Church of the Messiah

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  • The Patriarch to Visit Church of the Messiah this Sunday

    The Patriarch to Visit Church of the Messiah this Sunday

    This Sunday, October 18th, at our 10 o’clock service, Church of the Messiah is blessed to welcome Archbishop Craig W. Bates, the Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.  Abp. Bates will be preaching during the service as well as celebrating the Holy Eucharist.  We will be worshiping in person in the sanctuary of Ft. Caroline Presbyterian Church (at our current location) and the service will be live streamed via Facebook for those who cannot attend in person.

    Archbishop Bates began his ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church where, in 1985, he was called to serve as the associate pastor of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, in Malverne, New York. Five years later, after the retirement of the senior pastor then-Fr. Bates was called to be the senior pastor–a position he has maintained until 2018. In 1994, Fr. Bates left the Episcopal Church and joined the fledgling Charismatic Episcopal Church. The following year, St. Thomas Episcopal Church became a part of the CEC and changed their name to Church of the Intercessor. On November 14, 1997, Craig Bates was consecrated the first Bishop of the Diocese of the Northeast. Nine years later, on January 9, 2008, Bishop Bates was elected the second Patriarch of the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. In addition to pastoring the same church for over 30 years and all of his episcopal ministry, Archbishop Bates holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Franconia College, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College and a Master of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary. Archbishop Bates is extremely active in the New York metropolitan area as a voice for church unity, an original signer of the Manhattan Declaration, and a staunch defender of the pre-born in the Pro-Life movement. He has been married to his wife for over 40+ years and together they have three grown children and a growing number of grand-children!

    Archbishop Bates is a mighty man of God and a powerful prophetic voice in the Church.  Please join us in welcoming our Patriarch this Sunday, October 18th, at 10 o’clock.  We encourage everyone to join us in person* or virtually on Facebook Live and invite their friends to join us as we witness that The LORD is doing.

     

    *For more information about our COVID-19 precautions, visit this page.

  • Memorial Services for Cathie Shimp

    Memorial Services for Cathie Shimp

    This Friday, September 25th, on what would have been Cathie’s birthday, we celebrate Cathie having entered into eternal life with her Lord and Savior.  Cathie went to be with The Lord after suffering a sudden, unexpected illness in March of this year, just as the lockdown was beginning.  Now we will finally be able have a memorial service and thank The Lord for her life.

    This service will be streamed through Church of the Messiah’s Facebook page beginning at 6:30 on Friday evening.  For the sake of the family and in order to maintain social distance, we ask that everyone who wishes to join us in the service do so on Facebook Live.  To participate in the service once it has begun, if you are on already on Facebook, you can find Church of the Messiah by typing “mycomjax” in the Facebook search bar or by clicking this LINK if you are not already on Facebook.

    We understand that this is not a traditional way to hold a memorial service, but we are grateful for the opportunity to gather, even virtually, and celebrate Cathie’s life and Our Lord.  We appreciate everyone’s graciousness at this time.   Please feel free to leave your kind words, thoughts and prayers in the comments of the live stream where Earl, Brooke, and other loved one may read them later.

     

    Rest eternal grant to Cathie, 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.

     

     

  • The Patriarch’s Message for Our Time

    The Patriarch’s Message for Our Time

    There is nothing like a presidential election cycle to uncover the division that exists in America. But that is true of every nation.  I have been to several nations when an election was taking place and the bishops, clergy, and citizens were in fear of civil war.  Several times we were limited to where we could travel because of the violence.  Once, two of our bishops, from opposing tribes, in a show of unity found in Christ alone, intervened to stop the violence that could have resulted in the death of hundreds of citizens.  This nation is still divided, and every election still presents an opportunity for radical and extremist groups to cause unrest.  Two countries where we have churches have been in civil war since I have been a bishop.  Even in Europe, we find civil unrest and riots sometimes on a regular basis.  It is only because of COVID 19 that Paris has been free of weekly demonstrations.  For some European nations, the elections are extremely divisive and result in massive demonstrations, often ending in violence. In this, America is not unique.

