As temperatures in Central Florida begin to cool and leaves begin to change color, I think back to the day I left Southern California (my home in the United States for more than 30 years) to begin my new life, alone, in Davenport, Florida. I had no family or friends in Central Florida, but I had faith that God would guide me through this new chapter in my life and set me on the right path.
Being directionally challenged, I got lost every time I ventured beyond the secure gates of the new subdivision where I had built my new home. Going to and from the grocery store was challenging enough, but I put on a brave face and drove around, determined to settle into my new life and community without drama. I had to; there was no one to call for rescue.
On one of my explorations, I found a grocery store in Kissimmee that sold provisions from my native Caribbean, and across the street from that grocery store was a restaurant that catered to the Caribbean and Latin communities. Something familiar. “Thank you, Lord,” I said. I decided right away that my decision to relocate to Central Florida was sound. Caribbean food and music was available, so there must be a thriving Caribbean community in the area.
As a child being raised by my grandparents, I learned many religious songs, but the song “God Will Take Care of You” still brings peace to my heart whenever I have self-doubt. Its words reinforce my belief, and I believe God directed me to that restaurant (which has since closed) on that day and at that time. God sent my angel in the person of Angela Ifill, who invited me to attend St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Haines City. I’m very happy I accepted her invitation.
A few Sundays after her invitation, I attended a worship service at the church, but Angela was not there, so I introduced myself to Father Chris Brathwaite, rector of St. Mark’s. I asked if he knew her, and that’s when I discovered she was not only a priest but also a canon in The Episcopal Church who travels the world sharing God’s blessings and bringing people like me back to the fold. “Thank you, Lord.”
You see, for more than 30 years, I had been only a card-carrying Christian, not attending church often or participating in any church activities. I began attending St. Mark’s regularly and became involved in several ministries.
Today I am safe and secure because the Lord works in mysterious ways. Beneath his wings of love I will continue to abide. I met a wonderful, caring man at St. Mark’s, and we were married by Father Chris and Canon Ifill; I gained a wonderful and caring church family; and I have become an active member of the vestry and a Eucharistic minister. So when our choir director suggested to the vestry that we have a flower festival to celebrate the church’s anniversary, I volunteered to assist.
Flower festivals are celebrations of beauty, diversity, and community. They can include food, art, and music, and they bring enjoyment and pleasure to everyone who participates in their planning and execution, as well as those in attendance. People express wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the displays, and the festivals can also serve as excellent fund-raisers.
Many Anglican churches around the world celebrate events with flower festivals. This year, St. Mark’s celebrated its anniversary with its first Festival of Flowers and Honoring Event, which it hopes to make an annual celebration. Sacred spaces throughout the sanctuary were adorned with floral displays and statues honoring loved ones or simply displaying the creative skills of congregants and friends. A panel of professionals from horticulture, academia, and religion lent expertise in judging the displays. Points were awarded based on creativity, uniqueness, and religious significance.
As a member of the Events Committee, I volunteered to decorate the narthex—not for judging, but as a labor of prayers and thanks for the many blessings I have received as a member of St. Mark’s. I continued the biblical theme by transforming the area into the Garden of Eden with a display of trees, live plants, orchids, and statues. I brought the outdoors in so everyone could enjoy the beauty of flowers and creative inspiration.
The event was well-attended by community leaders; members of various congregations; friends; family; and, of course, members of St. Mark’s. Leaders of other congregations will surely want to emulate our church by hosting their own flower festival, and we will be glad to assist in any capacity, offering arrangements to celebrate the many blessings bestowed on us.
Although St. Mark’s has a comparatively small congregation, we are active in our community. Most of our members live outside the area and travel long distances to worship, but we know God will provide. We have a thriving thrift store and host a food pantry (with items donated by our members) that offers bags of food to anyone who comes to us with a need.
The Lord continues to bless us, and we intend to continue sharing those blessings with others.