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News – ANiC and AEN
Praise the Lord! Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada is now operational
The Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada (ARDFC) has been granted charitable status by Revenue Canada so it can now receive donations and issue receipts for income tax purposes. ARDFC undertakes carefully selected and monitored relief and development projects with partner dioceses in the Global South.
ARDFC is thrilled to announce its initial project in partnership with the Diocese of Maseno, Kenya to educate pregnant women, mothers and volunteers on malaria prevention and use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted by infected mosquitoes. This project will reduce illness and infant mortality among the most vulnerable – women and children in Kenya. The World Health Organization notes that malaria caused nearly one million deaths in 2006 – mostly among African children.
ARDFC needs $50,000 to fund this project and hopes that members of ANiC will give generously to allow this project to proceed soon. You can donate by cheque or online. Please mail cheques to Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada, c/o Box 1013, Burlington, ON, L7R 4L8. ANiC has agreed to accept online credit card donations on behalf of ARDFC. You may donate online here. Make sure you select “ARDFC” in the Fund/Designation drop-down menu.
ANiC Constitution and Canons
A board committee, chaired by Joyce Lee, has completed drafts of ANiC’s constitution and canons. These drafts were then examined at a special board meeting on February 5. Once the requested changes have been made, the documents will go to ANiC churches in March for additional comments. Those wishing to have input into these documents can do so via their parish review process. The redrafted canons and constitution will be considered at ANiC’s synod in November.
Parish, project and ministry news
The Church of St Peter (Hamilton) hosted a weekend of music by local musicians on February 5 & 6, raising close to $3000 for Haitian relief. The money will be matched by the government and is going to OMS Canada, a local mission which has been working in Haiti for 50 years, operating health clinics, a seminary and other services.
Church of the Good Shepherd (Vancouver, BC) is hosting a revival conference entitled, “A Closer Walk with Thee”. Dr Dennis Ngien, professor of systematic theology at Tyndale Seminary (Toronto), will speak on growing in Christ, personal spiritual growth, commitment and holiness.
Date: March 19-21 – Friday & Saturday at 7:30-9:30pm and Sunday at 11am-1pm
Location: Church of the Good Shepherd, 189 West 11th Avenue, Vancouver
Church of the Good Shepherd (St Catharines, ON) has a terrific new website you should check out! It was created based on one of the low-cost ANiC templates. St Aidan’s (Windsor, ON) also has a nice new website.
St Chad’s (Toronto) has begun a new Bible study group in Etobicoke and welcomes all in the area to attend. The group meets every Tuesday at 2pm. Currently, they are using the study guide Jesus, Remember Me by the Ven Ron Corcoran, rector of ANiC’s Christ the King Anglican Church in Victoria. Please phone 416-236-4647 or email info@stchads.ca for address and directions.
Welcoming clergy
On behalf of ANiC, our moderator, Bishop Don Harvey has welcomed the Rev Prof Craig Gerald Bartholomew, who will serve as honourary assistant at Church of the Epiphany in Hamilton, ON.
On Sunday, February 28, at 11am, Roy Laing will be ordained to the non-transitional Diaconate by Bishop Don at St Aidan’s (Windsor, ON). Please remember Roy in prayer as he prepares for this important step in his service to Christ.
Clergy openings
Church of the Resurrection (Hope, BC) has an opening for a part-time rector. See parish profile and position information. Applications to Bishop Trevor Walters by March 15.
St Matthews (Abbotsford, BC) is looking for a full-time assistant priest. Those interested should contact the church office by calling (604) 853-2416 or emailing stmatts1@telus.net for a Parish Profile. Deadline for applications is 31 March 2010.
Calendar of upcoming events – for your interest and prayer support
Feb 21 – Celebration service with Bishop Charlie at Church of the Epiphany (Hamilton, ON)
Feb 22-23 – Anglican 1000 Church Planting Summit in Plano, Texas
Feb 23 – St Chad’s Bible Study in Etobicoke every Tuesday at 2pm. For info call 416-236-4647.
