Candidates for Elected Office

Transcription

1 Candidates for Elected Office Mr. Sid Glynn Diocesan Board Lay Order and General Convention Deputy Lay Order Sid Glynn, member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Lakeland, is seeking election to the Diocesan Board, Lay Order. Sid serves and has served the Diocese of Central Florida in numerous capacities. He was the President of the Southwest Deanery, a member of the Diocesan Board , and , served four years on the Stewardship Commission, and was a member of the Standing Committee in 2009, Sid was a Lay in 2006, 2012 and He has been a member of the Commission on Ministry since 2004 and served for many years on the Diocesan Liturgy & Music Commission where he helped with the development of our youth in the acolyte ministry, with adults in the verger ministry and with Diocesan Conventions. He has served for a number of years as Verger of the Diocesan Convention and was the Master of Ceremonies for the Consecration of Bishop Brewer in Working with the development of youth in the diocese since 2001, he is the director of the Diocesan Acolyte Festival, director of the Diocesan Acolyte Wet n Wild Event and has led the Acolyte Pilgrimage to the Washington National Cathedral where he helps verging the diocesan processions. At All Saints he has served as the parish Master Verger for the past 15 years. His service in his parish has included membership on the Stewardship Council, two terms as Senior Warden, nine times a delegate to Diocesan Convention, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Bible Study Facilitator, and Acolyte Master. His community service includes serving as a district leader of the Boy Scouts of America. He was awarded the St. George Award of the Episcopal Church, a national recognition for distinguished service to the physical, mental and moral development of youth through service to the Church. Sid is a resident of Lakeland and he has been a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Lakeland since He and his wife Sharon have two grown children. He is in the computer business. He served his country twenty years in the United States Marine Corp from What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018?" There are many complex challenges in our years ahead: First part of the challenge for 2018 is the completion of the transition of our new Presiding Bishop; Second is ascertaining the Presiding Bishop s direction for the existing programs of The Episcopal Church; Third, the most difficult of all, is developing a strategy and a plan of action to grow the Episcopal Church

2 Mr. Erick Perez Lay Order Received into the Episcopal Church by Bishop John Howe, and haven t looked back since. I have been part of a Bible Study ministry that caters to college students and young adults 18 to 30 something year olds, sponsored by Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo. I transitioned from active participant to be part of their leadership, taking part in teaching some of the sessions as well. Still a member of Church of the Incarnation, having served as Vestry member and Clerk for 4 years, which included serving in a couple of Parish Discernment Committees as well as a search committee to look for a new clergy to lead our parish. I have scaled back my activities to just being part of our communications ministry and volunteering whenever possible, this was due to the fact that I decided to return to academia to finish my undergraduate degree (God willing, graduating December 2017). Currently I work at the Diocesan Office as an appointed Jack of All Trades. Currently I manage the subscription for the Diocesan newspaper, The Central Florida Episcopalian, being the receptionist as well Database Manager, translator for visitors and clergy, member of the newly reorganized Hispanic Commission, and many other things that would take too long to name each and every one. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018?" The most important challenge is how to prepare and raise a new generation of leaders to continue in the wonderful traditions of the Episcopal Church - not just through liturgy, but, in how we are involved in our respective communities serving all peoples of all walks for they ll know we are Christians by our love.

3 Mrs. Sonya Shannon Lay Order Born in Tyler, Texas, I was confirmed at St. Andrew s Episcopal Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. I met my husband, Colin, in high school and we were married at St. Andrews in We joined The Cathedral Church of St. Luke when we moved to Orlando in Today we are the proud parents of three beautiful cradle Episcopalians-Shelby is 22, Erin is 18, and Kendall is 15. I continue seek to secure a safe place for my girls to grow in their love of the Lord. I currently work at the Cathedral as the Nursery Coordinator. In diocesan work I have served on Standing Committee and currently serve on the Diocesan Board and the Camp Wingmann Board. I have served as a lay deputy to the 2009, 2012, and the 2015 General Conventions. As a diocese, in fact, as the Church, we face a culture that is increasingly non-christian. We routinely encounter individuals who have only a limited knowledge of Jesus Christ. They are looking for answers and meaning but have no idea of where to turn for grace and hope. Our first challenge, therefore, is to renew our own faith and find ways to articulate those personal stories of faith and encounters with the Lord. Our call to evangelism is to step out of our comfort zone. Our comfort zone for many years has been to stay within the confines of our parish, even literally within our very church buildings. We can no longer wait for people to come to us. As strong as our witness is right now, we can become even stronger in our faith. We should continue to develop programs that teach the basics of the faith, renew the spiritual life of the individual members of the world around us and provide the tools for growth in the life of the Church. I believe our Church has a unique opportunity for those who would seek to know our Lord and deepen their relationship. I will continue to work to make a difference in the life of the church by helping to maintain the continuity and integrity throughout the churches in the Diocese of Central Florida. I am committed to serve as best I can to help the bishop fulfill his vision of raising up new leaders and restoring lives in our community I believe I can be effective in this effort as a Lay Deputy to the 2018 General Convention and as a representative of our Diocese.

