Ice Storms In Kentucky

The nation heard about the ice storms that ravaged the mid-south this week, but seeing it first hand is incredible.  While we post some "pretty" photos here, we drove through Danville, Kentucky and the scene looked like a virtual war zone.  Because of the curfew and other law enforcement restrictions, we did not dawdle, but the destruction was beyond belief. Our prayers attend those thousands who are still without power and still with much work to do before life once again returns to normal.

MSJ Kentucky Gathering

The Missionaries of St John, Kentucky, will gather in Liberty Friday through Sunday for a weekend of encouragement, work and worship.  Christ Community Church-Anglican will host the activities.

Guests in the Kentucky area are invited to participate.  Call 586-264-6044 details and further information.

Church Development

In this valuable church leadership resource, Kevin Martin examines the five aspects of congregational life that are key to the development and growth of a strong congregation. Based on the author's popular church growth seminar, The Five Critical Systems, '5 Keys' distinguishes itself from other such resources with a focus on the 'systems' of congregational life rather than the 'programs' of congregational life.

- Build The Team

- Staying Healthy

- Paying Attention To The Generations

- Open The Front Door, Close The Back Door

- Raise The Stewardship Level

Canon Kevin Martin is the Church Development officer for the Diocese of Texas.

Prosperity Gospel Hits The Skids?

From Christianity Today:

Some of the high-flying icons of the prosperity gospel—the belief that God rewards signs of faith with wealth, health, and happiness—have run into financial turbulence.

Not all of their troubles can be blamed on the nation's economic crisis, say critics of the name-it-and-claim-it theology found in some churches.

Craig Blomberg, author of a 2001 study of prosperity theology, said he expects the movement to "take a small hit among those who recognize that it can't deliver on what it promises."

Read the rest here

Diocese Of The West Holds Clericus

The Diocese of the West (REC) meets in clericus this week at the Carmelite House in Napa Valley California.  Three days of reflection, prayer and teaching will enrich the days of the clergy who gather.  No doubt, some time will also be spent at local vintners.  Bishop Frederick Fick has been invited to be the primary presenter on the topic of sharing the faith and evangelization. 

 "Ancient Faith - New Generation".

Epiphany

The Twelve Days of Christmas now come to a glorious conclusion.  The Feast of Epiphany celebrates the visitation of the Magi.  Bearing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they enter the house where Jesus was with Mary his mother, and worship the Christ child.

O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son 

to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know thee now by faith, 

to thy presence, where we may behold thy glory face to face; 

through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, 

who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, 

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer