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!
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.
Last March, I was in San Clemente, California, with the Primates Council members and their wives. We had a great gathering, and the Lord spoke to us in so many ways. At the time, we were hearing about this “Coronavirus” that apparently was in China and Europe and perhaps spreading to the United States. Little did we know at the time what that “danger” and “spreading” was all about. When we returned home, suddenly, there was talk about a “lockdown” and the shutting down of entire countries in Europe, and we in the United States were soon to follow. That shutdown happened. We were told the shutdown would be 15 days to flatten the curve so that hospitals could handle the overwhelming numbers of people admitted.
We also heard about “essential services” and “non-essential services.” Grocery stores were essential, and guidelines were given for those who needed to shop. Elderly people even had special times to shop. Of course, healthcare workers, police officers, emergency personnel, sanitation workers, pharmacists, and others were considered essential, and indeed they were.
Then there were the lists of non-essentials that ranged from “gyms” to restaurants and bars. Most small retail shops or barbershops and hair salons were non-essential. Churches were considered non-essential, and still, in many states, churches face restrictions on the number of people who can occupy their buildings. For sacramental churches, like the CEC, that meant there were no Eucharists, no baptisms, no weddings, no funerals, no last rites at the hospitals (clergy were even forbidden to visit dying parishioners), or any other sacramental rite available to the people of God. Thank the Lord for the internet, as the churches could go virtual and minister to the people. The Church established an online presence. But, while churches were considered non-essential abortion, clinics were deemed essential. While medical procedures and other medical services were put on hold as non-essential, abortion was a procedure that was deemed to be essential.
The pandemic put life and death before us. As the numbers of hospitalized patients and those dying from COVID increased, we faced a new pandemic of “fear.” On the positive side, we became deeply concerned about the vulnerable among us in nursing homes, long-term living facilities, assisted living centers, and senior living facilities. Thousands died in these facilities, and the medical community told us outright that the elderly were most at risk and most likely not to survive the virus. The elderly who lived at home were advised to avoid contact with their children and grandchildren. Contact with an asymptomatic child could result in being infected and death. Those who are isolated from the community’s daily life were now even more isolated to be protected from this virus of death.
It is good that soon a vaccine will be available. Healthcare workers and these seniors in facilities will be the first to receive the vaccine, followed by senior citizens who have underlying health issues. Soon those with other diseases will receive treatment. And perhaps our hearts will be changed in our appreciation for the elderly among us. Hopefully, the Church will be awakened to the concerns of our elderly.
Throughout it all, abortion clinics, however, remained open. Abortion clinics were an “essential service.” While society rightfully cared for the elderly, they ignored the preborn — innocent little children who rely totally on others for their protection and life. These babies were still disposable. While politicians ran for office on the handling or mishandling of the Coronavirus, there was little concern or even awareness that some of the candidates ran on a platform that advocated the right to abort a baby up to the moment of birth, and, even in some cases, to allow a baby to die after birth.
The Church is always called to be present during human suffering with the message of life. Our faith is based on a God who suffered among us. It is right and a good thing that many churches ministered to those suffering from COVID. It is also right and good that the Church advocates for the poor, the widow, the fatherless, the single mothers, the disenfranchised, the homeless, the hungry, those in prison, immigrants, and those seeking freedom from tyranny. These are pro-life concerns. The Church needs to proclaim life into these situations, or as some say, we have a ministry of life from the womb to the tomb.
During the pandemic, we continue to have concern for everyone who is at risk, who has the disease, and especially those who mourn the death of a loved one because of the disease. We mourn the loss of almost 300,000 who have died from COVID and pray the new vaccine will end this horror. We continue to preach life and not give in to a fear of death.
Yet, we must also continue to cry out with a loud voice for the preborn babies’ right to life. As of this year, almost 40,000,000 abortions were performed worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. That is 125,000 babies a day. In the United States, roughly 3,000 preborn babies die every day at the hands of abortionists. We are told that 22% of all pregnancies in American end in abortion. There are more babies aborted in parts of New York City than brought to a full-term pregnancy and birth. We cannot get quality of life if we continue to destroy life. Death cannot be a solution to injustice or oppression. That is not good news.
