A Letter from Archbishop Beach on the Diocese of the Upper Midwest
July 10, 2021
Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Anglican Church in North America,
This past Spring, the Diocese of the Upper Midwest engaged a third-party investigative firm to review its handling over the past two years of revelations and allegations of sexual abuse by a Lay Catechist in one of their congregations. Due to the Anglican Church in North America’s governance principle of subsidiarity, Canonical responsibility and authority in these matters rests with the local diocese. However, the bishop and the diocese have now formally requested that the Province become involved, and I want to apprise you of this matter.
This week, on July 8th, 2021, I received a request for a leave of absence from Bishop Stewart Ruch, III, Bishop of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest. Bishop Ruch requested this with a desire “to create any needed space for the Province to take next steps regarding this serious matter and to assure the people in the diocese as well as the survivors involved that there will be a transparent and independent process.” I have granted Bishop Ruch permission for this leave, effective immediately.
Later that day, I received a request from the Bishop’s Council (Standing Committee) of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest asking that the Province take up oversight of the investigation into mishandling of abuse charges in the diocese. The Bishop’s Council has also requested a review of their diocesan leadership structures. I have agreed to both requests.
A Provincial Response Team is being formed by Provincial leaders to take oversight of this process, committed to act with thorough professionalism and with deep care for the survivors. This team will include diverse representation of women and men with experience in these areas. We are prayerful and hopeful that this will help bring forth truth and confidence so healing and restoration can be facilitated.
The Provincial Response Team will be responsible to select all appropriate entities for this investigation and for the care of survivors. The Team will continue to engage with the survivors throughout the investigation and to conduct this investigation with transparency and integrity. The Province takes this seriously and desires to “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7) and to “conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27).
Additionally, I will appoint a team in coordination with the Provincial Governance Task Force to review the diocesan leadership structures and cooperate with the Provincial Response Team to any extent necessary.
We will provide timely updates as this process moves forward. If you or anyone you know has questions or comments, you are welcome to email the Provincial Response Team at this email address: provresponseteam@anglicanchurch.net.
I ask for your regular prayers and intercessions for those who have been harmed and now suffer, the clergy and people of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest, Bishop Ruch and his family, and the Provincial Response Team who will now have oversight of this process.
In Christ Jesus,
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach
Archbishop and Primate
The Anglican Church in North America
View this letter on the ACNA website here.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Anglican Church in North America,
This past Spring, the Diocese of the Upper Midwest engaged a third-party investigative firm to review its handling over the past two years of revelations and allegations of sexual abuse by a Lay Catechist in one of their congregations. Due to the Anglican Church in North America’s governance principle of subsidiarity, Canonical responsibility and authority in these matters rests with the local diocese. However, the bishop and the diocese have now formally requested that the Province become involved, and I want to apprise you of this matter.
This week, on July 8th, 2021, I received a request for a leave of absence from Bishop Stewart Ruch, III, Bishop of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest. Bishop Ruch requested this with a desire “to create any needed space for the Province to take next steps regarding this serious matter and to assure the people in the diocese as well as the survivors involved that there will be a transparent and independent process.” I have granted Bishop Ruch permission for this leave, effective immediately.
Later that day, I received a request from the Bishop’s Council (Standing Committee) of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest asking that the Province take up oversight of the investigation into mishandling of abuse charges in the diocese. The Bishop’s Council has also requested a review of their diocesan leadership structures. I have agreed to both requests.
A Provincial Response Team is being formed by Provincial leaders to take oversight of this process, committed to act with thorough professionalism and with deep care for the survivors. This team will include diverse representation of women and men with experience in these areas. We are prayerful and hopeful that this will help bring forth truth and confidence so healing and restoration can be facilitated.
The Provincial Response Team will be responsible to select all appropriate entities for this investigation and for the care of survivors. The Team will continue to engage with the survivors throughout the investigation and to conduct this investigation with transparency and integrity. The Province takes this seriously and desires to “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7) and to “conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27).
Additionally, I will appoint a team in coordination with the Provincial Governance Task Force to review the diocesan leadership structures and cooperate with the Provincial Response Team to any extent necessary.
We will provide timely updates as this process moves forward. If you or anyone you know has questions or comments, you are welcome to email the Provincial Response Team at this email address: provresponseteam@anglicanchurch.net.
I ask for your regular prayers and intercessions for those who have been harmed and now suffer, the clergy and people of the Diocese of the Upper Midwest, Bishop Ruch and his family, and the Provincial Response Team who will now have oversight of this process.
In Christ Jesus,
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach
Archbishop and Primate
The Anglican Church in North America
View this letter on the ACNA website here.
ADGL Welcomes New Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Mark A. Engel
February 15, 2021 - Kate Krumreig, ADGL Communications Director
Consecration service was held while adhering to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks were removed for brief moments as this photo was taken.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Psalm 100: 1-3
Congratulations to the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes on the Ordination and Consecration of their bishop, The Right Reverend Mark A. Engel! Bishop Engel's Ordination and Consecration service took place on Saturday, February 13, at the Old Stone Chapel in Canton, OH. If you'd like to view the recorded service, click one of the following links:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/2muCOmt0p4E
Facebook: https://fb.watch/3JnqcOOJ_3/
Please note that Bishop Engel has a new email address: bpengel@adgl.us Please add this new email address as his primary contact information in your own email contacts so as to prevent his emails going to your spam folder.
Also, please continue to pray for Bishop Mark, and his wife, Terri, and the diocese as we all embark on this exciting chapter in the ADGL!
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Psalm 100: 1-3
Congratulations to the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes on the Ordination and Consecration of their bishop, The Right Reverend Mark A. Engel! Bishop Engel's Ordination and Consecration service took place on Saturday, February 13, at the Old Stone Chapel in Canton, OH. If you'd like to view the recorded service, click one of the following links:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/2muCOmt0p4E
Facebook: https://fb.watch/3JnqcOOJ_3/
Please note that Bishop Engel has a new email address: bpengel@adgl.us Please add this new email address as his primary contact information in your own email contacts so as to prevent his emails going to your spam folder.
Also, please continue to pray for Bishop Mark, and his wife, Terri, and the diocese as we all embark on this exciting chapter in the ADGL!
Adam's Artwork
January 23, 2021 - Kate Krumreig - ADGL Communications Director
I was contacted earlier this week by The Rev. Dcn. Donna Purkis, clergy to The Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. She was excited to share with me about a current resident and his passion for creating visual art. She asked if it would be possible to share some of his work with our diocese. I am quite excited to introduce you to Adam!
This is Adam, age 89, and a Deaf Resident at the Home. He took four years of Art School in Glasgow, Scotland. Adam has been drawing for approximately 75 years and is pictured above with his composition of Jesus being baptized in the river Jordan. He is currently working on a drawing of the Last Supper which should be ready before Easter.
If anyone would like to send an email or letter to Adam about his drawing, it can be done through Jessica Oickle-Lemieux, Programs Coordinator at the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf, at joickle@bobrumball.org. He would love to hear from you!
This is Adam, age 89, and a Deaf Resident at the Home. He took four years of Art School in Glasgow, Scotland. Adam has been drawing for approximately 75 years and is pictured above with his composition of Jesus being baptized in the river Jordan. He is currently working on a drawing of the Last Supper which should be ready before Easter.
If anyone would like to send an email or letter to Adam about his drawing, it can be done through Jessica Oickle-Lemieux, Programs Coordinator at the Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf, at joickle@bobrumball.org. He would love to hear from you!
ADGL Selects The Very Rev. Mark Engel as Bishop-Elect
November 14, 2020 - Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
The Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes is pleased to announce the selection of The Very Rev. Mark Engel as our new Diocesan Bishop-elect. After a year-long process of prayer and discernment, the Lord has led us to a new bishop.
The ADGL held a Special Meeting of the Synod on Saturday, November 14, 2020, for the purpose of selecting a new bishop. There were two candidates in the final selection process: The Very Rev. Mark Engel and The Rev. Lamar Reece. There was a majority obtained in both houses (Clergy and Laity) for The Very Rev. Mark Engel.
Fr. Engel has pastored a number of churches during over 40 years of vocational ministry including 10 years in Taiwan as a missionary. When asked for comment, Fr. Engel said, "I am humbled by this charge that has been entrusted to me by the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes. Terri and I earnestly desire the prayers of God’s people that we may serve Jesus Christ and His Church faithfully and well."
The Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes is made up of 48 churches in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky as well as congregations in New York, Virginia and Canada.
We wish Fr. Engel and his wife Terri God's speed and blessing as they move forward in this new season of ministry to which he has called them.
The ADGL held a Special Meeting of the Synod on Saturday, November 14, 2020, for the purpose of selecting a new bishop. There were two candidates in the final selection process: The Very Rev. Mark Engel and The Rev. Lamar Reece. There was a majority obtained in both houses (Clergy and Laity) for The Very Rev. Mark Engel.
Fr. Engel has pastored a number of churches during over 40 years of vocational ministry including 10 years in Taiwan as a missionary. When asked for comment, Fr. Engel said, "I am humbled by this charge that has been entrusted to me by the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes. Terri and I earnestly desire the prayers of God’s people that we may serve Jesus Christ and His Church faithfully and well."
The Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes is made up of 48 churches in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky as well as congregations in New York, Virginia and Canada.
We wish Fr. Engel and his wife Terri God's speed and blessing as they move forward in this new season of ministry to which he has called them.
College of Bishops Sentences Ron Jackson
June 3, 2020 - Anglican Church in North America
Earlier this year, the Board of Inquiry, a panel required by the Anglican Church in North America’s Constitution and Canons, found cause for ecclesiastical charges to be brought against The Right Reverend Ron Jackson. These charges were brought forward after private, earlier efforts by the Archbishop and fellow bishops to facilitate restoration proved unfruitful.
On Tuesday, June 2, 2020, Bishop Jackson admitted to the use of pornography over many years and pleaded guilty to the charges of sexual immorality (Canon IV.2(6)) and conduct giving just cause for scandal or offense (Canon IV.2(4)).
According to Canon IV.8(2) it is the responsibility of the College of Bishops to impose a sentence when a bishop is guilty of an ecclesiastical charge. Meeting on June 2, 2020, the College voted to impose the sentence of deposition from the sacred ministry on Bishop Jackson. His holy orders have been removed, and he is no longer permitted to engage in ordained ministry in the Anglican Church in North America.
In making this decision, the College of Bishops grieved the victimization of those caught up in the pornography industry and lamented the impact that moral failure in leadership has upon the whole Church and its witness. They also expressed their love and concern for Ron and Patty Jackson and their whole family, and assured them of the College’s unqualified desire to see Ron continue in the process of repentance and healing.
Please continue to pray for all those involved in or affected by this situation.
Announcement can be found on the Anglican Church in North America website: http://anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/2053
On Tuesday, June 2, 2020, Bishop Jackson admitted to the use of pornography over many years and pleaded guilty to the charges of sexual immorality (Canon IV.2(6)) and conduct giving just cause for scandal or offense (Canon IV.2(4)).
According to Canon IV.8(2) it is the responsibility of the College of Bishops to impose a sentence when a bishop is guilty of an ecclesiastical charge. Meeting on June 2, 2020, the College voted to impose the sentence of deposition from the sacred ministry on Bishop Jackson. His holy orders have been removed, and he is no longer permitted to engage in ordained ministry in the Anglican Church in North America.
In making this decision, the College of Bishops grieved the victimization of those caught up in the pornography industry and lamented the impact that moral failure in leadership has upon the whole Church and its witness. They also expressed their love and concern for Ron and Patty Jackson and their whole family, and assured them of the College’s unqualified desire to see Ron continue in the process of repentance and healing.
Please continue to pray for all those involved in or affected by this situation.
Announcement can be found on the Anglican Church in North America website: http://anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/2053
Call for a Week of Prayer and Fasting
June 3-10, 2020 - Archbishop Foley Beach - Anglican Church in North America
Dearest People of God in the Anglican Church in North America:
I write you with a tremendous heaviness in my spirit and soul as I observe and participate in what is happening today in the United States of America. If ever there is a time for the people of God to fall on our faces before God and plead for his mercy and intervention, now is the time. As believers, we are given the privilege of coming to the Throne of Grace with our petitions and requests, and he promises to hear us. (1 John 5:14,15)
Consider what we have experienced in recent days and weeks:
Sisters and brothers, I am asking you to join me in spending the next week in prayer and fasting for North America (Wednesday, June 3 – Wednesday, June 10). For those who can fast the whole week, a day, or a meal, I ask you set aside time to intercede on behalf of your community, state, and nation.
Pray in the Holy Spirit and as the Holy Spirit leads you, and as you do, consider these petitions:
If you would like some specific prayers to help you pray, consider these from the Book of Common Prayer 2019 on pages 657-661:
Jesus said: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Luke 11:9,10)
Your brother in Jesus Christ,
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach
Archbishop and Primate, Anglican Church in North America
To see Archbishop Beach's original letter, visit: http://www.anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/2052
I write you with a tremendous heaviness in my spirit and soul as I observe and participate in what is happening today in the United States of America. If ever there is a time for the people of God to fall on our faces before God and plead for his mercy and intervention, now is the time. As believers, we are given the privilege of coming to the Throne of Grace with our petitions and requests, and he promises to hear us. (1 John 5:14,15)
Consider what we have experienced in recent days and weeks:
- Another senseless killing by a police officer of an unarmed black man, George Floyd.
- Hundreds of thousands of people participating in peaceful protests.
- The unleashing of a spirit of lawlessness where rioting, violence, destruction of businesses and properties (mostly minority owned), unbridled theft, personal assaults on bystanders, store owners, the elderly, and police officers.
- Covid-19 closing whole countries down, reportedly killing over 100,000 people in the U.S., over 7,000 in Canada, and over 10,000 in Mexico, and creating an economic calamity with tens of millions of people unemployed across North America.
- Numerous businesses and churches have had to close down and many will not reopen.
- Incredible generosity of strangers helping strangers in the midst of calamity.
Sisters and brothers, I am asking you to join me in spending the next week in prayer and fasting for North America (Wednesday, June 3 – Wednesday, June 10). For those who can fast the whole week, a day, or a meal, I ask you set aside time to intercede on behalf of your community, state, and nation.
Pray in the Holy Spirit and as the Holy Spirit leads you, and as you do, consider these petitions:
- Show me my own sin; reveal to me the darkness of my own heart (Ps.139:24)
- Reveal to me the repentance I need in my own life.
- The ending of the lawlessness and violence.
- Justice for those who have had their lives taken from them, especially George Floyd, and comfort for their families.
- Comfort for the family and friends of the thousands of people who have lost their lives because of Covid-19.
- Help for the millions who find themselves suddenly without a job.
- Provision for all those business owners who have lost their business because of rioting, for those who have insurance and those who do not.
- Strength for the health care workers, nurses, doctors, technicians in hospitals and medical facilities who continue to work fearlessly to save lives.
- Wisdom for our government and civil leaders as they seek to keep us safe both from the virus and from the violence in our cities.
- Food and provision for those who are hungry and in need.
- Fresh anointing for the Church of Jesus Christ to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and reach people who are hurting, suffering, alone, and in need.
- Specific acts of grace and mercy that You want me to carry out in this time.
If you would like some specific prayers to help you pray, consider these from the Book of Common Prayer 2019 on pages 657-661:
- #39 – For our Nation
- #40 – For All Sorts and Conditions of Men
- #41 – For Cities, Towns, and other Communities
- #42 – For the Human Family
- #43 – For Social Justice
- #44 – In Times of Social Conflict or Distress
- #45 – For Those Who Serve Others
- #46 – For Commerce and Industry
- #47 – For the Unemployed
- #48 – For Agriculture and Farming
- #49 – For Schools, Colleges, and Universities
- #50 – For the Medical Professions
- #51 – For Those Who Inform Public Opinion
Jesus said: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Luke 11:9,10)
Your brother in Jesus Christ,
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach
Archbishop and Primate, Anglican Church in North America
To see Archbishop Beach's original letter, visit: http://www.anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/2052
CARES Act and How It Can Help Your Parish
April 20, 2020 - Canon Ron Feister, Bob Raun, and Kate Krumreig
We all have concern regarding the effects of the pandemic on both our corporate and individual lives. The Standing Committee of the ADGL is reviewing information on the CARES Act and wishes to share the following information regarding qualifying for relief under the Paycheck Protection Program. Of significant interest is that the federal CARES Act can provide financial support to duly incorporated churches and faith-based organizations. Below you will find information and resources regarding the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
CARES Act
The 900-page, $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law on March 27, 2020. It is the third package enacted by Congress in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. Key Provisions of the Act include: Individual help, Employee retention credit, Unemployment insurance provisions, Charitable contributions, Delay of certain deadlines (particularly income tax filing deadline), and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). To read more about these Key Provisions, visit Church Law & Tax website: https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/march/overview-of-cares-act-for-churches.html
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The CARES Act establishes a new US Small Business Administration loan program called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small employers (including nonprofits and churches) with 500 or fewer employees to help prevent workers from losing their jobs and small businesses from failing due to economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides federally guaranteed loans to cover payroll and other operating expenses.
A few key points of the PPP:
Additional Information
It is strongly recommended that you be in contact with your parish’s financial institution/partner in order to investigate information specific to your church needs. Each vestry must make a determination based on need and advise from your legal and banking relationships.
Resources
Web Article: An Overview of the CARES Act for Churches https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/march/overview-of-cares-act-for-churches.html
Web Article: Churches and Faith-Based Organizations May Apply for CARES Act Loans https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/april/churches-and-faith-based-organizations-may-apply-for-cares-.html
Webinars related to the CARES act and the PPP:
The Who, What, Where, Why & How of Applying for the Paycheck Protection Program (rebroadcast)
HR in the Time of Coronavirus - Top 10 Questions Answered (April 8th @ 11 AM PST)
Managing Your Group Health Plan in the Age of Coronavirus (April 9th @ 1PM PST)
Information provided by “An overview of the CARES Act for Churches”. Richard R. Hammar, CPA. Church Law & Tax. https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/march/overview-of-cares-act-for-churches.html
CARES Act
The 900-page, $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law on March 27, 2020. It is the third package enacted by Congress in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. Key Provisions of the Act include: Individual help, Employee retention credit, Unemployment insurance provisions, Charitable contributions, Delay of certain deadlines (particularly income tax filing deadline), and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). To read more about these Key Provisions, visit Church Law & Tax website: https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/march/overview-of-cares-act-for-churches.html
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The CARES Act establishes a new US Small Business Administration loan program called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small employers (including nonprofits and churches) with 500 or fewer employees to help prevent workers from losing their jobs and small businesses from failing due to economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides federally guaranteed loans to cover payroll and other operating expenses.
