February Newsletter

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

Blessings to you all this Ash Wednesday. As we begin our Lenten devotions, I pray that you will all observe this holy time in a spirit of prayer and reflection, preparing your hearts and minds for the Day of the Resurrection.

 

NEWS OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH

 

INTERNATIONAL

 

A conference of the members of the TAC College of Bishops will meet outside Johannesburg, South Africa from February 27 to March 2. Representatives from all affiliated churches in the Traditional Anglican Communion are slated to attend. Please keep all who will attend this important conference in your prayers.

 

NATIONAL

 

Diocese of the Northeast

 

CLERGY

 

By the Grace of God, Patrick DesRosiers and Harry Wellsman will be ordained to the deaconate at St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Church in Conway, New Hampshire on March 10, 2012. We offer our prayers as these two faithful Christians approach this important day.

 

The Rev. Mr. William Alvarez was ordained to the deaconate on January 28, 2012 at St. Augustine's Anglican Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey. St. Augustine's is the newest parish in our diocesan family. We pray that Deacon Alvarez will have a long and fruitful ministry within his parish and diocese.

 

A memorial service for Father David Ambuske was held at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Webster, New York on Sunday, February 12. Despite a heavy snowfall, the church was filled with parishioners and friends. Father Dave had served this parish for nearly thirty-four years.

 

Diocese of the Eastern United States

 

The synod of the Diocese of the Eastern United States was held in Picayune, Mississippi on January 18-19, 2012. St. Barnabas Anglican Church and its rector, Father Jonathan Filkins, outdid themselves in the southern hospitality department. The accommodations were excellent, as was the church facility. St. Barnabas is a real gem and was absolutely packed for the synod Mass.

 

The Rev. Mr. David Munn was ordained to the deaconate during synod Mass. We all pray for his ministry to the parish of St. Barnabas.

 

During the synod, the Rev. John Vaughan was elected bishop suffragan of the diocese. We pray that Father Vaughan may be consecrated to the episcopate at some point in the near future.

 

On Friday, after the conclusion of synod, the parish treated visitors to a visit to New Orleans. Those of us from the north have fond memories of the hospitality, the gumbo and the jambalaya.

 

OTHER NEWS

 

Diocesan Reports

 

Please know that parochial reports are due to secretaries. The Diocese of the Northeast report formats have been sent out by our secretary, Linnea Shaver. Be sure to return these in a timely fashion.

 

Summer Clergy Education

 

A clergy education and training program is being considered for the week of June 24. This six-day program will be offered if there is sufficient interest. As in past years, the program will be held at Notre Dame Spiritual Life Center in Alfred, Maine. The cost is reasonable and is open to all interested persons, though is particularly relevant to men preparing for holy orders. Anyone who is interested should contact Archdeacon Alan Koller. His contact information: phone - 845-496-2804; akoller@frontiernet.net.

 

Clericus

 

Our March clericus will again be held at Graymoor in Garrison, New York. Please join us for two days of worship and meditation. A complete report of the activities of the South Africa conference will be presented on Thursday evening, March 15. Mass will be celebrated in St. Andrews chapel on Friday, March 16. As in past years, lay members of our diocese are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Deacon David Moody: dwmoody@beaverwood.com.

 

Northeast Anglican

 

The Northeast Anglican will be ready for distribution at Clericus. The Lent edition, which will go to press in early March, is another superb effort, Editor Ed Pacht reports that parish news was sent in early and that there was more copy than usual. Many thanks to all who submitted news and reports. The NEA is widely read and is a wonderful source of information.

 

St Luke's Summer Camp

 

St. Luke's Camp will be held during the third week of August. This outstanding camp experience provides an excellent experience of Christian camping for children aged 9-16. This camp is open to children from all our dioceses. More information will be published in the Northeast Anglican. Father Rich Dibble will again serve as camp director. For questions or registration information, contact Father Dibble at diakonio@windstream.net.

 

Please know of my prayers for all of you.

 

Your Brother in Christ,

 

+Brian

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