NEWSLETTERS

 

September 2010 - Evangelist

COVENANT AND VESTRY RETREAT

 

When we began the process of seeking to use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer exclusively at St. John’s, the bishop asked us to make a case as to why we felt like the 1928 Book was important to who we were as a parish, and how it was integral to our strategy for evangelization.  With the help of the Canon for Congregational Ministries, The Rev. Canon Frank Logue, we were able to put together a working document that addressed the areas he wanted, and incorporated a request for permission to switch to the 1928 Prayer Book.  Through the hard work of the vestry, we received the bishop’s permission to move forward, and for that we are most grateful.  Copies of the Covenant are available upon request.

Along those same lines, when the vestry met at their retreat last month, we identified two additional items that were important for us to focus upon in the near future.  First, under the direction of Mo Yearta, we need to investigate ways to increase our visibility through the use of multiple print media outlets.  Mo will bring some rough ideas for what these ads might look like for the newspapers, both in Moultrie and in some of the surrounding communities.  We also plan to run ads through the Chamber of Commerce, community fliers, etc.  Anyone wishing to assist in this work please speak with Dr. Yearta.

The other item discussed was visitor parking and the west steps from the narthex.  For those who have ever gone out of the church toward Main St. you realize that those steps need some attention.  There is an area of grass under the oak tree outside the playground fence that could be paved and made into visitor parking; this solution leaves open the ability to build an additional ramp and new steps leading into the church.  We would then be able to update the landscaping on the most visible part of the church building – the side facing Main St.  We need for St. John’s to be the landmark at the corner of Main and 7^th with which people most readily identify.

As you can imagine, these projects will require money, and we will work within the constraints of our existing budgets. As we look toward our 100^th Anniversary as a parish coming up in 2012, I pray that these improvements might move from wishes to reality and help make that celebration a wonderful occasion.

NEW PRAYER BOOKS

Thank you to those who have made contributions for the purchase of new pew editions of the Prayer Book.  Over 60 have been given thus far as a memorial or thanksgiving.  Special thanks to the Men’s Group at St. John’s, Savannah who have given 20 books as an encouragement gift. 

ADULT FORMATION

We have begun the Basics in Christianity classes that Fr. Cantrell brought to St. John’s on Tuesday evenings at 6:45 p.m., in the Parish Hall.  So far the attendance has been quite good, but there is plenty of room for more.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the catholic faith that we profess and proclaim.  These classes also serve as the basis of catechesis and instruction for anyone desiring the Sacrament of Confirmation.

 

Fr. McQueen’s C. S. Lewis reading group continues at Beans and Strings on the Square.  Please join us on Thursday afternoons at 3:30.  We are over half-way though The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and will continue with Prince Caspian.  There have been several folks join our group from outside St. John’s, which is wonderful.  Please consider joining the group if your schedule will allow. 

 

On eight Sunday morning’s following breakfast, we will look at the BBC production Tales From the Madhouse.  Intrigued?  Come and See! 

 

This month's newsletter also contained a series of articles that The Rev. Gavin Dunbar, Rector of St. John's in Savannah, wrote on Evangelism and the classic Book of Common Prayer.  Rather than reprint the article here, it can be found at St. John's website www.stjohnssav.org.  The articles are in four parts under the "Parish Papers" link.  The title(s) are "The Prayer Book & Evangelism."

 

August 2010 - Evangelist

WHERE IS THE REVERENCE?

A fellow priest shared a copy of a May 7, article from First Things magazine entitled, “Jesus is Neither a Playboy Nor My Homeboy.”  I believe this article by Joe Carter has quite a bit to say about one’s relationship to God, and also, how we approach Him in worship and prayer.  The article begins with the cover of the July issue of the Portuguese edition of Playboy magazine with Jesus holding the hand of a topless woman on a bed, with the words “O Evagelho Segundo Jesus Christo” (The Gospel According to Jesus Christ).  The issue presents a memorial to Nobel Laureate, and national hero, Jose Saramago, who wrote a novel with the above mentioned title.

 

Why would Mr. Carter open with this particular story?  Of course, most of us would be offended at the blatant display of blasphemy of depicting our Lord and Saviour in such a fashion, but equally disturbing is the lack of respect on our side of the pond by pagan and believer alike.  This is where Carter shifts to irreverence from our perspective.

