Radio

We are to, as best as we can, fulfill the callings God has given each of us. However, as we all know, we have to wait for some of them.

I was privileged to do radio for about 24 years in the Houston, Texas area. Most of it was Christian radio, and some of it was mainstream, or so-called secular. After all that, I know that part of my calling is to do radio in a Christian music ministry format. Thus far, I've had no bites here in Oklahoma. (Although I do have some "canned" breaks running on a 4am-7am air shift at an internet station. Those were recorded before I left with Shirley to come here, almost a year ago.)

Just got a bite. And not only a bite--I was asked to do a show on a station, probably the "afternoon drive"--3-7pm. Once everything is hammered out, the Lord will have me back on the air for ministry, for Him. It is hard to wait to do something we know He has called us to do. But eventually, He opens the door.

Of course, I am thrilled. Thanks be to God!


br. francis

New web page

No, our United Convergence Church web page is no longer online. Look for our new site--www.thecommunionoftheholytrinity.org.

Keep checking back--it should be up soon. I am excited and looking forward to the changes that will be made to the site.

We are an orthodox communion in the Anglican tradition and we welcome you. We stand on the Scriptures as the written Word of God, believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, "the only mediator between God and men." We hold to the ancient catholic faith, believing what was believed by the whole Church when she was one.

If you are looking for a church in the Anglican tradition that is conservative and having the life of the Holy Spirit, we welcome you. Email or call if we can be of help to you. Join us for worship if you're in the area. Chapel of St. Francis parish meets at Mercy House. Our address and service times, and more info, is at www.netministries.org/see/churches/ch07969.

May God bless you and give you peace.


br. francis

Phoebe

Today is the feast of Deacon Phoebe. She is commended by Paul in Romans 16:1.

We had a great time yesterday. My Irish Stew turned out pretty well, and we enjoyed some Guinness and Shiner Bock. And last night--no one will believe me--Shirley and I watched The Sound of Music. Here's what no one will believe--I had never seen it before. True. Loved it--it's now one of my favorite movies. Loved the music and story. Great movie.

I worked today on Labor Day. The hotel was quiet, but I did drive a few folks back and forth from Will Rogers Airport. All in all, a nice, quiet day. Enjoying the evening now with my lovely Bride, trying to help get her well. She's got a nice cold. :(


blessings,
br. francis

Good point, Clare & Shorty

See the comment on the previous post, about Iona. Good point. :)


br. francis

Saturday before Aidan Sunday

Yes, I know that in the Church Calendar there's no such thing. It's just my title for this blog entry so it can be dated and named.

Tomorrow, however, we will, as a parish, celebrate bishop and monk Aidan. I have prepared the Irish Stew and it's in the crock pot (yeah, I know--it's the easy way, leave me alone....! :) ). Gotta pick up some Guinness in a bit. (We have some Shiner in the fridge, too.)

We worshiped with our friends Mitch and Elizabeth at their Baptist church last Sunday night. The music and praise and worship, message and fellowship was good. They followed us here for spaghetti, jammin' by Mitch and me (Mitch is a guitarist), and an impromptu Pipe Club (the first of many here).

I was reminded that we are all the Church. Shirley and I, when asked what kind of Christians we are, often say we are "mutts." To me, that's synonymous with catholic. All baptized believers (and those who believe who are on the way to baptism) are part of the one Church. Jesus didn't institute a bunch of denominations--He instituted one holy, catholic and apostolic Church. That's it. Plain and simple. No one branch of the Church has it all right.

Although I will be ordained as a priest in apostolic succession next Summer, I will be a Christian minister first, and an Anglican one second. My call is to serve everyone as best as I can, not just one branch or part of the Church. That calling involves serving those on the edge or outside the Church, whether Christians or not. I'm also praying about how I may have dialogue (as did Thomas Merton) with those in other religions who are seeking God. We must be ready to give an answer, in season and out, and be all things to all men, as the Apostle Paul wrote to us.

