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Handle with prayer!
News – ANiC and AEN
New vision and mission statements for ANiC
ANiC’s new vision and mission statements were presented to synod delegates and observers in St Catharines last week together with a short explanation.
Mission: Building Biblically faithful, Gospel sharing, Anglican churches.
We will not only be used by God to build new churches, but will also build-up existing
churches. These churches will be fully Anglican, biblically faithful, evangelizing and
discipling communities.
Vision: Every region, enduring churches, excellence in leadership, equipped members
We believe God is calling us to have churches from coast to coast to coast and accessible to most Canadians. We will pray and plan that the churches will thrive until Jesus returns. We will humbly seek to be servant leaders always desiring to grow and learn the best practices.
We desire to have every person in our congregation growing in Christ.
Installation services
Bishop Charlie Masters was installed on November 15 at St George’s in Burlington; Bishop Stephen Leung was installed on November 21 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Vancouver; and Bishop Trevor Walters was installed on November 22 at St Matthew’s in Abbotsford.
You can see a cute photo of Bishop Don at St George’s (Burlington) with his newest “bishops”!
Synod wrap-up
You can go to ANiC’s website to review our synod, including photos and presentations. AnglicanTV has now posted video of several of sessions from synod, with more to come. Canon Chris Sugden brought greetings to synod from a number of Church of England bishops and organizations. These are also posted to the ANIC website.
Announcements made at synod
Evangelist Marney Paterson welcomed into ANiC – The Rev Dr Marney Paterson was welcomed into ANiC at synod. In making this announcement, Bishop Don said, “We have among us a dear friend who undisputedly has preached the Word of God to more people at home and around the world than any other Canadian Anglican…”
The Fourth Day coordinator – Bishop Don appointing Deacon Gary Stobbs of St Matthew’s, Abbotsford as ANiC coordinator for The Fourth Day – ACNA’s equivalent to Cursillo.
New Archdeacon – The Venerable Ron Corcoran (Christ the King, Victoria, BC) was appointed archdeacon for the west, taking over from Bishop Trevor Walters.
New Examining Chaplain – The Venerable Paul Crossland is now an examining chaplain.
Consecration photo albums
We are preparing a beautiful memento of our historic consecration service for Bishops Charlie, Stephen and Trevor on November 13. This bound book will feature about 40 pages of quality photos from the consecration service. Although the book will take several weeks to prepare and several more weeks to publish, we will post several pages to the ANiC website in the next week to give you an idea of the final product. The book can be ordered in hard cover for $60 (including shipping) or soft cover for $45. If you’d like a copy, please watch our website Purchase Online page where you will be able to order the books very soon.
Synod lost and found
The Rev Gerry Brodie (Church of the Good Shepherd, St Catharines) is missing his well-used, much-loved Scoffield Bible which was left in a synod bag at Bethany Community Church in St Catharines. If found, please contact admin@anglicannetwork.ca.
Synod in the news
Reporting from synod, Canon Chris Sugden writes in the Church of England Newspaper that Archbishop Bob Duncan told ANiC’s three new bishops at their consecration service that they, like the Apostle Paul, should be “worth a riot”.
Message from Bishop Malcolm and Marylou Harding
Marylou and I wish to convey our heartfelt thanks for the many expressions of Christian love we experienced at the recent ANiC Synod banquet in Niagara Falls. Entering retirement again from Episcopal ministry seemed to be truly in God's good timing for Malcolm and how blessed we are that the Lord has raised up three wonderful new bishops to assist Bishop Don.
We are both most grateful for all that was said and done at the Synod banquet with respect to our past ministry with ANiC. From the unveiling of Malcolm's photograph to the slide of him serving "Southern (ice cream) Cones” at a local parish event here in Brandon, it was a truly memorable evening. And as for the gift of a train trip for two to Jasper, for a railroad enthusiast like Malcolm----well, that was right over the top!!!
May the Lord now continue to lead and guide all of you serving ANiC in this new and exciting ministry of renewal and, God willing, revival in North America.
