THE BISHOP S VISITATION

Transcription

1 THE BISHOP S VISITATION with ~~ Dedication of the Renovated Church ~~ Confirmations & Receptions Installation of the Vestry February 21, :30 AM The Second Sunday of Lent Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd 1115 Center Rd, Venice, FL

2 From the Book of Common Prayer, pages 566ff And the Book of Occasional Services, pages 196ff WELCOME! Today is a blessed day in the life of our Good Shepherd family. We welcome Bishop Michael Garrison, who comes to extend his episcopal blessing to our Renovated Church, consecrating the new Sanctuary, side Altar, and new adornments of our architecture, that they may be set apart for God s use and glory. The Bishop will also Confirm or Receive beloved candidates as they enter a new chapter in their spiritual journeys. Additionally, he will install and give his blessing to our 2016 Vestry. A great and blessed day for being a part of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd! 9:30 AM The Liturgy begins in the Garden. For those who wish to assemble outside The Clergy & People gather with the Bishop in the All Saints Memorial Garden. When all are ready, the Bishop says Bishop: Through the ages, Almighty God has moved his people to build houses of prayer and praise, and to set apart places for the ministry of his holy Word and Sacraments. With gratitude for the Renovation and Adornment of Good Shepherd Church, we are now gathered to dedicate and consecrate its new architecture in God's Name. Let us pray. Almighty God, we thank you for making us in your image, to share in the ordering of your world. Receive the work of our hands in this place, now to be set apart for your worship, the building up of the living, and the remembrance of the dead, to the praise and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Necessary announcements may now be made. The Bishop, clergy, and people process to the large outdoor Cross.

3 Blessing of the New Celtic Crosses LET US SAY TOGETHER: We will glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, our life and resurrection. Bishop: Christ for us became obedient unto death: People: Even death on a cross. Bishop: Let us pray. (Silence) O gracious God, who in your mercy ordained that your Son should suffer death on a cross of shame: We thank you that it has become for us the sign of his triumph and the banner of our salvation; and we pray that these crosses at our roadways and here at our entrance may draw our hearts to him, who leads us to the glory of your kingdom; where you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen. The procession continues to the Red Doors & the Fountain Walkway. Blessing of the Gathering Place LET US SAY TOGETHER: Solomon beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied the vessels of the temple. Bishop: Oh, the majesty and magnificence of God s presence! People: Oh, the power and splendor of his sanctuary! Bishop: Let us pray. (Silence) O God, whose blessed Son has sanctified and transfigured the use of material things: Receive this Gathering Place which we offer, and grant that it may proclaim your love, benefit your church, and minister grace and joy to those who use it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The procession continues inside to the new Wooden Doors of the Church Nave.

4 Dedication of the Church Standing at the interior Doors to the entrance of the church Nave, the Bishop says: Let the doors be opened! The Doors are opened. With the pastoral staff the Bishop marks the threshold with the sign of the cross, saying: Bishop: Peace be to this house, and to all who enter here: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Litany of Thanksgiving for a Church: S-391 / BCP 578 The Crucifer, Cantor & Choir go to the center of the Church

5 The Choir and People sing, after each petition: The Cantor continues singing For your presence whenever two or three have gathered together in your Name, The People sing: We thank you, Lord. For this place where we may be still and know that you are God, We thank you, Lord. For making us your children by adoption and grace, and refreshing us day by day with the bread of life. We thank you, Lord. For the knowledge of your will and the grace to perform it, We thank you, Lord. For the fulfilling of our desires and petitions as you see best for us, We thank you, Lord. For the pardon of our sins, which restores us to the company of your faithful people, We thank you, Lord. For the blessing of our vows and the crowning of our years with your goodness, We thank you, Lord. For the faith of those who have gone before us and for our encouragement by their perseverance, We thank you, Lord. For the fellowship of this congregation of the Good Shepherd and all your Saints, We thank you, Lord. After a brief SILENCE, the Bishop concludes, saying the following Doxology Bishop: Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; People: For everything in heaven and on earth is yours. Bishop: Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; People: And you are exalted as head over all. Amen. Bishop: Let us go forth in peace. People: In the Name of Christ. Amen. All STAND to sing