Feb 24-25 – ACNA Provincial Executive Committee meeting in Plano, Texas
Feb 26-28 – St George’s (Burlington, ON) – Spiritual renewal conference with Bishop Malcolm
Feb 28 – Ordination to the Diaconate of the Rev Roy Lang at St Aidan’s (Windsor, ON)
Mar 2 – St Chad’s Bible Study in Etobicoke every Tuesday at 2pm. For info call 416-236-4647.
Mar 16-18 – 5th Annual ANiC clergy retreat at Cedar Springs (near Abbotsford, BC)
Mar 18 – Ministry leadership seminar at Heritage Seminary, Cambridge ON
Mar 19-20 – St Andrew’s (Delta, BC) – Parish renewal with +Malcolm & the Ven Paul Crossland
Mar 19-20 – Good Shepherd (Vancouver) is holding a revival conference with Dr Dennis Ngien
Apr 7-9 – reFocus Canada, a preaching and theology conference, in Burnaby, BC
April 17-24 –Church of the Good Samaritan (St John’s, NL) mission to Guatemala
June 3-11 – Anglican Church of Canada General Synod, Halifax, NS
June 7 - 11 – ACNA House of Bishops, Provincial Executive and Council meet in Amesbury, MA
Nov 3, 4-6 – Clergy day followed by ANiC synod, Ottawa, ON
News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)
Church of England General Synod overwhelmingly affirms ACNA as “Anglican”
The original motion put forward by Lorna Ashworth to the Church of England General Synod did not succeed, but an amended version of the motion passed by a resounding 309 to 69 margin. Two motions to adjourn the debate were defeated. The motion as passed recognizes and affirms ACNA’s desire to remain within the Anglican family and asks the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to report back to General Synod next year. David Virtue says the debate over the motion took three hours. The AEC blog has links to AnglicanTV’s video of Lorna Ashworth introducing the motion in synod. You can also watch the debates on AnglicanTV.
The Rev Charles Raven provides a succinct analysis: “[The] vote in the English General Synod to ‘recognize and affirm the desire of those who have formed the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) to remain within the Anglican family’ was a very positive step forward. Although rather reserved in comparison to Lorna Ashworth’s original motion ‘That this Synod express the desire that the Church of England be in communion with the Anglican Church in North America’, it is clearly a setback for TEC’s desire to maintain a monopoly on the Anglican ‘brand’ in the United States and opens up the possibility of formal recognition in the future.”
The Anglican Church in North America issued a news release immediately following the vote in which Archbishop Robert Duncan said, “We are very grateful to Mrs. Ashworth and the scores of other friends in the Synod of the Church of England for all they did to give us this opportunity to tell our story to the mother church of the Anglican Communion. It is very encouraging that the synod recognizes and affirms our desire to remain within the Anglican family.” The release also quotes Bishop Don saying, “We are deeply thankful that we were given the opportunity to tell the Synod about our church, and our vision for reaching North America with the transforming love of Jesus Christ. This chance to speak directly to our Anglican family was very rewarding. We look forward to working with the friends we made and reaching out to others in the years ahead.”
Musing on the motion and debate, Bishop Don said, “Had Lorna's motion passed in its original direct simplicity, it would have been the cause of absolute rejoicing – and it likely would have passed without the amendment but with a much smaller majority. However, even with the amendment, I feel it still is a giant step forward, laying a good foundation for 2011. The fact that the motion was not tabled despite two cleaver and well argued attempts to do just that, is very significant. The mood of the Synod was that they wanted to support ACNA but in a slower and less controversial manner than Lorna's motion would have permitted.” You can also read two other – largely positive – reactions from ACNA leaders who attended General Synod: The Rev Phil Ashey (of the American Anglican Council) and Dr Michael Howell (of Forward in Faith).
