| The Official eNewsletter of the Anglican Mission in the Americas
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Dear ,
"Alleluia. The Lord is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia."
I pray your Easter Sunday was a joyful and blessed celebration of our Lord's Resurrection. May we live and move in that same Resurrection power!
This issue of Currents touches on just some of the wonderful events in the life of the Anglican Mission as we continue to fulfill our vision and grow from strength to strength.
Also note in your prayers that April 7 marked the beginning of 100 Days of Remembrance recalling tragic events of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Over these 100 days, remember to pray for our brothers and sisters who are seeking to live out the power of forgiveness and reconciliation offered us through the Gospel.
Cynthia Brust
Director of Communications, Anglican Mission in the Americas
Why not forward Currents to an Anglican friend? Click below. 
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St. John's Anglican Helps
Produce Award-Winning Film
The Rev. Doug Folsom with "Up In The Air" on-screen family,
Shannon Cunningham and Sonia Wirkus.
Half the congregation of St. John's Anglican in Park City, Utah,
participated in the production of an 11-minute faith-based movie in less than 168 hours. The big news? Their short film "Up in the Air" won Best Film out of 70 entries from around the world.
The Rev. Doug Folsom, former rector of St. John's and a professionally trained actor, served as one of three producers of the film and raised the majority of funds for production from outside sources. Folsom also plays the leading role of a small-town pilot confronted and forgiving his wayward ex-wife.
The 168 Hour Film Project is a competition where producers have one week (168 hours) to film and edit an 11 minute movie based on a theme and Bible verse for the purpose of illuminating the Word of God through short film.
Presented at the 168 Hour Film Festival held April 3-4 in Los Angeles, California, "Up in the Air" also won awards in five other categories including: best Scriptural integration, best cinematography, best editing, best sound design and best supporting actor. See the winners.
"I am grateful to the people of St. John's who supported me and helped by hosting 12 filmmakers from Los Angeles, providing transportation and donating airplanes for filming, as well as serving the crew in catering and craft services," said Folsom.
Three parishioners played supporting acting roles. Others helped as extras. Shannon Cunningham, daughter of senior warden, Charles Cunningham, was nominated for best supporting actress. "This was a great experience for our parish," exclaims Charles.
Learn more about the film or purchase a DVD of the top twenty films here.
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A New Season (and Building) for Christ Church Murrells Inlet
On April 5th, Christ Church in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, opened their doors to welcome 225 members of the community for the first worship service in their new building. The Rt. Rev. Chuck Murphy, Chairman of the Anglican Mission, officially "cut the ribbon" during the Palm Sunday celebration.
 Located at 310 Prince Creek Parkway, the new church is nestled on 14 acres in Prince Creek, a 2700-acre master-planned community in Murrells Inlet. The Rev. David Bryan, senior pastor, felt called to build in the area with an eye toward the future. Thousands of people are relocating to the quickly developing neighborhoods surrounding the area.
"We were thrilled when we had the opportunity to be a part of the growing Prince Creek community, which is one of the leading developments in Murrells Inlet and [South Carolina's] Grand Strand," Bryan noted.
Last spring, the congregation completed a capital campaign that raised more than $1,000,000 to make their first building a reality. Established in 2006 as a daughter church of All Saints, Pawleys Island, parishioners have worshiped in a movie theater and then a temporary building until Palm Sunday.
"In our short 3 1/2 year existence as a church, we have experienced growth across the generations," explains Bryan. "We have lots of young families with children, lots of working folks and many retirees, and we anticipate more of the same as we transition into our new location. We invite people of every stage of their faith-walk to come and check us out."
For more information about Christ Church click here or visit their Facebook page.
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"Breakthru" Event Helps Train Clergy Formation Advisors
The Anglican Mission's Department of Leadership Development hosted a leadership development training event for Clergy Formation Advisors (CFAs) March 26-27 in San Diego, California. Led by coaches Terry Walling and Daniel Allen of Leader Breakthru Ministries, the seminar presented a perspective on the process God uses in the lives of leaders and provided resources for CFA's work in the formation of postulants.
The CFAs serve the Anglican Mission Bishops, in cooperation with the Department of Leadership Development, to oversee equipping and preparation of candidates for ordination. Current Advisors include: The Reverends Ken Bell, Chuck Colson, Rob Grafe, Bob Grant, Jack King, Mark Quay and Ben Sharpe.
"The value added piece for me is that the [Anglican Mission's] Department of Leadership Development is interested in developing the individual and is not just concerned about required standards," notes Bob Grant. "There is a pastoral element that cares about the whole person, acknowledging that everyone is moving forward in their personal growth."
"The training added to my CFA tool box and helped me to better understand my own leadership transitions and direction for my future," remarks Ben Sharpe.
Learn more about the Department of Leadership Development here. Read more about Leader Breakthru Ministries here.
Breakthru Ministries' Terry Walling authored Stuck!, a book about finding God in new ways and discovering his purposes, while at the same time, surviving and navigating through a time of transition.Check out the Anglican Missions' Leadership Development Facebook page. Back to top
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Inside and Out: Practicing the Sacrament of Presence
Since moving into their new building in February, Church of the Apostles in Hope Mills, North Carolina, finds people are drawn to the future theme expressed in the façade of their untraditional dome structure (a tent-like innovative structure from Sprung) and the ancient theme represented in interior aesthetics. Apostles has seen a consistent increase in attendance every Sunday since moving into their church home.