A great deal of progress has been made over the past few years in bringing about change and saving babies’ lives. Abortion clinics continue to close, and some states could soon become “abortion free” states. The courts are now more “friendly” to pro-life cases and rule in favor of the right to life and the protection of the preborn. We could face some setbacks in the next few years, but we will continue to fight to be a voice for the voiceless. (Thank you to all who continue to pray at the abortion mills regularly. Persevere and do not give up.)
A lot still needs to be done on all different levels if we are to win and find a day when abortion will not only be illegal, but unthinkable. We must continue to work towards the day when the truth that God loves the unborn child, and that God loves the mother who has tragically presented herself for abortion, is understood. Our churches should be centers of life and healing for all the little children, for families in crisis, for single mothers, the fatherless, and the widows.
Churches should be a voice for the poor and a place where mercy and justice meet at the cross. We must work towards the day when death is not considered a solution; rather, choices of life for both mother and baby are more obvious and more available.
This is going to take a change of heart. The Pro-life movement is a Gospel movement. We need to support our clergy in preaching and teaching the Gospel of life from womb to tomb. We need to raise a generation that continues in the fight until the right to life is a reality for all. We need to raise a generation that has the heart of God. This is what CEC for Life is all about. Though the end of abortion is a primary concern of CEC for Life, it does not mean the leadership of CEC for Life is not concerned about all life. The battle cry is “All Life is Sacred.”
The Charismatic Episcopal Church was birthed in the Pro-Life movement and the “cultural wars” of the past few decades. As a people, God spoke to us and drew us into the life of the ancient and historic Church. We saw and continue to see that through liturgy and sacraments, along with preaching the Good News and the transformation of the heart, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit (the Lord and giver of Life), we join in a cultural war that has been raging since the beginning of time.
The cross of Christ is a cultural war, and victory was won on that cross in the wounds of Christ Jesus and the shedding of His blood. We found out that, as we participate in His life, and particularly His death, we find that ultimate gift of life, the resurrection and defeat of death. This truth is lived out every day in our people, but particularly in the praise and thanksgiving of the Eucharist Feast.
On January 17th, the third Sunday of the Christmas season, the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church celebrates a feast in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord and Giver of Life. During the Eucharist, an offering is to be taken where we ask every participant and member of the ICCEC to give generously to the pro-life work of our communion. We also ask every clergy, along with every parish, to partner with CEC for Life by submitting their membership request for the year.
I can only ask you to give generously, which most of you do.
What more will we do? We will persevere with the Gospel, knowing that in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. We will continue to pray at abortion clinics. We will continue to work with other Pro-Life groups. We will continue to raise up a generation around the world who are Gospel activists. We will continue to equip the Church with the message of life.
Please once again join us. Be a part of a godly solution and a warrior for life.
Every year on the Sunday closest to All Saints’ Day, the Charismatic Episcopal Church of North America takes of a special offering to help our brothers and sisters in the developing world. Please read this letter from Abp. Craig Bates, the Patriarch of the ICCEC, and prayerfully consider giving to support this offering this Sunday.
To the Bishops, Clergy and People of God in the Charismatic Episcopal Church of North America,
The year 2020 has been an interesting year and it is not yet over. We are still in a pandemic. We are not sure of the future regarding that pandemic. Is there going to be a vaccine by the end of the year or early next year? Are we going to have a second wave? Are we to believe, as some have suggested, that the darkest days are ahead of us, or that we are on the verge of a breakthrough in treatment and prevention?
We are also experiencing economic recovery, though I hear that is slowing down. Some businesses are still shut down. Many are facing the loss of income and it has put them in hard times. It seems that congress has stalled, and they are caught up in partisan politics and plays for power rather than finding ways to assist so many hurting people.
We are in an election cycle that has become more divisive than I can remember. I know of people who have lost long-standing friendships over politics. I know people who are afraid to express their opinions for fear of retaliation. I am uncertain what is going to happen no matter who wins the election. Could we be in for a more divisive atmosphere?
