The Patriarch’s Message for Pentecost

Pentecost 2022

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

Pentecost
Pentecost

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch

The Patriarch’s Letter on the Feast of the Ascension

Shrine of the Martyrs

One of the highlights of my ministry was a visit to Midland, Ontario, Canada, and the Shrine of the Martyrs.  This Roman Catholic Church was built to honor the lives and deaths of Fathers Jean de Brebeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, Antony Daniel, Charles Garnier, Isaac Jogues, Oblates Rene Goupil, and John de Lalande.  These men were part of the Jesuits who came to the new world to bring the Gospel to Canada’s aboriginal or indigenous people.  This particular group was sent from Quebec to minister to the Huron Tribe in Ontario, Canada.

They built a compound on the banks of the Wye River, which flows into the beautiful Georgian Bay.  Ultimately it included not only a residence, but a Chapel, a school, a medical facility, and farmland and storage for food.  Their story is an incredible story of sacrificial love for the Huron people.  Eventually, they were martyred at the hands of the Iroquois tribe, who blamed the Jesuits for the outbreak of smallpox.

Shrine of the Martyrs

Beside the beautiful Church of the Martyrs in Midland, (Shrine of the Martyrs) is the national historic site Sante-Marie Among the Hurons Mission.  It is located under the site of the reconstructed 17th-century Jesuit mission.  The current site presents reconstructed European-style mission buildings, including barracks and workshops, Iroquoian-type longhouses, and a chapel situated within a wooden palisade fortification.

If my memory is correct, we had three clergy retreats at the National Historic Site.  The Jesuit Priest, who was responsible for the site and served at the Church of the Martyrs (Shrine of the Martyrs), permitted us, on each occasion, to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at the Chapel.  Each time, those present could sense an incredible anointing as we united ourselves with Christ, but also with the lives of the martyrs.  I hope to return someday.

I learned a great deal about the mission work of the 17th century in Canada.  As part of our visit, we were given a “special” tour of the facility.  It was led by a trained guide who was also a devote catholic and historian.  He spoke eloquently about the cultural and language differences between the Huron and the Jesuits (who were from France).  Everything emphasized their differences from clothing, food, religious practices, framing methods, and especially language.  The Jesuits attempted to live among the Huron, trying to learn their language and culture, while at the same time, after winning their trust, to bring the message of salvation found in Christ Jesus.

Imagine the faith of these men who left the comforts of Europe to come to the wilderness of Canada with the sole purpose of bringing souls to Christ.  They went with the French military and entrepreneurs who wanted to colonize Canada and gain wealth and resources for themselves and their homeland. They went along to establish the Church in the French Settlements along the St. Laurence River, particularly Quebec City, and minister to the French population.  But this group of eight left not only the comfort of Paris, France, but even the comfort of Quebec to go among the very rural and rustic areas of the Huron people. They were compelled to bring the love of God.

I could write a great deal more about these men, particularly Jean de Brebeuf.

Over the last few months, there have been many ordinations to the diaconate and priesthood in the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia.  Most of these ordinations are young men who will shepherd the CEC into the next generation.  Their success with be in their love for God and His people and their faithfulness to the mission God has given to them under their Bishop.

Some will be called to go where there are very limited resources.  Some will be called to places where there is famine and civil war.  Others will be called to minister to the Asian immigrant community in Europe.  Others will go to areas of poverty and lack of education to bring the message of the Gospel as well as the hope of education for the children.  Others will find themselves either in or on the borders of poverty where the majority of the children are fatherless, and the mothers are prisoners to the tyranny of the welfare state.

Whatever the circumstances, there is great work to be accomplished by the people of the CEC.  God will bless us.  Our success will be in “going” outside of the Church building and being, like those martyrs, light.

We are not allowed the luxury of discouragement, particularly if we are going to find our identity beyond the walls of the local church and beyond the space and time limitations.  We are part of the universal church throughout the ages who know that the glory of God is found in Christ crucified and risen.  And our marketing and branding are living our Crucifixion and Resurrection in our day-to-day lives.

Do not be afraid.  Do not be discouraged.  Put your hope in the Lord.  As we await the Feast of the Ascension and Pentecost, let us pray for the renewal of the Church.  Let us pray for that renewal by asking the Lord Holy Spirit to renew in us the faith of the Martyrs of North America.

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch

 

Easter Celebration Continues

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

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

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

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

Celebrate Christ’s Ascension and the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Forty days after His Resurrection, Our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven.  Ten days later the Holy Spirit descended on the Feast of Pentecost.  Join with Church of the Messiah as we celebrate these momentous events in the life of Christ and His Church.

