Whether it is delivering a sermon, teaching a Bible class, or working to raise money for his church’s special needs school, the Rev. Cameron MacMillan loves serving the Lord.

On Sunday, July 29, the Diocese of Central Florida rejoiced in MacMillan’s spiritual commitment when it celebrated the new ministry of MacMillan in his official installation as rector at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 331 Lake Avenue in Maitland, just seven miles from downtown Orlando.

Bishop Greg Brewer preached and led the 1-hour celebration, which drew approximately 100 people to the Central Florida parish, including his wife, Hannah, and children, Lydia and Benjamin. A potluck dinner was held afterwards in the church’s parish hall.

“My goal is simple: Make Good Shepherd a place of discipleship for all people of all ages,” said MacMillan, who follows the Rev. Sarah Bronos as rector. “I’m excited to celebrate the ministry of Good Shepherd at this point in its history. The congregation here is full of people who want to serve Jesus and see His Kingdom expand in our community.

“I’m personally excited about getting the church more actively engaged with biblical education through our Sunday morning Christian Formation series and through our small group Bible studies that are led by knowledgeable and prayerful leaders,” MacMillan said.

The MacMillan family celebrates following Reverend Cameron’s installation as rector.

MacMillan’s goal of increasing participation in biblical education through the church’s Sunday morning Christian Formation series is becoming a reality. He said between 20 and 25 people are showing up for the classes, with lots of rich discussion.

“I taught quite a few classes during my two years as curate,” he said. “Right now, I’m teaching a class called Praying with the Bible: Using Scripture as a Guide for Meditation, Intercession, and Praise. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job: teaching classes. I learn so much hearing from the people who participate.”

The current Sunday morning classes will serve as a run-up to what should be a busy “school year.” Although Bible study groups run from fall to spring, the church also has a small “all are welcome” Bible study on Wednesday nights.

MacMillan also is working on bettering the church’s special needs school, Celandine Life Prep Academy. The school is presently at capacity at 40 students but is raising money to build a covered walking path with sensory-motor exercise equipment on the “back forty” of the church’s campus. “This will be an exciting addition to the church’s grounds and will be available for all to use,” MacMillan said.

The Good Shepherd rector also looks to increase its support for Good Shepherd Academy in South Sudan. Good Shepherd in Maitland has supported the East-Central African country for two years, and recently had Father John Daau as a guest. Daau and his wife started and continue to run a school for children in South Sudan where more than 75 percent of the population is illiterate (more than 95 percent for females), MacMillan said.

“We support them financially,” MacMillan said. “When Fr. John Daau was here, we sent him off with a financial gift, and we also gathered around him as a congregation and prayed for him. Having him here strengthened our relationship and there is now talk of annual mission trips over there, starting as early as next year. I will, hopefully, be traveling there next year with another priest from the diocese to help do some theological education with Father Daau.”

For more information on Church of the Good Shepherd, please call 407-644-5350.