: Standing Committee, Lay: Elect two (2) lay persons to a (3) threeyear term.

The Hon. Jack Day, Esq.

Ms. Rachel Schnabel

Ms. Jacqueline (Jackie) L. Smith

*Results of the Vote: Day 198 Schnabel 178 Smith 198

The Hon. Jack Day and Ms. Jackie Smith were elected to the Standing Committee as Lay Representatives.

11. Election B. - First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

There were no nominations from the floor. [A complete Ballot Tally and Election Results list appear at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.]

Election B: Standing Committee, Presbyter: Elect one (1) presbyter to a (3) three-year term.

The Rev. Dr. Jessica Harris Babcock

The Rev. David J. Marshall

The V. Rev. Ryan R. Whitley

*Results of the Vote, First Ballot: Babcock _113_ Marshall _54_ Whitley_127_

Results failed to produce an election.

Election B. - Second Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election B Second Ballot: Standing Committee, Presbyter: Elect one (1) presbyter to a (3) three-year term.

The Rev. Dr. Jessica Harris Babcock

The Rev. David J. Marshall

The V. Rev. Ryan R. Whitley

*Results of the Vote, Second Ballot: Babcock _118_ Marshall_28_ Whitley_150_

The Very Rev. Ryan R. Whitley was elected to the Standing Committee as a Presbyter Representative.

12. Election C. - First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman There were no nominations from the floor. [A complete Ballot Tally and Election Results list appear at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.]

Election C First Ballot: Diocesan Council, At large, Clergy: Elect one (1) clergy to a (2) two-year term.

The Rev. Edward F.P. Gibbons

“With no nominations from the floor, there is one candidate for this position. Therefore, the election has been determined by acclamation.”

The Rev. Edward F.P. Gibbons was elected to Diocesan Council as a member-at-large.

13. Election D. - First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

There were no nominations from the floor. [A complete Ballot Tally and Election Results list appear at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.]

There were two separate ballots for this election: Ballot D-1 and Ballot D-2. Ballot D-1 was to elect (1) one lay person to a three-year term. Ballot D-2 was too elect (1) one lay person to an unexpired (2) two-year term.

Election D-1: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect one (1) lay person to a (3) three-year term

Dr. Thomas P Fitzgerald

Dr. Bill L. Kerr

Mr. Robert K. Sawyer, Jr.

Mr. Ray U Stoll

*Results of the Vote, First Ballot: Fitzgerald _61_ Kerr_45_ Sawyer_66_ Stoll _126_

Results failed to produce an election.

Election D-1 – Second Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election D-1: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect one (1) lay person to a (3) three-year term

Dr. Thomas P Fitzgerald

Dr. Bill L. Kerr

Mr. Robert K. Sawyer, Jr.

Mr. Ray U. Stoll

*Results of the Vote

Second Ballot: Fitzgerald _25_ Kerr_17_ Sawyer_51_ Stoll _202_

Mr. Ray U. Stoll was elected to the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board as a Lay Representative for a 3-year term.

Election D-2 – First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election D-2: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect one (1) lay person to an unexpired (2) two-year term

Dr. Thomas P Fitzgerald

Dr. Bill L. Kerr

Mr. Robert K. Sawyer, Jr.

*Results of the Vote, First Ballot: Fitzgerald _90_ Kerr_58_ Sawyer_148_ Results failed to produce an election.

Election D-2 – Second Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Election D-2: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect one (1) lay person to an unexpired (2) two-year term

Dr. Thomas P Fitzgerald

Dr. Bill L. Kerr

Mr. Robert K. Sawyer, Jr.

*Results of the Vote

Second Ballot: Fitzgerald _49_ Kerr_25_ Sawyer_221_

Mr. Robert K. Sawyer, Jr. was elected to the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board as a Lay Representative for an unexpired 2-year term.

14. Election E. - First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman There were no nominations from the floor. [A complete Ballot Tally and Election Results list appear at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.]

