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Anglicanism
The Story of Anglicanism is a DVD provided to all of our members on a one-week check out procedure. It is produced by Cathedral Films and directed by Jim Friedrich and as the title suggests, it explores the roots of the Anglican church. Narrated in three half- hour parts by Michael York it illustrates
Part 1: Ancient and Medieval Foundations. The roots of our tradition are traced in the evolution and mission and min- istry of the pre-Reformation English Church;
Part 2: Reformation and Its Consequences. Henry VIII's often misunderstood break with papal authority initiates the shaping of classical Anglicanism.
Part 3: Creating a Global Family. The Anglican genius for adaptation is seen in its response to the modern world and its evolution into a worldwide communion.
A detailed study guide is provided as a pdf file which you can download here: Story_of_Anglicanism.pdf
The Episcopal Church
The Story of the Episcopal Church is a DVD provided to all of our members on a one-week check out procedure. Our church's past merges with the present with narration by David Morse and interviews with Episcopal historians and commentators that 'make the history of the Episcopal Church come alive.
Part 1: From Jamestown to Revolution (20 min.)
Part 2:The Call to Mission (23 min.)
A detailed study guide is provided as a pdf file which you can download here:
Story_of_The_Episcopal_Church.pdf
Good Shepherd Episcopal
The history of Good Shepherd, Venice goes back to October 22nd, 1988 when the Archdeacon Hoyt Massey, assisted by Rev. James Younger and Rev. Calvin Davis (former priests of St. Marks on the Island), conducted a highly successful meeting at the local YMCA with members of St. Marks to discuss interest in forming a mission congregation in the South Venice area. After the Holy Eucharist seventy-six souls committed themselves in partnership with the Diocese of Southwest Florida (SWFL) to extend the ministry of Christ in the South Venice area.
On October 13th, 1989 the South Venice Mission was established as an organized mission at the 21st SWFL Diocesan Convention under the episcopate of the Rt. Rev. Rogers S. Harris, third bishop of SWFL. The Mission was given the name All Saints’ Episcopal Church. At this convention Bishop Harris called us to “hear the word of God…Go therefore, make disciples among all people, baptize them…and teach them…and know that I am with you always…”(Matthew 28:18-20). The Great Commission from our Lord Jesus Christ, The Good Shepherd, is the foundation upon which our parish life and mission is built with Jesus as the chief cornerstone.
On August 21st, 1993 by action of SWFL Diocesan Council and Bishop Harris we received permission to begin construction of our building program. Our mission was renamed The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd at this time. The name was given by Providence and testifies to the relationship our parish family has established with Jesus Christ. On October 31st, 1993, Bishop Harris in the company of the faithful people of Good Shepherd broke the ground to build upon. The building project began with the construction of the current chapel as it now stands along with a courtyard that was screened in (our current parish hall). This first phase of the project took one full year to complete and Bishop Harris returned again on October 22nd, 1994, this time, to celebrate the dedication and consecration of the mission church. Ten years later, 2004, a second construction project added on additional office space, classrooms, a library, and enclosed the parish hall.
In order to appreciate this growth it is important to understand that the history of an Episcopal church is one that is intertwined with the support of the diocese and other local parishes. Along with this there are terms worth defining. The church was called a “Mission” because it still needed considerable assistance from the Bishop, both financially and pastorally, although a vicar was present. A “Vicar” is adapted from the English use as one who “substitutes” in the place of the Bishop. In America the term “Vicar” has often been associated with the term “Mission”. Likewise, the term “Rector” is usually associated with the term “Parish” and also signifies the appointed leader. The Bishop normally appoints the Vicar and Vestry (or bishop’s committee) and as the church stands on its own two feet as a parish, the congregation appoints its new rector and vestry. The Rev. Hoyt was the first Vicar and The Rev. Richard Lampert was the first Rector. As an Episcopal church lives in relation to the Bishop it may occassionally transition between mission and parish, vicar and rector, along with its various Interim priests and deacons who serve as well. Good Shepherd has demonstrated this transition.
By the time of the 2005 SWFL diocesan convention, eleven years after the first construction project, the church made the official transition from being a mission to becoming a parish, fully self-supportive. Twenty years later, it has been served by three bishops, nine priests, three deacons and thousands of laypeople. It continues to thrive today, with over 350 members, being referred to as a “welcoming church”. It has never lost sight of its missionary zeal to uphold the Great Commission instituted by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, commanding us to love God and to love our neighbor.
Timeline
1988 1993 1998 2005 2009
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All Saints Mission -----> Good Shepherd Mission--->Good Shepherd Parish-------------------->
Episcopate (3)
Rgt. Rev. Rogers Harris (1985-1997)
Rgt. Rev. John Lipscomb (1995-2007)
Rgt. Rev. Dabney Smith (2007-Present)
Presbyterate (9)
Rev. Hoyt Massey(Vicar 1988-90)
Rev. James Younger (Supply 1988-1990)
Rev. Calvin Davis (Supply Emeritus 1988-Present)
Rev. David Klein (Vicar 1991-99)
Rev. Michael Harris (Interim 1999-2001)
Rev. Richard “Dick” Lampert (Vicar/Rector 2001-2006)
Rev. Fred Scharf (Interim 2006)
Rev. Len Brusso (Interim 2007)
Rev. Jon Roberts (Rector 2007-Present)
Diaconate (3)
Rev. Dan Cole (1992)
Rev. Fran McKinney (2002, sent out to St. Marks, Venice)
Rev. Jack O’Reilley (2006)
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