| The Official eNewsletter of the Anglican Mission in the Americas
|
 Welcome to the September Currents
Dear ,
This edition of Currents is packed with updated Anglican Mission news. Please pray for those still suffering the effects of hurricanes this season. I also encourage you to watch Bishop Murphy's video invitation to our annual Winter Conference in January.
Why not forward Currents to an Anglican friend? Cynthia Brust
Director of Communications, Anglican Mission in the Americas
If you have an upcoming event, news item or story of interest send us an email.
|
 URGENT BULLETIN & REQUESTS:
|
|
Hurricane Ike Update
from The Rev. Clark Lowenfield, Hopepointe Anglican, The Woodlands, Texas
Dear Friends in the Anglican Mission:
Thanks to many of you who have tried to get prayers and intentions to us in the Houston Area after the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Though the effects of this monster hurricane were not what were predicted, the devastation is nonetheless significant.
Our immediate area of North Houston was spared widespread horrific damage, but there has been significant destruction.
For your prayers, here is an update from HopePointe Anglican Church itself and some pictures:
 While many areas of Houston are beginning to get power, approximately 1.6 million, which includes 75% of our area, remain without. Most of the Houston area is still without telephone or safe water.
- Our own immediate ministry area includes two lower income communities (The Tamana Community and Timberlakes Community) who received flooding of 3-5 feet in many of their homes. Members of our church have been serving in those areas helping clean up debris.
- Other HopePointe members are helping with the distribution of water, food and ice.
- Though gasoline is becoming available again, lines are often two hours long.
- There are a number of evacuees from the Galveston area in FEMA housing and hotels which our ministerial association is also serving.
Again, thank you for your prayers. If any of your congregations desire to help in the effort, please consider the following:
- As always, donating to the Red Cross and specifying Hurricane Ike.
- Donate to the Ike Relief Fund set up here at HopePointe Church and distributed to work done through HopePointe Anglican, All Saints Anglican, and St. Timothy's Anglican:
HopePointe Church
719 Sawdust Road, Suite 103
The Woodlands, TX 77380 - Send Walmart or Target Purchase Cards to HopePointe Church (same address).
Again, thank you for all your prayers and concern. Once the phone service resumes, I will try and return many of your calls to let you know how we are doing.
In His peace,
Clark
|
Join Us at Winter Conference 2009!
Wednesday, January 28 - Saturday, January 31
Greensboro, North Carolina
"My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples...You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you
would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask
of the Father in my name He may give to you." -John 15:8, 16
The Anglican Mission is committed to bearing fruit in urban areas, to reach a new generation, to be agents of transformation, to break into new territory and to develop new works. We are willing to follow the sovereign movement of the Holy Spirit as He leads us to take the risks necessary to "grow out on a limb," allowing Christ to produce fruit.
As we seek to do this work-to faithfully fulfill Christ's Great Commission in our day-we must experience His power and transformation in our own lives and in our congregations. The Lord calls us in John 15 to be disciples...bear fruit...glorify the Lord. We can only be obedient to this high calling when we are united with Christ through faith, abiding in Him, growing in Him and allowing Him to bear fruit in and through us. -The John 15 Challenge
We hope you will make plans now to attend this sacred time connecting with people of like faith from North America and around the world.
Register for Winter Conference Early and Save!For fast, easy and secure registration online click here.
|
Winter Conference 2009
Plenary Session Speakers:
 Mrs. Margaret Feinberg is a popular speaker at churches and leading conferences such as Fusion, Catalyst and LeadNow, Margaret invites people to discover the relevance of God and His Word in a post-modern world.
The Rev. Dr. Todd Hunter began his ministry 30 years ago as a church planter and church planting consultant and is presently an adjunct instructor on evangelism and postmodern ministry at George Fox University, Fuller Seminary and Western Seminary.
The Rt. Rev. Chuck Murphy is a Missionary Bishop of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda and Chairman of the Anglican Mission. He served as Rector of All Saints Church, Pawleys Island, South Carolina for over 20 years; in addition, he convened, and later chaired, the First Promise Movement that led to the formation of the Anglican Mission.