A few key points of the PPP:
- To be eligible, the small employer (example: church) must have serious concern regarding maintaining payroll as a result of the pandemic. The Act requires eligible borrowers to make a good-faith certification that:
- the loan is necessary due to the uncertainty of current economic conditions caused by COVID-19; and
- they will use the funds to retain workers and maintain payroll, lease, and utility payments.
- The program is retroactive to February 15, 2020, to help bring workers who may have already been laid off back onto payrolls.
- The program provides loans of up to 250 percent (250%) of an employer’s average monthly payroll costs for the one-year period preceding the loan (excluding compensation over $100,000).
- The loan is forgiven in full if, during the eight-week period beginning when the church receives the loan, the money is spent entirely on:
- payroll costs
- group health care expenses
- interest on any mortgage obligations
- rent, including rent under a lease agreement
- interest on debt incurred before February 15, 2020
- utilities
- The amount of loan forgiveness is reduced based on an employer’s reduction in workers or wages according to a formula. Of note: declines in payroll between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020 do not reduce the amount of loan forgiveness if the employer returns to pre-decline levels by June 30, 2020.
- Again we emphasize any consideration of moving forward with this program should be accomplished in consultation with your financial advisors and banking relationship with the approval of the vestry.
- Any portion of a loan not forgiven is carried forward as an ongoing loan with a term of two years at 1 percent (1%) interest.
- The recipient applies for forgiveness through the lender.
- Applicants can apply for this loan until June 30, 2020.
Additional Information
It is strongly recommended that you be in contact with your parish’s financial institution/partner in order to investigate information specific to your church needs. Each vestry must make a determination based on need and advise from your legal and banking relationships.
Resources
Web Article: An Overview of the CARES Act for Churches https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/march/overview-of-cares-act-for-churches.html
Web Article: Churches and Faith-Based Organizations May Apply for CARES Act Loans https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/april/churches-and-faith-based-organizations-may-apply-for-cares-.html
Webinars related to the CARES act and the PPP:
The Who, What, Where, Why & How of Applying for the Paycheck Protection Program (rebroadcast)
HR in the Time of Coronavirus - Top 10 Questions Answered (April 8th @ 11 AM PST)
Managing Your Group Health Plan in the Age of Coronavirus (April 9th @ 1PM PST)
Information provided by “An overview of the CARES Act for Churches”. Richard R. Hammar, CPA. Church Law & Tax. https://www.churchlawandtax.com/web/2020/march/overview-of-cares-act-for-churches.html
The Rt. Rev. Roger C. Ames Named Bishop Emeritus of
the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
The Standing Committee, on behalf of the entire Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes, announces the bestowal of the honorific title of Bishop Emeritus of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes upon The Rt. Rev. Roger Copeland Ames. As we reflect upon the present strengths and future ministry potential of the ADGL, this honor recognizes Bishop Roger’s leadership as the founding bishop of the ADGL, his steadfast love for the congregants of the diocese, and his passion to stand before all to proclaim faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
In addition to being the Founding Diocesan Bishop of the ADGL, Bishop Roger most recently served as an Assisting Bishop for the past four years. Throughout the formative years of the diocese, Bishop Roger and Gretsie together persevered, provided leadership, withstood the onslaught of naysayers, and joyfully proclaimed the saving power of Jesus’ name.
We seek to honor Bishop Roger’s years of service and continued support while at the same time respecting his and Gretsie’s personal and family time in retirement. We are grateful for Bishop Roger’s willingness to engage in episcopal ministry to bless, strengthen, and encourage the clergy and parishes of the ADGL in specific and appropriate situations within our diocese throughout this transitional season. We look forward to the first suitable opportunity to publicly recognize Bishop Roger and Gretsie with this honor and to their continued presence among us for celebrations yet to come.
On Good Friday, members of The Presbyterian Church of America (PCA), the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) will share prayer resources and fast.
Archbishop Beach said, “Good Friday is one of the two days of prayer and fasting that all Anglicans are commended to observe. This Good Friday, April 10, is an especially appropriate time for everyone in the Anglican Church in North America to join with our Presbyterian brothers and sisters in Christ in this historic call to prayer and fasting. The Solemn Collects from our own Liturgy for Good Friday (BCP 2019 pgs. 566-571) are a helpful guide for prayer on this day.”
For more information, read the full ACNA article here.
Archbishop Beach said, “Good Friday is one of the two days of prayer and fasting that all Anglicans are commended to observe. This Good Friday, April 10, is an especially appropriate time for everyone in the Anglican Church in North America to join with our Presbyterian brothers and sisters in Christ in this historic call to prayer and fasting. The Solemn Collects from our own Liturgy for Good Friday (BCP 2019 pgs. 566-571) are a helpful guide for prayer on this day.”
For more information, read the full ACNA article here.
March 22, 2020
Update on the Investigation of Bishop Ronald Jackson
The Anglican Church in North America announced today that the Board of Inquiry has determined that there is probable cause for The Right Reverend Ronald Jackson to be brought to an ecclesiastical trial for canonical charges against him. The announcement on the ACNA website can be found here: http://www.anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/2010. The letter from the Board of Inquiry can be found here: Board of Inquiry Letter. Archbishop Foley Beach asks for prayer for all involved, including Bishop Jackson and his family, as this process continues.
The Anglican Church in North America announced today that the Board of Inquiry has determined that there is probable cause for The Right Reverend Ronald Jackson to be brought to an ecclesiastical trial for canonical charges against him. The announcement on the ACNA website can be found here: http://www.anglicanchurch.net/?/main/page/2010. The letter from the Board of Inquiry can be found here: Board of Inquiry Letter. Archbishop Foley Beach asks for prayer for all involved, including Bishop Jackson and his family, as this process continues.
Please welcome our Temporary Bishop,
Grant LeMarquand
March 21, 2020 - The Standing Committee of the ADGL
It is our pleasure to welcome Temporary Bishop Grant LeMarquand to the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes.
Bishop Grant LeMarquand is a native of Montreal, Canada. He gave his life to Christ while in High School in a somewhat dramatic fashion (long story) and has sought to be a grateful follower of Jesus ever since.
Grant is a graduate of McGill University and Montreal Diocesan Theological College. He married Wendy (née Beraha) in 1980. He was ordained deacon in 1983 and priest in 1984 and served two parishes in Montreal before he and Wendy went to Kenya as
missionaries of the Anglican Church of Canada where Grant taught at St Paul’s United Theological College in Limuru and Wendy served as the college physician from 1987-89. Those three years in Kenya gave Grant and Wendy a love for Africa which did not subside. Returning to Canada, Grant studied and then taught at Wycliffe College, Toronto where he completed a Th.D. in New Testament studies. Moving to Pittsburgh in 1998, Grant served until 2012 as Professor of Biblical Studies and Mission at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA. Throughout those years in Canada and the U.S. Grant was frequently able to return to Africa - both to do research and teach, and to lead short term mission trips of theological students.
From 2012 until 2017 Grant was the Area Bishop for The Horn of Africa within the Anglican/Episcopal Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa. His episcopal area apparently included oversight of approximately 38 churches in the countries of Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia and Ethiopia. However, when the LeMarquands arrived in Ethiopia there were
approximately 50 churches in the episcopal area (and only about a dozen clergy). There are now more than twenty clergy, about 150 churches. In addition to training and being responsible for the clergy of the region, and the building of numerous new churches, Grant supervised multiple programs including a literacy program, youth ministry, Sunday school teacher training, lay readers training, and emergency response to crises including fires, floods and new refugees. He also oversaw
the founding of a new theological college (St Frumentius’), which had its first graduation in June 2018.
In 2014 Wycliffe awarded him a D.D. and in 2015 he was made Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity School for Ministry. In 2015 Grant was commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury and by Pope Francis to be one of 38 IARCCUM (International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity and Mission) bishops.
Grant has written and edited numerous articles and books, including A Comparative Study of the Story of the Bleeding Woman in North Atlantic and African Contexts (Peter Lang), [with Marc Nikkel] Why Haven’t You Left? Letters from the Sudan (Church Publications), [with Joseph Galgalo] Challenges to Theological Education in Contemporary Africa: Reflections on Curriculum Development and Theological Method (Zapf), [with Chris Barrigar] The True and Living Word: Sermons from the Community of Wycliffe College (Anglican Book Centre). For further bibliography see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_LeMarquand.
Grant and Wendy returned to North America in November 2017 due to Wendy having some serious health problems. In the 2018-2019 academic year, Grant was Visiting Professor of New Testament at Trinity School for Ministry and has recently been appointed to be Professor of Mission and Director of the Stanway Institute for World Mission and Evangelism at Trinity.
