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ANiC news
ANiC and ACNA events calendar
October 7-21 – Bishop Stephen is in Hong Kong speaking at Alliance Bible Seminary
October 17-19 – Anglican 4th Day Grand Ultreya, Lewes, Delaware
October 19 – Good Shepherd Vancouver’s fundraising concert for ministries in Thailand & China
October 21-26 – GAFCon 2 international gathering in Nairobi, Kenya
October 25-26 – Ontario youth retreat hosted by St George’s at Faith Mission (near Campbellville)
October 26, 9am – “Sex and spirituality… talking about it” seminar, New Song, Port Perry, ON
October 31 – November 3 – ANiC Clergy Retreat in New England
November 1 – ANiC Clergy Day, St Peter & St Paul’s (Ottawa, ON)
November 2, 9am – “Sex and spirituality… talking about it” seminar, St Peter & St Paul’s, Ottawa
November 5-10 – Bishop Stephen ministering in Lahore, Pakistan at a diocesan annual conference
November 8-9 – “Band of Brothers” men's weekend at Faith Mission (near Campbellville, ON)
November 10 – International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted
November 16 – ANiC’s electronic synod at 1pm eastern time (Please note revised date and time)
January 28-29 – Ontario clergy gathering on the “Craft of Preaching”. Information to come.
March 2014 – ANiC vision/mission trip to partner with Anglican churches in Cuba
April 8-10 – Ontario clergy silent retreat (details to come)
May 20-24 – Anglican 1000 church planting regional conference, Toronto, ON
June 25-28 – Anglican Church in North America Assembly 2014 at St Vincent College, Latrobe, PA
November 5-7 – ANiC Synod 2014 at a location to be announced
Continue to pray for GAFCon 2; October 21-16
We have the privilege of engaging in the spiritual battle through prayer for this momentous event.
Please pray for the conference and for our ANiC delegates:
• That GAFCon would be a blessing throughout the Anglican Communion
• For the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in each gathering
• For courage, faithfulness and clarity for all who lead and speak
• For unity among delegates; healing for broken relationships; grace and goodwill
• For rest and refreshment for delegates
• For conference organizers and staff working feverishly behind the scenes
• For conference technology to work (audio, video, internet, etc)
• That ANiC delegates would be spiritually renewed, make good connections, and travel safely
ANiC’s delegates include: Bishop Don & Trudy Harvey, Bishop Charlie & Judy Masters, Bishop Stephen & Nona Leung, Bishop Trevor & Dede Walters, the Rev Anson Ann, the Rev Jess Cantelon, Venerables Ron & Deidre Corcoran, the Venerable Darrell Critch, the Rev Paul Donison, the Rev Keith Ganzer, the Venerable Dan Gifford, Mr Claus Lenk, the Rev David McElrea, Dean Archie & Caron Pell, Canon George Sinclair, and the Rev Melvin Tai.
Closing in on our goal! Can you help push us over the top?
Our current Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada (ARDFC) project is within $7000 of our $61,600 objective. The project, a partnership with the Diocese of Recife (Brazil), is to build a training centre next to a church in an impoverished neighbourhood in north-eastern Brazil. You can read more about the project – and see photos and video – on the ARDFC website. Donations also gratefully accepted; information is online.
Parish ministry training offered
The Canadian Council of Christian Charities is offering two courses in communities across the country. Check the website links below for the date and location of the session near you.
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Social Media for Christian Ministry will provide you with practical training for maintaining an engaging online presence and managing an effective social media strategy for your ministry. |
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Help, I’m a Church Treasurer! will help you to sort through the unique complexities of charity financial oversight and learn the essentials of receiving and spending charitable donations. |
Declare the true meaning of Christmas
St Hilda’s (Oakville, ON) would like other ANiC congregations to help them promote the true meaning of Christmas in our post-Christian society. St Hilda’s is offering signs produced by the Knights of Columbus which urge people to “Keep Christ in Christmas”. These 23 x 15 inch plastic-coated, weather-proof signs come with a stand so they can be displayed on front lawns – or in windows. They can be bulk ordered in boxes of 50 at a cost of $10 per sign, plus shipping charges. For more information and to order, email Joan Towarnicki, People's Warden at St Hilda's.