The Rev. Canon David H. Roseberry is the founding rector and senior pastor of Christ Church in Plano, Texas. He arrived in Plano in 1985 with the vision of planting a new Episcopal church for the growing community. Now a member of the Anglican Mission, Christ Church welcomes approximately 2,000 visitors per weekend.
Mr. Mark Russell was appointed in 2006 at the age of 31 as Chief Executive of Church Army in the UK. In this role, he leads a society of over 300 full time evangelists and is an advocate for evangelism in the wider church. He is a sought after conference speaker for events such as New Wine, Alpha Home Focus and Soul Survivor.
The Rev. Dr. Jon C. Shuler, Ph. D. serves as Senior Pastor at New Grace Church, an Anglican Mission congregation with over 1000 members in Fleming Island, Florida. In addition to serving in churches in England and the United States for more than 35 years, Jon founded the North American Missionary Society in 1994.
During Winter Conference 2009, Anglican Mission's Bishop Thad Barnum will offer daily Bible studies, the Rev. John Coles of New Wine, UK will preside at a Power Ministry/Healing Service and Andy Piercy along with a team from across the Mission will lead worship.
Look for Winter Conference brochures inside the October edition of The Wave or at your local fellowship! |
Winter Conference 2009 Film Festival: "Spotlight on Local Mission"
Winter Conference 2009 will kick off with a night of celebration and fun. Under the leadership of Bishop TJ Johnston, the Anglican Mission will host a Film Festival entitled, Spotlight on Local Mission.
The theme for Winter Conference 2009 is based on John 15 and the
relationship between the disciples' experience of the Father's love
through Jesus and then the call on their lives to share that love in a
transforming way with others.
Across the Anglican Mission, congregations are creatively and passionately taking the Gospel message into their communities seeking to connect with those who are disconnected from Christ and His Church. Now is the time to share your story and give an encouraging voice to what God is doing in your churches on "the big screen."
We invite each Anglican Mission congregation to create an original video of six minutes or less that honors God and speaks to the way your church is living into the Great Commission.
We are not looking for perfect productions, but rather short films that capture your heart for the mission of your church. How do you do what you do? Why do you do what you do? In what creative ways are you sharing the Gospel with your community? How are you building bridges that will connect others to the love of Christ?
Don't miss out on being part of this exciting opportunity to:
- Release faith
- Inspire others
- Share your church's passion and creative energy in engaging the culture
- Encourage creativity in others
- Honor God and celebrate the work He is doing in and through your church
Check the Film Festival link on the Anglican Mission website for Guidelines and Entry Form.
|
Attention: Two Special Pre-Winter Conference Events
1: Calling All Pioneers! Discovering the World of Church Planting
Discover how to unleash the power of a congregation to plant healthy churches that plant churches-the most effective way to reach the "disconnected." Hosted by AIM Church Planting.
This practical workshop will be held Tuesday, January 27, 1:00-5:00 PM; and Wednesday, January 28, 8:30 AM - noon. The registration fee is $99 per person ($49 for seminarians), which includes continental breakfast on Wednesday.
To register, visit the AIM Church Planting website, email Nancy Scammacca, or call (512) 480-9080, ext. 1.
2: One Church, Two Cultures: Uniting through Sister-to-Sister Partnerships
This interactive workshop addresses important concepts for establishing and growing the Church through cross-cultural relationships between local Anglican Mission parishes and Rwanda. Hosted by Sister to Sister.
Wednesday, January 28, Noon - 4:00 PM (A box lunch will be provided.) There is no fee for the workshop, but registration is required. Email Sandi Harding to register, or call (678) 602-3714.
NOTE: Both pre-conference workshops will be at the host hotel, the Sheraton Greensboro.
|
|
Sandi Harding Named Coordinator for Sister-to-Sister Partnership Desk
Sandi Harding (center) among her Rwandan brothers and sisters.
Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini and Bishop Chuck Murphy, in consultation with Canons Ellis Brust and Tim Smith, have appointed Sandi Harding as Coordinator of the Anglican Mission Sister-to-Sister Partnership Desk. Sandi will play a crucial role in helping to carry the Sister-to-Sister Partnerships to the next level, developing cross-cultural relationships between Anglican Mission congregations and Rwandan parishes. Her support, encouragement, coordination and oversight will help strengthen the Rwanda-North America connection.
