Church of the Messiah to Join the March for Life St. Augustine

Fr. Looker prays at the 2022 March for Life St. Augustine

This Saturday, January 14, Church of the Messiah will join with Pro-Life activists from throughout the Southeast as we participate in the March for Life St. Augustine.  The annual event in the nation’s oldest city began in 2007 as an alternative to March for Life in Washington, D.C. for those who could not attend the national event.  At the 2022 March, nearly 2,000 people gathered to march in support of Life from as far south as Miami and as far north as Savannah.

This year, members from Church of the Messiah will gather at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine (click HERE for a map) at 10 o’clock.  The March itself will begin at 10:30 and will proceed to the Plaza de la Constitución (directly in front of the Cathedral).  The path of the March is approximately one a one-quarter miles long.  When everyone arrives at the Plaza there will be several speakers including Melissa Coles and Dr. Jason Phillips.  This year, Fr. Scott Looker has been asked once again to give the closing prayer at the end of the March.

For a full list of the many activities going on this weekend, visit the March for Life St. Augustine website.  We invite you to join us and take a stand for life this weekend in our nation’s oldest city.

Celebrate Christmas with Church of the Messiah

This year, Church of the Messiah invites you to celebrate the birth of the Messiah by joining us at our special Christmas Services.  On Saturday, December 24th, beginning at 7 o’clock, we will have our Christmas Eve Family Service.  This service will include special Christmas songs and praise & worship, a wonderful presentation from many of our youth and children, Fr. Looker’s annual Christmas children’s sermon, the Holy Eucharist, and concludes with Christmas Carols by candlelight!

At 10 o’clock on Sunday morning, we will gather on Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Our Lord!  We always gather on Christmas Day, even more so this year since it is a Sunday morning.   We will take a few minutes to gather, praise God, read Scriptures, reflect on the birth of the Messiah, and take Holy Communion together as we celebrate the Incarnation of Our Lord.

We invite everyone to join us for these incredibly powerful and moving services.

“Unto us a child is born!  O come, let us adore Him!”

Church of the Messiah to Host a Christmas Block Party

As we draw closer to Christmas, Church of the Messiah will partner with Kim’s Open Door to host a Christmas Block Party for a local community.  This will be our second time working with Kim’s Open Door to provide a Christmas celebration for a neighborhood in need.  We threw our first Christmas Bl0ck Party in 2018 when we visited the La Esperanza apartment complex and played games, made crafts, taught a Bible lesson, and ate lunch with dozens of members of the local community.

This year, on Saturday, December 17th, we will host our second party.  We will need at least fifteen volunteers from two until five o’clock.  Children are welcome to volunteer alongside adults and many of our children still vividly remember the last party we hosted.  We also need financial contributions in order to fund this block party.  Donations can be made by putting a check in the Sunday morning offering basket with “Christmas Block Party” in the memo or by donating online by clicking HERE and selecting “Christmas Block Party.”   To sign up to volunteer or for more information, contact Darla Shiell or Lizz Looker.

As we draw near the seasons of Advent and Christmas, the look forward to sharing the love of God and the Good News of the birth of Christ with those in our community.

 

The Patriarch’s All Saints’ Day Message

Since the foundation of the ICCEC was laid in the early days, the Church in North America, under the direction of the Bishops, has taken up an offering for the development of the ICCEC around the world. As a result of this offering, churches have been established or planted in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Asia. As the offering developed, the funds were distributed to various territories. The one exception has been in Africa, where we have vibrant churches, missions, and ministries in Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, and Sudan. Therefore, the North American Church has decided to give all its mission resources to Africa.

There is something unique about our giving to our brothers and sisters.

We have decided to divide our work in Africa into four territories. Each territory is governed by a General Secretary who convenes all the Bishops of the various Diocese in that territory. These Bishops gather regularly to support each other and determine, by consensus, the direction of the territory. The four General Secretaries also gather together to determine, by consensus, the direction of the Church in Africa. It is amazing that, with so few resources, the Church, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and the discernment of the Bishops, has grown not only in the number of persons but in ordinations, buildings, orphanages, health care, emergency responses, and even a seminary.

At the invitation of the Bishops of Africa, I traveled to East Africa at least once a year. My heart soars when I am there and see first-hand what has been accomplished by the Holy Spirit through these men of God. Unfortunately, because of the Pandemic, I have been unable to travel to Africa for two years. But soon, I will be going to Kenya, and other places, where I will sit with all the Bishops of Africa, and together we will install the first indigenous Archbishop of Kenya for the ICCEC.

What is unique about the offering we will take up on All Saints Sunday is what I have chosen to call “micro-businesses.” The money given to each of the territories, with the consensus of the Bishops, is used to start a profit-making business. The profits are used to build up the business, start another business, and financially support the ministry’s work. With these profits, the Bishops built a seminary, built cathedrals, built churches, and supported the Bishops in their Church planting efforts. It is incredible what God has done through the people in America in partnership with the people of Africa.