Please read the brief, but excellent, presentations given by the four ACNA representatives – including Bishop Don – at the February 9 lunch for synod members hosted by the Bishops of Winchester, Exeter and Blackburn. The session was attended by over 100 synod members – who, by all reports were surprised and impressed by the positive tone and missional focus of the presentations. Mrs Cynthia Brust (an ACNA laywoman) provided an overview of the Anglican Church in North America; Bishop Don highlighted the growth and relational nature of ACNA; Dr. Michael Howell (Forward in Faith North America) offered insight into how ACNA unites the various streams of Anglicanism and how those entities have developed a pattern for working together; and the Rev Dr Tory Baucum (rector of ACNA’s Truro Church in Fairfax, Virginia), told about his journey into ACNA and the work of his thriving parish.
See the “International news” section (below) for more information on the Church of England synod.
New ACNA bishop consecrated
Following the Church of England synod, Bishop Don went directly to Jackson, Florida to participate in the consecration of the Rev Neil Lebhar as the first Bishop of the newly launched ACNA Diocese of the Gulf Atlantic. He reports that “It was a glorious event, held in the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, a large building where there was standing room only. Archbishop Duncan was the Chief Consecrator, while a bishop from every jurisdiction within ACNA was present and all participated in the laying on of hands. We wish this, the newest Diocese in our Province, its new Bishop and his family, and all of its faithful members every blessing as they embark on their mission in the northern part of Florida and beyond.”
Bishop Charlie had planned to be present as well – and had been invited to vest the new bishop with his mitre – but snow storms in Washington, DC prevented his attending. In fact, Archbishop Bob almost didn’t make it and Bishop Don, as ACNA Dean, was on standby to fill in for him.
Victoria Church Plant uses innovative methods
The Table, a Victoria, BC church plant, is inviting the unchurched to Table Conversations, weekly “pre-evangelism” low-key dinner parties with a theme for lively discussion. The February 9th event attracted 31 people to discuss “New Year’s resolutions”. The Table is a cooperative effort involving three ACNA dioceses – the Anglican Coalition in Canada, the Reformed Episcopal Church and ANiC. See their innovative website. Please pray for The Table and for their financial needs.
Parish testimony shines in spite of lawsuit
Two articles in the local newspaper tell the story of a small ACNA parish, St Francis in Turlock, California, which has just been taken to court by the Episcopal Church in an effort to take away their church property. The articles are a wonderful witness to the peace of God in the midst of trial.
Modesto Bee – Feb 11 2010 – Episcopal diocese sues, seeks church property
Modesto Bee – Feb 15 2010 – Anglican service upbeat despite lawsuit over property
News shorts – Canada
Anglican Communion Alliance (ACA) protests Bishop Robinson in Toronto
Leaders of the newly minted Anglican Communion Alliance (formerly known as Anglican Essentials Federation) have written the College of Bishops of the Diocese of Toronto protesting Bishop Gene Robinson’s visit to the cathedral early in January. Specifically, they objected to Bishop Robinson’s preaching because it implies that the Bishop of Toronto commends what Bishop Robinson advocates. They say this was “…a deliberately provocative and hostile act… The repeated public scorning of the church’s formal teaching does more than the Cathedral or College of Bishops can imagine to undermine the respect and loyalty of its conservative members.”
Anglican Communion Alliance (ACA) plans for ACoC synod
The Anglican Essentials blog reports that there will be a planning meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia – the host city for the Anglican Church of Canada’s (ACoC) June General Synod. The Rev Canon Dr Brett Cane, chair of the Anglican Communion Alliance will speak and is seeking volunteers to spearhead the ACA’s efforts.
