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.