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Dear Friends,
I shared yesterday at services the news that Bishop Howe has announced his retirement and called for the election of the 4th Bishop of Central Florida. The election will take place in a Special Convention of the Diocese on November 19, 2011 at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Orlando. You can follow this process on the diocesan website...CLICK HERE There are ways to get involved and stay informed, opportunities to volunteer and more - in this electronic age the website will be the gateway to the whole process of electing the person to serve as our new Bishop. You can read Bishop Howe's address to convention with this announcement... CLICK HERE
This announcement brings with it all sorts of emotion. There is a level of sadness in me as Bishop Howe called me to serve on his staff in 1991 and that call changed my life. He nurtured my life and ministry, supported and affirmed me, ordained me deacon and priest, charged me with planting a church in Oviedo and added to that the ministry of Canterbury. In all of these and so much more I have been blessed. To see his role as diocesan bishop come to an end has some personal sorrow but I know he will continue to exercise a ministry and leadership in the church continuing to advance the Kingdom of God. In this transition there is much to celebrate and over the next fifteen months we will find ways to do so.
For some this might make us apprehensive, change can do that. We serve a Lord who promises Himself as a constant on this shifting and unsettled side of eternity. In the letter to the Hebrews we are reminded...
"...for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
(Hebrews 13:5-8 ESVS)
God gives us his presence. He also gives us leaders who speak to us the Word of God - (Bishop Howe has faithfully and skillfully done this) Finally, as we hope, trust and rest in and on Almighty God we will not be disappointed. Jesus is the "Solid Rock" unchanging and able to see us through all the things that come in this life. I am confident also that God will lead and guide us in this process as a diocese to the election of our next bishop. Join me in this prayer...
From the Book of Common Prayer
For the Election of a Bishop
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
in the mission,
Father Jon+
A Few Things... You and I have opportunity in this Epiphany Season to dig a bit deeper and discover more "light" in our journey of faith. I want to encourage all of you to consider the FIRST FRIDAY - 24 hour spiritual direction retreat this weekend (Feb. 4-5) with Dr. Carla Waterman. This is the kind of event that can fuel your faith and help you grow. Contact me for more information. Another opportinity exists for men on the following weekend (February 11-13) The Diocesan Men's Retreat - this will be great fun, wonderful fellowship tremendous food (BBQ Saturday Night!) I want to encourage all the men at Incarnation (and others who get this update) to join us for this remarkable time to learn and grow in Christ. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Organic Discipleship continues
Wednesdays 7am for men (Eucharist / Breakfast / Study)
Thursdays 9:30am for women (Eucharist / Coffee / Study)
Morning Prayer - Weekdays 7:45am / St. Francis Oratory Chapel
Be sure to check announcements in the left column.
For worship times and info Click Here
For more Incarnation News Click Here
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