Click Here to Download a Copy of Canterbury Epistle 4.2
A Word From the Executive Director
As life tries to return to normal, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has reported that more than 90% of US cities have reported a low or medium level of COVID-19 cases. Mask restrictions, for the most part, have been dropped. Recently my wife and I attended a concert where the majority of the attendees were seniors, and with a few exceptions, no one was wearing a mask. The same thing happens at restaurants or the supermarket. Even at my church, I counted only a handful still wearing masks. While everyone has a different level of comfort, some are more vulnerable than others.
While it seems that the country is trying to return to normalcy, there are still those who remain fearful. At Canterbury, we respect our guests’ wishes and understand those that are cautious. Recently we had two groups, each of a different mindset…only one wore masks. Over the last two years, our lives have all been affected by the pandemic, and we may not fully understand how it has impacted us for the long term. Perhaps the best thing we can do is to be patient and understanding with one another. I’ve been told that the stress and anxiety that we are all dealing with affects us each differently. While some haven’t been able to wait to take their masks off, others have trouble getting back into life as we knew it before the pandemic.
Yes, the pandemic years have been difficult and often scary, which is a good reason to visit Canterbury. Whether you come as part of a conference or for a personal retreat, it is the perfect place to ease your fears. Jesus said: “Come unto me all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you”. – Matthew 11:28 Canterbury is rooted in Jesus, and our guests have often told us that something extraordinary happens when they arrive and feel the presence of God, knowing that they are indeed on holy ground. Canterbury is a place for restoration, where you can be refreshed and find strength for the battles ahead.
It is a place to find freedom, where you are able to lay aside the weights and troubles of the world. And it is a place for connectivity, where people can relate to one another and build friendships. Canterbury is here for you, and it is indeed an idyllic place where lives are enriched through hospitality, learning, reflection, and renewal. We look forward to welcoming you.
Chalmers Morse
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Canterbury Blue Skies -
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Canterbury Open House Jazz Musician
Canterbury Summer Specials
“Summer Inflation Fighter”
Has inflation caused you to hesitate from planning a family vacation, personal retreat, or conference? Let Canterbury’s “Inflation Fighter Rate” ease those worries.
$75* Special Room Rate* Single or double occupancy when you stay a minimum of 2 nights, Sunday – Thursday and$85 when staying 2 nights, both Friday and Saturday.All reservations are subject to availability, some restrictions may apply.Rate good through Labor Day, September 5th.* In appreciation of our veterans, teachers, and clergy, ask for the additional 10% discount.Save on meals as well, meals may be available. Breakfast $15, Lunch $18, Dinner $25
Why Choose Canterbury?
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Newly remodeled guest rooms -
Newly remodeled guest rooms
Canterbury is the perfect place to stay. Located minutes from UCF and convenient to the Orlando and Sanford airports, theme parks, museums, and so much more. Canterbury is nestled on 48 beautifully wooded acres with Lake Gem as its centerpiece. Enjoy a tranquil escape where you will be able to take a deep breath and forget the busy world, making your visit memorable. We offer 45 “modest” guest rooms, each with their own bathroom, you’ll have all the comforts of home, intentionally without the distractions from television or telephone. Canterbury has five meeting rooms of different sizes (boardroom to banquet hall), each equipped with Wi-Fi and audio/visual equipment to meet your needs. With Canterbury’s “Summer Inflation Fighter” rate this low, there has never been a better time to book your stay.
A Warm Welcome to Our New Staff Member!
It is indeed a pleasure to welcome our new Executive Chef Cassandra O’Donnell to the Canterbury family. Cassandra comes to us with more than twenty years of culinary experience. Chef Cass has a passion for creating menus that will delight the palette, using a bounty of local and fresh ingredients. Changing daily, her menus will offer our guests a variety of tasty cuisine that is both appealing and flavorful.
From the Canterbury Kitchen
Canterbury’s Sweet Twist to Gazpacho
| Summer is a time for light and refreshing recipes and our chefs have created an array of enticing dishes. One of the signature dishes enjoyed by guests at Canterbury puts a unique spin on gazpacho by adding a sweet twist to the recipe with Honeydew melon. Even if you aren’t able to visit Canterbury this summer, you can enjoy this classic cold soup at home. The Canterbury version is simple, delicious, and good for the body and soul. So, invite a few friends over for a summer backyard party, set up a game of corn hole, and bring out the Honeydew Gazpacho. |
| Ingredients: • 1 honeydew melon (peeled and seeded) • 1 cucumber (peeled and seeded) • ½ jalapeno (seeded) • ½ cup cilantro leaf • ½ cup mint leaf • ¼ cup lime juice • ¼ cup agave syrup • 1 cup water • 1 pinch sea salt • Hass Avocado (optional) • Lime (optional) |
| Instructions: Rough chop all ingredients and blend in a blender until smooth. Taste and add salt as desired. Pass through a chinois and serve chilled. Garnish will a few thin slices of avocado and lime. The soup can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. |
Upcoming Events at Canterbury
It’s a Party! Come Celebrate Canterbury’s 40th Anniversary
Saturday, October 22, 20225:30 p.m. Reception7:00 p.m. Dinner
Tickets: $125 per person, or a discounted rate of $115, when buying a table of 8-10.Special Room Rate of $40 per person, honoring 40 years.