There were two separate ballots for this election: Ballot E-1 and Ballot E-2. Ballot E-1 was to elect two lay people to a three-year term. Ballot E-2 was too elect one lay person to an unexpired (1) one-year term.

Election E-1: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Clergy: Elect two (2) lay persons to a (3) three-year term

The Rev. Whitney A. Burton

The Rev. Joseph D. Hudson

The Rev. Michael S. Rau

*Results of the Vote

First Ballot: Burton _219_ Hudson 193_ Rau_162_

The Rev. Whitney A. Burton and the Rev. Joseph D. Hudson were elected to the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board as clergy members for a threeyear term

Election E-2: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Clergy: Elect one (1) lay person to an unexpired (1) one-year term

The Rev. Michael S. Rau

“With no nominations from the floor, there is one candidate for this position. Therefore, the election has been determined by acclamation.”

The Rev. Michael S. Rau was elected to the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board as a clergy member for an unexpired one-year term.

15. Election F. - First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman There were no nominations from the floor. [A complete Ballot Tally and Election Results list appear at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.]

Election F: University of the South Trustee, Lay: Elect one (1) lay person to a (3) three-year term, which begins 7/1/2023 and ends 6/30/2026

Mr. Gregory A. Hearing, Esq.

“With no nominations from the floor, there is one candidate for this position. Therefore, the election has been determined by acclamation.”

Mr. Gregory A. Hearing was elected as the University of the South Trustee Lay member.

16. Election G. - First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman There were no nominations from the floor. [A complete Ballot Tally and Election Results list appear at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.]

Election G: University of the South Trustee, Clergy: Elect one (1) clergy person to a (3) three-year term, which begins 7/1/2023 and ends 6/30/2026

The Rev. Robert B. Crow

“With no nominations from the floor, there is one candidate for this position. Therefore, the election has been determined by acclamation.”

The Rev. Robert B. Crow was elected as the University of the South Trustee Clergy member.

17. Election H. - First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman Nominations were opened from the floor. The Rev. Adrienne Hymes nominated Mrs. Joan Kline, who accepted, to run for General Convention, Lay. [A complete Ballot Tally and Election Results list appear at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.]

Election H: General Convention, Lay: Elect four (4) lay deputies to a two-year term. (Two-year term instead of three-year term due to COVID-19 impact on the order of General Convention.)

Dr. Navita Cummings

Mr. Peter Dombrowski

Ms. Anna C. Haeffner

Mr. Duane A. Hollier

Mrs. Melissa L. Rau

Ms. Jacqueline (Jackie) L. Smith

Mrs. Joan O. Kline

*Results of the Vote,

First Ballot: Cummings _199_ Dombrowski _95_ Haeffner _139_ Hollier _161_ Rau _167_ Smith _168_ Kline _198_

Dr. Navita Cummings, Mrs. Joan Kline, Ms. Jackie Smith, and Mrs. Melissa Rau were elected to General Convention as Lay deputies. Mr. Duane Hollier, Ms Anna Haeffner and Mr. Peter Dombrowski will serve as alternate deputies

18. Election I. - First Ballot: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman There were no nominations from the floor. [A complete Ballot Tally and Election Results list appear at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.]

Election I: General Convention, Clergy: Elect four (4) lay deputies to a twoyear term. (Two-year term instead of three-year term due to COVID-19 impact on the order of General Convention.)