I am grieved at recent statements from Pope Benedict and the Archbishop of York. Benedict said we weren't really part of the Church if we weren't part of the Roman Catholic Church. My faith and baptism brought me into the Church, not what part of it I happen to be confirmed in or a member in. The Scriptures and Church Fathers teach us this. The Archbishop of York recently stated to conservative Anglican primates that if they didn't show for Lambeth next year, they were removing themselves from the Anglican Communion and were therefore no longer Anglican. He said Anglicanism is through Canterbury. I beg to differ, Your Grace. The Christian Church was established on English soil in 63 A.D. at Glastonbury, not at Canterbury. The Gospel was spread from there by monks who were faithful to Christ and His Word, not by so-called bishops who believe more in post-modernism than in Christ as Lord and His written Word, the precepts of which are timeless. The English Church is traced back to Glastonbury. All who are true to the Faith once delivered who are of the Anglican tradition trace their roots back to Glastonbury, not Canterbury.

As a monk, it resounds deep within my heart that monks from the first Christian community in Great Britain, Glastonbury, took the Gospel out from there and brought Christ to those who would receive Him.

Praise God for His redemption and deliverance through Christ!

Join us tomorrow for authentic ancient-future Christian worship. The Chapel of St. Francis parish meets here at Mercy House, 5901 NW 62nd St. at MacArthur, Sundays at 10:30 am and Wednesdays at 7 pm for Eucharist. Morning Prayer and Communion is here every weekday morning--Monday and Tuesday at 6 am, Wednesday through Friday at 7 am.

We welcome you in Christ's Name. Come as you are.


br. francis

Aidan day

Today is the feast day of St. Aidan, the gentle yet strong monastic bishop from Iona who lived Christ everywhere. He gave away all that he might find Christ, and be found by Him, and was compassionate and intense in his faith to all he encountered. He offered Christ as Lord, Savior, and Friend to all. He pastored others and enjoyed times of solitude. When I took permanent vows, I nearly took his name (or Aidan Francis -- I went back and forth on the name for a while). I have been very impressed with this man of God for a few years.

Sunday, we will have an Aidan/Celtic day. We'll have music, fellowship, good worship in Communion, and I will try my hand at Irish Stew. Of course, we'll have Guinness on hand. And at lunch we'll talk of Aidan and Celtic monasticism, and what influence that should have on us today as believers. I think I have a video documentary on Celtic monasticism, too, that I haven't yet watched. Might drag it out.

We're looking forward to a great day. Join us if you're in the area.


br. francis

Hello, it's Louis IX's feast day

He was a good king, a Franciscan, and wore a hair shirt. Besides his two failed crusades, a good example to us all in the living out of our faith.

Quiet Saturday at Mercy House. Shirley is at work, I go soon, and I've updated our Mercy House web page--www.netministries.org/see/churches/ch07969.

Did a lot of surfing today--some of 'emergent' churches in the UK. While I can't much appreciate the doctrinal openness, there's a lot to appreciate. One really good-looking church I found--apostles church. www.apostleschurch.org.

The thing about us, is that we believe in the Creeds--Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian. We choose to not debate the doctrinal issues that have split the Church (gifts, eschatology, arminian-vs.-calvinism, etc.). Our theology and practice is that of the ancient Church.

We hope your weekend is good and pray you have good worship tonight or tomorrow. Join us if you're in the OKC area.


br. francis

Aidan

Friday, August 31st is the Feast of Aidan. Of course, we're going to move his observance to the next day, on Sunday.

I'm going to make Irish Stew, bring out more green candles, and have plenty of Guinness on hand. We'll have Eucharist, then lunch and fellowship. We'll probably have to add some Celtic music to our worship. It's going to be a fun Celtic Sunday! :)

If you're in the area, you're welcome to join us.


br. francis

Failure is a good thing

Before I begin this post: In the player: Atomic Opera -- Penguin Dust.

Failure teaches us to press toward the goal(s) we have, and to not give up, if it's still possible to reach that goal. Failure teaches us how to "fine-tune" our efforts to reach that goal. it teaches us precisely what is necessary to accomplish that goal. It teaches us how to better accomplish that goal.

The ancient Celtic Christians liked things that were on the "edge" between one thing and another, especially geographically. They found it easier to pray and commune with God in these places. And more so than the rest of the Church, they lived on the "edge"--their monastic communities were on the edge of active and contemplative. They went to the quiet places to commune with God, and then back into the world to be Christians, to live their faith out in the callings they had.

Thankfully, our monastic order is this way. I have long sat on the line between my contemplative practices and my active practice. I am called to play drums in a rock band of some sort, and have prayed through this desire and call for a while--it must be balanced with my study and call to the priesthood. The attempt at a rock band that fizzled here a few months ago was discouraging, but left me with a clarification of how that call was to play out in my life.

