From New Directions, Forward In Faith, UK.
Sometimes, things are just too funny not to share. Click on the .pdf photo below to enlarge.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Let Us Pray 9-11-11
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Anglican 1000 Spotlights The MSJ
“At our recently concluded Society Gathering, we were blessed to have Canon Jon Lumanog as our featured guest teacher,” says the Rt. Rev. Frederick G. Fick, “As the MSJ [Missionaries of St. John] gathered for encouragement, refreshment, instruction, worship and fellowship, the Holy Spirit ministered among us, re-charging us for the works He has given us to do. We left our gathering as people more committed and greatly empowered to continue our many works, our church planting, and our witness for our Savior. We were so honored to have Canon Lumanog among us to teach, instruct and inspire us. The messages were most timely as we are launching two new church plants in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky and the Lake Villa area of northern Illinois.”
The Venerable Dr. Jon I. Lumanog, the Canon for Provincial and Global Mission for ACNA, was the featured speaker at a recentMissionaries of St. John gathering in Clinton Township, MI. Canon Lumanog brought greetings from Archbishop Robert Duncan and then taught leaders from Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Kentucky and Illinois on church planting, community ministry along with overcoming clergy burnout.
The Missionaries of St. John is an evangelical catholic religious order that expresses its rule of life by living out the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the venerable tradition of Anglican missionary societies. The order is canonically resident in the ACNA’s Missionary Diocese of All Saints.
Canon Lumanog recently joined Archbishop Duncan in carrying out the work of the Province with its missionary partners. He challenged MSJ to be a part of the Anglican 1000 movement to raise up 1,000 Anglican congregations and communities of faith across North America to reach people with the transforming love of Jesus Christ.
The gathering ended on Friday night with a Holy Communion service led by Bishop Frederick G. Fick, MSJ Father General. It was a spirited time of praise that included a reception of new members. The gathering was hosted by Church of St. John the Apostle in Clinton Township, MI, Fr. Terry Moore, Rector.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Canon Jack Lumanog At MSJ Gathering
The Venerable Dr. Jon (Jack) Lumanog, the new Canon for Provincial and Global Mission (ACNA), was the featured speaker at the annual Synod of The Missionary Society of St John the Evangelist (MSJ), held 11-13 August at St John the Apostle Anglican Church, Clinton Township, Michigan.
Canon Jack offered a realistic but inspiring review of his experiences in church planting and ministry. He shared with the clergy and lay delegates the keys that he personally had found valuable in navigating the challenges of starting with a church of just nine members and growing it to well over 70 members and a variety of strong lay-led ministries. Many of the strategies began as his personal involvement with the community beyond the “parish borders,” including ministry on the campus of the University of Michigan in Lansing, and working with other, much larger, churches to supply food for the hungry. Among the achievements he holds dearest is his fellowship with Sudanese refugees and the result that they have established their own growing Christian fellowship. He encouraged MSJ members to maintain a balance between ministry and family, noting that sacrificing family time for the work of the ministry often destroys both, but that keeping the proper borders and boundaries can give new life and energy to both as well, especially as one comes to know, trust and rely on the laypeople who take on the Work of the Kingdom within and without the “normal parish” paradigm. His simple re-telling of the basic principles of church-evangelism and then the imaginative ways he put them into practice, often by what appeared to be “God's back door,” offered members of the Society refreshment for their souls and inspiration for the work of the coming year.
Although not yet relocated from Lansing to Pittsburgh, speaking to the delegates of the MSJ Synod was Canon Jack’s first function in his new role, and those in attendance felt his sincerity and passion for the missionary vision which is at the Society's heart and the heart of his new post at the Archbishop's side. The members present remain deeply grateful to Abp. Robert Duncan for encouraging Canon Jack to spend this time with us, that the bonds of affection between the Society and the Primate may be further developed by our common vision for the salvation of the lost and our commitment to the up-building of the faithful. The Society offers Canon Jack its heartiest congratulations and prayers for God's rich blessing on his new service within the larger Church.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Society Gathers
As the Missionaries of St John travel to Clinton Township, MI for the Society's Gathering, we offer these prayers from the Book of Common Prayer.