    America has been severely divided before.  In 1960, John Kennedy and Richard Nixon ran for President.  The results of the election were one of the closest, if not the closest, election in our history.  Immediately, there were accusations of voter fraud which were never investigated.  President Kennedy was accused of stealing the election.  People feared that if President Kennedy was elected America would become a Catholic nation and the President would be controlled by the Pope.  There have been other times of great division like during the Vietnam War when there were massive demonstrations.  One demonstration in Ohio resulted in the National Guard opening fire on college students.  Four college students died during that demonstration.  Further, the Civil Rights movement resulted in division. In order to desegregate schools in some states, federal troops had to be deployed because “segregationist” state governors would not use the state police or militia to enforce federal law.    Police often brutalized demonstrators and the nation divided over the use of force by police officers.  There were cries for the nation “to support the local police” as well as cries to disarm the police.  At this time, people looked to the courts for justice.  Like today, people were forced to take sides either for an end to racial segregation or in support of the police.  Following the death of Martin Luther King, there were race riots in the streets of major cities, particularly in the north.  Again, troops had to be called in to stop the rioting. The nomination of the Democrat candidate in Chicago in 1968 was surrounded by violence and excessive use of force by the police,  and some suggest that Hubert Humphrey lost the election because of the violence.  Even the Church was divided at this time.  During this time, the Moral Majority was formed and backed mostly conservative candidates.  The Moral Majority played a significant role in the election of Richard Nixon and Ronald Raegan.  Soon they became known as the ‘religious right’.   Pastors marched against and for segregation.  Pastors marched against the War in Vietnam and in support of Vietnam.  Unfortunately, even today these opposing groups in the Church form a strong political base for candidates on both sides.  I believe an “unholy” alliance has been made in some cases.  At one time in American history, we were divided so much that a horrible war was fought claiming hundreds of thousands of lives.  Also, during this divisive moment, both sides of the conflict invoked God and saw their cause as righteous.

    I enjoy Facebook and Instagram because I miss my grandchildren.  I recognize that of the over 4,000 friends I have on Facebook not all are “real” friends.  I don’t think I know 4,000 people.  Of those I don’t even know, I still like following their posts. I do have a number of “real” friends and family on Facebook and Instagram, and I enjoy hearing about their birthdays, anniversaries, family events, vacations, and especially their (non-political) humor.  I enjoy Facebook when some of my “real” friends recommend books, articles, television shows, and movies.  During the pandemic, I have enjoyed watching live streams from churches and hearing some dynamic sermons.  Actually, if you’re interested, I am on Facebook and I live stream broadcasts daily. I appreciate the medium in its value for proclaiming the Gospel.  I hope you visit my page and listen to me if you get the chance.  I am planning on expanding my social media and online presence in the future.

    But the political right and the political left, as well as “political junkies”, and “news junkies”. have hijacked social media.  It has been hijacked not for the purpose of reasonable debate or discussion but with the intent to attack a candidate and see how many “likes” one can get.   Those who object to division and accuse a candidate of being divisive often add fuel to the fire of division by name-calling and “mud-slinging.”  The mere mention of certain names will cause a flurry of name-calling or Opt Eds.  Debate is then done in sound bites, sarcasm, attack, and short, often poorly written, opinion editorials usually with the sole purpose of denigrating a politician or political position.  So intense is the division in social media that friendships have been destroyed.  Others remain silent for fear of being labeled as “right-wing,” “left-wing,” “Democrat,” or Republican.” Sadly this could ultimately result in losing a friendship.  What is sad is that often times the biggest offenders of perpetuating these divisions are Christians.

    There has been in American Christianity, a dangerous marriage between faith and politics.  This is not something new.  In American history we see this strange marriage occur repeatedly, sometimes appropriately as in the case of ending racism or protecting innocent life.  However, more often it has been a division between Catholics and Protestants, White Church and Churches of color, or the forming of an alliance to push agendas that have little to do with the Gospel, like Prohibition or blue laws.  I have even read on Facebook pastors acting as political alarmists and predicting the destruction of America if this or that candidate is elected in 2020.  I have been challenged by some clergy and laity to take this or that position or support a certain candidate because if their candidate is not elected America will be destroyed.  I refuse.  I have only stated that I am Pro-Life of the Seamless garment variety.  There is enough in that statement to offend almost everyone, including some of my closest friends.  The restoration of human dignity is my concern and the preaching of Christ crucified is my concern.

    Where is the Church to be in all of this?  I believe it is imperative for the Church to speak in matters of morality.  The Church must have a clear call when it comes to proclaiming the right to life from conception to natural death.  The Church must speak out when there is injustice and cry out for justice.  The Church needs to pray that we have righteous leaders and pray for all those in authority.  The Church needs to stand strong when it comes to ending corruption in developing nations.  The Church needs to be leaders in ending the sex trade industry.  The Church must call for an end to any type of racism and be sure that there is and continues to be racial justice.  But mostly the Church’s role is not to become another political institution, but to help her members educate themselves to form a Biblical foundation for making a moral or faith-based decision when they vote.