The guitarist of that failed band showed up at our door a couple of nights ago, with a desire to begin again. I have more say in the new effort than in the failed one, and will be able to write a lot. The rehearsals and playing out will better fit my schedule. The guitarist has 8-track recording equipment and a lot of studio time at a recording studio. So we'll begin writing and recording, probably next week, and in the future do an album.

I am excited. We must persevere in prayer, and not give up. Our God will answer.



br. francis

Bernard Sunday

Yeah, I know, there's no such thing.........tomorrow is the Feast of Bernard, Abbot of Clairveouax, so we celebrated him at church today. Ivy brought beans and cornbread, and it rocked! (Sorry, got carried away again.!) Our worship was good today. Bishop/Abbot Jim preached on the love of Christ and laying our lives down--something we need to be reminded often that we need to do.

If you're in the OKC area, and are looking for convergence worship--evangelical, sacramental, Spirit-filled--we want to welcome you. Come as you are. Sunday at 10:30 am and Wednesday at 7:30 pm we have worship with Holy Eucharist (Communion). Sunday we eat lunch together after, and Wednesday we have a class after. We always have good coffee and tea (I call it the Communion Cafe). Monday through Friday we have Morning Prayer with Communion (a Deacon's Mass)--Mon and Tue it's at 6 am, Wed-Fri it's at 7 am. It is about 30 minutes, and we have coffee and tea.

Our church here doesn't have cultural barriers--we welcome everybody. Come as you are. Jeans, t-shirts and shorts are expected. Hair style doesn't matter. Neither do piercings or tatoos. Man looks at the outside--God looks at our hearts. This is a house church, and we're not here to show off our new suits--we can do that at work.

Join us Wednesday or tomorrow for Morning Prayer and Communion, if you're in the area.

I'm going to go back in and hang with my wife now. :)



br. francis

Hello, it's me

Yes, I was thinking of the Todd Rundgren song. It's nice to have a couple of days off from work, much needed days, I'll say. I work full-time at a hotel as a bellman--at a monastery I would be the Porter. I also have a second, two-day-a-week part-time job, where Shirley works. I do eight hours a week there to supplement our income a bit.

At the hotel, we are currently short two bellmen--one is on "vacation" (I won't go there, I'll become aggravated) and when he returns next week, he'll be part-time. So my supervisor and I, with the help of a couple of others, have been filling the rest of the hours. It has been exhausting.

As a monk, I believe in the need to have a balanced life. Scripture teaches that. This includes work and time off work. We don't believe in the teaching of the world--work as much overtime as you can, and fill up the bank account--at the expense of our spiritual and married lives. That said, at times we may be called upon to do extra at work. Nothing wrong with that, as long as it has an end, we may soon find time off and for rest, and then return to a more normal, balanced schedule.

Each christian must judge this for him/her selves--I encourage you to ask God for His wisdom, and then receive from Him His leading.

So I am enjoying today and tomorrow. And I need it.

We had a great time Sunday celebrating the Feast of St. Clare (moved from the 11th, the day before). Her order and tradition is the contemplative side of Franciscanism. What a wonderful lady she was and is. Pray for us, Clare. I smoked burgers on the Smokey (I'm told they were very good--I thought so), and we had chips and drinks. This Sunday, Ivy is bringing beans and cornbread. Yes! Sorry, got a little carried away. Join us tomorrow night and Sunday if you're in the area.

I am watching the news in the Anglican world. A couple of things---remember that our God is with us and that He always has a remnant. Also, if you're with a good bishop--you're blessed, no matter which group or province he serves with. And if your bishop is revisionist or liberal--remember that the Scriptures say that our Lord Jesus Himself is the Bishop and Protector of our Souls. Those who have left the "mess" continue to pray for you who are still in it, and for faithful clergy around the world.

Our God is with us. Walk in His joy.


br. francis

St Clare day

is August 11. We'll celebrate as a parish the next day on August 12. Still thinking on what to do, but I do know I'm gonna cook on the Smokey. :)

If you're in the area, join us for worship, lunch, and fellowship.


br francis

Thoughts Friday

Lot of interesting things going on in the Church in the world right now. Especially in the part of the Church known as Anglican.