As a resident of Rwanda from 2004-2006, Sandi's experience working alongside the Provincial Office of Archbishop Kolini and the Director of HIV/AIDs for the province makes her uniquely gifted for this role. She has traveled extensively throughout all the dioceses of Rwanda, worked alongside Bishops and Non-Government Organizations and has acted as a liaison for numerous visiting mission teams and pastors.
Among other roles, Sandi will also provide mentoring as well as resources and training for existing and future partnerships, alongside Canon Tim Smith. For more information on Sister-to-Sister Partnerships contact Canon Smith.
|
Anglican Mission Fund Raiser Helps Save Lives in Africa
Last month, fund raising efforts from parishioners of New Life Anglican Church in Petoskey, Michigan provided mosquito nets for over 200 families in Africa. A successful community dinner and silent auction inspired a cooperative spirit as all ages worked together toward a common goal-saving lives!
"Our efforts exceeded my expectations," reports Erika Jo Dielman, event coordinator. "My personal goal of $500 was met in a single check before the actual event took place!"
 Erika's Pastor, Rev. Dave Linka (left), challenged her faith to believe for $2,000 to help 200 families. "My faith in God's ability to do beyond what I could imagine was realized when we raised $2,331!" she exclaimed.
"We partnered with a non-profit organization called NothingButNets," said Dave, "where all of the proceeds go directly to purchase mosquito nets, and Bill and Melanie Gates match funds dollar for dollar."
Not many people realize that Malaria is the foremost killer in East Africa, where one in five children die before reaching the age of five-an alarming statistic for Rwandans where few have access to medical care. The mosquito nets, uncommon in many homes, have proven to reduce deaths of children by 50%.
"The rewards of doing this kind of event far outweigh the work involved," Erika notes. "Working together grew our church community and blessed others. I would love to be a part of doing this again next year."
In Africa, where many survive on less than $1 a day, the $10 bed net is out of reach for most people at risk from malaria. Truly, the $2000 plus raised by New Life Anglican Church represents a life-giving gift! |
"Confessional Learning Community" Launched
On September 12, 2008, twelve men and women gathered at a retreat center north of Durham, North Carolina, to begin a twenty-two month journey of growth and ministerial development. Their training is part of a new "confessional learning community" entitled the Anglican Missional Pastor (AMP).
Launched by the Apostles Mission Network, the new program reflects a commitment to purposefully raising new generations of church planters and pastors.
Some of the participants in the AMP are already serving churches; most, however, are in the earliest stages of church ministry and have joined this program in order to complete their training in the context of a highly relational confessional learning community.
At the end of the 22 months together, the Network leadership anticipate that participants will be fully prepared-"head, hands and heart"-to serve in a burgeoning church planting movement and to intentionally mentor other leaders and church planters. In addition, all participants will have completed the requirements for ordination and will be equipped to move into active leadership in local churches.
Like all Anglican Mission networks, the Apostles Mission Network has access to multiple formal and informal tracks for theological education and leadership development, but this program represents a serious, systematic and cooperative effort to invest in a new generation of church planters and missional leaders.
If you are interested in the Anglican Missional Pastor leadership track or how it might help you in your own spiritual development, email the Rev. Dr Steve Breedlove to receive a detailed electronic copy of the program.
|
Founder's Day Celebration in Attleboro
All Saints Anglican Church in Attleboro, Massachusetts, sponsored a Founder's Day celebration during a series of special events September 5-7, 2008. The church kicked off their weekend with a ribbon cutting ceremony that served as the congregation's official welcome by the City of Attleboro. All Saints is a member of the Attleboro Chamber of Commerce and is proud to be a part of the city's Restoration Project.
On Saturday, the church held a yard sale, and during Sunday worship, the congregation met together to dedicate their new cross, sing songs of praise and gather around the Lord's Table. Afterwards, parishioners enjoyed fellowship over lunch followed by games and activities for all ages.
