Taking Stock

It’s been a year since the doors of Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church were opened. Fr. Frank Castillo and I, a couple of California transplants, decided to plant an Episcopal church in St. Augustine, FL. That’s pretty gutsy given the ongoing turmoil that has embraced much of anything Anglican.

We both felt what was needed wasn’t so much a new continuing church, but an Anglican church that filled a gap. We called it “Original Anglicanism.” We are an “Easter People,” dedicated to the proclamation that without that connection to the Risen Lord there can be no real church.

This past year has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. It has been a roller coaster ride with moments of elation to moments of terror. For me, transitioning from the local to the national level as a Bishop, all the while knowing that as Resurrection goes so goes the Diocese has been challenging. With all of the struggles this church has faced it is important to take stock now and re-focus that vision.

One good rule of thumb when taking stock of any work started for the glory of God is to remember that, “When God brings you to something; he is more than able to bring you through that something.” I like that statement because it is a great reminder that God will never lead us to a place where his grace cannot sustain us.

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (Isaiah 58:11)

The prophet, Isaiah, always had the right perspective when he spoke to the people of Israel. Things seemed to be going against them every step of the way. Yet, God in his grace reminded them that if he brings them to something, he is more than faithful, and more than able to bring them successfully through that something.

We have come a long way in a short time. People who share the same vision are joining us locally and nationally, and I am encouraged. I see it in the work of St. Andrews Middleborough MA, under the leadership of Fr. Steven DelSignore, and with the outreach ministry of Deacon Lon Barfield. God has certainly been faithful there.

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11)

Remember, if He brings us something, He is more than able to bring us successfully through that something! We are taking a big step in our journey as we cast the vision for growth. It will be a time of great joy and purpose, filling that gap and moving forward with God’s grace.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)

We live in a fallen world; no vision or goal is self perpetuating. It must be nourished in God’s Word, sustained by his Grace, and fanned into flame again and again by the Holy Spirit operating in our lives. God’s glory can be seen in everything we do. That’s Original Anglicanism, that’s what being an Easter People means. Next week, I want to get into the nuts and bolts of that vision.

Be an Original…

Bishop Ian

The Making of a Deacon...

JC Ryle, the great Evangelical Bishop of Liverpool, said that, “The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints”. He goes on to say, “We as Christians are not to simply sit and soak,” in our pews; rather we are to stand up and serve, both in our church and the outside community as well. We are to be the “hands and feet of Christ.”

"Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives." Titus 3:14

As Christians, we understand that we are saved by grace, not by works. However, we are called to serve; doing good works that God has planned in advance for us to do. Heeding his calling to serve, Lon Barfield, was ordained as a Deacon on January 6, 2010 in Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Augustine, FL. He was called to this ministry not by self but by God. This is not for Lon’s own glory but that God’s glory would be shown through his work in our community. Lon works tirelessly to feed and clothe the homeless and working poor of St. John County, and many have come to depend on his commitment, strength, and kindness.

Here’s the thing; every Christian’s mission in life is to bring glory to God and blessings to others - not just to receive, not to “sit and soak,” but to do. The result of doing these two things is that we are blessed in ways that are immeasurably greater than we can imagine.

Do you want to experience joy, excitement, and contentment in your life? Stand up and serve in a way that brings glory to God and blessings to others. Not everyone is called to become “clergy,” but God has a purpose and meaning for your life; that you can depend on.

"This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." Titus 3:8

We are all unique, wonderful creations of God. We have been granted gifts to be able to bring glory to God and blessings to his people. Lon Barfield has embraced his abundant God-given gifts and become the “hands and feet of Christ.”

Be a doer,

Bishop Ian