Bishop Keith's May 22 Update

Contents
  1. Bishop's Letter
  2. Soaking Prayer
  3. Resources
  4. Attn: California Pastors
  5. Digital Training for Evangelism
  6. Upcoming Zoom Calls
  7. Save the Date
  8. 2020 Synod and Clergy Gathering

My brothers and sisters,


When I enter into Luke’s record of the Ascension, I find myself relating to the disciples' encounter with Jesus, especially the mixture of awe, wonderment and loss all combined as they released Jesus into the Father’s hands, “And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” (Luke 24:52-53) Their earthly journey with Jesus ended gloriously, but it still ended. The blessing they received in His ascension was the blessing they returned to Him, and because they went to the temple, their witness to Jesus was observed, nay encountered, by all those who approached the temple because it was the center not only of the religious life of God’s people, but a center of life as they knew it.


In our day, the church buildings are not now, at least usually, the center of community life, so even when we are able to use them again for worship, they will still not likely be the center of community life.


Imagine!

  • Where else can we worship?
  • Where else can we gather, socially distanced, to praise Him?
  • Where else might be available to you in your community so that your worship of God might be public and observed, because there are those who seek Him and many live nearby?

Imagine neighborhoods as small community centers!

Imagine the online platforms you have been using as a community center!

Imagine open spaces—beaches, parks, large museums or open-air courtyards, hiking trails and farmer’s markets—as community centers!


The disruption we have all experienced on some level has given rise to opportunity because the routines and patterns of conscious and unconscious resistance have been broken. Give Jesus’ words incarnate life, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations…" including ours, today and tomorrow and the next day. To God be the glory through Him who ascends!


The Lord bless and keep you as you lead from your knees,


+Keith


Read the full letter here.

For Families with Children in the Diocese of WEstern ANglicans


LOADING PLAYER…

THE YOUTH LEADERS COHORT--for parents of youth

A general suggestion: Create lots of space for your teens (and their friends!) to share how they're feeling about all that's going on. When they do finally open up (probably when you LEAST expect it!), stop whatever you're doing and seize the moment to draw them out further and open up in return.

  • Pray the Examen with your teen and encourage them to take some time to pray on their own.
  • Have your kids call or video call (if possible) their grandparents - especially if they're shut in right now. They can do the same for other vulnerable folks they have a relationship with. This will only strengthen those ties!

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Diocesan Youth Coordinator, Eric Overholt, eric.overholt@westernanglicans.org

UNIVERSITY LEADERS COHORT

Two links that our University Leaders are using that you might find helpful:

  1. A webinar that InterVarsity put together to help transition ministry to an online platform utilizing Zoom. https://youtu.be/1hBnulNN08U
  2. An app called houseparty that is great for building community through fun. It allows people to play games live with one another using their phones. https://houseparty.com

If you have any questions, please reach out to our University Leaders Cohort Coordinator, Travis Wilson, travis.wilson@tsm.edu

Bishop's Notes on Rectors Zoom 04.01.20

My brothers and sisters,


We are a people formed by prayer, so we find our heart refreshed in the daily office as we re-visit Holy Scripture year after year, month after month, week after week and day after day. One of my favorites is Psalm 121 appointed in BCP2019 for Midday Prayer: 


I will lift my eyes unto the hills;

from whence comes my help?


Feeling helpless is the sweet spot for the Holy Spirit’s movement as we trained to love to obey His voice. 

My help comes from the Lord,

who has made heaven and earth.


This is faith-forming trust which sets us in proper humility; we are just one beautiful expression of all He has made. 

He will not let your foot be moved,

and he who keeps you will not sleep.


We are cared for, protected and guided by the One who is utterly faithful in all His nature. So, remember, 

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;

indeed, it is he who shall keep your soul.


so, rest in peace for your soul is safe in Him.


O God, grant that we may desire you, and desiring you seek you, and seeking you find you, and finding you be satisfied in you for ever. Amen.


Download the rest of the bishop's response here.