The 52nd Annual Diocesan Convention was literally a virtual success! This first-ever virtual Convention streamed live on Zoom and YouTube from Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center on Feb. 6, 2021, and was well-received by diocesan staff, delegates and the viewing public.

The four-hour event kicked off with Bishop Brewer gaveling the meeting to order followed by a virtual roll call featuring videos submitted by churches from across the diocese. Delegates then voted remotely using the ElectionBuddy platform under the guidance of The Rev. Jason Murbarger, Chair of the Nominations/Elections Committee, with the support of diocesan staff members.

Election Report

Those elected are as follows:

Standing Committee

The Rev. Tom Rutherford (clerical order, four-year term)
Mrs. Monique Myers (lay order, three-year term)
Mrs. Monica Tyedmers (lay order, one-year term)

Diocesan Board

The Rev. Phyllis Bartle (clerical order, three-year term)
Mrs. Leslie Andreae (lay order, three-year term)
Mr. Todd Pittenger (lay order, three-year term)
Mrs. Tricia Powell (lay order, one-year term)

In addition, four board members were elected during January pre-convention deanery meetings:

The Very Rev. Stuart Shelby (Dean, Central Deanery, three-year term)
The Very Rev. Lisa Wimmer (Dean, Northwest Deanery, one-year term)
Dr. Virginia Cummings-Lang (President, Southwest Deanery, three-year term)
Ms. Fran Dunn (President, Northeast Deanery, three-year term)

Trustee, University of the South

Mr. James “Trippe” Cheek III (lay order, three-year term)

Bishop Brewer’s Convention Address

After elections, Bishop Brewer delivered his address in which he reviewed the highlights and challenges of an unprecedented year in the life of the diocese and expounded on his convention theme of “Weaker, Deeper, Stronger.” You can view the entire address below.

Official Business & Video Presentations

After the bishop’s address, official business included election reports, introductions, appointments, acknowledgments, a video report from the University of the South, commissioning of the newly elected and appointed, and a moving video memorializing deceased clergy. A video invitation to the 53rd Diocesan Convention produced by The Very Rev. Roy Allison and Ms. Fran Dunn provided comic relief.

Closing Anthem

The first-ever virtual convention was appropriately concluded with a closing anthem featuring the first Diocese of Central Florida Virtual Choir. Under the leadership of Mr. Andrew Walker, Director of Music at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Orlando, vocalists from diocesan churches sang John Rutter’s “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” while featuring scenes from the life of the diocese in 2020.