(L) Parishioners in the sanctuary at Christ Church, Fort Meade, (R) Mr. Russell Hancock | Photo Credit: The Rev. Kay Ruhle

In a culture that forms individuals and institutions to take care of themselves, it is refreshing to be reminded that God has a different vision. As the body of Christ, we receive the blessing of Jesus sending the Holy Spirit to move through us to inspire connectivity and care for others. Christ Church, Fort Meade, has experienced the fresh winds of ministry through new and unexpected partnerships in the Southwest Deanery of the Diocese of Central Florida.

Following the unfortunate loss of clergy leadership in 2020, the congregation dwindled in attendance. However, the people remained committed to their parish and faithful to the Lord. Through God’s grace and vision, new ministry opportunities lay ahead.

In December 2020, Christ Church began to hold weekly Morning Prayer services, gathering for prayers and worship throughout 2021. “We hung on by a thread for a year,” said parishioner Mr. Russell Hancock.

As the parish continued to gather, the people wondered if they could have a Holy Eucharist service, so Hancock sought out area contacts. He knew the Rev. Kay Ruhle through a prior professional relationship in Polk County Schools. Having followed her through social media, he learned that she had become a deacon in The Episcopal Church and reached out.

“I was very happy but surprised to get the call,” Ruhle said. Following the initial contact, she presented the request to her rector, the Rev. Paul Head at St. Paul’s, Winter Haven.

Because Hancock had initiated contact, a new partnership within the deanery began. By Dec. 23, 2021, a modified Lessons and Carols service with Holy Communion was held at Christ Church; members and clergy of St. Paul’s joined the parish family in Fort Meade for their Christmas service.

“They didn’t need anything other than Christians standing with them,” Head explained.

The partnership has also led to new possibilities. During the process of planning for the Christmas service, both Ruhle and Head had separate conversations with Hancock regarding his gifts and heart for serving Christ Church. They had seen his passion for the church’s ministry to continue in Ft. Meade, and Hancock had already begun to preach regularly at the Morning Prayer services and to wear many other hats.

Separately, Ruhle and Head encouraged Hancock to consider the process of discernment for holy orders. “They both have played a huge role in my spiritual life,” Hancock said. He confessed that he thought about being a priest in the early 2000s under the leadership of the Rev. Bill Hazlett but “swept it under the rug.” The thought resurfaced at other times, but it was not until the ministry partnership, when both Ruhle and Head identified his calling, that he began to say yes.

The Southwest Deanery continues to see fruit from what started in 2021. Not only were there additional joint services in Fort Meade in 2022 with the assistance of St. Paul’s, Winter Haven, but the following have also taken place: Christ Church attendance has increased; the formal process of Hancock’s discernment toward holy orders has begun; Ash Wednesday and Easter Vigil services with Holy Communion were held in 2023 with assistance from St. Paul’s; the Rev. John Motis, deacon at Good Shepherd, Lake Wales, has been selected as Hancock’s Commission on Ministry representative; and the Rev. Becky Toalster, rector of Holy Trinity, Bartow, has begun the process of overseeing Hancock’s internship. During the period of training, Russell will join the worship services at Holy Trinity, Bartow, in addition to his continued leadership at Christ Church, Fort Meade.

Leaders and parishes within our deaneries and diocese are making a difference for the church as they reach out to connect and follow Christ where he leads. The connectivity and growth are a true joy for God’s glory. Let us continue to keep looking and listening for opportunities to support one another.