Many of you have probably seen t-shirts, or slogans of such a trite nature as “Jesus is my homeboy,” or “Jesus surfs without a board,” or others of the like.  While we might laugh them off as funny, or at worst, deeply relevant, the “chummy” Jesus syndrome continues, and leaves many with a loss of the sense of wonder, awe, and mystery of God that the Bible declares quite clearly.

Carter then quotes Daniel Richard, an Episcopal priest from Tucson, AZ, who said, “If Jesus is so reverent that we can’t laugh about him, then Jesus isn’t in our everyday lives.”  Huh?!  I’m not even going to try and parse out that statement, but I will allow one of the writers of Touchstone Magazine, David Mills, take a crack at that puff of hot air.

"One can just imagine the Apostles, whose successors an Episcopal minister claims to be, wearing such t-shirts around Jerusalem in the weeks after the Resurrection.  One can imagine Perpetua and Felicity ordering one to wear in the arena [before their martyrdom].  One can see crowds of Sudanese Christians standing before army firing squads in such t-shirts.  One can … oh never mind.  One cannot imagine the young Mr. Richards wearing a similar t-shirt with a comic message about Martin Luther King or any feminist whatsoever, no matter how obscure."

 

Mr. Carter then places some of the blame at the feet of some strains of evangelical Protestantism who completely abandoned the notion of a transcendent, all-powerful, omniscient Creator in favor of God who is now our “best friend.”  He went on to say, “I remember as a young Baptist how we would gloss over the commands to “fear God” in favor of singing hymns about What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”  I believe that he makes a very good point.

 

This does not diminish the truth of Holy Scripture that our adoption as sons of God comes with it a sense of intimacy and freedom in which we now have permission to call God the Father our Abba.  That is a term of endearment such as calling an earthly father “Papa” or “Daddy.”  Even though we as children of earthly parents have permission to address them by names such as these, the respect, honor, and fear of them never goes away.  THEY ARE STILL OUR PARENTS!  And, with that title comes those very same attributes.  So too with our Heavenly Father.

 

One of the shining lights of Anglo-Catholic worship is the sense of awe, majesty, wonder, reverence, and formality of our liturgy.  We don’t do what we do because we simply like to play dress up on Sunday morning, or Wednesday evening, or in our Daily Prayers.  We do what we do because we believe so strongly that our Lord desires the ultimate from us when we come into His presence in worship.  He desires our worship of him to be done decently and in order.  If that were not the case, why does the Old Testament go into great detail regarding the manner of how the Levitical priests carried out their tasks in service to God?  We are inheritors of that tradition.

One caution.  Please don’t hear me saying that other forms of worship are not done truthfully or spiritually.  For some our style of worship seems distant and impersonal.  That is where we have work to do to help those who say those things begin to understand the depth of our ritual, and why we worship in the manner in which we do. 

I believe that contemporary Christian artist Nicole Nordeman catches a glimpse of this in one of her songs in which the notion of a “chummy” Jesus doesn’t cut it.

 “How I come too casually?

Because it seems to me,

There’s something I’ve neglected.

How does one approach a Deity with informality;

And still protect the Sacred?

 

‘Cause you came and chose to wear the skin of all of us.

And it’s easy to forget You left a throne.

And the line gets blurry all the time.

Between daily and Divine.

And it’s hard to know the difference.

 

Oh, let me not forget to tremble.

Oh, let me not forget to tremble.”

 

I don’t believe that any of us are going to have to worry about forgetting to tremble because that seems to be the posture of most who truly encounter God.  As Mr. Carter concludes his article, “Rather than laugh about him, as the Episcopal priest suggests, or put Him in the toybox with Barbie and G. I. Joe, we should remember how his own friends viewed him when he walked among them and treat him with the fear, respect, awe, and adoration due our God.”  To that line I simply add, AMEN!

 
THE PARISH REGISTER

Transfers In

We formally welcome to St. John’s, through received Letters of Transfer, Mr. and Mrs. Brandt Sims and Harrison from Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus, GA; Mrs. Robyn McQueen and William, IV, from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Brunswick, GA.

REMINDER

The Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer continues Monday through Thursday in the church at 12:00 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. respectively unless otherwise noted on the calendar.

