Bishop Brewer with the four deacon ordinands (L-R, foreground): The Rev. Jake Schlossberg, The Rev. Garcia Barnswell-Schmidt, Brewer, The Rev. Libby Garfield, The Rev. Elliot Drake | Photo courtesy Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden

The Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer ordained his final group of deacons on Dec. 7 in a service at Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden. The Rev. Garcia Barnswell-Schmidt, The Rev. Elliott Drake, The Rev. Elizabeth “Libby” Garfield and The Rev. Jacob “Jake” Schlossberg all received ordination as transitional deacons.

As required by the Canons of the Episcopal Church, transitional deacons are called to serve as deacons for a minimum of six months before they qualify for ordination to the priesthood. In advance of the June consecration of the new diocesan bishop, Brewer will ordain these deacons to the priesthood at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando.

The ordination service held deep meaning for both the ordinands and for Brewer. “As I ordained Garcia, Libby, Jake and Elliott to the diaconate, my overriding sense was one of gratitude to God for giving our diocese such highly qualified ordinands who will no doubt continue to develop into strong, dynamic, faithful leaders,” he said. “I also enjoyed the opportunity to ordain these four while at the same time reflecting on the gift it has been to minister and guide them throughout their discernment process. It has been a joy to be a part of their lives.”

In his sermon, Brewer reminded the four of their ministry. “You will minister to the poor, the weak, the sick and the lonely,” he said. “Cultures will be crossed, and assumptions about these groups will be challenged. You’ll mingle with all sorts, and this will change you. I’ve seen things begin to happen in your hearts.”

The new deacons agree that such changes are already taking place.

Garfield, sponsored by St. Francis in the Fields, Louisville, Kentucky, has noticed a change in where she places her dependence. “I have grown to be less dependent on myself, instead trusting in God and the Holy Spirit to provide guidance and wisdom at all times, especially those for which my training has not prepared me.”

Drake, sponsored by the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando, said he has seen more peace and connections. “During the discernment process, I have experienced increasing peace and joy as my clergy, Parish Discernment Committee, family, Cathedral family and friends have affirmed my calling. The process has undoubtedly helped me feel more connected to and dependent upon our parish family.”

Barnswell-Schmidt, sponsored by Holy Apostles, Satellite Beach, has also experienced positive changes. “Going through the discernment process has made me more patient and open to the will of God,” she said. “Another change I’ve noticed is a more resounding affirmation of God’s call on my life.”

Schlossberg, sponsored by All Saints’, Lakeland, said he has also seen a change in his heart. “One change is that my prayer life has grown significantly, filling in nooks and crannies in new ways. The Lord has used this time and this place to melt me down and mold me, removing chaff. I think it has changed me as a husband and as a father. And I take comfort that he is not done with me yet.”

Ensuring that the ordinands completed all requirements, including six months of ordination, in time for Brewer to ordain them to the priesthood was a significant team effort.

“When the June 10, 2023, date for the consecration of the bishop was announced, the staff at the diocesan office most intimately involved in the scheduling and planning of ordinations – Canon Justin Holcomb, Archdeacon Kristi Alday, Sarah Caprani, Marilyn Lang and Ellen Ceely – sat down with me to review the calendar and the names of those in our ordination pipeline to determine who could meet all canonical requirements before the end of my episcopacy,” Brewer explained. “Although I will not be able to ordain all of the people currently in our diocesan ordination process before the consecration of the new bishop, I will be ordaining Garcia, Libby, Jake and Elliott to the priesthood on June 7, 2023, along with several other priesthood ordinands throughout the spring.”