The Rev. A. Charles Cannon, III

The Rev. Matthew T. Grunfeld

The Rev. Adrienne R. Hymes

The Very Rev. Bryan D. O’Carroll

The Rev. Roy W. Tuff

The Very Rev. Ryan R. Whitley

*Results of the Vote

First Ballot: Cannon _165_ Grunfeld _148_ Hymes _211_ O’Carroll _183_ Tuff _196_ Whitley _217_

The Very Rev. Ryan R. Whitley, The Rev. Adrienne R. Hymes, The Rev. Roy W. Tuff, and The Very Rev. Bryan D. O’Carroll were elected to General Convention as Clergy deputies. The Rev. A. Charles Cannon, III and The Rev. Matthew T. Grunfeld will serve as alternate deputies i. Ms. Connie Mehr (2024 - 1st term) Clearwater ii. Ms. Paula Paquette (2024- 2nd term) Fort Myers iii. The Rev. Matthew T. Grunfeld (2024 - 3rd term) Manasota iv. Mr. Tom Connolly (2024 - 2nd term) Naples v. Mrs. Susan Darrow (2024 - 1st term) St. Petersburg vi. The Rev. Alissa Anderson (2024 - 2nd term) Tampa vii. The Rev. Vickie L. McDonald (2024 - 3rd term) Venice

*A complete list of all Votes of Convention are listed at the end of these printed Minutes of Convention.

19. Vote: Deanery Representative to Diocesan Council: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman (Canon V, Sec. 3.d.2) The election of the lay or ordained person shall be confirmed at the next annual meeting of the Convention.

The following people were elected at their Deanery Convocations to serve on Diocesan Council, each for a two-year term. Their election is subject to Convention approval.

Text of the Vote: Confirmation of Deanery Elections

The members of the 54th Diocesan Convention confirm the elections of Deanery Representatives to Diocesan Council.

*Results of the Vote: Deanery Representatives are confirmed to Diocesan Council by Voice Vote

20. Bishop Appoints and Convention Confirms: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman (Canon XIV) Commission on Ministry. The members of the 54th Diocesan Convention confirm the appointments to the Commission on Ministry.

Lay: Appoint two (2) Lay. [Three-year terms, no more than two (2) consecutive terms]

Mary Jane Park [2025 – 1st term]

Presbyters: Appoint two (2) Presbyters. [Three-year terms, no more than two (2) consecutive terms]

The Rev. Nikki Seger [2025 – 1st term]

The Rev. Roy Tuff [2025 – 1st term]

Deacon: Appoint one (1) Deacon for an unexpired one (1) year term

The Rev. Lisa Parker [2023 – 1st term]

Text of the Vote: Confirmation of Bishop’s appointments to Commission on Ministry: The members of the 54th Diocesan Convention confirm the appointments to the Commission on Ministry.

*Results of the Vote: Convention confirms the Bishop’s appointments to Commission on Ministry by Voice Vote

21. Bishop Appoints Canonical Deans........................The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf Deans are Bishop appointments for one (1) year terms serving up to three (3) consecutive terms.

The Very Rev. A. Charles Cannon [2022-2025] Fort Myers

The Very Rev. Raynald S. Bonoan [2021-2024] Clearwater

The Very Rev. Wayne F. Farrell [2020-2023] Manasota

The Very Rev. Edward C. Gleason [2021-2024] Naples

The Very Rev. Alexander Andujar [2022-2025 St. Petersburg

The Very Rev. Robert C. Douglas [2022-2025] Tampa

The Very Rev. Michelle L. Robertshaw [2020-2023] Venice

Text of the Vote: Confirmation of Bishop’s appointments of Canonical Deans The members of the 54th Diocesan Convention confirm the appointments of the Canonical Deans.

*Results of the Vote:

Convention confirms the Bishop’s appointments of Canonical Deans by Voice Vote

Service recognition awards: The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

Special recognition was given to Ted Tripp for his dedicated service as chancellor. Special recognition was also given to Michael Durant and Greg Hearing for their continued commitment to the diocese.

Special recognition was given to The Rev. Jessica Babcock and Mr. Trevor Whitley for their work as co-chairs of the Search and Transition Committees. Special recognition was given to Judy Stark for her years of service as Program Chair for the Annual Diocesan Conventions.

A very special recognition was given to Mrs. Tana Sembiante for her 18 years of dedicated service to the diocese. We wish her all the best in her retirement.

We recognize and thank the following leaders who are completing their service to the Diocese.