Almighty and everlasting Father, who hast given the Holy
Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we beseech thee, with
his grace and presence, the bishop and the other clergy and
the laity soon to be assembled in thy Name, that thy Church,
Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we beseech thee, with
his grace and presence, the bishop and the other clergy and
the laity soon to be assembled in thy Name, that thy Church,
being preserved in true faith and godly discipline,
may fulfill all the mind of him who loved it and
gave himself for it, thy Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who
liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
gave himself for it, thy Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who
liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole
body of thy faithful people is governed and sanctified:
Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before
thee for all members of thy holy Church, that in their
vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve thee;
through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and
reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
body of thy faithful people is governed and sanctified:
Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before
thee for all members of thy holy Church, that in their
vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve thee;
through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and
reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Missionary Society Gathering Schedule
August 11-13,
St John the Apostle Anglican Church
Clinton Township, MI
Thursday: Mid-afternoon to 5:30PM Check-in, informal gathering and fellowship 6PM Evening Prayer 6:30-8PM Evening Session 8PM-? Celtic Evening Song...Red Ox Tavern
Friday: 9AM Morning Prayer at SJA 10-11:15AM Session 1 11:15-11:45AM Break 1 11:45-1PM Session 2 1-2PM Lunch at SJA, provided 2:15-3:30PM Session 3 3:30-4PM Break 2
4-5:15 Session 4 6PM Chrism Mass (Oils) 8PM Joint Dinner, Red Ox Tavern
Saturday: 9AM Morning Prayer 10AM-12PM.Last Session, wrap up, unfinished business 12-12:30PM Final Blessing and Dismissal
Friday, July 22, 2011
Society To Gather
The Missionary Society of St John will gather August 11-13 in its bi-annual synod for fellowship, worship, education and to conduct its business. The opening session is slated for 6pm, on Thursday, August 11. The parish of St. John the Apostle, Clinton Township, Michigan will host. We are pleased to announce our special guest speaker will the the Rev. Dr. Jack Lumanog. Guests are welcome and may call 586-264-6044 or email msjanglican "at" yahoo.com for registration and hotel information.
The Rev. Canon Dr. Jon Ignatius Lumanog serves as Rector of Christ the King Anglican Church in DeWitt, Michigan and as the Clergy Formation Advisor for the Heart of North America Region of the Anglican Mission in the Americas. Canon Lumanog is passionately committed to collaborating with churches and ministries of all denominations to expand the Kingdom of God.
Canon Lumanog has served in various ministry capacities as Archdeacon to the Bishop and Province, Interim Rector, Evangelist, Worship Leader, Youth Pastor and as Home Missionary-in-Training at an inner city church. Lumanog is a 1996 graduate of Cornell College (BA, Religion). Graduate studies include Master of Divinity (Anglican Studies) and Doctor of Ministry (Pastoral Counseling and Church Administration) degrees.
Dr. Lumanog serves as the Great Lakes Region Deputy Chaplain for Administration and the Wing Chaplain for the State of Michigan with the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol where he holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He resides in Lansing, Michigan with his wife, Amy, and their daughters, Ainsley Mae and Hadley Grace.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Canon Jack Lumanog
Canon Lumanog will be the chief programmatic officer of the Anglican Church in North America assisting Archbishop Duncan in carrying out the mission of the Province, both domestically and with international Anglican mission partners.
The Anglican Church in North America announced The Venerable Dr. Jon (Jack) Lumanog as the new Canon for Provincial and Global Mission. In his new role, Canon Lumanog will be the chief programmatic officer of the Anglican Church in North America assisting Archbishop Duncan in carrying out the mission of the Province, both domestically and with international Anglican mission partners.
“Canon Jack Lumanog will bring tremendous gifts and energy to the work of building the Province together. In his own history are the three streams of our Church life, a fact which strongly draws him to our vision for a biblical, missionary and united Anglicanism in North America. I look forward to his joining me as a ‘right hand’ in the mission of reaching out with the transforming love of Jesus Christ both domestically and abroad,” said the Most Rev. Robert Duncan, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church in North America.
Canon Lumanog most recently served as church planter and the first rector of Christ the King Anglican Church in Lansing, Michigan. He also serves as the clergy formation advisor for the Heart of North America Region of the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA). While planting Christ the King in Lansing, Canon Lumanog was involved in campus ministry at Michigan State University and was elected twice as president of the Religious Advisors Association where he worked with the officially recognized campus ministries in the Christian and Jewish traditions. He also was active in ministry in the areas of church planting and acts of service to those hit hardest by the economic crisis in the Mid-Michigan region.
