| The Official eNewsletter of the Anglican Mission in the Americas
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Welcome to Anglican Mission's Currents April 2008 Issue
Dear ,
Here is your April edition of Anglican Mission news from around the world. Do you have an upcoming event, news item or story of interest? Send us an email. And, if you enjoy Currents, please forward this issue to a friend. Cynthia Brust
Director of Communications, Anglican Mission in the Americas
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Additional Muscle for Church
Planting Vision
Acting on a dream to reach the unchurched through strategic church planting, three Anglican Mission clergy in Texas launched The Anglican Initiative for Mission (AIM) in 2007. This April, the Rev. Ron McCrary was named AIM's Executive Director.
 By the year 2020, the "triangle" formed by Austin, Dallas and Houston, Texas, will have a population of 22 million.
That reality inspired senior pastors the Rev. Matt Kessler (Mesa Community Church, Austin); the Rev. Clark Lowenfield, (HopePointe Church, The Woodlands) and the Rev. Canon David Roseberry (Christ Church Plano) to join hearts and hands, targeting 200 church plants in the region. The secondary goal of AIM is to develop an exponential growth model that can be replicated around the nation.
"One of the distinctive features of this initiative is collaboration," noted Ron. "I don't think I've ever seen this level of united partnership between clergy from different congregations to conceive of and begin something of this significance."
"The entrepreneurial, missional DNA of the Anglican Mission is consistent with my passion for contributing to the lives of emerging leaders," Ron continued. "I want to invest in developing the next generation of Anglican church planters, putting additional muscle on the Anglican Mission's vision to reach the 130 million unchurched through planting churches that plant churches."
As Executive Director, Ron will steer AIM in pursuit of its vision. Among Ron's first priorities will be identifying potential church planters to attend the eight-day Anglican School of Church Planting, held in Plano, Texas in late May.
Any congregations that desire to host a church planting resident through the Anglican School of Church Planting and the Residency Program can contact Ron at his office at Christ Church Plano, 214-663-7774 or email Ron.
The Rev. Nancy Scammacca of MESA Community Church in Austin, TX, served as Acting Director during the search for an Executive Director and will work with Ron as Program Officer. Nancy can be reached at 512-480-9080, extension 1, or by email.
More information on the Anglican School of Church Planting and the Residency Program are available at www.theanglicaninitiative.org.
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Mission Outreach Impacts Buff Bay, Jamaica
Destination: Buff Bay, Jamaica! Mission teams from Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, Florida, traveled to Buff Bay to participate in a nine-day journey packed full with ministry opportunities.
Three boys share in the "amazing things" God did in Buff Bay.
"I have been on a lot of mission trips and this one is the best so far," said the Rev. Chris Zoephel, Pastor of Discipleship and the outreach leader. "God did some amazing things."
While high school students and leaders were practicing the sacrament of presence with 200 children at the Gideon Educational Center and Chapel, a group of entrepreneurs and medical professionals toured the rural area. The team was in Buff Bay to survey the deplorable living conditions and local hospital that serves 37,000 residents with only one doctor and nurse.
Witnessing severe deficiencies firsthand inspired plans to open a manufacturing plant for pre-fabricated housing and a new clinic.
"I am most excited about the opportunities we have in community development--to care for the whole person, and by God's grace, transform the culture of Buff Bay," Chris shared.
The task is large: starting a faith-based hospital, employing people in a new business that will provide affordable housing, and supplying the local Christian school.
 "Now I am looking for someone called to start a church that can follow up on all those who hear about and meet the Lord Jesus," he said.
Other ministry opportunities included taking part in a radio broadcast for a quarter of a million weekly listeners, the largest religious broadcast in Jamaica.
"We are committed to this area and plan to return every year," said Chris. "The genuine emotional response we received from the children upon our departure is evidence that we are building good relationships that are growing."
Inspired to help? Contact Chris Zoephel for more information.
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Register Now for Soul in the City!