The celebration begins on Wednesday, May 24th, when we commemorate Our Lord’s return to Heaven on the Feast of the Ascension.  From six o’clock til 6:45, we will have a Soup Supper Fellowship Meal.  At seven o’clock our service for The Ascension begins.  There will be praise and worship, readings from Holy Scripture, a teaching about this rarely discussed moment in the life of Christ and His Church, as well as Holy Communion.  In addition, Church of the Messiah’s Youth Group will meet this evening and childcare is provided for those up to 5th grade.  The service will end in time for everyone to be home to prepare for school and work the next day.

Then we join with the Apostles and Disciples in a powerful time of prayerful waiting on the Lord.  Sunday morning, May 28th, we will have our “in between times” service beginning at ten o’clock in the morning.  This powerful service reflects the time in between the Ascension and Pentecost when Jesus’ followers “all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication” (Acts 1:14), awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Our Sunday morning service, includes praise and worship, readings from Holy Scripture and a Bible-based teaching, as well and children’s Sunday School, and Communion.

On Wednesday, May 31st, we break from our normal Wednesday night routine and host a special service where we will be waiting on the Presence of the Lord.  We will still gather from 6:00-6:45, but on this night we will have a grilled cook out with hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the sides.  At seven o’clock our service begins but instead of a teaching we will have an extended time of praise and worship throughout our service.  We will still have childcare provided during the service and our service will still end in time for everyone to be home to prepare for school and work on Thursday morning.

Finally, on Sunday, June 4th, join with us beginning at 10 o’clock as we celebrate the Descent of the Holy Spirit and the Birth of the Church on the Feast of Pentecost.  This is one of the most powerful days in the whole history of the Church and we would love for you to join us as we commemorate this miraculous morning when three thousand believers came into the Kingdom of God.

For more information, please visit our website, e-mail us, or call us directly at 904-721-4199.  To God be all the glory for these amazing moments in the life of Christ and the Church.  Please join us as we celebrate them all!

Church of the Messiah Called to Ten Days of Prayer

Coptic Pentecost IconWednesday night, at the service to commemorate the Ascension of Our Lord, Fr. Scott Looker called every member of Church of the Messiah to ten days of prayer.  The first chapter of Acts of the Apostles describes how Jesus ascended into Heaven and how, before He was exalted, He said to His disciples, “you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now,” and, “you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:5,8)  The disciples returned to Jerusalem and for ten days “continued with one accord in prayer and supplication” (Acts 1:14) until the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon them and the Church was changed forever.  Mindful of these Scriptures, and reflecting on the teaching heard in the “Preparing for Pentecost” series throughout April, Fr. Looker called every member of Church of the Messiah “vigorously, earnestly, with intention” to  pray until the Day of Pentecost.  Each member is called to pray:

“For ten days, at some point in time every day, I want every member of Church of the Messiah to be praying that, corporately and individually, we have breakthrough and we have harvest, and that when Pentecost comes, we have more than we can ask or imagine.”

You can hear the entire call to ten days of prayer (< 2 minutes) by clicking the link below.  Pray expectantly for the next ten days and see what glory God will do when the Day of Pentecost arrives!

Church of the Messiah Observes the Eve of the Ascension this Wednesday

AscensionThis Wednesday night, at 7 o’clock, Church of the Messiah will celebrate and commemorate an incredible event in the life of Christ.  Forty days after Our Lord rose from the dead on Easter morning, Jesus gathered together with the Disciples and “while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9)  With His Ascension into Heaven, Jesus left behind His incarnate earthly ministry and took His place at the right hand of the Father.

Join with Church of the Messiah as we gather to remember Christ rejoining His Father in Heaven and continuously interceding on our behalf.  We will celebrate this Feast with praise and worship, Biblical teaching, intercessory prayer and anointing, and the Holy Eucharist.  Childcare will be provided.  Celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord this Wednesday night beginning at 7 o’clock.

Tonight We Celebrate the Ascension!

The Ascension of Our LordThe Bible study might have ended but the Fifty Days of Glory are not over yet!  Tonight, Wednesday, May 28th, Church of the Messiah, will observe the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven.  The Ascension is the culmination of Our Lord’s ministry on earth and the scene of His final words to His Apostles before returning to the right hand of His Father in Heaven.  The Ascension also marks the start of the ten days of waiting until the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost!  This is truly a momentous event in the Life of Christ.

The service begins at seven o’clock and will be a Eucharistic service as we will celebrate this occasion by partaking in the Body and Blood of Our Lord.  Childcare will be provided tonight.  Make plans to fellowship with Our Lord and one another tonight as we commemorate this powerful moment in the history of salvation.