News 2014

Our Primates asks priests to hold off signing marriage pledge ...

Addressing a call – put forward by Drs Ephraim Radner and Christopher Seitz – for clergy to protest the radical cultural redefinition of marriage by pledging stop serving as agents of the state in performing civil marriages, Archbishop Foley Beach asks we hit the pause button. He writes, “It would be best for us to take counsel together before taking further action. Therefore I ask that you do not sign this pledge until as bishops, clergy, and lay leaders we have had more opportunities to pray about and discuss the legal, theological, and sociological ramifications of signing such a statement.” You can read his full statement on the ACNA website.

Clergy announcements ...

The Rev Trevor Potter has been appointed rector of Emmaus Anglican Church (Montreal, QC) effective December 1.
The Rev Kevin McKee was welcomed as a priest in ANiC and as Honorary Assistant of The Table (Victoria, BC) effective December 9.
The Rev Dwight MacPherson resigned as rector of All Saints’ (Rutland, Vermont) and his license was suspended effective, 9 November 2014.

2015 Liturgical calendars ...

Canon Tom Carman has prepared a 2015 liturgical calendar following Common Worship (Church of England) which you can find as a pdf on the ANiC website.

ANiC featured in global and “provincial” publications ...

In his Advent pastoral letter to the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, GAFCon chairman Archbishop Eliud Wabukala (Primate of Kenya) devoted considerable space to ANiC and specifically Bishop Charlie Masters. He notes Bishop Charlie’s response to the terrorist attack in Ottawa at the end of October – in an Anglican TV interview as well as an earlier written statement.

Also, Bishop Charlie’s current schedule of visits around ANiC is featured in the Advent edition of The Apostle, ACNA magazine.

ANiC in the news ...

Our Province’s magazine, The Apostle, included a short photo-essay on Bishop Charlie’s “tour” around ANiC, visiting and speaking with clergy and members the length and breadth of our diocese.
You can see Bishop Charlie’s itinerary here and also the five ministry priorities he so passionately is discussing at his meetings.

Bishop Charlie officially installed ...

On November 6, Archbishop Foley Beach installed Bishop Charlie Masters as our second diocesan bishop, succeeding founding diocesan Bishop Donald Harvey. The service was part of ANiC's synod in Ottawa, November 5-7. Thirteen other ANiC, ACNA and international bishops participated in the service at St Peter & St Paul's. See more…

16-17 October 2014 – ACNA - Lutheran talks in St Catharines, ON ...

As part of the ongoing dialogue between the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, the Lutheran Church of Canada and the Anglican Network in Canada, a meeting took place in St Catharines, ON on the Brock University Campus at the Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary. Participants included ANiC's Bishops Donald Harvey and Charlie Masters. Bishop Don was one of the speakers. See photos

Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada (ARDFC) – Christmas gift cards ...

Want to give meaningful gifts this year? Give ARDFC Christmas gift cards. These cards let the recipient know that a donation has been made in their honour which is helping to build a pediatric ward operated by the Diocese of Yei in South Sudan. This year we are offering two versions of the card, one of which can be downloaded and printed on our home colour printer. See the ARDFC’s website for more information or contact the ARDFC ambassador in your parish.
The pediatric ward which ARDFC is sponsoring is now built, so there is increased urgency for us to raise the remaining funds so the Diocese of Yei can pay the bills. You can learn more about the project on the ARDFC website as well as see photos of the construction and opening of the ward.

New ANiC blog launching ...

Just in time for synod, we are launching a new ANiC blog which will feature synod highlights and photos. After synod is over this blog will be devoted to supporting and encouraging ministry within ANiC – in particular, Bishop Charlie’s five priority ministries.

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – Sunday, November 9 ...

Let’s join with over half a million churches in 150 countries in praying for Christian believers who are suffering, even dying, for their faith. Resources for churches are here.

More opportunities to support the Cuba church ...

Five new pressing partnership needs have been posted on the ANiC website. If your church has not yet partnered with a Cuban church plant, this is your opportunity. You can see which ANiC churches are already partnered here. Churches interested in supporting the ministry in Cuba should contact the Rev Barclay Mayo who is planning to take 5-6 pastors and church leaders to Cuba on a vision trip, February 15-21. Contact information is here.