DON’T FORGET

There is always an opportunity to remember those in our lives with a gift of flowers in the sanctuary or a sanctuary lamp to burn in someone’s honor or memory.  Please be sure and check the list on the parish hall door.

ADULT FORMATION

Fr. McQueen’s C. S. Lewis reading group continues at Beans and Strings on the Square.  Please join us on Thursday afternoons at 3:30.

The Basics in Christianity classes that Fr. Cantrell brought to St. John’s return on Tuesday evenings, August 17, at 6:45 p.m.  Please invite a friend.

 

VESTRY RETREAT

On Saturday, August 14, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. the vestry will have a time of prayer, study, and planning for the upcoming year(s).  Our time together will begin with Morning Prayer, all are welcome for the Daily Office, Bible Study, lunch, and the afternoon time will concentrate on one central question – Where do you see St. John’s in 2015?  I believe it is important for us to take some time to formulate some strategies for learning and Christian Formation, Outreach, Evangelism, and other topics not simply for the month ahead, but out into the future some distance.  We need to be a parish that is looking for ways to serve Christ in our community in a proactive fashion and not simply let things come to us.  How do we go about impacting Moultrie and Colquitt County for Jesus Christ in an intentional way while maintaining our identity and ethos in the Anglican expression of catholic Christianity?  That is a question that proceeds from the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry, and is disseminated to the entire parish as the focus of our life and ministry together. 

Here are  few items that we know we will be discussing, and if you have items of particular interest, please make them known to me or any vestryman. 

·         Basics In Christianity Classes beginning in August

o    Outreach opportunity to those who have unanswered questions about the Faith

·         Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University

o    Begin Spring 2011 after Basics class is completed

o    Open to the community, much like Alpha did

·         Some type of Marriage Enrichment Course

o    Need to research and find good resources

·         Need for Youth Christian Formation resources on hand

o    Esp. important for visitors and newcomers

·         Outreach Opportunities

o    Need to have a presence outside of 609 S. Main St.

§  Habitat

§  Food Pantry

§  Clothing Shelter

o    Identify one or two areas where we can take ownership and immediately make an impact in our community

·         Continue C. S. Lewis classes at coffee shop

·         100^th Anniversary as a parish in 2012

These are just a few items that I have identified, and I know there are others that will surface when we meet together.  Again, please express any other items that might be pertinent for us to discuss in this format next month. 

I believe that 2010 has already been a good year thus far with many future rewards left unknown.  That can only lead to a good start in 2011.  I’m not sure where the phrase, “The little church with a big heart,” came from, but I like it.  The only thing I’d like to see changed is the first adjective, and by continuing to be faithful to God who has blessed us abundantly, we will in fact become – The Big Church With The Big Heart!

 

July 2010 - Evangelist

THE SAGA CONTINUES:

A few weeks ago, I made copies of two letters that have been circulating the Internet.  The first was a Pentecost letter from
the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, the second was a response from the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Schori.  In
the Archbishop’s letter, he expressed dissatisfaction with the continued trajectory of the Episcopal Church in matters
regarding human sexuality.  As most of you know, the pleas and requests of the Communion for the past seven years since
the consecration of Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire, were completely ignored and summarily rejected with the
consecration of Mary Glasspool as a bishop suffragan in Los Angeles.  In his letter, the Archbishop imposed the strongest
sanctions yet in asking the Episcopal Church to absent herself from formal ecumenical dialogue at a Communion level and
second, reduction of status on the Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith, and Order, from full member to
“consultant” status.  Some will say that the Archbishop did not go far enough, but I certainly believe that this is a good first
start – even if it is seven years late.

The ink had not dried well on the Archbishop’s letter when Ms. Schori sent out a pastoral letter to the Church.  In this letter,
she continued to repeat the same arguments that we’ve heard for some time now, such as, “the Spirit does seem to be saying
to many within The Episcopal Church that gay and lesbian person’s are God’s good creation, that an aspect of good creation
is the possibility of lifelong, faithful partnership, and that such persons may indeed be good and healthy exemplars of gifted
leadership within the Church, as baptized leaders and ordained ones.”  Please note she does not clarify which Spirit she
refers to, but leaves that open to interpretation.  She also says, “That growing awareness does not deny the reality that many
Anglicans and not a few Episcopalians still fervently hold traditional views about human sexuality.  This Episcopal Church
is a broad and inclusive enough tent to hold that variety.”  If that were so, why have there been more clergy depositions in
the past decade than any other by bishops who hounded out, and summarily persecuted those faithful, orthodox clergy within
their dioceses?  After all, our very own Fr. Cantrell was deposed after the Diocese of Fort Worth came under the ecclesiastical
jurisdiction of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone of America under the Most Rev. Gregory Venebles.