Canon Lumanog expressed his passion for mission, stating, “To see the Anglican tradition at its best is to see everybody around the table of the Lord being transformed in His presence. I’ll go wherever the Lord wants me to go and I’m humbled by the call to assist the Anglican Church in North America as we strive to fulfill the Great Commission.”
“Jack has been a valuable part of our regional leadership team for several years and is one of the most competent priests I have had the privilege to work with. All of us in the Anglican Mission are excited for this new chapter in Jack and Amy’s lives and ministries and are encouraged that his service to the Anglican Church in North America will deepen the bonds of affection and cooperation in our Anglican family,” said Bishop Doc Loomis of the AMiA.
Canon Lumanog has served in various ministry capacities as archdeacon, interim rector, evangelist, worship leader, youth pastor and as home missionary-in-training at an inner-city church. He is a 1996 graduate of Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa (BA, Religion). Graduate studies include master of divinity (Anglican studies) and doctor of ministry (pastoral counseling and church administration) degrees. Canon Lumanog and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, Ainsley and Hadley.
The role of Canon for the Provincial and Global Mission was previously held by Canon Daryl Fenton who will continue to serve as a priest in the Anglican Church in North America and in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Canon Fenton is joining the Church’s Ministry among Jewish People (CMJ USA). As CMJ is a worldwide Anglican mission, he will continue to support the ministry direction set by Archbishop Duncan and the bishops of the Province.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Motel Information For MSJ Gathering
Follow this link for motel information for the MSJ Society Gathering, August 11-13. A cluster of motels are located the M-59 interchange with M-53. St John the Apostle Church, our host, is nearby at 18401 Canal Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Fr Todd Boyce Reflects On Attending FiFNA Assembly and Our Lady of Snows Retreat Center
Fr Todd presents the first tithe check of Sts. Mary and Martha
Fr. Todd Boyce Meets Archbishop Robert Duncan
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Bro Nathan Dunlap Addresses Forward In Faith North America Assembly
Brother Nathan Dunlap, MSJ is introduced by Bishop Keith Ackerman to share about Forward in Africa with the gathered Forward in Faith Annual Assembly. Brother Nathan shared about his role as Director of Forward in Africa - having taken over the reins from his venerable predecessor, Father Francis Wardega. In the course of his talk, Brother Nathan told of the deep need for theological education on the African continent being filled by Forward in Africa.
Brother Nathan recently spent three weeks in Tanzania teaching basic Christian theology. Brother Nathan shared that his students were like sponges, writing down nearly everything that was shared in lectures. He also shared that the brothers and sisters whom he taught were very well versed in Sacred Scripture.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Bro. Nathan Dunlap and Family Visit St John the Apostle, Clinton Township, MI
This past weekend (June 3-5) St John the Apostle Anglican Church (Clinton Township, MI) welcomed Nathan Dunlap, his wife Julie, and three of his children into their parish activities. Nathan came to SJA to share with us the vision of his work with Forward in Africa. He met past supporters of Fr Francis and OFM to thank them for making Forward in Africa possible through their continued prayers and monies. The weekend was a success for all involved.
On Saturday, while Br Nathan trained with Deacon Bob Chalmers, the people of St John and the rest of the Dunlap family enjoyed a day at the Detroit Zoo. That evening many gathered over at the Moore house for a time of greeting, telling stories, and getting to know one another. From the children playing in the tree house, to the lively conversation, fellowship, and great food, the bonds of affections increased and were multiplied.
On Sunday Br Nathan spoke at both the 8 and 10 AM services. He reminded us of Africa’s great tradition and role in Christian history and the Church. He also illustrated how influential our Anglican heritage has been in spreading the gospel and how it is still bearing fruit in the furthering of the Kingdom. He told us of the needs and challenges to provide capable well-trained priests for the rapidly growing churches. He shared that the vision of Forward in Africa was to teach the teachers, encouraging us with the word that while all cannot go, all can participate in the work.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Memorial Day
Dn Roy Newman
Dn Kenneth Dimmit
This Memorial Day, we remember two Missionaries of St John who served the Lord with grace and humility in this life and who now serve God in that City of heavenly light. We remember Deacon Kenneth Dimmit and Deacon Roy Newman. Faithful men of God. We honor their memory and their example of righteousness.
Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with
your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly
pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of
love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their
witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of
Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable
through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The End Of The World?
Dear Saints:
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I wanted to drop a few short lines concerning all the media coverage about the "End of The World" and it happening this Saturday. ( Tomorrow as of this writing).
