On Saturday, Jan. 27, the doors of All Saints, Winter Park, opened to approximately 425 clergy, laity, guests and volunteers for the 55th annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida. Along with the excitement of gathering together as a diocesan family, the event carried with it a strong gospel emphasis that prevailed throughout this first Diocesan Convention presided over by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb since his June 10 consecration as bishop.

“As a bishop, I’m called to point to the good shepherd,” Holcomb said after the Convention. “To say over and over again, ‘Our Savior is strong, compassionate and trustworthy.’ God is a promise-making and promise-keeping God. Today was a celebration of that as we looked back at God’s faithfulness and honored the faithfulness of stalwarts of the diocese. And it was a time to do the work of the church in the light and warmth of the gospel that empowers us for the tasks at hand and comforts us with hope for the future, regardless of the difficulties we face.”

Delegates, alternates and visitors could register and pick up their packets beginning at 7:30 a.m. in the Mary Martha Parlor of the church’s Thomas Center, but only delegates and diocesan staff could remain in the center for the plenary sessions. Due to space limitations, visitors and alternates watched remotely in a nearby overflow room. The Order of the Daughters of the King, Diocesan Assembly of Central Florida, maintained a constant prayerful presence. As the congregation sang “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” 11 clergy (three bishops, two canons, five deacons and six priests) and two lay Eucharistic ministers processed in prior to the morning Eucharist, with worship led by the Rev. Canon Josh Bales, interim rector at Church of the Incarnation, Oviedo.

After the reading of the Lessons by Mr. Stephen Feibelman, youth minister at All Saints, Winter Park (Old Testament); and Mrs. Marilyn Lang, leadership development coordinator for the diocese (Psalms); the Gospel lesson was read in Spanish by the Rev. Canon Connie Sanchez, canon to the ordinary for the Diocese of Honduras, and in English by the Ven. John Motis, archdeacon.

Convention Sermon and Eucharist: ‘Rest in That Love’

Holcomb then delivered his Convention sermon, drawing primarily from the lesson in Jeremiah appointed for the Feast of John Chrysostom and reminding those present of their security in God’s love rather than in anything they do.

“Leaders of the Diocese of Central Florida, rest in that love,” he said after pointing to God’s foreknowledge of Jeremiah (Jer. 1:4-5), which parallels his foreknowledge and love of believers. He encouraged his hearers with three summary statements: “First, you are loved before you could try to earn it. Second, you’re accepted because he [God in Christ] chose to be rejected. Third, your weakness is actually your strength.”

“The assurance that God gives Jeremiah strikes a theme with the gospel, that God has chosen the weak to confound the strong, because the gospel is the power of God for salvation,” Holcomb added. “In Jeremiah’s weakness – not despite his weakness – in Jeremiah’s weakness, God will be with him, and God will deliver him. … This is good news for us. When we’re weak, when we know that we need God more than anything else, when we cry out for his all-sufficient and all-powerful grace, that’s when God uses us in supernatural ways.”

The bishop then pointed his hearers to Christ’s work on the cross, noting that “The costliness of the sacrifice denotes the efficacy of your salvation. … You were purchased with the costly blood of the Lamb and because of that, God sets you on fire with the cross and will make your whole life – strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures, fears and hopes, joys and disappointments – he will make your whole life one burning sacrifice of gratitude to the blessed Savior who loves you and gave himself for you.”

Following the sermon, the assembled delegates and guests recited the Nicene Creed, and the Rt. Rev. Dabney Smith, who began Jan. 1 as part-time assisting bishop, led in the Prayers of the People. This included prayers for all those who died since the last Diocesan Convention, with Smith reading a list of 16 clergy members. After some brief announcements, an offering was then received, its funds designated for youth to attend one of the three 2024 diocesan youth events.