Finally, on June 23, Bishop Benhase briefly commented on these two letters, and one point that he stressed was his belief
that somehow the actions of the Episcopal Church and the cross-border interventions by outside provinces were somehow on
equal ethical and moral footing – something he sees as a “double standard.”  He concludes by saying that some of the
challenges of this particular issue are due to the fact that each province has its own peculiar polity or form of church
governance. 

Nonetheless, on this particular issue, it does not matter whether one is more democratic in its polity such as the Episcopal
Church, or more hierarchical, Holy Scripture, Church Tradition and teaching, and the witness of billions of Christians
around the globe attests to the fact that this Church, along with the Anglican Church in Canada and others, is delving into
very dangerous waters, and continues to call good that which God calls sinful.   This parish will continue to uphold the
traditional teaching that the only proper expression of human sexuality is within the confines of Christian marriage, and
that all other expressions are an affront to God, and sinful in His eyes.  Please continue to pray for your rector, wardens, and
vestry.
 
Birthdays and Anniversaries during July:

Diane Moore – 3                               Michael Roberts – 4
Steve Moore – 5                                    Fr. McQueen – 22
John Allen – 25                                Marie Cranford – 25

Dr. and Mrs. Jay Cranford – 19
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Roberts – 28

•    C. S. Lewis Reading group continues on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 – 4:30 @ Beans & Strings
•    Donations continue to be accepted for the purchase of new 1928 Prayer Books for the pews
•    Fr. Cantrell’s Basics in Christianity classes will begin Tuesday evenings on August 17

 

 
 

June 2010 - Evangelist

UPCOMING EVENTS:

One of the items discussed at the May vestry meeting was the possibility of adding a mid-week study of some sort to
compliment our adult offerings on Sunday morning.  Recognizing the impact the C.S. Lewis has had on many of us
throughout our lives, and the fact that he is perhaps one of the greatest Anglicans of the twentieth century, I thought a
Lewis reading group would be a fun way to engage a modern theologian whose writings speak to so many people.  One thing
that will make this a bit different is the location.  I would like for us to meet at Beans and Strings Coffee Shop on the square
on Thursday afternoons, beginning June 10, from 3:30 – 4:20.  This might be an opportunity for us to meet some others in
the community who might be un-churched and serve as an evangelistic opportunity.  The group is open to anyone who would
like to get together to read a bit of Lewis’ works, and then discuss them in an open forum.  Since the Chronicles of Narnia are
the most accessible, and a great way to get started, let’s begin there, and move on to some of his other works.  Since many
have perhaps read them in the traditional order, I would like to read them in chronological order according to storyline. 
This means we will begin with The Magician’s Nephew.   The Horse and His Boy will follow The Lion, The Witch, and The
Wardrobe, and the others will follow in the traditional order.  I hope that this will be well received, and we’ll certainly see how it goes.

Many in the parish were blessed to have their Christian formation deepened through the Basic Christianity classes led by
Fr. Cantrell.  These lectures were handed down to Fr. C. by Fr. Homer F. Rogers, his friend and mentor.  Fr. Cantrell has
made some revisions to the scripts, and I am going to attempt to follow in his footsteps in presenting the Basic Christianity
classes again at St. John’s this fall.  I believe that much of the good work begun with the Alpha classes over the past few years
will make these classes accessible to a broad audience.   We will meet on Tuesday evenings beginning on August 17.  Classes
will begin at 6:45 p.m. and will finish at 8:45.  Light refreshments will be provided – be on the lookout for a sign-up list to help.  Please be sure to let your friends and neighbors know about this opportunity.  These classes will serve as the curriculum for Confirmation preparation. 

This curriculum lasts for twenty-five weeks, so a firm commitment is expected.  We will take breaks for Thanksgiving,
Christmas, etc., and we should end prior to Lent next year.  I truly look forward to presenting this material to the parish,
and I hope you are looking forward to it as well.