I have done fundraising for lots of charitable organizations. I don’t like doing it. The Development Fund is not fundraising. I believe that when we give, it will be given to us. The Development Fund giving is a spiritual partnership that benefits all involved in the growth of the Kingdom, which is ultimately about the salvation of souls. I believe the Church in North America is being blessed by the giving to the Development Fund.

I am excited about giving to the work in Africa. I am excited because I know the joy that will be in the hearts of our people in Africa. I know that 100% of the funds will be used for ministry, and the Bishops will be accountable for every penny. They will not use a single dime for their personal benefit or administrative costs. It will all go to the micro-businesses, and the profits will be used for the work of the ministry.

This year, I think we can all give generously in thanksgiving for God’s provision and protection through the Pandemic. Good seeds planted will grow things of great worth. Will you join Cathy and me in giving to this great project?

May Jesus our King be worshipped and adored from sea to sea, and may the voices of His people be heard in the heavens.

Under His mercy,
Archbishop Bates
ICCEC Patriarch

Click below to watch a special video about the 2022 All Saints’ Mission Offering:

For more information on the missions and development in the Charismatic Episcopal Church, click this LINK.  To sign up to receive Sursum Corda, the official newsletter of the CEC, click this LINK.

Church of the Messiah to Host Learning to Save Lives Conference

On Saturday, November 12th, Church of the Messiah is excited to host the inaugural Learning to Save Lives Conference.   Learning to Save Lives is a brand new, in-depth training from CEC For Life created to equip any pro-life citizen to legally, peacefully, and prayerfully shut the doors of their local abortion clinic. We will cover a wide variety of topics, including sidewalk counseling, creating public awareness, legal strategies, and how to build a pro-life forum within your community.  The training runs from 10 AM to 2 PM and lunch is included with the $5 cost of registration.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!   To download a printable flier, CLICK HERE.

While the training begins at 10 AM, you are also invited to join Fr. Terry Gensemer and CEC For Life for a Liturgy for the Preborn at 9 AM in front of A Woman’s Choice, located at 431 University Blvd, Unit 2, Jacksonville, FL. This Liturgy is a special prayer service designed to pray for the end of abortion and give dignity to the preborn children abandoned to death inside the abortion clinic. It is an ecumenical prayer service, and all are welcome to join, even those not attending the training. Please come pray with us!

On November 12, join Church of the Messiah and CEC For Life for the inaugural event of this brand new training!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bishop Simpson to Visit Church of the Messiah on October 9th

On October 9th, Bishop David Simpson will visit Church of the Messiah in order to preach the Word of God and celebrate the Holy Eucharist.  Bp. Simpson is the Bishop, or lead pastor, for the Diocese of Florida in the Charismatic Episcopal Church.  In addition to his his pastoral responsibilities in Florida, he also oversees all of the CEC churches and clergy in the Caribbean Sea, which includes churches in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Haiti.

Bishop Simpson has been in ordained ministry for over 45 years, with more than 25 of those years in the Charismatic Episcopal Church  where he has served as the Rector of Church of the Resurrection in Miramar, Florida.  Bishop Simpson recently celebrated his fifteenth anniversary as the Bishop of the Diocese of Florida.

While in Seminary, Bishop Simpson married his college sweetheart Toni.  They have three grown children and have six grand children!  Join us as we welcome our bishop.  He is sure to bring an inspired message from The Lord.  We hope everyone will join us because it is going to be an amazing day!  All are welcome!

Small Groups Beginning in October

Church of the Messiah will begin holding Small Group meetings beginning the first week in October.   For some time members at Church of the Messiah have been craving an opportunity to meet outside of Sunday morning and have more opportunities to strengthen their walk with The Lord.  These small groups will provide those who attend with an occasions to increase their prayer life and enhance community ties.  Small Groups will meet one night a week for six weeks before taking a break.  The first session will begin in October and end before Thanksgiving and then start up again after the New Year.  If you are interested in attending (or hosting) a small group, please click THIS LINK to so that we can gauge interest and evaluate how many small groups we will need to have.

The Patriarch’s Message for Foundation Day

Foundation Day 26 June 2022

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Jeremiah 29.11

Foundation Day 26 June 2022

Foundation Day is about our future.  When we take up the offering, which the Primate’s Council has required of all our churches and missions, we are putting in front of us the reality that we have a future, and it is in the hands of the God we can trust.  We put our faith and hope in a God who is faithful in keeping His promise.  He is a God whose steadfast love endures forever.

Learn More: Foundation Day Offering

For me, the recent “Church Growth Conference” was not a boost in the arm but rather a “fanning of the flame.”  It was a recalling that the vision given to us of a mighty river is a vision given to us by God.  The fact that the vision is from God is reason enough to find the task of convergence not only worthy but compelling.   The Foundation Day Offering is an act of faith, not a fundraising project.

We have accomplished a lot with the funds that have been raised from the generosity of God’s people.   Buildings have been refurbished and purchased.  Even today, there is money invested in an incredible project in Bel Air, Maryland.  These buildings speak of our future.  They are visible signs of the vision.

But it is more than just property and buildings.  It is a vision of lives that are transformed in the presence of God as His people praise Him in the Eucharistic Feasts.  It is a vision of families being strengthened and built up.  It is a vision of young adults being built up and equipped for the work of the ministry both in the Church and in the world.  It is a vision of reaching the least, the lost, and the lonely with the message of mercy and salvation.  It is a vision of being light in the darkness.  It is about Jesus and His glory.

A short video will be provided with more details of the Offering.  You can also go to CEC-NA and see a full accounting of the funds and reports on what has been accomplished.

We have come out of the pandemic.  Or at least we are on the other side of the crisis.  It was a tough time for everyone.  Many suffered from fear, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.  Many died.  For the pastors of our churches, it was perhaps the most challenging time in their ministry.  I hear over and over again how exhausted they feel.  But we are on the other side.  And we can proclaim Jesus did not leave us or forsake us.

We did not just survive.  I believe we have been placed in a position of revival.  A time of renewing in our souls what God has planted.  It is a time of trust and hope because God has given us a plan and a future.  Let your offering be generous and in response to the love of Jesus for us.

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch

Registration Is Open for VBS!

Church of the Messiah will be holding a Vacation Bible School on July 1st through July 3rd.  The event will begin Friday and Saturday from 9:30 to 12:30 and will include lunch for all participants and then will conclude at the Sunday service beginning at 10 o’clock on Sunday, July 3rd.  This Vacation Bible School is open to all children from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade but we need everyone to register in advance, so scan the QR code in the bottom right of the picture or click this LINK to register.  For more information or to volunteer, contact Amanda Paysinger.  We are going to have a barn-storming good time and we would love to have you join us at our Vacation Bible School this year.

The Patriarch’s Message for Pentecost

Pentecost 2022

In recent tradition and liturgical practice, Pentecost has stood alone as a festival. Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter are and always have been seen as one continuous event ending with the awesome events of the Resurrection. It is easy to see that there is no Easter without Good Friday. But to perceive the events in this way deletes the story’s impact. The events of the Passion Week (including Holy Saturday – the seventh day), along with the Resurrection, the Post Resurrection appearance, the Ascension, and Pentecost are one continuous event, and each is only fully understood and appreciated if seen together. It would be appropriate to celebrate these holy days in one weekend-long liturgy.

Pentecost
Pentecost

If we understand the connection of Pentecost to all days of the Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension, then Pentecost is so much more than the “birthday of the Church” or even the “empowerment of the disciples” for the apostolic mission to the world.

The event of Pentecost is prophesied by John the Baptist and affirmed by Jesus, that the Father would send the promised Holy Spirit and we would be baptized (immersed) in the Holy Spirit. I have always been fascinated by Luke 24 and its connection to Acts chapters 1 and 2. Of particular fascination were verses Luke 24.49 and Acts 1.4-5, both spoken before the Ascension. For me, they raised the question of “why wait?” They were called to wait for the “promise of the Father.”

I am not going to do an exegetical work on the passages. It would end up being a book or at least a very long paper. I want to merely point out that Luke points out that there is “something” or, more importantly, “someone” that is critical to the Redemptive love story of God in Jesus. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, now immerses the disciples in His life, and He immerses Himself in their lives. The “continuation” of the mission with the Church as the Body of Christ visible on earth is fulfilled in our relationship with the Holy Spirit, who makes us “one body.” He immerses us into One Body. It is this living relationship with the Holy Spirit that makes known the love of God in our hearts. It is this love of God that I believe is the power of God.

There is far too little teaching on the person of the Holy Spirit. Far too little teaching about this person for whom “we are commanded to wait.” Far too little teaching on this baptism or immersion into His life in us and among us.

An essential part of being the Charismatic Episcopal Church is our conviction that the life of the Spirit and the manifestation of the gifts of that life are not optional but are essential to the life of a disciple of Jesus. We are all called to be baptized not only in the waters of baptism but in or with the Holy Spirit as on the day of Pentecost. It is the Holy Spirit who will draw us into the life of Jesus and hence into the life of God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy.

Being a “charismatic” and encountering the work and gifts of the Spirit (charismata) in our worship and in the daily life of the Church and individuals is not an option or a suggested addition to the Christian life but is something for which we are to wait and receive. It is part of the love of God.

I pray the Feast of the Pentecost for us will be a day of “mighty wind” and “tongues of fire.” That it will be a time when we are renewed by the giver of life, and our churches will obtain a new delight in proclaiming the Gospel. Let us prepare for Pentecost with times of prayer and asking for the outpouring. Let us take time on Pentecost and pray for each other for a refreshing and renewal in the life of the Spirit.

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch