"But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." 1Peter 3:14-15
My head is still spinning from all the events that have happened since General Convention concluded less than three weeks ago.
To date, six dioceses have taken the bold step of petitioning for alternative primatial oversight or relationship, and others are considering such a move. The Archbishop of Canterbury has issued a surprising paper, which has given much encouragement to many of us. (For much helpful analysis of these actions and statements, see the websites linked below in this newsletter.)
I know I speak for many in saying that the encouragement given by these events has been tempered by the sadness I feel for the state of the Episcopal Church. General Convention only underscored how far our Church has strayed from the historic faith. As Bishop Duncan said in his recent Pastoral Letter to the Network, the tear in the fabric of our church has widened. But we prayed for clarity and I believe that God answered those prayers.
It seems increasingly clear that a new orthodox, American Anglican structure will emerge, and we can find great hope in that, even though neither the details nor the timetable is clear. As we've said over and over again, "We are building this airplane as we are flying it." Now more than ever we need to remain united, praying for one another and the Anglican Communion.
In the meantime, what do we do?
First and foremost, continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and go out in the power of the Holy Spirit to those in need. This month's reports from some of our Convocation churches (below) make clear that we are not "obsessed with sex" as our critics so often charge, but are passionately engaged in the ongoing work of mission.
Second, work to build a coalition of faithful churches within your diocese. Reach out to the clergy and wardens of other congregations, both those in the Network and those who may now be ready to take a stand. Meet regularly to build relationships and to prayerfully discern the way forward. Here in the Diocese of Virginia, a group of biblically orthodox wardens and rectors have been meeting about once a month for mutual support and encouragement. The fellowship and support of this growing coalition has been invaluable.
And third, continue to pray. Pray for one another in this Convocation. Pray for unity among the Network bishops and dioceses as they consider their next steps. Pray for the bishops of the Global South as they prepare to meet in Rwanda in September. Pray for Archbishop Rowan Williams.
Finally, I would like to offer my congratulations and prayers to my dear friend, Canon Martyn Minns, who has been elected by the House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria to be missionary bishop for the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA). Martyn is currently rector of Truro Church, a dynamic Network parish in the Diocese of Virginia.
These are exciting times. Please keep in touch and let us know how we might serve you. May the Lord God strengthen, guide and uphold you in all that you do.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
John Guernsey
Dean, Mid-Atlantic Convocation of the Anglican Communion Network
dean@acn-mac.org
Church Planting Coaches Workshop
Under the leadership of the Rev. George Beaven, Church Plant Director for the Mid-Atlantic Convocation, a conference to train and equip coaches for various kinds of church plants was held in April. Over 30 people attended and some have already been deployed. For more nformation please contact George at
gbeaven@comcast.net.
Christ Church & Grace Church
Emporia & Purdy, Virginia
The Rev. Colin Cooper
During these uncertain times for Christ Church and Grace Church, the people of both churches have been trying to keep their focus on the mission of bringing the word of God and the love of Christ to others. Many parishioners have recently returned from a mission trip to Pass Christian in Mississippi where they spent some time helping with rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Katrina, and they are beginning to plan for the next visit, hopefully in November.
Please pray for...God's wisdom for these two small congregations look to the future and consider how they can be good stewards of the ministry that the Lord has given them.
St. Matthew's Episcopal ChurchRichmond, VA
The Rev. Chuck Alley
The Rev. Mario Gonzalez
www.stmatts.thediocese.net
St. Matthew's is a "missional" church, focused on "demonstrating and announcing the purpose of God in Jesus Christ." Their long range plan involves structuring themselves and all their ministries to be obedient to this call. Contact Mario Gonzalez at gonzalezstmatts@hotmail.com for more information.
Please pray for...discernment and wisdom for St. Matthew's parishioners and the leadership as they seek the Lord's direction as a Network parish in the Diocese of Virginia.