    The Church’s role is to bring the Gospel to the nations.  It is to teach and preach the Gospel that alone makes us all sons and daughters of the Father.  We are to resist those who want to divide us into political parties.  It must be used to help people to embrace the identity that is better than any other: Child of God and inheritor of the Kingdom of heaven.  We are called to train our people in the proper use of the Holy Scriptures, the traditions of the historic and ancient church, and how to pray.  We are called to kneel only to the King of the Kingdom of God and worship Him alone. We are never to embrace a false messiah or let a god of political secularism be elevated in our churches as a king or messiah.  There is only one God and we know Him in Jesus Christ.

    I believe we need to seek reconciliation in the Church first.  The Church is divided, and it is one of the reasons our voice is not heard in the secular world.  Often the Church is divided along political and racial lines (this is not something new).  The world has been divided along these lines for the whole of American Christian history.  In this generation, there is an urgent need to move beyond the barriers and find our unity only in Christ Jesus who is the head of the Church.  We need to be about the mission and vision of our King.  It is only in Christ that we will be able to come together.  If we come in prayer and repentance, as the children of God, our Father will heal our lands.  Are we desperate for God’s healing in our lands?  If we are desperate, are we turning to the “false messiahs of politics?” Or are we seeking God for our healing?

    Under His mercy,

    Abp. Craig Bates

  • Public Worship Sunday, July 5th

    Public Worship Sunday, July 5th

    This Sunday, July 5th, Church of the Messiah will hold its first worship service that will be open to the public since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in March.  After an unfortunate delay last week, we are so blessed and excited to be able to gather in the sanctuary of Ft. Caroline Presbyterian Church, the church from whom we lease our current building. Throughout the month of July, Ft. Caroline Presbyterian will be graciously allowing us to worship in their sanctuary which can seat up to 300 people so that our congregation may gather together once again and still maintain appropriate social distancing.  We are so excited to be able to worship together (in person) once again after worshiping together on-line for four months.

    It should be obvious that everything will not be exactly like it was in January of this year.  COVID-19 is very real in Duval County and Mayor Lenny Curry has recently enacted an executive order requiring the wearing of masks or face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible.  In light of these circumstances, please take a few moments and read the following.

    You will be required to wear a mask or maintain social distance.  We will be submitted to the regulations of our city as St. Paul commends us. (Romans 13:1)  This means that, for those who are over six years old, if you are within six feet of someone who does not live within your household, you will need to be wearing a mask.  We will have masks available for those who do not own their own.  When people are in their seats, and seated six feet away from those outside of their households, masks need not be worn.  When people are receiving Holy Communion, masks need not be worn.  Please note that some people may have medical conditions which prevent them from wearing masks.  That is permissible according to the executive order.

    Honor and respect other people’s choices.  Part of “walking in love” in acknowledging that people will make choices that differ from our own and respecting those choices.  If someone does not want a hug or a handshake like they did months ago, we all need to respect that.  Likewise, there may be some people who, for medical reasons, are not wearing masks.  If you are uncomfortable being near those people, there will be plenty of seats far enough away for you to be safe.  No one needs to be notified and you need not inquire about their medical condition.

    Conversations are best held outside in the open air. The mayor’s executive order does not require the wearing of masks outside.  If you would like to have conversations with friends who you have not seen in months, we encourage you to do so in the open air where you need not wear a mask and where the breeze helps disperse all those wicked little germs.

    We will continue to live stream our service on our Facebook page for those who are not present with us in the sanctuary.  We ask the those whom the Centers for Disease Control considers especially vulnerable or at higher risk for infection (older adults, those with lung, heart, or liver disease, or those with autoimmune issues) to prayerfully consider staying home.  At the same time, we must insist that those who feel sick, or those who have been in contact with anyone has been sick or who might possibly have COVID-19 stay home.  Church of the Messiah has been blessed with a phenomenal record thus far of zero infections and we do not want that record to ever come to an end.  We will be working with Fr. Looker, the Rector’s Council, and various ministry leaders throughout the week in order to ensure that we are able to worship The Lord in the most glorious way possible while also being as safe as possible.

    There will be a few other minor changes that go along with worshiping in a new space and with all of the COVID-19 requirements, but we are confident that our clergy, ushers, and volunteers will make everyone feel right at home!

    Ultimately, we are so blessed that we will be able to worship together this Sunday, July 5th, starting at 10 o’clock, in the sanctuary of Ft. Caroline Presbyterian Church. We are so excited to see everyone again in person!