Parish and regional news
St Peter’s Fireside (Vancouver, BC) has put together a great 4-minute video in which the Rev Alastair Sterne relates the story of Saint Peter and two firesides – the first where he betrayed Christ, the second where Christ restored him and erased the debilitating shame. “It's the story of Jesus' unrelenting love for undeserving friends, where love overcomes betrayal. We want to be a community marked by this story.”
Faith Anglican (Embrun, ON) – The Rev Neil Stephens will be inducted as rector on November 3 at 4pm. All are warmly invited. See Faith's website for directions to the worship facility.
Church of the Ascension (Langley, BC) – Bishop Ron Ferris, rector of Ascension, has been invited to give the invocation when hundreds of Christians gather for the Langley Leadership Prayer Breakfast on October 18.
Good Shepherd (St Catharines, ON) – The parish celebrated its 100th anniversary on September 29. Also, long-time rector the Rev Gerry Brodie is retiring at the end of this month. His ministry will be celebrated at the church’s annual Advent dinner, December 1.
St Luke’s (Pembroke, ON) has formed a companion parish relationship – involving mutual prayer and support – with the parish of Christ the Redeemer near Recife, Brazil (in the Diocese of Recife). The Rev Mauricio Coelho from Recife recently visited St Luke’s (as well as other ANiC parishes). Also, St Luke's will celebrate its 5th anniversary November 16-17 with Bishop Don Harvey. There will be a big party following the Sunday service.
Church of All Nations, Japanese (Vancouver, BC) – As part of its outreach, All Nations began a gardening ministry this year, where people are able to participate in monthly work bees. This ministry links the horticultural expertise of Ken Warren, husband of rector the Rev Shihoko Warren, and Japanese people’s heightened interest in the environment and growing food following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. On October 5, 40 participants attended the Harvest Party where church members provided culinary creations using vegetables grown in the ministry’s garden and the Holy Spirit touched hearts through testimonies, worship, prayer, fellowship and music. Following Scriptural principles, the best of the produce was donated to a homeless shelter.
Be sure to email your parish news to Marilyn Jacobson.
Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) news
Plan ahead to attend ACNA’s Assembly 2014
The 2014 Assembly of our Province will take place at St Vincent College, Latrobe, PA (located about one hour east of Pittsburgh) from June 25 to 28. This will be a momentous assembly as it will mark a transition in leadership. Archbishop Bob Duncan will be stepping down, and prior to the Assembly the ACNA College of Bishops will have elected our next Primate. The closing Eucharist of the Assembly will mark this historic transition in leadership.
Six plenary sessions will be led by a terrific cast of speakers: Eric Metaxas, Gary Haugen, Os Guinness, Archbishop Ben & Gloria Kwashi, Andy Crouch, and Amy Orr-Ewing.
Each day will open with Morning Prayer and Bible teaching. The Eucharist will be celebrated daily, led by Archbishop Duncan. The days will close with Evening Prayer and Choral Evensong.
Breakout sessions, common meals, and on-campus housing offer opportunities for fellowship and forming ministry partnerships – or just relaxing and refreshing. June is a beautiful month in the Laurel Highlands region of Western Pennsylvania.
This will be an opportunity for ACNA members from all over North America to gather together for teaching, worship and fellowship during this important time of transition in our province. You can now register at the early-bird rate. You don’t need to be an official delegate to attend. However, there will only be room for 900, so register quickly!
See the ACNA website for full details. The official Assembly Twitter hashtag is #2014Assembly.
Just a reminder… you can stay plugged into ACNA happenings through:
• ACNA’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/TheAnglicanChurch .
• ACNA’s Twitter account: Twitter.com/The ACNA.