Grant and Wendy have two grown children (David and Chara) and one grandchild (Samuel).
Bishop Grant LeMarquand is a native of Montreal, Canada. He gave his life to Christ while in High School in a somewhat dramatic fashion (long story) and has sought to be a grateful follower of Jesus ever since.
Grant is a graduate of McGill University and Montreal Diocesan Theological College. He married Wendy (née Beraha) in 1980. He was ordained deacon in 1983 and priest in 1984 and served two parishes in Montreal before he and Wendy went to Kenya as
missionaries of the Anglican Church of Canada where Grant taught at St Paul’s United Theological College in Limuru and Wendy served as the college physician from 1987-89. Those three years in Kenya gave Grant and Wendy a love for Africa which did not subside. Returning to Canada, Grant studied and then taught at Wycliffe College, Toronto where he completed a Th.D. in New Testament studies. Moving to Pittsburgh in 1998, Grant served until 2012 as Professor of Biblical Studies and Mission at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA. Throughout those years in Canada and the U.S. Grant was frequently able to return to Africa - both to do research and teach, and to lead short term mission trips of theological students.
From 2012 until 2017 Grant was the Area Bishop for The Horn of Africa within the Anglican/Episcopal Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa. His episcopal area apparently included oversight of approximately 38 churches in the countries of Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia and Ethiopia. However, when the LeMarquands arrived in Ethiopia there were
approximately 50 churches in the episcopal area (and only about a dozen clergy). There are now more than twenty clergy, about 150 churches. In addition to training and being responsible for the clergy of the region, and the building of numerous new churches, Grant supervised multiple programs including a literacy program, youth ministry, Sunday school teacher training, lay readers training, and emergency response to crises including fires, floods and new refugees. He also oversaw
the founding of a new theological college (St Frumentius’), which had its first graduation in June 2018.
In 2014 Wycliffe awarded him a D.D. and in 2015 he was made Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity School for Ministry. In 2015 Grant was commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury and by Pope Francis to be one of 38 IARCCUM (International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity and Mission) bishops.
Grant has written and edited numerous articles and books, including A Comparative Study of the Story of the Bleeding Woman in North Atlantic and African Contexts (Peter Lang), [with Marc Nikkel] Why Haven’t You Left? Letters from the Sudan (Church Publications), [with Joseph Galgalo] Challenges to Theological Education in Contemporary Africa: Reflections on Curriculum Development and Theological Method (Zapf), [with Chris Barrigar] The True and Living Word: Sermons from the Community of Wycliffe College (Anglican Book Centre). For further bibliography see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_LeMarquand.
Grant and Wendy returned to North America in November 2017 due to Wendy having some serious health problems. In the 2018-2019 academic year, Grant was Visiting Professor of New Testament at Trinity School for Ministry and has recently been appointed to be Professor of Mission and Director of the Stanway Institute for World Mission and Evangelism at Trinity.
Grant and Wendy have two grown children (David and Chara) and one grandchild (Samuel).
Bishop John Miller Resigns
A Statement from the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
To the Congregations of the ADGL,
Grace and peace to you in the mighty name of Jesus!
As a result of a serious health concern, Bishop John Miller has felt the need to resign his duties as our Temporary Bishop. Please read his farewell letter here.
Bishop Miller did a stellar job of helping us through the initial days, weeks and months of this challenging season. We are deeply grateful to him for his tireless efforts, ministry trips and wise counsel that has benefited us greatly.
Archbishop Foley Beach is actively working on assigning a new Temporary Bishop for the ADGL. We will make you aware of who that person is as soon as possible.
Rest assured that the work of the diocese is stable and moving forward. The Standing Committee, Diocesan Canons and staff, and Deans continue to work together well. The Province continues to be helpful and supportive. We are now getting the process underway to select a new diocesan bishop.
Please keep Bishop John, his wife Joyce and their family in your continued prayers. May God grant wisdom and grace for complete healing and multiply His blessings to them.
Blessings,
The Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
The Very Rev. Mark A. Engel, Chair
The Rev. Canon Dr. Kathleen Rankin
The Very Rev. Peter Matthews
Mr. Tom Fields
Dr. I. Richmond Nettey
Mr. Robert Raun
A Statement from the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
To the Congregations of the ADGL,
Grace and peace to you in the mighty name of Jesus!
As a result of a serious health concern, Bishop John Miller has felt the need to resign his duties as our Temporary Bishop. Please read his farewell letter here.
Bishop Miller did a stellar job of helping us through the initial days, weeks and months of this challenging season. We are deeply grateful to him for his tireless efforts, ministry trips and wise counsel that has benefited us greatly.
Archbishop Foley Beach is actively working on assigning a new Temporary Bishop for the ADGL. We will make you aware of who that person is as soon as possible.
Rest assured that the work of the diocese is stable and moving forward. The Standing Committee, Diocesan Canons and staff, and Deans continue to work together well. The Province continues to be helpful and supportive. We are now getting the process underway to select a new diocesan bishop.
Please keep Bishop John, his wife Joyce and their family in your continued prayers. May God grant wisdom and grace for complete healing and multiply His blessings to them.
Blessings,
The Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
The Very Rev. Mark A. Engel, Chair
The Rev. Canon Dr. Kathleen Rankin
The Very Rev. Peter Matthews
Mr. Tom Fields
Dr. I. Richmond Nettey
Mr. Robert Raun
*EVENT CANCELLED* The Seven Last Words of Jesus:
The Women Who Followed their Lord to the Cross
March 7 - Kate Krumreig
The Order of the Daughters of the Holy Cross, St. Luke's Chapter, invites you to join them on Friday, April 3, for this powerful and moving service, "The Seven Last Words of Jesus: The Women Who Followed Their Lord to the Cross." See below for time and location details. We look forward to worshiping with you soon!
A Grateful and Loving Lenten Fast
February 25, 2020 - Bishop John E. Miller III - Temporary Bishop, ADGL
Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020, marks the beginning of Lent—a 40-day season when many Christians focus on prayer, fasting, and penitence, while reflecting on what it cost our Lord Jesus to pay the price for our sin, thereby turning God’s wrath away from us, and paving the path for our eternal salvation. The Apostle Paul powerfully underscored this truth by writing to the Church in Corinth, God made him who had no sin to be sin for us that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). How does the most kind, loving, altruistic act any person has ever done for you stack up to Jesus’ sacrifice of becoming sin for you that you might have the opportunity to become righteous before a holy, perfect God? What an extraordinarily unique gift!
Civility and good manners dictate that we express our thankfulness when receiving a gift, especially a gift that is undeserved and unforeseen. Through prayer, we can, and should, remember daily to thank God for the work of Jesus on the cross. Yet, we also return thanksgiving to God when we bless others in the name of His Son. How? In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us that whatever we do for one of the least of his brothers, by meeting a need, we do for Him. Therefore, as we express love and kindness toward others, we bless them and become a thank offering for our Lord.
Surely such a charitable response, to the outpouring of divine grace through Jesus, was envisioned by God as He inspired Isaiah to prophesy to the Kingdom of Judah:
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58:6,7
Thus, while Lent is a most appropriate time for humble introspection, through prayer and fasting, it is also a wonderful season to practice acts of kindness through which the love of Jesus can flow from us to his brothers and sisters and those who have yet to receive Him.
Need some ideas? Following is a list of 40 Acts of Kindness; just the right number for each day in Lent. Why not print out the list, tape it to your refrigerator, and challenge yourself to participate in many of them during the Lenten Season? What a wonderful means of expressing your thankfulness to Jesus and blessing others!
Be blessed, be a blessing,
Bishop John
Temporary Bishop
Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Civility and good manners dictate that we express our thankfulness when receiving a gift, especially a gift that is undeserved and unforeseen. Through prayer, we can, and should, remember daily to thank God for the work of Jesus on the cross. Yet, we also return thanksgiving to God when we bless others in the name of His Son. How? In Matthew 25:40, Jesus reminds us that whatever we do for one of the least of his brothers, by meeting a need, we do for Him. Therefore, as we express love and kindness toward others, we bless them and become a thank offering for our Lord.
Surely such a charitable response, to the outpouring of divine grace through Jesus, was envisioned by God as He inspired Isaiah to prophesy to the Kingdom of Judah:
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58:6,7
Thus, while Lent is a most appropriate time for humble introspection, through prayer and fasting, it is also a wonderful season to practice acts of kindness through which the love of Jesus can flow from us to his brothers and sisters and those who have yet to receive Him.
Need some ideas? Following is a list of 40 Acts of Kindness; just the right number for each day in Lent. Why not print out the list, tape it to your refrigerator, and challenge yourself to participate in many of them during the Lenten Season? What a wonderful means of expressing your thankfulness to Jesus and blessing others!
Be blessed, be a blessing,
Bishop John
Temporary Bishop
Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Church Planting Summit 2020 - Register Now!
When: March 4-6, 2020
Where: Columbus, Ohio
What: A gathering of church planting Leaders.
Why: To share, encourage, learn and strategize about Anglican church planting efforts in the Diocese of the great Great Lakes. Our goal is to encourage more collaboration to effect better evangelistic and disciple making practices.
Who: Current Church Planters, Planters in Discernment and Builders who support and mentor Planting efforts. Clergy, Lay Catechist, Lay Team members. Ideally every mission effort participating would have at least 2 leaders in attendance.
Cost: Registration Fee $15. Housing for out of town participants provided through “ADGL Church Planting Fund” at a AirBnb. Meals on our own but with Summit participants.
Registration Limit is 25 participants and the deadline to register is Sunday, February 23. Click the link to register! https://adgl.breezechms.com/form/6a5db1
Questions: Call Canon Dave+ Kulchar (810) 964-0432
Where: Columbus, Ohio
What: A gathering of church planting Leaders.
Why: To share, encourage, learn and strategize about Anglican church planting efforts in the Diocese of the great Great Lakes. Our goal is to encourage more collaboration to effect better evangelistic and disciple making practices.
Who: Current Church Planters, Planters in Discernment and Builders who support and mentor Planting efforts. Clergy, Lay Catechist, Lay Team members. Ideally every mission effort participating would have at least 2 leaders in attendance.
Cost: Registration Fee $15. Housing for out of town participants provided through “ADGL Church Planting Fund” at a AirBnb. Meals on our own but with Summit participants.
Registration Limit is 25 participants and the deadline to register is Sunday, February 23. Click the link to register! https://adgl.breezechms.com/form/6a5db1
Questions: Call Canon Dave+ Kulchar (810) 964-0432
January 18, 2020
Bishop Ronald Jackson Resigns
A Joint Statement from the Anglican Church in North America
and the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
The Rt. Rev. Ronald Jackson has communicated to the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes his resignation as the bishop ordinary of the diocese, citing health reasons and to be effective immediately. The diocese has accepted his tendered resignation and is grateful to Bishop Ron for his years of service. Adhering to the canons of both the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes and the Province, the Standing Committee will begin implementing the details of the transition immediately and will share more information about that process in the weeks ahead. The Rt. Rev. John Miller, appointed temporary bishop for the diocese in November 2019 will continue advising the Standing Committee and serve as a liaison with the Province.
Bishop Jackson has been on administrative leave since November 2019 concerning information brought to the attention of the Archbishop’s Office that called for an impartial investigation to be conducted. At the provincial level, the investigative process has entered its middle stages and remains ongoing. Locally, a pastoral team has been put in place to provide holistic care for Bishop Ron and Patty.
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, commented on the transition: “Please keep Bishop Ron and his wife, Patty, in your prayers. This has been a difficult and complicated decision for them. Please also pray for the Standing Committee. I have been impressed with how they have proactively and wisely led the diocese over the last couple months. They will have my prayers and full support as they move forward during this challenging time.”
A Joint Statement from the Anglican Church in North America
and the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
The Rt. Rev. Ronald Jackson has communicated to the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes his resignation as the bishop ordinary of the diocese, citing health reasons and to be effective immediately. The diocese has accepted his tendered resignation and is grateful to Bishop Ron for his years of service. Adhering to the canons of both the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes and the Province, the Standing Committee will begin implementing the details of the transition immediately and will share more information about that process in the weeks ahead. The Rt. Rev. John Miller, appointed temporary bishop for the diocese in November 2019 will continue advising the Standing Committee and serve as a liaison with the Province.
Bishop Jackson has been on administrative leave since November 2019 concerning information brought to the attention of the Archbishop’s Office that called for an impartial investigation to be conducted. At the provincial level, the investigative process has entered its middle stages and remains ongoing. Locally, a pastoral team has been put in place to provide holistic care for Bishop Ron and Patty.
The Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, commented on the transition: “Please keep Bishop Ron and his wife, Patty, in your prayers. This has been a difficult and complicated decision for them. Please also pray for the Standing Committee. I have been impressed with how they have proactively and wisely led the diocese over the last couple months. They will have my prayers and full support as they move forward during this challenging time.”
Epiphany: The Manifestation of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles
January 2, 2020 - The Right Reverend John E. Miller, III
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you (Isaiah 60:1-2).
Powerful, prophetic words from Isaiah to the nation of Israel 700 years before the birth of Christ Jesus—the light of the world (Jn. 8:12). Within their lifetime, none of those to whom Isaiah prophesied were to see the coming of God’s Messiah. However, Isaiah’s promise of His arrival was no less true than the assurance we find in the New Testament Scriptures that the Messiah has appeared, shining His light on us that we—the Body of Christ—might arise and shine as the light of the world (Mt. 5:14).
Our present day media continually reminds us that much of the world remains covered in thick darkness: the threat of terrorism, the heightened potential for nuclear war, the persecution of Christians in many parts of the globe, the ascent of relativistic truth, the decline of morality, the dehumanization of human life through the spread of abortion and euthanasia. As we contemplate such bad news in this season of Epiphany, the Church’s time of celebrating that God sent His light into the world to dispel darkness among all people, how is the Church to shine Christ’s light into the lives of those who walk in thick darkness? How are we to share the light of Christ with those who remain seemingly oblivious to the darkness that surrounds them?
Dispelling spiritual darkness begins with love devoid of judgment, love that embraces a person despite lostness or brokenness. It begins with the realization that while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Ro. 5:8) and that the us includes all those Jesus places in our paths that we might share with them His unmerited grace and unconditional love. It begins with the knowledge that, because God desires that none should be lost but all would find salvation in His Son (cf. Mt. 18:14), we should never view anyone as beyond the reach of God’s mercy. It begins with you; it begins with me! It begins as we arise and shine, for many desperately need the light of Christ Jesus is their lives, and He continues to count on us to pierce the darkness in this world He died to save.
As we welcome in 2020, let us pray for the determination and empowerment to shine for Jesus throughout the New Year:
Collect for the Second Sunday of Epiphany
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.
In His grip, as you are,
+ John
The Rt. Rev. John E. Miller, III
Temporary Bishop
Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Powerful, prophetic words from Isaiah to the nation of Israel 700 years before the birth of Christ Jesus—the light of the world (Jn. 8:12). Within their lifetime, none of those to whom Isaiah prophesied were to see the coming of God’s Messiah. However, Isaiah’s promise of His arrival was no less true than the assurance we find in the New Testament Scriptures that the Messiah has appeared, shining His light on us that we—the Body of Christ—might arise and shine as the light of the world (Mt. 5:14).
Our present day media continually reminds us that much of the world remains covered in thick darkness: the threat of terrorism, the heightened potential for nuclear war, the persecution of Christians in many parts of the globe, the ascent of relativistic truth, the decline of morality, the dehumanization of human life through the spread of abortion and euthanasia. As we contemplate such bad news in this season of Epiphany, the Church’s time of celebrating that God sent His light into the world to dispel darkness among all people, how is the Church to shine Christ’s light into the lives of those who walk in thick darkness? How are we to share the light of Christ with those who remain seemingly oblivious to the darkness that surrounds them?
Dispelling spiritual darkness begins with love devoid of judgment, love that embraces a person despite lostness or brokenness. It begins with the realization that while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Ro. 5:8) and that the us includes all those Jesus places in our paths that we might share with them His unmerited grace and unconditional love. It begins with the knowledge that, because God desires that none should be lost but all would find salvation in His Son (cf. Mt. 18:14), we should never view anyone as beyond the reach of God’s mercy. It begins with you; it begins with me! It begins as we arise and shine, for many desperately need the light of Christ Jesus is their lives, and He continues to count on us to pierce the darkness in this world He died to save.
As we welcome in 2020, let us pray for the determination and empowerment to shine for Jesus throughout the New Year:
Collect for the Second Sunday of Epiphany
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.
In His grip, as you are,
+ John
The Rt. Rev. John E. Miller, III
Temporary Bishop
Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Christmas: It's NOT About Us
December 16, 2019 - The Right Reverend John E. Miller III
In early October, I entered our local SAMS Club and stopped dead in my tracks thinking I was somehow caught in a time-warp. Before me was shelf upon shelf of “Christmas” decorations: inflatable Santas and snowmen, multicolored lights and ornaments, rolls of brightly clad wrapping paper and artificial Christmas trees. Questions flooded my mind. How could we possibly be approaching Christmas again? Didn’t we celebrate that a few weeks ago? Why can’t retailers wait until after Thanksgiving to start capitalizing on Christmas? And where among all this “Happy Holiday-Seasons Greeting” glitz are the symbols of the reason we have this grand celebration in the first place? Oh, how far our society has drifted from honoring the One for whom December 25th was set aside.
Please don’t misread me, the Miller family celebrates Christmas with a decorated tree, gift-giving, and a sumptuous meal. I don’t think I’m an Ebenezer Scrooge, and it is not my intent to write a “bah humbug” message.
However, at the risk pushing a few buttons, may I remind you (and me!) that Christmas is not about us. Well yes, it is to the extent that God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten and infant Son to die for our salvation. Yet the yearly celebration of Christmas, or the “Nativity of our Lord” as it appears in the Church calendar, is all about Jesus! After all, it’s His birthday, not yours or mine—unless, of course, you happened to have been born on December 25th. Therefore, should not our hearts and thanksgivings be directed to Him…at least as much as they are to the gifts we receive or the good cheer we share?