Holcomb then presided over the Eucharist, with communicants visiting one of three Communion stations to receive as Bales again led in worship. After a post-Communion prayer and blessing, the Rev. Canon Dr. Daniel Smith, canon to the ordinary, announced a 15-minute break.

First Plenary Session

Appointments, Introductions, Announcements

After the break, the first plenary session began with the bishop’s announcement of the appointments for the 55th annual Diocesan Convention: The Hon. Council “Butch” Wooten, chancellor; the Hon. William A. Grimm, vice chancellor; and Mrs. Sarah Caprani, secretary. Holcomb also thanked them for their faithful service “in all administrative, legal and canonical matters.”

Following this, Canon Smith, chair of the Credentials Committee, reported that of the 260 clergy entitled to vote in this Convention, 156 had registered. Of the 247 laypersons entitled to vote in this Convention, 243 had registered. The Convention thus had quorums (per the diocesan canons, a quorum is 1/3 of those entitled to vote) in both clerical and lay orders, and the Credentials Report was adopted, as were the agenda and rules of order.

The Very Rev. Stu Shelby, rector of All Saints, then welcomed delegates and visitors, and the bishop introduced his staff, including those who have accepted positions since the previous Diocesan Convention: Canon Smith, canon to the ordinary; Ms. Adria Northern, executive assistant to the canon to the ordinary; Bishop Smith, part-time assisting bishop; the Vens. Julie Altenbach and John Motis, archdeacons; the Revs. Garcia Barnswell-Schmidt, Kevin Bartle and Jared Jones, youth ministry coordinators; and a brand-new diocesan staff member, Mr. Roman Franklin, diocesan financial officer and administrator.

Canon Smith then announced the names of those clergy in new positions. In his role as “[his] own canon for vocations,” the bishop announced the names of the diocese’s newly ordained clergy (nine priests and 10 deacons) and had those present stand to be recognized, adding that the diocese currently has 54 aspirants, postulants and candidates, asking those present to stand for recognition also. He also announced the dates of the 2024 General Convention of The Episcopal Church, to take place June 23-28 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Here, the new presiding bishop will be elected in advance of the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry’s retirement when the new bishop is installed on Nov. 1. Deputies for the diocese, elected at the 2023 Diocesan Convention, are as follows:

Clerical Order: The Rev. Phyllis Bartle, deputation leader; the Rev. Canon Scott Holcombe; the Rev. Sara Oxley; the Rev. Dr. José Rodríguez. Alternates: The Rev. Kay Mueller, the Rev. Laura Cook, the Rev. Deke Miller.

Lay Order: Mrs. Emily Fletcher, Mrs. Mary Kay Predmore, Mrs. Heather Rodriguez, Mrs. Heidi White. Alternate: Mrs. Cheryl Arnold.

Bishop Allen’s Address: ‘Come and Help Us’

The Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen then delivered a brief address, thanking the Diocese of Central Florida for its 50 years of companion relationship in the gospel with the Diocese of Honduras, empowered with what he described as “the Holy Spirit’s passion, humility and a vision for the church.” The Honduran bishop also brought gifts for Holcomb, his wife and family and reminded those present of his diocese’s commitment to the Great Commission, urging those present to “come and help us” carry out the work of evangelism in Honduras.

“It’s been a wonderful experience of sharing this time with Bishop Justin and the hospitality of the entire Convention,” Allen said later. “I am returning home with lots of hopes, dreams and expectations, and I hope to have a lot of people who want to come to Honduras. I am inviting Bishop Holcomb to be with us at our Diocesan Convention in 2025.” He expressed his gratitude again to the bishop, the Honduras Commission and the diocese as a whole for their partnership with his diocese and for the 2023 Thanksgiving Offering, which is being used to make much-needed repairs at San Patricio (Saint Patrick’s), El Progreso.