How God provided one ACNA church with a building
After five years of meeting in a school gym and persistently praying, fasting and believing God for a sanctuary of their own, an ACNA congregation in Connecticut were given a 150-year-old church building absolutely free, no strings attached.
ACNA Diocese of Quincy wins big in court
Lawyer Alan Haley writes, “On October 9… a final judgment…declares that the [ACNA]Anglican Diocese of Quincy is the sole owner of its real and personal property, including [the] approximately $4 million in its bank accounts that has been frozen ever since ECUSA first wrote a letter to its bank in January 2009.” Although the US Episcopal Church (TEC) will almost certainly appeal the decision, the judge’s findings in this case could be influential in other current and future court cases.
Anglican Communion
Archbishop of Canterbury flying to Kenya to meet with GAFCon Primates
A statement from GAFCon declares that “The Archbishop of Canterbury will visit GAFCON primates [during their two day meeting] just before the opening of GAFCON 2013 in Nairobi.” Lambeth palace lamely spun the purpose for the visit as “…in solidarity with the Kenyan people following the attack on the Westgate shopping mall last month.” Commenting on this, Anglican Ink has an amusing article on “The decline of the art of Anglican lying”.
Archbishop Welby values confession
Archbishop Justin Welby is reported on a Roman Catholic website to “extol the practice of confession” saying the sacrament is “enormously powerful” and recommending Anglicans make more frequent use of opportunities for confession.
Toronto conference audio posted
The Anglican Communion Institute has posted audio from two of the speakers at the conference held in mid-September at Wycliffe College in Toronto:
• Archbishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon
• Presiding Bishop Mouneer Anis
Responding to Christopher Seitz’ address to this conference, Robert Munday, former dean and president of Nashotah House, indicates he is mystified that Seitz seems caught in a time warp and is oblivious to recent Anglican history. Munday writes: “There is already a parting of the ways. Several provinces in CAPA and the Global South have already declared themselves out of fellowship with TEC and have recognized the ACNA… [W]hen is the Anglican Communion Institute going to stop dismissing the ACNA and GAFCON and recognize that a major and lasting realignment in Anglicanism (I would say the most significant development in Anglicanism since the Reformation) has already begun?”
Scam warning
Anglicans worldwide are warned of scams – via email, Facebook and even phone calls – whereby appeals for money are made from scammers claiming to be Anglican primates.
International news in brief
Canada
An apologist for pedophilia is to be a keynote speaker at a University of Toronto childhood education conference entitled: “Bodies at Play: Sexuality, Childhood and Classroom Life”. LifeSiteNews provides contact information for you to protest to those who can do something about this.
The BC Court of Appeal has upheld Canada’s prohibition on euthanasia by overturning a lower court ruling that found Canada’s ban on assisted suicide unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada has prepared a detailed analysis of the bill put forward by the Government of Quebec allowing euthanasia in the province. Incidentally, Belgium, which introduced euthanasia in 2002, now is considering extending euthanasia to minors (those under 18 years) and those with dementia. The limitations on euthanasia in Belgium have been loosened gradually but significantly since it was first introduced. A LifeSiteNews article examines the reality behind the “dying with dignity” façade.
The Archbishop of York will visit the Diocese of Edmonton in mid-October.
The Anglican Journal reports that the Diocese of the Arctic is facing a financial crisis as a result of its outstanding debt from constructing St Jude’s cathedral in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Although the diocese has paid more than $7.5 million of the cost, it still owes about $3 million to the construction company, which is now in receivership. The receiver is demanding immediate payment of the balance plus interest. Diocesan bishop David Parsons told reporters, “These new demands now threaten our very existence.”
United States
A judge in South Carolina has upheld her injunction barring the US Episcopal Church (TEC) from using the names and seal of the Diocese of South Carolina. Earlier the same judge refused TEC’s request to add to the lawsuit the diocese’s trustees and standing committee members, saying under state law they were immune from prosecution. The diocese cut its ties to TEC when TEC tried to defrock diocesan Bishop Mark Lawrence. Canon Jim Lewis of the Diocese of South Carolina sets the record straight with a detailed account of the diocese’s separation from TEC: “The real story behind our split with the Episcopal Church”.
