Here are the Daily Office Bookmarks for September 2010.
September Bookmarks-
-
-
On Our Photo Album
More Photos
Daily Office Lectionary Bookmarks for September
September 1, 2010 – 7:19 am
From Tyranny to Freedom
August 25, 2010 – 10:09 am
Dr. John Vandenberg, a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Ellicott City, MD. has written a new book chronicling his family’s ordeal in World War II. As a boy John spent his early years under the horrors of Nazi occupation. His home city of Rotterdam was repeatedly bombed and when Holland fell to the Nazis, John and his family endured five long years of Nazi tyranny.
‘From Tyranny to Freedom’ explains Dr. Vandenberg’s experiences in his own words. He describes not only the horrors of war, and the incredible sacrifices his parents made to save their family as well as Jews and others in need, but also the shock and wonder at seeing the American soldiers and experiencing freedom for the first time.
Dr. Vandenberg’s encounter with his American liberators instilled a passion for freedom and liberty in him that continues to this day. John never allows an opportunity to go by without thanking every American Veteran that he meets—especially those from World War II.
‘From Tyranny to Freedom’ is a book that is of significant importance in today’s social and political arenas. Young people today need to read this book and try to comprehend how truly blessed we are to be free, and how fragile that freedom really is.
More information about the book is available here.
Consecration of Bishop Tobias Onyanga Opondo
August 19, 2010 – 9:43 am
Bishop Tobias Onyanga Opondo
By Father Scott Howard
Yala, Kenya
On a busy market day hundreds of people processed a mile through the streets of Yala, a rural town in southwestern Kenya, to begin the consecration of the ICCEC’s twentieth African bishop, Tobias Caleb Onyango Opondo. The procession ended amidst a colorful stage and tents set up in a field beside a local primary school. Choirs sang and danced as the bishops and people took their seats and Archbishop Charles Jones opened the ceremony by proclaiming “Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit!”
Friends, family and supporters, bishops and clergy, local leaders and citizens from Yala and all over western Kenya joined the new bishop in this historic event. Five Kenyan CEC bishops participated in the consecration: Bishop Bernard Njoroge, Assistant Patriarchal Legate to Africa and General Secretary of Kenya and Tanzania; Bishop Joshua Koyo of the Great Lakes East Diocese; Bishop Zedekiah Chunge of the Diocese of River Nzoia Central; Bishop Bernard Obora of the Diocese of River Nzoia South; Bishop Solomon Kadiri of the Diocese of River Nzoia North.
Yala is 26 miles (42km) southwest of Kisumu, the capital of Nyanza Province and the third largest city in Kenya. With the consecration of Bishop Opondo the Great Lakes Diocese is divided into the new Great Lakes West Diocese and the Great Lakes East Diocese overseen by Bishop Joshua Koyo.
Archbishop Jones and Bishop Chunge pray for healing
See more photos here.
As time and Internet access permit, this story will be expanded with more biographical information on Bishop Opondo.
New Chair Appointed for International Commission on the Cathecism
August 16, 2010 – 11:28 am
The Rev’d Father Jeffrey D. Welch was recently appointed as the chairperson of the International Commission on the Catechism for the Charismatic Episcopal Church. For the past year he has served as the chairperson for the North American Commission on the Catechism and Christian Education which is spearheading the development of a catechism to be used throughout the communion. In his new capacity as chairperson for the International Commission on the Catechism, Father Welch will work in conjunction with the Patriarch, The Most Rev’d Craig Bates, and the Supervising Bishop, The Most Rev’d Michael Davidson, to help guide the development of the catechism as it makes it way through the editorial process in Brazil, the Philippines, and Africa.
Father Jeffrey Welch has been a priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church for the past seven years. Prior to entering the CEC, Father Welch was a priest and pastor in the Reformed Episcopal Church. Active in ordained ministry for 31 years, God has used him to plant and grow two churches from missions to full parishes and to serve for ten years as the rector of Havre de Grace congregation in Maryland. Currently Fr. Welch serves as an associate priest at Church of Reconciliation in Bel Air, Maryland, working with the The Rev’d Fr. Rob Northwood.
For the past 20 years Fr. Welch has been extensively involved in renewal movements such as Walk To Emmaus, Chrysalis (for high school teenagers) and Tres Dias. He has served as a Spiritual Director on over 27 weekend retreats. Father Welch holds a Bachelor degree from Rutgers University in Philosophy, a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity Seminary formerly in Maryland. Father Welch’s doctoral studies were in Spiritual Formation, specifically on the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales.
