Individuals from across the Central Florida Diocese attended the Administrative Assistants’ Lunch earlier this year at St. John the Baptist Church in Orlando.
When administrative assistants from the diocese get together for an annual luncheon, it’s like Christmas in July. That’s exactly how festive this event has become.
For the seventh consecutive year, the Administrative Assistants’ Luncheon at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Orlando proved to be a joyous affair, complete with holiday-type food and plenty of camaraderie. The event on April 28 drew approximately 50 guests.
“We had an increase in attendance over previous years,” said St. John the Baptist parish secretary Bev Mitchell, the primary organizer of the event. “We invite local churches, churches in our diocese, friends and family members too.”
The administrative professionals’ appreciation event was the brainchild of Mitchell, who organized the first luncheon in 2011. “I saw a need to have
Canon Tim Nunez and Rev. Dr. Jon Davis assist with the carving at the Administrative Assistants’ Lunch.
something special for the secretaries/administrative assistants,” Mitchell said. “I spoke with Krisita Jackson, who was senior warden at that time. She thought it would be a great thing and suggested that I present this idea to the Vestry. The Vestry agreed and offered its support.”
Jackson, who remains involved in lay leadership at St. John the Baptist and serves the diocese through Daughters of the King and as a General Convention Deputy, was master of ceremonies for the luncheon. She helped coordinate the event, which featured a delicious luncheon menu based on a holiday-style meal, according to Mitchell.
“It is a special day set up for all of our special guests: secretaries, administrators and other guests,” Mitchell said. “I love to give them something to remember each year.
Even if a guest is on a vegan diet, there are lots of food choices, as though it is Christmas. No one leaves hungry.”
Attendees were presented with gift bags and flowers. “This year we included a special gift – a handcrafted Anglican rosary made by the ladies of St. John – in each bag,” Mitchell said. “We awarded gifts for guests celebrating birthdays, for the largest group and for first-time visitors.
“We know that we have a common bond,” she said. “We love God. We all belong to Him. This event helps to build morale. We may call upon each other when we need prayer or help with completing forms, securing copies of items and locating musicians; those are just a few of the things that we do.”