     

  • Church of the Messiah Partners with ParishSoft

    Beginning July 1st, Church of the Messiah will be partnering with ParishSoft to facilitate our on-line giving and donations.  ParishSoft provides all of the services of our previous on-line giving platform at a fraction of the cost while including several other new church management features that we have never had before.  This will allow us to reduce some of our costs and manage all of the offerings we receive more efficiently.

    In addition, we have enrolled in the ParishSoft Youth Scholarship Program.  In this program, ParishSoft is able to give back to the churches with whom they partner.  For every twenty-five individuals or families who give a recurring donation of $50 per month or more, ParishSoft will donate $200 to Church of the Messiah’s Youth Group!

    If you are already giving to Church of the Messiah on-line, thank you so much and please make the transition with us to ParishSoft.  If you have not given on-line before, please consider doing so now.  ParishSOFT adheres to the industry’s strictest security requirements. Concerning PCI & DSS Compliance Security, intrusion detection, and SSL transaction security, the ParishSOFT teams go above and beyond the required procedures to maintain the safety of your financial information.

    To make a donation to Church of the Messiah, you can visit the “Give” page on our web-site and follow the link on the page or you can click this LINK and go the Church of the Messiah’s donation page directly.  Either way, you can create an account in just a few moments which will enable you to either set up recurring donations or give more quickly next time.

    In the future, we look forward to creating text-to-give options as well as a mobile app.  We will be sharing all that ParishSoft can do for Church of the Messiah in the days to come.  Until then, thank you all for your generosity and faithfulness.

  • Public Worship Delayed until July 5th

    Due to circumstances beyond our control, the re-opening of public worship intended for this weekend will be postponed until next Sunday, July 5th.  We apologize for the late notice, the inconvenience, and the disappointment that accompanies this news.  We know how excited everyone was to gather again together and worship The Lord.  We look forward to doing so next Sunday.  Our service this Sunday, June 28th, will be streamed on Facebook Live as it has been in the past.  Please share this message on your personal social media pages in order to get the message out to as many people as possible.

  • IMPORTANT UPDATE-Church of the Messiah to Hold Public Worship Services

    IMPORTANT UPDATE-Church of the Messiah to Hold Public Worship Services

    Due to circumstances beyond our control, the re-opening of public worship intended for this weekend will be postponed until next Sunday, July 5th.  We apologize for the late notice, the inconvenience, and the disappointment that accompanies this news.  We know how excited everyone was to gather again together and worship The Lord.  We look forward to doing so next Sunday.  Our service this Sunday, June 28th, will be streamed on Facebook Live as it has been in the past.  Please share this message on your personal social media pages in order to get the message out to as many people as possible.

    Starting Sunday, July 5th, Church of the Messiah will hold its first worship service that will be open to the public since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in March.  Ft. Caroline Presbyterian Church, the church from whom we lease our building, is graciously allowing us to worship in their sanctuary throughout the month of July.  Their sanctuary can seat up to 300 people, so our congregation may gather together once again and still maintain appropriate social distancing as is prudent for the day and age.  We are so excited to be able to worship together (in person) once again after worshiping together on-line for four months.

    We are not pretending, however, that the Corona Virus is gone.  We ask the those whom the Centers for Disease Control considers especially vulnerable or at higher risk for infection (older adults, those with lung, heart, or liver disease, or those with autoimmune issues) to prayerfully consider staying home.  At the same time, we must insist that those who feel sick, or those who have been in contact with anyone has been sick or who might possibly have COVID-19 stay home.  Church of the Messiah has been blessed with a phenomenal record thus far of zero infections and we do not want that record to ever come to an end.  For the sake of those who are either unable to attend or uncomfortable attending public services at this point in time, we will continue streaming our Sunday morning services live on Facebook.

    We will be working with Fr. Looker, the Rector’s Council, and various ministry leaders throughout the week in order to ensure that we are able to worship The Lord in the most glorious way possible while also being as safe as possible.  There are a great many moving parts that are still being adjusted and will likely continue to be adjusted very late into the week.  For the latest updates, please check our social media on Facebook or Instagram and this web-page.  Also, Wednesday night at 7 o’clock, Fr. Looker will dedicate his entire Fireside Chat to providing the most up to date information about the upcoming service so please watch that podcast on our Facebook or YouTube channel.

    Ultimately, we are so blessed that we will be able to worship together this Sunday, June 28th, starting at 10 o’clock, in the sanctuary of Ft. Caroline Presbyterian Church.  Please keep an eye out for more information this week as it becomes available.

