On Friday, April 21, 170 people gathered for a retirement party to celebrate the ministry of the Rt. Rev. Gregory O. Brewer and his wife, Mrs. Laura Lee Brewer. For almost 47 years, Bishop Brewer has served the Lord as a deacon, priest and for the last 12 years, as bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida. The party, held at the Alfond Inn in Winter Park, was an opportunity for the Brewers’ family, friends and colleagues to honor their faithfulness in mission and ministry. The evening was marked by joy, fond memories, laughter, tears and gratitude.

After enjoying hors d’oeuvres and social time, guests entered the main ballroom for dinner and a program emceed by the Rev. Cynthia Brust, rector, Christ Church, Suntree-Vierra; and the Rev. John Motis, deacon, Good Shepherd, Lake Wales. During her opening remarks, Brust set the tone for the evening when she told Bishop Brewer, “Tonight we want to celebrate where you’ve been, what you’ve done and all that lies ahead for you and Laura Lee as you continue to live, move and have your being on the other side of ‘yes.’”

Of Bishop Brewer, Motis said, “He has poured his life into those he has served in parishes, seminaries, the diocese, the House of Bishops, as well as his various roles in the National Church and the Anglican Communion.” Echoing the words of the Rt. Rev. Michael Smith, assistant bishop of Dallas, in one of several videos recorded for Bishop Brewer and featured throughout the evening, Motis added, “He has indeed left things better than he found them!”

Bishop-elect Dr. Justin S. Holcomb brings his remarks of appreciation for Bishop Brewer. | Photo Credit: David Lewis

In addition to the videos and a presentation of gifts, tributes were given by special guests, including Mr. Robert Stuart, Orlando District Three commissioner; the Brewers’ sons Mr. Charles Braziel and Dr. Todd Brewer; Mrs. Sarah Caprani, the bishop’s executive assistant; Mrs. Marilyn Lang, secretary to the canon to the ordinary; and Bishop-elect Dr. Justin S. Holcomb.

In his tribute, Commissioner Stuart explained that Bishop Brewer’s influence has extended far beyond his role as diocesan bishop. “You have been a leader in our community, and not a bishop just for this place, and for this denomination, but really a bishop for our entire community, and for that I am deeply, deeply grateful,” he said.

Holcomb said it has been a joy to see the ways Bishop Brewer interacts with people – whether in person or online – who want to talk about Jesus but have misgivings about the church. “You take those opportunities, and you look for them,” he said. “You expect divine appointments, and you give yourself to them. Bishop Brewer, thank you for leading us as a missionary.”

The Rev. Pat Roberts, deacon, St. John the Baptist, Orlando, highlighted Mrs. Brewer, whom she called “an extraordinary Christian” and “a phenomenal prayer warrior.” “As far as I know, her whole life is grounded in prayer,” Roberts said.

Video messages were shared from Dr. Todd Brewer and his family; another Brewer son, Mr. James Brewer, and one of his daughters; and from colleagues over the years, including Smith, the Rev. Simon Barnes and the Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church.

The Brewers enjoyed the many gifts received at the dinner. | Photo Credit: David Lewis

In his video address, Presiding Bishop Curry praised Bishop Brewer for his voice of wise counsel, prayerful reflection and courageous and steadfast action. “We thank you and thank God for you,” he said of the Brewers. “Your ministry has been one that has lifted up communion across differences, has lifted up the truth that in Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north, but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide world. I am thankful for your ministry; your diocese is thankful for your ministry; The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion, and above all, I believe our Lord himself is thankful for your ministry and the faithfulness that you two have exhibited among us.”

The Rev. Jonathan French, president of the Standing Committee for the diocese and rector, Grace, Ocala, presented Mrs. Brewer with a gift certificate to the Phillips Center and thanked her for the consistent support she has given Bishop Brewer over the years. The evening concluded with a champagne toast and speech from the Rev. Canon Ernie Bennett, former diocesan canon to the ordinary, who presented the Brewers with a retirement purse.

Smith included a warning for Bishop Brewer in his video address: “I hate to break it to you, but bishops don’t really get to retire; we just move on to other forms of ministry.” As the Brewers look forward to the next season of life together, we know their ministry is not coming to an end but rather, changing shape. As a diocese, we continue to give thanks for their leadership as we look to the future with hope.