St Aidan’s begins fundraising to meet pressing legal obligations ...

Like many ANiC congregations, St Aidan’s carefully and prayerfully considered its decision to seek justice in the courts. The congregation was believed to have a particularly strong case as they held a letter from the Anglican Church of Canada’s Diocese of Huron from 2001 which clearly stated that the congregation owned the property.

However, as a result of surprising court decisions, which revolved around the meaning of the term “parish”, ANiC’s St Aidan’s Community Church not only lost their long-time property to the Anglican Church of Canada’s Diocese of Huron, they also are required to pay a portion of the Diocese of Huron's legal costs, amounting to approximately $142,000. This, together with their own legal costs, means the people of St Aidan’s now have to raise $371,000. The Diocese of Huron is relentless in its demand for immediate payment.

Please pray for God’s provision. And, if God is leading you to be part of that provision please send your cheque made out to “St Aidan’s Community Church”, with “Legal defence fund” on the memo line, to: St Aidan’s Community Church
3033 Rivard Avenue
Windsor, ON N8T 2J1

Pledges of monthly donations or significant lump sum two-year loans would also be most appreciated. Contact the rector Canon Tom Carman, or the wardens Alan Purves or Cathy Knight, via the church by email or by phoning (519) 962-5931. Thank you!

Pressing needs of Cuba church partners met. PTL! ...

The Rev Barclay Mayo who is coordinating the partnership between Reformed Episcopal Church (REC) plants in Cuba and ANiC congregations reports that all the pressing needs which were identified earlier this year by Bishops Charles Dorrington (of the REC) and ANiC’s Trevor Walters have now been met. We are grateful for the faithful generosity of the congregations who have partnered with the Cuban parishes. Watch for more needs to be posted to the

For more information on this partnership, see the ANiC website. More pressing needs in the Cuban churches will be posted online soon.

Bishop Charlie holds regional meetings across ANiC ...

From September to January 2015, Bishop Charlie will hold meetings across ANiC to become better acquainted with ANiC clergy and members and share ANiC’s vision and ministry priorities.

Bishop Charlie appoints chaplains ...

The Rev Dr Brent Stiller (New Song, Port Perry, ON) is appointed by Bishop Charlie Masters to the new position of Bishop’s Clergy Support Chaplain. Brent+ will work with ANiC’s suffragan bishops and archdeacons to ensure care of all ANiC clergy is excellent.

The Rev Garth Hunt is appointed Bishop’s Prayer Support Chaplain. In addition to his past responsibilities encouraging prayer within ANiC as national prayer coordinator, Garth+ will be traveling extensively with Bishop Charlie giving prayer coverage and also offering teaching on prayer as circumstances allow.

Wycliffe principal responds to Bishop Don Harvey ...

Dr George Sumner has responded to Bishop Don Harvey's recent comments related to Wycliffe College in Toronto. Bishop Don's original comments related to Wycliffe are contained in this interview from The Anchor, the Church of Our Lord (Victoria, BC) newsletter. Dr Sumner's letter is here.

Primate calls on all ACNA churches to pray for the Persecuted Church on August 24 ...

Archbishop Foley Beach is calling all churches in ACNA - including ANiC congregations - to "include a special time of prayer for the persecuted church during their services this Sunday, August 24th". Details and resources are posted here.

ACNA Assembly 2014 report ...

While the 2014 ACNA Assembly featured a farewell to our founding Primate, Archbishop Bob Duncan and the welcome of our new Primate, Archbishop Foley Beach, it also offered an array of top-notch speakers. You can see video of many of the key events and sessions on Anglican TV. And the TitusOneNine blog has compiled the Assembly`s schedule and video of key sessions. Documents for Assembly delegates are posted on the ACNA website. The Living Church published a very good article summarizing the first two days of the conference.