     

     

  • A Pentecost Letter from the Patriarch

    A Pandemic Pentecost

    Here in the United States, the president said that the country would be reopening by Easter.  He was certainly optimistic.  But, after seeking the advice of medical professionals and epidemiologists, as well as other counsel, he changed his date, and here we are in May still debating when will be a good date to start reopening the country and lessening restrictions.  Ultimately, I guess, the real end of this pandemic will be when we have a vaccine. Given that, there is a lot of debate about when we will have a vaccine.

    I have been home and in my “bedroom office” since March 17.  This “isolation” has been called a quarantine, a lockdown, and staying safe.  In some places in the United States, the governments are enforcing, not only stay home orders but wearing masks and social distancing, with large fines if the rules are not followed.  There are already battles in the courts about whether the government has the authority to enforce these “regulations.”

    I prefer to call my “isolation” a “seclusion.”

    A PANDEMIC PENTECOST

    Certainly the fact that there is a coronavirus and a pandemic has influenced my decision to stay home.  I am sure I would not have chosen it by myself, especially since I am presently confined with three children – a two-year-old, a four-year-old, and a thirteen-year-old (a quarantween).

    So early on I decided that I would offer this time to the Lord and work to build into my schedule more time for prayer, study, meditation, inward digestion of God’s word.  It would become a time to remove the things of the world and seek the Lord Jesus, knowing in this pandemic, and always, He was seeking me.

    I have been drawn to the resources of the internet, especially on social media.  I have been able to pray with people, attend virtual Eucharists, and listen in on the preaching of so many men of God.  I have been so encouraged and edified by these words.  I have even gone out in social media world and I am live streaming a personal reflection on Scripture at 1 p.m. daily.

    Early on I was struck by the hoarding of toilet paper by many Americans.  I am still not sure what that was all about.  But it struck me as extremely funny and people began sharing memes about the “Toilet Paper Crisis.”  There is even a Facebook group based on the “Crisis.”  I saw advertised tee shirts that said, “I survived the 2020 Toilet Paper Crisis.”  I was tempted to purchase that tee-shirt but decided not to because the real crisis is the death of thousands of people from this disease, and there is nothing funny about it.

    However, I am sure there will be tee shirts, coffee mugs, bumper stickers, and other items put up for sale, after the pandemic passes. They will say, “I survived COVID 19,” or the “coronavirus,” or the “Pandemic.”  This pandemic will be a defining moment for many people as other historic events like 9/11 are defining moments.

    In prayer, it came to me that this time needs to be more than “survival.”  If I made it a time set apart for the Lord, it could easily become a time of “revival.”  I didn’t want to come out of this time merely having survived, so that when the “crisis” ends I or the church go back to normal, or the Church got back to normal (perhaps with the addition of new technology).   I wanted it to be a time when I had turned away from all those things that have distracted me from picking up my cross and following Jesus.

    I am seeking a new and renewed personal Pentecost.  I am praying that our Churches encounter a renewed Pentecost with fire and wind and zeal for the Lord Jesus.  Zeal that will force us out of “Upper Rooms” and into the streets. A Church proclaiming that Jesus is the Savior and that all who call upon Him will be saved.

    Having gone out on social media with my own live stream and talking to others, we have discovered, by the number of views, that there is a hunger for the Gospel.  One Bishop is hosting a morning prayer meeting and thousands from around the world are joining him in prayer.  Small churches that have consistent attendance of 30 to 50 people are having hundreds join them via Facebook or YouTube.  Sometimes people, like myself, are listening to several sermons a day or attending online bible studies or small groups.  And, people who are not members of their Church are joining in on the study.  It is a new day.

    Looks like Pentecost Sunday will be different (like Easter).  But let us pray that the Holy Spirit finds us as empty vessels ready to be filled again.  Let us be found ready to be used by the Lord Jesus, and to be empowered with the spiritual gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ, and for the evangelization of the world.  Let Pentecost be the beginning of a new day.

    I continue to pray for each of you.

    Under His mercy,

    +Craig Bates
    ICCEC, Patriarch

  • List of CEC Parishes Streaming On-Line–Updated

    In his Easter message, the Patriarch of the ICCEC, Archbishop Craig Bates encouraged all members of the communion to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them in this season and watch various CEC services that are available on-line.  (You can read his entire message by clicking HERE.)  To that end, we have compiled a partial and incomplete list of services and devotions that various churches and clergy are streaming on-line, including the Patriarch’s own daily devotional that can be seen on his Facebook page.