During the summer months, I will continue to offer an Adult Forum following breakfast.  We will look at the Early Church
Fathers during the month of June, wrapping up the second week in July.

I look forward to meeting with many of you over the summer, so if you have a time convenient for me stop by, please call the church office.

PARISH REGISTER:

Mr. and Mrs. Craig (Gray Beaty) Stevens announce the safe delivery of a son, Charles Gray, on May 31. 
Congratulations to proud grandparents, Bud and Amanda Beaty.

Birthdays and Anniversaries during June:

Pete Dillard, Jr. – 3                                            Jay Cranford, Jr. – 8
Judy Verberkmoes – 22                              Julianne Chambliss – 25

Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Allen – 14

Dr. and Mrs. Steve Moore – 21

 

 

We know that, in human history, the Lord had tried various ways to get us to change our ways, but we wouldn’t listen.  Then the Father sent the Son, who traveled over land and sea, teaching us how to live.  Some listened, many did not.  Jesus was betrayed, sentenced to death, and crucified.  He did not die for His sins, but for mine and yours.  On the third day, keeping His promise, He rose again, was here a little while, and then ascended to Heaven.  These are the great truths of the gospel for us to pass on to our children.  When we are filled with this knowledge, heavenly wisdom will follow.

Father, thank You for sending Your son to save me from my sin and teaching me Your statutes daily.  In the name of the Holy Trinity, I pray.  Amen.”

The above work was published in a booklet entitled Devotions.  It is the daily devotion for April 30, 2010, and was written by our own Judy Verberkmoes.  She wrote a series of reflections for the week April 26-30, 2010. 
 

 

 

 

A Liturgical Shift

One of the items discussed at the January vestry meeting was the decision to use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer during
the Season of Lent.  I don’t think it will come to anyone’s surprise that I completely support this move considering where I
served my curacy at All Saints’ – Thomasville.  However, my fondness and devotion to the classic formularies of Anglicanism,
especially its liturgy, began to take shape in seminary when I began to more fully understand the fundamental problems
which have plagued our church over the past century, and how the liturgical shifts in the 1960’s and 1970’s perpetuated
those errors.  Certainly the Anglican Church is not the only denomination that embraced secularism, individualism, and any
other “ism” you would like to insert here.  When the Second Vatican Council of the Roman Catholic Church concluded in
1965, the historic liturgies were out, and the liturgical movement was well underway. The Episcopal Church followed suit
and the trial liturgies of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s began appearing in parishes all over the country.  Anyone still
remember the Green Book or the Zebra Book?  What was touted as a revision of the Prayer Book to touch a more modern
group of seekers without the difficulty of Elizabethan English, turned out to be a major shift in both theology and morality. 

 

We at St. John’s don’t experience the full brunt of these shifts as we have continued to worship using the Rite I service
exclusively for corporate worship, and have used of the 1928 Daily Office in the absence of a priest for many years.  The bulk
of the theological changes took place in the baptismal rite, and in the Ordinal – the Form and Manner of Making Bishops,
Priests, and Deacons. 

Certainly one of fine lines we walk in the church is how the make the Christian Faith attractive to unbelievers, those who
have drifted away in the past, and to those of us who have embraced this call to discipleship for years.  That’s a pretty broad
group, wouldn’t you say?  In an effort to be more welcoming and feel less like the “frozen chosen” that we’ve all heard about
regarding Episcopalians, the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music of The Episcopal Church unfortunately sacrificed
far too much substance and sound theology for relevance and inclusivity. 
We will certainly investigate some of these items during Lent.  Our first Lenten presentation will take place on the First
Sunday in Lent when The Rev. Dr. Michael Carreker will be with us as our guest celebrant and teacher following breakfast
that morning.  Later in Lent The Rev. Gavin Dunbar, rector of St. John’s in Savannah will give a mid-week talk on the
theological nature of the Communion service from the 1928 Prayer Book.  Fr. Dunbar gave this presentation to the clergy of
the Savannah Convocation last year, and many who were there said it was one of the best presentations that had heard on
the Eucharist.  The ones making those comments were priests who regularly use Rite II in their parishes.

