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  • The Patriarch’s Christmas Message

    The Patriarch’s Christmas Message

    Christmas message 2

    For me, the real proclamation of Christmas is “His name will be called Emmanuel,” that is, “God with us.”  This is not, of course, the first time the Scriptures record the presence of God among His people.  God appeared to Adam in the garden, making it clear from the beginning of the story that God wants to be among us.  He appears to Abraham in an angelic visitation as the Trinity.  Then again, He appears to Moses and invites all the Hebrew people to come and dwell with Him as He dwells with them.  The Tent of Meeting, which eventually becomes the Temple in Jerusalem, is about God being with us.  Then why is the story of the Nativity so important?  It is because Emmanuel is now a human embryo, a human infant, a human child, a human young adult in the Temple, a human teacher, a human healer, a human who, ultimately, not only enters into our life but into our death and conquers death to bring about eternity with God in His Kingdom.  It is about God who sits upon the throne as a human.  Jesus takes humanity not only into the throne room but sits upon the throne.   Jesus is the human and divine God – One God.  And a human is coming back to judge the living and the dead.  Humanity and Divinity are one in Jesus, so that we, who are human, can share/participate in His Divinity.

    Christmas Message

    I understand that I need to remind people of the dangers of materialism and consumerism that are so obvious during the holiday season in the Western World.  At the same time, I am reminded that after years of giving people a reminder, along with those in the highest levels of religious leadership, including the Pope, it has done little to impact people’s behavior during this season.  Starting sometime in November, or even late October, folks in the West have decorated their homes with lights, put up the traditional tree, begun preparing for various Christmas parties, and above all have pulled out credit cards or saved cash and spend, spend, spend, on gifts for spouse, children, and grandchildren.  Service people look to the Christmas Season to receive “tips” or “gratuities” from their clients with which they will often meet end-of-the-year expenses or pay for their own Christmas feasts.  Billions of dollars will be spent.  And those billions not only supply gifts but employ people in retail, manufacturing, shipping, the hospitality industry, and the travel industry.  Most of their profits will be made between late November and December 25.  (In the Philippines, this starts sometime in August.  It is amazing.)

    Of course, most of the Christian world will not take part in this rampant materialism and consumerism.  Poverty and survival will be the same issue on Christmas morning as on Christmas Eve and will be on the day after Christmas.  Over 689 million people live on less than $1.90 a day.  Though this figure since the 1990s has decreased, the pandemic has caused an increase of 97 million.  This is what we know as extreme poverty.  But there are also millions of those who live near the poverty line or just above the poverty line with no water, electricity, inadequate medical care, sewage, and education.  Even in the United States, there are 34 million people who live below the poverty line, many of whom are single mothers and children (the poorest of those in America) or the elderly.

    I have heard it repeatedly said that Jesus came to the poor.  Yes, he did, but he also came to the rich and everyone in between.  He came among the poor as He came among the Jews, but He also came to bring redemption to every person.  He came to redeem and restore His father’s creation.  He came to be God with all of us.

    I think it is important that Jesus came among the poor.  It emphasizes the message of grace as a freely given gift, which is something we all need to hear and receive.  I think it is important that we understand the humility and obedience revealed to us in Jesus.  That God conquers sin, evil, and death in a power far greater than any weapon ever formed or will be formed. The victory is in the humble obedience of the cross.  This is love revealed forever.  This is the love that will conquer evil, violence, and hatred.  It is this love that will expose the horrors of racism, abortion, child sex traffic, slave labor, and all that robs humanity of its dignity.  It is this humble and obedient love that will meet with us in our suffering but also transform us out of our sin, our addictions, or mental/emotional struggles and give us new life with purpose and meaning.  This is Jesus.

    It is also this love that is born and comes to us, again and again, in the Holy Eucharist and the sacramental life of the Church.  The Holy Spirit manifests Himself in the gifts that operate among us to move forward His Kingdom, but also to make known to us the real presence of Jesus under the elements of Bread and Wine.  It is here that we proclaim His death until He returns, but also that we meet Him over and over again.  We meet the One of the Cross who holds the Universe together and makes sense of everything through His love.

    Have a blessed Christmas season.  In all the glitz and glitter, the music, the parties, and the festivities may you find time to spend with Jesus in prayer, in Scripture, and in the Eucharist.

    Under His Mercy,
    +Craig W. Bates
    The Patriarch’s Christmas Message was originally published in Sursum Corda, 2021 #2,  For for information on Archbishop Bates, visit his website at by clicking HERE.
  • Celebrate Advent and Christmas with Church of the Messiah