4 Mr. Tom Alday Lay Order Thomas G. Alday, III has been active in real estate since He has worked in the lending, appraisal, real estate consulting and development segments of the industry. In addition, he has provided appraisal and consulting work for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and the Resolution Trust Corporation. Tom received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Accounting from Rollins College. Tom has been associated with Interlachen Financial Group since 1995 as a commercial mortgage banker. Interlachen has been engaged in commercial mortgage production for approximately 20 years. Interlachen s clients include 20 Life Insurance Companies as well as several banks. Interlachen s servicing portfolio currently consists of 230 commercial loans with a total loan amount in excess of $700 million. The individual loans are primarily concentrated throughout the southeastern United States. Tom is a director of The Asset Preservation Group which provides real estate asset reposition services. The Asset Preservation Group provides the client with full encompassing real estate services including value preservation, asset management, and final disposition. Because our professionals have proven business experience on the bank-creditor side as well as on the business-debtor side, we are able to clearly communicate to both sides the specific circumstances, problems and solutions involved in this particular situation. We are able to clearly explain the lender s position(s) to the debtor and help the lender understand specific problems that the debtor may encounter resulting in the current financial position of the property. Our service is important during an asset's period of financial restructuring, foreclosure, REO or other hardship. Tom serves as Co-Chairman of the Real Estate Committee for the Diocese of Central Florida since During this time period, Tom has worked with over 15 Diocese properties including schools, churches, and other Diocese owned properties regarding acquisition, disposition, repairs, expansion, land swaps and financing. Tom was recently appointed as Project Manager and Diocesan representative for the Vision Plan for the potential expansion of the Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center. Additional Appointments and Committees: All Saints Episcopal Church, Winter Park, FL: Buildings and Grounds member for 4 years, Real Estate Committee, Master Plan Committee; City of Winter Park, FL: Planning and Zoning Board for 9 years including Chairman for 3 years, Master Planning for City Properties, Downtown Parking/Park Avenue Merchants, Comprehensive Plan; Rollins College, Winter Park, FL: Committee person on the Rollins College Master Plan What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018?" I believe there are many challenges for the Church today. I see, as a critical challenge facing General Convention, the Stewardship of the Church. We need to seek creative ways to support the Great Commission and be better Stewards of the Church The first factor is Evangelism and Discernment increasing followers of Jesus Christ with new and inventive ways. The second factor is Financial Stewardship better understanding of the current resources of the Church and seeking to institute changes within the National Church including possible de-centralizing and better understanding of the highest and best use of our fixed assets. In addition, encourage our local churches to prayerfully engage in examining their stewardship and instituting change is necessary.

5 Ms. Krisita Jackson Lay Order Krisita A. Jackson is a proud native Floridian and grew up in Ft. Lauderdale. I was baptized and confirmed at St. Christopher s Episcopal Church and was active in the Episcopal Young Churchmen. I was a Camp Wingmann kid. I have been a member of The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist since My involvement in church ministries include: active membership in the Episcopal Church Women. I am a member of the Communications and Technology team which coordinates and develops church printing and communications and edits the monthly newsletter, The Orlando Forerunner. I have served three terms as a Vestry member including two years as Senior Warden and participated in two search committees; my other roles include membership on the worship and liturgy and membership committees. I was a founding member of the Central Florida Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians and held the offices of Treasurer and Vice President. I also worked with the SHARE program which provided food assistance to the needy. Since 1999, I have been a member of The Order of the Daughters of the King. It has been an honor to have served as chapter President, Diocesan Secretary and Diocesan 2nd Vice President and past President of The Order in the diocese of Central Florida. I have been called to serve first as an appointed and now elected member of the National Council and serve as National Membership Chair. I am currently a member of the board of Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center. It was a privilege to be elected to serve as a Lay Deputy to the 2015 General Convention. I am a retired BellSouth Sales and Marketing professional. I am self employed as a Mobile Notary Public and Certified Signing Specialist. One of my greatest pleasures in serving has been for The Orlando Mayor s Martin Luther King Holiday Commission for over 15-years as a member and past Chair. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018? I am quite excited about the Jesus Movement led by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. In my travels throughout the diocese and exposure to the activities of churches in the provinces and nationally it is easy to see the decline in our church in membership number and our aging is obvious. It saddens me but I am not without hope. Our church has much to offer our communities and nation and it is much needed now. Our various and numerous ministries offer opportunity for any person no matter what circumstances or status on life to become part of us. The Jesus Movement must develop methodologies to help us all participate in this movement of evangelism. As a General Convention we must address how to become the evangelists Jesus Christ called us to be and continue to spread the good news to the world.