Canadian news
Globe & Mail – Feb 9 2010 – Anglican Church faces the threat of extinction
Church of England Newspaper – Jan 29 2010 – Canadian Diocese…on verge of extinction
LifeSiteNews – Feb 11 2010 – Anglican Church in Canada one generation away from Extinction
News shorts – United States
TEC presiding bishop threatens TEC Diocese of South Carolina
As a result of a barrage of letters of intimidation from the Episcopal Church – essentially from the office of Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori – the Bishop of South Carolina, Mark Lawrence, has postponed the diocese’s upcoming convention and has written a pastoral letter to clergy and parishioners in the diocese. The diocese has also posted all the letters from TEC. The letters can only portend legal action – even though the diocese is still within TEC. Legal expert A S Haley, in his extensive legal analysis speculates that the Presiding Bishop intends to charge Bishop Lawrence with “abandonment” and depose him if he does not pursue legal action against parishes departing his diocese. He says, “…if the Presiding Bishop thinks she can accomplish in South Carolina what she did in Pittsburgh -- depose the sitting bishop, and install a puppet who can serve as a figurehead in any lawsuit -- then that is just what she will try to do.”
US news
Living Church – Feb 10 2010 – Bishop Stanton: Dallas not leaving anything
San Jose Mercury News – Feb 12 2010 – California Episcopal diocese sues breakaway parish
Institute on Religion and Democracy – Feb 11 2010 – Episcopal Church leadership lashes out
News shorts – International
Church of England General Synod report
ACNA motion – As detailed above, an amended version of Lorna Ashworth’s motion regarding ACNA passed by a resounding 309 to 69 margin. The motion as passed recognizes and affirms ACNA’s desire to remain within the Anglican family and asks the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to report back to General Synod next year.
Bishop Graham Kings of Sherborne – a reputed conservative – indicated in an interview with the Church of England Newspaper that he was opposed to the motion to recognize ACNA. A response to Bishop Kings’ interview points out the shallowness of his argument and recommends a less institutional, more Christian approach.
In contrast to Bishop Kings, Archdeacon Norman Russell addressed General Synod telling of his experience as an unofficial observer at the ACNA’s inaugural assembly (in June 2009). He said, “When I came home I said to my wife that I believe there is a movement of spiritual renewal manifesting itself within ACNA… In general, this inaugural gathering seemed to me to be alive in the Spirit – classical Anglicans, four-square on the Declaration of Assent and four-square on the Lambeth Quadrilateral… As I met with the delegates I could not help thinking that this is the kind of Anglican I want to be… The institutional church is not always good at dealing with movements of spiritual renewal. Canon Law, litigation and legalistic ecclesiastical processes are not the most imaginative way to respond… to movements of spiritual renewal.”
Other synod business – Synod also heard from the president of the Methodist Conference who said that the Methodist Church was prepared to return to the Anglican fold for the sake of unity.
The Guardian reports that general synod voted to extend the full clergy pension rights to survivors of same-sex partnerships. Anglican Mainstream explains that, while this vote is significant as an indication of the mind of synod, it was not a change in principle. As required by British law, the CoE has been providing pensions to civil partners of clergy since 2005. This vote, however, will mean the pension provision for such partners will be considerably more generous. The Times reports that “The Church allows gay clergy to register their civil partnerships, but requests that they remain celibate.”
Female bishops – A paper was presented by the Revisions Committee but discussion was postponed until the next synod in July. The Church of England usually holds three General Synods each year in February, July and November.
In his Presidential address, the Archbishop of Canterbury issued a “profound apology”: to gay and lesbian Christians. He also spoke against schism. The Times reports that “He made it clear that there was blame on all sides of the argument that has brought the Church to the brink of splitting.” He also signaled that “…the ordination of women bishops should not go ahead at the expense of the Church’s Anglican Catholic wing…”
Media coverage:
Times religion correspondent Ruth Gledhill covered the debate and provides some interesting detail. You can watch video of her interview with Lorna Ashworth and read her account of the debate on the motion. The ACNA news conference prior to the vote can be seen on AnglicanTV
The Episcopal News Service story – carried in the Anglican Journal – spun the story with the headline “Church of England says no to full communion with breakaway entity”. Prior to the vote, TEC allies waged a campaign of disinformation (which was covered in the last newsletter).