    Celebrate Advent and Christmas with Church of the Messiah

    Church of the Messiah invites you to celebrate the entire holiday season with us as we wrap up 2021!  Sunday, November 28th, begins the season of Advent that is the four Sundays immediately before Christmas.  Advent is a time of special prayer and preparation as we anticipate Our Lord’s ultimate return as well as remember when He was born in Bethlehem almost two thousand years ago!  As we finish the season of Advent, we begin to celebrate the season of Christmas!  Our Christmas celebrations begin on Friday evening, December 24th, with our Christmas Eve Family Service.  We will have special presentations from our children and youth, an exciting children’s sermon, as well as Christmas Carols by candlelight that evening.  Our Christmas worship continues on Saturday, morning, December 25th, when we celebrate our Christmas Day Mass.  Join us for this special service celebrating the birth of Christ on the morning of His birth.  This is a brief, said Mass and is the perfect was to “keep Christ is Christmas.”  At Church of the Messiah, the celebration of Christmas does not end the day after Christmas; we celebrate Christmas for the entire Twelve Days of Christmas!  We will be having Christmas services on Sunday morning, December 26th and January 2nd!  We would love for you to join us any time throughout the Advent or Christmas seasons.  If you are unable to join us in person, we invite to worship with us virtually via our live stream Church of the Messiah’s Facebook page.  We are so excited to celebrate the coming of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and we hope the you will join us!

  • CEC For Life Co-Hosts Prayer Rally at the Supreme Court

    CEC For Life Co-Hosts Prayer Rally at the Supreme Court

    On Saturday, October 2nd, CEC For Life invites you to join the Purple Sash Revolution for a powerful prayer rally at the Supreme Court to end abortion and dismantle Roe!

    When the Supreme Court agreed to hear Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, they agreed to hear the most important abortion case since Roe vs. Wade in 1973.   A victory in Dobbs v. Jackson would be a major step in dismantling Roe and bringing an end to abortion violence.  It is critical that we not be indifferent and silent regarding Dobbs as many were when Roe was decided. If we do not engage, it could add DECADES in our fight to end abortion violence.  Join Purple Sash Revolution for a powerful prayer and worship rally at the Supreme Court on Saturday, October 2, from 2 – 4 p.m. This is just two days before the Supreme Court begins their new session in which the justices will hear Dobbs v. Jackson.
    We invite you to boldly stand with national pro-life and Christian leaders against the evil of abortion in an attitude of prayer and praise. Through prayer we can see God shape history and end abortion.  Click the link to RSVP on Facebook or click HERE  for additional information.
  • The Patriarch Launches a New Website

    The Patriarch Launches a New Website

    This week, Archbishop Craig Bates, the Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC) officially launched a brand new website.  BishopBatesCEC.org is the new address for Abp. Bates’ blog and media home.  During the pandemic lockdown, hundreds of people throughout the world followed Abp. Bates as he reflected on the daily Gospel readings.  As circumstances evolved, the Archbishop felt led to take a hiatus from those daily meditations and evaluated how to continue that ministry most effectively.  With the launch of BishopBatesCEC.org, the Patriarch is excited to be able to resume reaching out and ministering to a broader, online community.  The design team is working to develop more content and looks forward to adding more content on a regular basis as they build this exciting new platform.  Be sure to visit the Patriarch’s new website, watch all of his videos, and then subscribe so that you never miss the Archbishop’s new videos.

  • Memorial Arrangements for Shirley Ann Garvey

    Memorial Arrangements for Shirley Ann Garvey

    Early Monday morning, August 16th, Shirley Ann Garvey, the mother of Diane Looker and grandmother of Fr. Scott Looker, entered into glory and ended her time of battling with illness here on earth.  She died peacefully in her home, with her family around her.  The family is extremely grateful of the outpouring of love and support which they have received in the days since Mrs. Garvey’s passing.  A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning, August 28th, beginning at 10 o’clock, at Church of the Messiah (Click HERE for a map).  For those unable to attend the memorial Mass in person, Church of the Messiah will live stream the service on their Facebook page.  The family thanks you for your continued love and prayers.

    Rest eternal grant to Shirley Ann, O Lord;
    And let light perpetual shine upon her.

    May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
    Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

     

  • It’s Homecoming Week!

    It’s Homecoming Week!

    This Sunday, July 4th, at our 10 o’clock service, Church of the Messiah will return to our home sanctuary for the first time on a Sunday morning since the beginning of the Pandemic!  In March of 2020, when the pandemic began, Church of the Messiah adapted and streamed our services while providing Holy Communion to those who joined us in the parking lot of our church.  Beginning in July of 2020, however, we were blessed to be able to worship in the sanctuary of Ft. Caroline Presbyterian Church.  Pastor David Imhoff and the leadership of FCPC were gracious and allowed us to use their sanctuary while they began to worship in their parking lot.  Now, after a wonderfully blessed year, we are happy to be returning to our own home sanctuary in our building.   We have been preparing for this change for quite a while and getting everything ready all week long.  Be sure to join us this Sunday morning to see what has changed and what still remains the same.  You can join us in person or you can still join us on-line as we stream on our Facebook page via Facebook Live.

    We are so grateful to The Lord and Ft. Caroline Presbyterian Church for the providence and hospitality that has allowed us to worship together over the last year.  We are also thankful and excited for the opportunity to worship together in our own home sanctuary once again.  Join us this Sunday and we can worship The Lord and give thanks together!

