As you know I have retired as Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of Holy Trinity and Great Plains. I submitted my resignation to the College of Bishops at their meeting in Hereford, Arizona, on February 14, 2008. The College of Bishops elected the Rt. Rev. Leo Michael as my successor according to the Apostolic Canons. It was with mixed emotions that I felt it was the right time to do so. I don't suppose I would ever have been ready. There are always so many things a person wants to accomplish before he quits. But, there comes a time when one must face the facts. You cannot do as you once did. I thank God I was given the privilege of serving as your Bishop for 16 years. Retirement doesn't mean that I am going to sit on the porch and watch the sunset. I plan to assist Bishop Leo just as long as I am able and he wants me to.
Many positive things are happening at this time. At Synod this year you will see new faces among the Clergy and Laity. Many of these people I have met and I am greatly encouraged by their faith and dedication to our Lord. I am truly excited about the new opportunities that we now have to grow and spread our Faith to others. I hope we will take full advantage of these opportunities.
I want to take this time to thank those of you who have been so supportive and loyal over the years. I know that sometimes it has not been easy. Without you my ministry would not have been possible. I am confident you will give that same support and loyalty to Bishop Leo. I cannot neglect to mention my wife who has supported me during some very difficult times and has remained by my side for almost 55 years. We love you and pray that God may bless you and yours.
Faithfully in Christ,
+James
From the Clergy…
By Deacon Jim Dean
Holy Family, Casper
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults and giving instruction for right living.” II Timothy 3:16
As scripture is inspired by God, faithful Christians have been inspired by scripture throughout the centuries. We all have our particular parables, books of the Bible, and verses that we will never forget and thankfully have brought us closer to Christ. One story or message may have a minimal effect on one person but may have a lasting impact on another.
One event in the Bible that I’ve always enjoyed and gives me a great deal of comfort is from John 20:24-30. The story takes place shortly after the resurrection. Jesus had appeared to the disciples in the absence of Thomas. Later, when Thomas rejoined the disciples, they said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” Thomas said, “Unless I see the scars of the nails in His hands and put my finger on those scars and my hand in His side, I will not believe.”
A week later the disciples were gathered together again and Thomas was with them. Jesus appeared among them and said “Peace be with you” and said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands, then reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop your doubting and believe.” Thomas said, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus said to him, “Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me?” The twentieth chapter then closes with these words of encouragement.
In His disciples’ presence, Jesus performed many other miracles which are not written in this book. But these have been written in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through your faith in Him you may have life.
This one event along with may others in the life of Jesus gives us great hope and belief in Him and that He wants all people of all time who truly believe (John 3:16) to be saved through their faith without seeing. This faith comes from the power of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts and minds of men, women, and children yesterday, today and always.
“To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1
(From the Epistle of the Feast of St. Thomas)
St. Thomas – Apostle and Martyr
St. Thomas was a Jew, probably a Galilean. He came from a humble background but we are not told the circumstances of his calling to be our Lord’s Apostle. Thomas is also known as Didymus the Twin (Greek). He had characteristics that are significant to Christians to this day. He was a very matter of fact man, slow to believe, but very loyal. His character is evident in two other chapters of the Gospel of John. In Chapter 11 concerning the death of Lazarus, Jesus wanted to go see Lazarus in Judea thinking he was only sick, the disciples, worried about the safety of Jesus said, “If he is only asleep Lord, he will get well.” Jesus then explained that Lazarus was dead. Thomas said tot disciples, “Let s go with the teacher so that we may die with Him.” John 11:16
Later, at the last supper, Jesus told the disciples “You know the way that leads to the place I am going, so how can we know the way to get there?” Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me.”
After the Ascension tradition tells us that the Apostles drew lots to decide who would go where to spread the Gospel. Thomas drew India and objected saying, “I have no the strength, I am weak. How can I, a Hebrew, teach Indians? The story goes on to say that Jesus appeared to Thomas and encouraged him to go and that He would be with him. Thomas still refused. From these we are told that Jesus appeared to an Indian merchant and sold Thomas for 20 pieces of silver to work for the merchant’s Parthian king. When Thomas learned of this he replied, “As thou wilt, Lord, so be it.” Thomas left with the merchant to begin his work as a carpenter and spreading the Gospel. To this day there is a large contingent on the Malabar Coast of India that call themselves “The Christians of St. Thomas.” Thomas was eventually martyred in India. His feast day is Dec. 21.
Thanks be to God for sending St. Thomas: one who doubted, but came to believe!
Parish News…
St. Joseph, Wichita
Like most parishes, St. Joseph held the annual meeting in January. All officers and Vestry members remained the same for 2008: Vickie Scraper, Senior Warden; Richard Caldwell, Jr. Warden; Mary Hubbard, Secretary; Dixie Caster, Treasurer; Alicia Hughes-Jones, Parish Secretary; Ginny Caldwell, Vestry Member. Delegates to the Synod will be Dave Hughes and Armen Gazaway, with Alicia serving as an alternate. All outreach programs were approved to continue in 2008.
The Bigelows, Dorothy and Lauren, celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in January with cake and coffee at Sunday fellowship. They both also celebrate birthdays in January. It is great fun for the entire parish to indulge in sweet treats as congratulations are made and good stories are told.
(The Bigelows - 2006 photo above)
St. Joseph is saddened by the news that a new “building” must be secured just a couple of years after the first forced move. Officers are working to locate an acceptable temporary “home” while a permanent solution is sought. As for the Synod, the plans are still moving forward.
As you know, St. Joseph is hosting the 2008 Synod. The dates have been set for June 11 - 13, 2008. Arrangements are being made at the Best Western Airport Inn. I will be meeting with the convention planner in March to make certain the food and rooms are ready for us. Paperwork will be sent out very soon. Mark your calendars now, and we’ll see you there!
