Monday, September 15, 2008

Time to Pray for Good Ministry: Something Positive on Anglican TV!

Most Episcopal seminaries have abandoned the eternal Gospel of Christ for passing, worldly things.

But Trinity Seminary in Ambridge, PA is one of the faithful remnant, preparing people to preach the pure Word of God and minister Christ's sacraments.

Today (Mon. 9/15), from 8:30 - 4:30 EST, Anglican TV will be streaming live from Trinity's "Seminarian for a Day" program. Go visit the seminary from the comfort of your own screen! Just go to Anglican TV right here.

And of course pray. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week are the traditional "Ember Days" when the church prays for vocations to ordained ministry.

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast committed to the hands of men the ministry of reconciliation; We humbly beseech thee, by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, to put it into the hearts of many to offer themselves for this ministry; that thereby mankind may be drawn to thy blessed kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Learn more about Trinity here.

Learn about Nashotah House, our other faithful seminary, here.

And if God so blesses and moves you, please give to the work of these Christian institutions.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

PLEASE pray for the House of Bishops... and apply today's Gospel

The Episcopal Church's House of Bishops meets in Salt Lake City this week.

Please intercede. If you need prayer guidance, there are good posts going up at the Anglican prayer blog Lent & Beyond.

I especially encourage your prayers for the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. It is easy to be aggravated and I'm the first to say that her "theology" is a departure from the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ, her lack of leadership skill is appalling, her treatment of people who disagree with her is... OK, I'm starting to rant.

But hear today's Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus gives us no wiggle room. His sacrifice on the cross is what erases every sin, known and unknown, public or secret, in our entire life. We are the servant who is forgiven the massive debt. We must be forgiving and merciful toward the few points at which the sins of the PB or other bishops or others in the church afflict us - and we must let our hearts be transformed to forgive in this way.

Father, give your Holy Spirit to the House of Bishops. And give the Holy Spirit to all of us, sinners. We ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Shameless Parish Crowing

Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls
Average Sunday Attendance, Aug. '07 - 86
Average Sunday Attendance, Aug. '08 - 105
Thank you, Jesus, for building your church!

Shameless Family Crowing...

My son (no, that's not him in the picture* - he's down in the mud 'n' blood blocking) plays for the Lincoln High Patriots... for the first time since 1977 (Elvis died, I joined the Army...), Lincoln's football team is

Ranked #1 in South Dakota! Go Pats!

My stupid calendar actually opens up enough that I can watch 'em play tomorrow night.

* Pic from Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Thursday, September 11, 2008

South Dakota Bishop Nomination Info is Now Posted

At the Diocesan web page, here.

WHAT WE SEEK IN A BISHOP

We believe the following to be what we seek in our next Bishop as a person of God, of faith, and of spirituality, bringing the love of Christ to this Diocese:


1. Supportive of work with youth and young adults, all of whom are the future of this Diocese.
2. Knowledgeable and appreciative of our bicultural identity.
3. An advocate for social justice and reconciliation.
4. A pastor, mentor, and leader.
5. An effective communicator.
6. Is supportive of our programs, including Mutual Ministry and Partners with God, and brings vision and vigor to these and other programs.
7. A sense of humor to help with one’s own emotional and physical health, as well as the health of the Diocese.