Canon George Kovoor – former president of Trinity College in Bristol, England and newly elected rector of St John’s Episcopal Church in New Haven, Connecticut – is attempting to revitalize the “Evangelical Fellowship of the Anglican Communion” (EFAC) within the US Episcopal Church.
England
Royal assent has been received to merge three existing dioceses in West Yorkshire.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will christen three-month-old Prince George, third in line to the throne of England, on October 23 at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace
Pilgrim, a new course for seekers and new believers, has been launched at Lambeth Palace amid warnings that it was “a scandal” that many parishes do not engage in outreach and discipleship activities. The course was positioned as a complement to, rather than a rival of, the Alpha course. The Church Times reports: “Comprising eight six-session short courses, it is divided into two stages, "Follow", for enquirers or newcomers to the faith, and "Grow", for those who want to learn more. In the first stage, the courses are structured around four key texts: the credal questions asked before baptism, the Lord's Prayer, the Commandments, and the Beatitudes. Besides passages from the Bible, there are readings from sources such as St Augustine, Julian of Norwich, and St Anselm.”
Australia
The Diocese of Perth synod has voted overwhelmingly in support of same-sex marriage, however the bishop has not yet given his assent. Writing on the Stand Firm in Faith blog, David Ould suggests that episcopal assent is unlikely.
A local newspaper reports that the Diocese of Bathurst has had some of its bank accounts frozen as a bank seeks to recover part of the estimated $36 million (Australian) debt owed by the diocese. Asset sales are expected to help reduce the amount owed.
Syria
Rebel forces continue to target civilian populations in the civil war in what is described as a “crime against humanity”. The New York Times reports that “In a coordinated attack, numerous rebel groups… swept into the villages, killing 190 people… [Many] appeared to have been shot or stabbed while unarmed or fleeing, including 48 women and 11 children…More than 200 civilians are still being held hostage.”
Nigeria
Anglican Ink reports that Archbishop Ignatius Kattey (Nigeria) met in London with the Archbishop Justin Welby recently, following his release by kidnappers. Archbishop Kattey had been held for over a week and came to Lambeth Palace to express his gratitude for Communion-wide prayers for his safe release.
South Sudan
All Africa reports that “The Primate of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, the Most Revd Daniel Deng Bul Yak has challenged the worldwide Anglican Communion to actively help the war-affected people of South Sudan.” He said, "People are just saying we are supporting you in prayers, but prayers must be followed by action… We need good education and health and there are a lot of experienced people within the Anglican Communion who can come and help us. We need missionaries to come and set up schools and health centres in South Sudan. There is a lot that Anglicans can do to help."
The Anglican Communion News Service reports that Archbishop Deng Bul is chairman of South Sudan’s Committee for National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation (CNHPR) which is seeking reconcile long-warring tribes. A nationwide day of prayer was held in July. He says that by early 2014 they will consult widely at all levels across South Sudan before developing a plan to advance reconciliation.
Qatar
The Christian community Qatar, an Islamic Middle Eastern state, recently celebrated the official opening of the Anglican Centre, a large complex in Doha, the capital city. The Anglican Centre is used by 58 Christian congregations from a range of denominations – including the Anglican Church of the Epiphany – and can accommodate as many as 15,000 worshipers at a time. Anglican Communion News Service reports that “Qatar is ranked as the richest country in the world per capita, yet the vast majority of the Christians living in the country come from developing countries and work for low wages in the construction or service industry.”
South Africa
The Anglican Church synod voted unanimously to adopt the Anglican Covenant.
Central Asia
International Christian Concern documents the growing instances of persecution in Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, saying the region’s oppression of Christians is reminiscent of the Soviet-era.
Laos
Laotian Christian converts are facing eviction from their villages if they do not recant and return to the local animistic religion.
