Mid-Atlantic Convocation October 2006 Newsletter
Dear friends:
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Last month we asked for prayer for three meetings taking place in New York, Rwanda, and Texas. Thank you for your prayers and give praise to God for the clarity He continues to give to us.
This quote from Bishop Duncan best sums up the results of the New York meeting: “It became clear that the division in the American church is so great that we are incapable of addressing the divide which has two distinctly different groups both claiming to be the Episcopal Church.” The meeting of the Global South in Rwanda was perhaps the most significant, with the bishops noting in their report that they are “convinced that the time has now come to take initial steps towards the formation of what will be recognized as a separate ecclesiastical structure of the Anglican Communion in the USA. (For the complete report on these meetings, please go to the Network website:
www.acn-us.org.) Please continue to keep this work in your prayers in the coming months. As Bishop Duncan said in his recent pastoral letter, “A new day is dawning.”
Two weeks ago, the Mid-Atlantic Convocation held a Leadership Strategy meeting for approximately 120 clergy and lay leaders. The main purpose was to present a model for building coalitions as a way for churches to meet and work together for common ministry and to prepare for what is to come. It is through working together that we all become stronger, and together we can present a united witness of the Gospel to the world.
This past month we have been drafting a proposed budget for 2007. My great thanks to all those who have supported us this year. We depend upon your continued support. Many of you have received individual letters and letters to your parish asking for pledges for next year.
The Network is a new missionary movement, and there has been much talk about a new DNA. This means that we want the new Anglican alignment in America to reflect God’s will for His church. The six Convocation Deans have been praying and talking about how our handling of finances can reflect this principle. We decided that if we are truly working together for the common good, then our money should reflect that. Therefore, although the budgets look separate on paper, the money actually goes into a “common pot.” Should there be a shortage of funds, then we will work together to prioritize needs and decide how the money should be spent. I think this way honors God and witnesses that we are one body working together to spread the kingdom.
Finally, I would also like to thank you for your positive feedback for this newsletter. The main goal of the newsletter is to encourage us as we go about the daily work of mission in each of our churches and to help us get to know the others in our Convocation. You can help us by sending information about your congregation and its ministries. We can’t make up the news! And please send us details of upcoming events so others can attend and so we can uphold one another in prayer.
Your prayers, your participation, and your support are crucial.
In Him,
John A. M. Guernsey
Dean
Keep in your prayers...
Those affected by the "Great October Surprise" storm that hit Western New York in mid-October. There are MAC affiliates still without power.
The churches participating in "40 Days of Discernment." (For information: www.40daysofdiscernment.org)
Over the course of the year, we will be contacting all parishes requesting information about any ministry you would like highlighted in the MAC newsletter. However, if you have a time-sensitive ministry you would like for us to include in an upcoming newsletter, please contact Heather Adams at hadams@acn-mac.org .
Did You Know?
Do you know the difference between the American Anglican Council (AAC) and ACN?
ACN is an ecclesial body, whereas the American Anglican Council is an advocacy organization dedicated to reforming the Episcopal Church. While they share a dedication to biblical authority, the Great Commission and the historic faith and order of Anglicanism, the two are separate entities. ACN is a link for dioceses and parishes. The AAC is an advocate for renewal of the Episcopal Church.
Your Turn! 
In the September 2006 newsletter, the MAC staff invited readers to answer the following question: If you were going to be exiled to a desert island and could take only two books, the Bible and one other book, what book would you choose?
Below are the responses we have received so far:
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Desiring God by John Piper
The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene
An Evening with Philip Yancey
October 29, 2006, 7:30 p.m.
Good Samaritan Church
Paoli, PA
Philip Yancey will be speaking on the subject of his newest book “Prayer: Does it Really Matter?” At the event, this book will be available for purchase and signing. Childcare will be available for preschool children and younger. The Church of the Good Samaritan is located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. For more information please contact the church at 610-644-4040 or visit the website at
www.good-samaritan.org.
“Share-In”
November 4, 2006
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Vestal, NY
“Take what you need; give what you can.” For details about this event, see the St. Andrew’s Ministry Focus above.
The First Children's Ministry Summit
"What is Anglican Children's Ministry?"
November 12 - 13, 2006
Trinity School for Ministry
Ambridge, PA 15003
If your church is having an event, we would be happy to publish it, not only so that interested people might attend, but so that we can be praying for you. Send information to newsletter@acn-mac.org .
Feel free to forward this newsletter to members of your congregation.
"In the midst of toppling thrones, Daniel maintained his serenity because
he knew there was a sovereign God in heaven to whom he prayed."
-Anonymous
John Guernsey, Dean | George Beaven, Church Planting Director | Heather Adams, Executive Assistant | Heidi Reichert, Administrative Assistant
Mid-Atlantic Convocation | Anglican Network Communion
c/o All Saints' Church | 5290 Saratoga Lane
Woodbridge, Virginia 22026
Tel: 703-670-0093www.acn-mac.org
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The motto of our “Share-In” is “Take what you need; give what you can.” This twice-a-year ministry has had a longtime positive effect on the Vestal area. It has been a source of clothing and household items for the poor for over 35 years and an opportunity for the parish to serve face-to-face the needy in the community. It is one of the ways that the parish communicates “We are a place of grace."
Like a rummage sale, the parish hall is filled with donated items and publicized through local media. Any money that is donated is given back to the community through local outreach agencies. The next Share-In will take place on November 4, 2006. This upcoming event is critical because of the flooding that Vestal and surrounding areas endured this summer.
Please pray for St. Andrew’s as the congregation begins “40 Days of Discernment.”