Diocesan Council

Mr. Russell Ball (St. Petersburg) [2022-3rd term]

Mr. Jim Rissler (Clearwater) [2022-2nd term]

Standing Committee

Mr. Ray U. Stoll [2022-2nd term]

Endowment Fund Board

Dr. Gary Patterson [2022-2nd term]

Mr. Frank J. “Sandy” Rief, III [2022-1st term]

Finance Committee

Mr. Richard “Dick” Helms [2022-2nd term]

Mr. Jim Rissler [2022-2nd term]

Commission on Ministry

Mrs. Janice Straske [2022-2nd term]

The Rev. Margaret L. Sullivan [2022-2nd term]

Canonical Deans

The Very Rev. Bryan O’Carroll (Tampa) [2022-3rd term]

The Very Rev. Ryan Whitley (St. Petersburg) [2022-3rd term]

22. Report of the Treasurer and Budget Presentation CFO Mike Booher

Good morning,

My name is Mike Booher, and it is my honor to be your Chief Financial Officer. Over my short tenure I have had the pleasure of meeting and talking with several of you in attendance. For those whom I have not met I look forward to doing so. In preparing for this presentation, I reviewed the feedback from the prior in-person convention. There were three clear themes in the feedback:

1. Make the font larger – I enlarged the font in the convention booklet and used a presentation friendly font for the PowerPoint slides.

2. Too much detail – Detailed presentations were made to both the Finance Committee and the Diocesan Council. My comments today will be high level and similar to the comments made at the convocations held in September. Also, to reduce printing costs and to reduce the amount of detail, I only included the summary financial statement in the convention booklet and posted the detail budget on the Diocesan website. However several of you shared your wish to have the detailed budget included in the convention booklet. So, I have included a copy of the detail budget in the meeting materials you received at registration.

3. Do not have the financial presentation after lunch – Done! But 2 ½ hours from now when I complete my presentation you might be regretting not having lunch.

Let’s get started.

The detail budget has been reviewed and approved by both the Finance Committee and Diocesan Council at their August 2022 meetings. Your job today is to vote to receive the budget as approved by these bodies.

COLA increases for the Diocesan staff are planned at 5%. This is 2% higher than 2022 and is justified at the Diocesan level due to:

• Three-year average inflation of 5%

• Diocesan staff was asked to forgo any COLA increase in 2021

• Need to keep salaries at competitive level to attract and retain key personnel

There are two new initiatives included in the 2023 budget.

1. Financial relief grants - The congregational support budget has been increased to provide additional grants to congregations struggling financially. Grants can be awarded for fixed expenses that represent a significant percentage of the congregation’s operating budget (for example, property insurance obligations more than 20% of operating budgets). Qualifying congregations will be able to apply for a grant up to $10,000. More information regarding this program and how to apply will be provided early in the 2023.

2. Diocesan Bookkeeping Services – We will be piloting a new program to provide bookkeeping services for congregations that can either not afford and/ or hire staff to perform the routine bookkeeping services. Congregations will contract with the Diocese for the service. Fees for the service will be determined based on size of the congregation and need. All bookkeeping will be completed using REALM from ACS. Churches not using REALM will be converted to REALM as part of the on-boarding process.

The 2023 budget was prepared and approved by the Finance Committee and Diocesan Council prior to hurricane Ian. In October of this year Council voted to amend the 2022 budget to provide relief for churches impacted by hurricane Ian. The recovery from Ian is still very fluid and we are not prepared to estimate the financial impact it will have on 2023’s budget. I will be speaking more about Ian later in my presentation. I ask that the budget be approved as presented. Throughout the year, as necessary, we will present needed budget amendments to the Finance Committee and the Diocesan Council for their review and approval. This will provide us the needed flexibility to support the impacted congregations.