Among my favorite contemporary Christian songs is one entitled Jesus, Lover of My Soul by Stuart Townend. The words of the chorus read:
It’s all about you, Jesus,
and all this is for you,
for your glory and your fame.
It’s not about me,
as if you should do things my way.
You alone are God,
and I surrender to your ways.
Read those words again. The world laughs and scoffs at such foolishness, but it should never be so with disciples of Jesus Christ. And yet, sadly, how often do even we Christians strive and devise and manipulate to make it—whatever it is—about us, not only at Christmastide but whenever we don’t get what we want…when we want? We do it at home. We do it in the workplace. We do it in the marketplace. We even do it within the Body of Christ.
Now meditate upon these words penned by the Apostle Paul:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death--
even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
What servanthood! What humility! What obedience! What NOT making it about Himself!
As our Advent journey draws us ever closer to the celebration of our Lord’s miraculous birth, may each of us be reminded that it’s not about us! It’s all about Jesus, Who came and died and lives, that you and I might have life in Him. In gratefulness for that Good News, let us humbly surrender ourselves to His service, that we might live each day to bring Him glory in thought, word, and deed.
May you and your loved ones have a joy-filled, Christ-centered Christmas.
Warmly in the world’s Savior,
+John
The Rt. Rev. John E. Miller, III
Temporary Bishop, Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Please don’t misread me, the Miller family celebrates Christmas with a decorated tree, gift-giving, and a sumptuous meal. I don’t think I’m an Ebenezer Scrooge, and it is not my intent to write a “bah humbug” message.
However, at the risk pushing a few buttons, may I remind you (and me!) that Christmas is not about us. Well yes, it is to the extent that God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten and infant Son to die for our salvation. Yet the yearly celebration of Christmas, or the “Nativity of our Lord” as it appears in the Church calendar, is all about Jesus! After all, it’s His birthday, not yours or mine—unless, of course, you happened to have been born on December 25th. Therefore, should not our hearts and thanksgivings be directed to Him…at least as much as they are to the gifts we receive or the good cheer we share?
Among my favorite contemporary Christian songs is one entitled Jesus, Lover of My Soul by Stuart Townend. The words of the chorus read:
It’s all about you, Jesus,
and all this is for you,
for your glory and your fame.
It’s not about me,
as if you should do things my way.
You alone are God,
and I surrender to your ways.
Read those words again. The world laughs and scoffs at such foolishness, but it should never be so with disciples of Jesus Christ. And yet, sadly, how often do even we Christians strive and devise and manipulate to make it—whatever it is—about us, not only at Christmastide but whenever we don’t get what we want…when we want? We do it at home. We do it in the workplace. We do it in the marketplace. We even do it within the Body of Christ.
Now meditate upon these words penned by the Apostle Paul:
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God
something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death--
even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
What servanthood! What humility! What obedience! What NOT making it about Himself!
As our Advent journey draws us ever closer to the celebration of our Lord’s miraculous birth, may each of us be reminded that it’s not about us! It’s all about Jesus, Who came and died and lives, that you and I might have life in Him. In gratefulness for that Good News, let us humbly surrender ourselves to His service, that we might live each day to bring Him glory in thought, word, and deed.
May you and your loved ones have a joy-filled, Christ-centered Christmas.
Warmly in the world’s Savior,
+John
The Rt. Rev. John E. Miller, III
Temporary Bishop, Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Please Welcome our Temporary Bishop,
The Right Reverend John E. Miller III
December 10, 2019 - Kate Krumreig
After an exciting, 18-year career as a marine biologist with the Smithsonian Institution and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, John attended Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge PA. Completing his Master of Divinity in May 1993, John was ordained as a Deacon in June of that year. John’s first call came from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and School in Melbourne, Florida where he served as Assistant Rector and School Chaplain. He was ordained to the Priesthood in January 1994. From March 1995 to July 1996, John led Holy Trinity as Priest-in-Charge. In August 1996, he was called as the Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Melbourne. In February 2004, John joined the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) and planted Prince of Peace Anglican Church in Melbourne. During his time in the AMiA, John served three years as a Network Leader. In January 2008, he was consecrated as a Missionary Bishop in Dallas, Texas and became one of the founding Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) later that year. As a Missionary Bishop, John provided episcopal oversight to 30 Anglican Mission churches located in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. At the request of his colleague, Bishop Neil Lebhar, Gulf Atlantic Diocese, ACNA, John agreed to enter the Rector Search Process at Christ Church Vero Beach in May 2012. John accepted the call from Christ Church to serve as its third Rector beginning in August 2012. He retired from parish ministry in July 2019. As an Anglican Bishop, John has participated in all three Global Anglican Future Conferences (GAFCON) to date: Jerusalem 2008; Nairobi 2013; Jerusalem 2018. He has led three mission trips to Rwanda, and his work as a Bishop has carried him to Canada, Israel, Kenya, Uganda, Singapore, and South Africa. Over the course of his 25+ years as an ordained leader, John and his wife Joyce have served as Tour Hosts on seven pilgrimages to the Holy Land and another to Greece and Turkey to study the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. John enjoys gardening, fishing, hiking and travel. His scriptural life verse is Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes: to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” When asked how one makes the leap from a biology to theology, John notes: “I was given 18 years to study the creation and the remainder of my life to study the Creator, what two better careers can a man have? John is honored and blessed to be asked by Archbishop Foley Beach to provide pastoral care and ongoing episcopal support to the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes for a season.
Deacon Ordinations - November 2019
December 4, 2019 - Kate Krumreig
Congratulations and many blessings to our newly ordained Deacons at All Saints Holland, Holland, Michigan :
Deacon Emilie Wierda
Deacon Daniel Day
Deacon Kristopher Rolls
Deacon Emilie Wierda
Deacon Daniel Day
Deacon Kristopher Rolls
Healing Prayer Conference 2020
November 26, 2019 - St. Matthew's Anglican Church, Lapeer, MI
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St Matthew's Anglican Church is hosting their third Healing Prayer Conference on February 7-8, 2020. This conference provides a foundational, practical approach to becoming a prayer minister and/or developing a prayer ministry, as well as offers a scriptural basis for God's gift of healing prayer and teaches the journey of becoming an effective prayer minister. If you'd like to know more about this conference or would like to register, click the link below:
Healing Prayer Conference - EvenBrite |
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Year End Mission Project - Please Consider!
November 24, 2019 - The Rev. David Kulcher
Greetings in Christ!
I have been developing thorough NAMS (New Anglican Mission Society) of which I am a society member, a relationship with Pastor Pranab Kumar a fellow Companion in NAMS (pictured here, on left).
Pranab is from the State of Odisha in Eastern India on the Bay of Bengal, near Bangladesh. He is a pioneering church planter. We have been in regular communication for nearly a year since we meet face to face at a NAMS retreat, but I have been praying for him for over 3 years. He is emerging a regional leader for NAMS and has 30 or more young pastors he is regularly mentoring and discipling. He frequently holds discipleship gatherings and impacting as many as 100 believers at a time. He loves the Lord and I attest to seeing God’s hand upon his life and work.
Pranab shared with me that his main mode of transportation is a motor bike. Because of recent expansion of the ministry he finds himself needing to travel long distances. The journey on the motor bike is often treacherous, dirty (a mater of health), and physically wearing. He asked his NAMS companions to pray that the Lord might help the ministry purchase a car. The added benefit to the ministry is that a car would enable Pranab to transport a groups of people as he trains others to be disciple making leaders, as well as increase, his person health and safety.
To my delight and surprise I learned that a new Indian made vehicle cost only $16,500 US where a similar vehicle will cost twice that in the states. The dollar is strong internationally and the domestic manufacturing cost are much lower than in the States. Western Christian have an opportunity to boost such fruitful ministry right now by giving to support special needs projects such as this.
The ASK
Would you join with me in praying that this ministry car need is met by by January? Our Goal is to raise $18,000 to purchase the car plus added administrative costs. Would you consider making a contribution the the “Kumar Car Fund” via NAMS? Only 18 gifts of $1,000 each are required to meet this need and increase the effectiveness and safety of this church planter in Eastern India. Please let me know if you are willing to give a gift large or small to help bless our Christian brother and this ministry.
HOW?
An online credit card or e-check donation is the easiest method via NAMS. Click on the Following link:
https://n514.z2systems.com/np/clients/n514/donation.jsp?campaign=6
If you our your church have questions concerning this project, please call 810-064-0432. Thank You!
I have been developing thorough NAMS (New Anglican Mission Society) of which I am a society member, a relationship with Pastor Pranab Kumar a fellow Companion in NAMS (pictured here, on left).
Pranab is from the State of Odisha in Eastern India on the Bay of Bengal, near Bangladesh. He is a pioneering church planter. We have been in regular communication for nearly a year since we meet face to face at a NAMS retreat, but I have been praying for him for over 3 years. He is emerging a regional leader for NAMS and has 30 or more young pastors he is regularly mentoring and discipling. He frequently holds discipleship gatherings and impacting as many as 100 believers at a time. He loves the Lord and I attest to seeing God’s hand upon his life and work.