6 Mrs. Heather F. Washburn-Rodriguez Lay Order I am a member of the Diocesan Board and the Minister of Music at Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo. Over the past ten years, together with my husband and other lay leaders, I have worked in Young Adult and College outreach in the UCF area. I have been a member of the Church of the Incarnation since its establishment as a Mission Church. I have experienced not only planting a mission church but also re-starting a college ministry and now am walking with my husband as our church launches a new Hispanic ministry. Church growth and evangelism have been at the forefront of my ministry experience over the past 10 years. I am also a small business owner and was previously a school teacher leading an elementary and middle school band at a Seminole County private school. I am married to The Reverend José Rodriguez and am the mother of Elijah, 4, and Eva, 1. I am committed to my community and want to work for other young families like mine. Having young children has made me aware of the many issues facing young families in our local churches and in the wider church. I am a native Floridian and have served on church worship teams since my teenage years. My family has called the Diocese of Central Florida home for many years, having been married at All Saints Church in Winter Park then working to help establish the Church of the Incarnation in Oviedo. I want to see the Kingdom grow and its members in Central Florida prosper. What do I see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018? For as the body is one and has many parts... so it is with the Church of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12). I think one of the biggest challenges facing General Convention is gathering up a council of believers that is truly representative of the church. Sometimes it feels like those representing the church and speaking out on our behalf are not in sync with the vast diversity of people and thought throughout our dioceses. I believe our diocesan family has a voice and point of view that not only has withstood the test of time but is urgently needed in the councils of our church. If elected, I want to represent our Diocesan family and help strengthen relationships with the greater church for the benefit of all future generations in our Anglican tradition.

7 Mrs. Rebecca B. Watts Lay Order PRESENT POSITION M.Div. student, Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest (Austin, Texas), Class of 2019 Holy Orders, Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida (effective August 2016) Sending parish is St. Peter s Episcopal Church, Lake Mary, Florida EDUCATION Ph.D., Speech Communication, Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas), December 2003 Primary area: rhetoric and public affairs. Secondary area: organizational communication. Dissertation revised and published as book, Contemporary Southern Identity: Community through Controversy (University Press of Mississippi, 2008). M.A., English, Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina), May 1998 Primary areas: 20 th century literature, U.S. literature, rhetoric and composition. B.A., English, Honors Program, Stetson University (DeLand, Florida), December, 1994; Study abroad, Nottingham Trent University, England, Fall, 1993 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Associate Professor ( ) and Chair ( ), Department of Communication and Media Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Stetson University, DeLand, Florida (Assistant Professor, , Visiting Assistant Professor, , Lecturer ) Leadership roles included Department Chair ( ), University-at-Large Faculty Senator ( ), Faculty Senate Vice-Chair ( ), Academic Affairs Committee Chair ( ), University General Education Committee ( ), Director of University-Wide Junior Seminars ( ) Lecturer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida, August 2004-July 2005 Department of Humanities and Social Sciences; taught communication and English courses Editorial assistant, Management Communication Quarterly (academic journal), September 2002-May 2004, Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas Writing center tutor, Blinn College, Bryan, Texas, February 2002-August 2002 Division of Humanities; tutored students in college writing center Graduate assistant, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, June 2001-May 2002 Department of Communication; taught public speaking courses Editorial assistant, Rhetoric & Public Affairs (academic journal), September 2000-June 2001 Department of Communication, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas Graduate assistant, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, September 1999-December 1999; Department of English; taught English composition courses Copy editor, editorial and opinions pages, The Gainesville Sun, May 1998-August 1999; New York Times Regional Newspaper Group, Gainesville, Florida Adjunct instructor, Santa Fe Community College, Gainesville, Florida, September 1998-June 1999, Department of English; taught Advanced Composition and Writing about Literature courses

8 What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018? The most important challenge facing General Convention 2018 is twofold: 1) to seek and find unity in the love of Christ, the overflow of which compels us 2) to seek to bring people to Christ and into our church communities through an increased emphasis on evangelism throughout all spheres of the Episcopal Church. Every decision should be made keeping these priorities and challenges in mind. Rather than focusing solely on that which divides us, lay people and clergy throughout the Episcopal Church must make sharing the love of Christ, both to those within and those outside, our primary focus. If all the Episcopal Church remains known for is controversy and division, this makes it extremely challenging to convince those outside the church, and especially those outside the Christian faith, that our churches are places where we are truly one holy catholic and apostolic Church through Christ s redeeming sacrifice. We have in Christ what this broken world needs; we need to do more to communicate it effectively. As a student at one of our Episcopal seminaries, I spend time every day with classmates from dioceses around the nation. A diversity of approaches, ideologies, and backgrounds are represented, yet every day we come together through the Divine Service of the Word and the Table. Representing our diocese as a lay delegate (or alternate) at the General Convention in the summer before my senior year at seminary (which is in Austin, where General Convention 2018 will be held) would be not only a valuable experience in my formation for the priesthood, but also a way in which I can be of service to our Diocese and to the body of Christ.

