Testimony from Montana

Known as 'Eclipse' in blogdom, a dear Anglican friend has published the summarized testimony of her past year's journey on the Montana Anglican

"What has my family lost and gained this past year? Where are we going?"

The questions she asks, and the answers she gives could and should fit each of us as we seek our way through the jungle that was TEC, searching for the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.

I recommend that ALL former and present Episcopalians read, mark learn and inwardly digest her observations on her journey.

O Gracious Father, we humbly beseech thee for thy holy Catholic Church; that thou wouldst be pleased to fill it with all truth, in all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, establish it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Him who died and rose again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

Another One Bites the Dust

One of my favorite blog authors has parked his mouse. Fr. Alvin Kimel, late of Pontifications, has after prayer, decided to give up his rightful place as one of the best theological blogs in the blogsphere.

Fr. Al kept us up to date on his journey home, after the General Convention 2003, and the consents for and installation of VGR in the Diocese of New Hampshire, as he prayed through and made a full trip, one way, across the Tiber.

His heartbreak was palpable as one read his postings, including this quote in his fairwell blog entry:

“Are you in pain, Frodo?”

“Well, yes I am,” said Frodo. “It is my shoulder. The wound aches, and the memory of darkness is heavy on me. It was a year ago today.”

“Alas! There are some wounds that cannot be wholly cured,” said Gandalf.

but then, interspersed with the hurt and sorrow, were some of the most clear and deep theological expositions I have ever read.

Fr. Al, we will miss you, but we earnestly pray that you will find peace and comfort for your self and your family as you continue your journey. Our memories will remain, our prayers are your, our hearts are breaking as well.

Go in peace, Brother Kimel, in the power of His resurrection Glory, to love and serve the Lord. We shall truly miss the Pontificator.

A Viable Alternative to E.F.M.

We have just completed the first ever on-line term of Foundations of Discernment for Christian Ministry, and I heartily recommend the program to any interested Anglican folk who:

† 1. do not want the extremely liberal bias present in the Education For Ministry program of the Episcopal Church; or,

† 2. cannot easily afford the increasingly high costs of EFM.

FDCM, beginning its third 'on-site' term in September, is being planned on-site at several locations across America, with a 2008 term, "Theology", is starting in September; while the initial on-line module, for the 2007 term, had students from across America and England for a very engaging course in the History of the Christian Church, using texts this past term by Gonzalez and Fairfield, but will concentrate on Gonzalez in future history terms.

The on-line module was mentored by the Rev. Kathryn Jeffrey, who may be contacted at kgjeffrey@msn dot com for further information on the class content, registration and enrolment.

A Man Set Under Authority

From today's New Testament reading for Morning Prayer (BCP 1928 lectionary):

Luke 7:1-10
(1) Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
(2) And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
(3) And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
(4) And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
(5) For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
(6) Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
(7) Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
(8) For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
(9) When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
(10) And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick. -- KJV

A man set under authority...What could speak more clearly to the priests and bishops of the Church today, what better description of their calling, than to be 'a man set under authority'?

Unfortunately today, entirely too many of our ecclesiastical leadership: bishops, priests, and deacons, are not under the proper authority. The Roman centurion recognized the ultimate authority of Christ over all of life, his Gentile slave included, and proclaimed faith in that authority. His acceptance of the Lordship of Jesus pover his life and family resulted in the praise of Christ in v. 9, 'I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.' What an indictment of the 'faith of Israel'! What an indictment of our faith and our 'churchiness' in the 21st century!

'Wait a minute, Fr. Chip, He hasn't said that to us', you might say; but He has. He has said it to us in His Word, in the inspired Word of God. Look at v. 9 again, 'When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.' Is this verse not speaking to us today? Is it not addressed to literal Israel, as well as, spiritual Israel, that grafted in branch of the Tree of Life? Are we not His 'adopted sons and daughters'? Are we not recipients of His Grace and ultimately, of His Glory? I know I am looking forward, as the War Cry of the Salvation Army posts, to being 'promoted to Glory', how about you? Isn't it time to change our selfish and self-centered outlook on the life that He has given us, and live it for Him...totally, unreservedly, unashamedly...for Him, His purpose for our individual lives, His glory...not our own self- aggrandizement?

Prayer For Missions. -- BCP p.38

O God, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the whole earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to them that are afar off and to them that are nigh; Grant that all men everywhere may seek after thee and find thee. Bring the nations intl thy fold, pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten thy kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.