Dear Friends, TIME CHANGE THIS WEEKEND
Move your clocks forward one hour Saturday Night!
See below a note from Bishop Elect Brewer.
His Consecration is March 24th 1pm
at First Baptist Church in Orlando.
in the mission,
Fr. Jon+
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am very glad to be sending this email from my desk at the Diocesan offices! My official start date was March 1st, and I am already getting to know people, making new friends, and learning the ropes. Understandably, a significant portion of my time has been given to working out plans for my upcoming ordination/consecration. A team from the Diocese was at First Baptist, Orlando yesterday working out details. I left feeling so grateful for our wonderful team and excited about how this service is coming together.
One of the reasons First Baptist was chosen was to allow everyone to be there. Their worship space seats 5000 with excellent handicap access. We want as many people to come as is possible, and everyone is welcome. The music and liturgy will reflect the various traditions in our diocese. Representatives from across the diocese will be participating. Parishes are bringing their banners in procession. We want the whole diocesan family to know they are included and welcome.
I have heard that there has been some confusion about attendance. Some people have gotten the mistaken notion that only certain people may attend. Nothing could be further from the truth. No tickets or reservations are required. The last thing I would want would be for any member of this diocese to be excluded. Everyone who can come, should come. That open welcome is true for the reception as well. I would want nothing less!
Also, this is an extraordinary opportunity for us, as a diocese, to be a witness to the wider Church. As of yesterday, twenty-four bishops will be present. Representatives from various Christian bodies will present. Reporters from the various blogs and newspapers will be present. People across the Anglican Communion will be watching to learn of the health of this diocese by what they see in this service. Let us show them! As you are aware, this is a crucial time in our church. My hope is that all who come both inside and outside our diocese will walk away knowing the grace of God's presence and that peace which passes all understanding.
Please pray that God will be deeply and tangibly present in this service. Pray that God would draw people to Himself and that, above all, Christ Jesus will be glorified!
With gratitude for all,
Gregory O. Brewer, Bishop-Elect
Diocese of Central Florida
1017 East Robinson St.
Orlando, FL 32801-2023
1-800-299-3567 / 407-423-3567 / 407-872-0006 Fax