Archbishop Bob Duncan provided a State of the Church address in which he reported that the Anglican Church in North America has grown 13 per cent since 2009. Our province now has 112,504 members. Meanwhile ACNA now has more than 80,000 regular attendees, representing growth of 16 per cent. From the ¾ of ACNA congregations reporting their statistics we learned that “Of a total number of 3097 baptisms, 31 per cent, 969, are of those above the age of 16, converts not transfers….There were 3197 conversions reported. There were 6011 new people reported to have been brought into our congregations through evangelism and outreach...”

Perhaps the best summaries of the Assembly – including some behind-the-scenes insight into the College of Bishops meeting – is provided by Bishop Bill Atwood here and by Bishop Stewart Ruch in a five-minute video to the Diocese of the Upper Midwest. Anglican Ink offers commentary on the growth in ACNA.

Prior to the Assembly, Anglican TV did an extensive interview with outgoing Archbishop Bob Duncan in which he discusses the history of the ACNA – both the good and the bad – the process of electing his successor, the role played by ACNA Dean Bishop Don Harvey, the state of the Anglican Communion, and much more.

Here is a small sampling of highlights from the Assembly which featured the recurring theme of “conversion, compassion, courage”:

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In the video of evening honouring Archbishop Bob and Nara Duncan, Bishop Don Harvey who has served as Dean of the ACNA, speaks beginning at the 2 hours, 48 minutes and 40 second mark.

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The Rev Canon Dr J I Packer spoke about the paramount importance of catechesis in our churches. He said that regular catechesis for all ages in each of our parish churches is integral and necessary for the health of the Church. The abandonment of catechesis in the past century has led to our current crisis in the western churches. . “We need a catechetical revolution of the 21st century, where this ancient and vital discipline is brought back into the heart of church life.” The ACNA’s (draft) catechism is available on the ACNA website and is already being translated by a number of other Anglican Provinces for local use.

•	Archbishop Ben Kwashi of Jos, Nigeria – who ministers near Boko Haram territory – and his wife Gloria gave a powerful and engaging presentation of how God is at work. They tell of their own brushes with death, of God’s leading to take in orphans – 30 currently – and of Muslims coming to faith in Christ. The video is worth watching!
•	The Bishop of Chester (England) brought greetings to the ACNA Assembly on behalf of Archbishop Justin Welby.

Vision/goals for ANiC ...

Bishop Charlie Masters shared his vision for ANiC with the ANiC council at the end of May. The “Reader’s Digest” version of this vision is summed up as five priorities (below). You’ll be hearing a lot more about this vision. Synod 2014, for example, will focus on the priorities and what we can do to work towards them.

1. Bold witnesses - Every member of every ANiC church will personally have responded to Christ, as well as know how to share the gospel and invite others to come to Christ.

2. Biblically grounded – Every church of ANiC will be known for its strengths in the Bible and expository preaching. Parishioners are able to handle accurately the Word of Truth.

3. Loving children – Every church in ANiC will have a vital ministry to children and youth, leading them to Christ and helping them grow as disciples of Jesus.

4. On mission – We each are intentionally and actively engaging in our communities, nations and world, focused on showing and sharing the love of God and fulfilling the Great Commission.

5. Planting & growing – Every congregation is focused on planting another congregation out of their church family. We are working to plant a church in every major community across Canada.

New brochure featuring a few of ANiC’s churches ...

We’ve put together testimonies from a few ANiC churches, telling how God is at work. Take time to read these stories of God’s goodness and grace – and be encouraged! If you would like to share your congregation’s story, contact Marilyn Jacobson. And watch for more testimonies in the future.

Two ANiC congregations presented their ministries at the ACNA Assembly ...

Both Good Shepherd (Vancouver, BC) and Immanuel (Vancouver, BC) were invited to create videos of their ministries for showing at ACNA’s recent Assembly 2014. You can see the Good Shepherd video here.

ACNA elects new Primate: Archbishop Foley Beach ...

The Rt Rev Dr Foley Beach of the Diocese of the South was elected by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America College of Bishop to be our new Primate. He succeeds Archbishop Bob Duncan as head of our Province at the conclusion of the ACNA Assembly June 25-28. See the news release here.

Who is Archbishop Foley Beach?
In a Q&A session, Archbishop Foley Beach talked about himself and his background which included a broken home and being raised by a “hippy” mother until she was arrested for selling drugs. He started his Christian life as a Baptist. You can watch the 30 minute Q&A video here.

Regarding Canterbury… In response to a question, Archbishop Foley stated that our mission was to reach people for Jesus Christ. Being in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury was not a priority. In fact, he said, given what is happening in the Church of England, he wasn’t sure we wanted to be communion with that church.

Women’s ordination… While Archbishop Foley does not himself ordain women to the priesthood, he is committed to doing nothing to undermine the process of theological study underway within the ACNA. He also said that he has the highest respect for other bishops in the College of Bishops who are on the other side of this issue and noted that ACNA’s constitution protects the right of dioceses to practice either position on this matter.

Speaking to reporter David Virtue, Archbishop Beach disclosed that he will be based in Atlanta where he will remain the bishop of the Diocese of the South, however the provincial office will, at least temporarily, remain in Pittsburgh. In response to questions about ACNA priorities and evangelism in our post-Christian culture, Archbishop Foley said, “… I expect that we will continue to grow numerically, but what I get fired up about is people growing spiritually. We have too many Church-Christians, and not enough Real-Life Christians… The best way to transform the culture is for Church people to become disciples of Jesus and live out their faith in the market place, schools, and social gatherings. We have let the culture intimidate us and shut us up. It is time to repent and stop being ashamed of the Lord and his Word.”

In an interesting interview with The Living Church, our new Primate spoke of the need to “… leave the comfortableness of our church environments and cliques and get involved in the communities around our churches, build relationships with people, and be the living presence of Christ in those communities. If that is happening, the kingdom is going to grow and the church is going to grow.”

A blogger has compiled historical information on our new Archbishop which you can see here.

Bishop Abraham Yel Nhiel (Diocese of Awiel, South Sudan) welcomed to Vancouver ...

A service was held 8 June 2014 at Good Shepherd (Vancouver) to welcome and hear from Bishop Abraham – followed by a buffet reception which featured both Sudanese and Chinese food.

Bishop Abraham brought news of the progress of peace talks which have involved the warring parties, as well as leaders of the Christian South Sudanese community – especially Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul. Bishop Abraham himself has been working tirelessly in refugee camps, both ministering to those forced to flee their homes by the civil war which began in December 2013 and beginning the grassroots process of peace-building.

June is a big month for our Province ...

New Primate to be elected… We are all asked to pray for God’s wisdom as the ACNA College of Bishops meets June 19-20 to elect a successor to Archbishop Bob Duncan. The StandFirm blog has begun a thread for those wishing to comment on the election.

The Provincial Council meeting is on June 24. The ACNA website has a list of delegates from each diocese. ANiC’s delegates are: Bishop Don Harvey, Canon Tom Carman and Claus Lenk.

Then the Provincial Assembly is June 25-28 in LaTrobe, PA. If you haven’t registered yet, there is still time. See the ACNA website for more details. The line-up of speakers is stellar. And the Assembly offers a wonderful time to worship and fellowship as we gather together from across the continent. Additionally, there is a parallel teen conference.

Bishop Don Harvey talks candidly about his term as ANiC's diocesan ...

In an extensive and wide-ranging interview published in the Church of Our Lord's newsletter, The Anchor (May 2014), Bishop Don speaks candidly about his eventful tenure as ANiC's founding diocesan. Bishop Don retires (again) at the end of June and Bishop Charlie Masters assumes the mantle of leadership. Read the interesting and informative interview here.

ANiC priest appointed to pastor a parish in Cairo, Egypt ...

The Rev Dr Mike Dobson has been appointed by Presiding Bishop Mouneer Anis (Diocese of Egypt) to serve as priest-in-charge of the English-speaking congregation at St John the Baptist Church in Maadi, Cairo. In order to take up this post, the Dobsons need to raise financial support so their daughter can attend an English-speaking school in Cairo. If you would like to partner with the Dobsons in this new ministry, please email Mike+. For more information see a letter from Presiding Bishop Anis here. Do pray for the Dobsons in this step of faith.

Montreal Bible study offered for South Asian community ...