  • Abp. Craig Bates and Cn. Terry Gensemer to Lead Liturgy for the Pre-Born

    Abp. Craig Bates and Cn. Terry Gensemer to Lead Liturgy for the Pre-Born

    This Saturday, June 26th, Archbishop Craig Bates and Canon Terry Gensemer will lead the Liturgy for the Pre-Born in front of A Woman’s Choice of Jacksonville.  Abp. Bates is the Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (ICCEC) and an ardent pro-life advocate who has prayed on the front lines of the culture wars for  decades.  Canon Terry Gensemer is the founder and director of CEC for Life, the pro-life advocacy arm of the Charismatic Epicopal Church, which this year will celebrate its 20th anniversary.  Both men are tremendous advocates for the pre-born and we are blessed to have them lead the Liturgy for the Pre-Born in Jacksonville.  The Liturgy for the Pre-Born is a prayer service that is a combination of last rites for those who are condemned to die in abortion, prayers for repentance, and prayers for the end of the abortion holocaust throughout America and the world.

    We invite you to join with Abp. Bates, Cn. Gensemer and Church of the Messiah this Saturday morning beginning at 9 o’clock.  Through the graciousness of Family for Life  we are able to pray directly across from A Woman’s Choice of Jacksonville (click HERE for a map).  For those who are unable to attend in person, Church of the Messiah will live stream the event on their Facebook page via Facebook Live.  Please join Church of the Messiah and these mighty men of God as we pray for the day that abortion becomes not only illegal but unthinkable!

     

  • Read the Patriarch’s Foundation Day Message

    Read the Patriarch’s Foundation Day Message

    The challenge to the Church in every age is both evangelism, assimilation, and leaving a legacy.  The Bishops are actively seeking the Lord, even during this pandemic, and listening to His voice regarding all these areas of mission and ministry.  And, on all levels, things are happening to give glory to God.  There is not a Church in the CEC that isn’t about doing all we can to lead people to the phenomenal, awesome, and glorious savior named Jesus.

    I want to address legacy for a moment.  This June, we once again have what is called “Foundation Day.”  On this day, each Church in the CEC is to take up a special offering.  It is suggested that each person give ten dollars.  When collected, the money will go to a fund where 1/3 will be given out in loans, 1/3 will be given out in grants, and 1/3 will be invested for the future.  For what purpose?  To build the Church through the building, purchasing, or repairing of Church facilities.  It will also be used for programs that can advance the growth of the Church.   It is building a legacy.

    My children grew up in convergence worship and the Charismatic Episcopal Church.   They now have children (my grandchildren and inheritance from the Lord).  It is possible, in my case, that in the not so far away future the children of my children could have children.  (Not the near future as they are still young, but time goes by fast).  We will be a fourth-generation CEC family.  (Some have already reached that point in their families and their church families.)

    I would encourage you to give generously to the foundation offering.  We are still under the mandate to build places of prayer, worship, and unity.  We are called to be part of the three streams of evangelical, charismatic, and sacramental/liturgical worship that makes visible the ancient and historic faith in Jesus.  We are small, but our call is not about size but faithfulness to the mission.  We are called to be faithful to build a legacy for the next generation to continue this very holy and worthy mission.

    The pandemic is coming to an end, and we can now get together face to face.  We soon can return to receiving communion in both kinds from a common cup.  We can once again greet one another with a sign of God’s peace that might involve a hug.  It is a good day that is in front of us.  Let us rejoice and be glad.

    Under His mercy,

    Craig W. Bates,

    Patriarch

    To give to the Foundation Day offering through Church of the Messiah, click HERE.  For more information on Foundation Day, including the history of the offering and financial accountability, click HERE to visit the Foundation Day page on the web-site of the Charismatic Episcopal Church of North America.  

  • Celebrate Pentecost this Sunday

    Celebrate Pentecost this Sunday

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    This Sunday, May 23rd, Church of the Messiah will celebrate the Feast of Pentecost at our 10 o’clock service.

  • Easter Celebration Continues

    Easter Celebration Continues

    Alleluia!  Christ is Risen!  The Lord is risen indeed!  Alleluia!  While we have already celebrated Easter Sunday, the Season of Easter continues until Our Lord sends the Holy Spirit on the Feast of Pentecost.  Because of this, Church of the Messiah will be celebrating the Easter Season and the Resurrection of Our Lord every Sunday morning, starting at 10 o’clock, until May 16th.  During the season, our praise & worship, our Biblical readings, and our sermons will all focus on the Resurrection of Our Lord and His triumphant victory over death and the grave.  Even our Nursery and Kids’ Church lessons (for those 1 year old through 5th grade) will focus on Our Lord’s Resurrection and the Gospel stories following the Resurrection.

    Throughout this season, Church of the Messiah will meet in the sanctuary of Ft. Caroline Presbyterian Church (click HERE for a map.) where we have ample room for social distancing.  For more information about the precautions we are taking during this time, visit our COVID-19 Precautions Page.  We live stream all of our services on Church of the Messiah’s Facebook Page for those who are unable to attend.

    Thanks be to God, Easter changed the world forever and we do not just celebrate it for one day!  Easter is a season; not just a day.  We invite you to join with Church of the Messiah and celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord throughout this Easter season with us every Sunday morning beginning at 10 o’clock.  Alleluia!  Christ is Risen!  The Lord is risen indeed!  Alleluia!