Ordinations to the Priesthood in September

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God willing and the people consenting,
The Right Reverend Gregory Orrin Brewer will ordain…

John Manford Gullett
to the Sacred Order of Priests
in Christ’s One Holy and Apostolic Church
on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 4 o’clock p.m.
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
202 Pontotoc Plaza, Auburndale, Florida 33823

AND

Matthew Brian Ainsley
to the Sacred Order of Priests
in Christ’s One Holy and Apostolic Church
on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 7 o’clock p.m.
Church of the Ascension
4950 South Apopka-vineland Road, Orlando, Florida 32819

Your prayers and presence are requested for all of the Ordination services
Clergy: Red Stoles         Receptions to follow

Ordinations to the Diaconate in September

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God willing and the people consenting,
The Right Reverend Gregory Orrin Brewer will ordain
Julie Kay Altenbach
Patrice Faith Behnstedt
Nancy Gretchen Bryson
Margaret Callendar Davis
Robert Raymond Dinnerville
Douglas Brian Jump
Nancy Clare Diesel Oliver
Raymond William Perica
Carolyn Tingle Quinnell
Robert Douglass Quinnell
Chester John Trow

to the Sacred Order of Deacons
in Christ’s One Holy and Apostolic Church
on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11 o’clock a.m.
The Cathedral Church of St Luke
130 North Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801

DOK Shepherd of the Hills Esther Chapter re-dedicates and welcomes new members

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By Karen Kennedy-Hall
DOK Esther Chapter Vice President

It was a sea of royal blue and white on Sunday, June 14 at the 10:30 a.m. service as three prospective and all members of the Shepherd of the Hills Esther Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King congregated to the front of the church for the Service of Admission and Re-dedication. The service was officiated by The Rev. George Conger, Rector of Shepherd of the Hills.

daughters 9

New members June Hombergen, Susan Conger and Kim Jones committed to the vows of the Order and promised to obey the two Rules of the Order ─ the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service.

The unique Crosses of the international Order were blessed by Father Conger and presented to each new members by Barbara Spencer, 1st vice-president of the Diocese of Central Florida Order of the Daughters of the King. Daughters wear the Crosses of the Order daily.

Following the Admission Service, all Esther Chapter members gathered at the altar to re-dedicate their lives to the Order. As Father Conger asked if they were ready to “observe a rule of daily prayer, always praying for the spread of Christ’s Kingdom and making an earnest effort to lead others nearer to Christ through His church,” all answered, “I am, with God’s help.”

daughters 2After the two observances, DOK choir members Sylvia Myer, Stephanie Hopper, Mary Gooden, Patti James and Hazel Herbert sang a beautiful rendition of “For His Sake,” the DOK Motto, and the congregation sang together the hymn of the Order, “Lift High the Cross.”

A luncheon, prepared by DOK members, followed the service.

The three Daughters began their Preparation for Admission to the Order by completing the National Study Guide, a 12-week official course for prospective members. The purpose of the study, according to information published in the Guide, is to introduce prospective members to the Order, establish an understanding of the Order and after admission to serve as a review and source of information. During the preparation, the women decide if they wish to be admitted into the Order.

Hombergen, Conger and Jones met weekly for study sessions with Chapter President Cathy Allen and Secretary Stephanie Hopper to complete the 12 chapters. Each prospective member was required to read the chapters and complete a list of questions before each study session.

In addition, during the past six months, all members of the Esther Chapter also took the National Study Guide course at home and discussions were held during the monthly meetings.

“I am so proud and honored to be a part of the Esther Chapter and the desire and motivation exhibited by our members,” said Chapter president Cathy Allen. “We are inspired by love for our Lord Jesus Christ and are together in community with our faith, our church and each other.

“We are women of faith and look to foster our faith and devotion to all who open their hearts and minds to the love of Jesus Christ.”

The Order of the Daughters of the King has members in chapters all over the U.S. and 21 countries around the world. The ages of the Daughters of the King range from 7 to over 100 in junior (ages 7 to 21) and senior chapters within Episcopal, Anglican, Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches. Daughters-At-Large are members not associated with a church because of specific reasons.

As stated in the handbook, the mission of the Daughters is “the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through Prayer, Service and Evangelism.” And the vision for members is: “Empowered by the Holy Spirit, our vision as Daughters of the King is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others, and to become reflections of God’s love throughout the world.”