The Diocese receives our revenues primarily from 3 sources…apportionment, endowments, and program revenues. For 2023 we are projecting revenues of $4 million dollars. Apportionment revenues come from the parochial reports that were submitted by every congregation in March of this year. Your apportionment for 2023 is included in the convention booklet beginning on page 46.

The approved spending rate for 2023 is 4.25%

While the returns this past year are down and inflation is at a 40-year high, this rate is historically consistent and justified by the long-term performance of the endowment and the conservative spending rates in prior years.

This spending rule releases a total of $828 thousand for use in 2023, which is down $54 thousand from $882 thousand in 2022. Of this 2023 total, $286 thousand is the distribution for the 35 congregation and organization participants of the Diocesan Endowment Management Program (DEMP) a reduction of only $9 thousand for DEMP participants.

Expenses by Category:

This chart shows the breakdown of our operating expenses by primary function

• Congregational Support & Development:

• Items included in this category include:

• Grants approved by the Bishop based on appeals from congregations

• Support for seminarians transitioning to congregations

• Providing expertise for congregations (e.g., audit support)

• New church plantings (e.g., Wesley Chapel and Parrish)

• Ministry and Programming:

• Items included in this category include:

• School for ministry

• Support for seminarians

• Adult programing

• Youth camps

• Campus ministries at USF

• TEC apportionment

• General Convention

• Administration:

• Items in this category include:

• Diocesan Staff salaries and benefits

• Diocesan convention (the event we are attending right now)

• Software licensing fees

• Printing and publication costs

• Insurance

• Professional fess (audit and legal services)

This chart shows a comparison of each category from 2022 to 2023: Congregational Support & Development:

• The category is increasing by $93 thousand or 21%; Increase is for a new program to provide grant relief to qualifying congregations as mentioned previously; this is offset by a planned reduction of support for new missions (St. Paul’s in Wesley Chapel) as they become more self-sufficient. Let me speak a moment about the proposed grant program. Since I began in my position earlier this year, the #1 concern I have heard from congregations is the cost of property insurance. Existing canons do not provide much flexibility here. Furthermore, our location in SW Florida, increased storm activity and out of control construction costs continue to drive insurance costs upward. For several congregations this upward pressure is untenable. I have shared this on many instances with the CPG and specifically the CIC. Coming from a small congregation myself, I understand this, and I will continue to advocate for alternatives for smaller and/or struggling congregations. While the enhanced grant program was originally conceived to provide relief for property insurance, we are not going to limit it too just that. Guidelines will be established for what congregations can use the grant money for and applications will be solicited in early 2023.

Ministry and Programming:

• The category is decreasing by $43 thousand or 5%; the 2022 budget included amounts for general convention held this past July; excluding those amounts the budget for 2023 is increasing by $29 thousand or 3%; the increase is driven primarily by the apportionment for TEC.

Administration:

• Decreasing by $117 thousand or 6%; there are several puts and takes impacting this, including:

• Reductions of

• $164 thousand - 2022 includes both a Bishop (full-year) and a bishop coadjutor (1/2 year)

• $106 thousand related to the bishop coadjutor search, election convention, ordination, and seating

• Offset by increases of

• $24 thousand health insurance premiums for staff

• $26 thousand for staff COLA/Merit increases

• $58 thousand related to new staff position to provide bookkeeping services to congregations (new program)

• $15 thousand to refresh the Diocesan website

This chart shows the trend of our operating expenses over the past 5 years. As you can see, we have been relatively consistent in our spend which demonstrates good stewardship of your gifts. There have been a couple of blips including the additional relief provided to congregations in 2021 at the start of the pandemic and the 2022 increase in administration costs due to the election convention, bishop coadjutor costs, and general convention.