In addition to his duties as a priest, Father Welch also works as an Interpreter for the Deaf (ASL and Signed Transliterated English). He resides in Bel Air, MD with his wife, Debby, of 32 years. They have three grown daughters and one grandson.
Father Welch assumes the chairperson’s position from The Venerable Randall Allen who has served a chair of the Commission since 2006.
Eight Bishops to be Consecrated in Africa
August 13, 2010 – 11:56 pm
by Father Scott Howard
In four services across east Africa eight new CEC bishops will be consecrated over the next two weeks. Our churches continue to grow as the faithful clergy and members spread the Gospel, feed the poor, build and run schools and orphanages and reach out in creative ways to bring the love of Jesus Christ to hurting people.
The eight bishops-elect are:
Rev. Canon Elias Kimirei Ole Ntoipo will oversee the new Diocese of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Rev. Jackson Ara Luhusa Madulesi will oversee the Diocese of Dodoma, Tanzania.
Rev. Canon Japheth Iraka will oversee the new Diocese of Bunyoro-Magita in west central Uganda.
Rev. Jimmy Bamuke Ruakoah will oversee the new Diocese of the Upper Nile Missionary Diocese in northwest Uganda.
Rev. Eliasiba Woja Bute will serve Auxiliary Bishop of Kindi Diocese, Sudan, to assist Bishop Tom Kokanyi.
Fr Jacques Muhindo Niravahereni will oversee the new Diocese of Watalinga-Semuliki in eastern DR Congo
Fr Fréderic Lunkomo Bushiri will oversee the new Diocese of Kisangani in central DR Congo.
Archbishop Charles Jones, Supervising Archbishop of the IDA, travels to Nairobi on August 14 to conduct the consecrations. Accompanying him will be Fr Scott Howard, IDA Communications Director, and Fr Tuck Bowen of Fairhope, Alabama, and a veteran of many trips to Africa.
Bishop Bernard Njoroge, General Secretary of Kenya and Tanzania, will participate with Archbishop Jones in the services in Kenya and Tanzania. Bishop Francis Gogo, General Secretary of Uganda, Sudan and northern DR Congo, will host the services in Masindi, Uganda.
Please pray for these services, that everything and everyone arrives where and when needed, and that God will be glorified though our churches. Click here to see Archbishop Jones’ the itinerary. Read More
Patriarch to Lead Tour of Holy Lands
August 13, 2010 – 1:37 pm
Visit the Holy Land with Patriarch Craig Bates.
As you approach Israel from the Mediterranean Sea, you will look out the window of the airplane, as we get ready to land at Tel Aviv Airport. You will scan the beach and in your mind and heart you will know that you have come “home.” Yes, Israel is the spiritual home of Christians. For the next 9 days you will walk where your spiritual fathers and mothers walked. You will be in places that you have only read about or imagined from Holy Scripture – Cana, Nazareth, Lake Galilee, and of course Jerusalem. You will walk the streets of Old Jerusalem towards Holy Sepulcher the traditional site of the death and burial of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will celebrate the Eucharist at holy sites and there rejoice in the victory won for us in Jesus.
A trip to Israel is much more that sight seeing. We will have a fantastic tour guide and driver who I have used on many occasions. Our guide will help us understand the history and significance of each site. You will be taking one photograph after another and understand thoroughly the significance of each picture that you take. Yet, you will also be aware that the ground that you are walking and looking at is holy ground. In these places are not only the history of Israel but also the history of our faith and God’s relationship with mankind.
Primarily, a trip to the Holy Lands is a spiritual pilgrimage. The Holy Spirit will arrange for you to have an encounter with Him. God will speak with you at the various sacred sites, through the celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, through your quiet times of prayer, and through the people that are joining you on this pilgrimage. So many that have traveled to the Holy Lands have found forgiveness, healing, and renewal.
I remember my first trip to Israel. It will always be a highlight of my life. Every trip since then has been significant. And, as I end the last day of each pilgrimage, I am already planning my return trip to this wonderful land. You may see many photos of our trip last year on the cechome flickr account here.
I want to invite you to join me this Lent as I again return to Israel. I know it is going to be a great journey. As the brochure states this is a first class trip – fine meals and fine hotels, excellent guides, great tour coach, and top of line people who will be joining us. Last year’s trip did sell out, so please don’t delay in registering and sending your deposit in.