All Daughters around the world no matter where ─ at home, shopping or traveling ─ have a bond and are joined together by the wearing of our Order’s Cross.

A heads up: The DOK Esther Chapter at Shepherd of the Hills delivered on Friday, July 10, 70 boxes of donated goods to the DOK Jamaica Medial Mission. There were originally six pallets and DOK members and friends sorted all the supplies.

Church of the Ascension charity golf event – Sept 19, 2015

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The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Windermere will host its annual four person scramble golf outing on September 19th at Windermere Country Club. Proceeds go to support Ms. Minnie’s Kids which provides after school programs and meals to underprivileged children. Cost is $65/person before August 16th and $75 after. Tee off is at 8 and lunch is included. For more information and to sign-up contact the Church office 407-876-3480.

A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Brewer on Same-Sex Marriage and the Diocese of Central Florida

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Bishop Gregory Brewer has issued the following Pastoral Letter on Same-Sex Marriage and the Diocese of Central Florida. The expectation is that rectors, vicars and priests in charge will share it with their congregations. Diocesan lay members also are invited to share the letter among themselves and the public.
Download the letter in PDF form:
SameSexMarriageinTECandDCF-07-18-15

The Episcopal Church’s Endorsement of Same-Sex Marriage,
and the Diocese of Central Florida

A Pastoral Letter from the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer, Diocese of Central Florida,
July 18, 2015

The Episcopal Church has never been very good at being “in the world, but not of the world.” Our tendency is to be in the world at the expense of Biblical faithfulness. I believe that The Episcopal Church’s recent decision to change its canons to reflect a gender-neutral understanding of who may be married in our churches and by our clergy is a reflection of that kind of worldliness; and I believe those actions have been taken at the expense of Biblical faithfulness. While our motivation is our desire to care for people, we put ourselves in a spiritually dangerous position when our actions, however well meaning, put us in conflict with the teaching of Scripture. I am not saying that this is an easy or simple issue – it is not. And so, like the writer of Proverbs, I am “crying out for wisdom.”

I feel no need to change my stance regarding my lack of support for the Church approving same-sex marriages, and I plan to uphold the teaching on Holy Matrimony that is reflected both in the Scriptures and in the Book of Common Prayer. That is why I signed the Salt Lake City Statement of the Communion Partner Bishops. [see http://www.livingchurch.org/salt-lake-city-statement] I also want to uphold a call to compassion and care, and for the Church to extend grace, love and mercy to those who are in such relationships.

Both the Holy Scripture and the Book of Common Prayer teach that Holy Matrimony was “established by God in creation,” meaning that our created bodies matter. We are never disengaged from the fact that God made us male and female. Although there are friendships and companionships that we all enjoy, all of those friendships and companionships are distinct from the marital union of husband and wife, which is foundational for continuing the created order of humanity. In other words, Holy Matrimony is God’s idea. God created and established it; and it is a way that God chooses to care for and provide for the continuation of the human family.

But while the union of husband and wife is foundational to the temporal and created order, it does not continue into the realm of eternity. Jesus is clear that in Heaven, there is “no marriage or giving in marriage” (Matthew 22:30). Human marriage is not foundational to the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, through baptism we as Christians, regardless of our marital status, are all eternally united as the Bride of Christ to the one Bridegroom, Jesus Christ . All human relationships, both now and in heaven, are subservient to that one and eternal marriage between Christians and Christ. This means that all human relationships are to be seen in the light of, and in response to, our primary relationship, which is with Jesus Christ whom we call “Lord.”

It is this distinction between marriage as a part of the temporal and created order, and not part of Heaven – where all Christians (single and married) are united to Christ – that informs my comments about how Christians respond to the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage. In that July 1 document, I wrote that:

  1. Christians, all of whom are eternally bound in the Body of Christ, are called to work together, whether they are for or against same-sex
  2. In the Body of Christ, we are called to make marital status secondary to the call of developing missionary disciples. All Christians, regardless of marital status, are called to serve together for the extension of the Kingdom of God.
  3. Children, regardless of who their parents are, should be welcomed, nurtured and, when the appropriate vows are made, baptized into the life of the Church.
  4. Holy Matrimony is to be taught and upheld as “the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind” (BCP, p. 423).

