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Epiclesis... An Ancient-Future Faith Community |
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The Season after Pentecost, 2012 |
Monday, August 27 |
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A Cloud So Thick... | |
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Greetings!
 Nearly 500 years after the Children of Israel left Egypt, King Solomon dedicated the first permanent worship structure, the Temple, in Jerusalem. The Bible records what happened after his prayer of consecration:
"Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the most holy place, underneath the wings of the cherubim.
"And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD."
Can you imagine the presence of God in worship so thick, so palpable, that the worship leaders can't do their work? I think that's the way we ought to approach our weekly worship gathering: with the anticipation that God's Holy Spirit will show up.
It might "spoil" our plans or upset our order of worship-- it might be radically different than we expected and we might not be able to stand-- but it will be wondrous.
I'm already anticipating worship next Sunday where we will see Jesus Himself standing among us in His risen power. See you there!
Thinking about thick clouds,
Pastor Chris
PS: One of our own, Rick Asche, was chosen to preach at the final service of communion and healing at the June session of the Institute for Worship Studies. Want to listen to his message on The Transfiguration? Please click right here.
Image above: "Spirit Hovering", Sue Kemnitz. Oil on canvas. c. 2008. |
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In This eNewsletter Issue |
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Sunday Worship...
10:30 AM
The Carmichael Chapel (on the campus of the Carmichael Seventh Day Adventist Church) 4600 Winding Way Sacramento, CA 95841
General Information Line: (916) 572-9113 
Epiclesis is a Constant Contact 2011 All Star Award Winner |
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Christianity: The Essentials
Learning from the Scripture, the Creed, and the Fathers...
IT'S TWO WEEKS AWAY! We're gearing up for a fall discipleship series titled "Christianity: The Essentials". The 11-session study looks at essential tenets of the faith through the lens of Scripture first, then the Creeds (primarily the Nicene), and finally the hard-won words from the Church Fathers, without whom we wouldn't have the orthodox theological framework on which we rely.
We'll launch the series on Sunday night, September 9, at 6:30 PM, with a combined session. Write that date into your calendars, won't you? The location for that first, joint meeting will be the Carmichael Chapel where we normally gather for Sunday worship.
The remainder of the sessions will occur in small groups and the series will end before Advent.
Make a note... and let us know if you need a small group to jump into. We have several throughout the week to choose from.
Want more details and a list of small groups? Please click here.
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 Epiclesis Hosts One-Day Workshop: October 6, 2012
What is the church to "do" with kids? And when and how should children worship with grown-ups? As Epiclesis has been working through these and other questions about kids-- and how we want children's ministry to be more about partnerships than programs-- we've discovered that lots of other churches are talking about similar things.
Fresh off of an amazing presentation in Orange Park, Florida (where several of our leadership folks had the honor of hearing her) Dr. Connie Bull, a kids ministry specialist and member of the Ancient-Future Faith Network, is coming to Sacramento for a one-day seminar. Plans are still coming together, but mark your calendars now for Saturday, October 6 (from 9 AM to 3:15 PM), located at the Oak Avenue Free Methodist Church in Orangevale.
The event is open to the public and is aimed at church members, ministry leaders, parents-- anyone interested in kids and their life in the church. We're asking for a fee of $15 per person (kids are free) to cover lunch and our use of the facilities.
Oops, one more really important item: Kids of all ages will be an important part of the day, too. Want more details? Please click here.
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An Ancient-Future Quote to Note
God Rejoices...
 If God rejoices over the little one that is found, how do you despise those God earnestly cares for? We should give up even our lives for one of these little ones. But are the lost ones weak and contemptible? Then it is even more important that we do everything we can to preserve them. Even Christ left the ninety-nine sheep and went after the one. He took advantage of the safety of so many to prevent the loss of one. Luke says that He even brought the lost one home on His shoulders. And "There was greater joy over one sinner that repented, than over ninety and nine just persons." By His leaving the saved ones for it, and by His taking more pleasure in this one He showed how greatly He valued it. So then, don't be careless about such souls. ...For our neighbors' sake, don't refuse to do any of the tasks that seem lowly and troublesome. Although we have to do the service for someone small and shabby, although the work is hard and we must pass over mountains and valleys, endure everything for your neighbor's salvation. For a soul is so important to God that "He spared not His own Son." --Chrysostom
 For a daily verse of Scripture, a word from the Church Fathers, some sacred art, or for brief bio sketches of the Fathers, visit The Chapel of the Ancient-Future Faith Network.
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Epiclesis Website Tip of the Week: 
There is an easy, secure way to contribute to the ministry of Epiclesis-- right online. Jut zip over to our Online Giving page and try it out today. Please know that we are very grateful for your tax deductible donation and that you have our pledge before God to use His resources with integrity and great care.
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