Vietnam – A reported 63 pastors and church leaders are being held in brutal prison work camps under sentences ranging from five to 18 years. Most are from a rural minority ethnic group where persecution extends to the families and congregations of those imprisoned.
China
Persecution of Christians in China is reported to be growing with verified instances of government-perpetrated violence against Christians rising by about 42 per cent since 2011, with far more Christians being sentenced.
Pakistan
It is reported that “Muslims in Pakistan formed a human shield Sunday at a church in Lahore to protect Christians from terrorist attacks. It was the second such demonstration in the past week, following a similar display of Muslim-Christian unity in Karachi.” This show of support and unity follows recent Islamist terrorist attacks on the small, generally poor Christian minority – especially the September 22 bomb attacks at an Anglican Church in Peshawar which killed about 130 and injured and maimed many, many more.
Columbia
International Christian Concern reports that armed rebel militias are violently attacking, kidnapping and even murdering Christians with impunity. Parents are shot in front of children, children are abducted, and Christians are forced to flee their homes. “Under the recent governance, there has been a resurgence of armed groups in Colombia, who specifically target Christians because they know the Christian faith is not compatible with their values… [L]arge areas of the country are under the control of criminal organizations, drug cartels, revolutionaries and paramilitary groups, who continue to operate with impunity… Around 20-30 church leaders in Columbia are murdered by armed rebels each year. Currently, an estimated 200 churches are believed to be forcibly closed across the country. In some regions, religious activity has been forbidden by order of the armed groups. Entire Christian communities have been displaced and church leaders have been marked for assassination.”
Global persecution
An article in The Spectator describes the “war on Christians” and calls it the “unreported catastrophe of our time”. A Break Point commentary calls on Christians in the west to use our religious liberty to work on behalf of our brothers and sisters living in countries where persecution is the norm. It also links to resources.
Resources
Ministry resources
39 Articles of Religion, Article 2 – In his continuing weekly video series exploring the 39 Articles of Religion, Canon Phil Ashey explores Article 2 more fully. You can watch past videos, each about 2 minutes long, on the American Anglican Council website.
Preaching – St Helens Bishopsgate (England) offers a monthly video series on “Preaching Matters”, which is designed to equip, encourage and inspire those who teach God's word. Each month they interview different well-known preachers. The 12-minute October video interviews William Taylor discussing authentic Gospel ministry from Acts 20.
Conflicts – Are you a leader whose passion is to “grow” your people in evangelism, discipleship, mission and local outreach? Resources are available to help navigate the inevitable conflicts and to help your congregation embrace Gospel values. Read what Canon Phil Ashey has to say.
Resources for Christian living
Meditation – Read a summary of the Puritan’s understanding of the importance and “how to” of mediation.
Global missions – If you even wonder if it is worth sacrificing to support global missionaries in prayer and finances, this 16 minute video Peace Child, 50 years later will bless your socks off. And if you are not familiar with the original story, which recounts the amazing way God broke through to a warring, cannibal tribe in Papua New Guinea, watch Peace Child.
Cross-cultural evangelism – The senior pastor of a multi-cultural Christian church in Dubai offers three keys for cross-cultural evangelism.
Repentance and mourning – A Gospel Coalition article distinguishes between shame and repentance. Drawing on Psalm 51, the author notes that King David prays for and receives not only “…cleansing from sin, but also freedom from shame when he prays, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation”. [David] needed not only forgiveness from past sin, but also renewed joy that preserved him from future sin.” Another helpful article explains mourning for our sin and the blessing we experience as a result. And here’s an article about the blessing of repenting in the presence of our children.
Honouring imperfect pastors – Barbara Challies responds to the oft-heard criticism of Biblically-based pastors who preach Gospel truths while their own lives are lacking. She says these“pastors are some of the bravest human beings in the world” for while they are keenly aware of their own failure – and even know that others know of their imperfections – they faithful proclaim the truth. “As they share their hearts and aspirations in their preaching, you see their desire to please the God they love. They just can't do it with anything close to perfection any more than the rest of us can. It is so beautiful to see their desire for holiness—and so poignant to compare their desire with their reality.” Encourage your pastor, rather than criticize. Pray for your pastor, instead of gossiping.