9 The Reverend Phyllis Bartle I was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 2006 and have served as Rector at St. Jude s Episcopal Church in Orange City for 10 years. During that time, I have taken seriously the call made at ordination to proclaim the Gospel, to be a faithful pastor, celebrate the Sacraments and to take my share in the councils of the Church. Currently I serve as Dean of the Northeast Deanery (until Jan 2017), on the Diocesan Board, as Weekend Advisor to New Beginnings and as the Treasurer of the Camp Wingmann Board of Directors. In the past I have served on Standing Committee, Congregational Development Commission, and Christian Formation Commission. I have also been active in the Cursillo movement. I have served as a deputy to four General Conventions 2003 (as a lay deputy), 2009, 2012 and 2015 (as a clergy deputy). For each of the last two conventions, I have served on the Stewardship and Development Committee as Secretary. This experience has served well in knowing how the legislative process functions, getting to know the other diocesan deputies, and how to pace myself to fully function through the rigors of 12 hour sessions. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018?" The most important challenge facing the upcoming General Convention is figuring out how all voices will be heard and represented, no matter the issue. Too often over the last decade or so, that has not been the case. It is time for all to work together in the spread of the Good News.

10 The Reverend Jim Sorvillo The Diocese of Central Florida has been an integral part of my spiritual life since I was four years old! Over the years I ve served this diocese as a teen, through Happening and the Youth Action Committee. I ve served as a youth minister to St. James church in Ormond Beach. I have now been a priest since 2000 and it has been my honor to be the rector of the Church of the Ascension for the past 13years. During that time, I ve also been honored to serve on the Diocesan Board twice, act as the chairperson of the Congregational Development Commission, contribute as a member of the board for Canterbury Retreat and Conference center, serve as a deputy to the 2012 and 2015 General Conventions, and currently serve on the Standing Committee. My time as a was both challenging and rewarding. I was very proud to be part of our deputation as we represented the Diocese of Central Florida. Our 2012 and 2015 teams worked well together as we navigated the largest bicameral representative body in the world. I felt that we were not only affective, but productive in uniting voices from many different dioceses for the sake of the Gospel and I would be thrilled to have yet another opportunity to represent DCF in What do I see as the most important challenge facing General Convention 2018? I ve found that it takes participating in a few General Conventions to see how the wheels really work. One of my goals would be to help equip a new generation of deputies so that they hit the ground running in order to be as effective as possible. We are blessed to have a new Presiding Bishop who has expressed a desire to make sure that all voices are heard at the tables of leadership. I want to make sure that his desire comes to fruition within the national committees of The Episcopal Church. We also have a challenge with anticipated changes to the Book of Common Prayer and I would hope to play a role with our team to see that any changes honor God and our Anglican tradition.

11 The Reverend David G. Newhart Standing Committee and My journey to ordination began at St. John s in Kissimmee and I was ordained as a Deacon and Priest in After seminary I served for 2 years at St. Helena s in Boerne, Texas and was called to St. Elizabeth s in Sebastian in July of 2007 where I am starting my 10 th year as their Rector. Since returning to the Diocese of Central Florida I have served on the Clergy Event Committee, Cursillo Commission, Diocesan Board for 4 years and as Dean of the Southeast Deanery. I currently serve on Commission on Ministry, the Disciplinary Board, and Chair the ICS Commission. In addition I have taught several courses over the past 5 years at ICS and hosted the past two Aspiring Deacon s retreat. There are two positions I am seeking to serve within the Diocese - the Standing Committee and Deputy to the General Convention. Over the past 10 years the experience I have gained serving in these various positions will enhance my and ability and understanding of the dynamics of serving on the Standing Committee and as a Deputy to the General Convention should I be elected. What do I see as the most important challenge facing General Convention 2018? We live in a church with varying positions on social justice and theological issues. To move forward one needs to listen, learn, and respect each other without compromising one s theological foundation. The issues we will face at General Convention are how to demonstrate Jesus love to each other and to live within community with each other.

12 The Reverend Brian Garrison My spiritual journey began and continues to be enriched through the Episcopal Church. I was blessed to receive dynamic children, youth, and college ministries as a part of my early formation. In 1993, I felt God s call to ministry. Through a series of internships, my call into full time youth ministry was confirmed. I joined the staff of St. Luke and St. Peter s in St. Cloud in 1996 and became a part of this great Diocese. During this time, I served on a Diocesan Antiracism Task Force and multiple Youth Committees. At the turn of the Century, I was the Coordinator for the Y2K4JC National Youth Event that paralleled General Convention in Colorado. In 2001, I entered seminary, answered a call to serve at All Saints, Winter Park as their Youth Minister, and began exploring the discernment process. I completed my MDiv at Nashotah House in January of 2005 and began serving as Vicar of Holy Presence, DeLand that same year. In March of 2012, I answered a call to serve as Rector of St. Barnabas, DeLand. Previously, I have served on the Diocese Board as Dean of the NE Deanery and was honored to represent the Diocese at General Convention in This was an inspiring challenge and I would find it a joy to participate in the counsels of the Church is this way again. I presently serve on the Commission on Ministry and I am entering my final year of serving on the Standing Committee. What do I see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018? The most important challenge facing General Convention will be how we identify ourselves within The Anglican Communion and the resulting consequences of however we respond. Within TEC and globally there has been much division and unrest with the way we have governed ourselves as a part of the larger body. There will be plenty of opportunities that will define our position. Will we respond the Primates Communique, will we genuinely listen to one another and respond in ways that build up the Church, will we move forward with Prayer Book Revisions that change the landscape of our beliefs (not just in relationship to marriage but in other Sacramental Liturgies as well), will we consider the effects of our actions upon our ecumenical brothers and sisters and the image of Christ this reflects to the world around us, will we look beyond ourselves to share the redemptive power of the Cross. These are real issues that General Convention will face. The decisions we make will communicate our response to how we understand and appreciate our identity within The Anglican Communion and to the larger body of Christ throughout the world. If selected, I would be honored to serve our Diocese and our Church in finding ways forward that hold on to community which reflects the power, presence, and purposes of God.

