 |
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
Handle with prayer!
News – ANiC and AEN
Donating to Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada (ARDFC) is now easier
ARDFC now has its own Canada Helps online secure donation web page. On the drop-down menu, you can select either the “general fund” which goes to the current ARDFC project – malaria prevention in Kenya – or the emergency Chile earthquake relief fund. CanadaHelps is currently running a contest with a prize of $20,000 donated to the charity of the winner’s choice. To enter the contest, simply answer an informative quiz on charity fraud. The deadline for entry is March 31.
ANiC facing possible year-end deficit
With a current operating deficit of $66,000, ANiC could be facing its first ever year-end deficit this June. Bishop Charlie Masters has sent an appeal letter asking members to prayerfully consider donating to the ANiC general fund. Online donations can be made through CanadaHelps, while cheques can be sent to Anglican Network in Canada, Box 1013, Burlington, ON, L7R 4L8.
News from our parishes, church plants and projects
Good Shepherd (Vancouver) has a new speaker slated for its revival conference on March 19-21. When the originally booked speaker had to cancel due to a family emergency, the pastor of North Vancouver’s Christian Fellowship, Afshin Javid, stepped in. Pastor Afshin was a devout follower of Islam and member of Hezbollah until he met Jesus Christ while in jail. Since then he has passionately shared the Gospel around the world. See poster for times and details. All welcome.
Church of the Redeemer (Dauphin, MB) held a highly successful coffee house to raise funds for Haitian relief. In addition to selling tickets to hear various bands, they also sold desserts and raffled off donated items. The $1470 raised was sent to the Red Cross
All Saints' Anglican Mission (Rutland, VT) saw its first ordination on March 6. The growing mission, which has about 45 active members, hosted150 people when Bishop Don Harvey ordained the Rev Dwight MacPherson to the deaconate. All Saints is one of four new missions launched in New England out of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Marlborough, MA.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Marlborough, MA) also celebrated an ordination on March 7, when Bishop Don ordained the Rev Rhonda Cotton to the deaconate. She will minister among the sick and homebound as well as participate in the healing ministries of the church.
Holy Trinity also presented Kathleen Demers with The Rt Rev Donald F Harvey Award for Ministry, honouring her dedication to the sanctity of life, especially unborn babies, among other ministries.
ANiC job posting
St George’s (Lowville) is hiring a full-time administrator. If interested, contact the parish office for a job description. Please submit resumes electronically by March 20 to office@stgchurch.ca.
Calendar of upcoming events – for your interest and prayer support
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 19-21 – Good Shepherd (Vancouver) revival conference with Afshin & Mellissa Javid
Mar 19-20 – The Open Gate & Christ the King (Victoria) are hosting a prayer seminar
Mar 21 – Confirmation service at Church of the Ascension, Langley, BC
Mar 28 – St John’s Sudanese choir to lead music at Church of the Ascension, Langley, BC
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 – Canada
Anglican Church of Canada dioceses “dialogue” with African dioceses on sexuality
The Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) reports that five Canadian and six African dioceses have been in theological discussions on matters of human sexuality – particularly homosexuality. Following meetings in February, the bishops of these dioceses issued a communiqué in which they said, “We affirm together that dialogue cannot be about trying to make someone change their position, but is about working together better to understand the fullness of our stories, affirmations and commitments. To do so requires that we meet, that we converse, that we commit to this holy listening and honest, respectful speech with openness and prayerful thanksgiving for the gift that is the other.”
Diocese of Toronto closes Cursillo
The Anglican Samizdat alerts us to a report in the Diocese of Toronto newspaper headed, “Gone but not forgotten”. The article begins, “Dec. 31, 2009, saw the end of the Diocese of Toronto’s renewal movement called Cursillo… A lot of the lay involvement we see today is because of Cursillo. Many people found their calling by attending a Cursillo weekend… For some, it was a turning point in the decision-making process to pursue careers in ordained ministry. Cursillo transformed not only their lives but the lives of those around them… The time has come when Cursillo no longer needs to play the role in our diocese that it did for so many years.”
Interestingly the same Diocese of Toronto newspaper contains a small ad on page 2 alerting all those interested in the pope’s offer to Anglicans that “A group of Anglican priests and laity is forming… in the hope of establishing an Ordinariate parish to serve the Greater Toronto Area.”