In Jesus,
+Malcolm and Marylou Harding
Ordination in Ottawa
Bishop Charlie Masters will ordain David Robinson to the transitional deaconate at St Albans, Ottawa on Sunday November 29 at 7pm. David is an Artizo graduate and leads the thriving university ministry at St Alban’s. Bishop Charlie and (his wife) Judy will be at St Alban’s from November 26-29.
Bishop Charlie to visit in New Brunswick and minister in Montreal
From December 1-3, Bishop Charlie and Judy will meet with friends of ANiC in the Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton areas. Bishop Charlie will also celebrate Holy Communion and speak at Taylor College’s regular mid-week service on the afternoon of December 2. If you’d like to meet with them, please email Bishop Charlie.
They then drive to Montreal where Bishop Charlie will be with Emmaus Anglican Church, Sunday morning and St Timothy Anglican Bible Church on Sunday evening, December 6.
Please remember our bishops in prayer, especially Bishops Don and Charlie as they must travel so much on behalf of ANiC. Pray for safety, endurance and sufficient rest.
ANiC hosts ACNA summit
Our ANiC staff and bishops are hosting the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) House of Bishops and Provincial Council meetings in Toronto, December 9-12. Please pray for ANiC staff who are coordinating these arrangements and for God’s blessing and leading in these meetings.
2010 Church Calendar
Thanks to the Rev Tom Carman (St Aidan’s, Windsor) we have a church calendar posted to the ANiC website that you can download and print. This will be especially useful for clergy and parish altar guilds. Tom says the calendar, “…lays out the Sundays of the Christian year, the Red Letter Days (according to the BCP), and a few other Holy Days that I thought appropriate for a church such as ours that has taken its stand on the word of God...”
ANiC rector on TV
The Rev Ray David Glenn will be doing 5-8 minute Truth to Go segments on 100 Huntley Street during the month of December. These segments will focus on God’s covenant fulfillment in “Christmas”. The Rev Glenn says the pastoral point every day will be, "God makes promises and fulfills them in Jesus." He would appreciate our prayer as he tapes these segments this week. You can watch 100 Huntley Street on Global TV, on CTS TV or online at www.100huntley.com.
Parish news
St John’s Shaughnessy (Vancouver) – The Rev Canon David Short has taken a medical leave.
St Paul (Stoney Creek, ON project – The congregation at St Paul is undertaking an evangelism project this Christmas using the Share the Good News of Christmas evangelism kit. They encourage other ANiC congregations to join them in using this excellent resource to reach out to our communities. Learn more here. Dr J I Packer says, "Share the Good News of Christmas is a visionary program which I heartily commend. The gift and invitation from the local church will bring home to people that Jesus is the reason for the season, and that from his throne he calls us all to enter into new life with him. May many respond to that call this Christmastide!”
ANiC rector provides excellent overview of Anglicanism vs Roman Catholicism
Writing in his local newspaper, Father Michael McKinnon, rector of ANiC’s only USA parish Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Marlborough, Massachusetts), explains that the Church in England didn’t come under the Bishop of Rome until after 664AD and the English Reformation simply “…sought to return the Church of this region to the Faith and Order of the undivided Catholic Church under the authority and primacy of Holy Scripture as God’s Word. Thus, despite differences, these two great communions of the one Church have had for many centuries a shared heritage as Catholic Churches of the West… With so much in common, will many orthodox Anglicans be taking the Pope up on his recent offer? Is this the end of the English Reformation? Probably not. The primacy of Scripture and the Catholic Faith and Order of the early Church serve as the very foundation of the English Reformation and historic Anglicanism.”
Interview with Dr Packer
The Modesto Bee printed an interview with Dr Packer in which he implies that retirement isn’t a Biblical concept, discusses the impact CS Lewis had on his own development and his motivation for writing his classic bestseller Knowing God.
World Magazine recounts how when several people compared Dr Packer to Gandalf (from The Lord of the Rings), he responded, “I’m much closer to the lowly Sam.” The article provides interesting insights into this godly leader.