"This was not just a day of remembrance," said Fr. Lance Giuffrida, rector of All Saints (above). "It is the beginning of new dreams, new visions and new ministry. We are still who we were and are made stronger by those who have come to be part of our future."
All Saints was received as an Anglican Mission congregation in October 2006. By July 2007, the members had raised enough money to purchase the former Hebronville United Methodist Church located at 1188 South Main Street. The church was then consecrated by Bishop Thad Barnum on September 8, 2007. Constructed in 1883, the aged building needed extensive renovations. All Saints leaders acknowledge their needs were met in almost "miraculous" ways.
"Our Founder's Day celebration was designed for everyone who call All Saints their home, now and in the years to come," Fr. Lance said. "We have 'founded' a new church on the site of an old church and have restored worship there."
|
Two Ordinations Celebrated in Canada 
Congratulations to the Rev. Josh Wilton and the Rev. Andy Withrow who were ordained as priests in the Anglican Coalition in Canada (ACiC) on September 8, 2008 by Bishop Sandy Greene who provides oversight to the ACiC.
Josh has served during the past four years as an intern at St. Simon's North Vancouver as the Newcomer Pastor, with a focus on the Alpha Course and a Young Adult Group called 'The Gathering'. Andy has been an intern at St Timothy's Church North Vancouver, led by the Rev. Ken Bell.
|
|
Holy Trinity Pensacola Marks 3rd Anniversary
by The Rev. Lisa Browning
August 17 was an exciting day in the life of Holy Trinity-Pensacola (HTAC) as we celebrated our first three years in ministry in Pensacola, Florida. Begun as a restart in 2005 with just over 25 people, we have been blessed to see God grow the parish to around 200 people in attendance each Sunday.
The Rev. Ron Browning, HTAC's rector, was visibly moved by the events of the day, which included a video presentation that chronicled the short history of the church, the renovation of the building and major events we've celebrated together so far.
 "As I look back at the last three years, I am amazed at all the things that have changed in ways none of us could have anticipated," he said. "The growth was far beyond what any of us expected, and the friendships that have been formed through hard work and shared sacrifice have been truly life-changing!"
Pastor Ron took time during the sermon to recast the vision of this parish, which is to continue to grow this church in a healthy way, reaching the unchurched for Christ, then peel off a group to plant a new work in another corner of our city. This concept, dubbed by Pastor Ron as "P-3: Pack, Peel, Plant," is exciting and invigorating to parishioners, who share a heart for outreach and mission in our communities.
|
|
|
September 2008
Keep Current!
Video Message from
Bishop Chuck Murphy
Fresh updates on the latest developments, plans, and initiatives straight from the Anglican Mission Chairman.
THIS MONTH:
Bishop Murphy issues a personal invitation to join us at Winter Conference 2009!
|
Winter Conference Hotel
Book your room early and save!
Held in beautiful Greensboro, North Carolina, this year's Winter Conference host hotel is the 1000-room Sheraton Greensboro, the largest hotel and convention center between Washington, DC and Atlanta, Georgia.
Room reservations should be made by contacting the Greensboro Sheraton reservations desk directly at: 866-242-6556 (toll-free)
Be sure to request the special Anglican Mission Winter Conference group rate available through January 8, 2009.
Hotel website
Winter Conference webpage
Online Conference Registration
Greensboro info
|
Take Action!
Get Your Film
Crew Together Now
Whether home-spun or professional-level, bring your unique Anglican Mission short film to life at Winter Conference 2009!
Spotlight on Local Mission Film Festival Guidelines and Entry Forms are posted on the Anglican Mission website's Winter Conference page. Check the Film Festival.
The deadline for film submissions is December 8, 2008.
|
Take Action!
You Can Help Save Lives...Too
Malaria has been brought under control and even eliminated in many parts of Asia, Europe and the Americas. Yet in Africa, malaria infections have actually increased over the last three decades. The disease is a leading cause of death of children in Africa, killing 3,000 children every day, nearly one million children a year.
If you would like to help, visit nothingbutnets.net, or get creative like Erika did and host a fund-raising event in your community.
|
|