Guardian – Feb 10 2010 – Church of England keeps distance from breakaway… Episcopalians
BBC – Feb 8 2010 – The Anglican communion “is over” (interview with Bishop Broadhurst, Fulham)
Times – Feb 10 2010 – Anglican Church in North America ‘should be in communion with C of E’
Christian Post – Feb 10 2010 – Church of England affirms breakaway Anglicans in US
All-Africa Bishops conference planned
The Church of England Newspaper reports that Uganda will host a conference of African bishops on August 24-28 in Entebbe. The report says “The focus of the meeting will be on building Africa’s civil social infrastructure: supporting good government, anti-corruption drives, poverty alleviation, and building peace and forging reconciliation across the continent…”
Forward in Faith asks for Day of Prayer regarding the pope’s offer
Their website says, “Following publication of the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum Coetibus, Forward in Faith is pleased to commend to all its members the call… for a Day of Prayer and Discernment on Monday 22nd February, the Chair of Peter.”
News in brief from around the Communion and the world
Uganda – Bishop Patrick Kyaligonza (Ruwenzori Diocese) was killed and his wife Rose, his chaplain and driver were injured in a car accident. They have three young children, aged 9, 8 & 3. Bishop Patrick was consecrated last year and was one of the bright young leaders in the Church.
On their way to Bishop Kyaligonza’s funeral, a car carrying two bishops – Bishops Daniel Gimadu (North Mbale Diocese) and Bishop Augustine Salimo (Sebei Diocese) – was also in an accident. Bishop Gimadu’s wife, Perpetua was killed and both bishops were injured and taken to hospital – but have since been released.
Please particularly remember in prayer these families, the Uganda House of Bishops and the Church in Uganda. They are under spiritual attack.
The Church of Uganda released a position paper this week from its House of Bishops on the government’s proposed legislation governing homosexual behaviour. The paper reiterates the Church’s Biblically-based opposition to homosexual practice while offering care for those with “homosexual disorientation”. It also affirms the need for legislation to close existing loopholes and to provide boys with equal protection from sexual molestation as that already provided by existing legislation to girls. However, rather than a new bill, the House of Bishops recommends amendments to Uganda’s existing Penal Code Act to address:
• protecting the vulnerabilities of young boys;
• proportionality in sentencing;
• and, ensuring that sexual orientation is excluded as a protected human right.
Shortly after releasing this paper, the Church issued a clarification (by email) stating that no North American churches or individuals were consulted in developing this paper from the House of Bishops and that it represents the views of the Church in Uganda only. The statement concluded, “The Ugandan context is different from the American context and it is likely that our American friends will have a different position from that of the Church of Uganda.”
Media coverage of the Ugandan legislation aimed at homosexual assault seldom provides the Ugandan perspective. An article on the Accuracy in Media website says that “…review of coverage of the so-called "Kill the Gays" bill in Uganda finds that it has been completely one-sided, inaccurate, and distorted beyond belief. Contrary to press accounts, the legislation is not designed to kill homosexuals but discourage and punish homosexual practices which spread disease and death.” It cites a Ugandan minister saying that Uganda’s success in the battle against AIDS is threatened and that “foreign homosexuals have been targeting Ugandan children for sexual abuse”. The minister, Martin Ssempa said the proposed legislation, prescribed capital punishment only where the victims of homosexual rape are children or the handicapped – paralleling existing Ugandan laws for heterosexual rape on minors. Interestingly, there has been no international outrage regarding the imposition of the death penalty for the heterosexual rape of a girl. On his website, Dr Ssempa posts a detailed response to Pastor Rick Warren’s public letter of concern in which he outlines the basis for the legislation, questions the west’s moral authority given our “slaughter” of the unborn, and states that his organization is petitioning for the removal of the death penalty. The Anglican Church of Uganda had earlier issued a statement saying it opposed the death penalty.
