UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
Anglican Church in America
THE Diocese of the Missouri Valley will hold their Diocesan Synod on June 17-18. Saint John's Parish, Quincy, IL will host the Synod. Delegates will be elected to the General Synod to be held in Portland OR, October 14-16 this year.
LAST St. Francis Day, Father James Krehemker led a special liturgy for the Blessing of Animals. It had been planned to process around the church and gather in the lovely St. Francis garden. Alas, the winds blew, the rains poured down, and by the time it was ready to start proceedings, it was (as the saying goes) raining cats and dogs. Always one to make the best of an emergency, Fr. Jim led the blessing order as the parishioners gathered in the narthex, pets in hand, laps, skittering about or tethered in the splendid excitement of making new friends. No one ate anyone, not even a bite! All who attended sensed the appropriateness of including nature this so joyfully alive in a liturgical setting. (from Anglican Museth)
CANADA
Anglican Catholic Church of Canada
IT would seem
the Cathedral of the Annunciation, Ottawa has what could be defined as
a "good" problem. Seating for their increased congregation has
been described as becoming very cosy indeed on occasions. A few years ago
they were worried about "growing". Now they have a worry about
"getting them all in!" At the recent AGM it was suggested they
keep an eye open for larger premises, centrally located, on bus routes,
and with if possible with off street parking. In addition to regular weekday
services and Bible study, Lenten devotions this year included Evensong
followed by the Stations of the Cross on Friday nights.
ENGLAND
The Traditional Anglican Church (TTAC)
THE Traditional Anglican Church very much appreciated the weekend visit of Bishop John Hepworth ACCA who stopped over en-route home to Australia just prior to Christmas. Bishop Hepworth visited Devon to meet with the congregation of St. Philip and St. James. He also visited St. Agatha's Portsmouth and Minsterworth and Presteigne. All those who were able to meet him were most appreciative of his visit, especially considering the gruelling schedule he had already endured in Africa. His visit was tremendously encouraging. All who heard him were stimulated to greater efforts in the future.
IN the little town of Dulverton on Exmoor, it was decided to raise money for the stricken people of Central America following the devastation of the Hurricane Mitch. Traditional Anglicans were invited to make a donation toward the general appeal, the focus of which was a coffee morning and bring and buy sale. With income low, and the quarterly donation already given to a local charity, the parish decided to organise a cake and produce stall at the coffee morning including a bring and buy sale. The quickly organised event was most successful with the parish raising 130.63. There was a feeling of deep satisfaction that they were able to work along side all denominations towards the same goal.
AUSTRALIA
Anglican Catholic Church in Australia
A FEW Australian parishes with an eye for expansion
and growth have been kept busy investigating the possibility of new venues
or purchasing churches closed by former denominations. St. Clare's Cairns,
with a regular congregation of 60+ moved from their old venue after advice
the property had been sold for redevelopment.
An historic church on the outskirts of Inverell was purchased in March
and will be moved to a prominent position in the main street.(see
'Closed Anglican Church Re-opened' in 'Australian Articles')
St. George and St. Michael, (Church of England in South Australia) presently
in the Adelaide suburb of Vale Park is also about to procure property.