    Morning Prayer from the Daily Office

    Christ the Holy Servant, Buffalo, NY—Fr. Josh Baker & Dcn. Alan Strauss:  They lead Morning Prayer, Monday through Saturday at 7 o’clock, on Facebook and post their services on their YouTube Channel as well.

    Daily Mass

    Cathedral of Christ the King, Selma, AL—Abp. Charles Jones: The stream their noon Eucharist and Sunday services on their Facebook and YouTube.  Abp. Jones also does and Monday night “In Christ” devotional on his personal Facebook page.

    Cathedral Church of the Intercessor, Malverne, NY—Fr. Brett Crompton: They stream Mass Monday through Saturday at noon, Friday at 6, and Saturday at 9:30 & 11:30 on both Facebook and YouTube.

    Cathedral of Christ the King, New Paltz, NY—Bp. Gregory Ortiz: Monday, Wedneday, and Friday, Mass is at noon.  Thursday and Saturday, Mass is at 8 am.  Tuesday, Mass is at 5:30 pm.  Sunday morning services start at 10 am.  They also post a children’s story time.  Everything is on their Facebook page.

    Cathedrals and Bishops

    The Cathedral Church of the Resurrection—Bp. David Simpson: Full Sunday morning services begin live at 10 am on Facebook.

    The Cathedral of Christ the King, Sharpsburg, GA—Bp. David Epps: The church has been posting their services live on their Facebook page and Bp. Epps has been doing brief daily devotionals and leading the Office of Compline (end of day prayers) on his Facebook page.

    Cathedral Church of the King, Olathe, KS—Bp. Michael Davidson: Services are on their Facebook page.

    Cathedral of St. Michael’s, San Clemente, CA—Bp. Doug Kessler and these guys get the award for the most cleverly named extra activity.  Fr. Ed Harris and his wife Mia give an online talk which he calls his “Ed Talk.”  Their services and their Ed Talks are on their Facebook page.

    The Cathedral Church of the Reconciliation, Bel Air, MD—Bp. Robert Northwood: North America’s newest bishop is streaming his services on-line on their Facebook page.

    Other Parishes and Missions

    St. Michael & All Angels, Thomaston, GA—Fr. Michael Birdsong 

    Emmaus Abbey Church, Knoxville, TN—Fr. Brett Travis

    Trinity Communion Church, Rochester, NY—Fr. Eric Ockrin

    Holy Trinity, Stewartstown, PA—Fr. Mark Nelson

    Bread of Life, Dousman, WI—Fr. Chris Keough: Bread of Life is the parish that is closest to my seminary, but only just opened as I was leaving.  Fr. Chris is a fellow alumni of my alma mater or, as we refer to ourselves, a “son of the House.”

    International Flavor

    ICCEC Europe—Bp. Elmer Belmonte:  Bp. Belmonte oversees all of the CEC churches in Europe.  This Facebook page has daily devotionals as well as Sunday services, an Easter message from the Patriarch, and is definitely worth following!

    The Patriarch has encouraged us to take full advantage of the abundance of talented three-streams preachers that are now available on the internet, both on Facebook and YouTube.  Take a few moments each day and watch a sermon from a faithful bishop or priest.  Watch a daily devotional and pray the Daily Office.  Come out of this season not overwhelmed by fear and doubt but empowered by the Word of God and fed by His Spirit and Truth!

     