6 Procession: The Church s One Foundation

7 Prayer for the Dedication of the Church The congregation standing, with Ministers and Choir at their chairs, the Bishop, Senior Warden, and Rector stand at the gate of the Altar, facing the people. The Bishop ascends the Step and begins the service: Bishop: Our help is in the Name of the Lord; People: The maker of heaven and earth. Bishop: Let us pray. (Silence) Everliving Father, watchful and caring, our source and our end: All that we are and all that we have is yours. Accept us now, as we dedicate this place to which we come to praise your Name, to ask your forgiveness, to know your healing power, to hear your Word, and to be nourished by the Body and Blood of your Son. Be present always to guide and to judge, to illuminate and to bless your people. The Senior Warden continues: Warden: Lord Jesus Christ, make this a temple of your presence and a house of prayer. Be always near us when we seek you in this place. Draw us to you, when we come alone and when we come with others, to find comfort and wisdom, to be supported and strengthened, to rejoice and give thanks. May it be here, Lord Christ, that we are made one with you and with one another, so that our lives are sustained and sanctified for your service. The Rector continues: Rector: Holy Spirit, open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts, that we may grow closer to you through joy and through suffering. Be with us in the fullness of your power as new members are added to your household, as we grow in grace through the years, when we are joined in marriage, when we turn to you in sickness or special need, and, at the last, when we are committed into the Father's hands. Bishop: Now, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, sanctify this place; People: For everything in heaven and on earth is yours. Bishop: Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; People: And you are exalted as head over all. Amen. Now all members of the RENOVATION COMMITTEE (& Architect, Consultants, Artisans), and the FINANCE COMMITTEE come to stand at the front of the Church. The Bishop, taking the Aspergillum, blesses the Committees. The Bishop now turns toward the Organ & Choir.

8 Blessing of the Organ & New Sound System LET US SAY TOGETHER: They sing to the tambourine and the lyre, and rejoice to the sound of the pipes. Bishop: Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: People: Praise him with the lyre and harp. Bishop: Let us pray. (Silence) O Lord, before whose throne trumpets sound, and saints and angels sing the songs of Moses and the Lamb: Accept and BLESS + this organ with its new sound system for the worship of your temple, that with the voice of music we may proclaim your praise and tell it abroad; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessing of the Candlesticks LET US SAY TOGETHER: Before the throne burn seven lamps of fire, which are the seven spirits of God. Bishop: You, O Lord, are my lamp: People: My God, you make my darkness bright. Bishop: Let us pray. (Silence) O heavenly Father, who revealed to us the vision of your Son in the midst of the candlesticks, and of your Spirit in seven lamps of fire before your throne: BLESS + these candlesticks, to be kindled for your glory, that they may be to us a sign of your presence and the promise of eternal light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Blessing of the Railed Sanctuary: Stained Glass Window & Reredos LET US SAY TOGETHER: I will make your windows of agates, and all your borders of pleasant stones. Bishop: Look upon the rainbow, and praise him who made it: People: How beautiful it is in its brightness. Bishop: Let us pray (Silence) O Lord God, the whole world is filled with the radiance of your glory: BLESS + and acept our offering of this Sanctuary & Reredos, with its window, which we now dedicate to you for the adornment of this place and the inspiration of your people. Grant that as the light shines through this glass in many colors, so our lives may show forth the beauty of your manifold gifts of grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

9 Blessing of all other New Appointments & Adornments LET US SAY TOGETHER: Solomon beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied the vessels of the temple. Bishop: Oh, the majesty and magnificence of God s presence! People: Oh, the power and splendor of his sanctuary! Bishop: Let us pray. (Silence) O God, by whose Word all things are sanctified, pour your Blessing upon those things we now name, for which we lift up grateful hearts Here, members of the Congregation freely name aloud those items, gifts, memorials, donations, and adornments of the church and any other thing for which they offer thanksgiving to God. Bishop: and grant that all who make use of these named things, with Thanksgiving, may, by the invocation of your holy Name, receive from you, their Maker, health of body and protection of soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. All return to chairs, STANDING, as the Bishop prepares to receive the Confirmands.