13 The Reverend Canon Tim Nunez I joined Bishop Greg Brewer s staff in May of As Canon to the Ordinary, I support Bishop Brewer s ministry by serving congregations and clergy in leadership transitions, conflict resolution and crisis intervention, chief of the diocesan staff, implementing canons and policies, supporting clergy and representing the bishop at meetings and functions. My ministry to the Diocese of Central Florida also includes Vice President of Camp Wingmann s board and annual summer chaplain. I am a past President of the Standing Committee, Dean of the Northwest Deanery, Chairman of The Commission on Ministry, member of the Diocesan Board and instructor at the Institute of Christian Studies. I served as rector of St. Mary s Episcopal Church in Belleview, Florida, from During this time, the parish expanded its number and depth of ministries, including pastoral care, discipleship, healing and local, regional and international missions involving youth and adults. Prior to ordained ministry, I was a Certified Public Accountant and an active lay leader at St. David s Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Florida. I was also active in the Kiwanis Club, Leadership Lakeland and served on several nonprofit boards. I m a native of central Florida, born in Bartow and raised in Lakeland. I am a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Florida and a Master of Divinity (Highest Honors) from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. I am married to Meg; we have four children and four grandchildren. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention in 2018? The most important challenge facing the next General Convention and indeed the church as a whole is our ongoing need to refocus on Jesus Christ and shape our common life and mission around him and his Gospel of repentance and grace. Everything else, every decision and strategy, must come back to this focus. For example, The Episcopal Church voted at its most recent convention to establish a framework at the next convention for revising the Book of Common Prayer at a future convention. The very prospect of changing the Book of Common Prayer is fraught with potential competing agendas, conflict and dissension. The temptation will be to establish a framework that will engage the broad array of diverse opinions. I m much more concerned that the framework will bring everyone involved into deep prayer and mutual discernment about Our Lord s direction for his church and the ways we can reach the world as his body.

14 The Reverend Jon Davis In 1991 I became the youth officer for the diocese, on Bishop Howe s staff. Beth and I were married in December of 1991 and she serves as the parish administrator at All Saints in Winter Park. Beth and I have a little farm in Oviedo where we have lived for 16 years with horses, chickens and an assortment of English bulldogs. I was blessed to see diocesan youth ministry expand in substantial ways during my time on diocesan staff. I carry many cherished snapshots: lay leaders raised up and trained; domestic and international mission trips; diocesan events, national youth conferences and more. In these years the young people came to Christ and grew in their knowledge and love of the Lord and I am richer for having been a part of it. After completing theological studies at Reformed Theological Seminary and Trinity, I was ordained deacon and priest in I entered a doctoral program at Graduate Theological Foundation and successfully defended my dissertation and was awarded a PhD in June of I left diocesan staff in 2003 to become an assistant at All Saints in Winter Park. In 2006, I began work in a church plant and Church of the Incarnation was successfully launched in Oviedo. In November of 2009, in addition to being Vicar of Incarnation, I became the Executive Director of Canterbury. In January of 2014 I left Incarnation to serve solely at Canterbury. I was honored to serve as a deputy to General Convention in I have served on Camp Wingmann s Board, Ecclesiastical Trial Court and on Canterbury s Board. I currently serve on the Clergy Events Committee and am completing my term on the Standing Committee having served in 2016 as president. I have joyfully served this diocese and its people for over twenty-five years and look forward with eager anticipation to what God has in store for us. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018? We could list a lot of important and critical issues but in my mind one looms large on the horizon, the continued decline of the Episcopal Church in America. If we do not address this issue the rest will not matter as we run the risk of disappearing from the landscape or at least becoming an insignificant voice in the world. Our mission is to proclaim the Gospel, the Good News of God in Christ by word and example, going into allthe world to make disciples. I believe the Baptismal Covenant (p BCP) gives us a clear description of this mission to be disciples and followers of Christ. We reverse the decline by living into these promises and sowing seeds of the Gospel throughout the church and the world.