Thoughts on this. First thing, that I posted before, the Archbishop of York has it wrong--Anglicanism is the tradition ("flavor", I like to say) of the Church which came to us through Great Britain; it is not being in communion with Canterbury. So there are Anglican Christians who aren't in direct formal communion with Canterbury. Him saying that is almost as bad as Pope Benedict (who I like, by the way) saying we're not really the Church if we're not part of the Roman Catholic Church. Scripture and the Fathers tell us that's wrong.

Other thought: a lot of argument about liturgy. Liturgy that's based on the ancient, common liturgy of the Church that is orthodox is good. Period. Saying the 1928 or 1611 liturgies are the best or only is almost as bad as saying the King James is the only Bible.

Final: our worship as Anglicans or catholics must be Holy-Spirit inspired: liturgical AND Spirit-filled. We must not worship liturgy and ceremony, or "our way" of doing Church. We worship Almighty God, with reverence AND joy. Let us be open to the Spirit and have churches with LIFE.


Blessings.


br. francis

Deacon's Mass

is a Communion service, officiated by a Deacon, with elements of Bread and Wine previously consecrated by a priest or bishop.

The Order of St. John the Beloved offers Morning Prayer at Mercy House hermitage Monday and Tuesday at 6 am, and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7 am.

Bishop/Abbot Jim has given permission for us to have a Deacon's Mass with Morning Prayer. We are excited!

So now, we'll have Morning Prayer with Communion Tuesday at 6 am and Friday at 7 am. All are welcome. Join us and receive Christ in Communion.



br. francis

Sunday worship and stuff

We had great worship at CSF today. Clare brought tacos and they were good. We also discussed liturgies to use during Sunday morning Eucharist. Our fellowship and lunch together was good.

Shirley and I went to Lake Hefner this evening at sundown and did evening prayer there, and some walking. Had a nice drive after, including a Sonic stop (!) for slushes. Nice day.

Hope yours was good, as well.




br. francis

Monday Thoughts

What a blessing it is to do the work He has given us to do, to the best of our ability. What a blessing to have relationship with Jesus Christ and to have His Word the Bible, and the Spirit, to guide us.

My Monday work continues. I pray yours is going well.

Thank our God that he is with us today.


br. francis

Favorite Music in my profile

Just finished revisions to this part of my profile, including news of my current musical efforts. I'm excited about a new musical effort about to begin. Click on "View my complete profile" and you'll see it.


br. francis

Saturday 7/21/07 Musings, meanderings, prayer

Shirley is at work; I go in a bit later. Athalia and I have done Morning Prayer together and are sitting together in the office at the computer. JMT Songs of Worship 1 & 2 is in the player. We're enjoying a quiet day at our hermitage.

We have been in prayer and are beginning to look for rent houses so Clare can move near us, as to begin community (ala JMT's Brothers and Sisters of Charity Little Portion Hermitage and the L'Abri Switzerland communities' "model"). If you know of a rent house near us, email me and we'll have a look--br.francis@yahoo.com.

While some in the Church are pursuing faithful priests and congregations with threats and litigation, others are continuing to be faithful--affiliating with bishops in other provinces of the Church, some keeping their property, some forced to leave it. Yet we know that the Church is the redeemed PEOPLE that our God has called out, not buildings. Buildings are good, especially those which have worship space that draws our hearts heaven- and God-ward. But again, unfortunately, many will be forced to leave them as they seek another bishop to pastor them. It is a sad day in the Church when faithful believers in the past have given funds to build, and apostates legally take it away from them. But such is the present reality. Let us be in prayer for these who continue to be faithful, no matter the consequences.

We should be encouraged, however, as our God is again sifting, renewing, and reforming a part of His Church. New bishops are being consecrated to shepherd the faithful. As in days of old, false teaching is being withstood, and in accord with the canons of Nicene, God's people are seeking other bishops who are faithful to Christ and His Word to shepherd them. Reorganizings of the Church are happening, and these groups or provinces look good to me.

