A VISIT FROM THE BISHOP

Bishop Miguel Tamayo recently visited The Church of the Good Shepherd.

Bishop Tamayo led the service and brought the day's homily to the congregation.



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Bishop Tamayo welcomes the newest member of El Buen Pastor into God's family.

Parishioners filled the church as they welcomed Bishop Tamayo..

Iglesia del Buen Pastor (The Church of the Good Shepherd) holds a special place in the Bishop's heart.  Early in his career, Bishop Tamayo was the rector of a neighboring Bolondron church called Iglesia del San Pablo (St. Paul's Church).  At that time, El Buen Pastor was attached to San Pablo as a satellite church.  Through his association with San Pablo, the Bishop was also responsible for El Buen Pastor.  Church members warmly welcomed their former rector.

A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP TAMAYO --

From The Reverend Father Miguel Tamayo Zaldívar, Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Uruguay and Interim Bishop of the Diocese of Cuba. . . .


Although the Episcopal Church in Cuba is more than one hundred years old, it is still a missionary Church.  It is made of about 50 congregations (both parishes and missions) spread along the island.  The number of clergy goes up to 30, and there are 4 seminarians who are being trained for ordained ministry in our diocesan/ecumenical Seminary in Matanzas, near Havana.  We also have a program called "The New Ministries" to train  Lay Ministers and Permanent Deacons which have had a great success graduating last year almost 50 students.


The Church is growing in numbers, but more important than that, it is also growing in commitment to our Lord in order to be, as he asked, "the salt and the yeast in our society".


We thank our Good Lord for all the support we are receiving from our Companion Diocese in Florida, particularly through its parishes like Christ Church Ponte Vedra Beach.


Bishop Miguel Tamayo
Iglesia Episcopal de Cuba

DID YOU LEAVE OUT THE WATER AND STRAW FOR THE CAMELS?

Anticipation . . .

These smiling faces are eagerly awaiting a visit from the Magi. Children from El Buen Pastor joined the Three Kings Day celebration at church!  On the evening of January 9, our Cuba Companion Ministry friends celebrated Epiphany with an evening of fun!  In the same way that American children leave milk and cookies for Santa of Christmas Eve, Cuban children leave straw and water for the Magi's camels!

In Ponte Vedra Beach, Christ Episcopal Church parishioners and other friends of the Cuba Companion Ministry gathered on the evening of January 7 at the home of Marlene and Harry Skilton for a post-Epiphany Three Kings Day Celebration in honor of our friends in Cuba.  Authentic cuisine, delightful company, and meaningful conversation made for a perfect evening.  Thanks to all of you who took time from your busy schedules to join us.  Our evening together was a great start for this growing ministry.