This Pilgrimage will take place March 28-April 6, 2011 and will cost $3,099. We will leave from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York flying to Tel Aviv. See the brochure for a detailed itinerary.
A $300 deposit for each person is required at time of registration, and the balance is due on December 14, 2010. There will be registration forms on line at CEChome.com and Intercessorchurch.com. You can call 516 599 3780 or email InterNY@aol.com if you have any questions.
I look forward to being with you next year in Jerusalem.
Under His mercy,
The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates,
Patriarch
P.S. we are looking at special rates from Brazil, Philippines and Europe.
Commission on the Catechism and Christian Education Meets in Sharpsburg, Georgia
August 12, 2010 – 10:10 pm
The third annual meeting of the Commission on the Catechism and Christian Education met August 2-5 in Sharpsburg, Georgia. The purpose of these annual meetings of the Commission is to continue work on the development of a catechism for use internationally in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. The Commission is also tasked with the development of a philosophy of, and standards for Christian Education for use in North America.
Attending this year’s meeting of the Commission was our Patriarch, The Most Rev’d Craig Bates. During the working session on Tuesday, Archbishop Bates took time to share with the Commission his heart and vision for the Catechism as well as to review the distinct aspects of the Charismatic Episcopal Church which must be an integral part of any ICCEC Catechism. Together with the Archbishop, the Commission reviewed their work to date making needed revisions and additions to the latest draft of the catechism. During Wednesday’s working session, the Commission finished its review of the catechism ending the week with a thorough review of a draft of the Philosophy of Education.
Following this year’s meeting, the Commission will continue to work on revising and editing the latest draft of the catechism. Per Archbishop Bates’ instruction, this draft will be presented at the Spring meeting of the North American House of Bishops.
Prayers for Pakistan and Bishop Prakash Yuhanna
August 11, 2010 – 10:07 am
by Patriarch Craig Bates
Bishop Prakash and family
I just returned from having a wonderful couple of hours with Bishop Prakash Yuhanna, the Primate of Pakistan. I have known Bishop Prakash from the time he was a CEC Priest serving in Alabama. I remember when his name was presented to the House of Bishops for election as a Bishop. The presenter told us that Fr. Prakash (now Bishop Prakash) was a holy man who has heard the call to leave the security of the United States and return to his native Pakistan to minister to his people. This was prior to September 11, the Iraq War, and the Afghanistan War. It was in the days when most of us in the United States had never heard of the Taliban.
Bishop Prakash was consecrated Bishop in Jacksonville, Florida and returned to Pakistan. There he ministered to a small, but faithful, group of Christians, who gradually grew in number. These Christians have lived for decades as second-class citizens in an Islamic Republic. They know first hand the realities of persecution for Christ. We know that after September 11, the War in Iraq, and the War in Afghanistan that tensions in Pakistan have escalated. Persecution against Christians and moderate Muslims, including burning and bombing of Churches and Mosques, has increased. This is particularly true in the area where Bishop Prakash and his faithful community are located. Last year Bishop brought his wife and children to the United States.
After being in the United States for a period of time, and after much prayer, Bishop now believes it is time to return to Pakistan with his wife, in spite of the dangerous circumstances.
If you have been following world events you know that Pakistan is suffering at the hands of extremists, and that the elected government is very fragile after years of military control. In addition to political problems, now a massive flood has devastated the land. United Nations officials believe that the scale of the disaster could be worse than Haiti’s January earthquake, the 2004 Tsunami, and the 2005 Pakistan earthquake combined. Estimates are that 1,500 people have been killed and over 15,000,000 affected. The floods have completely destroyed over 700 villages and washed away hundreds of thousands of homes, livestock, roads, and bridges. Several in Bishop Prakash’s family have been affected.
I call upon the Church around the world to pray for the people of Pakistan, particularly our own CEC brothers and sisters. Pray for Bishop Prakash and his wife Merriam as they return to Pakistan at the end of September.
Under His mercy,
The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates,
Patriarch
“Mission Tanzania” 2010
August 9, 2010 – 11:44 pm
On Monday, July 12th, 2010 a team of four CEC missionaries returned from “Mission Tanzania,” a 21-day African mission trip. The mission team included Fr. Drew Wales, Ed End and Marilyn Coates of St. Michael the Archangel CEC in Rockledge, FL and Susan Weidkamp of Holy Cross CEC in Hillsboro, Oregon.