Solid Ground responds to Evangelical Lutheran Church Study on Human Sexuality
Solid Ground, the Anglican Essentials equivalent in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), has submitted its response to the ELCIC Study on Human Sexuality which they which they call a “heretical document” that presents “a “new theology” that abandons orthodox Christianity”. Among other demands, they conclude by calling for:
| • |
The immediate cessation of the expenditure of any further human or financial resources of the ELCIC on any activity that does not conform to Article II of the ELCIC Constitution. |
| • |
The resignation of Bishop Susan Johnson and all members of the Task Force of the ELCIC Study on Human Sexuality from all ELCIC offices and responsibilities for advocacy of a theology that is irreconcilable with Article II of the ELCIC Constitution. |
Aboriginal bishop elected from native communities in the Diocese of Keewatin
The Anglican Journal reports that Archdeacon Lydia Mamakwa was elected to be the first area bishop of the native communities in the Diocese of Keewatin (in northern Ontario). She is to be consecrated in early May.
Vancouver Island church closure plan accepted by synod
The Diocese of BC website reports that the diocesan synod accepted a plan to close at least seven churches in the near future. Other churches will be disestablished and rededicated with a new name as “hub” churches. In addition, three churches, including Brentwood Chapel (Brentwood Bay), were given until September 1 to develop a plan to “work together”. While other churches were given a year to develop similar merger plans.
The Anglican Journal reports, “…the diocese has run up a $400,000 deficit on a $1.9 million budget… John Lindsay, St. Peter, Lakehill, told synod. “This is about the real estate.” ..Diocesan leaders insisted, however, that the reason to reorganize the diocese was ministry not primarily money. “None of the money from any sale or lease will go towards the diocesan budget,” said Bishop Cowan. Instead, these funds will go into a diocesan fund to finance new initiatives.”
The Anglican Journal reports that the Diocese of BC synod will reconvene for a second sitting later this spring – since it was unable to tackle all its business in the scheduled session – at which time synod will consider a motion to allow same sex blessings. The article goes on to say, “Late last year Bishop Cowan announced that he had lifted his episcopal guideline that prohibited employment of gay or lesbian clergy partnered with a person of the same sex… Strong opposition to the blessing has been weakened by the departure of approximately 200 [sic] Anglicans who formerly worshipped in four of the diocese’s parishes and have joined the Anglican Network in Canada over the past two years.”
The Journal also reports that the BC synod did pass a canon that will force an examination of the viability of the diocese before a new bishop can be elected. “If the diocese is judged not viable, “an alternate method of episcopal oversight”–that is, a bishop from another diocese–might take over… In his charge to the diocese, Bishop Cowan noted that many think there are too many dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada.”
Canadian news
Globe and Mail – Mar 10 2010 – Anglican Church a Twitter over empty pews
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial – March 10 2010 – Cowichan Station to fight church closure
Victoria News – Mar 11 2010 – Confusing times in the church
News shorts – United States
Anglican Church in America (ACA) accepting pope’s offer
On March 4, the Anglican Church in America (which is not affiliated with either the ACNA or the Episcopal Church) announced that its House of Bishops had decided to formally, “request the implementation of the provisions of the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus in the United States of America by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.” ACA is part of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) headed by Archbishop John Hepworth, who is based in Australia. Archbishop Hepworth had previously indicated his receptivity to the pope’s offer.
TEC’s second practicing homosexual bishop on track to be ordained in May
The Diocese of Los Angeles is reporting that Bishop-elect Mary Glasspool has received the necessary consents to her election by TEC diocesan standing committees. However, she still needs consent from a majority of bishops before she can be consecrated. TEC’s website reports that “Glasspool is the second openly gay partnered priest to be elected a bishop in the Episcopal Church. The first was Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, who was elected in 2003.” She is expected to be consecrated May 15 with Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori as the chief consecrator.
