Remembering a beloved priest and a dear childhood friend who died from COVID-19

From Miami-

The coronavirus has taken away our loved ones and acquaintances.

It has also taken away a way of life from us. No longer can we stand around the bedside of a loved one who is about to make his or her transition from this earthly life to life eternal. And no longer can we celebrate their life in going-home ceremonies that help comfort us.

This became a reality a few weeks ago when one of my dear childhood friends, the Rev. Canon Richard Marquess-Barry, died. Until his retirement in 2012, he had served as the popular and civic-minded rector of the Historic Saint Agnes Episcopal Church in Overtown.

At another time, it would have been hard to find a house of God to accommodate all who would have attended his funeral. Yet we, his family and friends, still mourn him and celebrate his life, even though we do so from our homes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

More here-

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article242047146.html

Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article242047146.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/obituaries/article242047146.html#storylink=cpy

A Muslim named Moses saw this Christian church struggling. He built a farm to save it.

From Miami-

Neighbors wondered what was going on when the privacy fence went up around St. Simon in the Weeds.

Joggers speculated the squat Episcopalian church had finally been sold to developers after almost 70 years. Or maybe that the church was going to try to put up a cell tower again on its four acres of mostly overgrown land. Was the tiny school the church rented out expanding? What was going to happen to the unofficial dirt track for weekend ATV riders?

“I’ll bet you it’s more houses,” one speed walker said to another as they cruised by.

More here-

http://www.miamiherald.com/living/food-drink/article184780648.html

Broward church volunteer admits he tried to recruit 14-year-old parishioner for sex

From SE Florida-

71-year-old Broward County church volunteer who promised a 14-year-old parishioner his BMW and inheritance if she would have sex with him pleaded guilty Monday to a federal sex charge.

Timothy Taffe, of Fort Lauderdale, admitted he aggressively pursued the minor after meeting her at game night at St. Benedict's Episcopal Church in Plantation in July. He pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Prosecutors said they will recommend that Taffe, who has been jailed since he was arrested in October after showing up for what he thought was a sex date with the girl, should serve 10 years in federal prison. Taffe also will have to register as a sex offender.

More here-

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-church-volunteer-teen-sex-guilty-20170130-story.html

Photos of Trump at church: Crossing boundary or capturing history?

From Palm Beach-

As President-elect Donald Trump rose for communion Saturday night at the Christmas Eve service at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, a woman rose with him. Not to take communion — but to take a photo of the part-time Palm Beach resident.
To the chagrin of some other parishioners, she held her cellphone at arm’s length, snapping away. Around her in the packed church, perhaps two dozen people joined in, standing quickly during the communion offering to take cellphone photos of Trump and his wife, Melania.

Images of the Trumps attending the service were circulated widely on social media since this past weekend’s Christmas holiday. One video went viral, showing many in the church’s audience giving Trump a standing ovation as he walked to his seat in the third-row pew and waved quickly to the crowd before sitting next to his wife.

More here-

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/national-govt--politics/photos-trump-church-crossing-boundary-capturing-history/c9FjXwPw9H9sowTEmc295I/

Someone put up a ‘satanic display’ in Boca Raton

From Southeast Florida-

A “satanic display” of a pentagram with a nearby banner and sign were placed in Sanborn Square in Boca Raton, Florida, overnight and are causing a stir in the surrounding faith community, according to a local church.

Not far from the display are a Biblical nativity scene, a Christmas tree and a menorah. The banner and sign, which appear to have been covered in spray paint overnight, once read “In Satan We Trust” and “Celebrate Winter Solstice,” based on images of the original display circulating online.

The display prompted St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church and the a local interfaith organization to release a statement. They plan to post another banner at the park this morning.

More here-

http://www.mystatesman.com/lifestyles/holiday/someone-put-satanic-display-boca-raton/bprxAMFAshSPHaO87iuGsI/

As vote looms, faith leaders say it's time to bridge the political divide

Lots of places holding prayer vigils for Voting Day-

 Massachusetts-

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/news/20161107/on-election-eve-new-bedfords-grace-episcopal-church-prays-for-healing-and-unity

Virgina-

http://www.fredericksburg.com/news/local/fredericksburg-church-holds-election-themed-prayer-vigil/article_9d5dddcf-feda-5599-841f-ecdd259edec9.html 

New Hampshire-

http://www.newhampshire.com/religion/as-vote-looms-faith-leaders-say-its-time-to-bridge-the-political-divide-20161106 