DaySpring budget is balanced. Revenues are anticipated at $1.7 million which is an increase of 4% over 2022. The increase is due to $4.00 increase in meals and additional reservations as we continue to recover from COVID. Expenses will increase to match revenues and include 5% COLA for staff, increases related to food costs, paper supplies and chemicals as well as backfilling vacant staff to accommodate the increased bookings. The Diocesan support for DaySpring maintenance is increasing from $100,000 to $160,000. The increase is warranted to address several deferred maintenance projects and rising costs for materials. Furthermore the $100,000 has been the primary maintenance support for DaySpring since 2009. Our goal for DaySpring is for them to be completely selfsufficient. Until they are capable of this, we need to provide assistance so that they have the best opportunity for success.

Phase 1 and 1.5 of the DaySpring master plan have been completed. The 2023 budget does not envision movement on phases 2 and 3 (adult lodges and the meeting and worship center, respectively). Instead, 2023 will include a $250,000 investment in DaySpring for needed upgrades and remodeling of the DaySpring properties. Specific upgrades planned for 2023 include: AC Replacements $46,400

Flooring $55,000

Foundation/Structural $23,000 Other $5,600

Total $250,000

Hurricane Ian Update

I wanted to provide you with an update on the impact of Hurricane Ian. Total loses to all impacted churches is estimated to be $15.2 million. The Church Insurance Corporation has paid claims to-date of over $5.6 million. Recognizing that insurance will not cover all the costs to rebuild, we estimate that OOP costs for churches will be approximately $1.6 million, which is primarily related to deductibles, flood damage over the $1 million cap and debris removal not covered by insurance.

The Diocesan Council approved our relief proposal to help churches with OOP costs. This was a three-tiered approach.

• Suspend and forgive apportionment payments for impacted churches for the remainder of 2022.

• Identify operational savings in 2022 to provide immediate relief.

• Actively seek donations and grants.

We continue to receive donations from all over the US, including $100,000 from TEC and a $25,000 grant from ERD. To-date we have received over $500 thousand in donations. We identified $371,000 of funds from internal sources and estimate that we will provide $198,000 in assessment relief, for a total of $1.1 million raised. With these funds we have made initial payments to churches of $294 thousand and provided assessment relief of $198,000, leaving $578 thousand available. We intend to reserve a portion of this for humanitarian aid but the majority of this will be provided to churches to cover OOP expenses. Based on our estimates of total OOP costs we believe that the funds received to date will cover approximately 55% of the total OOP costs. All impacted churches will share equally in this relief. I will be presenting to Council a proposal, which was approved by the Finance Committee earlier this week, to exclude from apportionment in the 2022 and 2023 parochial report any funding received to cover the OOP costs incurred the from hurricane Ian. We have also made the decision to consolidate efforts to secure a FEMA grant taking the burden of navigating complicated, and vague rules and requirements away from the congregations. You could hear a collective sigh of relief as we informed the congregations that we would like to coordinate this work. We have contracted with DCMC (a firm specializing in federal disaster grant applications) to assist us. We have applied for an SBA loan (a first step in the grant process) and we hope to be rejected in our application. Once our loan is rejected, we are then able to pursue relief through FEMA. In the meantime, the FEMA application has been submitted and DCMC has been out this past week visiting the impacted churches along with Diocesan staff. The FEMA process will be complicated, overly redundant, and frustrating. I appreciate the support we have received from each of the churches. I believe that we will recovery a substantial amount from FEMA. This will allow us to get closer to covering 100% of the churches OOP costs and potentially establishing an endowment to assist with future disaster relief.

As for providing a refund of assessments to eligible congregations similar to what has been done in prior years, I first want to be clear that this is completely discretionary and should not be expected to occur annually. Furthermore, the refund must be approved annually by Diocesan Council. That being said, I will be presenting a proposal to Council, that was approved by the Finance Committee this week, to provide a refund similar to prior years for those churches who are NOT otherwise being provided assessment relief as a result of hurricane Ian. I estimate that the total assessment refund for 2022 (if approved by Council) will be about $90 thousand.

As I close my presentation, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve as your CFO. I appreciate the time I have had to learn from Bishop Smith. I look forward working closely with Bishop Scharf. Thank you for your time and attention.

