Click Here to Download a Copy of Canterbury Epistle 3.1
A Word From the Executive Director
Regardless of the pandemic, Canterbury still hosted a number of groups over the last 12 months. While their attendances were significantly lower than in the past, due to social distancing, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve.
Thank you to our friends who visited over the past 12 months, we look forward to your next visit: Advance Yoga, Be Broken Ministries, Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce, Christian Leadership Concepts, Cross Life Church, CRU, Church of the Incarnation, Emmaus Ministries, Geneva Village Homemakers, Kiwanis of Oviedo – Winter Springs, Life Work Leadership, Mission to the World, Orlando International Christian Church, Oviedo City Church, Oviedo – Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Oviedo, Siemens Global, Summit Church, The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, Wycliff Bible Translators.
A Fresh New Look and Feel
After nearly 40 years of having been loved and well used, Canterbury has undergone a “facelift” and those groups that came after the many months of renovations, have enjoyed the many upgrades. The improvements included convenient new parking near the guestrooms, all of which have been painted and received new flooring, furniture, fixtures, drapes, and artwork.
In the Bishop Folwell Center, (the main building) there is a new entrance with an expanded lobby and new reception area. We have also added the Bishop’s Study, a new boardroom-style conference room.
St. Paul’s meeting room and the dining room have also been upgraded, including a new room divider, picture windows, and a dropdown door to close off the food service area during meetings. There is even a covered terrace, overlooking Lake Gem.
With a new year and the vaccine, we are all ready to “Get Out” and begin again. There is no better place to start your journey than at Canterbury. Here you will find true hospitality in a tranquil “sanctuary”, where our guests come to know and grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord. A center for spiritual growth, Canterbury is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and the glory of his presence.
We are here to serve churches, small corporate and non-profit groups. Perhaps you or someone you know may be looking for an affordable location to host a wedding. Our chapel and lakeside settings provide the perfect venue.
Blessings,
Chalmers Morse
Fishing on lake Gem 
Canoeing on lake Gem
Pandemic Protocol
To make sure our guests feel safe during their visit, the following steps have been taken:
Staff members’ temperatures are taken daily and are tested for covid.
Guests and staff members are asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing.
To help determine social distancing preference, guests are issued “Social Wristbands” issued upon check-in.
These bands take a cue from traffic lights:
Red equals NO contact.
Yellow indicates an elbow bump is okay but must ask first.
Green means go in for the hug or the high five.
Hand sanitizing stations have been strategically located throughout the campus and complimentary mini bottles of hand sanitizer are placed at the seats of all meeting attendees.
During the pandemic for our guest’s protection, rooms are not serviced during a stay. In preparing the rooms for arrival, they are cleaned, sanitized, and stocked with extra towels and supplies. Service is available upon request.
Yoga Retreat at Canterbury
Friday: April 9, 2021 – Sunday: April 11, 2021
Enjoy a retreat in the sanctuary of nature!
Immerse yourself in the healing environment of silence and nature during this 3-day silent outdoor retreat. Renew & re-center into what is truly important to you . . . through guided and personal contemplative practices like:
breath-centric gentle yoga
guided meditation
journaling
floating in a kayak
vegetarian meals
8 hours of sleep in the lakeside lodging surrounded by majestic oak trees
Canterbury is a sacred space in which you may reap the benefits of a retreat in the sanctuary of nature.
You can withdraw to inner awareness & connection within a framework that follows the compassionate, inclusive example of Jesus, under the protective love of God, and guided by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit within.
After a weekend soaking in the cleansing power of nature and silence, you will find yourself returning to your life and relationships with renewed energy, clarity, and the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control and generosity.
The weekend is led by Kristen Ashe Johnson of Body In Unity Yoga School, who has 34 years of experience as a yoga teacher.
| Program Schedule |
| Personal Prayer, Meditation & Contemplation is integral to this experience, beginning with an invocation to the Holy Trinity. Masks are required at all times when not appropriately distanced. Out of respect for fellow participants, talking is prohibited during SILENT times except for emergencies. Phones/all electronic devices must be left in your room or car. *Indicates a time frame to observe SILENCE and personal Spiritual Reflection. All activities and meals are OUTDOORS except for those marked with (IN) that will be mandatory 6 ft. apart, and masks worn when not on mats. Early-bird pricing for registration before 26 March: $349 per person, ALL-INCLUSIVE. Scholarships are available by contacting Kristen or Canterbury Office. The price after 26 March is $399 per person. For reservations or additional information: (407) 365-5571 or visit our website: www.canterburyretreat.org |
Come Join Us At Canterbury!
