Hope Anglican Chapel - Oscoda, MI

Newly Vowed Missioners

Four members of St. Andrews Anglican Church (Spring Grove, IL) professed their vows before Father General Bob Lemmon and the gathered Synod assembly in Liberty, KY October 16, 2014.

Pictured above (left to right) are: Karen Noel, Cheryl Thorsen, Scott Thorsen, and Katharine (Kate) Jimenez.

Rt. Rev. Juan Alberto Morales, OSB - MSJ Bishop Protector

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At the recent Synod of the Society, with prayerful consideration, the Missionary Society of St. John the Evangelist (MSJ) joyfully affirmed and requested the Rt. Rev. Juan Alberto Morales, OSB to become the MSJ Bishop Protector. Bishop Morales has accepted.

Bishop Morales is Bishop of the Diocese of Quincy in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). In 1985 he founded St. Benedict's Abbey in Puerto Rico and was its first Abbot. In 1996 St. Benedict's Abbey moved to Bartonville, IL.

We are all missionaries, and Bp. Morales is constantly reminding laity and clergy alike of that shared role. For Bp. Morales, making disciples is an imperative, not just a nice statement. Bishop Morales’ missioner attitude is the ideal fit for the work being done within the MSJ. We are blessed that Bishop Morales has agreed to serve in this capacity.

The MSJ is awaiting approval of Bishop Morales by Bishop Ilgenfritz (Diocesan of the Missionary Diocese of All Saints). 

Rev. Father Bob Lemmon Confirmed MSJ Father General

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On June 13, 2014, then Father General of the Missionary Society of St. John, Bishop Frederick Fick, announced his retirement (see blog post of June 13 below).

As per the Canons and Rule, Father General Fick named Fr. Robert Lemmon (Pastor of Christ the King Anglican Church – Liberty, KY) as Father General Coadjutor. Fr. Bob has since served in that capacity awaiting his confirmation as the new Father General at the October MSJ assembly.

Since being named Father General Coadjutor, Fr. Bob has visited all MSJ Chapters, shared his vision and prayerfully sought the consul of all MSJ members and spiritual advisors.

On October 16, gathered together, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Fr. Bob was confirmed by the MSJ body. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us (Acts 15:28).

Missionaries of St. John Meet In Synod

Christ the King Anglican Church, Liberty, KY hosted the Missionary Society of St. John the Evangelist Synod: October 15-18, 2014.

God was present and visible not only in the beautiful Fall colors of the season, but in the Holy Spirit's guidance in all that was addressed.

Through and with His Spirit much was accomplished: worship, prayer, Holy Eucharist, testimony, hearing of vows made, revision of Canons and Rule of Life, affirmation of our new Father General (Fr. Bob Lemmon, MSJ), naming of our MSJ Bishop Protector, encouragement and sweet, sweet fellowship.

Much more to follow on this historic gathering in the days to come. Please stay tuned ...........

Vows Made

Mrs. Sally Franz made her MSJ vows to proclaim the Good News that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not counting man’s sins against them” (2 Cor. 5:19) and to live that Gospel in her daily life.
Her vows were made before the the Rev. Jeff Johnston, MSJ (Curate) and  the Rev. Thomas Anderson (Rector) during the October 12, 2014 Holy Eucharist at Hope Chapel, Oscoda, MI. 

She was joyfully welcomed as a sister missioner of the MSJ by the entire Hope community.

Michigan Chapter Meets With Father General Designate

  

As part of his duty as Father General Designate of the MSJ, Fr. Bob Lemmon is visiting the various chapters of the MSJ prior to the October Assembly in Liberty, Kentucky.

   He came to Michigan to share with us his heart and what he believes God is doing in the MSJ.

   The meeting was held August 16 at St. John the Apostle Anglican Church in Clinton Township, Michigan. Thank you Fr. Bob and Mary for coming to us for this important meeting of the MSJ and thank you to Fr. Terry and Nancy Moore for hosting this event.
 

Vows Made

Mrs. Lora Broussard  committed her life and made vows to proclaim the Good News that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not counting man’s sins against them” (2 Cor. 5:19) and to live that Gospel in her daily life.

Her vows were made before the Rev. Thomas Anderson, MSJ (Rector) and the Rev. Jeff Johnston, MSJ (Curate) and the Rt. Rev. Frederick Fick, retired Father General of the MSJ during Holy Eucharist at Hope Chapel, Oscoda, MI on July 20, 2014.  Since the passing of her husband Richard, Laura has dedicated herself to ministry and prayer.  

She was joyfully welcomed as a sister missioner of the MSJ by the entire Hope community. A wonderful potluck and fellowship followed.

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I, _____________________________, in the presence of God the Holy and Undivided Trinity, the Ever-Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Evangelist, all the saints, and this company here present, do vow my life and my service to Christ within the calling and the charism of The Missionary Society of St. John the Evangelist. Amen.