South Carolina prepared for convention delayed by presiding bishop’s incursions
Among the resolutions to be considered at the Diocese of South Carolina’s convention on March 26 are a series that affirm the diocese’s “legal and ecclesiastical authority as a sovereign diocese” within TEC and declares that the Presiding Bishop has no authority in the diocese and demands she stop retaining legal council in South Carolina. A proposed canonical revision gives the diocesan bishop the authority to “provide a generous pastoral response to parishes in conflict with the Diocese of Province…” Another resolution expressly states the ecclesiastical authority in the diocese and promise “not to swerve in our belief that… Jesus came into the world to save the lost…” In the past, Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori has consistently coerced dioceses to litigate departing parishes. You can also see TEC’s summary or The Living Church’s article.
Synod was postponed when Bishop Mark Lawrence revealed that the presiding bishop’s office was apparently orchestrating a legal attack against him and the diocese. Bishop Lawrence and the Diocese of South Carolina are among the few Biblically-faithful dioceses and bishops to remain in TEC. Churches within the diocese have issued a call to pray for Bishop Lawrence during TEC’s House of Bishops meeting (March 16-18). The call states, “We need to remember that, ‘Prayer isn’t preparation for the battle. It is the battle.’”
Archbishop accuses TEC leadership of waging “demonic” litigation campaign
The Church of England Newspaper reports that retiring Archbishop Peter Akinola has criticized the lawsuits brought by TEC against departing parishes and dioceses in an interview with Nigerian media. In part he said, “It is so ungodly, so demonic and they are determined to completely wipe us out and this is costing millions of dollars…” After he steps down March 25 and his successor Nicholas Okoh is installed, Archbishop Akinola told World Magazine he will remain active. “My first love is missions, and planting churches in rural communities… we will focus on basic evangelism and work to find ways to employ young people. I will continue as a bishop to support the work of GAFCON, and to encourage our leaders [in Nigeria] to take a more active role in the church. I plan to continue to encourage the leaders of African churches not to be financially dependent on the West. The key is for people to more and more embrace Jesus Christ.”
US news
Living Church – Mar 6 2010 – Dallas affirms Anglican Covenant
Fresno Bee – Mar 11 2010 – Episcopal diocese sues Fresno church
Telegraph – Mar 5 2010 – 100 US Anglican parishes convert to Roman Catholic Church
EpiscopalLife Online – Mar 13 2010 – Washington: Priests may preside at civil marriages in DC
News shorts – International
Anglican Covenant now palatable for the Episcopal Church (US)
The Rev Dr Katherine Grieb, of the Episcopal Church (TEC) told the Anglican Church of Canada’s Council of General Synod – the body responsible for governance in the Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) between meetings of General Synod “that from TEC's perspective the [Anglican Covenant] has progressed from being very rough to being a draft "that they could live with."” The report of the meeting posted to the Anglican Church of Canada website says that the Rev Dr Grieb, who had served as an Episcopal Church representative in drafting earlier versions of the Anglican Covenant, also explained the changes that made the most recent draft of the Covenant acceptable to TEC. She particularly pointed out that “covenanted relationships will be maintained by the Anglican Communion Standing Committee, which is responsible to the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primate's Meeting.” She also “…clarified that the Covenant would not be retroactive and is intended as a "new start" within the Communion.”
Chile earthquake update
A update from Church Missionary Society (CMS) workers in Chile – where strong aftershocks rocked the area and looting and violence added an even worse dimension of fear – indicates that, in the worst hit area, Concepción, at least one church building suffered considerable damage, but no one in the congregation was hurt. The bishop of Chile and church leaders drove several trunk loads of supplies to distribute to parishioners and others in need in this hard-hit area. “…church families are living in tents and rationing what they have left of food but drinking water is hard to come by. The main roads are slowly being restored for light traffic but getting resources to where it is needed is difficult. Navy ships are… bringing food and water to the most affected areas. Life will be difficult for many people. One family from the church owned a café but the building… suffered serious damage and they have lost everything. Many will be out of work until services can be restored and buildings repaired or rebuilt… There are risks of infection, because of the water and sanitary situation. In the port of Talcahuano, part of greater Concepción, large fishing boats are littered along the main street & the clean-up will be enormous.
“The death toll is now in the mid 700s and is expected to top 1000. An estimated 500,000 buildings have been badly damaged or destroyed and close to 2 million people are badly affected.”
A more recent report tells us that the terror of the earthquake paled in comparison to the anarchy that followed. “One pastor [in Concepción] said: “The earthquake was nothing ... nothing. What came after, what people did to each other afterwards, that was horrific.”…the military [are now] bringing things under control, with a curfew from 6pm until midday, leaving people only 6 hours to do everything necessary.”
The CMS missionary reported that “Among the Christians [in Concepción], the greatest gift we bought was not food and water, but the fellowship of the Christian family, in Santiago, Chile and the rest of the world who are praying for them. The earthquake has also bought opportunities to bring the gospel to people in a way that I would not have thought possible… These events bring home to people the fact that our control and careful planning of our lives is completely illusionary, the sacking of Concepción, a large but friendly city, has shown what really lies in the hearts of men and the reaction of Christians is a sharp contrast to what they see in themselves. All of this is on top of the constant aftershocks, averaging about one every hour or two. During our 3 days there we had 3 or 4 larger tremors between 6 and 7, one of which triggered a tsunami alert (false, thank God).”
“The second phase of the mission to the south will be 90 volunteers going to the coastal areas affected by the tsunami to help in the cleanup and initial rebuilding… Please pray for them as they help people to clean up destroyed villages, in building temporary accommodation, and in being available… to share the Gospel if God provides the right situations, which I am certain he will.”
We are asked to pray for:
• Order to be restored & maintained
• Supplies to arrive & become available
• The ongoing rescue operation as people are still trapped in collapsed buildings
• The testimony of Christians in this very difficult time.
• The Anglican pastors, their families and parishioners in the hart-hit areas
• The Bishop, Tito Zavala, as he provides leaders to the church’s response.
• Jobs & income for the church families in the time ahead.
• The Lord to bring good out of this time of trial.
If you would like to help, you can send your donation to the Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada (ARDFC) by sending a cheque to ARDFC c/o Box 1013, Burlington, ON, L7R 4L8, with a note specifying that it is for Chile Relief. Or you can donate online through CanadaHelps, clicking “Donate Now”, then selecting “Chile disaster relief” in the “Fund/Designation” drop-down menu.
News in brief from around the world and the Communion
Father Raymond de Souza, National Post columnist, chronicles the accelerating incidents of Christians being killed by Muslims, citing recent events in Nigeria, Pakistan and Iraq. Although he focuses on Iraq and the need for Christians in Canada to sponsor Iraqi Christian refugees, Father de Souza also mentions the attack on a World Vision office in Pakistan on March 10 in which five employees were killed. Ironically, those World Vision workers were engaged in helping Pakistanis recover from a 2005 earthquake
Iraq – The Christian Post reports that hundreds of Christians recently demonstrated near Mosul and in Baghdad, chanting “Stop the killing of Christians”. The article says that, “At least ten Iraqi Christians – also known as Assyrians, Chaldeans and Syriacs – have been killed by unknown gunmen in Mosul within the past two weeks. The victims included several Christian shop owners, college students, as well as an entire family of five. The string of murders, which sends the message to Christians that they can be killed at anytime and anywhere, has caused a mass exodus of members of the community from Mosul. More than 680 Christian families, or over 4,000 people, have fled Mosul between February 20 and 27, according to a United Nations report.”
Nigeria – The Times reports that 500 people – including many children – were massacred in night-time raids on three predominantly Christian villages near the city of Jos by “rampaging Muslim gangs”. The reported savagery of the butchery is gut-wrenching. “Survivors claimed that Muslim inhabitants of the targeted villages of Zot, Dogo Nahawa and Rastat had received telephone calls two days before the attack telling them to leave the area. Witnesses said gangs waited at main entry points to the villages while others went from house to house, setting the homes on fire. Those who fled were killed at the exit points. Others were slaughtered after being caught in animal traps and nets as they ran in the dark… Ben Kwashi, Anglican Archbishop of Jos… said he believed a significant organisation was behind the killings because they happened during curfew, with the army in the area. “I think it is all Christians killed. The Muslims, I heard, had left the village…” he said.”
Archbishop Kwashi told a British TV channel, “I was told that there were bus loads of Muslim Fulani men who came armed with swords and machetes. The attack was quite systematic and quite well organised. It didn't leave the villagers with any chance to escape at all.” A local report with photos is available here. The Christian Post has a report here. Please pray for peace in Nigeria and for wisdom for church and government leaders.
