Click Here to Download a Copy of Canterbury Epistle 5.2
A Word From the Executive Director
Chalmers Morse
Recently, we have been looking at changing our Mission Statement, shortening it really, to be one sentence that is easily remembered.
“Making a difference in people’s lives, by bringing them to Christ with hospitality”.
Our Mission Statement is lengthy and more of a Vision Statement, indicating that at “Canterbury, we believe our mission and ministry is to be a center for spiritual growth, equipping people with life and ministry skills. We offer hospitality in a sacred space where people can come to grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord through sanctuary, retreats, and conferences, enriching their lives with learning, reflection, and renewal”.
At Canterbury we are dedicated to serving others, which is a hallmark of true Christianity. The Bible details Christ’s dedicated service to others and encourages his followers to do the same. The Bible further tells us that helping others serves God and yields blessings.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he tells us to extend hospitality to strangers, and according to Matthew, Jesus said “Come unto me all ye that travail and are heavy laden and I will refresh you”.
This is why we serve, and it is with pleasure that over the past several months Canterbury hosted more than 2,000 guests, representing the many following organizations:
- Action Church
- Adept Leadership
- All Saints Episcopal Church (Winter Park)
- All Souls
- Altar Guild – Diocese of CF
- Antioch
- Asbury Seminary
- BACAM
- Bishop Gray Foundation
- Body in Unity
- Cathedral Church of St Luke
- Christ United Fellowship Church of the
- Ascension
- Church of the Incarnation
- Church of the Redeemer
- Church of our Savior
- Comfort Keepers
- Common Ground
- Adventures Communion Partners
- Crossover Church
- CRU
- C Suite for Christ
- Cursillo Women’s Retreat
- Daughters of the King
- Deacon’s Retreat
- Diocese of Central Florida
- DOOR International
- Emmaus
- Florida United Methodist Foundry Church
- Human Connections
- Java with Judith
- Jesus Film Project
- Jesús de Iglesia Episcopal
- Keller Williams
- Living Waters Church
- Luther Seminary
- Mission to the World
- One Purse
- Oviedo City Church
- Parable
- Rotary
- Sacred Heart Coach Lines St. Jude’s
- Episcopal Church
- St. Thomas Episcopal Church
- SE Uilleann Pipers
- Summit Church
- Touch of Presence
- Village on the Green WAAWG
- Winn Summit
Staff Changes at Canterbury In order to serve our guests better, we have made a number of staff changes, including Jim Morical, whom many of you know, Jim has excepted a new leadership role and is now our Director of Sales. Jim looks forward to assisting you in booking your next conference. You can reach Jim directly at (407) 542-5929 or by email:jim@canterburyretreat.org
Irene Safier, who many of you also know, has been promoted from Sales Coordinator to Director of Guest Services. It is a pleasure to welcome Susan Molina as our new Sales Coordinator. Rounding out Guest Services are Jeannie and Victoria, to help you at the Front Desk.
Our Food Service has changed as well and is now being handled by Catering’s Best. George Ashford and his team of professionals have a passion for creating menus that will delight the palette, using a bounty of local and fresh ingredients. Changing daily, the menus will offer our guests a variety of tasty cuisine that is both appealing and flavorful.
From the Canterbury Kitchen
COLD CUCUMBER SOUP
| In the heat of the summer, what is better than a cold? While classics like Gazpacho and Vichyssoise come to mind, one of the favorites at Canterbury is chilled Cucumber soup. This soup is not only served cold, but it uses all raw ingredients and easily comes together using a blender. Because everything is pureed, with the exception of the garish, a rough chop will do. Once it is blended until smooth, the soup needs to spend at least eight hours in the fridge, to chill and give the flavors time to fuse. |
Ingredients:
|
| Directions: In a blender, combine the coarsely chopped cucumber with yogurt, lemon juice, shallots, garlic, dill, parsley, tarragon and a 1/4 cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Be sure to taste the soup before serving, adjusting the seasoning if needed. Finish by adding the garnish of finely chopped red onion and cucumber, with a drizzle of olive oil. |
“Summer Inflation Fighter”
Has inflation caused you to hesitate from planning a family vacation, personal retreat, or conference? Let Canterbury’s “Inflation Fighter Rate” make it easy. $75* Single or Double Occupancy.*All reservations are subject to availability and some restrictions may apply. The Rate is good through September. Meals and Meeting Space may be available for an additional charge.
Make your reservations now at https://canterburyretreat.org/reservations/
With a rate this low, there has never been a better time to book your stay. Whether taking the kids to one of the areas world famous theme parks, attending a conference or taking some personal time, 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.
Situated on 48 beautifully wooded acres with Lake Gem as its centerpiece, Canterbury’s quiet charm is truly a tranquil escape from the ordinary.
With only 45 private guest rooms purposely without televisions, and no crowds, you are ensured peace and quiet. Take a walk around the lake or enjoy the complimentary use of canoes and kayaks.
From our Chaplain
The Reverend Tom Phillips
AFor a decade now, Church of the Incarnation has been blessed to call Canterbury Conference Center its home. After being planted in 2006, and sojourning for a few years in various locations, Incarnation has now occupied the St. Augustine Chapel for most of its existence as a church. With the chapel now functionally full, on Sundays, Incarnation is focused on solutions that open up greater seating capacity for its growing congregation.
As I reflect upon what has created the growth at Incarnation, I would offer two considerations: commitment to the gospel, and outward facing generosity. Life is hard, and most people are desperate for good news, and as Christians we have the best news anyone could hear! Making the good news of the one-way love of Jesus towards sinners, the central message of a church encourages hearts, and encouraged hearts usually return. Furthermore, generous churches are usually growing churches. In 2018 Incarnation was unable to survive without diocesan support, now its “generosity Sunday” initiative gives about $1000 a month away to others in need locally. It’s a small but significant step towards outward facing generosity, and I’m convinced that people pay attention to it and return.
What has happened at Incarnation these past years can happen anywhere and be encouraged, that it is happening all across our diocese. Many of our diocesan parishes grew in 2022, both in giving and in attendance.
Let’s continue to pray for the growth and flourishing of every parish in our diocese, that we would see God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
How to support Canterbury
Click the link below to find out how to give and help us to bless others:
https://canterburyretreat.org/canterbury-annual-fund