10 Liturgy of the Word: Confirmation & Reception in the Book of Common Prayer, pages 413ff The people standing, the Bishop says: Bishop: +Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. People: + His mercy endures for ever. Bowing before the Lord, all sing (repeating twice) The Bishop then continues Bishop: There is one Body and one Spirit; People: There is one hope in God's call to us; Bishop: One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; People: One God and Father of all. Bishop: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Bishop: Let us pray. Collect of the Day: At Confirmation (BCP 254) Grant, Almighty God, that we, who have been redeemed from the old life of sin by our baptism into the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, may be renewed in your Holy Spirit, and live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

11 THE LESSONS (The People sit.) THE WORD OF GOD The Lessons Appointed for Use at The Consecration of a Church, BCP, page 571. The Old Testament Lesson (1 Kings 8:22-23, 27b-30) Reader: A reading from the Book of First Kings. Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. He said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart. "Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! Regard your servant's prayer and his plea, O LORD my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you said, `My name shall be there,' that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling place; heed and forgive." People: The Word of the Lord. Psalm 84:1-6, 9-10 The Choir sings: 1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. 2 The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

12 The People sing: 3 Happy are they who dwell in your house! they will always be praising you. 4 Happy are the people whose strength is in you! whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way. 5 Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, * for the early rains have covered it with pools of water. 6 They will climb from height to height, * and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion. 9 For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room, * and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of the wicked. 10 For the LORD God is both sun and shield; * he will give grace and glory. The Choir sings: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. A-men. The New Testament Lesson (1 Peter 2:1-9) Reader: A reading from the First Letter of Peter. Rid yourselves of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God's sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: "See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner," and "a stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. People: The Word of the Lord.

13 Sequence Hymn 518 (Sing verses 1&2 at the Procession; Sing verses 3&4 at the Return.)

14 The Holy Gospel (Matthew 7:13-14, 24-25) Priest: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Matthew. People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock." Priest: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ. The Sermon The Rt. Rev. Michael J. Garrison Presentation and Examination of the Candidates Bishop: The Candidates will now be presented. The Candidates and Presenters STAND at their chairs Presenters: We present these persons for Confirmation. Rector: I present these persons to be Received into this Communion. Bishop: Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil? Candidates: I do. Bishop: Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ? Candidates: I do, and with God's grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord. After all have been presented, the Bishop addresses the congregation, saying: Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ? People: We will.

15 Bishop: Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant. The People now all STAND. The Baptismal Covenant Bishop: Do you believe in God the Father? People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Bishop: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Bishop: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? People: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Bishop: Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? People: I will, with God's help. Bishop: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? People: I will, with God's help. Bishop: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? People: I will, with God's help. Bishop: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? People: I will, with God's help. Bishop: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? People: I will, with God's help.

16 Prayers for the Candidates Bishop: Let us pray for these persons who have renewed their commitment to Christ. The People KNEEL, as able. The Candidates come to the front of the Altar and stand before the Bishop. A Priest leads the following petitions: Leader Leader Leader Leader Leader Leader Leader Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death. People: Lord, hear our prayer. Open their hearts to your grace and truth. Lord, hear our prayer. Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit. Lord, hear our prayer. Keep them in the faith and communion of your holy Church. Lord, hear our prayer. Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit. Lord, hear our prayer. Send them into the world in witness to your love. Lord, hear our prayer. Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory. Lord, hear our prayer. A period of silence follows. Then the Bishop says: Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in these your servants the covenant you have made with them at their Baptism. Send them forth in the power of that Spirit to perform the service you set before them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Bishop lays hands upon each one and says: For Confirmation Strengthen, O Lord, your servant [Name] with your Holy Spirit; empower him for your service; and sustain him all the days of his life. Amen. For Reception [Name], we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion. God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you. Amen. The People SIT.