Calendar of upcoming events – for your interest and prayer support
Nov 26-29 – Bishop Charlie is in Ottawa
Nov 29, 7pm – Ordination of David Robinson at St Alban’s Ottawa
Dec 1-3 – Bishop Charlie is in New Brunswick
Dec 6 – Bishop Charlie is in Montreal
Mar 16 -18 – Annual ANiC clergy retreat at Cedar Springs (near Abbotsford, BC)
ANiC in the news
Capital News Online – Nov 6 2009 – Rapping in the rafters
The Star – Nov 12 2009 – Invite from Rome ‘offensive’, says Anglican bishop
Hope Standard – Nov 23 2009 – The Anglican church of the Resurrection hosts two bishops
News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)
American Anglican Council (AAC) to begin Leadership Institute
An AAC-sponsored Clergy Leadership Institute for Anglican clergy and other North American leaders will be launched in the second half of 2010. The purpose of this Institute will be to:
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Raise up, establish, encourage, equip and release Christ-centered, visionary leaders with entrepreneurial skills to transform their churches and their communities. |
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Save leaders from distraction, diversion and destruction by equipping them to deal with conflict. |
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Provide ongoing support, pastoral care, encouragement and skill development for leaders of the local church through small groups and coaching. |
Archbishop Duncan interviewed in the National Post
In an interview published in the National Post, our Primate, Archbishop Bob Duncan said, “People are looking for a saviour who can save. They are really looking for how they can shape their lives and what they can trust in. And what the [national churches] are offering is Jesus lite. Folks don’t need a Jesus lite.”
The Table ACNA church plant
The Victoria church plant The Table which involves three ACNA dioceses – the Anglican Coalition in Canada, the Reformed Episcopal (REC) and the Anglican Network in Canada – had their first public worship event on November 15 with 94 adults and 11 children – many of whom were well-wishers from supporting churches Church of Our Lord (REC) and Open Gate (ANiC). Church planters the Revs Andy Withrow and Josh Wilton report that they need $14,000 to break even in 2009 and ask prayer. You can watch a video here.
ACNA in the news
Church of England Newspaper – Nov 13 2009 – Sydney gives its backing to American traditionalists
News shorts – Canada
Anglican Essentials Federation changes name to Anglican Communion Alliance
The Federation has announced that “In the light of recent developments within orthodoxy in Canadian Anglicanism, we are establishing ourselves as a separate organization to continue affirmation of classical Anglicanism within the Anglican Church of Canada”. The Anglican Communion Alliance (ACA) intends to be: “The theological and spiritual rallying point for historic orthodoxy in the Anglican Church of Canada” (ACoC) with the mission of calling the ACoC “to embrace and live by its orthodox Christian heritage under the renewing guidance of the Holy Spirit”. Writing to the ACoC bishops, the Rev Dr Brett Cane, ACA chair, says, “While we continue in informal fellowship with those who share our theological viewpoint but who are in other jurisdictions in Canada, we are organizationally separate from them to better address the specific situation within our own Anglican Church of Canada.”
Other news and documents of interest on the ACA website includes:
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In Hope for an erring church, the Rev Murray Henderson gives a rationale for “why it is a godly and evangelical response to stay in the ACC” |
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ACA is planning a high profile presence at the ACoC’s General Synod in Halifax in June. |
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Prior to General Synod, ACA is sponsoring a cross-Canada tour of the Rev Canon George Kovoor, Principal of Trinity College in Bristol, UK. |
Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) implements budget cuts
The Journal reports that the Anglican church of Canada faces staff cuts to achieve a $450,000 reduction in operating costs – and even then is budgeting for a $500,000 deficit in 2010.
Clergy conference
One of the best clergy conferences in the country, know as reFocus Canada, will be held again at Willingdon Church, Burnaby, BC on 7-9 April 2010. The theme of the conference is Suffering for the Gospel and features Dr John Piper, Preston Manning, Dr John Neufeld, and Dr Bruce Ware. Conference information and registration is available on the reFocus website.
Evangelical Fellowship of Canada seminar recommended
If you are interested in church planting and evangelism, you will benefit from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s Christian Leaders Connection. This one-day seminar focuses on Canadian demographics and trends and the implications for ministry. It is scheduled for Ancaster, Ontario on December1 and other Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan venues in 2010.
New bishop elected for Diocese of Saskatoon (Anglican Church of Canada)
The Venerable David Irving, currently executive archdeacon of the Diocese of Kootenay, was elected by the Diocese of Saskatoon to replace Bishop Rodney Andrews who retires February 28.