Report of the Treasurer Convention Confirms: The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman

Text of the Vote of Affirmation of 2023 Budget

Whereas the Diocesan Council approved the 2023 Diocesan/DaySpring budget at their August 20, 2022 meeting, the members of the 54th Diocesan Convention affirm the 2023 budget approved by Diocesan Council.

*Result of the Vote:

Convention affirms the 2023 budget approved by Diocesan Council by voice vote

23. Report of the Resolutions Committee: Mr. Gregory Hearing, Esq.

“ [per Canon XVI: are sponsored by members of Convention, deanery convocation, committee, commission, or council established under the authority of these Canons] to report to convention.”

Resolution 2022 - #1

Resolution to delete Canon XIX of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of

Southwest Florida, Inc., in its entirety.

Offered by Diocesan Council, voting on the 20th day of August 2022.

Canon IV of the National Canons dealing with ecclesiastical discipline no longer provides for the existence of, or any rule for, a Disciplinary Review Committee.

Text of the Vote of Resolution 2022#1

Whereas the Diocesan Council approved the amendment at their August 20th meeting, the members of the 54th Diocesan Convention affirm that Canon XIX of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, Inc., be deleted in its entirety.

*Result of the Vote:

Convention approves Resolution 2022 #1 to delete Canon XIX of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, Inc. in its entirety by voice vote

Resolution 2022 - #2

Resolution that Canon XX is renumbered as Canon XIX, Ecclesiastical Discipline, subparagraph 2.e, of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida be amended as follows: section g.: the addition of the sentence: In the event the President is permanently unavailable, incapacitated or disqualified, the Bishop Diocesan shall appoint a member of the Board to serve as President for the remainder of the term from the same order as the Board member being replaced.

(ii) b. the addition of the sentence: In the event the President of the Board is unavailable, incapacitated, or disqualified, the Bishop Diocesan shall appoint a replacement Board member of the same order as the replaced President.

Offered by Diocesan Council, voting on the 20th day of August, 2022.

The appeal of Canon XIX results in the renumbering of existing Canon XX, dealing with ecclesiastical discipline, as Canon XIX.

In addition, the current Canon makes no provision for a situation in which the President of the Disciplinary Board is unable to fulfill his/her duties. The Canons of the Episcopal Church dictate that, when this situation is present in the Diocesan Canons, the responsibility falls to the Bishop Diocesan. See, Title IV.5.3.b. This amendment simply confirms that the Bishop Diocesan is authorized to make the appointment, from the same order, upon unavailability and incapacity or disqualification of the President of the Disciplinary Board.

Text of the Vote of Resolution 2022#2

Whereas the Diocesan Council approved the amendment at their August 20th meeting, the members of the 54th Diocesan Convention affirm that Canon XX is renumbered as Canon XIX, Ecclesiastical Discipline, subparagraph 2.e, of the Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida be amended as follows:

(ii) b. the addition of the sentence: In the event the President of the Board is unavailable, incapacitated, or disqualified, the Bishop Diocesan shall appoint a replacement Board member of the same order as the replaced President. section g.: the addition of the sentence: In the event the President is permanently unavailable, incapacitated or disqualified, the Bishop Diocesan shall appoint a member of the Board to serve as President for the remainder of the term from the same order as the Board member being replaced.

*Result of the Vote:

Convention approves Resolution 2022 #2 as written above by voice vote

24. Report of the Resolutions from General Convention: The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

It is a requirement of Canon I.1.1.e that we receive notice whenever any alteration of The Book of Common Prayer or of the Constitution is proposed. The 80th General Convention proposed three resolutions with changes to the Constitution. These proposed alterations can be found on our diocesan website on the General Convention page.

25. Courtesy Resolutions: Mr. Gregory Hearing, Esq.

• On behalf of the 54th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, we take pleasure in moving that greeting to be sent to:

• Our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, in which we convey that we thank God for his leadership affecting the local and global level, especially during these trying times.

