Generosity. Connection. Energy.

(L-R) Bishop Holcomb with conference organizers Dr. Christin Ditchfield Lazo and the Rev. Andrew Lazo | Photo: The Rev. Andrew Lazo

Those are the words that come to mind for the Rev. Andrew Lazo, and his wife, Dr. Christin Ditchfield Lazo, about their inaugural C.S. Lewis Conference, held on April 26-27 at Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden. This year's conference theme, "Mere Christians," was based on three of Lewis' most well-known and beloved works: "Mere Christianity," "The Screwtape Letters" and "The Chronicles of Narnia."

The conference was designed with both Lewis enthusiasts and novices in mind, providing both overviews and deep dives into the trio of works in the form of three plenary presentations, breakout sessions and a "C.S. Lewis 101" overview. Lazo, Ditchfield Lazo and Dr. K. Alan Snyder, all renowned Lewis scholars, led the plenary sessions. One breakout session featured Ms. Sophia Holcomb, daughter of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Holcomb, and Ms. Madeline Lafler, daughter of the Rev. Mark Lafler, rector of St. Edward's, Mount Dora, who presented a paper they co-wrote titled "The Heart of Narnia." David Vasiliu, founding member of the Agora Christi Foundation - C.S. Lewis Kindred Spirits Society for Central and Eastern Europe, and Rev. Lafler also presented breakouts.

Panel discussion at the 2024 C.S. Lewis Conference at Messiah, Winter Garden | Photo: Erik Guzman

Over 50 people attended the conference, drawing those within and outside of the Diocese of Central Florida, and about 20 volunteers gathered to support the event in various ways. The Rev. Angela Lopez, deacon at Church of the Messiah, led a concurrent children's track, with eight children in attendance.

In addition to the conference content, instructed morning prayer was offered to not only ground the event in prayer and scripture but also to introduce the historic form of Anglican worship to the wide denominational range in attendance. Singer-songwriter Matt Wheeler led worship with many Lewis-inspired songs. A traditional English tea was offered on the first afternoon of the conference and a Narnia banquet held the following evening.

Generosity

While reflecting on the Mere Christians conference, the Rev. Lazo felt a profound sense of gratitude for the generosity that made the event possible. As an apprentice rector under the guidance of the Rev. Tom Rutherford, he has felt a freedom to take ministerial risks because of Rutherford's generosity. This conference, one of those risks, was a year in the making.

Dr. K. Alan Snyder leading his plenary session at the 2024 C.S. Lewis Conference. | Photo: Erik Guzman

The Lazos said the conference would not have been possible without the people and leadership team at Church of the Messiah, as well as the generous spirit of people such as Wheeler, who offered to lead music. They have also felt a tremendous generosity in the diocese.

Connection

The Rev. Lazo said Lewis sparks an instant connection in people. "One effect of reading Lewis is his formation of friendship," he said. "He moves people so deeply that when you find someone else who is moved in the same way, there's a shorthand of friendship and a vocabulary of speaking."

Ditchfield Lazo explained that part of the connection Lewis offers is to one's own past, but also to God and other people. "I had a number of conversations with people who were thrilled to have a chance to relive important moments with Lewis from earlier stages of life," she said. "People were in tears about what Lewis meant to them both then and now, and felt encouraged to read more Lewis to build up their devotional life."

(L-R) The Rev. Mark Lafler, Madeline Lafler, David Vasiliu and Sophia Holcomb during Q&A after their breakout sessions at the 2024 C.S. Lewis Conference | Photo: Erik Guzman

Sam and Susan Mason traveled from Mississippi to attend the conference after meeting the Lazos at another C.S. Lewis conference in October. "There was an instant connection," Susan said. After a brief introduction to Lewis in college, she rediscovered him later in life after her husband gave her a year-long devotional based on Lewis' works.

"Lewis makes you examine your faith and discover why you believe what you believe," she said.

Energy

Not only was there a buzz of energy throughout the conference, but participants also left feeling energized for ministry and further research into Lewis' life and scholarship. One participant, Rodrigo Cerveli, attended reluctantly. "I was not expecting much, to tell the truth, but I came and it blew my mind," he said. "It was amazing and a fantastic way to spend my weekend."

Generosity. Connection. Energy. These words are not simply descriptors of the Mere Christians conference, but a sequence. The generosity of many enabled a rich connection to Lewis, God and others, and that connection energized people to go back to their lives energized for more. More than that, the words are descriptors of Lewis' work itself.

The Lazos are already beginning to make plans for the diocese's second annual C.S. Lewis Conference, "Mere Christians: Surprised by Love," which will be held May 2-3, 2025. Like this year's conference, it will focus on three of Lewis' celebrated works: "Till We Have Faces," "The Great Divorce" and "Surprised by Joy."