News shorts – United States
Biblically faithful Lutherans head toward forming new denomination
The Associated Press reports that Biblically faithful Lutherans within the increasingly liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are beginning to draft “…a constitution and taking other steps to form the denomination, with hopes to have it off the ground by next August.”
Media roundup – US
Fort Worth Star Telegram – Nov 15 2009 – First woman is ordained… in Forth Worth…
North County Times – Nov 13 2009 – …congregation loses legal battle with Episcopal Church
Wall Street Journal – Nov 10 2009 – An Episcopal flock breaks – and heals - apart
News shorts – International
Vatican releases the much anticipated “Apostolic Constitution”
Several weeks after announcing its imminent arrival, Pope Benedict XVI issued his “Apostolic Constitution providing for Personal Ordinariates for Anglicans entering into full communion with the [Roman] Catholic Church”
The GAFCon (Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans) Primates responded saying, the while the offer is gracious, they are “grieved that the current crisis… has made necessary such an unprecedented offer. It represents a grave indictment of the Instruments of Communion whose very purpose is to strengthen and protect our unity in obedience to our Lord’s clear command. Their failure to fully address the abandonment of biblical faith and practice by The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada has now brought shame to the name of Christ and seriously impedes the cause of the Gospel...”
Bishop John Broadhurst (Fulham) of Forward in Faith was very receptive, saying, “I had thought the original notice from Rome was extremely generous. Today all the accompanying papers have been published and they are extremely impressive. I have been horrified that the Church of England while trying to accommodate us has consistently said we cannot have the jurisdiction and independent life that most of us feel we need to continue on our Christian pilgrimage. What Rome has done is offer exactly what the Church of England has refused”.
The Independent reports that the Vatican’s offer is really directed at the US and Australia where the majority of requests from Anglicans for group reception into the Roman Catholic Church are said to have originated.
Archbishop Rowan Williams to visits the Vatican
The Archbishop of Canterbury met briefly with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome this past weekend. Prior to that meeting, Reuters reports that Dr Williams spoke at a university in Rome, where he said that the disagreements between the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches – specifically women’s ordination, authority and primacy – were second order issues.
Covenant gains momentum
George Conger provides a summary of dioceses and provinces supporting the Covenant to date. He says, “The Church of Ireland, the American dioceses of Western Louisiana and South Carolina and the New Zealand dioceses of Christchurch and Nelson have endorsed the Ridley-Cambridge draft of the Anglican Covenant, joining Central Florida in backing the Archbishop of Canterbury’s plan for creating a structure to manage the divisions over doctrine and discipline dividing the Anglican Communion.”
News from around the Communion
Church of England - Once again the Church of England seems to be headed toward allowing female bishops without providing adequate accommodation for those within the Church who oppose this move. The General Synod’s Revision Committee has backed away from proposals that would have allowed the transfer of jurisdiction from female to male bishops where parishes could not accept female oversight. The Telegraph reports that this is likely to lead an exodus of clergy and parishioners from the Church of England. And Andrew Carey, writing in the Church of England Newspaper says, “The Church of England is giving up no sacred principle by offering the most generous provision to traditionalist Anglicans, so why is it so reluctant to do so? …by insisting so dogmatically on the imposition of women’s Episcopal ministry even on those who will refuse it, they risk failing completely to pass a measure for women bishops.”
Soul food
Manhattan Declaration
On November 20, 148 American Christian leaders, including Dr J I Packer, took a stand by signing and releasing the Manhattan Declaration, a statement of Christian convictions on the sanctity of life, the dignity of marriage, and the rights of conscience and religious liberty. They say, “…Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Since the statement was released, over 72,000 have signed on. You can add your signature by clicking on the above link to the Manhattan Declaration.
Issues related to God’s design for His creation
Pornography – With pornography use and addiction now epidemic in society and, unfortunately, even amongst Christians, we are reminded of the need to support the “silenced sufferers” – the spouses of those who are entrapped by pornography and who have no one to turn to.