Budget and Test Vote

Following Allen’s address, Holcomb explained that due to transitions in the diocesan finance department, the treasurer’s report for 2023 was not yet available and would be presented later to the Diocesan Board before being made available to members of the Convention. He introduced Ms. Lena Combs, treasurer, who presented the recommended 2024 diocesan operating budget, beginning with a motion to adopt it and then presenting slides detailing a balanced budget based on an 11% assessment and showing a $367,000 expense increase over the 2023 budget. The budget was adopted via voice vote.

The Very Rev. Jason Murbarger, rector of St. Mary’s, Daytona Beach, dean of the Northeast Deanery and chair of the Committee on Nominations and Elections, gave ballot instructions and VPOLL test vote information for the afternoon’s elections. After making sure that everyone could access VPOLL, he presided over a test vote, with tech support from students at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Academy, Fort Pierce, whom he thanked for their assistance.

After the test vote, Canon Smith made some brief announcements and dismissed delegates and visitors for lunch, reminding them to visit the displays in the hallways from various ministries and vendors. Holcomb then prayed over lunch and dismissed the group.

Second Plenary Session: ‘Gospel Partnership’

Deanery Reports and Diocesan Elections

Following the lunch break, Holcomb called the Convention back to order, introducing the deans and presidents of the five deaneries, which he said have a special focus on “providing outreach and support around the diocese and in their local communities in many ways” and pointing delegates to the deanery reports contained in their packets. One new dean and two new presidents were elected prior to the Diocesan Convention: The Very Rev. Dr. Dave Johnson, dean, Central Deanery; Dr. Rick Lentz, president, Northeast Deanery; and Mr. Robert Miller, president, Southwest Deanery. After applause for all the diocesan leaders, Holcomb asked Murbarger to continue in his role as Committee on Nominations and Elections chair for the conducting of the day’s elections.

Elections were held via VPOLL for each of the following, with results announced near the close of the Convention but listed here:

Standing Committee, Clerical Order (four-year term): The Rev. Mark Lafler, rector, St. Edward’s, Mount Dora.

Standing Committee, Lay Order (three-year term): Mrs. Mary Kay Predmore.

Diocesan Board, Clerical Order (three-year term): The Rev. Laura Cook, associate rector for Christian formation and mission, All Saints, Winter Park.

Diocesan Board, Lay Order (three-year term): Mrs. AmaTiombi Brown-Fenton, Mr. Jason Ullrich.

Trustee, University of the South (three-year-term): Mr. James E. “Trippe” Cheek III.

Resolutions: Honoring 2 Stalwarts of the Diocese

After voting ended, DOK President Nadine Craig; the Rev. Charles T. Myers, rector, St. John the Baptist, Orlando; and Dr. John Robertson, president, Canon Nelson Pinder UBE Chapter of Central Florida, came forward to present Resolution R-1 (watch video here) which honors former National DOK President Krisita Anne Jackson, who died Dec. 1. The resolution was passed unanimously by voice vote in a spirit of joy and affirmation.

Following this, Holcomb invited the Rev. Canon Ernie Bennett to the podium. Bennett presented Resolution R-2 (watch video here), honoring Chancellor Council “Butch” Wooten Jr. and announcing his retirement after 34 years as diocesan chancellor. This resolution also passed unanimously via voice vote, and Holcomb then bestowed upon Wooten the title of “chancellor emeritus.”

Bishop Holcomb’s Address: ‘The One Matter That Matters Most’

After a brief break, the bishop delivered his Convention address in which he emphasized “the one matter that matters most”: the gospel of Jesus Christ, which he described as “God’s message about his promised Son and the salvation he has accomplished, secured and won for you.” This gospel, he said, is the foundation of the episcopacy and of health for the Diocese of Central Florida.

He went on to give details about the fruit of the what he called his “gospel partnership” with the diocese, noting that he has already visited more than 1/3 of the diocese’s 81 churches in his first seven months as bishop and is already scheduled for more than 40 visitations this year. Bishop Smith is making episcopal visitations as well, with corresponding confirmations, receptions and reaffirmations.