Just a few weeks until schools break for the summer! What are your kids going to do with all that time?
Anglican Mission youth from all over the country are invited to participate in Soul in the City, a mission trip designed for students seeking to learn to reach the lost in their own backyard. The mission is scheduled for July 20-26 in Orlando, Florida.
Make plans now. Final deadline for registration is June 2, 2008.
Open to rising seventh graders through high school seniors, the outreach is being organized with a ratio of one adult to every seven students. All campers and leaders will stay at New Covenant Anglican Church in Winter Springs for a cost of $195 per person for the week.
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All Saints Celebrates Milestone
As one of the initial churches to join the Anglican Mission in 2000, All Saints Anglican Church in Morehead City, North Carolina, enjoyed another milestone April 13, 2008. That Sunday morning 515 parishioners celebrated the faithfulness of God over the past eight years, attending the first worship service and dedication of their new sanctuary by Bishop Chuck Murphy, Chairman of the Anglican Mission.
"You reflected on the state of affairs, risked to step out in remarkable ways and now you have invested in something that will live beyond you," said Bishop Murphy.
 Since losing their property in 2003, members have squeezed into a strip center between a bingo parlor and Hooters Restaurant, patiently anticipating this day.
During the last service at their temporary location, the Rev. John Grayson , Assistant Rector, shared a roster of events that took place during a yearlong building project including 22 baptisms and 16 weddings, demonstrating that despite space limitations, God's work continues.
Bishop Murphy (top) and H. G. Miller (right) minister at the All Saints' dedication service.
"Today, we are in a building that will become a church," said the Rev. H.G. Miller, Rector. "It is a house of prayer, praise, healing, forgiveness and mission. It is a place for you."
The gothic inspired church architecture uniquely blends traditional and contemporary elements of design and sits prominently on 12 acres of picturesque farmland in an area of community expansion.
"This campus will be a mission platform for your children and grandchildren that will be a lighthouse and a mission station that will bring blessing to those that do not yet know the Lord Jesus Christ," said Bishop Murphy at the dedication.
The All Saints' mission statement is set in stone for all to see.
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Creating Connection with Coffee
Looking for innovative ways to build bridges into your community? Church of the Redeemer, located in the North Shore area of Chicago, Illinois, recently hosted a Taste of Rwanda coffee night at a popular local roasting house, offering a non-threatening environment for outreach.
"We minister in an area that is not strongly churched and unresponsive to religious events," said the Rev. Jay Greener, Rector of Church of the Redeemer. "Hosting an open house at a coffee shop in our neighborhood gave us an opportunity to connect with people who would not normally attend a traditional church event."
Brimming with guests invited through fliers delivered by friends, co-workers and neighbors, the excitement inside the shop enticed curious pedestrians to join in the fun as well.
"One of the greatest benefits of hosting Taste of Rwanda is that it gave our parishioners newfound confidence to reach out to those around them," explained Jay. "Because our members are spread out all over the area, we hope this will be the first chapter in a story of members hosting similar events in shops all over the region."
Everyone enjoyed free coffee donated by Land of a Thousand Hills while Robert Crow, Relationship Director for the company, answered questions and shared stories of reconciliation among genocide survivors and perpetrators--the amazing results of this micro-enterprise project.
Church of the Redeemer reaching
out along Chicago's North Shore.
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Have a Heart for Worship?
Announcing the AMiA Worship Leaders Retreat 2008 with Andy and Judy Piercy. A time for empowering, equipping and encouraging.