Room rates include all meals (2-night minimum stay) $120 single, $180 double, (children) ages 5 – 14 receive a $20 discount, children under 5 stay free)
Can’t stay with us? why not enjoy our amazing Champagne Jazz Brunch on Easter, Mother’s Day, or both!
Easter At Canterbury
Easter is the highest and holiest celebration of the church year, as we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Stations of the Cross, Nature Walk:
On Friday, April 2nd at 5:00 p.m. we are offering a twist on the classic Stations of the Cross devotion, led by the Reverend Tom Phillips. Starting at our lakeside terrace, each of the 14 stations will be depicted along the “Canterbury Trail” around Lake Gem. The walk is easy, however, there may be some mobility limitations.
Good Friday Services:
Services will be held at the Lakeside Terrace, with members of the Church of the Incarnation at 6:30 p.m. (In case of inclement weather, the services will be held in St. Augustine’s Chapel)
Easter Sunday Services
Come join the members of the Church of the Incarnation on the Lakeside Terrace overlooking beautiful Lake Gem, as we celebrate Easter. It is a time to come together and raise our voices in prayer and song amid God’s beautiful creation. Services will be held at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (In case of inclement weather, the services will be held in St. Augustine’s Chapel)
Easter Egg Hunt
At 10:00 a.m. a traditional Easter Egg Hunt will be held. Children of all ages are welcome to join in the fun.
Champagne Jazz Brunch
Come enjoy a delicious Champagne Brunch from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. while listening to live jazz sounds of the Antonio Garcia Trio.
Brunch will be served in the Overlook Dining Room and covered terrace overlooking Beautiful Lake Gem.
Easter Brunch Menu
Complimentary Champagne or Mimosa
Hot Cross Buns – Blueberry Scones
Smoked Salmon, served with Mini bagels
Tomatoes, Red Onion and Capers
Assorted Fresh Cut Fruit & Berries
Omelet & Egg Station
Assorted Quiches
Applewood Smoked Bacon
Fresh Assorted Salads
Carving Station
Roast Turkey
Brown Sugar Glazed Baked Ham
Roasted Whole Baby Potatoes
Green Beans
Dessert
Lemon & Chocolate Lava Cakes with Assorted Berries
Kid’s Menu
Mini Blueberry Pancakes & Maple Syrup
Chicken Tenders
Mac n’ Cheese
Pricing:
$20 per adult / $5 per child (ages 5-14) / under 4 are free
Due to “Social Distancing” space is limited, please call for reservations or information:
(407) 365-5571 or visit our website: www.canterburyretreat.org
From the Canterbury Kitchen:
Lemon Lava Cake
| Ingredients: 8 oz white chocolate 8 T unsalted butter 1 ½ C sifted powdered sugar 3 large eggs 3 large egg yolks 1 t vanilla extract 2 T lemon juice ½ C all-purpose flour ¼ t salt zest of 2 lemons |
| Instructions: Pre-heat oven to 425 and butter 6 mini bunt cake pans. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate and butter for approximately 60 Once melted, whisk in sugar, eggs, yolks, vanilla, lemon, and lemon zest until the ingredients are fully combined. Using a spatula, gently stir in flour and salt. Don’t overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared mini bunt cake pans. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Let cool in bunt pans for 5 minutes. To remove from bunt pans, run a knife along the sides and place a baking sheet on top of the bunt pans and flip over which will release the bunt cakes. Top the lava cakes with powdered sugar and top with fresh fruit. Serve immediately |
Mother’s Day at Canterbury
Due to “Social Distancing” space is limited, please call for reservations or information:(407) 365-5571 or visit our website www.canterburyretreat.org
From the Pulpit: The Reverend Tom Phillips, Canterbury Chaplain and Priest-in-Charge at The Church of the Incarnation
A Lenten Reflection
One of the most important parts of my own spiritual growth has been a journey into learning how to separate who I am from how I act at times. I mean owning the truth that my position before God as a righteous child is independent of my actions, works, or faithfulness. My position is entirely built upon Christ’s actions, works, and faithfulness, for me. Somedays I live into the high calling of having been adopted into the household of God (Ephesians 1), and some days I don’t. Regardless, my position as a child of God doesn’t change. As we wade into Lent, let’s do so with the firm understanding that Lent isn’t a season of self-improvement in an effort to increase our favor with God. No work of ours could ever do that. Lent also shouldn’t be a period of self-sacrifice as payment