Not long ago, Holcomb traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand, for a visitation with the Rev. Loren and Mrs. Linda Fox, who formerly served at Church of Our Savior, Palm Bay. He told the Convention, “Given the great needs and challenges in the places [the Foxes] serve, it is all the more important that they know the Diocese of Central Florida stands with them and they have our prayers and support.”

Holcomb then focused on leadership and leadership development, reminding those present that “the diocesan office exists for the churches, for the gospel. Preaching the gospel bears fruit. And that requires practical support in the form of diocesan staff and volunteer leaders.” He added that “practical support [for diocesan leadership] means providing robust clergy care and recruiting priests and deacons who are focused on gospel ministry.”

The bishop said there are currently 54 individuals in the diocese’s leadership development program, 19 in the diaconate track and 35 in the priesthood track, including 21 women and nine people of color. He also gave thanks for Bishop Smith’s commitment to clergy care, noting that Smith and his wife, Mrs. Mary Wallis Smith, are now the diocese’s Church Pension Group chaplains.

In addition, the diocese’s two new archdeacons are busy at work, Holcomb said. As a part of its support for deacons, the diocese had its first Clergy Conference designed for deacons this fall and has recently rebooted the Institute for Christian Studies. Motis is working with recruitment and guiding prospective deacons through the discernment process, while Altenbach is concentrating on spiritual formation in that process.

Holcomb also celebrated the diocese’s renewed emphasis on youth ministry, reiterating his delight in having Barnswell-Schmidt, Bartle and Jones as new youth coordinators and emphasizing the three diocesan youth events funded in the operating budget: “Grounded,” “New Beginnings” and “Soul in the City.” He pointed out that the diocese has also budgeted to subsidize the StoryMakers modular curriculum for churches to help meet the formation needs of children and teens from kindergarten through grade 12.

Holcomb again mentioned his delight at having Franklin on staff as diocesan financial officer and administrator. Not only will he oversee the diocesan budget and investments, but he will also present financial workshops for clergy and churches.

The bishop then announced the appointment of a new chancellor, the Hon. Todd Pittenger, a business litigation attorney, lifelong Episcopalian and active member of St. Michael’s, Orlando, who has already been serving on the Diocesan Board. He also announced that he has reconstituted the Real Estate Commission with the following members: the Rev. Jim Dorn, rector, St. Matthias, Clermont, and Murbarger, co-chairs; Mr. Walter Carpenter Jr.; Mr. John Evans Sr.; and Mr. Tommy Hagood. The Finance Commission has two new members, the Rev. Dr. Jim Taylor, rector, St. George, the Villages; and the Rev. Brian Stankich, associate rector, Grace, Ocala. Holcomb will also reconstitute the Stewardship Commission with the Rev. Phyllis Bartle, rector, St. Jude’s, Orange City, as chair and additional members to be named later.

Holcomb gave a brief update on Canterbury Conference Center, noting that the work there is not done. “We’re committed to finding a way to use the property for the good and mission of the diocese,” he said, adding that the new Real Estate Commission and the Canterbury Board will work together to explore ministry and practical realities.

He also said the Diocesan Board has received reports of sexual harassment in the diocese, and that thorough internal investigations have taken place and reports submitted to the Diocesan Board and the Standing Committee. The diocese is also hiring G.R.A.C.E. (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) to evaluate and update the diocese’s safeguarding policy as well as create a known sex offender policy. In addition, the Rev. Dr. Robin Reed, rector, St. Francis of Assisi, Lake Placid, has been appointed, along with Canon Smith, as a Title IV intake officer.

Councils of the Church, Addressing Dechurching and Decline

Holcomb said he received “the warmest of welcomes” at his first House of Bishops meeting in the fall of 2023 and has since attended a Province IV bishop’s and spouse’s meeting in South Carolina. He looks forward to attending the 81st General Convention of the Episcopal Church this summer.