• Our Presiding Bishops who are retired from active service, in which we convey to them that we continue to uphold them in our prayers and continue to thank God for the leadership they gave as Presiding Bishop and continue to give as Bishops in the Church.

• The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori

• The Most Rev. Frank Griswold, III

• Our Diocesan Bishops who have retired from active service and their spouses,

• Mrs. Anne Harris, widow of the late Rt. Rev. Rogers S. Harris, third Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

• The fourth bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, The Rev. John Lipscomb and Mrs. Marcie Lipscomb.

• Our Companion Diocese of the Dominican Republic and their bishops, assuring them of our prayers and desire to be supportive in our partnership with them as companion dioceses.

• The Rt. Rev. Moisés Quezada Mota, Bishop

• The Rt. Rev. Julio C. Holguín Khoury, resigned

On behalf of the 54th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, we take pleasure in moving that a greeting be sent to:

• To those congregations celebrating milestone anniversaries:

• St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Tampa FL celebrating 150 years

On behalf of the 54th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, we take pleasure in moving that a vote of thanks and appreciation be sent to:

• Our Chancellor, Mr. Theodore Tripp, Jr., and to the Diocesan Vice-Chancellors: Lucas Fleming, St. Petersburg Deanery; Michael Durant, Naples; Gregory Hearing, Tampa; Robert Henderson, Fort Myers; Susan Park, Venice; Alan Prather, Manasota

• Those serving in this Convention as canonically required Officers and Committee Chairs:

• Ms. Judy Stark, Program Committee

• Ms. Wendy Martucci, Secretary of the Convention

• The Rev. Canon Richard H. Norman, Credentials Committee, Nominating Committee, Elections Secretary, Committee on Dispatch of Business

• Mr. Greg Hearing, Resolutions Committee

Furthermore, those serving in other key roles of this Convention:

• Mr. Michael Durant, Parliamentarian

• Mrs. Sarah Hill, Diocesan Altar Guild President

• And all of the many Convention volunteers that make this event possible

• To the Bishop’s Staff for their assistance in planning and administering this Diocesan Convention

• To the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, for their hospitality and never-ending grace.

26. Welcome Captain Mark Winward, National Security Agency/Central Security Service Chaplain...............................................................The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

27. Announcement: 2023 (55th) Diocesan Convention: Ms. Judy Stark

“The 55th Annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida will be held October 13-14, 2023, at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda, Florida.”

Text of Vote of Acceptance of Resolution

Resolved,

That the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida will be held October 13-14, 2023 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda, Florida.

*Result of the Vote Convention affirms the date of the 55th Annual Diocesan Convention by voice vote.

An evaluation survey of the Convention was sent to delegates following the Convention and was posted on the website.

28. Announcement: The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

In closing, there will be a brief meeting of the newly elected Standing Committee immediately following the adjournment of this Convention Business Session.

29. One Video: The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf

30. Closing, Prayer and Adjournment: The Rt. Rev. Douglas F. Scharf Bishop Scharf adjourns the 54th Diocesan Convention at 1:20 pm ET

31. Necrology: The Rev. Hector Chamorro

May all their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercies of God, Rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen

Clergy

The Rev. Dr. Robert O. Baker

The Rev. Boyd R. Carson

The Rev. James L. Carter

The Rev. Robert E. Cathers

The Rev. Canon Norman Howard

The Rev. Donald R. Lillipopp

The Rev. Deacon Joyce Margaret Maranville

The Ven. Dr. Kathleen M. Moore

The Ven. Dennis R. McManis

The Rev. James L. McDowell

The Rev. Tracy H. Wilder, III

Clergy Spouses/Widow

Mrs. Betty B. Gentry

Mrs. Joanne Lillipopp

Mrs. Patricia T. Wagenseil

Diocesan Leaders/Staff

Mr. Kevin M. Fitzgerald

Mr. Michael H. Kline

Mr. Stephen P. Fluharty