Pranab shared with me that his main mode of transportation is a motor bike. Because of recent expansion of the ministry he finds himself needing to travel long distances. The journey on the motor bike is often treacherous, dirty (a mater of health), and physically wearing. He asked his NAMS companions to pray that the Lord might help the ministry purchase a car. The added benefit to the ministry is that a car would enable Pranab to transport a groups of people as he trains others to be disciple making leaders, as well as increase, his person health and safety.
To my delight and surprise I learned that a new Indian made vehicle cost only $16,500 US where a similar vehicle will cost twice that in the states. The dollar is strong internationally and the domestic manufacturing cost are much lower than in the States. Western Christian have an opportunity to boost such fruitful ministry right now by giving to support special needs projects such as this.
The ASK
Would you join with me in praying that this ministry car need is met by by January? Our Goal is to raise $18,000 to purchase the car plus added administrative costs. Would you consider making a contribution the the “Kumar Car Fund” via NAMS? Only 18 gifts of $1,000 each are required to meet this need and increase the effectiveness and safety of this church planter in Eastern India. Please let me know if you are willing to give a gift large or small to help bless our Christian brother and this ministry.
HOW?
An online credit card or e-check donation is the easiest method via NAMS. Click on the Following link:
https://n514.z2systems.com/np/clients/n514/donation.jsp?campaign=6
If you our your church have questions concerning this project, please call 810-064-0432. Thank You!
November 23, 2019
Bishop on Administrative Leave
A Joint Statement from the Anglican Church in North America and the Standing
Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Information has been brought to the attention of the Archbishop’s Office regarding the Rt. Rev.
Ronald Jackson of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes that calls for an investigation to be
conducted. To ensure the integrity of the investigation and allow for due process, Bishop Jackson
is on administrative leave while a thorough inquiry into these matters is conducted.
During this leave, the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes is the
ecclesial authority and in cooperation with the Archbishop’s Office is ensuring the ongoing
mission and ministry of the diocese. Archbishop Beach has appointed the Rt. Rev. John Miller
to assist the Standing Committee in its work, and to provide temporary pastoral care and ongoing
episcopal support to the diocese.
More information will be shared as it becomes available, and we encourage you to refrain from
speculation. This statement is a call to prayer, and we ask you and your congregation to join us
in lifting up everyone in the diocese:
Prayers for a Diocese
O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to be a good and godly
fellowship of faith. Bless our bishops and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that
your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully
administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the
example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among
whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for the Mission of the Church
O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten
Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church,
that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers
into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when
the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved;
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Joint Statement from the Anglican Church in North America and the Standing
Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
Information has been brought to the attention of the Archbishop’s Office regarding the Rt. Rev.
Ronald Jackson of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes that calls for an investigation to be
conducted. To ensure the integrity of the investigation and allow for due process, Bishop Jackson
is on administrative leave while a thorough inquiry into these matters is conducted.
During this leave, the Standing Committee of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes is the
ecclesial authority and in cooperation with the Archbishop’s Office is ensuring the ongoing
mission and ministry of the diocese. Archbishop Beach has appointed the Rt. Rev. John Miller
to assist the Standing Committee in its work, and to provide temporary pastoral care and ongoing
episcopal support to the diocese.
More information will be shared as it becomes available, and we encourage you to refrain from
speculation. This statement is a call to prayer, and we ask you and your congregation to join us
in lifting up everyone in the diocese:
Prayers for a Diocese
O God, by your grace you have called us in this Diocese to be a good and godly
fellowship of faith. Bless our bishops and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that
your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully
administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the
example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among
whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for the Mission of the Church
O God, our heavenly Father, you manifested your love by sending your only-begotten
Son into the world, that all might live through him: Pour out your Spirit on your Church,
that we may fulfill his command to preach the Gospel to all people. Send forth laborers
into your harvest; defend them in all dangers and temptations; and hasten the time when
the fullness of the Gentiles shall be gathered in, and faithful Israel shall be saved;
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Memoriam - The Right Reverend Peter H. Beckwith
It is with great sadness that we inform you that our dear friend and brother, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Beckwith, suddenly passed from here to glory on October 4, 2019. Below, you will find the obituary written in his honor. Please continue to pray with us for his family and friends.
Bishop Peter H. Beckwith, age 80, of Hillsdale, passed away Friday, October 4, 2019, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born September 8, 1939 in Battle Creek, MI to Robert & Florence “Frosty” (Hess) Beckwith. Peter was married July 10, 1965 to Melinda (Foulke) Beckwith.
Peter earned his degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Honorary Doctor of Theology from Hillsdale College and degrees of Master of Divinity and Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee; the degrees of Master of Sacred Theology and Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Nashotah House Seminary, Nashotah, Wisconsin. Bishop Beckwith served 18 years as the Episcopal Bishop of Springfield, Illinois, retiring in 2010. It was there he also served as a chaplain to the Illinois State Police, an office he held until his passing. In May of 2014, Bishop Beckwith was appointed the Assisting Bishop of the Anglican Church in North America, for the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes. Bishop Beckwith served his country in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy Reserve for 27 years. He retired in September 1999 as the Deputy Chief of Chaplain for Total Force with the rank of Rear Admiral (RDML). He served as Chaplain for Hillsdale College from 2010-2016 where he retired and was named Chaplain Emeritus. Bishop Beckwith was active in Delta Tau Delta's Kappa Chapter, where he served as both Chapter Adviser and Chaplain.
He is survived by his wife Melinda of 54 years, two sons, Peter II (wife Fiona) Beckwith, of Westerville, OH and Mike (wife Martina) Beckwith of Eagle, CO; four grandchildren, Lauren, Nikki, Emma and Mishko Beckwith; and brother, Jon (wife Kathy) Beckwith of Hillsdale.
Bishop Beckwith was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert E. Beckwith, Jr.
Peter's life was centered on the warmth of giving and sincere concern for others. Whether from the pulpit, or in one-to-one private conversations, he was always honest and straight-forward, yet thoughtful and relatable. Peter will always be positively remembered by his parishioners, acquaintances, friends and loving family which he cherished deeply.
Memorial contributions are suggested to The Anglican Church of the Great Lakes, Holy Trinity Parish or Christ Chapel at Hillsdale College.
Bishop Peter H. Beckwith, age 80, of Hillsdale, passed away Friday, October 4, 2019, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. He was born September 8, 1939 in Battle Creek, MI to Robert & Florence “Frosty” (Hess) Beckwith. Peter was married July 10, 1965 to Melinda (Foulke) Beckwith.
Peter earned his degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Honorary Doctor of Theology from Hillsdale College and degrees of Master of Divinity and Honorary Doctor of Divinity from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee; the degrees of Master of Sacred Theology and Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Nashotah House Seminary, Nashotah, Wisconsin. Bishop Beckwith served 18 years as the Episcopal Bishop of Springfield, Illinois, retiring in 2010. It was there he also served as a chaplain to the Illinois State Police, an office he held until his passing. In May of 2014, Bishop Beckwith was appointed the Assisting Bishop of the Anglican Church in North America, for the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes. Bishop Beckwith served his country in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy Reserve for 27 years. He retired in September 1999 as the Deputy Chief of Chaplain for Total Force with the rank of Rear Admiral (RDML). He served as Chaplain for Hillsdale College from 2010-2016 where he retired and was named Chaplain Emeritus. Bishop Beckwith was active in Delta Tau Delta's Kappa Chapter, where he served as both Chapter Adviser and Chaplain.
He is survived by his wife Melinda of 54 years, two sons, Peter II (wife Fiona) Beckwith, of Westerville, OH and Mike (wife Martina) Beckwith of Eagle, CO; four grandchildren, Lauren, Nikki, Emma and Mishko Beckwith; and brother, Jon (wife Kathy) Beckwith of Hillsdale.
Bishop Beckwith was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert E. Beckwith, Jr.
Peter's life was centered on the warmth of giving and sincere concern for others. Whether from the pulpit, or in one-to-one private conversations, he was always honest and straight-forward, yet thoughtful and relatable. Peter will always be positively remembered by his parishioners, acquaintances, friends and loving family which he cherished deeply.
Memorial contributions are suggested to The Anglican Church of the Great Lakes, Holy Trinity Parish or Christ Chapel at Hillsdale College.
Synod 2019 - God is at Work
April 10, 2019 - The Rev. Lindsay Robinson
Zachary Jones is the new Assistant Rector at Christ Church Westshore in Bay Village, OH. This was his first time at Synod with ADGL, and he captured the spirit of Synod in the video above, as well as his words below:
"The vision I had in my head for synod was the drudgery of business meeting after business meeting. I was pleasantly surprised when I left synod feeling refreshed. Synod's emphasis was clear: we need to learn to hear the voice of God in our lives and emphasize mission, not membership, in our local parish contexts. This year's synod was a time of worship, fellowship, and prayer. You can talk to any clergy or laity who were in attendance and I am certain you would hear the same thing: God is at work in this diocese. I am excited to hear the testimonies from all over the diocese from now to our next synod as we disciple our parishes into this vision: Sunday is not the mission, it is for the mission."