Feeling like an underdog? – Well known secular author Malcolm Gladwell has a new book which offers a counter-intuitive perspective on David and Goliath. Everyone but God and David saw were focused on the giant’s strength and size advantage. Read a fascinating and insightful review of the book. Also, read an interview with Gladwell who, in writing this book, was drawn back to the Christian faith; he was raised in a Mennonite home.
How to support your pastor – Church leaders are often under attack – by the enemy of our souls and even by some within the congregation. This article suggests how you can stand with and support your church leaders.
Sharing your faith in the workplace – Writing on the 9Marks blog, Ashok Nachnani shares how a colleague led him to Christ and offers five behaviours that will help you reach your co-workers in our increasingly anti-Christian world.
Same-sex attractions – Pastor Tim Keller recommends two books for Christians wrestling with same-sex attractions, including Is God Anti-Gay? Questions Christians Ask by Church of England priest Sam Allberry.
Social and cultural matters
Porn-free families – Pastor Tim Challies outlines what he is doing to try to protect his family from pornography. Dr Albert Mohler notes the pervasiveness of pornography, saying, “By some estimations, the production and sale of explicit pornography now represents the seventh-largest industry in America.” He then discusses the neuroscience that accounts for addictiveness of this mental, relational and social poison.
Marriage – Reviewing published data from various credible sources, Dr Albert Mohler discusses the economic and social impact of falling marriage rates, saying “…the failure to marry dramatically increases the likelihood of poverty and continued economic retreat… The decline of marriage, to the extent that we’re seeing it, is happening almost exclusively among the poor.” The analysis found that the effect are girls is particularly profound, “A girl in a gay household is only 15 percent as likely to graduate, in a lesbian household about 45 percent as likely.”
Higher education – Professor David Gelernter (computer science, Yale University says it is time to reclaim higher education from radical secularists if we are to influence culture. He writes, “Since the cultural revolution culminating in the 1970s, the left has run nearly all of the nation’s most influential, prestigious universities. Their alumni, in turn, run American culture—the broadcast networks, newspapers, the legal and many other professions, Hollywood, book publishing, and, most important, the massive, insensate, crush-everything-in-your-path mega-glacier known as the U.S. federal bureaucracy—and even more important than that, the education establishment charged with indoctrinating our children from kindergarten up..”
Radical social agenda – Anglican Mainstream highlights a startling video report from Massachusetts which recounts the social changes in that states since same-sex marriage was legalized. Similar changes are occurring in Canada. And the Family Research Council provides a brochure outlining “The Top Ten Myths About Homosexuality”.
Is public school still an option? – Dr Albert Mohler, in an article that discusses the “Brave New World” of public schools, concludes sadly, “Is public school an option? For Christians who take the Christian worldview seriously and who understand the issues at stake, the answer is increasingly no.”
Soul food
Just for laughs
Why a pastor quit going to sporting events:
1. The coach never came to visit.
2. Every time I went, they asked for money.
3. The people sitting in my row didn’t seem very friendly.
4. The seats were very hard.
5. The referees made a decision I didn’t agree with.
6. I was sitting with hypocrites; they only came to see what others were wearing!
7. Some games went into overtime and I was late getting home.
8. The band played some songs I had never heard before.
9. The games are scheduled on my only day to sleep in and run errands.
10. My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.
11. Since I read a book on sports, I feel that I know more than the coaches, anyway.
12. I don’t want to take my children because I want them to choose for themselves what sport they like best.
Thought
You can be as straight as a gun barrel theologically—and be as empty as one spiritually.
~ A W Tozer
And now a Word from our Sponsor
No unbelief made him [Abraham] waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
Romans 4:20-21 ESV
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