Scenes from the Chrism Mass/Mass of Collegiality Today at St. Vincent's Cathedral

It fell to me to attempt to put the clergy of our diocese into order by the date of their canonical residency here in order for us to process into the Chrism mass/Mass of Collegiality today at St. Vincent's. Not an easy task. Herding priests is something like herding cats!
Bishop Iker delivered a fine homily, in which he reassured us that despite all the uncertainties of the present day we have done the right thing by standing steadfastly for "the Faith once delivered to the saints." And the bishop also reminded us that God certainly has a plan to see that His will is done in all this, even if we cannot say exactly what that plan is at the moment.
Many thanks to my father, R.D. Foster, for coming today and taking these fine photos of the event.

One of the largest parishes in the nation pulls out of TEC for the Anglican Church in North America

St. Andrew's Church in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, has voted by a 97% margin to depart from the Episcopal Church and align with the Anglican Church in North America. The report below is taken from blog of its rector, the Rev. Steve Wood. A full report may be found by clicking the title to this post.

As you know, yesterday we gathered at 12.15 pm for a Special Meeting of the Parish to consider our way forward. First, let me say how deeply I appreciated the participation of the 722 people who cast ballots. This day and this decision was without a doubt one of the most significant days and decisions in the history of this parish. Thank you for your faithfulness and for your willingness to complete the process we began many months ago.

Today we received the preliminary vote totals from the CPA firm contracted to oversee the balloting process. There were 722 ballots cast. The results are:

Resolution 1 (to amend our Parish By-Laws): 709 in favor, 13 opposed – 98 % approval.

Resolution 2 (to amend our Articles of Incorporation): 707 in favor, 15 opposed – 98% approval.

Resolution 3 (to disaffiliate with TEC and affiliate with ACNA or some other Province of the Anglican Communion): 703 in favor, 19 opposed – 97% approval.

I rejoice and give thanks for both the clarity of this discernment process and the unity of purpose within this parish demonstrated by this vote. Unity and discernment are both gifts worked in our lives by the Spirit. Having said that, I am reminded that at least 19 members of St. Andrew’s may not be rejoicing in this vote and I commend them to you and your prayers as brothers and sisters in Christ. Please commit with me to ensure that St. Andrew’s will remain a parish where all are welcome to gather at the foot of the cross; sinners yet redeemed by the wonderful work of Christ.

What’s next?

The Vestry and I have made arrangements for St. Andrew’s to affiliate with The Diocese of The Holy Spirit, a diocese within the Anglican Church in North America. This affiliation will be effective upon the certification of our vote by the CPA firm at 3.00 pm, 2 April, at the latest.

Best wishes for a Blessed Holy Week

Yesterday Bishop Jack Leo Iker was our celebrant at the 9AM Palm Sunday/Sunday of the

Passion Eucharist. It was a wonderful day.

The rest of this week will be observed in this manner at St. Vincent's:

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the Eucharist will be celebrated at 7PM.

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services will be celebrated at 7:30PM

The Great Vigil of Easter will be celebrated at 8PM. I hope to see you there!

Gary Parrett and J.I. Packer's "Grounded in the Gospel" on the White Horse Inn

A Lovely Visit to All Saints, Wichita Falls

Last night I was warmly welcomed by Fr. Ken MacKenzie and the good people of All Saints' Church in Wichita Falls. I was joined for the journey by my father and an old family friend, who proved excellent company for the 120 mile road trip. We joined them for Eucharist and then I taught a class on "church growth in ancient Christianity" while the parishioners enjoyed a light Lenten meal. The MacKenzies, Deacon Crab, and the parishioners were very hospitable. And the questions and comments were great!

Thanks, Fr. Ken, for the invitation!

Plaque Commemorating ACNA Provincial Assembly Presented to St. Vincent's Cathedral

The Rev. Canon Daryl Fenton, Canon for Provincial and Global Mission in the Anglican Church in North America, presented a gift from the Anglican Church in North America to the parish on Sunday, February 21st. The plaque reads:

In Thanksgiving to the Cathedral Church of St. Vincent. At this place on June 23, 2009 the Anglican Church in North America was officially constituted.

Those accepting the gift on behalf of the parish were: Dean Ryan Reed, Joe Graber, Bob Thornton, and Thom & Jan Murrell.

The plaque will hang in the narthex of the cathedral.