Upcoming events...Youth Mission Trip to Monroe, LA July, 16-23; Adult Mission Trip to New Orleans, LA, July 15-22
The Church of the Good Samaritan is truly remarkable in the number and commitment of many parishioners who reach out to those in need in our local community. Ordinary folks find themselves showing the love of Christ in ways often with extraordinary results, by giving of their time and talents, evangelizing through gifts of labor, bringing hope and comfort to the poor and the hurting. It is the responsibility of the ten members of the Outreach Committee to identify, organize, promote and discern programs and local mission opportunities which provide opportunity for church members to participate and know the blessings of service. The Vision Statement of the Outreach Committee states, "Therefore, it is the committee's goal to invite every member of the Church of the Good Samaritan to be involved in serving our community in the name of Jesus Christ."
The Easter Project is one opportunity for Good Samaritan parishioners to be involved in Local Outreach ministry. Our Easter Project 2006: ?One Day to Live Out What Easter is All About? consisted of these projects--
Kensington: Church restoration, outside landscaping, painting and community cookout in Kensington, PA;
Goo 
d Works: Home Repairs for low-income homeowners in Coatesville, PA;
Good Samaritan Parishioners: Visits to homebound parishioners in the Paoli community;
Germantown: Painting, yard clean-up and church restoration at Calvary Church of Germantown, PA;
City Team: Clothes sorting and storage, painting and fix-up of the new facility in Chester, PA
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?
There are many, many, web sites providing information about the Church, and one could easily spend hours at the computer reading them. These below are ones that MAC staff recommend for keeping up-to-date about events related to Anglican Communion and the greater church. They are reliable and familiar to many of you. They also contain links to other valuable sites.
Anglican Communion Network
(From here, you can link to each of the Convocation's websites.)
American Anglican Council
(Matt Kennedy, a contributor to this site, is a Network priest in Binghamton, NY)
Kendall Harmon's web site
Recommended Reading
The Grace and Truth Paradox:
"Responding with Christlike Balance"
By: Randy Alcorn
96 pages
Published by: Eternal Perspective Ministries
www.epm.org
"Truth without grace breeds self-righteousness and crushing legalism. Grace without truth breeds deception and moral compromise. Is it possible to embrace both in balance? Jesus did." [back cover]
In less than 100 pages, Randy Alcorn provides an excellent and timely reminder how Christians can show Jesus to the world. Alcorn reminds us that Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). That's 100 percent grace and 100 percent truth, not 50 percent of each. Christians need to have both. His book is easy-to-read and enjoyable. By using personal examples and interesting anecdotes, Alcorn challenges the reader to evaluate relationships and rethink how to react to the many sticky, culturally-sensitive situations Christians face daily. With a world demanding apathy and tolerance while teaching relativism and deception, there is no other option for Christians but to respond with the same grace and truth as the Lord Jesus Christ.
Upcoming Events
The Anglican Communion Network Annual Council Meeting
July 31-August 2, 2006
Pittsburgh, PA
Please pray for safe travel for all delegates. Pray for unity and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Pray that Jesus is truly worshipped and glorified. The Mid-Atlantic Convocation delegates are: The Rev. John Guernsey, the Rev. Art Ward, the Rev. Al Zadig, Mrs. Ann Cox, and Raymond Dague, Esq.
Avoiding Church Planting Pitfalls ConferenceOctober 13-14, 2007
Sponsored by the ACN and the Diocese of Pittsburgh
Church planting will take center stage at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Sewickley on October 13-14. The conference, sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, is entitled "Avoiding Planting Pitfalls," said Jenni Bartling, congregational developer for church plants.
Fees for the two-day conference are $25 for members of the diocese and seminarians, $50 for others. On October 13, Nebel will speak on the "Landmines and Booby Traps" of church planting from 9 am to 4 pm. Bartling will speaking on "Coaching 101" from from 6:30 to 9:30 pm on October 13 and 9 am to 4 pm on October 14. Fees include session materials and snacks.
To register and for more information, visit:
(Do you have an event you would like listed in the MAC newsletter? Please send the event information to hreichert@acn-mac.org )
Feel free to forward this newsletter to members of your congregation. Past and current issues will be available on the MAC website.
"Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." Westminister Shorter Catechism
John Guernsey, Dean | George Beaven, Church Planting Director | Heather Adams, Executive Assistant | Heidi Reichert, Administrative Assistant
Mid-Atlantic Convocation | Anglican Network Communion
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Woodbridge, Virginia 22026
Tel: 703-670-0093www.acn-mac.org
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