  • The Patriarch’s Easter Statement

    Seems to me like every pastor, preacher, and evangelist has discovered social media, and in particular, the ability to live stream. It might seem to be that way for me because so many of my “friends” and/or “contacts” on social medial are conservative Evangelicals, Orthodox, Anglicans, or Catholics. Of course, I also have a significant number of friends from my own denomination. Despite this, I have held back on becoming involved in social media. I don’t want to become another “talking head pastor.”  I have instead tried to refer people to others who are doing an excellent job at leading people in prayer and worship. Many of them are ICCEC churches. I have also joined others during morning prayer, group gatherings, and Sunday mornings. What an encouragement these bishops, priests, and deacons have been to my family and me. Soon we will have link information on the various live streams on CEC-NA.
    As I write this note to the ICCEC, the state of New York is the center of the pandemic in the United States. Not just in the United States but for the entire world. Today, there are 103,000 plus (and growing) cases in New York and most of those in the New York City Metropolitan Area. This does not include those in New Jersey and Connecticut.  The center of the pandemic in New York City is Elmont, New York (a village of Queens County in New York City), which is less than ten minutes from my home. I have been told that because of my age, some respiratory and health issues, to stay home and have no contact with anyone outside. I am careful to follow these instructions.
    I have decided that the Christian response to the pandemic is to submit and obey to those who have authority over us. Certainly, I do so for myself but also because if I were to test positive for COVID-19, I would be highly contagious and perhaps, even unknowingly, infect someone else. Although, I am disappointed that I cannot gather with my brothers and sisters for the daily Eucharist, daily prayers, and, more importantly, the Sunday Eucharist.
    The decision of Churches to cancel public gatherings is the right decision. This has been the decision of every sacramental church from Rome to Anglicans. The major spiritual leaders of the historic churches have all called for a suspension of public gatherings, even for Holy Week and Easter. I encourage all of us to do the same.
    It is important that we do not get infected but also that we don’t infect others. The best way to end this thing is social distancing and washing our hands frequently. And pray. Rather than “sing happy birthday,” I pray the Our Father and other prayers.
    This forced quarantine has opened up a tremendous amount of time for me to pray and research the Scriptures. I have also enjoyed reading and, above all, listening to some great preachers. On Sunday, I make a list of those who have live-streamed their services and then during the week I will listen to one of the sermons each day of the week. I have connected with my own Cathedral and sign on to their virtual Eucharist every day at 12 p.m. EST. I am part of a small group of brothers and sisters who have been faithful in prayer. I have also joined prayer groups in Manila and Europe. The increased use of the internet in ministry, especially for evangelism, I believe, is something that will continue after the pandemic. I am excited about that and the potential to reach our friends and others with the Gospel.
    As I listen to the government and medical officials, it is clear that this pandemic is far from over. In New York, the apex or peak has not happened yet, and it is predicted that the peak will fall somewhere between two weeks from now to the end of April. After that, there will still be a time when the virus will be active, and we will still have to stay home. “Back to normal” is several months away for New Yorkers. Leaders are telling us that the worst has not yet happened, and in the end the death toll could be as high as 200,000 or maybe more.
    It means for most that we will not have public worship services for Palm Sunday, all Holy Week, and Easter Sunday. It means that our services will be almost entirely “live-streamed.” If you are a small church and can’t live stream, it is important that you find out if your Cathedral is live-streaming and encourage your people to join them online.
    I had hoped that this deadly virus would have been over by Easter Sunday. How glorious it would be if that were true, and we could gather and sing the great hymns and songs of the resurrection together. How our souls would rejoice to hear the Gospel proclaim that the tomb is empty, and death is defeated. Above all, it would be brilliant to gather at the altar where we know Him in the breaking of the bread and join with all the saints in eternal worship. I cannot remember a time in my seventy years that I was not around the altar for the Feast of the Resurrection.
    We need to remind ourselves that celebrating the Passion and Resurrection is something we do every Sunday. We are a people of the resurrection, and in the face of death, we are not afraid. We do not allow anxiety, worry, or fear take the place of prominence in our lives. And, even at the grave, we will sing our song “alleluia.” The truth is that this horrible pandemic is going to end. I believe they will discover both a cure and a vaccine. We will gather once again and praise God in our churches.
    This Lent (the Lent of all Lents) teaches that through prayer, reading and study of scripture, fasting, repentance, helping the poor, and sacrificial giving, we allow our souls and bodies to be drawn into a deeper participation in the life and death of Christ. But these are not just principles for Lent; they are disciplines meant for our entire Christian walk with Jesus. If we are to follow Him (which is far more than believing in Him) we are daily to pick up our cross. We are to deny ourselves and humble ourselves. It is through the cross that we come closer to Jesus.
    When this ends, I pray that we have brought ourselves and our churches into a deeper commitment to daily prayers, both as individuals and communities. How great it would be if there were growth in early morning prayer both at the church, in our homes, and on social media. I am even thinking of starting an online prayer group. To pray is to breathe the breath of God. To pray is to abide in Christ, knowing Christ lives in us and we in Christ. To pray is to abide with Jesus in the heavenly places.