New Jersey

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/11/nj_churches_to_pray_before_during_and_after_this_e.html

Boston-

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/11/07/prayers-for-healing-after-lacerating-campaign/deQ8TLjNnged7BkmL6QNwK/story.html

Miami-

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article113148358.html

Indianapolis-

http://www.wthr.com/article/indianapolis-churches-offer-prayer-reflection-before-election-day 

Seattle-

http://www.seattleweekly.com/news/feeling-gross-this-election-churches-offering-healing-vigils/

South Carolina-

http://www.thestate.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/cindi-ross-scoppe/article113070318.html

Broward church volunteer accused of trying to recruit 14-year-old parishioner for sex

From Florida-

The girl rebuffed him and told her family, who reported it to Plantation police, investigators said. Law enforcement took over her email account and set up a cellphone number that the suspect thought belonged to the girl.

After weeks of receiving increasingly graphic messages and photos of his genitals, investigators arrested Taffe on Wednesday morning at a local mall when they said he showed up thinking he was meeting the girl for sex.

Taffe, an insurance broker who lives in Fort Lauderdale and has ties to Iowa, is accused of enticing a child to engage in sexual conduct.

Father Albert Cutie, the internationally well-known parish priest, confirmed Thursday that Taffe was recently ousted from St. Benedict's Episcopal Church in Plantation because of allegations of misconduct.

More here-

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-church-volunteer-teen-20161013-story.html

Florida diocese investigating ex-head of Rhode Island school

From Charlotte-

An Episcopal diocese in Florida says it is investigating a former headmaster at the elite Rhode Island boarding school St. George's, which is at the center of an abuse scandal.

The Rev. George E. Andrews is accused of failing to report sexual abuse by a teacher to authorities when he led the school in the 1980s. He now runs a consulting firm that places chaplains at Episcopal and other schools. His son-in-law is the Fox News personality Tucker Carlson, and his daughter sits on the St. George's board.

The Diocese of Southeast Florida opened an investigation into Andrews earlier this year after news broke that dozens of students had been abused at the $58,000-per-year school in Middletown. The church investigation was put on hold while police and independent investigator Martin Murphy looked into St. George's, according to Bishop Peter Eaton of the Diocese of Southeast Florida.

Read more here:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/entertainment/tv/article100408292.html#storylink=cpy

Episcopal women revisit Bethesda history

From Florida-

Leigh Anne Brown shared the story of how a soldier in love kept the parachute he used to land in Normandy on D-Day. When he returned home from war, he asked his fiancée to turn it into a wedding dress.

“They enjoyed a beautiful 55-year marriage as a result of that,” Brown said. “Even in spite of separation and war and tragedy, true love wins.”

Brown owns multiple parachute gowns as part of her vintage wedding-dress collection. The Hillsborough County resident displayed 17 pieces Thursday at the annual meeting and tea of the Episcopal Church Women at The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea.

The ministry of and for women has been active in the community for 126 years, according to Mary Allen, president of the ministry’s board. Episcopal Church Women leaders organize events, raise money for charitable causes and support improvements to Bethesda.

- See more at:

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/news/local/episcopal-women-revisit-bethesda-history/nq9jS/#sthash.Ojj0K03B.dpuf

New bishop takes the helm at Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida

From Miami-

Peter Eaton stood in the courtyard of Trinity Cathedral in downtown Miami on Saturday morning, taking selfies, and hugging and kissing those who came to see him become recognized and seated as the fourth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida.

“You want a selfie?” he quipped with a 15-year-old guest. “That’ll be $5.”

Eaton’s witty and down-to-Earth personality helped put those around him in good spirits as they prepared for the ceremony.

Among those in attendance for the occasion were clergy from across the world including the Right Reverend Lord Rowan Williams, who is the former Archbishop of Canterbury, members of South Florida’s interfaith community, and political figures such as Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado.
Read more here:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article57515843.html#storylink=cpy

Bishop Leo Frade of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida bids farewell

From Miami-

Bishop Leo Frade is a true South Floridian.

He says he could easily live off Cuban sandwiches and cafecito, and he isn’t a fan of the traffic on I-95.

“I’m a Miami Boy,” Frade said with a laugh.

Frade, 72, has spent about 15 years serving as the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida. On Saturday, he officially resigned his post, ending his roughly 38-year career. The Right Rev. Peter Eaton will succeed Frade in the post.