Someone said to me that they normally don’t stay up on New Year’s Eve, but this year they will make sure they are wide awake at midnight. Not so much to welcome in the New Year but to make sure 2020 leaves.
The life of the Church has gone on during all of this and will continue to go on after it is all over and we face the next thing. The life of the Church and her mission is not determined by the course of world events or circumstances, but it is determined by the Holy Spirit. Our mission is still focused on the King and the Kingdom. In this pandemic and this election cycle, the Word continues to be preached and the sacraments are being administered. While we are forced to embrace the virtual world, we have discovered so many means of not surviving but increasing our outreach and our ability to preach the Good News.
I remember hearing a sermon on giving when I was a young pastor. It was a sermon that changed my perspective on giving to the Lord and His work. It led me to believe that life is meant to be a life of giving and not taking. In other words, the quality of life is determined not by what we get out of life, but what we put into life from our time, our talents, and our treasures.
The preacher was talking about what to do in time of lacking finances and resources. The sermon was given in the late seventies when the nation was in the midst of run-away inflation, interest rates were at 18%, unemployment was extremely high, and we were lacking oil and gas. The shortages forced many Americans to stand in gas lines (if there was gas). I remember as a pastor having meeting after meeting about how we were going to heat the Church and if we were going to meet our small budget at the end of the year.
When I saw this teaching called “attack your lack” on a cassette tape (remember those) I immediately picked it up and listened to it. The central point of the message is that lack is not an obstacle but an opportunity to move by faith. He said it made no sense but the victory over lack is to give more away. If you are in need then you need to give at the point of your need. He said we are called to put our treasure where we want our heart to go and our heart should be going more and more into the direction of trusting God.
I know many are facing lack in the CEC. But God has a plan, and it is giving of our time, talent, and treasure into the work of the Kingdom. God’s resources are unlimited, and He is ready to provide for us and it might be miraculously. I have found this teaching to be true over the 40 years I have served as a pastor and have tried to follow Jesus. So the Mission offering gives me and you a means of releasing our faith into the work of God in East Africa.
So much has been accomplished through your generosity. We have schools, a seminary, churches, orphanages, water projects, and a host of other ministries. One hundred percent of the offering gathered on Mission Sunday goes to developing projects that generate money to increase the work of the Lord. There is a short video on CEC-NA or can be made available to you to watch and show you people. I hope every Cathedral shows the video and you can join them and watch it yourself.
We need to attack our lack. It is time to trust more and more in God’s provision for us, because He is trustworthy, and His promises are true. It is not a time to worry. It is time to step up and step out with the message of Jesus. As we release our faith in Christ, we will find that even in our desperation He will hear and answer our prayer. We will give generously and then expect God to release blessings in abundance because He is a generous God.
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.
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?
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.”
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.
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.
The Gospel of John chapter 10 and verse 10 reports Jesus telling His disciples that He came that we might have life and have life abundantly. It is through the sacraments and the Scriptures that we find the essence and fullness of human life, now and for all eternity. John further records in John 14:6 that life is not a “concept” or merely something “spiritual” but is the person of Jesus. The person of Jesus shows that, in the eyes of God, all human life is not only good and sacred but is the focus of His love in Jesus and therefore worthy of redemption.
Every Christmas season the whole world and especially the Church are reminded that the God and King of the entire universe has become human in the womb of a virgin. Not human for a time, but for all time. He never abandons His humanity but takes humanity, through His death and resurrection, upon His Kingdom throne and sits in His humanity over all creation. This Christ Jesus, whom we worship because of His humanity and divinity, is God with us to never leave us.
The Church is called to proclaim that Jesus is Lord. He is the truth. Our task is not to debate the world about this truth but to proclaim this truth. Our convincing the world of this truth is far more profound than just discourse with our society and culture about truth; it is the presentation of Christ in us in the world. We are to live out the truth that is revealed to us by living that revelation in the culture and society in which we dwell.