International media coverage
Christian Today – Feb 9 2010 – ACNA motion is ‘not attack’ on TEC
Telegraph – Feb 8 2010 – Church of England exodus feared unless women bishops plans changed
Guardian – Feb 8 2010 – Anglo-Catholics on the brink, again
Anglican Journal – Feb 11 2010 – Uganda’s Anglican Church wants changes to anti-homosexuality law
Church of England – Feb 5 2010 – “I was side lined” says Bishop of Egypt as he quits top body
Church of England – Feb 5 2010 – Bishop of Benin released unharmed after kidnapping ordeal
Soul food
God’s created order vs our increasingly antagonistic culture
Sexualizing children – The International Planned Parenthood Federation has released a plan that would see children as young as 10 years old subjected to compulsory comprehensive sexuality education, saying “Young people today have the right to be fully informed about sexuality and to have access to contraceptives and other services." Dr Albert Mohler says, “The ideology of sexual liberation pervades this document and the group that produced it. Teaching children and teenagers to save sex for marriage is treated as outdated, repressive, and unrealistic.” He says Planned Parenthood is a major provider and promoter of abortion and was founded by Margaret Sanger, “a radical advocate for abortion and eugenics -- the movement to discourage or deny reproduction among population groups identified as "bad stock”."
In light of the above, it is interesting to note that the Canadian government has delayed approving Planned Parenthood’s application for $18-million in funding.
Euthanasia – The debate on assisted suicide is further advanced in England than in Canada. The chairman for the (British) Royal Association for Disability Rights makes some excellent points in advocating for the disabled and against legalization of assisted suicide. He says that such legislation would “effectively create a class of people from whom legal protection can be taken away… [The disabled] are often placed in situations where other people have a great deal of power and influence over them… To exempt individuals from legal scrutiny if they assist the person in their care to commit suicide would leave already vulnerable people at greater risk… [Granting] a licence to kill opens the door to abuse — what if the person changes their mind, but the person assisting them doesn’t? Presuming friends and relatives of terminally ill and disabled people will always act in their best interests is naive and dangerous… Rather than change our legislation, which is designed to protect vulnerable people, we should ensure the individuals and their families are given all the support possible. Their quality of life would then be enhanced, making assisted suicide a less attractive option.”
Sexuality – LifeSiteNews reports that “A professor at McGill University has published a strong condemnation of the Quebec government's “policy against homophobia,” which was released in December. Warning that this policy represents a “declaration of war” against any who oppose the homosexualist agenda, Dr. Douglas Farrow, Professor of Christian Thought, calls on his fellow citizens to take a stand against it.” Dr Farrow says the Quebec policy “…sets out the government’s goal of removing all the obstacles' to full recognition of LGBT interests and modes of life… What is thus promulgated is no ordinary policy document, for it aims at the conversion, not merely of this or that piece of public infrastructure, but of the psychological and moral and sexual infrastructure of a generation.”
Abortion – The Spring 2010 40 Days for Life Campaign started February 17 in 167 cities worldwide. The campaign involves prayer, fasting, vigils and community outreach.
Well said…
Fatigue makes cowards of us all. – Vince Lombardi, legendary US football coach
Your behavior is what you believe; all the rest is just talk.
Worth reading
Ash Wednesday – An article in the National Post by Ian Hunter provides a terrific explanation of Ash Wednesday for secular readers. He says, “…on Ash Wednesday we are brought face to face with two realities — mortality and resurrection.”
Encouraging account of God’s provision – Father Matt Kennedy has published part two of his account of God’s provision when they lost their church and rectory to the diocese.
Insight into the Archbishop of Canterbury – The Rev Charles Raven discusses Archbishop Williams’ philosophical approach and the impact on the Anglican Communion. The Rev Raven writes, “Part of the appeal of Rowan Williams’ theology is that he persistently seeks to offer a ‘third way’ which appears to avoid liberal and conservative polarities and his Presidential address to Synod was one of the clearest statements yet of that Hegelian commitment to synthesis which informs his theology – and provides a rationale for perpetual conversation while ungodly disorder goes unchecked.”