 "Most of the newcomers are unchurched or haven't been to church in awhile," reports the Rev. Dan Alger. "People are just surprised in general when they enter the church, no matter what kind of stereotypes they may have. They think, 'If the building is different, then maybe what goes on inside is different too'."
As newcomers find Apostles, the congregation is also seeking
ways to reach outside their walls and serve the community. On Saturday, April 4th, parishioners partnered with nationwide ministry "Operation Inasmuch" for a day of service, joining several churches in the community to give their time and resources to help those in need. People built wheelchair ramps, participated in landscape projects and completed work on a new building used to help the homeless in the community learn practical skills.
"Our presence on those work projects speaks more than words ever could," shares Eddie Waren, Apostles organizer for the outreach. "People just can't wrap their mind around why we would do something so nice for free."
See the Church of the Apostles website here.
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Men's Workshop Offers Hope in Uncertain Times
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Churchville, Pennsylvania, held a men's workshop on Saturday morning, March 14 entitled "Navigating Today's Waters and Living the Christian Life". Over 50 participants turned out to hear talks given by four men of the parish with strong reputations as successful professionals and faithful Christian evangelists. The men offered hope amidst uncertain times while focusing on living out their faith.
"It delights this pastor to see the men of St. John's take initiative among themselves to encourage and motivate each other to greater maturity in Christ," remarks the Rev. Mark Rudolph, rector.
While each speaker came with a unique story and set of circumstances, the continuous thread spoken throughout the morning was the importance of faith in Christ for a man's life as he navigates the challenges it brings. |
Catching Fish in the 21st Century
Renewal Mission is an annual gathering of laity and clergy from various Christian backgrounds who come together for renewal and refreshment in the power of the Holy Spirit, to fully release people in the work of mission and evangelism. The 2009 event was held March 20-22 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and was co-sponsored by St. Simon's Church in North Vancouver and BC Christian News. The theme - "Catching Fish in the 21st Century" was taken from chapter five in the book of Luke.
 "Our purpose this year was to help people become more motivated and effective in sharing their faith with people that don't yet know Christ," reports the Rev. Ed Hird.
 Keynote speakers, the Rev. Gabe Garcia from San Diego, California and the Rev. William Beasley from Chicago, Illinois, both Anglican Mission priests, encouraged listeners to focus on Jesus, discern His voice and follow Him in humility.
"Following Jesus means that we are not in charge and we don't always understand the whys," declared Garcia. "To be a follower of Jesus, a fisher of people, takes a strong degree of humility."
Learn more about the Anglican Coalition in Canada here.
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In the News...
Rwandan Connection: All Saints Chapel Hill Seeks Lessons in Forgiveness
CHAPEL HILL -- This month, as Rwanda marks the 15th anniversary of its genocide, an Anglican church in the Triangle is trying to glean lessons from the aftermath of the mass killings.
All Saints Church has good formal reasons to undertake the study. From a denominational standpoint, it is part of the Anglican Mission in America, which is overseen by the Anglican Church of Rwanda... Read the entire news article here.
Mary Mac Thielman stands before a gathering of
students from a school sponsored by the Anglican Diocese of Butare. The
soccer team from this school received uniforms that Thielman got from
her coach at Durham's Jordan High School.
(Photo by Ehsan Samei, The News & Observer)
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Upcoming Events
In the Mission
Worship Leader's Master Class
MONDAY, MAY 18
10:00 AM - evening
St Peter's
Mt. Pleasant
South Carolina
Andy Piercy, Director of Worship for the Anglican Mission, is launching a Worship Leader's Master Class designed for experienced senior worship leaders and worship pastors who want to further develop their ministry. Andy developed this model of "top level" training at Holy Trinity Brompton, London, where it proved highly successful for equipping worship leaders.
- Small class setting
- Focused and personalized attention
- Constructive critique of worship leading skills
- Practical tools for improvement
Interested in attending this event or future master classes? Click here to contact Andy.
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AIM to Host Anglican School for Church Planters
JUNE 15-19, 2009
Christ Church Plano
Texas
AIM Executive Director, Ron McCrary
The Anglican School for Church Planters (ASCP) is hosting a five-day intensive learning experience focused on equipping church planters. Faculty includes national leaders in church planting such as Todd Hunter, Ron McCrary, David Roseberry, and Carol Childress.
If you are committed to learning skills for effective church planting within the Anglican tradition, we invite you to join us.
SESSIONS ADDRESS:
- The new metrics of church planting
- Developing and multiplying leaders
- Alignment of philosophy of ministry with vision and values
- Crafting effective strategy
- Leading worship
- Developing an external focus for evangelism and service
- Community exegesis
- Spiritual formation and making disciples
- Preaching and communications
- Leading change and transition
- Self and family care and stewardship
For full details on ASCP, registration and to sign up for electronic updates, visit our website.
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Since January 1, 2009, the Anglican Mission has celebrated 16 clergy ordinations and 14 receptions. Our bishops ordained eight priests and eight deacons, as well as received 11 priests and three deacons already
this year.
Here are a few photos...
The Rev. Mark Lauer and the Rev. Dr. Roger Radley, both of the Lord of the Nations Network, are ordained by the Rt. Rev. Sandy Greene.
The Rt. Rev. Thad Barnum presents Leah Turner of All Saints Anglican in Attleboro, MA, as she is ordained to the diaconate.
The Rt. Rev. Chuck Murphy and the Rt. Rev. Sandy Greene at the ordination of the Rev. Dr. Todd Hunter.
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