I am absolutely opposed to abortion. I believe abortion is never necessary. I believe abortion is the taking of human life and, in some cases, not only killing but murder. I am abhorred by any abortion but particularly by late-term abortion and by those who are now comfortable even with infanticide. I am appalled by those who march forward with advocating abortion for any reason whatsoever, including genetic selection, gender selection, and racial selection.
Because I am opposed to abortion in this manner, I am often challenged with the charge that “being pro-life is more than being anti-abortion.” Of course to be pro-life is to be more than anti-abortion. And, the church, particularly the ancient and historic church, has always been in the forefront of proclaiming the dignity of human life. The church is called to bring life, not only for the salvation of our souls, but in the food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, and shelter for the homeless. The church has always embraced a welcome to strangers and refugees. The church has always visited those in prison and declared release to those who are in bondage to sin, the world, and the devil.
Drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual promiscuity, greed, materialism, consumerism, poverty, domestic violence, and the sex trade industry are breeding grounds for the killing of the unborn. The church must bring the Gospel of life and the light of that Gospel into those areas of darkness. The Gospel is the way to address these horrors.
At this moment in our history, we are confronted in the United States with around 3,000 abortions a day or 1,095,000 a year. Around the world there are more than 100,000 abortions a day or 36,500,000 a year. More abortions committed in one day than in all of World War II.
Abortion is not a legal issue or a political issue, though we need to address the issue in the courts and in the legislature. Abortion is a moral issue and an issue of the soul. Mother Teresa reminds us that a country that allows the killing of its infants in the womb has lost its soul. Have the nations of the world who have permitted and legalized this murder of children lost their soul, particularly the United States?
Because this is a moral issue our primary weapons are not carnal but spiritual to the tearing down of this stronghold of death. Prayer must be at the front of the Pro-Life movement. Through prayer that is sustained, not for days, but for day after day, we are going to see spiritual victories won in the physical realm. We are going to see the Gospel lived out in the flesh of transformed lives living out the Pro-Life discipline of discipleship. Abortion will end because we will see it for the evil that it is and always will be.
For this reason, at the core of the mission of CEC for Life is prayer. We know we belong in front of abortion mills, as well as places where abortion mills are being constructed, to stand and pray. We do the
Liturgy for the Preborn at the Time of Death because this is what the Church is called to do. We are called to pray.
Secondly, we educate the church on the issue of abortion. We keep the church informed of victories that are happening around the world. We educate people on how they can work in their own church and in their communities to end abortion. And, particularly, we educate young adults for the future of this ministry. They are the generation that will end abortion.
The CEC is not a church that is Pro-Life; it is a Pro-Life church. From the beginning we have been given signs and symbols to make visible the Pro-Life message, and not only on Sunday morning. We are a communion of people birthed in the jails of Los Angeles and around the country, making visible the Gospel of Life. We are a Church that knows we are to identify with the preborn, the woman in crisis, those in need of healing from abortion, and with those who seek freedom from the abortion industry.
On January 19th, the third Sunday of the Christmas season, the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church celebrates a feast in honor of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord and Giver of Life. During the Eucharist, an offering is to be taken where we ask every participant and member of the ICCEC to give generously to the Pro-Life work of our communion. We also ask every clergy, along with every parish, to partner with CEC for Life by submitting their membership request for the year.
I know you will want to participate with me in this holy work. I know you will want to give sacrificially and generously. Go to our website and see all that is happening because of your generosity and the blessing of God.
One of the horrific wars of the 20th century was fought in Europe it is called the First World War or some called it the “war to end all wars.” It is estimated that between 15 million and 19 million died in the conflict and 23 million were wounded. The war to end all wars ended with a treaty intended to bring peace. However, it led to the rise of fascism and the Nazi Party and the outbreak of the Second World War where an estimated 70 to 85 million people died. This was about three percent of the world’s population. These two wars mean that some call the 20th century, the most violent in humanity’s history.