Therefore, in response to actions of General Convention, I am upholding the teaching on marriage found in the Salt Lake City Statement of the Communion Partner Bishops, which coheres with both the Book of Common Prayer and Holy Scripture.

As a matter of diocesan policy, I offer the following:

  1. As chief liturgical officer of the Diocese of Central Florida, I am allowing only the services prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer to be used in the celebration and blessing of a marriage. I do not believe the newly authorized rites for trial use uphold the Scripture’s teaching on marriage and, therefore, are not appropriate for use in this Diocese.
  2. No member of the clergy who is canonically resident in the Diocese (whether living in or outside the Diocese) is permitted to use the trial use liturgies on marriage in or outside of the Diocese. Choosing to use one of these liturgies would be an act of disobedience to one’s bishop and against our diocesan canons.
  3. No church building within the Diocese, or any building affiliated with the Diocese (such as, but not limited to, Camp Wingmann, Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center, Diocesan schools) may be the location for these trial use liturgies on marriage. This applies to clergy and lay leaders resident both within and outside the Diocese of Central Florida.

While I hope these policies are clear, they do not answer all of the questions that are in front of us. For example, it remains to be seen (and I am in conversation with our diocesan chancellor on this matter) whether our diocesan canons on marriage (though consistent with my policies as bishop) can legally remain intact if they be in conflict with the canonical changes recently passed by General Convention.

There are also pastoral considerations yet unanswered. I give only one example: should legally married same sex parishioners come forward for a blessing at their anniversary when it is the parish’s custom to publicly offer these blessings? My answer would be to welcome them and pray for them – so long as the prayers used do not come from the BCP marriage service.

One prayer for such occasions could be, “O God, we ask that you pour your grace and mercies on N. and N. Guide them with your wisdom, protect them with your love and fill their home with your presence all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. “

There are plenty of other pastoral and canonical questions. These require prayer, ongoing conversation and discernment. To call Jesus “Lord” means that He, who is Wisdom personified, is the One to whom we turn, asking the Holy Spirit guide to us into all truth (John 16:13). As I do not believe in episcopal infallibility, I acknowledge that I could be wrong about what I have just written. I am as sinful and fallible as anyone I know. I admit that this and other matters are sending me to prayer like no other time in my life. I would welcome prayerful conversation with my fellow Christians in the Diocese and beyond, as we seek to discern together the mind of Christ.

As I have written in other places, all of our pastoral and moral dilemmas are to be seen in the context of the ongoing missionary purpose of the Church: “that the world may believe in the One whom you have sent, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (BCP, p. 255). The Christian life does not call us to withdraw from the world, but engage it as a people who are learning to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-38). May God grant us all that we need to be His faithful and missionary people!

Given under my hand on July 18, 2015 in the fourth year of my consecration.

+Gregory O. Brewer

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5 As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

– 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5

St Elizabeth’s VBS Day 3: The Amour of God

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VBS

The third day’s theme of VBS was the Amour of God. The children yesterday began learning another part to one of the songs they will perform on Sunday at the 10:00 AM service and today started to learn another song. Because today’s theme was the Amour of God – they came dressed like knights and princesses. The emphasis focused on knowing that through Jesus they can put on His amour to protect them from the world today. The craft today was decorating crowns. The mighty Sir John and Sir Paul we not stymied by the rain and again led the activities of the day engaging the knights and princesses in a game of trivia. The third day closed with Lady Joanne, our music leader, continuing to use her talents to teach them their theme song of the week “Sing, Shout, Clap.” She incorporated several instruments for them to use. They really excelled with the SHOUT part.

Remember parents that on Sunday they will have the opportunity to participate in several parts of the service and share some of what they learned through the week. We hope all the children will be able to attend. Make it a special day for your child(ren) and your family.

Thursday’s theme is Crowns. They made crowns and decorated them on Wednesday and now is the time to display their crowns. As children of God the Apostle Peter reminds us that “we are a royal priesthood for God’s possession” (1 Peter 2:9 ).

Don’t forget to ask them what they learned today and the Bible verse of the day John 1:12 Yet some people accepted Him and put their faith in Him. So He gave them right to be children of God.

Friday is a very special day. We will meet in the church and the children will share their week in song. Following their presentation there will a reception with desserts in the parish hall. Come enjoy and don’t forget your friends are invited.

Thursday menu: Chicken nuggets, fries and carrots

Friday menu: Pancakes, sausage, and fruit

Hot dogs will be available each day as an alternative to the meal schedule.

It is not to late to attend. If you registered and are not able to attend on any given day – Don’t worry – bring them and let them enjoy the fun and friendship. And encourage a neighbor to come. It isn’t too late.

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to meet your great kids and Welcome them to the Kingdom….

Pastor Dave and the VBS team
VBS Team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE CASTLE IS GETTING BIGGER

Our mission for VBS is to help feed the families in need. We are doing a canned food drive. Please send a can of food each day. Help us build a castle with the food we collect and at the end of week we will send all the food to our local food bank.

castle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our contact information is:
901 Clearmont St. Sebastian FL, 32958
Phone 772-589-2770 Fax: 772-589-7966
Email: Stelizabethsepis@bellsouth.net
www.stelizabethssebastian.org
Office hours: Mon-Thurs 9 AM – Noon

Upcoming Walking the Mourner’s Path Facilitator Training School

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The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland, FL is hosting a three-day Walking the Mourners Path Facilitator Training from September 10-12, 2015.

Walking the Mourners Path is a unique ministry which started with the question, “where is God in my pain” and the recognition that in many faith communities there is an unmet need for an effective ministry for those in grief. The ministry is based on eight weekly workshops that are Christ-centered and scripture based. Through the series of workshops, the participants learn they are not alone in their grief and with the ever presence of Christ’s love, healing occurs. The workshops meet for one and a half hours in consecutive weeks with two trained facilitators and a member of the clergy. Each week with prayers, exercises, reflections, and homework in a workbook the group walks the mourner’s path.

Faith communities that offer the ministry identify at least two individuals to attend a Walking the Mourner’s Path Facilitator Training School. Although clergy are not required to attend a Facilitator Training School, many have found their involvement in the training meaningful and are glad they participated.

At the training, participants learn how to implement the program by building on existing Pastoral Care ministries. Additionally, the training includes modules on: Facilitating and Listening skills, Understanding Grief, and the Eight Week Workshops. During the training, participants will experience each of the workshops and have an opportunity to co-facilitate a workshop to practice their facilitating skills.

For more information and registration information please visit the Walking the
Mourners Path website, www.mournerspath.com or email Catherine Gilbert, Program Director, at cgilbert@mournerspath.com .

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St. Peter’s Mountain of Hope Honduras Mission

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On a Mission to Save Lives and to Save the Clinic

June marked the annual St. Peter’s Mountain of Hope mission to Quince de Enero, Honduras. 22 missionaries from Lake Mary, Florida and as far away as Anchorage, Alaska traveled to Honduras for a week-long mission. Team members conducted Bible School for the children, assisted in the medical/dental clinic, and drilled a well in the nearby village of Al Mango.

School

The mission began almost 25 years ago with a church St. Peter’s helped to build in the rural village of Quince de Enero, and like the mustard seed, has grown into an ongoing mission that has spread throughout the region.

BibleSchool_3Underscoring every aspect of the mission is the desire to glorify God and share the good news of Jesus Christ with our Honduran brothers and sisters. Every day upon arrival in the village, locals from the village join the mission team for a time of worship and scripture. This year, our prayer-team leaders were Fr. Wes Sharp from St. Peter’s and Fr. Francisco of Honduras, assisted by Adriana Christenson’s fluent translating skills. We close with the Lord’s prayer in English and Spanish before going off to our respective assignments for the day.

Bible School

A major component of the mission is Bible School. Each afternoon about 200 eager children line up every day at the end of their school day. A typical day includes theme-based Scripture, singing, crafts, snacks and games. Children ages 4 – 14 walk to the church to hear about Jesus and His love for all of God’s children. Over the 20+ years that St. Peter’s has been going, we’ve watched children become adults, marry and start families. Many remain active in the church, and have assumed a position of leadership in the village. This has yielded a positive impact generationally; strengthening families, reducing domestic violence and improving literacy in the village.

Well_OldWell

The Mountain of Hope well-drilling team has drilled dozens of wells in and around Quince, with the goal of preventing and eliminating waterborne diseases. The result is a regional improvement in health, and a dramatic reduction in infant mortality. This year, the team drilled a 200′ well in nearby Al Mango. The community’s water supply had become contaminated, and this new well is supplying safe water for the entire community. Keith Ratchford of Sanford and Dean Byers of Oregon led the well drilling, which is now assisted by Henry and Louis Miguel – two local men – who are able to continue the effort in our absence.

NewWell

Another way St. Peter’s Mountain of Hope seeks to empower Hondurans is by training local midwives. This small group of dedicated women are responsible for delivering babies throughout the region. Thanks to materials generously donated by Florida Hospital, each midwife received invaluable equipment and supplies to assist in their work. Training was conducted by Heather Millonig, RN (Alaska), Elise Caraker (Lake Mary) and translated by Adriana Christenson.

Midvives

A major focus of the mission is the medical clinic: Clinica Montaña de Esperanza. Operated year-round, Dr. Waldo Madrid and Dr. Magda Garcia provide medical and dental care 2 days a week. The clinic is the only healthcare facility available to most who live outside the big city. During the mission, Dr. Steve Knight of Ormond Beach, Dr. Alvan Barber of Sanford and Dr. Mark Caraker of Lake Mary enable the clinic to be open all week.

Clinic

Shortly before this year’s mission, a desperate mother got a ride into Quince de Enero, carrying her sick baby. She needed to see the doctor at the clinic. But the clinic was closed that day. She was frantic, but managed to beg a ride to a distant city. We never heard the fate of her child. Imagine rushing to the emergency room with your child in your arms, only to find it closed. Imagine being told to come back later in the week.

Clinic_Glennis

12 year old Gleniss is suffering from a ‘failure to thrive'; cause unknown. Gleniss is unable to stand or walk unassisted. She’s about the size of a 6 year old and weighs only 29 pounds. She is unable to attend school. A separate effort is being undertaken to get permission from the government to bring her to the US to try to diagnose and correct the source of her affliction. Pictured with Dr. Mark Caraker.

For more than a decade, the Mountain of Hope clinic operated 7 days a week, treating thousands of patients every year. Sadly, the downturn in the economy and loss of a major donor caused Mountain of Hope to lose a significant portion of funding for the clinic, forcing operations to be reduced to only 2 days a week.

Here’s the good news: it only costs about $600 per day to operate the Mountain of Hope clinic. $600 American pays the doctor, the dentist, the pharmacist, the staff and the light bill.

Clinic_Johnathan

16 year old Johnathan was near death, hospitalized from seizures caused by a parasite in his brain. Honduran doctors were having difficulty diagnosing the cause. Mountain of Hope arranged for CAT scan and MRI images to be sent to a neurologist in Florida for evaluation. Johnathan was correctly diagnosed, has received treatment and is recovering. He now aspires to become a doctor to help his people. Pictured with Dr. Steve Knight.

Here’s the challenge: Mountain of Hope needs 300 people who will each give $600 annually, and the clinic can reopen on a full-time basis. That comes to only $50 per month, or less than $12 per week. Will you help fund the clinic for 1 day _a year? Would your company be willing to underwrite the cost of 5 days? Would you be willing to ask your friends to help?

How you can help: Please log onto mountainofhope.org to read about the clinic and other efforts to do God’s work in Honduras. Click the DONATE button, and prayerfully consider your gift of support. Be assured that 100% of all monies donated goes directly to support the Mountain of Hope clinic. Thank you and God bless.

St. Richard’s Church receives grant for African project

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At the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, meeting in June, United Thank Offering granted $46,000 to a group from St. Richard’s Episcopal Church, Winter Park, to support the digging of two wells in the arid region of Kondoa, Tanzania.

“The effort is to find water on property owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Konda, to bring the population of surrounding villages to the church for both well water and the living water of love and community,” said the Rev. Allison Harrity, rector of St. Richard’s.

“This project is special in that Pam Taormina, our missioner to Africa from St. Richard’s, is working in partnership with the Africa Windmill Project (AWP) and Bishop Given Gaula from the Diocese of Kondoa,” she said. “Pam connected to Kimberly and John Drake of the Africa Windmill Project after seeing the great need the people of Kondoa had for a reliable source of water and the good work that AWP was doing to get sustainable farming established in Malawi.”

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