I would have written earlier but, honestly, I really did not think this effort by Mr. Camping and Family Radio would gain this much interest, much less the level of belief and the fears that are being generated with it. There are many reactions being seen: fear, loathing, panic, parties, expectation, the giving away of goods, homes, cars, pets, people quitting jobs, saying good-by's and all manner of things.
Sadly, I did expect some to react, but not at the level that is being seen.
There are a lot of good responses to have in this situation and,my first to you is this: I honestly cannot tell you the Lord will not be back tomorrow , nor any other day, anymore than Mr. Camping can rightly tell you He will, it simply is not something we are given to know, nor to try and "figure out".
Jesus tells us that it is not for us to know the "Day or the Hour" of the bridegrooms return, but rather for us to "be on the alert" with our lives, to live prepared for His return , by what we believe, by what we do, according with who He is. ( Parable of the 10 Virgins- Matt. 25:1-13 )
So what should our response be to this?
1. Fear not: If the Lord is coming back tomorrow or, whenever He comes back, it is not something for the Christian to fear, but something we should look forward too.
2. Have Compassion: Let us look with compassion on those who are being hurt in all of this, who will feel ashamed, broken, let down if the Lord does not return in the morning. Most of these souls have been led astray by poor theology, poor leadership, and just plain heretical teachings. In this, they are not to blame, they are indeed victims of abuse. It will be hard to ask for their job back, ask friends for the car back, the house, the mortgage and so forth. It will be hard when they realize they hurt some people when they asked if they could "leave" things with them, as if those people were not going where they were come judgement day- yes, there will be feelings hurt, that need to be mended, tended. Let us have compassion on these souls rather than ridicule them.
3.Use and Gain Wisdom: Let us use wisdom in this situation, for while Mr. Camping's theology is a mess, it does not mean God cannot come when He wants, even if it were the day Mr. Camping predicted! Mr. Camping's theology would still be a mess, but the Lord Sovereign. The old saying about "even a blind hog finds and acorn every now and again" might fit well here.
If the Lord was already coming for the final judgement, He is not going to change plans just because of Mr. Camping's poor theology and resulting prediction.
Let us be wise in knowing that just because some mis-use the Word of God, it does not mean God has failed or, that His word has failed- on the contrary, these mistakes are often used of God to show the difference between Truth and Error.
4. Be Merciful: Mr. Camping and many of those that follow him truly believe they are correct, from their hearts, they believe this, they want this and, they love God as best they can, with what they know, where they are, according to what they have been taught.
Let us not revile them, but instead be merciful with out thoughts and prayers.
Many are jeering, making fun, laughing, but Jesus tells us: ““Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7 NAS95)
5.Let us Remember:We need to remember why God sent His Son and what being saved is really all about. The whole of the Gospel is about relationship with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it is not about "going to heaven" , but about the person of Jesus Christ and our relationship with the Father through Him and this relationship empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is the purity of the Gospel , to be back in right relationship with our creator, Heaven and missing judgement, well, those things take care of themselves if we have this relationship with Christ Jesus. The Point is not trying to get to heaven, the Point is becoming One with Christ, thats where our hearts focus should be. ““Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 NAS95)
I will close with this: It is not for me to say when the Lord is returning or not returning, it is however for me to say: He will come again in glory!
The day and time is not ours to know, what is for us to know is the person of The Lord Jesus Christ, everything else will be as it should be.
Mr. Camping's Theology is terribly flawed, some is outright heretical, and much of his staff plans on being at work on Monday.
However, as much pain as will be involved ( if/when the Lord does not return tomorrow ) a lot of good will come as well, many have found themselves questioning their thoughts, actions, the condition of their souls and this, this is a good thing, this again simply proves the amazing grace of God, in that no vessel is so cracked, so broken , that God cannot get good use from it.
And that my friends: Is Good News indeed!
As for me, well, I plan on seeing you all in Church on Sunday, not because any of you were found unworthy-smile- but because you have been found of such great worth, such great worth indeed, that He saved you and wants to be with you, to serve you of Himself as you seek to praise and adore Him in worship.
Think on this as you go about your day:““For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.“For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.“Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.“Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.”
(Matthew 24:37–41 NAS95)
And I ask you: In the days of Noah, Which were removed and which were "left behind"?
The evil was removed and the righteous servants left behind and, just as it was, so shall it be. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NAS95)
See you Sunday.
Grace and Peace to all:
In His Service,
Rusty+
Fr Rusty Matheny MSJ is the pastor of St Luke, Tyler, TX
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