15 The Reverend Nancy Oliver Deacon Nancy Oliver has been active in the Episcopal Church since 1974, which gives her a perspective on recent church history. Because of her husband s career of 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, she has been a member of churches in the Diocese of New Jersey, the Diocese of California, the Diocese of Southern Virginia, the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast, and the Diocese of Central Florida. Living in various regions has widened her perspective on issues that face the church. She was ordained a Vocational Deacon in September of 2015 and serves at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke. Her degree is in Social Work. Her ministries include an active jail ministry, an outreach to the homeless in both Brevard and Orange counties, a ministry to the disabled, to provide a social group as well as a way for developmentally disabled adults to be involved in community service. She works to find employment for disabled individuals and people who are reentering society after leaving jail or prison. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Coalition of Social Services in North Brevard, and on The Mayor s Task Force on Homelessness in Titusville. She has been married to her husband, Bob, for 42 years, and they are the parents of 13 children, whom they adopted from 5 states and South Korea. Several of her children have special needs, including autism, deafness, fetal alcohol syndrome, and bipolar disorder. What do I see as the most important challenge facing General Convention 2018? The nation is split into two camps. The Church, which should be a unifying voice, in many ways is also split into two, or even more camps. We need to work to find unity and common ground. We need to work to serve God s broken people. A convention is an opportunity to come together from all over the country- from Virginia where there are so many Episcopal churches to Utah where there are so few. From California where there are more progressive voices to Texas where there are voices calling to hold on to our tried and true values and traditions. Finding that common ground and finding a way for all of these voices to be heard will be a challenge in at our convention and in our country.

16 The Rev. Becky Chapman While I was ordained to the diaconate in September 2016, I have been serving with the Diocesan Staff on a number of projects since July 2015, including updating and instructing the Anti- Racism Training required for all candidates for ordination; coordination of meals and hospitality for the 2016 and 2017 Diocesan Conventions; various projects for the Canon to the Ordinary s office; working with Archdeacon Kristi Alday on the launch of a new website for the Institute of Christian Studies; and working with individual congregations and the Diocesan Administrator s office on financial policies and reporting requirements. I have completed the training for and am a member of the diocese s Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) which was formed as a response to the Pulse shootings in Orlando. As a member of the Bishop s Commission on Anti-Racism along with Father Chris Brathwaite I am actively assisting Deaneries and Parishes with their own racial reconciliation teaching. Prior to entering the ordination process and joining the Diocesan staff I was a member of Church of the Ascension in Orlando where I served on the vestry, finance committee, altar guild, LEV, led small group teachings, and was head of the LEM and Lector ministries. My graduate and undergraduate degrees are in Accounting and Finance and I have experience in both corporate and small business / non-profit operations. After spending 20 years with the Walt Disney Company in Film & Television Development, Corporate Alliances, and Imagineering, I was Director of Corporate and Foundation Development for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. My husband Rod and I are originally from West Virginia and we have been married 35 years. What do I see as the most important challenge facing General Convention 2018? I see the most important challenge facing General Convention and The Episcopal Church is to maintain a place at the table and a voice in the discussion for differing viewpoints, modeling the love and grace that Christ has shown to us. We cannot go forth into the world rejoicing in the spirit of the Lord, nor can we do the work Jesus has commanded us to do in the world until we learn to listen to each other without fear that to listen and understand another point of view is to lose our own. There are many individual issues which will face this General Convention racial reconciliation, evangelism and alternative church movements, financial struggles for our parishes and our parishioners, inter-faith relations, just to name a few but we must be able to listen and learn from each voice in order to address those challenges together as the Kingdom of God.

17 The Reverend Canon Justin Holcomb For over three years, I have served as Canon for Vocations for the Diocese of Central Florida and also as an associate priest for the Cathedral Church of St. Luke. Before serving in this diocese, I was a priest in the Diocese of Virginia, where I was ordained to the priesthood in In my role of Canon for Vocations, I focus on developing and training leaders with missionary vision to lead and serve in local congregations. Lots of my time and energy is given to the discernment process for ordination to the priesthood where I work closely with the Commission of Ministry and Standing Committee. The continued nurture and developing of our clergy is also a high priority as I oversee Ministry, Leadership, and Mission (for newly ordained priests or priests ne to the diocese), assist with continuing education opportunities for clergy, and work closely with Clergy Event Committee and the Congregational Development Commission. I am a professor of theology and Anglican studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Previously, I taught at the University of Virginia, Emory University, and Reformed Theological Seminary. I have two masters degrees in theology and philosophy and a Ph.D. in theology from Emory University. In addition to diocesan ministry and teaching, I serve on the boards of GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in Christian Environments) and Leaders Collective. I have written or edited fourteen books on a variety of topics including: biblical studies, hope and healing for survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence, vocation and calling, and historical theology. I am a native of Florida and was born in Sarasota, FL. My wife, Lindsey, and I live in Orlando with our two daughters. We are also a foster family for Orange County. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018? There are numerous challenges, such as the Presiding Bishop s call and focus on evangelism, the challenge of declining attendance in TEC churches, and more. However, I see the most important challenge is the need for wisdom regarding how to walk together in unity as The Episcopal Church in light of significant and important doctrinal disagreements and also how TEC relates to the global Anglican Communion. At the invitation of the Presiding Bishop and the Archbishop, Bishop Brewer and our diocese have served as a bridge in the midst of disagreement both in The Episcopal Church and the global Anglican Communion. I think this General Convention is an important opportunity to continue that ministry.