With that in mind I hope that we will take this opportunity during Lent to investigate the liturgy of our church, and study
this issue with the diligence that it requires.  After all our primary call as Christians is in the worship of God our Creator. 

We are called to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, and this is one way in which we can do just that.

WM

Mere Anglicanism and Elliott House

At the end of January, the parish made it possible for me to attend two very different, but two very rewarding continuing
education opportunities. 

January 21 and 22, I was able to attend the Mere Anglicanism Conference at St. Philip’s Church in Charleston, SC.  As
mentioned in last month’s newsletter, the conference theme was Human Identity: Gender, Marriage, and Sexuality –
Speculation or Revelation?  A variety of speakers presented lectures and papers dealing with the issue of human sexuality
from Biblical, psychological, and sociological perspectives, as well as, lectures on marriage and marital issues.  This was the
third Mere Anglicanism conference I have had the good fortune to attend, and this years was as good if not better than in
previous years.  At some time in the future I’m sure that either video or audio recordings will be made available at
www.mereanglicanism.com.  Perhaps others from the parish might be able to avail of the conference next year.  If nothing else,
it’s always a wonderful excuse to visit Charleston.

The following week I studied St. Augustine’s massive treatise on The Trinity led by The Rev. Dr. Michael Carreker.  Dr.
Carreker did his doctoral work examining several of the books within De Trinitate, and the week was spent in study, prayer,
and fellowship with clergy and laymen from across the country and Canada. 
Many thanks to the parish for allowing me the time away from the church to avail of these opportunities. 

WM


Potential Christian Education Opportunities

It would most helpful in planning Christian Education classes for this year that the parish take an active role in helping
select courses that would be both edifying and challenging.  Here are a few topics that could be taught at any time.  This is
certainly not an exhaustive list, so additions to these offerings would be welcome.  Please let me know what your thoughts are
on these items, and which ones pique your interest.

•    The Sacraments
•    Anglican Church History
•    Major characters in the Bible
•    Study of the Liturgy
        In depth look at the BCP/39 Articles
•    A Pilgrim’s Progress
•    A Life Worth Living – Alpha course on Philippians
•    Heresies in the Church
        The Creeds
•    The Church Fathers
•    Major Feasts of the Church Year
•    Famous Anglicans
•    Examination of the ’28 BCP vs. the ’79/New Zealand/Common Worship
•    Being a Christian in the 21st Century
        Parenting/Children
        Marriage
        Parents – Death/Dying
        Technology Issues
        Workplace
        Syncretism
•    Comparative Religions/Denominations
•    Apologetics

Vestry Minutes

Here are a few highlights from the December vestry meeting held on Sunday, January 10, 2010:

 

•    Several budget issues were discussed, and it was noted that year-end we finished under budget (three months
without a rector’s salary helped, but not recommended as a permanent solution!)
•    Based on 2009 income, projected budget shows a $13,000 deficit.  However this calculation did not have current
pledge amounts for 2010
•    Consensus was reached not to offer the full Alpha program in 2010, but have Fr. McQueen teach a follow-up to
Alpha, A Life Worth Living, and offer it community wide, similar to the Alpha format.
•    Proposal was made to replace the railings from Parish Hall to Sanctuary and to second floor.  Cost of replacing the
6 rails would be $1,755.  These had become a safety hazard, and the new railings would be installed per current building
codes.  The motion carried, and work was to be completed by end of January.  *Work has been completed, and these new
railings are a fine addition to our facilities
•    Proposal acquired to remove Bradford Pear trees on side of church ($250)
•    Workday to be scheduled during Lent for upstairs
•    Proposal made and accepted to use 1928 Book of Common Prayer for all services during Lent
•    Fr. McQueen has begun working on Lenten schedule of speakers, and finalizing the following persons and topics:
        Dr. Michael Carreker – Sacrament of Holy Baptism – 1979 vs. 1928 on Sunday, February 21 after
        breakfast
        Fr. Gavin Dunbar – The Theology of 1928 Eucharist Service on Wednesday, March 10
        Dr. Jim Hayes – How do we have a Bible at all? on Wednesday, March, 24
•    All Wednesday services during Lent moved to 6:00 to accommodate service, dinner and Lenten speakers
•    Positive feedback given on Advent teaching series on the Gospels, and Fr. McQueen will offer a class on the
“gesima” Sundays which make up the Pre-Lenten Season on Sunday, January 31
•    Members expressed their thanks and appreciation for the return of The Evangelist newsletters.  Additional
articles and contributors are certainly welcome
•    Fr. McQueen to be out of the office for Mere Anglicanism and Elliott House Lectures at the end of January
•    Diocesan Convention to be held in Savannah, Thursday, February 4 – Saturday, February 6.
•    Mrs. Amanda Beaty and Mr. Rodney Allen have agreed to have their names placed in nomination for election to
the vestry to replace outgoing vestrymen Mrs. Jean Allen and Mr. Bob Verberkmoes