The Rev Wilson Nazim, priest-in-charge of ANiC’s newest church plant, Bethel South Asian (Brampton, ON), travels to Montreal regularly to lead a Bible study for South Asians. Please pray for this ministry.

Bishop Charlie Masters offers opening prayer at March for Life ...

At the annual March for Life held in Canada's capital on May 8, ANiC's coadjutor Bishop Charlie Masters was invited to offer the opening prayer on Parliament Hill. See photos and a video. Learn more about the event here and here.

A number of ANiC members marched, wearing bright green caps. And Anglicans for Life Canada held its first meeting May 7 with Anglicans for Life founder, Georgette Forney presenting.

St Aidan’s appeal will not be heard; congregation moves to better facilities ...

The Supreme Court of Canada has declined to hear the appeal of lower court decisions involving St Aidan’s (Windsor, ON) and the Anglican Church of Canada’s Diocese of Huron. St Aidan’s rector, Canon Tom Carman writes, “Yes, sadly the Supreme Court has decided not to grant us leave to appeal. It’s not really surprising – not from a human standpoint – but we were hoping for a miracle. Sometimes, though, God simply calls us to bear reproach for his name's sake. And we know that in the end our reward is with Him and in Him. He will see us through this. Please do continue to keep us in your prayers.”

St Aidan’s has entered into an agreement with Ambassador Community Church (Christian Reform) and will be moving services offices there. Sunday services will be at 8am and 12:30pm. Thursday service will continue at 7:30pm. St Aidan’s also has use of the hall when it is available and classroom space for weekly Bible studies. Tom+ say, “It’s a real positive change for us and they are a great congregation to work with. We feel very blessed.”

Kudos to St Stephen the Martyr (St John’s, NL) for flying the flag ...

At the instigation of the Rev Howard Hynes and the people of St Stephen’s, the cities of St John’s and Mount Pearl have agreed to mark Christian Holy Week by raising the Christian flag at city hall. The events on April 14 – at10:30am at St John’s city hall and 1pm at Mount Pearl city hall – will focus attention on the largely unreported persecution of Christians worldwide.

Holy Trinity, Marlborough, MA to purchase church building ...

Holy Trinity (Marlborough, MA) is set to purchase a church building which has been vacant since 2004 – an event the local newspaper called the “the rebirth of [the former] Saint Ann’s Church”. The first service in the new building is planned for Sunday, May 4 at 10am.

The newspaper article states: “The purchase of Saint Ann’s and adjacent property brings new and exciting possibilities. In addition to the 72,000 square foot church building, Holy Trinity is buying the two-floor, 48,000 square foot Community Outreach Center next door, along with a 12,000 square foot administration building and a huge parking lot with a capacity for about one hundred fifty cars."

While the congregation is thrilled about the new building and the ministry possibilities it will open up, they are taking a leap of faith financially. In addition to the financial demands of the mortgage, the cost of bringing the buildings up to full operational potential is estimated at $200,000 to $300,000. Thank God, many volunteers are coming forward to assist with the renovations.

Read the whole article, be encouraged and pray for Holy Trinity as they step out in faith! You can see more photos of the soon-to-be-acquired buildings here.

Welcoming a church so new it has not yet been named ...

We are welcoming our newest member, a church plant in Brampton, ON which is focused on ministry to those from South Asia, especially Pakistan. On Palm Sunday, April 13 3pm, Bishops Charlie Masters and Stephen Leung will lead a special service of welcoming this new ANiC church plant and inducting the rector the Rev Wilson Nazim. The service will take place at Heart Lake Baptist Church, 10245 Kennedy Road North, Brampton.

ACNA Provincial Assembly – ANiC delegates wanted ...

With our Province’s General Assembly in just a few months – June 25-28 at St Vincent College, Latrobe, PA Pennsylvania – Bishop Don Harvey is compiling a list of ANiC’s official delegates for both Provincial Council and the Provincial Assembly. There are openings for five clergy, five lay and four youth delegates for the Assembly and one lay delegate to the Provincial Council. Delegates will pay their own expenses as ANiC’s finances do not allow us to sponsor delegates. If you plan to attend the Provincial Assembly and are willing to serve as a delegate, please email ANiC. From the responses received, Bishop Don, in consultation with the House of Bishops and others, will select our official delegates with the intention of achieving as much regional representation as possible.