18 The Reverend Robert Goodridge Father Rob has served as Rector of St. Gabriel s Episcopal Church since During his tenure the church has grown from an Average Sunday Attendance of 160 to 220 and annual giving has doubled during that period. New outreach ministries flourished, including two food pantries that distribute 5,000 pounds of groceries monthly, an ecumenical healing ministry with training classes and healing center, and a student center where more than 100 students gather weekly to grow in Christ. During that time, four priests and three deacons have been raised up, serving six different churches. Four weekend services are held as well as two mid-week services, and Morning Prayer is read weekday mornings. We worship in our sanctuary seven days a week. Father Rob established mission partnerships with local churches, including Trinity Lutheran (ELCA), Mims UMC, The Grove Church, Christ Community Church (PCA), Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, St. Andrew s UMC, and Park Avenue Baptist Church. At the diocesan level, Father Rob serves on The Diocesan Board and on The Executive Committee. He served five years as Chairman of the Congregational Development Committee, overseeing the Congregational Development Grant program. He continues his interest in his former career in television production, directing the video of Bishop Brewer s Consecration Service and producing Remembering for the Sake of Our Future a history of the mission of our diocese, shown at the 2015 Diocesan convention. Father Rob is deeply committed to the mission of this diocese and is excited about the possibility of serving as a. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018? How do we, as Episcopalians, and members of the Diocese of Central Florida, live together in mutual respect for one another, in spite of different theological positions on key issues? At the 2015 General Convention, a group was formed to help the church work through this issue of mutual respect, and Bishop Brewer was appointed as a co-chair of the group. I stand firmly with him in his position on these matters, and will bring my full support. We must find ways for the Episcopal Church to unite in Jesus for the mission of the Church. Dissention stops mission and growth. Divisiveness is not unity. As the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one in Trinity, we too are called to work toward unity, in Godly love and mutual affection. I pledge to serve this diocese and the Episcopal Church at General Convention as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

19 The Reverend José E. Rodriguez For the past three years I have served this diocese as a priest and prior to that my wife and I worked together in College and Young Adult Ministry for almost 10 years. My passion is working within the local church to reach out into our communities to expand the Kingdom s reach. I am currently serving at the Church of the Incarnation where we have planted a new Hispanic ministry for East Orlando and Seminole County. I serve as President of our Hispanic Commission and work alongside my fellow presbyters and lay leaders in serving our Hispanic ministries and congregants. I also work with students and young adults at the University of Central Florida and have established ecumenical relationships with the Presbyterian and United Methodist churches on campus. I am married to Heather and am the father of Eva, 1, and Elijah 4. I am pursuing at Doctor of Ministry focused on building healthy multicultural communities of faith in an Anglican setting. I am originally from Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, but have been settled in the Central Florida since elementary school where I have worshipped at local churches to include Christ the King in Azalea Park and All Saints in Winter Park. Prior to ordained ministry I had a very rich lay ministry. I have served on vestries and on the boards of diocesan ministries. I have an MBA from UCF as well as extensive professional experience in finance and business administration. What do I see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018? If elected, I hope to represent our Diocese at General Convention and be an advocate for our Diocese especially in regard to evangelism, outreach and church growth. I first became an Anglican at St. Helen s Bishopsgate in London and have a love for our greater Anglican family and identity. Maintaining our membership and witness as Episcopalians in the wider Anglican Communion is an important challenge for General Convention in If elected, I want to lend my voice convention and stress the importance of cooperation and living in community. Also, Prayer Book revisions are being discussed and I want to work with others to make sure that our prayers remain common and can be said and celebrated by all.

20 The Rev. Jonathan French I came to the Episcopal Church through All Saints, Winter Park, under the ministry of Fr. Dave Wilson. We loved every minute there and continue to remember our time worshiping, teaching, and serving at All Saints with great fondness. After seminary, we were blessed to come back the Diocese of Central Florida, serving at Grace Church in Ocala. God has done incredible things at Grace Church, unfolding his plans in ways we couldn t have anticipated. I have served the diocese as clergy chairman of the Profile Committee during the search for Bishop Greg, chairman of the Short Term Missions Taskforce, teacher of various ICS classes, a member of the Clergy Events Committee, and member/president of the Standing Committee. What do you see as the most important challenge facing General Convention, 2018? Our diocese has a unique and important voice in the life of the church. Therefore, the most important challenge facing General Convention 2018 is making sure the church focus on Jesus Christ and the Gospel with the same intention of our diocese. Without Him at the center of all that we say and do, we will surely fail in every endeavor. Issues like evangelism (intentionally sharing our faith), discipleship (intentional growth as a follower of Jesus) and leadership in our culture are essential if we hope to see the church reverse its decades of decline. I believe with all my heart that Jesus is calling us to lead that change and I pray we have the courage to follow Him with a reckless abandon.