Disgusted by the lack of media attention and the apathy in the global Christian community to the slaughter in Nigeria, David Pileggi (in Jerusalem) writes, “…where is the outrage? … I don't know. What I do know is that it is much more dangerous to publish a cartoon of Mohammed than to slice apart a Christian with a machete.”
David Virtue has posted an article with links to YouTube videos of the violence against Christians. One showed extremely disturbing video of an attack on Christians while police stood by and did nothing, but it has since been removed from YouTube “…due to terms of use violation”. Type in “violence against Christians” in the YouTube search line and you will find many disturbing videos of this unchecked violence. Please pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are victims of abuse and horror, as well as for the many refugees escaping countries where violence is perpetrated.
Pakistan - The Church of England Newspaper reports that St Augustine’s church in the Diocese of Peshawar was badly damaged in a reported Taliban bombing, but no one was hurt. The article says, “[This] North West Frontier Province [is] “in the frontline of the war against the militancy, and the Christian inhabitants of Kohat, Bannu, DI Khan, Karak, Tank and other tribal areas are living in a very tense situation,” the Diocese said, asking supporters to pray for “peace and especially for the Christian community of the Frontier Province”. The Guardian also reports that six World Vision workers were killed in a recent bombing by Muslim terrorists. It explains, “Extremists have killed other people working for foreign aid groups in Pakistan… saying such organisations are working against Islam. The attacks have greatly hampered efforts to raise living standards in the desperately poor region. Militants see the aid groups as a challenge to their authority. The aid groups often employ women and support women's rights initiatives, angering the extremists.”
Sudan – After 21 years of devastating war, elections to form a first ever government in the semi-autonomous South Sudan are to be held in the week following Easter. Please pray for peace to prevail and for the Episcopal Church of the Sudan as it is a major player in rebuilding war-ravaged lives, communities, economies and the country.
Morocco – Reports out of Morocco tell of Christian expatriates serving at Village of Hope as parents to Moroccan orphans who were expelled from the country with only hours notice, leaving behind dozens of devastated children most of whom have known no other parents.
England – Anglican Mainstream reports that a bishop once considered evangelical told his diocesan synod that the Church of England and the Anglican Communion should embrace diversity and those who oppose homosexual practice on Biblical grounds should peacefully coexist with those who support such practice within the Church. The address by Bishop James Jones of Liverpool has generated a torrent of response. Dr Andrew Goddard of Fulcrum writes, “It is… seriously flawed… unconvincing in its arguments and offers a way forward that in reality threatens to create greater incoherence and division.”
International media coverage
Telegraph – Mar 3 2010 – Clergy could be sued if they refuse to carry out ‘gay marriages’…
Times – Mar 4 2010 – Gay marriage plan threatens churches says Bishop of Winchester
Church of England Newspaper – Feb 26 2010 – Ugandan Church questions anti-gay bill
Voice of America News – March 9 2010 – Zimbabwe police fail to enforce High Court ruling…
Soul food
God’s created order marred by sin
Abortion – Dr Albert Mohler exposes the politically incorrect underbelly of the abortion movement, particularly Planned Parenthood – the targeting of black populations for abortions. In the state of Georgia, for instance, “every single abortion clinic is located in areas of black concentration” and, while blacks made up only 30 per cent of the state’s population in 2006, 57.4 per cent of aborted babies were black. Across the US, black women have 37 per cent of all abortions but blacks only account for 13 per cent of the population. A Right to Life group is now running billboards in Georgia stating “Black children are an endangered species”. Dr Mohler reports, “The case is also being made with force and candor by Alveda King, a niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: "I know for sure that the black community is being targeted by abortionists for the purpose of ethnic cleansing… How can the dream survive if we are willing to sacrifice the futures of our children?"”
Although a pro-abortion publication, The Economist has published an article entitled Gendercide on the disproportionate number of baby girls aborted – especially in counties like China and India – saying “the cumulative consequence for societies of such individual actions is catastrophic. China alone stands to have as many unmarried young men… as the entire population of young men in America. In any country rootless young males spell trouble; in Asian societies, where marriage and children are the recognised routes into society, single men are almost like outlaws. Crime rates, bride trafficking, sexual violence, even female suicide rates are all rising and will rise further as the lopsided generations reach their maturity. It is no exaggeration to call this gendercide.”