for sins. Christ’s perfect life and sacrificial death was and always will be all the payment God requires for our rebellion. This year, I want to see Lent as an invitation to journey with God into a “wilderness” place of stillness and rest in His presence. Lent is an Invitation in that sense, not an obligation. It’s an invitation to leave Egypt behind, and spend time cultivating the new and greater customs of the Kingdom of God. Like the wilderness wandering for Israel, Lent should have at its center the “tabernacle” reminder of God’s nearness with sinners, the consuming fire and smoke of His guiding daily presence, and the countercultural whisper of His holy law (all Exodus imagery). This “journey” begins after the watery Red Sea baptism of God’s rescue. It is done in God’s redeeming love, and never to earn it.
New Improved Ropes Course!
We are delighted to announce our new Ropes Course operator, Common Ground Adventures under the direction of Mark Lowery. Mark established Common Ground Adventures in 1998. He is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and has taken numerous workshops in ropes course management and safety. While Mark takes his clients’ goals and their safety as his highest priority, he also tries not to take himself too seriously.
After all, both his avocation and occupation center on playing in the outdoors. Mark has worked in the outdoor industry as an adventure educator, wilderness guide, kayak instructor, team building facilitator, and camp director since 1993. Mark’s broader experience as a teacher, athlete, high school coach, musician, and business owner along with his military service allows him to connect with a broad range of people.
Mark received his B.A. in education from the University of South Florida in 1996. An active member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology, Mark is an ACCT Certified Inspector.
Our clients can choose from a wide variety of team-building workshops designed to meet their goals. These workshops are crafted to develop group unity and range from half-day low-impact courses to four-day programs. We believe that life’s deepest, longest-lasting lessons can only be learned through personal and collective experience. All of our programs embrace this philosophy with their focus on experiential learning. The Low Course is a carefully orchestrated set of physical and mental activities and challenges for groups. These activities focus on leadership, trust, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, cooperation, decision making, motivation, and conflict resolution. These activities compel the group to work together to overcome the challenge and therefore build unity. After the group has completed the sequence of Low initiatives, they are ready to experience the High Course. This course focuses on the individual’s emotional and physical insecurities, helps them set and complete personal goals, and fosters perseverance, risk-taking, and motivation. The group acts as an emotional support for the individual who is climbing the element, putting to use the skills developed on the Low Course.
What is Team Building? It can mean many things to many groups, depending on your group’s purpose, members, history, and needs. What results are you looking for? Create an atmosphere of trust and respect that will encourage finding the value in each other’s strengths and abilities. Group members will come to appreciate the diversity and unique skills that each individual brings to the table. Allow groups who are divided into smaller subgroups to feel like more of a team by having an opportunity to build camaraderie in a new environment. Help your organization become more cohesive and more capable of working through differences.
We work with youth groups and corporate groups, schools and churches, athletic teams, and civic organizations. If you have a group of people with a common set of goals, we can develop a program to help them become a stronger unit. Our team-building programs are crafted to develop unity and programs with highly valuable team-building sessions on our Low and High Ropes Courses. To that end, we use Low Challenge Courses, High Ropes Courses, and a number of other outdoor activities. By bringing groups outside and presenting them with challenges and goals far outside of their everyday lives, we create a fun, safe, and engaging environment for our participants. Fill out our program request below and we’ll get a pricing estimate for your Team Building program to you right away. A staff member of our partner at Common Ground Adventures will be contacting you.