On behalf of Bishop Brewer, we are delighted to announce that St. Anne’s, Crystal River has called the Reverend Richard Chandler to be their rector. Fr. Rich is currently serving Zion Episcopal Church in Hudson Falls, NY. He is a native of that area and was ordained in the Diocese of Albany. He and his…
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I see my church as a big family. I love talking to everyone, getting people involved with each other or in different church activities, and just knowing that I have people who truly care about me. Like most families, we have our trials and tribulations, but we always get through them. When I was 15…
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Tillamook, Oregon has many similarities to other small cities across the United States. There’s a strong sense of community. Neighbors come together to support each other and to volunteer in the community’s many social service programs. The community supports a number of churches and other faith traditions, with several working together in service to God’s…
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In our obsession for the so-called great things of life, we might overlook things that really matter. It had been awhile since we had seen Isabela. We met her in the streets about a year ago. For a homeless teen, she was unusually reserved. Most of the teens and children are open to any adult…
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At a meeting I attended a few years ago, Kirk Hadaway, the congregational research officer for The Episcopal Church, noted, “Conflict over leadership and conflict over finances were the most strongly related areas to decline in average Sunday attendance.” In other words, conflict is usually a symptom of a leadership or financial problem. Several of…
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In 1994, three explorers in southern France stumbled upon one of the greatest archeological discoveries of all time. It came to be called the Chauvet Cave (after one of the explorers), and what was found inside was by far the oldest known artwork made by human beings. Hundreds of paintings of more than 13 different…
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The Anglican Consultative Council has called on “every province, diocese, and parish” in the Anglican Communion to “adopt a clear focus on intentional discipleship” as part of a “season of intentional discipleship” to run for approximately the next nine years. The ACC annual meeting this year also called for “resources to equip and enable the…
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On behalf of Bishop Brewer, we report with great sadness the death of Mrs. Sherry Recla on Sunday, May 1. Sherry was the wife of the Rev. Larry Recla, priest-in-charge at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bushnell. Larry and Sherry were married for 30 years. “Grant her, O Lord, eternal rest, and may light…
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PREVIEW PHOTO: John Motis On April 16, Laura Lee and Bishop Brewer invited the deacons to their home for their annual deacon luncheon. As usual, the event was wonderful. Bishop Brewer wore his grilling apron, and he and Laura Lee put on a delicious spread. “I have been an ordained deacon for 30 years and have…
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On Monday, May 9, Evelyn and I (Daniel Smith) attended one of Bishop Brewer’s regular dinners for clergy and spouses. For us, the good food was a bonus. Of greater importance were the connections and reconnections that took place during the evening. As a priest coming back to the Central Florida Diocese after 27 years…
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