Militant Atheism – Oxford mathematics professor John Lennox who debates faith and religion with well-know atheist Richard Dawkins says the new atheism is militantly opposed to all who believe in God as well as being anti-God. “Secularism feels it holds the default position in society, and new atheists are about destroying religious faith.” While these atheists portray science as being antithetical to religion, Lennox says, "the Christian faith is…based on evidence – and science itself is dependent on faith… There is a huge danger of scientism – seeing science as the only way to truth, and asking people to choose between God and science. It's not 'God or science' – this is a confusion of mechanism and agency. The Christian faith was the motor behind the development of modern science."
Racism of the human rights industry – Spectator columnist Melanie Phillips discusses the double standard and racism behind “human rights” groups virtually ignoring the atrocities and butchering of seven million in the Congo over the last twelve years while these same groups continuously attack Israel.
Air conditioning hell: How Liberalism happens – In this attention-grabbing article, Dr Albert Mohler discusses the pattern by which liberalism develops, based on “…the insistence that theology must adopt a sympathetic attitude toward secular culture…” The first doctrine to go is generally the doctrine of hell. Embarrassed by this doctrine, we first ignore it, then deny it Soon other doctrines that we find embarrassing in our cultural context follow, such as “the exclusivity of the gospel, the true nature of human sin, the Bible's teachings regarding human sexuality, and any number of other doctrines revealed in the Bible.”
Just for fun - How not to share your faith
There was a barber who thought that he should share his faith with his customers more than he had been doing lately. So the next morning, the barber decided, "Today I am going to witness to the first man that walks through my door."
Soon after he opened his shop the first man came in and said, "I want a shave!" The barber said, "Sure, just sit in the seat and I'll be with you in a moment." The barber went in the back room to grab his Bible and steady his nerves.
Then he approached the customer with his razor knife in one hand and a Bible in the other. "Good morning sir,” he said. “I have a question for you... Are you ready to die?"
Please pray...
For ANiC projects, church plants and parishes.
For our bishops and rectors.
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For Bishop Malcolm and the spiritual renewal missions at St George’s (Burlington, ON) on Feb 26-28 and St Andrew’s (Delta, BC) on March 19-20. |
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For Bishop Charlie’s wife, Judy, who recently broke her foot. |
For legal cases and disputes
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For the Vancouver-area ANiC parishes that are proceeding with an appeal of the November 25 court decision. |
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For all the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes. Pray for peace for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of risk and responsibility. Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil. |
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For ongoing financial contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and just decisions rendered for the future of Anglicanism in Canada. |
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For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court. |
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That God will be glorified in all court proceedings. |
Praise God for the granting of charitable status to the Anglican Relief & Development Fund – Canada. Pray for sufficient funds to be raised for the Kenya Malaria Prevention Project.
For our fellow Anglicans and other Christians facing violence, persecution and natural disasters in Haiti, Nigeria, Congo, Sudan and other Muslim lands as well as in Communist countries, especially North Korea.
For the Church of Uganda, those injured in the car accidents, and those bereaved. May they know God’s comfort and protection and may God use these tragedies for His greater glory.
And now a word from our sponsor
The Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded, and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you while you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. For a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest and without law, but when in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, he was found by them. In those times there was no peace to him who went out or to him who came in, for great disturbances afflicted all the inhabitants of the lands. They were broken in pieces. Nation was crushed by nation and city by city, for God troubled them with every sort of distress. But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”
As soon as Asa heard these words, the prophecy of Azariah the son of Oded, he took courage and put away the detestable idols from all the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities that he had taken in the hill country of Ephraim, and he repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the vestibule of the house of the Lord. And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who were residing with them, for great numbers had deserted to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. They were gathered at Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. They sacrificed to the Lord on that day from the spoil that they had brought 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep. And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul, but that whoever would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. They swore an oath to the Lord with a loud voice and with shouting and with trumpets and with horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.
2 Chronicles 15
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