Yet despite the horror of these two wars, other wars, and those that continue to take place there are incredible stories of light, courage, and hope. The ravages of the two wars gave rise to a list of Christian men and women who, today, provide examples of how to live in and with suffering. Their lives pointed to something far greater and beyond the horrors of war and the inhumanity of man. I have several favorites, from this time, including St. Maximillian Kolbe, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), and Dietrich Bonhoeffer who died at the hands of the Nazi’s in concentration/death camps. Also, Corrie Ten Bloom, who spent time in a concentration camp and survived influenced, has influenced other’s walk with the Lord, particularly regarding reconciliation.
Europe was forever changed as a result of these two wars and the evil of genocide not only in Germany but in the Soviet Union where over 20 million died at the hand of communism. Many had their faith challenged, and they rejected the Church and her message. A large portion of Western Europe that has surrendered to the values of secular humanism still experience this rejection. Now, countries that were once the center of Christian life and thought have an attendance of less than 5% of the population. This suggests that the Church failed to answer the deep discouragement and hopelessness of war. Despite this, some of the greatest theological works originated from that time. Some of these works are from great authors like C.S. Lewis, Karl Barth, and others.
One story from the first World War has always stood out in my mind. There are many but this one is so unique.
World War I was fought in trenches. These trenches were cold and wet. Two thousand Americans and seventy-five thousand British soldiers died of trench foot; a disease caused by feet and socks that didn’t dry. Thousands more had feet and legs amputated from the same disease. World War I also introduced gas warfare. Men died horrible deaths. One can barely read the effects that gas warfare had on the dying person because it is so graphic. It is no wonder, that despite many nations storing toxic gases, every civilized society has condemned the use of chemical gases in warfare.
The young men in the trenches suffered. During suffering, Pope Benedict, on December 7,1914 called for a truce but the warring governments refused to heed his plea. But on Christmas Eve of 1914, the soldiers themselves put down their weapons. Across the no-man’s land (the area between the opposing trenches) the British soldiers heard the German soldiers singing Christmas Carols. Some suggest that the first carol was Silent Night sung in German to which the British sang the same back in English. On Christmas Day, the Germans, unarmed crossed into the no man’s land with gifts for the British soldiers. The British did not trust them at first but eventually they too entered the land and gave gifts to the Germans. For a moment, if only so briefly there was “peace on earth.” The war resumed on December 26th. And, it took four more years before a very fragile and vindictive treaty was signed. A treaty that historians tell us was doomed to fail.
Christ was among the suffering; he was in the trenches singing hymns with them. Christ was with them amid the darkness. Christ enters the darkness of humanity by becoming complete and perfectly human to redeem humanity and restore it to its proper dignity and worth. Christ becomes human and takes it upon Himself to be the enemy of death defeating our enemy and making it the very means by which we are born again into eternal life. We can now participate in His death and so know the power of His resurrection, seating us with Him in the place we belong both now and then.
It is incredible that God became a baby. God became a helpless dependent baby, born of a human mother making every womb a holy sanctuary of life. The creator God became dependent on His creation for food, shelter, warmth, and even human affection. God reveals Himself not as wrathful or vengeful but in love with humanity (John 3.16) by coming to us in humanity. It is the gift Him that is the mystery that silenced a war. It is also the mystery that silences the stirring and rumblings of a restless soul. As St. Augustine wrote, “you have made us for yourself and our souls are restless until they find their rest in you.”
The Incarnation we see at Christmas time is God’s solution to the problem of evil, whether it be from war, genocide, or the horror of the modern holocaust of abortion.
The Incarnation is God’s solution to the continual fight against sin, the world and the devil. The Incarnation is that which turns sinners into saints – even martyrs. The Incarnation is that which gives us hope. The Incarnation calls us out of fear and compels us to seek that which is greater than the horrors in the trenches.
There is so much suffering in the world even today. But our faith tells us that we will always find Him among the suffering and the poor, in the prisoner, the stranger, the hungry, the thirsty, and the homeless. We will always find Him fully human and divine in a small piece of bread and a sip of wine. Forever Christ is with us – Emmanuel.
I pray each of you, no matter what your circumstances, will find a moment to ponder, like Mary, the mystery of infant Jesus. I pray you have a most blessed Advent and Christmas.
Father Scott Looker 
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.
SJL 