17 The Blessing of the Side-Chapel Altar Now follows a Procession to the chapel of our Savior, as the Choir sings O saving Victim, opening wide the gate of heaven to us below, our foes press on from every side, thine aid supply, thy strength bestow. All praise and thanks to thee ascend for evermore, blest One in Three; O grant us life that shall not end in our true native land with thee. The Bishop, Priests, and SubDeacon move to the Chapel, along with ALL MEMBERS of the ALTAR GUILD & FLOWER GUILD. The Bishop blesses the Guild Members, and then follows LET US SAY TOGETHER: Arise, go to Bethel, and dwell there, and make there an altar to our God. Bishop: I will go to the altar of God: People: To the God of my joy and gladness. (Silence) The Bishop, standing at the Table with arms extended, prays: We praise you, Almighty God, that for us and for our salvation, you sent your Son Jesus to be born among us, that through him we might become your sons and daughters. People: Blessed be your Name, Lord God. We praise you for his life on earth, and for his death upon the cross, through which he offered himself a perfect sacrifice. Blessed be your Name, Lord God. We praise you for raising him from the dead, and for exalting him to be our great High Priest. Blessed be your Name, Lord God. We praise you for sending your Holy Spirit to make us holy, and to unite us in your holy Church. Blessed be your Name, Lord God. The Bishop lays hands on the Altar, and continues: Lord God, hear us. Sanctify this Table dedicated to you. Let it be to us a sign of the heavenly Altar where your saints and angels praise you for ever. Accept here the continual recalling of the sacrifice of your Son. Grant that all who eat and drink at this holy Table may be fed and refreshed by his flesh and blood, be forgiven for their sins, united with one another, and strengthened for your service. People: Blessed be your Name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; now and forever! Amen. As the Bishop and Ministers return to the Steps, Music sounds, and GUILD MEMBERS VEST THE ALTAR, place vessels on it, and light the candles.

18 Installation of the 2016 Vestry The 2016 Vestry members gather before the bishop at the front of the Altar Rector: Right Reverend Sir, I present to you these persons to be admitted to the ministry of Wardens and Members of the Vestry in this congregation. Bishop: Have these leaders been elected by the congregation in accordance with the bylaws of our church? Rector: They have. Bishop: Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, we are all baptized by the one Spirit into one Body and given gifts for a variety of ministries for the common good. Our purpose is to commission these persons in the name of God and this congregation to the special ministries to which they are called. Bishop: (to the new Vestry) Do you commit yourselves to carry out the responsibilities of the office to which you have been appointed? Leaders: I do. Bishop: Do you reaffirm your commitment to follow Christ and to serve this congregation in his name? Leaders: I do. Bishop: (to the congregation) Will you do all in your power to support these leaders with your prayers, your honest yet gracious communication with them, and your willingness to help them carry out Christ s ministry in this church? Congregation: We will. Bishop: I commission you for this work, and pledge you our prayers, encouragement, and support. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, that in this, and in all things, you may do God s will in the service of the kingdom of Christ. Amen. Let us pray. Almighty God, look with favor upon these persons who have now voiced their commitment to follow Christ and to serve in his name on this Vestry. Give them courage, patience, and vision; and strengthen us all in our Christian vocation of witness to the world, and of service to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Peace & Announcements Bishop: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you. The ministers and People greet one another in the name of the Lord.

19 THE HOLY COMMUNION The Offertory The people remain seated while oblations and offerings are collected. Anthem: O, That I Had a Thousand Voices Althouse Presentation Hymn Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. A-men. The Great Thanksgiving (the People remain standing, as able) BCP 361 Bishop: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Bishop: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Bishop: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise. The Bishop continues the Great Thanksgiving Prayer Eucharistic Prayer A To follow the Prayer Please turn to page 361 in the Book of Common Prayer. (Or, you may simply watch, listen, and pray the Eucharist in your heart.) The Bishop continues with the Prayer until we join our voices with Angels and Archangels who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of God s Name The Sanctus (Sung by all)