This year is the team’s second year working with Bishop Charles Sekelwa and the people of the Diocese of Lake Victoria in Mwanza, Tanzania. During their stay, the team was able to visit eight different congregations in three different provinces. They distributed more than 600 pair of reading glasses and over 600 tooth brushes, all donated by members of the Rotary Club in Cocoa, FL which partnered with the team on this mission trip. Every member of the team was able to share their testimony at each of the eight churches visited.
Additionally, Fr. Drew and Archdeacon Joel of the Tanzanian diocese met several times with Rotarians from Mwanza to further a joint project to build a school and clinic. Both buildings are now standing, and the team was able to witness the construction of doors and windows during their visit which, God willing, will be installed later this month. St. Michaels is now working in partnership with the Rotary in Cocoa, FL to seek a Rotary International grant for equipment to supply both the school and the clinic.
Read More
CEC for Life Live Broadcast
August 9, 2010 – 9:32 pm
From Fr. Terry Gensemer
Director, CEC for Life
Live Video Broadcast, Tuesday, August 10th at 7pm CST, 8pm EST and 5pm Pacific. Join us with Special On Air Guest Rev. Pat Mahoney who will be speaking about the event “A Time to Stand” August 13-14. We will also be discussing current Pro-life News. Log onto http://www.ustream.tv/channel/all-life-is-sacred
Bishop Elmer Belmonte visits Mississauga, Canada
August 7, 2010 – 1:15 pm
By Rosemary Watters
‘Who is my neighbour?’ was the question posed by Bishop Elmer during the sermon he gave during his visit to the Parish Church St. Peter and St. Paul, the Apostle in Mississauga, Canada. On June 11th Bp Elmer was able to visit the church to bring an encouraging word to the congregation about the faithfulness of the Lord.
Group picture of Bishop Elmer Belmonte with the Parish of St. Peter and St Paul the Apostle Parish church
The bishop spoke to the congregation about God’s abundance in our lives, ‘what we give to God he has already given to us!’ In the Gospel reading, Bishop Elmer revealed a story of the love of God, who does not regard skin colour or nationality but pours out His love and mercy to all those desperately in need. He further said, ‘God may be silent but he is never absent’ reminding us the Lord promises never to leave us nor forsake us. He further encouraged the church in its mission here in Mississauga to be the ‘inn’ mentioned in the reading. The ‘inn’ represents the church, a place of refuge that is given two pence of provision to aid in the restoration of those in need. ‘You need to be that place of refuge here in Mississauga’, he said. ‘A safe place, a place where those who have been victimized will receive healing’.
As always, there is no coincidence with God. Bishop Elmer’s visit also coincided with a visit by our ‘neighbours’ to the south, the youth from Brazil.. ‘We have many nations represented here today’ said the Bishop. ‘De Nada or welcome’ he said, in the only Brazilian Portuguese word he knows. These youth brought their enthusiasm for the Lord by performing skits they would use to proclaim the gospel on the streets of Recife, during the worship portion of the mass. The congregation was touched by their performance and was excited to learn of their travel experiences on their visit to Canada. As always the mass was accompanied by an agape meal, served by the ladies of the church, here fellowship with the visitors continued.
Fr. Gordon Gilbert and Sister Susan with the Brazilian youth delegation in Missisauga Valley Park
The Brazilian youth performing for the congregation
The church of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Apostle was established by Bp Elmer through the commissioning of Fr. Arthur Dones who has planted two churches in Canada, one in Mississauga and one in Edmonton. Fr. Arthur, his wife Meng and their four children arrived in Canada in October of 2005. ‘It has been exciting times’ said Fr. Arthur, in reference to the path the Lord has taken him and his family on in Canada. This October will mark the church’s 5th anniversary. ‘It will be a joyous celebration in the Lord’ Fr. Arthur remarked. An anniversary celebration will be held on October 10, 2010 being attended by Bishop Elmer with an open invitation to all those who wish to participate.
For more information regarding the anniversary celebration, please contact Fr. Arthur Dones at 416-455-9105 or visit the website www.cecasia.org.
Churches That Witness Grow
August 4, 2010 – 7:51 am
Lauren, Jeff, Addie, Steve, Chad and Sarah attended a 1-2-3 Witness workshop developed and led by Dn. Rick Zepernick and share their experience.