"The vision I had in my head for synod was the drudgery of business meeting after business meeting. I was pleasantly surprised when I left synod feeling refreshed. Synod's emphasis was clear: we need to learn to hear the voice of God in our lives and emphasize mission, not membership, in our local parish contexts. This year's synod was a time of worship, fellowship, and prayer. You can talk to any clergy or laity who were in attendance and I am certain you would hear the same thing: God is at work in this diocese. I am excited to hear the testimonies from all over the diocese from now to our next synod as we disciple our parishes into this vision: Sunday is not the mission, it is for the mission."
Synod 2019 - A New Abbott General
April 10, 2019 - The Rev. Lindsay Robinson
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The ADGL celebrated with the Company of Jesus as the Very Rev. Fr. Abbott General Timothy Luken, C.J. was commissioned as Abbott General of the Company of Jesus. Join us in praying blessings over his ministry!
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Synod 2019 - A Testimony of Healing
April 10, 2019 - The Rev. Eric Harmon
Some years ago I experienced an infection in my ears. As a result I was left with permanent ringing due to the nerve damage from the infection. This condition called tinnitus has no cure, only treatment. I have for some time been praying that God would show me his healing power and touch my ear. While at synod this year there came a time when the brothers and sisters received a word for healing. My heart quickened when Father Allen stepped up to the microphone and spoke the words "left ear". I had never experienced anything like this before! I stepped forward and Father Allen prayed over my ear. I quickly ran out of the sanctuary to see what may have been done. To my amazement the ringing was gone! Praise God! He is able! I had the most quiet night of sleep I have had in many years.
I am thankful to have experienced the healing power of God. However, His ways are not our ways and the ringing has returned. But this time much lower than it has ever been. Please join me in prayer for discernment and thanksgiving!
I am thankful to have experienced the healing power of God. However, His ways are not our ways and the ringing has returned. But this time much lower than it has ever been. Please join me in prayer for discernment and thanksgiving!
Chrism Mass 2019
March 25, 2019 - The Rev. Lindsay Robinson
Chrism Mass was held on Wednesday, March 20th at St. Luke's Church. The Rev. Bryan Hollon gave the homily, encouraging clergy in the renewing of their vows, and in the power of God's Word preached. The Rt. Rev. Ronald Jackson celebrated and blessed the oils, which will be available for all clergy at Synod, and is also available at the Diocesan offices. Lunch was enjoyed following the service.
Link to Homily by The Rev. Bryan Hollon:
Link to Homily by The Rev. Bryan Hollon:
United Adoration: Upcoming Retreats
January 9, 2019 - The Rev. Lindsay Robinson
The ADGL is blessed to be in relationship with United Adoration, a group whose mission is "bringing artists together for the glory of God, the healing of His Church and the empowerment of local congregations to sing their song, tell their story and move forward in their mission." UA hosts songwriting retreats, trains local leaders, seeks to see the local church release songs and sounds that inspire believers, and does this globally, celebrating the unique things God is doing in communities throughout the world. Check out what God is up to through UA:
United Adoration has several upcoming retreats. Check out their retreat page for more info., and to register!
Check out the UA Website to hear more about how UA began, and what God is doing now through UA.
United Adoration has several upcoming retreats. Check out their retreat page for more info., and to register!
Check out the UA Website to hear more about how UA began, and what God is doing now through UA.
"Doing the Job" at Five Loaves Food Pantry
January 7, 2019 - The Rev. Lindsay Robinson
We want to celebrate what our brother Br. Tim Luken is doing in and with his ministry. This is a physical example of the love Jesus has for all his people, especially the marginalized, poor, and outcast. Pray for Br. Tim as he continues in this incredibly difficult but incredibly rewarding ministry.
Miracles
January 5, 2019 - The Rev. Sean Templeton - Lakewood Anglican
I am happy to report what can only be explained as a miracle. I shared this with the congregation yesterday and thought it too good not to share with you. I hope you find it encouraging.
It is far less often than I would like that I can bear witness to a miracle but today Leah and I can do so. Some of you know last night (Tuesday) I rushed from our Mission Council meeting with Leah to a Toledo hospital. Leah had received a text from Kelly Fahle that her husband Mike was in the hospital. You may remember that we baptized their daughter Anne this past summer.
The news from the text was not good. Due to a chronic-hereditary illness, part of Mike’s pancreas had died and was rendering him septic (blood poisoning). The doctors said that this could be fatal. They assessed it as likely fatal because of the dead tissue. They did multiple scans and blood tests to confirm his condition and treated him with antibiotics to try to stabilize him for possible surgery the next day.
Our Mission Council prayed for Mike (who is only 46). I called and asked Fr. Joshua Ajayi to pray for him and Mark Hottel as well as some others. Of course, Leah and I prayed also prayed as we rushed down the Turnpike. When Leah and I arrived around 11p.m. Mike was awake but on some serious pain-killers (and still in pain). We talked. He reflected on his life and what would happen to his wife and young daughter. He also expressed remorse at not being a better witness for Jesus.
I then conducted the Sacramental Rite of Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction). As one of my Anglo-Catholic priest friends recently taught me, I took off my cross and had him hold it over his chest and anointed him generously with the Oil of the Sick and laid hands on him. After we prayed, he said he felt something and was at peace. He later described it to me. He said that he felt a hand over his hands clutching the cross, but opened his eyes and my hands were elsewhere. He said that as I prayed he felt a hand reach into him, as a hand reaches into a bowl of water (except he was the water). Having completed our prayer, Leah and I left Mike in the Lord’s hands and drove home continuing to ask God’s mercy and healing into the next morning.
The next morning Mike called me. He sounded like his usual self. He said, “whatever you did, it worked.” I reminded him that it most assuredly was not my doing – I was only being obedient and acting for the Church. He acknowledged that, thanked me for our prayers, and proceeded to tell me that the doctors had come in to do tests and determine how to proceed with surgery but the dead part of his pancreas was no longer dead! It was alive again. Furthermore, there was no sign of the previous day’s infection in his blood! He was far from septic. His numbers were returning to normal. The doctors were amazed and plan to release him soon but want to do a study on him. They are puzzled, but we know what happened. God healed him!
Suffice it to say, just as in Jesus’ time, healing goes on today. Miracles still happen and God honors our prayers and obedience. He works through the Sacramental Rites of the Church. Let us thank God, for this miraculous healing and give Him glory.
Let us Pray,
Almighty God and heavenly Father, we give thee humble
thanks because thou hast been graciously pleased to deliver
from his sickness thy servant Mike, in whose behalf we bless
and praise thy Name. Grant, O gracious Father, that he,
through thy help, may live in this world according to thy will,
and also be partaker of everlasting glory in the life to come;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
It is far less often than I would like that I can bear witness to a miracle but today Leah and I can do so. Some of you know last night (Tuesday) I rushed from our Mission Council meeting with Leah to a Toledo hospital. Leah had received a text from Kelly Fahle that her husband Mike was in the hospital. You may remember that we baptized their daughter Anne this past summer.
The news from the text was not good. Due to a chronic-hereditary illness, part of Mike’s pancreas had died and was rendering him septic (blood poisoning). The doctors said that this could be fatal. They assessed it as likely fatal because of the dead tissue. They did multiple scans and blood tests to confirm his condition and treated him with antibiotics to try to stabilize him for possible surgery the next day.
Our Mission Council prayed for Mike (who is only 46). I called and asked Fr. Joshua Ajayi to pray for him and Mark Hottel as well as some others. Of course, Leah and I prayed also prayed as we rushed down the Turnpike. When Leah and I arrived around 11p.m. Mike was awake but on some serious pain-killers (and still in pain). We talked. He reflected on his life and what would happen to his wife and young daughter. He also expressed remorse at not being a better witness for Jesus.
I then conducted the Sacramental Rite of Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction). As one of my Anglo-Catholic priest friends recently taught me, I took off my cross and had him hold it over his chest and anointed him generously with the Oil of the Sick and laid hands on him. After we prayed, he said he felt something and was at peace. He later described it to me. He said that he felt a hand over his hands clutching the cross, but opened his eyes and my hands were elsewhere. He said that as I prayed he felt a hand reach into him, as a hand reaches into a bowl of water (except he was the water). Having completed our prayer, Leah and I left Mike in the Lord’s hands and drove home continuing to ask God’s mercy and healing into the next morning.
The next morning Mike called me. He sounded like his usual self. He said, “whatever you did, it worked.” I reminded him that it most assuredly was not my doing – I was only being obedient and acting for the Church. He acknowledged that, thanked me for our prayers, and proceeded to tell me that the doctors had come in to do tests and determine how to proceed with surgery but the dead part of his pancreas was no longer dead! It was alive again. Furthermore, there was no sign of the previous day’s infection in his blood! He was far from septic. His numbers were returning to normal. The doctors were amazed and plan to release him soon but want to do a study on him. They are puzzled, but we know what happened. God healed him!
Suffice it to say, just as in Jesus’ time, healing goes on today. Miracles still happen and God honors our prayers and obedience. He works through the Sacramental Rites of the Church. Let us thank God, for this miraculous healing and give Him glory.
Let us Pray,
Almighty God and heavenly Father, we give thee humble
thanks because thou hast been graciously pleased to deliver
from his sickness thy servant Mike, in whose behalf we bless
and praise thy Name. Grant, O gracious Father, that he,
through thy help, may live in this world according to thy will,
and also be partaker of everlasting glory in the life to come;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.