Bishop Keith's June 26 Update

My brothers and sisters,

We have been in a season of prolonged spiritual calisthenics, strengthening the very body of Christ to lift up the standard of the King of Kings. We never closed the church; just found a fuller online expression as a demonstration of the church’s openness. We never stopped worship services; just extended worship through daily practice of the mid-week Offices. We never stopped studying and exploring the Bible; just reached for seekers to join us. They said to shelter at home; we walked and prayed for our neighbors. They said to order your groceries; you blessed those who delivered them with generous gratuities. Some would say community is found in gathering; we have demonstrated that it is found in serving the least, the last and the lost who are all around us.

This is great training for right and just relationships that bear the scrutiny of the crucified Christ whose love exposes the indifference and callousness of human hearts. It has been an extraordinary season of repentance of self-interest, that we all may embrace more fully the lavish love of a God who sacrifices His Son. Many will need a break after the rigors of recent months, so please take the time you need. Then, return with a perspective that is born of God’s Spirit to embrace the season of Pandemic and Protest, knowing that the sign of the cross on our foreheads is the mark of loving—not only that we have been loved but that we may love others in the same way: “A new commandment I give to you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

I asked Gabby Manriquez Salazar to recommend a summer book for reading on racial justice for members of Christ’s body. She recommended Beyond Colorblind by Sarah Shin. InterVarsity has a host of leadership resources to amplify the use of this book in a congregation. Perhaps you can read it and then gather in mission clusters in your deaneries to reflect on it and discuss what it means to lead the body of Christ in these days.

Do not be dismayed, "for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you His Kingdom." (Luke 12:32)

Please rest and ready yourself to “run the race with perseverance” (Phil. 3:13-14).
May the Lord comfort you as He calls you to lead His people to bear witness to Him in the community in which you reside.

Your brother and fellow servant,

+Keith

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.