On the heels of an energetic revival that left people feeling enthused about “Keep Saying Yes to Jesus,” the Diocese of Central Florida concluded its 50th Anniversary Convention with a growing sense of optimism about an exciting future.
The second day of the 50th Annual Diocesan Convention on Saturday, Feb. 2, drew hundreds to Trinity Prep in Winter Park for an inspiring look at the diocese’s first half-century of existence and a look ahead to promising days to come. Bishop Greg Brewer’s address, which paid tribute to the founding bishops, honored several organizations and saluted those making inroads in the diocese’s evangelistic mission, was the highlight of the 7-hour event.
The convention ended with a Southern-style buffet lunch enjoyed outdoors in an open-air tent under beautiful, sunny skies. Conventioneers packed the setting, partaking of delicious barbecue, listening to music and conversing with old and new friends in attendance.
“I thought it (the entire convention) was a great joy,” said Brewer. “Everyone that I talked to was so enthusiastic about the caliber of the music (at the Revival), and the Presiding Bishop’s speaking. It was just a collaboration of the wonderful things that are happening here.”
Bishop Gregory O. Brewer, 50th Annual Diocesan Convention, Trinity Prep, Winter Park, FL
The final day of the convention began with coffee and exhibitors opening their display booths. After the 7:30 a.m. celebration of Holy Eucharist by retired Bishop Frank Gray, Brewer led opening worship with music led by the Rev. Canon Josh Bales.
Diocesan officials thanked Byron Lawson, head of school for Trinity Prep, for his graciousness in hosting this year’s event.
Brewer then set the stage for a memorable address when he recited “Raising Up a Kingdom of Priests”:
Splendor and honor and kingly power
Are yours by right, O Lord our God,
For you created everything that is,
And by your will they were created and have their being;
And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain,
For with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation,
A kingdom of priests to serve our God.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne,
And to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor,
For ever and for evermore.
“I chose to begin this time with this canticle because it honestly represents both my prayer and my vision for the Diocese of Central Florida,” Brewer said. “We will be a family of people that represents this tribe … friends, family and nation. Staying together in the inheritance that you have received to be that kingdom of priests: men and women who are both receiving the very power of the Holy Spirit in their lives and are being channeled for that power – both in intercessory prayer and in service for the people that God sends our way.”
Brewer then took conventioneers back in time, talking about the formation of the Diocese of Central Florida and paying tribute to those whose service made the diocese what it is today. The diocese was formed in 1969, one of three new dioceses – the Diocese of Southeast Florida and the Diocese of Southwest Florida were the others – established out of a division of the Diocese of South Florida.
Bishop of South Florida Henry I. Louttit served as de facto Bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida until Bishop William H. Folwell was elected as second bishop in 1970. He served until 1989 and was followed by Bishop John W. Howe, who served from 1990-2012.
Bishop Brewer, who was elected in 2012, said that as much as things seem unchanged, there also are things that have changed. “I have to tell you that 2018 has been a year of enormous change and breakneck pace,” he said. “What has changed, what feels most obvious to me, is that the fruit of mission … is being felt across the diocese.”
That fruit has been in the ordination process, where Brewer said he has ordained 147 people in his seven years as bishop. In 2018, eight people were ordained to the priesthood, 11 to the diaconate. “We presently have 49 people in the ordination process: 24 women and 25 men,” he said. “The median age of our clergy is down significantly. We now have more women and more people of color serving in the congregations than when I first began.
“We are known nationally as a diocese where people care for each other, especially as one that places relationships above theological or liturgical positions,” Brewer said. “We are known as a diocese that is growing, one of few that is, in fact.”
Brewer also made it a point to recognize the Rev. Tim Nunez, former Canon to the Ordinary who left the diocesan staff last fall to become rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales.
“Members of congregations are appreciative of Tim’s leadership, especially in the search process of calling a new priest,” Brewer said. “Tim has been a colleague, a prayer supporter, a kind and thoughtful pastor, and a pun master without peer.”
Another topic of note from Brewer was the mention of church closures and church plants. While three churches closed their doors, two others are building plans to become a part of the diocese’s future: Bethesda Church in Lake Nona, and All Souls Church in Horizon West, located near Disney World and Winter Garden. Brewer also praised two other churches that have increased their attendance.
“Faithfulness to Jesus is what ultimately matters,” Brewer said. “Frankly, if we are not teaching evangelism and discipleship in a way that continues to bring more people into the kingdom of God, we have missed one of the sacred tenants of what it means to be church in the New Testament. And there is, in fact, no substitute.”
Brewer also talked about the hiring of Chalmers Morse, a former Vero Beach resident, as the new executive director of Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center in Oviedo. “He has significant experience in high-end hotel renovation, has a superb eye for detail. A humble, thoughtful and careful leader. We expect big and positive changes at Canterbury,” Brewer said.
Also receiving praise was the diocesan deputation for its hard work at the 2018 General Convention in Texas last summer. “Our deputation did an outstanding job,” Brewer said. “They were just everywhere all the time. Our team made a positive difference.”
Brewer also briefly talked about the passing of Resolution B012 concerning same-sex marriage, and the impact of the Diocese of Honduras at the General Convention.
He also talked about grateful he was to be appointed National Daughters of the King (DOK) chaplain by new DOK president Krisita Jackson, a local parishioner. “To be around these powerhouse of intercessors is both humbling and amazingly powerful,” he said.
Brewer also mentioned that the Diocese of Central Florida is working with a consultant on establishing a vision for the future, and that he will be taking a sabbatical from April 1 to the end of June with his wife, Laura Lee. He will travel abroad and do a lot of spiritual research. “My hope is to have my life changed,” he said.
The diocese also thanked the Diocese of Honduras for its hard work and for being its sister diocese, as well as the Bishop Gray Foundation, which provides financial assistance for housing and healthcare for senior Episcopalians.
“It’s doing great because when I think about 46 years of relationships, it’s really something that’s meaningful,” said Wesny Dubic, who sits on the diocese’s Commission for the Diocese of Honduras. “Forty-six years where we changed people’s lives.”
Voting for elected positions for the Standing Committee, Diocesan Board and Trustee of University of the South also was held. Elected persons were honored at the conclusion of the convention.
The Very Rev. David Peoples and Karen Beasley, Dean and President of the Southwest Deanery, extended an invitation to the 51st Annual Diocesan Convention to be held Jan. 24-25, 2020, at All Saints’ Academy in Winter Haven.
Also, the Rev. Rob Griffith read a memorial resolution to deceased members of the clergy honoring the Rev. Don Gross; the Rt. Rev. Hugo Pina-Lopez, Assistant Bishop; and the Rt. Rev. John Said, Assisting Bishop.