“I’m excited,” said Frade before a Saturday morning service at Trinity Cathedral in downtown Miami. “The church is in good hands; we have a good bishop who will help the ministry here. It’s time for a new chapter.”

Frade’s tenure was celebrated by a multi-language service with music and people of various denominations. Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado was also on hand, proclaiming the day for Frade.

Read more here:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article53940405.html#storylink=cpy

The Ancient Spanish Monastery Is A North Miami Beach Gem That You Have To Visit

From Miami-

Secluded within the groves surrounding West Dixie Highway lies a Florida Heritage site you may not have heard of – the Ancient Spanish Monastery.

A North Miami Beach relic, it boasts historic structures containing Romanesque and pre-Gothic architecture. Stretching from as far back as the 12th century, conserved artifacts take visitors into the life of medieval monks in northern Spain. But how this wonder ended up in Miami is a long story

Here’s the condensed version:

–   From 1133 to 1141 AD, the monastery and cloisters were constructed in Sacramenia, a city in the province of Segovia, Spain. Originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was renamed to recognize its renowned abbot Bernard of Clairvaux after his canonization.

More here-

http://risemiaminews.com/2015/08/the-ancient-spanish-monastery-is-a-north-miami-beach-gem-that-you-have-to-visit/

Florida judge issues stay on homeless feeding ban

From Ft. Lauderdale-

A judge Tuesday issued a 30-day stay on Fort Lauderdale’s enforcement of new restrictions on feeding homeless people and ordered all sides into mediation to resolve an issue that has brought the city a storm of unpleasant international attention.

The decision came in the case of Arnold Abbott, the 90-year-old World War II veteran and retired jewelry salesman who has been feeding homeless people at the beach for years.

More here-

http://www.pressherald.com/2014/12/03/fla-judge-issues-stay-on-homeless-feeding-ban/

Homeless advocates rally for change in Fort Lauderdale

From Southeast Florida-

Hungry for change, about 100 protested Saturday in front of the downtown federal courthouse against city leaders and their ordinance to restrict outdoor feedings for the homeless.


The most coveted speaker: Arnold Abbott, 90, who has grown into an iconic figure in the movement to "decriminalize homelessness."

Abbott appeared before a rowdy crowd that chanted his name and cheered for the leader of the Love Thy Neighbor nonprofit that holds weekly feedings. He was welcomed like a local celebrity of sorts.

More here-

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-homeless-rally-fort-lauderdale-20141129-story.html

Southeast Florida diocese announces 5 nominees for bishop coadjutor

From ENS-

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida has announced its slate of nominees for bishop coadjutor of the diocese. The nominees were presented to the Standing Committee by the Bishop Coadjutor Search Committee, which was tasked with leading the process, which began seven months ago.

The nominees are:

The Rev. Michael J. Battle, vicar, St. Titus Episcopal Church, Durham, North Carolina;

The Very Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe, rector, St. Peter’s in the Woods Episcopal Church, Fairfax Station, Virginia;

The Very Rev. Peter Eaton, dean, St. John’s Cathedral, Denver, Colorado;

The Rev. John C. N. Hall, rector, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Sarasota, Florida; and

The Rev. Allen F. Robinson, rector, St. James Episcopal Church, Baltimore, Maryland.

Detailed information about each nominee can be found online here.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/10/14/southeast-florida-diocese-announces-5-nominees-for-bishop-coadjutor/

Retired teacher runs Coconut Grove Food Bank, helps locals in need

From Miami-

Every Friday morning before sunrise, Flora McKenzie leaves her home in West Kendall to help distribute groceries to people in need in west Coconut Grove, where she grew up.

McKenzie, 66, has been running the Coconut Grove Food Pantry for two years. The program is approved by the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program, and many of the supplies distributed are purchased at the USDA food bank in Broward, where supplies can be purchased for almost nothing. Meat can sometimes be as cheap as $0.06.

“I believe this program is really needed in the Grove,” she said.

The food is handed out at Christ Episcopal Church, founded in 1901 by Bahamian settlers and one of the oldest churches in Miami. Most of the volunteers belong to the church and do what they can to help with the program. One volunteer drives a truck to buy the supplies, and they are packed every Thursday evening by another team of volunteers. The perishables are not brought out until Friday morning.

Read more here:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/01/3847993/retired-teacher-runs-coconut-grove.html#storylink=cpy