For more, visit www.123witness.com
or email: rick@123witness.com
Baptism in Nevada
July 26, 2010 – 11:02 am
Most of the Chancel and Altar furnishings at St. Paul’s CEC in Henderson, Nevada were made or refurbished by Fr. Bruce LaPier of St. James CEC in Williams, Arizona. The most recent blessing provided by Fr. LaPier was a baptismal font artfully adorned to match the existing textures and colors of the wood pews, lectern, pulpit, and altar. Although the font has been at St. Paul’s for several weeks, on Sunday July11th the congregation had an opportunity to use it for the first time at the Baptism of James Anthony Palsgrove who was born May 14th 2010.
In honor of his hard work and loving sacrifice, Fr. David Hoff, Rector of St. Paul’s, invited Fr. LaPier to be the celebrant for the occasion. The font stands at the entrance to the Sanctuary as a permanent fixture reminding us all of our own entrance into the Church through Baptism. The Palsgroves asked Fr. Jerry and Clara Meixner to be the Godparents – an honor and awesome responsibility they gladly accepted.
Pro-life Freedom Rides This Week!
July 21, 2010 – 10:15 am
The first pro-life freedom ride is this weekend!
Please make every effort possible to join us in Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia! In particular, please help us to fill up the BJCC Theatre on Friday Evening, 7:00 PM.
Please see the schedule listed below and make your plans now to attend.
You may join us in all or any of the segments of the Pro-life Freedom Rides Campaign:
7:00 PM. Friday Evening Assembly, Birmingham Jefferson County Convention Complex (BJCC) Theatre. Hear Dr. Alveda King, Fr. Frank Pavone, Theresa and Kevin Burke and many others. www.bjcc.org.
9:00 AM, Saturday Prayer Vigil at Planned Parenthood, 1211 27th Place South, Birmingham, AL 35205
11:30 AM. Pro-life Freedom Ride Caravan departs Birmingham for the King Center in Atlanta, GA.
An invited group of pro-life leaders will ride in the Freedom Ride bus. Everyone is invited to drive in their own vehicles in this caravan.
4:00PM (ET) Pro-life Service at the Grave of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The King Center, Atlanta, GA.
For details on the segments, schedule and the Pro-life Freedom Rides Campaign and go to, www.prolifefreedomrides.com. Do review the schedule on the site and be sure to Click here to download a flier to print and distribute.
Now is the time to make plans to attend and to call others to the Pro-life Freedom Rides Campaign. You may reach us nationally or locally at
1.888.735.3448/205.705.9158
United with you and Our Lord in Setting the Captives Free!
Jim Pinto
Pastoral Associate, Priests for Life
Links
Pro-Life Freedom Rides Webpage
Bonnie Bar Installed as Order of St. Luke Convener
July 19, 2010 – 2:04 pm
Bonnie Bar, a member of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Sharpsburg, GA, was recently installed as the Convener for the Jehovah Rapha Chapter of the International Order of St. Luke the Physician (OSL). She was installed at an OSL Healing Conference by the Rev’d William De Arteaga of Canton, GA who represented the larger OSL organization.
The International Order of St. Luke the Physician (www.orderofstluke.org) is an ecumenical organization dedicated to the Christian healing ministry. Members meet together in local chapters to study Scripture, especially the biblical stories of the healing miracles, as well as other books on Christian healing. Members also engage in healing prayer, often with the laying-on of hands. Most ongoing training occurs at the chapter level and begins with a bible study of Jesus’ Healing Ministry as outlined in the 26 Gospel Study lessons. Members also receive training and encouragement from the various missions, workshops and conferences scheduled regularly.
The Convener is a chapter leader and organizes the activities of the chapter; promoting and providing resources for the use of study materials and gives focus to the chapter in terms of its goals and conduct of business. He or she works out active programs of teaching about the healing ministry and provides ways for the members to learn by participating as well as by listening. In addition, the Convener supports associates as they prepare for full membership and makes arrangements for their inductions.
Mrs. Bar is an associate professor of nursing at the University of West Georgia where she has taught nursing for 28 years. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from the University of West Georgia, her Bachelor of Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia, and her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia State University. Mrs. Bar has had a private practice as a certified holistic nurse and has led a weekly Christian based Addiction Recovery Group at a local women’s jail for 6 years. Bar was co-founder of the West Georgia Habitat for Humanity. She is also a prayer minister and teacher at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Sharpsburg, GA. She and her husband Gerhard reside in Carrollton and are the parents of two adult sons.