Churches explore partnerships with Cuban Anglican churches ...

Clergy from Church of Our Lord and The Open Gate, both in Victoria, BC, as well as Celebration Church in Barrie, ON are on the missions team that left for Cuba on March 24. Celebration Church also sent several lay members. The team will meet with Anglican churches in Cuba to explore the possibility of forming a church-to-church partnership. The team is taking educational and health supplies for those they will be meeting. For more information on the ANiC/Cuba church partnership opportunity see the ANiC website.

Bishop Abraham Nhial (Sudan) to visit ANiC Sudanese congregations in Canada ...

At the invitation of Bishop Stephen Leung, who leads ANiC's Asian and Multicultural Ministry (AMMiC), Bishop Abraham Nhial of the Diocese of Aweil in the Episcopal Church of Sudan and South Sudan is coming to minister to the various communities of Sudanese immigrants across Canada from May 27 to July 7.

Anglicans for Life Canada launches ...

The Rev Vicky Hedelius, an ANiC priest in Hamilton, is the director of the newly launched Anglicans for Life Canada. The new organization which aims to shake Anglicans from our apathy about the growing culture of death that grips Canada, will hold a dinner and seminar in Ottawa on May 8 and muster a solid presence for the national March for Life the following day. For more information, click here.

Lenten resources ...

For children, the Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada (ARDFC) has prepared both a calendar, which incorporates tidbits of global information and prayer items, and an accompanying mite box. You can download these from the ARDFC website."

Ginger Group books now available online – free ...

The 21 short booklets, edited by Dr J I Packer and written by various Anglican theologians (known as the Ginger Group), have been available for purchase for several years – and still can be purchased through the ANiC online store. However, they are now also available as free downloads (pdfs) on the ANiC website. Thank you Ginger Group! Each book tackles an important and timely topic for Anglican Christians. They are the perfect size for use by adult Bible study groups – covering a different topic each week. May these books be a blessing to many around the world.

Victoria ministry in the news ...

The Table (Victoria, BC) and the Rev Josh Wilton are profiled in an Anglican Planet article that focuses on one of The Table’s ministries: Marketplace. Read this encouraging article about how Josh+ and Marketplace are reaching and serving Victoria-area professionals in business and government through biweekly Tuesday lunch-time forums.

Training for catechists coming ...

The Canadian Council for Catechesis – comprised of a team of ANiC clergy and lay members – has been appointed to prepare training for catechists based on the ACNA’s newly released catechism, To Be a Christian. This team has identified the need to prepare training for three types of catechists: those teaching children, those working with youth, and those ministering to adults.

The initial training will focus on catechetical children’s ministry and will be offered for Sunday School teachers and those ministering to children. A two-day seminar will be held May 30-31 at St John’s Richmond (BC). An identical session in eastern Canada is anticipated but not yet scheduled.

Once the training in catechetical children’s ministry is fully rolled out, the team will turn their focus to training for catechists for youth and then for adults. More information ...

Bishop Charlie’s reflections on GAFCon 2 ...

Be sure to prayerfully watch Bishop Charlie Masters’ nine-minute video on GAFCon 2 and its importance for ANiC. He is calling us to take very specific actions in response.

New archdeacon appointed ...

ANiC’s Moderator, Bishop Don Harvey, upon the recommendation of Bishop Trevor Walters, and with the unanimous consent of the House of Bishops, has appointed the Rev Bruce Chamberlayne, rector of Resurrection Anglican Community (Kelowna, BC), as archdeacon responsible for Alberta and the BC Interior. Like all such appointments, this is effective for a five year term. Please pray for ANiC’s archdeacons and their ministry within ANiC.

ANiC group launches in London, ON ...

If you live in the London, ON area, or you know someone who does, you’ll be interested in the new work ANiC is launching there. Those interested in meeting together with other faithful Anglicans in London should email Anita.

Our Primate is coming to Vancouver, February 20-21 ...

Archbishop Bob Duncan will meet with ANiC council, bishops and archdeacons, February 20-21.