"This experience was something I have been dreaming of and thirsting for. Wonderful fellowship, food and fun; we came away...filled to overflowing." Attendee from our 2007 Retreat
June 9th -11th Arrive by 4 p.m. Monday, June 9th Departing after 12 noon on Wednesday, June 11th Location: Valley View Lodge Great Smoky Mountains National Park (20 min. from Knoxville, Tennessee airport). Please email Andy Piercy to receive a letter of invitation. The Anglican Mission will cover meals and accommodations. Look for more details to come. |
CANADIAN NEWS
New Senior Pastor for Immanuel Church
Derby's loss now becomes Vancouver's gain! The Rev. Simon Neill from Derby, UK will become Senior Pastor at Immanuel Church in Vancouver, BC effective June 1, 2008. Parishioners look forward to Simon's ministry as they meet together Sundays at 4:30 PM for worship at 3212 Fraser Street in Vancouver.  "Many have appreciated Simon's teaching, charisma and his real love for the city and its people. He is an exceptional minister, and we will miss him," said the Rev. Anita Matthew from St. Peter's in Derby. Please pray for Simon, Jo, George Timothy and Oscar as they make the transition to Vancouver.----------------------------------------------------------------
Profile on St. Barnabas, WaterfordSt. Barnabas, an Anglican Mission church plant in Waterford (Eastern Canada) describes itself as "a new church in an old tradition." St. Barnabas is supported by two Mission Networks, the Heart of North America or HONA Network that has parishes in Ohio and Ontario, and the Anglican Coalition in Canada (ACiC). Their Vision for Ministry and Mission declares they have been called to "stand for the authority of Scripture and to take the Gospel of Jesus to this country through outreach to the hurting, evangelism to the lost, and by planting other orthodox churches in the authority of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit."  St. Barnabas worships at 10:00 AM on Sundays at 91 Bruce St. Waterford, Ontario, in the Hall of St. Mary the Protectress Ukranian Orthodox Church. Please pray for the Lord to richly bless this young, vibrant community of faith. You may reach Senior Pastor, Susan Zakamarko, at 519-446-2707 |
Little Rock Summer Enrollment
Now Open
 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us to,
"Study to show yourself approved." Now you can.
The
Anglican School of Ministry-Little Rock's summer term is scheduled for
May 15 - August 15, 2008. Enrollment for classes opened April 15 and
continues through May 5, 2008.
The following courses will be offered:
· The Ministry of the Deacon (MIN 501)
· Inspiration, Interpretation, and Theology of the Bible (BIB 604)
If
there is enough interest, Essentials of Biblical Hebrew (BIB 601), a
one-week residency course, and Pastoral Care (SEM 603), a two-day
seminar course, will be offered as well. (Dates to be announced.) Visit: www.littlerocknetwork.org |
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April 2008
Keep Current!
Video Message from
Bishop Chuck Murphy
Bishop Murphy continues to keep us informed in his regular video feature. You won't want to miss hearing about the latest developments, exciting plans and new initiatives directly from Anglican Mission's Chairman.
This month:
Leadership matters.
Bishop Murphy talks about finding, training, equipping and releasing leaders into the mission field.
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Looking for youth workers?
The Anglican Mission Youth Ministry has added a "jobs available" section on their website. If your congregation is looking for a youth pastor, be sure to post the position on the site. Click here.
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JAMAICA OUTREACH
For More Info
Inspired to help the Buff Bay Outreach?
Go to the Anglican Mission youth Web site to find out more. www.yamia.net
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SOUL IN
THE CITY
For More Info
 Get info on the Soul in the City summer mission trip, contact Sheryl Shaw at 407-699-0202, or click here.
Final deadline for registration is June 2!
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GOT COFFEE?
For More Info
If you enjoy great coffee,
helping others, and reaching out to your local community, prayerfully
consider becoming an ambassador for Land of a Thousand Hills in your
church.
Introduce Rwandan Coffee to your
congregation with a Ministry Starter Kit. Contact Robert Crow
866-875-4369
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WORSHIP LEADERS
For More Info
Email Andy Piercy
to receive your letter of invitation to the AMiA Worship Leaders Retreat this coming June.
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SCHOOL OF MINISTRY
For More Info
Contact The Rev. Dr.
Mark Quay, Dean, Anglican School of Ministry-
Little Rock
(501) 801-3410 or
(501) 614-6061
maquay@comcast.net
www.littlerocknetwork.org
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