Archbishop John Hepworth of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC) told LifeSiteNews that “life” issues are at the heart of Christianity. “If we get the life issues right, then we get the Incarnation right, the nature of God right, the nature of Christian worship right. This is actually an entrance issue, not a side moral issue. It's the issue on which Christianity actually defines itself against the others.”
Euthanasia – Thirteen-year-old Lia Mills has followed her YouTube video on abortion with another compelling video on euthanasia. Her earlier video has been viewed over 860,000 times.
Sexualizing children – LifeSiteNews reports that, a new mandatory curriculum for Ontario public schools is intended to “promote “equity and inclusive education” in Ontario's schools, which includes the advancement of homosexualism and transgenderism.” For example, students begin to explore “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” in grade 3 and are taught that it is normal for some families to “have two mothers or two fathers”. “In grades 7 and 8, “preventing pregnancy and disease,” “gender identity,” and “sexual orientation” become “key topics.” In grade 7 they will be taught about condom use and expected to learn that they should avoid “anal intercourse without a condom”.
Resources
The American Anglican Council (AAC), which is affiliated with ANiC and the Anglican Church in North America, has compiled some very helpful discipleship resources, including resources to help with personal Bible study, evangelism, church planting, and much more. Check them out! In addition, the AAC has resources on Anglican Communion issues, including a succinct but thorough history of the realignment now underway in the Communion – presented from a US perspective.
Surprising research results on Canadian’s beliefs
Based on findings discussed in an Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) “Christian leaders connection” seminar, one participant wrote, “I would argue that the problem is not "out there," it's right here, in our churches and with our attitudes… As Christians, we need to begin in our own homes and churches to return to some of these basic questions…” She was responding to the research that found that while “…roughly half of all Canadians believe in God, and more specifically in Jesus Christ as the crucified and resurrected Son of God… 40% of evangelical Christians… disagree with the importance of evangelism.” Surprised? Perhaps you’d benefit from EFC’s one day seminar designed to help Christian leaders “connect societal trends with faith and translate that connection into action”. Upcoming seminars are planned for:
• March 25 - Winnipeg (Otterburne ), MB
• March 26/27 - Caronport (Briercrest), SK
• April 13 - Ottawa, ON
• April 21 – Cambridge, ON
Thought
I try to take one day at a time but sometimes several days attack me at once.
Just for fun
During a visit to the retirement home, I asked the director, "How do you determine whether or not a person should be institutionalized?"
"Well," said the Director, "We fill up a bathtub, and then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub."
"Oh, I understand," I said. "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup."
"No," said the Director. "A normal person would pull the plug. Do you want a bed near the window?"
Please pray...
For our fellow Anglicans and other Christians facing violence, persecution and natural disasters in Chile, Haiti, Nigeria, Congo, Sudan and other Muslim and Hindu lands.
For the needed funds to eliminate ANiC’s current deficit
For ANiC projects, church plants and parishes, especially as they seek to proclaim the Good News to those in their communities who desperately need new life in Christ.
| • |
For the Good Shepherd (Vancouver) revival conference, March 19-21 |
| • |
For the prayer seminar at Christ the King (Victoria) March 19-20 led by the Rev Garth Hunt |
| • |
For the spiritual renewal conference at St Andrew’s (Delta, BC) on March 19-20 with Bishop Malcolm and Archdeacon Paul Crossland |
| • |
For the Church of the Good Samaritan (St John’s, NL) mission to Guatemala, April 17-24 |
For our bishops and clergy.
| • |
For the ANiC House of Bishops meeting on Monday March 15 |
| • |
For the March 16-18 ANiC clergy retreat at Cedar Springs (near Abbotsford, BC) |
For legal cases and disputes
| • |
For the Vancouver-area parishes which are appealing the earlier court decision and for their legal counsel, Geoff Cowper and Stanley Martin as they prepare the appeal. |
| • |
For all the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes. Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil. Pray for peace for the wardens and trustees who are on the frontlines and bear the burden of risk and responsibility. |
| • |
For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court. |
| • |
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 as well as for Chile earthquake relief.
And now a word from our sponsor
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.
And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalm 130 (ESV)
... back to "Newsletters" main page
|
|
|
 |
