Among the gifts of being Anglican is our participation in an ancient, global movement. We are not an isolated congregation engaged in worship, mission, discernment, and decision-making alone. We belong to the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic (DOMA), a community of congregations led by our Bishop Chris Warner to “reach North America with the transforming love of Christ.” Our Diocese belongs to the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), which in turn participates in the global Anglican Communion, whose roots extend through the Church of England into the historic church emerging from the apostles, built on the foundation of Christ.
The ACNA for its part is guided by the Archbishop (sometimes called the Primate): “The archbishop convenes the meetings of the Provincial Assembly, Provincial Council and College of Bishops, represents the Province in the Councils of the Church, serves as chairman of the Executive Committee (board) of the Church, serves as
the President of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund, and undertakes other duties as prescribed by the Canons of the Church.”
Our recent Archbishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Foley Beach, completes his five-year term this June, and by God’s grace the Bishops of ACNA have elected the Rt. Rev. Steve Wood as our next Primate. We’ve been praying weekly for his selection, and you can read more about him on the ACNA website as we thank God for answering our prayers.
This election occurred last week in the Bishops’ Conclave. This week the Provincial Assembly convenes, lay and clergy representatives from all the Dioceses of ACNA gathered together to take counsel, encourage mission, and participate in fellowship and worship. The article “Provincial Assembly: A Rookie Anglican Guide” provides a helpful overview.
Circling back to our own congregation, I encourage you to join Tyra Harpster (Chair of the Finance Committee), Lydia Schnack (Pledge Records Secretary), and Deb Tomchek (Sr. Warden) for the Information Session on Immanuel Finances. This important opportunity to understand how Immanuel stewards your financial gifts is offered this Sunday, June 30, at 9am in the Nave. Stay late/come early to participate!
Your Pastor in Christ,
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