21 Mr. James Waters Diocesan Board Lay Order Member in good standing of the Church of the Ascension, Orlando Married - wife Patricia Graduate of Florida State University with a BS in business; major in accounting Currently serving on the Finance Committee at the Church of the Ascension Active on a number of Ministries within our church; focus on visitors, outreach and making all attendees of our service feel welcome Previous service - President of the Central Florida Deanery Vestry member at Ascension Honduras Commission - mission trip to Honduras Chair of the Ascension golf event designed to raise funds for one of our outreach projects and introducing non-attendees to the friendliness of our Church Although there are a number of important issues facing us today, I believe the most important challenge is bringing all members of TEC together as one unified voice

22 The Rev. Lisa Hinkle Diocesan Board The Rev. Lisa J. Hinkle became the Rector of St. Mary s Episcopal Church in Belleview, Florida almost two years ago. Although she is new to the priesthood, Rev. Lisa has served in some capacity in the Episcopal Church for about thirty years. She has experience as a Communications Director and as a Music Teacher at an Episcopal School (St. Andrew s, Ft. Pierce); a Youth Minister for 17 years (Ecumenical for 7 Episcopal for 10); as a volunteer and Coordinator for Vacation Bible School; a Sunday School Teacher; a Choir member and a Praise Ensemble Leader-among other things. Her strengths are leadership, evangelism and teaching, always encouraging others to serve the Lord with the gifts they have been given by God. Rev. Lisa began her career as a graphic artist and illustrator graduating from the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, working at a printing company and then starting her own freelance business. She opened a small advertising agency before becoming a teacher and Youth Minister at St. Andrew s Episcopal Church and School in Fort Pierce. She has also done the bookkeeping for her own companies and one other with a keen understanding of finances. Rev. Lisa has worked in many public schools and holds Teaching Certificates in four subject areas. She has a God-given love for all people and is especially gifted working with children. Rev. Lisa is willing and able to serve on the Diocesan Board as your representative.

23 Mrs. Patty L. Tew Standing Committee Lay Order It is an honor to serve the Diocese of Central Florida and I would consider it a privilege to serve on the Standing Committee. Born and raised in Orlando, I am a lifelong member of St. Michael s Church, where my husband Butch and I were also married. It has been an honor to serve God and His church in various leadership roles throughout the last three decades, including two 3-year terms on the St. Michael s vestry and as Sr. Warden; member of the search committees that called the late Fr. Richard Bowman, as well as that which called our current rector, Fr. Rick Luoni; as a delegate to Diocesan convention for the past 19 years; and as a past member and President of the Board of Canterbury Retreat Center. I chaired the Elections committee for the 2011 Special Electing Convention that called Bishop Brewer, served on the Executive Committee of the Diocesan Board, and as a lay deputy to General Conventions 2006 and It has been a blessing to be involved in Cursillo since 1982, having served on the Diocesan Cursillo Commission, 15+ Cursillo teams, and as Rectora of Cursillo #75. I retired last year from AlphaNet, where I served those in the southeast who are afflicted with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Previously, for over 20 years, I was employed as COO of a family-operated municipal bond firm, and served as Chairman of the City of Orlando s Citizens Police Review Board.

24 The Rev. Gary Jackson Standing Committee I am currently serving as the Rector of St. Mark s Episcopal Church and Academy in Cocoa, Florida. Prior to accepting the call to St. Mark s, I was the Rector of Holy Trinity Bartow for 5 years. I attended seminary at Asbury and Nashotah House, following a career as a field claims representative for several insurance companies handling auto, injury, and homeowners claims. This experience of working with the people in difficult times inadvertently well prepared me for ministry in this challenging season. For the last three years, I have been Dean of the Southwest Deanery and a member of the Diocesan Board. Furthermore, I currently serve the Diocese as Chair of the Stewardship Commission and as a member of the Constitution and Canons Committee. I would add that it has been the caring of my lay and clerical colleagues which has helped make this service a wonderful addition to my life. My wife Christina tells me that my greatest strength is that I love The Episcopal Church almost as much as I love Christ Jesus. I find this to be true. I believe our Anglican expression of the Christian faith has much to offer our postmodern world. I now desire to serve our Diocese, Bishop, and you by being elected as a member of the Standing Committee. I believe that my life experience, diocesan experience and my calling to proclaim God s love would make me a helpful member of the Standing Committee team.

25 The Reverend James Dorn Trustee University of the South I currently serve our Lord as the Rector of St. Matthias Church in Clermont and as the Diocese's Clergy Trustee to the University of the South. As Trustee, I served on the Growth and Development Committee for two years until I was asked this past October to serve on the Constitution and Ordinances Committee. If it is God s will, I would be honored, if elected, to serve another 3 years as the Diocesan Clergy Trustee to Sewanee.