 

 

The Diocese of Los Angeles

On Friday, December 4, and Saturday, December 5, 2009, the Diocese of Los Angeles held elections for two suffragan bishop posts.  On Friday Ms. Diane Bruce to one of the posts, and on Saturday selected Ms. Mary Glasspool to the other.  While both elections are contentious to the church catholic in that the undivided church has in no way reached a consensus on the ordination of women.  For that matter, there is not even a consensus opinion within the Anglican Communion.  According to Wikipedia (and you know my thoughts on trusting Wikipedia information!), according to 2008 information,  the Provinces of Central Africa, Jerusalem and the Middle East, Melanesia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, South East Asia, and Tanzania ordain no women.  The provinces of the Southern Cone, Congo, and Pakistan only allow women to be ordained to the office of deacon; Burundi, England, Hong Kong, Indian Ocean, Kenya, Korea, Rwanda, South India, Uganda, Wales, West Indies, and West Africa allow women to be ordained to the presbyterate and diaconate, but not as bishops.  The remaining provinces have either consecrated women as bishops or have no objection to doing so. 

Over the summer, England began the process of allowing women to be ordained bishops, but have not completely finished all of the deliberations.

What makes the election in Los Angeles so troublesome for us at St. John’s, the Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communion is that Ms. Glasspool is a lesbian and lives a non-celibate lifestyle.  In 2003, the Episcopal Church consecrated the Rev. V. Gene Robinson as bishop in New Hampshire, and his election set off a firestorm of dissent and turmoil which continues today.  Ms. Glasspool’s election will no doubt lead to more problems; more departures by congregants and parishes, more money withheld at a local and national level, and most importantly, continue to divide the Body of Christ.  In the Gospel of St. John, our Lord prayed with his disciples that they might be one just as He and His Heavenly Father were one (John 17:21).  These actions in Los Angeles will continue to have far reaching effects and is not just an issue contained to one diocese. 

One of the non-negotiable tenets of Anglicanism is our catholicity.  We believe that the church is larger than the individual parish, the diocese, our National Church, or even the Anglican Communion.  What Los Angeles did last month, and the Diocese of New Hampshire did six years before, was attempt to merge catholicity and autonomy, and in the process, tear the very fabric of our communion.  Immediately after Ms. Glasspool’s election, the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, bishop of Los Angeles said, “I would remind the Episcopal church and the House of Bishops they need to be conscientious about respecting the canons of the church and the baptismal covenant to respect the dignity of every human being.  To not consent in this country out of fear of the reaction elsewhere in the Anglican Communion is to capitulate to titular heads" (AP News).  There are major problems with a statement such as this one.  First, it says that we should completely ignore the processes and procedures that were put in place to ensure that only faithful candidates be elevated to the office of bishop, and take their place as successors to the Apostle’s.  Our belief and teaching of Apostolic Succession is fundamental to the conference of Holy Orders and Confirmation as the sacraments particular to a bishop’s office, and the continued propagation of the “faith once delivered to the Saints.”

Where does this leave us?  It leaves us with a fervent call to prayer for our Standing Committee and bishop.  When our diocese receives official notification of the election in LA, they and the other 110 dioceses in the church are required to consent to this election.  Every bishop with jurisdiction (bishop diocesan as opposed to coadjutor or suffragan) and every Standing Committee must assess whether or not they can sanction the actions in California.  It is unclear at this time whether Bishop Louttit or Bishop-elect Benhase will act upon this as the diocesan bishop.  It is the prayer of your rector that whichever man casts his vote on behalf of the Diocese of Georgia, that it will be to say NO to this continued decline into moral chaos in which our church finds herself, and that our Standing Committee will follow suit.  If this does not happen, it will clearly place our parish in a greatly impaired relationship with our bishop and other members of the diocese.

Please pray for your rector, wardens, and vestry.  The following prayers would be wonderful places to start:

For the Church.

O GRACIOUS Father, we humbly beseech thee for thy holy Catholic Church; that thou wouldst be pleased to fill it with all truth, in all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, establish it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of him who died and rose again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

For the Unity of God’s People.

O GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly, union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and
peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

WM


Continuing Education Opportunities

One of the tremendous benefits that the parish has offered me is the ability to attend conferences and courses to further my growth and education.  In January, I plan on attending two conferences which will be of a tremendous benefit.  The Mere Anglicanism conference will be held in Charleston, SC, January 21-23.  St. John’s in Savannah offers its annual Elliott House Lectures January 25-28.  I realize that this will be a great deal of time away from the parish, but will be time well spent with other colleagues in the ministry, and challenging classes for my growth and development.

The Mere Anglicanism conference is open to all persons, and I have attended two conferences in the past.  I would highly recommend this as a wonderful opportunity to gather with like minded Anglicans in a beautiful setting.  Please refer to the website www.mereanglicansim.com.  This year’s theme is Human Identity: Gender, Marriage, and Sexuality – Speculation or Revelation?   Check your schedules, check out the website, and see if this is for you.

I am truly grateful to you all for making this and other opportunities available to me as a part of my growth and development.

WM

Vestry Minutes

Here are a few highlights from the December vestry meeting held on Sunday, December 6, 2009:

•    Budget looked good, and appears that the year-end results are on track
•    Two new vestrymen will be selected at the Annual Meeting scheduled for Sunday, January 24, 2010, to replace Jean Allen and Bob VerBerkmoes
•    Discussion was held regarding Diocesan asking of St. John’s for 2010 and the amount budgeted by the Diocese of  Georgia that goes to the National Church.  Fr. McQueen will enquire about those funds
•    Stewardship campaign and pledge cards will be distributed by mail and collected on Advent IV.  Amada Beaty crafted letter for annual campaign, and Mike Carithers wrote a letter for a capital fund drive to help retire the debt on the roof note
•    Ideas and thoughts are requested for updates and improvements to the website.  Please forward those to Diane Moore
•    Centennial Anniversary of the parish will be in 2012.  It’s never too soon to be thinking about plans to celebrate our 100th Anniversary as a parish
•    Fr. McQueen will be taking advantage of two Continuing Education opportunities in January and will be out of town the last two weeks of January
•    Adult Christian Education classes will be held following breakfast during Advent led by Fr. McQueen

•    Nursery and Children’s Christian Ed. plan needs to be worked out as we plan for the future.  ECW to be involved in this planning
•    Fr. McQueen has begun working on Lenten schedule of speakers, and finalizing the following persons and topics:
     o    Fr. Gavin Dunbar – The Theology of 1928 Eucharist Service
     o    Dr. Jim Hayes – How do we have a Bible at all?
     o    Dr. Michael Carreker – Sacrament of Holy Baptism – 1979 vs. 1928
•    Diocesan Convention will be in Savannah on February 4-6.  Three delegates sought to accompany Fr. McQueen to represent St. John’s
•    Fr. Scott Benhase’s Ordination and Consecration as Tenth Bishop of Georgia will be on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at the Savannah Trade and Convention Center at 11:00 a.m.

Sincere Thanks

Robyn joins me in saying thank you to each of the members of St. John’s for making our first Christmas with you all so special.  The outpouring of gifts and best wishes was a tremendous blessing to us, and we cannot say enough how much we appreciate all that you have done to welcome us to the parish. 

Additional thanks to everyone who made our services at Christmas so glorious.  The choir sounded wonderful under the direction of Ken Collier, and the church looked beautiful in all of its splendor. 

Blessings to each and every one of you in 2010!

WM

January Birthdays

Marion Crawford – 8   
Jessica Allen – 11
Pete Dillard, Jr. – 20   
Mo Yearta – 24
Joy Webb – 25

“Watch over thy children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be, keeping them
unspotted from the world. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if
they fall, and in their hearts may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.”

January Anniversaries

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Fast – Jan. 29