ACNA Missions Sunday is March 2 ...

Each year, we and the other dioceses in ACNA designate the last Sunday before Lent, Missions Sunday. Please plan to have a focus of missions in church on March 2. If you’d like to emphasize the work of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada, you can get materials through your parish ARDFC ambassador or my emailing Marilyn Jacobson.

ARDFC finishes 2013 strong ...

Praise the Lord! 2013 was a great year for the Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada thanks to the generosity of our churches and individual donors. Not only were we able to send the last installment to the Diocese of Recife (Brazil) to fund construction of a training centre, but we ended the year with a surplus, allowing us to kick start the next project.

In 2013, you also gave more than $20,000 towards emergency relief in the Philippines following the typhoon disaster and more than $10,000 to help in the aftermath of the floods in southern Alberta.

AMMiC mini-conference, a time of encouragement ...

Last week, ANiC’s Asian and Multicultural Ministries in Canada (AMMiC) clergy and leaders met in Richmond, BC, Bishop Stephen also reported that two church plants are forming – one in Toronto among the South Asian community and one in Boston, launched in concert with the ACNA Diocese of New England, for the Chinese community. He also announced that two Anglican Communion bishops will be visiting this year to minister to their respective expatriate communities: Bishop Azad Marshall (Iran) & Abraham Nhial (Awiel, Sudan). Bishop Nhial, who was a speaker at ANiC’s 2013 Vancouver assembly, will be here for June and July ministering to Sudanese communities across Canada.

J I Packer featured in the current edition of Faith Today ...

ANiC member, Canon Dr J I Packer is featured in the current issue of Faith Today in an article on his most recent book which focuses on strength in weakness. You can read the magazine online. Or, if you buy a print subscription before February 28, you will also receive a free copy of Dr Packer’s book, Weakness is the Way.

Bishop Charlie and Canadian contingent at Washington, DC March for Life ...

Although numbers were down markedly from previous year’s totals of 400,000-650,000 participants, the winter storms and frigid weather didn’t deter our four-person Canadian contingent at the recent March for Life in Washington, DC. Bishop Charlie Masters was one of a number of ACNA bishops there despite cancelled flights. Read more about the March here.

ANiC members weren’t the only Canadians down for the March. See here. You can read more about the March for Life here. Photos from the Washington march are on the ACNA Facebook page. Another march was held in San Francisco on January 27, attracting record crowds of 50,000-60,000 – including another ACNA contingent. See a You Tube video here.

Our chance comes May 8 with the March for Life in Ottawa preceded by the Anglicans for Life one-day conference. Learn more here and get involved!

Anglican Sojourners Fellowship needs your help ...

Anglican Sojourners Fellowship (ASF) urgently needs help to grow its ministry. ASF is an ANiC outreach ministry to “orphan” Anglicans and others who are isolated from church connections. Its objectives are to restore isolated believers to a sense of belonging in Christian fellowship and to provide them with support and encouragement as disciples of Jesus Christ. They do this through the provision of a website and through sponsoring local Fellowship Circles “wherever two or three are gathered together”.

You can help by:
1) Identifying and referring individuals who might benefit from their fellowship.
2) Volunteering with the ASF ministry. Urgent needs are for a webmaster and a prayer coordinator.
3) Encouraging your church to partner with ASF. ASF is looking for partnerships with ANiC churches – perhaps on a regional basis – to assist in this ministry.

Please prayerfully review their website and email the ASF convenor, Mark Larratt-Smith, for further information.

Time to Build Summary Report, January 2014 ...

The Venerable Ron Corcoran has provided a report on the progress of the Time to Build Campaign. To date he has visited 26 parishes from Vancouver to Newfoundland. The teaching on Biblical principles of stewardship has been well received and has seen a growing spirit of generosity.

Through a $20/20 program - a commitment of $20 per month for 20 months - Time to Build has raise almost $200,000, bringing the total raised to over $400,000. However, the goal is to raise $1 million by November 2014, so there is still work to do.

If your church has not yet invited Ven Ron, now would be a good time to do so! And if you haven't looked into the part you can play, do check out the $20/20 program now.