He then addressed the decline of the church, noting that at the recent House of Bishops meeting, research was presented that showed attendance in The Episcopal Church has declined by 44% over the past 10 years. In the same time period, attendance in the Diocese of Central Florida has declined by 39%, and he acknowledged both as alarming rates. The diocese has begun addressing this decline, first through an Aug. 19 event focused on the dechurched at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and next at the 2023 Clergy Conferences, where the authors of “The Great Dechurching” presented information to priests and deacons on ways to minister to the dechurched.

“It may seem crazy to face the decline I just mentioned and believe that our diocese will grow in the coming decade,” Holcomb said. “It may sound naive, but we are no strangers to staring death in the face and believing in Resurrection. … We believe the gospel. We believe it is the very power of God for salvation.” He urged diocesan leaders to stay “laser focused” on what matters most, emphasizing, “When Jesus is lifted up, he will draw all people to himself.”

Returning to the theme of the morning sermon, Holcomb closed his address by saying, “Thanks be to God there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Accept that you are accepted, and go forth into the world rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.”

Expressing Gratitude, New Appointments

After his address, Holcomb acknowledged and thanked those whose terms on the Diocesan Board, Standing Committee, Committee on Constitutions and Canons, and Commission on Ministry have concluded. He then called Murbarger back to the platform to present the election results, given earlier in this article. Holcomb also announced appointments to various boards and commissions as follows:

Disciplinary Board, Clerical Order. Three-year term: The Rev. Nina Bolton, deacon, St. Peter’s, Lake Mary; the Rev. Jim Dorn; Lay Order: Ms. Monica Taffinder.

Commission on Ministry, Clerical Order. Four-year term: The Rev. Canon Angela Ifill, interim rector, St. Mark’s, Haines City; the Rev. Mark Lafler, the Rev. Kay Mueller, rector, Church of Our Saviour, Okeechobee. Three-year term: The Rev. Marcia Allison, deacon, St. James, Ormond Beach; the Rev. Dr. Rob Strenth, rector, St. Matthew’s, Orlando. One-year term: The Rev. Tim Nunez, rector, Good Shepherd, Lake Wales.

The Commission on Ministry, Lay Order. Four-year term: Mrs. LaVerne Collins, Mr. Erik Guzman, Mrs. Lydia Pierce. Three-year term: Mrs. Irais Murphy. Two-year term: Mrs. Monique Myers.

Finance Commission: Mrs. Beverly Paulk, chair; Mrs. Susan Burley, Ms. Lena Combs, the Rev. Canon Scott Holcombe, the Rev. Brian Stankich, the Rev. Dr. Jim Taylor.

The Real Estate and Stewardship Commissions: as listed earlier under “Bishop Holcomb’s Address.”

After applause for all those elected and appointed, the Rev. Chris Rodriguez extended an invitation to the diocese for the 56th annual Diocesan Convention to be held at Trinity, Vero Beach, where he serves as rector, and Bales again led in worship, calling the diocese to “Lift High the Cross.” Holcomb prayed a closing prayer and officially adjourned this year’s Convention.

Diocesan leaders agreed that Holcomb’s emphasis on the gospel brought with it the power and encouragement the diocese needs to move forward in its task.

“People seemed relaxed and were just having fun seeing each other,” said the Rev. Becky Chapman, deacon, St. Francis, Bushnell. “I felt there was an air of hopefulness, encouragement, lightness and looking forward to the future.”

“I appreciated the keynote of grace that Bishop Justin brought to us in worship, reminding us that God loves us, he accepts us, and our weakness is our strength,” said the Very Rev. Dr. Reggie Kidd, dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando. “It was a great way to strengthen and encourage us.”

“There was an upbeat and positive energy at Convention this year,” said Craig. “Bishop Holcomb clearly articulated our focus and vision: We are to share the gospel – good news – with others. May we all let the light of Christ shine through us!”