20 The people stand or kneel as the Bishop continues with the Eucharistic Prayer, until the Memorial Acclamation Bishop: therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. The Prayer continues to the Great AMEN. And then: The Lord s Prayer & Breaking of the Bread The Bishop breaks the consecrated Bread, and a period of silence is kept. Then: Bishop: Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Agnus Dei (Sung by all) Bishop: The Gifts of God for the People of God. The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then administer to the people. ~~ All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion ~~ On this day, we receive Communion standing. Please come up the center aisle to receive the Bread, in open palm. Then move right or left to receive the cup at the side stations. Grasp the bottom of the Chalice to help guide it to you. [If you desire intinction, hold the Bread in your palm, and the priest will dip it in the wine and place it on your tongue.]

21 Communion Hymn 321 Post Communion Hymn Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. I can feel His might power and His grace. I can hear the brush of angels wings, I see glory on each face. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. Sending forth of Lay Eucharistic Ministers (The Rector invites the LEVs forward for the sending Prayer) Post Communion Prayer Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

22 The Bishop Blesses the People SubDeacon: Bow for God s blessing! Bishop: Our help is in the Name of the Lord; People: The maker of heaven and earth. Bishop: Blessed be the Name of the Lord; People: From this time forth, forever more. Bishop: The blessing, mercy, and grace of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen. Recessional Hymn 539 O, Zion Haste PARISH NOTES & PRAYERS We come before the Lord for all who have commended themselves to our prayers; for our families, friends, and neighbors; that being freed from anxiety, they may live in joy, peace, and health, we pray to you, O Lord. LOOKING AHEAD: Stations of the Cross Fridays in Lent at 12:00 Noon Cursillo Dinner Friday, February 26 th 5:30 pm Acolyte Training - Saturday March 5 th 2:00 pm Taize Candlelight Worship - Saturday, March 5 th 7:00 pm Christian Women s Fellowship Monday, March 14 th 11:30 am Walk for Life Saturday, April 2 nd TODAY THE BISHOP BLESSES in Confirmation of the Faith Victoria Tabor Brendan Hillock II Rebecca Hurley Rachel Hurley Jane Murphy Margaret Clayton in Reception ino the Anglican Communion Jerry Flood Jean Taylor (If you are visiting this morning, please sign the Guest Book and enjoy refreshments after the service.) Keep in touch via the parish website: Diocesan Bishop: The Right Reverend Dabney T. Smith Rector: The Rev. Gary Allen Wilde Senior Warden: Larry Fees Junior Warden: Rusty Shelley Good Shepherd Staff: Organist & ChoirMaster: Charles Bradley Parish Administrator: Lynn Tabor Bookkeeper: BetteAnn Janes Sexton: Rich Crocetta

23 Recessional Hymn 539 Organ Postlude Symphony 5: Toccata C. Widor

24 Many Gifts, Memorials, and Dedicated items have been given to the Church, for the Glory of God, by individuals and families, as a part of the Renovation effort. ~~ May God bless you for your Generosity ~~ toward the beautification of this Parish and the greater Worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The ENTIRE CONGREGATION of THE GOOD SHEPHERD has given sacrificially to beautify God s Sanctuary and to lift up His name on high. THANKS BE TO GOD! WELCOME to THE RT. REV. J. MICHAEL GARRISON, Assisting Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida Bishop Garrison was elected Tenth Bishop of Western New York in December 1998 and ordained and consecrated in April of He was raised in Philadelphia and also lived with his family in Oregon and California. Bishop Garrison trained for the priesthood in the Roman Catholic community at Mount Angel Seminary near Salem, Oregon, and at the Pontifical College Josephinum near Columbus, Ohio. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1970 and to the priesthood in In 1975 Michael was received as a deacon and priest of the Episcopal Church. Bishop Garrison served for 25 years in the Diocese of Nevada before his election in Western New York. Bishop Michael and Carol have been married since 1990 and have two sons and four daughters between them and three grandchildren. Since 2000, they have been sometime parishioners of the Church of the Annunciation, Holmes Beach, and now reside in Bradenton.