Click Here to Download a Copy of Canterbury Epistle 4.1
In Memoriam
As Canterbury begins its 40th year, we are most grateful to our founder, The Rt. Rev William Folwell, who sadly passed away on February 7, 2022. Bishop Folwell served as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida from 1970 until his retirement in 1989.
It was Bishop Folwell’s vision to create a conference center for spiritual growth, equipping people with life and ministry skills. Canterbury is that sacred place, where you can grow in your knowledge and love of the Lord through sanctuary, retreats, and conferences.
In memory of Bishop Folwell, a scholarship fund has been established to assist those that otherwise cannot participate in a program or conference. To Make a donation to The Bishop William Folwell Memorial Scholarship Fund, please go to our website. When completing the donation form, please enter Folwell in the “other” box. Thank you.
A Word From the Executive Director
The past two years have been challenging for us all. We have all had family members or friends who have either tragically passed away or been gravely ill from Covid. While some are still fearful and continue to isolate, others act as though the pandemic never took place.
At times, it has felt as though we were treated like lepers, no longer allowed to shake hands or hug, which is against our nature. Being in hospitality, I particularly found it unsettling.
As we enter the third year of the pandemic, most people have been vaccinated or had Covid. We have learned to social distance, wear masks, and use hand sanitizer. Travelers too know the rules, “don’t travel until a full 5 days after your last close contact with a person with Covid”. We do these things because it is the best way to avoid exposing others.
It now seems as if life is gradually getting back to normal, whatever the new normal is. At Canterbury, we were thrilled over the past 4 months to welcome back old friends:
All Saints Episcopal Church – American Holistic Nurses Assoc. – American Legion Oviedo Post 243 – Body in Unity – Christian Chamber – Church of Incarnation – Congregation Ohev Shalom – Cross Life Church – Episcopal Diocese Of Central Florida – First Presbyterian Church – Florida World Organization of China Painters – Heart Church – Hope Helps – Jesus Film Project – Kiwanis – Love Unveiled – Orlando International Church – Oviedo City Church – Oviedo Medical Center – Oviedo Winter Springs Chamber – Summit Church and UCF- College of Communication.
To our new friends, we are happy you have found Canterbury and welcome you to the family:
Accessible Hope International, Adept Leadership, Chosen Ones, Crossover Church, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Everyone’s Counseling Center, and Rapport Leadership International.
Whether you are an old friend or a new one, we look forward to the opportunity of serving you again in the future. Canterbury is the idyllic place to meet, where lives are enriched through hospitality, learning, reflection, and renewal. It is a place to find Freedom – where you are able to lay aside the weights and troubles that bind. It is a place for Restoration – where you can be refreshed and find strength for the battles ahead. And it is a place for connectivity – where people can relate to one another and build friendships.
While Canterbury is a place where our clergy and churches meet; it is also available to a myriad of other organizations, ranging from non-profits to corporate groups, as well as being a unique and affordable wedding venue and offering personal retreats. Perhaps you too could use a tranquil escape from the ordinary, away from everyday distractions, and we are here to serve you.
Chalmers Morse
Upcoming Events at Canterbury
Lenten Study – Wednesdays in Lent – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM St. Augustine’s Chapel (Please register on the Incarnation website – IncarnationCFL.com)
Maundy Thursday Service – 6:30 PM (with foot washing) St. Augustine’s Chapel
Stations of the Cross, Nature Walk
On Friday at 5:00 pm we are offering a twist on the classic Stations of the Cross devotion, led by the Reverend Tom Phillips. Starting at the terrace of the Folwell Center (main building) 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 – 6:30 PM – St. Augustine’s Chapel
Rotary Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, April 16, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Rotary Club of Oviedo has been meeting at Canterbury for more than 30 years. Canterbury is honored to help support their mission, “Service above self”. Join in the fun, with live music with Mr. Harley and a visit from the Easter Bunny. $10 – ages 6 and over, $5 – ages 5 and under.
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. Come spend Easter at Canterbury with a “special” package rate of $140 per night single, $200 double with meals, including our famous Easter Brunch.
Easter Sunday Services – 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Come join us on the terrace of the Folwell Center (main building) 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. (In case of inclement weather, the services will be held in St. Augustine’s Chapel)
Easter Egg Hunt
At 10:30 AM between services, a traditional Easter Egg Hunt will be held around the grounds of the Folwell Center. Children of all ages are welcome to partake in the fun.
Easter Jazz Brunch
Come enjoy a sumptuous Champagne Brunch from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm while listening to the live jazz of Antonio Garcia. Served in the Overlook Dining Room, with views of beautiful Lake Gem.
Mother’s Day Brunch – May 8th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We invite you to treat your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, or special lady to a brunch buffet prepared just for them!
From the Canterbury Kitchen
Chef Michael Ledbetter’s Classic Pot Roast
Ingredients: Salt and freshly ground black pepper One 3- to 5-pound chuck roast 2 or 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 whole onions, peeled and halved 6 to 8 whole carrots, unpeeled, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 cup red wine, optional 3 cups beef broth 2 or 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary 2 or 3 sprigs of fresh thyme |
Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. 2. Generously salt and pepper the chuck roast. 3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the halved onions to the pot, browning them on both sides. Remove the onions to a plate. 4. Throw the carrots into the same very hot pot and toss them around a bit until slightly browned, about a minute or so. Reserve the carrots with the onions. 5. If needed, add a bit more olive oil to the very hot pot. Place the meat in the pot and sear it for about a minute on all sides until it is nice and brown all over. Remove the roast to a plate. 6. With the burner still on high, use either red wine or beef broth (about 1 cup) to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom with a whisk. Place the roast back into the pot and add enough beef stock to cover the meat halfway. 7. Add in the onions and the carrots, along with the fresh herbs. 8. Put the lid on, then roast for 3 hours for a 3-pound roast. For a 4 to 5-pound roast, plan on 4 hours. The roast is ready when it’s fall-apart tender. |
Easter Brunch Menu
Complimentary Champagne or Mimosa
Assorted Scones & Muffins
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
Decedent Easter Desserts
Kid’s Menu
Mini Blueberry Pancakes & Maple Syrup
Chicken Tenders
Mac n’ Cheese
$24 per adult / $5 per child (ages 5-14) / under 4 are free
For Weekend or Brunch reservations and information: call (407) 365-5571 or visit our website: canterburyretreat.org. Call now for Reservations.
From Our Chaplain’s Desk
The Reverend Tom Phillips

A Word About Greatness
Assuming that the readership of the Canterbury Epistle broadly reflects the demographic of the Episcopal Church, most who read this are approaching, enjoying, or perhaps enduring retirement (the last two categories having to do with perspective as much as circumstance I would guess). Regardless of your age or stage, we all have moments of reflection, where we may ask ourselves questions about life to this point: “Have I made a difference, have I achieved enough, did I do well with the life I was given?
I’d like to share two words as we think about these kinds of things. First, it isn’t over ‘till it’s over, and there’s never a better time for a course correction than today. “Forgetting what lies behind, I press on,” Philippians 3:13. Secondly, greatness as God defines it has absolutely nothing to do with money, power, status, or any other magazine metric.
Biblical greatness is centered around service. “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all,” Mark 13:43-44.
Greatness, located around humble service, is entirely accessible to all of us, right now, if we want it. Let’s be encouraged, and be great with the one day we have, today.