Dear Friends,

From my sermon on Sunday... The simple definition of evangelism: Those who know, telling those who don't.   AND David Platt writes:  Jesus has invited us to join with him in the surprisingly simple journey of spreading the gospel to all nations by spending our lives for the good of others and the glory of God.    

I have been thinking further about this task and  calling. Evangelism can make many of us uncomfortable. The idea of sharing our faith is daunting.  However it is a promise we make... Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?  I will with God's help.    There are some things necessary in Gospel proclamation.  I want to note two. 

First there is data, a specific message, some necessary propositions. Bishop Howe speaking about evangelism identified a great summary of the Gospel message contained in our liturgy from Eucharistic Prayer A...Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.  There are lots of places to get the data: Four Spiritual Laws; The Alpha Course; Evangelism Explosion etc. (if you want help with this just let me know) 

Another necessary element is LOVE - love becomes the conduit - the means by which the Gospel goes forth.  We share in kindness, mercy, compassion, genuine affection.  People  need to hear the message but they also need to see it and they see it in us when we love people like Jesus does.

So enter the calling to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) Let us go forth making disciples, proclaiming to the world the love, reconcilaition and forgiveness found in Christ Jesus!

in the mission,
Father Jon + 

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A Few Things...

A beautiful rendition of Amazing Grace - CLICK HERE

Opportunities to serve and volunteer at Canterbury - contact Pastor Robin for more information: robin@incarnationoviedo.com  

There is some significant news from Deacon Dick and Sandra Costin, They will be be on a "leave of absence" from Incarnation for the next couple of years.   Read a letter from them - Click Here

We need some help in the nursery over the summer - Sunday Mornings 9:45 - 11:30.  

If you are willing to volunteer please contact Shelly at (shelly@incarnationoviedo.com )

Abigail Morical's mission trip to Panama...

Thanks to all who have supported Abigail on her mission trip to Panama. She and her team arrived safely in the country on Thursday 6/16 after training & team building in Texas this past week.  Over the next few weeks, she will share the Gospel through drama, VBS with children, hut-to-hut ministry where she will sleep in a hammock in the Darien Jungle.  If you would like more details as you pray for her, visit the website: www.globalexpeditions.com - click on "Trip;" Panama;" and "Trip A." If you are on Facebook, current updates can be viewed if you "like" the page "Panama Trip A" (on my Facebook wall) or talk with me directly.  We appreciate your prayers and all the love extended to her! ~ Pastor Robin 

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CENTRAL FLORIDA'S NEXT BISHOP  

For information on the search process for our next Bishop check out...  http://bishopsearch.cfdiocese.org 

Here is a link to the Diocesan Profile - Who we are and what we want in our next Bishop...

http://www.cfdiocese.org/sites/default/files/dioprofile0611.pdf 

Here is a link to forms regarding the nomination process... http://bishopsearch.cfdiocese.org/nominating-forms-fourth-bishop-central-florida  

Also for information on FAQ...

http://bishopsearch.cfdiocese.org/frequently-asked-questions