For Tickets and Information:
E-mail: info@canterburyretreat.org. Tickets are available online at: canterburyretreat.org/dinner2022 Or by calling (407) 365-5571
All proceeds raised will support the Bishop Folwell Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of our founder Bishop William Folwell. (Canterbury Conference Center is a 501C3 religious non-profit organization).
Past Events & Happenings
Canterbury Open House 2022
From May 24th through May 26th, 2022, Canterbury Conference Center hosted its first Spring Open House as a warm welcome to cherished friends, old and new. After two long years of Covid-19 restrictions, Canterbury was excited to be celebrating a new beginning. The evening consisted of live jazz music, delicious refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and an open house allowing guests to tour the newly remodeled guest rooms and Canterbury grounds.
Catholic HEART Work Camp
What a delight it has been over the past 4 months when Canterbury had the pleasure of hosting many wonderful groups. One of the groups was Catholic HEART Work Camp, returning after a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Every summer, thousands of youths come together from around the country to attend a mission trip with Catholic HEART Workcamp, the largest Catholic summer service organization in the United States. Each camp is staffed by nine college-aged servant leaders who oversee the logistics of the camps, and Canterbury is where these leaders come to train. What a joy it is for Canterbury to host them as they prepare for the journey ahead.
Other Friends at Canterbury
Some of the other friends included: BACAM (Bishop’s Advisory Committee for Aspirants to Ministry), American Holistic Nurses Association, Bevione Spiritual Boot Camp, Body in Unity, Cursillo (both men’s and women’s retreats), Daughters of the King, Holy Trinity-Melbourne (women’s retreat), Inwood Consulting & Engineers, Kiwanis Club of Oviedo, Mount Dora Christian Academy, Oviedo – Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce, Rapport Leadership, and the Rotary Club of Oviedo.
Canterbury Weddings
June is considered by many to be the month to “tie the knot” because the name June is derived from the Roman goddess of marriage, Juno, and it is believed that when a couple marries in June, they would be forever blessed with happiness. Such was the case at Canterbury this June with several weddings. While the weddings this June had flawless weather, it may seem odd to hold a wedding in Florida in June as it’s the start of hurricane season. However, it has been said that rain during weddings is good luck because it signifies a lasting marriage. June weddings have also been associated with destination weddings, taking place after the end of the school year, which means that parents can bring their kids to the wedding. At Canterbury, that could include a visit to the “house of the mouse” or other central Florida attractions. Celebrate Your Dream Wedding at Canterbury, and you are not restricted to June. While we may be challenged by the times, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have your special day! Canterbury is a unique and affordable wedding venue, complete with an outdoor area overlooking Beautiful Lake Gem for your ceremony, with St. Augustine’s Chapel for that rainy day back up. With our delicious food and charming settings, it would be our pleasure to host your dream wedding without the weight of expensive costs.
From Our Chaplain’s Desk
The Reverend Tom Phillips, Priest-in-charge at the Church of the Incarnation
An Update From The Church of the Incarnation
For over a decade now, the Church of the Incarnation has called Canterbury home. After being planted in 2006 and sojourning for a few years in various locations, Incarnation has now joyfully occupied the St. Augustine chapel for most of its existence as a church. Over the past 4 years, Incarnation has enjoyed a tremendous season of growth. The church has tripled in membership and attendance, and it is no longer operating as an aided parish of the diocese (meaning that it is fully self-supporting, and able to meet its diocesan assessment).
As Incarnation strengthens, God continues to send the leaders and resources needed to move the ministry forward in important ways. A modular classroom building has been added to accommodate a growing children’s and student ministry, and Incarnation is now once again faced with the wonderful challenge of being completely full at its 10:15 service (as pre-covid attendance levels return). Please continue to pray for Incarnation’s strength and flourishing. The vestry and leadership very much want to see the church continue to grow into a strong and long-term force for God’s kingdom and God’s glory in Oviedo/Winter Springs.
Give to Canterbury
Donating today helps support the ongoing mission and ministry of Canterbury Conference Center. Your support is vital to helping us provide profound experiences, and every gift is valued and appreciated.
When you donate to Canterbury, your donation is used to offset the costs of individuals who are unable to attend a program or conference and helps defray the cost of attendance.
The Bishop Folwell Memorial Scholarship Fund was established for this purpose. The fund honors Canterbury’s founder, whose vision was to create a conference center for spiritual growth, equipping people with life and ministry skills.
We greatly appreciate your interest in donating to our ministry! Canterbury impacts the lives of hundreds each year. Online giving is easy and secure.