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".

REC Bishop Royal Grote Makes A Call To The MSJ

Bp. Royal Grote of the Reformed Episcopal Church called the MSJ gathering on speaker phone to bring his greetings, to offer his prayers and to provide guidance and direction to the Missionary Society.  The MSJ unanimously approved a resolution to significantly deepen its relationship with the REC as we labor together in the "fields white unto harvest".   May God bless Bishop Grote in his pastoral care for us.

Time To Take Our Leave

The 2008 General Council of the REC, meeting in Victoria, BC will conduct it's final day of worship, fellowship and business tomorrow, Friday, but we, the weary travellers from the MSJ, must take our leave in the morning. We have American customs to clear and we have been forewarned that this might not be a simple or speedy task in this day and age. We must leave the Island again by ferry. A rental car awaits us for the long drive to Sea-Tac airport in Washington State, from which we must catch our "red-eye" flights to return to our homes in Michigan and Texas. We covet your prayers for travel safety and mercies. We shall not soon forget the beauty of both Victoria, BC or of God's people of the REC who gathered to seek His face, hear His Word, and do His work this week.

Fr Bob Tomlinson
Fr Francis Wardega
Bp Frederick Fick

Breaking News: REC approves GAFCON Statement

Following a recommendation by the Presiding Bishop of the REC, Leonard W. Riches, the 52nd General Council of the Reformed Episcopal Church today affirmed the GAFCON Statement and the Jerusalem Declaration. A rousing standing vote was taken with loud applause.

Opening Eucharist At The COOL Church

Church of our Lord, (COOL) a historic parish of the Anglican North West, is the site of the REC General Council. The old gothic sanctuary could barely seat the over 500 delegates of the opening service of Holy Communion. Supported by a full choir and pipe organ, the hymns were sung with full voice to the glory of God.

Addressing the worshipers was the homilist for the convocation, The Very Rev. Dr. Justyn Terry, Dean of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. Preaching from Galations 1, we learned three things in this opening portion of Dr Terry's week long message.

1. The Gospel is not of man's invention, but is God's revelation (vs 11-12)
2. The Gospel is what transformed Saul, the persecutor into Paul the Apostle (vs 13-17)
3. The Gospel he taught was later confirmed by Peter and apostles (v 18-24)

The Galatians who were questioning Paul's authority needed to be challenged. The true Gospel is not 'You are accepted as you are; many ways to God; not just sin/repentance'.

The true Gospel calls for repentance and the Holy Spirit will transform. The General Council has begun!!

Oh! Victoria

The journey was long and through three times zones. The destination was the Reformed Episcopal Church's General Council held every four years. The location was the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island. We left Detroit at 9:30 Am and landed at 11:30 AM - but there was a three hour time difference, not in our favor. The American northwest and British Columbia (bring your passports) were magnificent with the mountains in the backdrop. The ferry ride through the Sound was a panorama of sights

16 hours after leaving home, we were finally at the hotel, where we greeted many other attendees. Bishop Royal Grote, bishop of the Diocese of Middle America and head of the Missions Board for the REC; Bishop Richard Boyce bishop of the Diocese of the West, our own bishop visitor.

What was it like? It was exciting! It was anticipatory. You could see it in the faces of all we met. All knew that we are on the verge of the next significant - really historical - step: the establishment of the new Anglican Province in North America. Faithful and evangelical will be marks of the new province. God calls us there. We want to be there. The world awaits the announcement. The GAFCON primate bishops and many other bishops await the announcement so that they may recognize and affirm the new province. We have just barely arrived but we can see it - feel it - sense it. Excitement. More as the Council proceeds in the next three days.

fr francis wardega MSJ
Office of Foreign Missions
Witness

Slide Show Of Anglican Worship

Recently, we have had the pleasure of speaking with other bishops of the Federation of Anglican Churches about the future of Anglican unity and orthodox witness here in the United States and how our Society might participate.

We want to express our deepest appreciation to the Rt. Rev. Ray Sutton of the Reformed Episcopal Church and the Most Rev. Larry Shaver, Diocese of St. Augustine, the Anglican Province of America, for their kind words of welcome, warm hospitality and wise direction.

We look forward to future conversations and co-operation in mission and ministry with these leaders and with their respective churches.

On another note, a terrific slide show of a recent confirmation/ordination service at St. Andrew's EMC, Gainesville, FL has been posted here.

http://www.marybethtyson.com/Confirmation_Ordination/

Have patience, as it takes a minute to load. Make sure you sound is up.

Take a look into the beauty and holiness that is Anglican worship. For those who would like a glimpse into what makes Prayer Book worship so special, this might give you some insight.