    When this ends, I pray that we renew our commitment to the reading, studying, and doing the Holy Scriptures. We are called to be disciples, and our churches are called to make disciples. I know of one church that is looking at developing an online campus of events and programs that people can participate in without leaving their homes. However, I also hope there is an increase in weekday home groups (relationship is part of discipleship). During this pandemic, I have a renewed understanding of the role Scripture plays in my day to day life. It is the sword of the Spirit and it is profitable to a righteous man.  Every day, the Lord has spoken to me in His Word, and I have been equipped. I am more equipped to be an ambassador of Christ proclaiming in word and deed the ministry of reconciliation and not judgment. What a joy to have churches that have a Biblical world view and not a political or media-driven world view.
    Fasting reminds us that the body is a great servant but a horrible leader. We are to be led by the Spirit, and weekly fasting is good for our soul. We sometimes laughed at the “no meat on Friday” obligation. We laugh because we saw it as “legalism.” But fasting one day a week is not such a bad thing. It is not necessary for salvation, but it is a good discipline to discipline the body and renew the Spirit. After this, Lent may we discover increase times of fasting not only individually and perhaps as a whole parish or a whole diocese. Not as a law, but as a means of moving more and more in the Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit is going to move into the world with the message of God’s love and promise of eternal life.
    We are not in need of repentance just during Lent. This isolation has turned me into the need to have my mind renewed repeatedly so that I am not conformed to the pattern of this world. Watching endless news conforms us to the world. I am thankful for the ability to confess my sins and have Him restore me day after day. Being able to look at the pandemic from the eyes of God enabled me to see how much I am loved, and we are loved. Hence, there has been caution, but no fear. I hope that the Churches and each of is renewed in our understanding that God has forgiven us, and we have a constant need to forgive those who have offended us. I hope there is a renewal of confession both in the Penitential order of the Liturgy. But I also hope for a renewal of private confession that will bring reconciliation and healing in our churches, homes, between individuals, and in our communities. What power will be released through this simple act of love. What power will be released when people look at us, and say, “we know they are followers of Jesus by their love for one another.”
    The poor must be dear to our hearts, not only during Lent but throughout the whole year. In my times of prayer, I have had times of weeping thinking of the impact the pandemic is having and is going to have on the poor in our church in Africa, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia. How senseless was the hoarding behavior of people in the West? How we need to understand that the vast majority of Africa, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia have nothing to hoard. They already live day to day with no or limited medical care. How the poor live with the reality of cholera, malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Malnutrition and starvation is a reality for millions in these areas. Finding clean water or proper sewage is difficult. Also, in some places the people cry not because the schools are closed but because there are no school. I hope this Lent has brought us to live a life with and for the poor. The poor, the widow, and the fatherless are dear to our God. How can we serve them?
    There is also the poor right around us. We have discovered how many live-in fear. And fear leads to all kinds of addictions and destructive behavior. There are those around us who are spiritually empty and searching. I hope that our use of social media will not be to entertain the saved but to reach the lost. May we come out of the pandemic as an army that has a mission that so much greater than the need to survive.
    I have determined myself that there are two types of people, and I have since modified that to believe there are three types of people. The first are takers. Takers live life to get what they can out of life. They believe that they are entitled to everything. So, they live taking as if they can take all their possessions with them. Their sin is that they treat people like things and things like people. Instead of loving people, they love things. The second group are buyers. These are people who appear as if they are givers. They are generous in giving gifts, particularly to those less fortunate than themselves. But they also expect complete loyalty, as each gift comes with a price. They are manipulators of the least. The third group are givers. Givers are determined to live a life for others. It is not what they can take out of life but what they put into life and especially the lives of others. They give not out of duty or with expectations but because they know that real blessing is in giving.
    I pray this Lent has taught us about things that really matter in life. Those things that are important and will motivate us to become generous givers, especially to the work of the Lord through His Church. We should study what it means to be a giver – particularly Malachi 3.8-12. This is not only about giving but about trusting in our Lord God. It is the beginning of living a life knowing for certain it is God who is our protector and provider. When the next crisis comes, we will not fear for we will know, not just believe, He is with us.
    I believe in the Liturgical calendar. I enjoy keeping the Liturgical calendar. The time of Holy Week, Easter, the Ascension, and Pentecost are my favorites. I am going to miss the traditions and liturgies this year. But we all know that we are called to live in between Pentecost and the Second Coming. We are called to be Resurrection people in the midst of a dying world. I hope Lent transformed us individually, as families, and a Church community.
    I don’t expect the world to be different and churches to be packed after the pandemic is over. It is like believing that was going to happen after 9/11. Nor is it any different than expecting that the Sunday after Easter is going to be as well attended as Easter. But I do hope that we, the people of God, will have been revived and renewed, and on fire to bring the Gospel outside of the church. May the suffering of this pandemic motivate us to live the three streams of being charismatic, evangelical, and sacramental in order to glorify Christ and lead others in the way of salvation.
    Christ is risen from the dead. Trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
    Under His mercy,
    +Craig W. Bates,
    Patriarch