 

The Heart of a Missionary

As a boy growing up in an evangelical denomination, my favorite services were the missionary services. We had them periodically. You would know it was for real, because at the back of the church there would be a table set up with a fantastic display of ornaments and artifacts from the "mission" field. The missionary would be sporting some unusual clothing typical of the people group he was serving. There would be a slide projector set up in the nave, with some men working desperately to get the screen set up and the projector focused, working out all the technical difficulties before the service was to start. The service would begin normally then the pastor would turn the service over to the missionary. If he was a particularly gifted story teller, which most were, I would sit enraptured for the duration. Story after story would be told, of the harsh living conditions, the dangers from bandits or thugs, the culinary tastes of the people group. The stories would be enhanced by the slides showing real scenery, real people, beautiful people, pitiful people, and of course children- lots of children. One missionary I remember actually had mastered the use of a blow gun and stuck a dart into a wicker basket as a demonstration. The service would always close with a special offering taken up and prayer cards. I would leave the service, wishing God would call me to be a missionary. You could imagine my disappointment when He called me to be a pastor. Just a "plain ol' pastor."

Was I in for a surprise. What I did not realize then as I do now, that the United States has become a mission field, and difficult one at that. Missionary is not a term that should be limited to foreign missionaries. What makes a missionary, is not where he/she is called to serve, but rather the heart, the spirit in which that service is rendered. What is the difference between a Foreign missionary and a domestic missionary? That the domestic missionary gets to enjoy to comforts and luxuries of staying in the United States? Not hardly. The main difference is just what I related in the story above. I have yet to get invited to a church to share about the work God is doing in Casey County Kentucky. I could bring in slides. I could have a display "native" artifacts, tell good stories about the unique customs and culinary tastes of the people I serve, but it would not have the same effect. It's all too normal, too close to home. You see the real difference between home and foreign missions, is not what we do, or even why we do it. It's not the amount of sacrifice. It's not the cost, or the difficulty of the task. The real difference is how the work is perceived by the world around us and sometimes even the church at large.

As "domestic missionaries" we must not get discouraged by this. Instead let us with full resolve press on in the obscure little corner of the field where God has sent us. Know that the work that you are doing will probably not make the press, and you probably will not be invited to some larger affluent church to tell your story. That's OK though, because you don't really have time for it anyway. Remember a true missionary is characterized by selfless ambition to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who have not yet heard. It doesn't matter if anyone notices. For our sake, it is probably better that way, lest we become puffed up with pride, or start playing to the crowd for more applause. Instead remember whom it is that you serve. Be faithful in the field you are working in. And if by chance someone does notice, remember that you are only doing what is your duty.

(this post was taken from the September 2008 Bread and Sawdust, the blog of recently named Father General Coadjutor of the MSJ. Fr. Lemmon serves as Rector of Christ the King Anglican Community - Liberty, KY)

Father General Announces Retirement

Bishop Frederick Fick has announced his retirement as Father General of the Missionary Society of Saint John. As per the Canons and Rule, the Father General has named Fr. Robert Lemmon as Father General Coadjutor, who will serve in that capacity awaiting confirmation as the new Father General at this October’s MSJ assembly.

In announcing his retirement, Bishop Fick stated: “I shall remain a Missioner of St. John, in the bonds of fellowship, community and prayerful support to the end of my days, but that the time has come for a new Father General to lead the MSJ and develop the society’s future as a religious society. Over these past many years, I am humbled and grateful to have shared ministry and friendship with you all, while confessing having felt largely inadequate for the challenges, but your loving support made such a difference as we traveled from our individual and collective histories to where we are today.”  

“It was quite a trip and God made a way for us with incredible provision.  Christ was at work in countless lives being touched, countless people coming to faith, and faith renewed. Christ was in all the work, all the good days and real tough days shared and He was always faithful. So, with the unworthy servant, we say, "We only did our duty" and whatever good things accomplished, lives touched, or seeds planted, all were evidence of the Lord's amazing grace and surely the doing of the Holy Spirit and to Him, with the Father and Son, belong all the glory and honor.”

Father General Fick has served the Society with extraordinary gifts of love, insight, peace, warmth, pastoral care and grace.  His leadership and his life has been a beacon for his fellow missioners. His example set the bar for the rest of us in God’s work. The brothers and sisters of the MSJ honor and give thanks and appreciation to Bishop Fred, and his life of service. His life is his testimony.

Fr. Bob Lemmon, MSJ, Father General Coadjutor, has been Pastor of Christ the King Community in Liberty, KY. since its founding in 2000.  He has been married to Mary, his wife of 23 years and they have 10 children.  He is a talented custom cabinetmaker, is committed to the MSJ and loves Jesus. Fr. Bob earned his B. A. at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, 1991, and his M. Div. at Asbury Theological Seminary, 1995.

All mailings to the Missionary Society of St. John may be sent to:

MSJ, Father General , 4536 South KY 501, Liberty, KY 42539.

A Holy Lent

 Hope Anglican Church, Oscoda, Mi has begun a time of  Meditation and Examination of Conscience followed by Stations of the Cross on Friday evenings during Lent.

Christ the King Anglican Church; Liberty KY

Much effort (and perhaps, sweat) has been expended as the members of the Christ the King continue the work on their new building. Most recently, as seen here, children and adults have completed the interior painting.

All brothers and sisters of the MSJ commend the Christ the King Community for their on-going devotion.

"The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the Lord God. (2)With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God.......(4) Now, who is willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord today?” 1 Chronicles 29

The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Epiphany of Our Lord

The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the oldest Christian feasts. Epiphany comes from a Greek verb meaning "to reveal," and all of the various events celebrated by the Feast of the Epiphany are revelations of Christ to man. Epiphany came to mark the end of Christmastide—the Twelve Days of Christmas, which began with the revelation of Christ to Israel in His Birth and ended with the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles at Epiphany.

 Collect for the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

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.