‘From Strength to Strength’: Nativity, Port St. Lucie, Celebrates New Rector

Since the Residency Program of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida began a few years ago, the diocese has seen multiple priests launched from their residencies into new and thriving ministries. The most recent of these, the Rev. Brian Stankich, who served his residency at Grace, Ocala, began his role as rector at Church of the Nativity, Port St. Lucie, on Sept. 1. His Celebration of New Ministry, presided over by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb, was held on Sunday, Nov. 9.

As the service began, the bishop said he was “humbled and thrilled” to witness the journey of Stankich and his wife, Dona, from when he first met them a few years ago at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke to now, pointing out that Stankich has been “a star” in the diocese’s discernment process and that Dona is also “a great servant leader.” He told the congregation that their new rector “also serves on our Finance Commission, and when he came into my office and said he was seeking the call to serve as a rector, I was thrilled. It seems like a divine match here with not only what has happened, but with what will happen.”

The bishop also took time to thank the Rev. Michael Goldberg, who served Nativity as priest-in-charge for nearly two years prior to the church calling Stankich. The mere mention of Goldberg’s name resulted in a standing ovation from the congregation, which the bishop pointed out as extraordinary.

“That says everything about your faithful ministry here,” he said, addressing Goldberg. “I talked with Deborah [Senior Warden Deborah Benway], and she talked about your leadership and care for the people here, and how in a time of transition, the church grew in giving, attendance and in other ways,” the bishop said. “And that’s because of your faithful leadership along with them [the congregation] in the partnership that was happening here.”

Bishop Holcomb also expressed his appreciation for Benway’s “tireless dedication” as senior warden, particularly over the past two years while the church has been without a rector. He added that in a recent phone call, she told him the church has gone “from strength to strength, and that’s where we’re headed.”

Stankich also sees great things ahead for Nativity but said he has no “massive agenda” for the church. Instead, one of his main objectives is to steadily build relationships not only with members of his congregation, but also with members of the surrounding community. Since his arrival, Stankich said he and his team not only have done that, but they have also focused on helping their own congregation to “understand the basics of our faith,” aligning with Bishop Holcomb’s vision to spread the gospel to the world.

“We’re trying to go at a measured pace and not come in and do everything all at once,” Stankich said. “That’s holding true so far.”

“The church has been very warm and welcoming,” he added. “Our main priority is to connect with people at gatherings outside the church, and those have been well attended. I’m also getting together one on one with people as I am able. I want to see how they are as individuals and as a church. The first Sunday that I preached, it was about who God is as our Creator, how God knit you in your mother’s womb, as in Psalm 139. I have referred back to that at least a dozen times. We’re laying the foundation of the things we believe in.”

Holcomb focused his sermon on the Gospel passage from Luke 20:27-38, pointing to our resurrection hope, which applies both today and in eternity. He urged the congregation to “carry in this world the hope that belongs to the next. … And so whether you’re weary, doubting or believing, come to Jesus, who won for you a joy that no one can steal, a love that you cannot lose and a hope that cannot be shaken.”

Stankich also delivered a strong exhortation to the congregation at his new church. “Let’s not take anything for granted,” he said. “Let’s not take our traditions for granted. Let’s not take God’s Word for granted. Let’s not take this place for granted.”

Even as he looks ahead, the new rector cannot help but look back on his two years of residency. “What I miss most about Grace, Ocala, is the people,” he said. “We had people who prayed for Dona and me regularly, and we’re grateful for that. When I went to Grace, I thought I would be mentored by a priest, but I was embraced by a congregation. They had a vision for residency, and they made my residency happen.

“My vision is to do the gospel, and what I mean by that is to teach people to treat each other the way Jesus wants us to treat each other,” he continued. “We must go out of our way to share the good news. As Peter says, we need to be ready to share with people the reason for our hope.”