Sexual detox – Tim Challies has published two free downloadable resources:
• Sexual Detox: A guide for the single guy
• Sexual Detox: A guide for the married guy
Both “Sexual Detox” resources include chapters on:
• Pornifying the Marriage Bed
• Breaking Free
• A Theology of Sex
• Self-Centered Sex
• Detoxification
• Freedom
• Recommended Resources
Homosexuality – The National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH) has released a “…landscape review” compiling “…over a century of experiential evidence, clinical reports, and research evidence demonstrate that it is possible for both men and women to change from homosexuality to heterosexuality; that efforts to change are not generally harmful; and that homosexual men and women do indeed have greater risk factors for medical, psychological and relational pathology than do the general population.” The report, called What Research Shows, is a response to the American Psychological Association’s stand against “…providing psychological care to those distressed by unwanted homosexual attractions”. StandFirm provides more background on NARTH
Abortion – The Washington Post has published an exposé on forced abortions in China due to the “one child policy” which "causes more violence against women and girls than any other official policy on Earth". The result has been the highest rate in the world of women committing suicide and a gender imbalance in China that is “a driving force behind sex slavery in Asia”.
A former Planned Parenthood director tells why she quit her job after witnessing an abortion ultrasound video and seeing the 13-week-old child struggling for its life. She said, "If clinic workers saw what was happening on that screen, they would be running out of those clinics… This is what the abortion industry does not want their workers to see ... they don't want people to see what's actually happening in the woman's womb."
The UN Petition for the Unborn Child and the Family has achieved over 600,000 of the target one million signatures. You can read the petition here and decide if you wish to add your name.
Assisted suicide – Faye Sonier, legal council for the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, writes that the proposed bill before Parliament to allow assisted suicide would turn “…the life affirming principles of Canadian law on their collective head… Assisted suicide advocates cannot claim that this is simply a private, personal decision. It implicates every citizen and every Canadian institution of government and health care. It requires substantive changes to our legal philosophy.” You can download In the Shadow of Death: A Christian perspective on euthanasia and assisted suicide from the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada website.
Points to ponder
Confidence is that feeling you have just before you fully understand the situation.
Safety is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God.
Courtesy of www.mikeysFunnies.com
Just for fun
There was this lady who was visiting a church for the first time one Sunday. The sermon seemed to go on forever, and many in the congregation actually fell asleep.
After the service, to be social, she walked up to a very sleepy looking gentleman, extended her hand in greeting, and said, "Hello, I'm Gladys Dunn."
The man replied, "You're not the only one, ma'am. I'm glad it's done, too!"
Courtesy of www.mikeysFunnies.com
Please pray...
For our new bishops as they enter new ministries – as well as our long-time bishops.
For Ceri Hynes, wife of the Rev Howard Hynes, (St Stephen the Martyr in St John’s, NL) who has been released from hospital and is recovering from cellulitis. Thank you for your continued prayers.
For our ANiC projects, church plants and parishes.
For wisdom as ANiC seeks to find more effective ways of ministering to and encouraging “Orphaned Anglicans” who have no orthodox Anglican church in their community.
That we would share the Good News with those around us who need to meet our Lord & Saviour.
For the legal cases
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For Mr Justice Stephen Kelleher as he reviews all the written material and considers his decision in the Vancouver court case. May God grant insight and discernment. |
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For the Windsor case (involving St Aidan’s) which is being dealt with in London. |
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For the remaining issues being negotiated following the arbitration hearing involving St George’s, St Hilda’s and Good Shepherd in Southern Ontario. |
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For the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes. Pray for peace, particularly for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of responsibility. Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil. |
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For sufficient contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and the churchwardens and trustees are not at personal financial risk. The Ontario parishes, in particular, need greater financial support at this time. |
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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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For repentance and healing, and that those being persecuted will be able to forgive so there can be hope for future reconciliation.
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For the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (Canada) and those in government who are considering the application for charitable status.
For the Anglican Church in North America and its dioceses.
For the persecuted church around the world and Christians who are suffering for their faith.
For our national, provincial and civic leaders as well as for our nation of Canada. May God be pleased to grant repentance and cause a revival to sweep our land.
And now a word from our sponsor
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James 1: 2 – 18
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