St. Gabriel, Greeley
St. Gabriel had its annual meeting on January 13, 2008. It was well attended. The same officers will continue: DeeAnn Rowe, Sr. Warden; Vaughn Trout, Jr. Warden; Chita Leshack, Treasurer; Virginia Winters, Secretary. The church had 36 baptisms and two confirmations.
A decision was made that the chimney needs repairs, which will be done as soon as the weather gets warmer. The church will be paid for in 2012. It is on the historical list in Greeley. The sacristy serves the over-flow of congregation members. The basement and garage have been used to help the homeless stay out of the bitterly cold weather.
The church has been continuously replenishing the food cupboard. They are glad that the food outreach program is providing food for those in need.
The Parish is looking forward to Lent!
Holy Family, Casper
The Church of the Holy Family announces the election of officers for 2008: Johnny Becker, Sr. Warden; Mary Jo Johnson, Jr. Warden, Judy Brummet, Clerk; Paul Kinner, Treasurer. Vestry members are Dan Galles, Mid Johnson, Michele Johnson, and Don Smith. The delegates to the Synod this year are Rheva Dean and Priscilla Kinner.
From the youth of the Parish:
There was a movie date set for the youth on Feb. 23 to watch a movie called Facing the Giants. This is a movie about never giving up, never backing down, and never losing faith.
ANNOUNCEMENT!
The dates for the youth camp are set for July 31 – August 5. The attendees will be going to Thermopolis. Activities scheduled include swimming, a parade, helping at the Yellowstone Drug Store, worship at The Church of the Morning Star, projects and lessons, and a day-trip to a dinosaur dig site!
Other Items of Anglican Interest…
A
Book Review
By Marilyn Beaver
Recommended
Reading:
One
Hundred Great Catholic Books: From the Early Centuries to the
Present
By
Don Brophy, 2007
ISBN
I-933346-08-6
The writer names one hundred books of interest to Catholic Christians, not necessarily the “best” or “most important,” but those which have given spiritual nourishment to seekers. Some works mentioned are centuries old as well as some more contemporary works.
Most are by Catholic writers; some are by others, but are written about Catholics, or have some other connection.
The writer provides a two-page summary on each of the chosen works. This book will certainly whet the appetite for more reading – it did that for me.
The 23rd Psalm: An Explanation
From Bishop Kinner:
The Lord is my Shepherd – My relationship with God, my Creator.
I shall not want – He will supply all my needs if I will allow Him to do so.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures – Sometimes he makes me rest.
He leadeth me beside the still waters – He promises refreshment and peace within.
He restoreth my soul – He gives me healing.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness – His Spirit guides me daily.
For His Name’s sake – I accept His love as my purpose.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death – I will be tested.
I will fear no evil – He is my all powerful protector.
For thou art with me – The Lord never leaves me.
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me – in love the Lord disciplines me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies – My hope for victory.
Thou anointest my head with oil – In Baptism and Confirmation I was consecrated.
My cup runneth over – The Lord’s love for me is overwhelming.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life – I am in His hands.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord – I am in His Holy Family.
Forever. – I have the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven for Eternity.
Church of the Morning Star, Ethete, WY
THIS WAS CHRISTMAS AT THE CHURCH OF THE MORNING STAR!
Parish members
(L to R) Evangeline Jumbo, Novalee Goina, and Damon Jumbo.
**The deadline for the next issue of the newsletter is June 20. That will give us time to get the Synod notes and photos into the newsletter. Clergymen or any church member, I am still asking for short biographies about the Apostles. I am interested in publishing these during 2008. Also, here is a suggestion: perhaps appointing someone (a volunteer) to be in charge of sending information for the newsletter would assure that everyone gets something in every issue. Think about it, won’t you? PLEASE send me your information, comments, book reviews, stories, sermons, and ideas. Send items to Vickie Scraper, 4480 S. Meridian #233, Wichita, KS, 67217, or email to sfprod2001@yahoo.com. Thanks!
More from the Ecumenical Congress…
(Thanks to Cristen Huntz for providing the information that was missing in the last issue.)
The second Ecumenical Congress convened on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at St. James, Kansas City. About 30 were in attendance over the course of the two-day event, with clerical and lay representatives from all three dioceses of HCC-AR, as well as those from the ACC, UECNA and a priest from a local Roman Catholic parish. The following is a list of presenters and topics delivered at the Congress:
Henry Woody (Church Mutual) - Insurance coverage and liability issues
Bp. Leo Michael (UECNA) - Vocation: “A Call and Commitment”
Mark Kinner - Christian Responsibility for the Earth and Its People
Fr. Stuart Crawshaw/Sr. Clare - Third Order Franciscans
Bp. Thomas Kleppinger - Music
Holly Michael - Newsletters
Rev. Dr. Herman Hattaway - Church History
Jon Getz - Religious Poetry
Mary Elizabeth Gemmill - Altar Guild
Lynn Baxter - Church Business Practices
Bp. Kenneth Kinner - Healing and Visitations to the Sick
A round-table discussion offered an informal opportunity to share the successes and challenges each of our parishes face, and a hymn sing-a-long was a fun way to come together in worship. The Congress concluded with Mass celebrated by Bp. Michael and a stirring homily by Bp. Kleppinger.
The goal of the Congress was to provide a forum for likeminded individuals to come together with feelings of fellowship and good will, in the hope of advancing unity within groups of the Anglican Continuum. From all accounts, this goal was wholeheartedly accomplished, and we look forward to the continued efforts of our leadership to follow this path in the future.
(Photo from the Congress is re-published here.)