It is not the practice of the Order of St. John the Beloved or The Communion of the Holy Trinity to make public negative statements about a part of the Church by name. It is is our position that because we are a faithful part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, that we are to be that--to welcome those who are searching for a place to be, to encourage those who are in the midst of trial, to stand with those who are faithful in prayer and words, and to pray concerning our place in the Church. Our belief and practice regarding this is that our God is good and faithful--and, as I was taught repeatedly in our studies in Bible college (back in the dark ages)--God has and will always have His remnant until Christ returns. He is building a Church, a people for Himself, and Matthew wrote that "the gates of hell cannot stand against it." We know this, and chose to not be negative concerning another part of the Church insofar as our emphasis (i.e. you won't see us slam goups by name in our blogs--God has called others to do so, we believe). This does not mean that we won't state when something is wrong (see above)--it's just that our emphasis is to offer Christ and for people to be a part of His family, the Church, and the life that He and His Church bring.

We are always in prayer concerning another province or group He may be leading us to affiliate with in some way, whether full communion or a concordat. We welcome fellowship, prayer, and dialogue with other groups. Our leading from the Lord is not only to conduct worship services of our own, but to worship and serve with Christians of all denominations and groups, as we are all part of one Church the Lord Jesus is the Head of--it is His desire that we be in unity as much as is possible.

We stand in fellowship with you who are faithful to Him and His Word, and pray for you in every part of the Church, for God's blessing and strength to stand and to serve. Amen.


br. francis

Oh, man!

I worked a lot of extra hours in the past couple of days. So when I got up this morning, I wasn't too keen in following my normal routine--making breakfast for Shirley, Athalia and myself (yes, the cockatiel usually gets some........! :) ).

Shirley said she'd make breakfast. Oh, man! She picked up two flavors of pancake and waffle mix--they rock! It's Kona Coast Hawaiian Style Coffee Chocolate Chip pancake and waffle mix, and Kona Coast Hawaiian Style Almond Amaretto pancake and waffle mix.

The almond amaretto was good, but the coffee chocolate was AWESOME!!!!!!! It says on the can, "We've combined roasted coffee & rich chocolate for the ultimate pancake experience." Ultimate is the word. Man, this stuff is awesome. I'm a cereal and toast man, sometimes eggs, but I could eat this all the time! If you like chocolate and coffee, you'll love this.

Where'd Shirley get it? At Ross, the clothing store. Never went into a Ross 'til I was with Shirley. They have a lot more stuff than clothes. That's where we buy our coffee now, too.

Shirley is an amazing woman and an awesome, wonderful wife. She is God's best gift to me, after Himself. I can't say enough good about her or thank our God enough for her. She is great!

Bishop/Abbot Jim presented my (brief!) paper on stem cell research tonight, I fielded a few questions, and then Sr. Clare M.D. (yep, you read right) took it from there. We uphold life--we take the Biblical stand. It's wrong to create life for the purpose of destroying it, even if the motive is to help someone else. That sci-fi plot has been oft used and it isn't new. Next week: Bishop/Abbot Jim teaches on the mechanics of the Eucharist/mass, and will field questions. Join us if you're in the area.


God's blessings.


br. francis

Birthdays

Great time today. Good worship, including blessing of the parish's new drum kit--a red Mapex, a donation from St. Timothy Church. Nice sounding kit--I loved playing it. What a blessing. And celebration of the Abbot's and Clare's birthdays. Olive Garden was very good.

Join us Wednesday, if you're in the area.


Peace of Christ to you,

br francis

Prayer of St. Bonaventure
(from the St. Augustine Prayer Book)

O Fairest Lord Jesus, transfix the affections of my inmost soul with that most sweet and healthful would of Thy love, with true, serene, most holy, apostolic charity; that my soul may ever languish and melt with entire love and longing for Thee. Let me ever desire Thee, and faint for Thy courts, and long to be dissolved and to be with Thee, the Bread of Angels, the Refreshment of holy souls, our daily and supersubstantial Bread, Who hast all sweetness, and every pleasurable delight. Thee, Whom the Angels desire to look into, may my heart ever hunger after and feed upon; and may my soul be filled with Thy sweetness.

May I ever thirst for Thee, the Fountain of life, the Fountain of wisdom and knowledge, the Fountain of eternal light, the Torrent of pleasure, the Richness of the House of God. Let me ever compass Thee, seek Thee, stretch towards Thee, arrive at Thee, meditate upon Thee, speak of Thee, and do all things to the praise and glory of Thy Name, with humility and discretion, with love and delight, with readiness and affection, with perseverance even unto the end.

And be Thou ever my hope and my whole confidence; my riches, my delight, my pleasure, and my joy; my rest and tranquility; my peace; my sweetness; my food and refreshment; my refuge and help; my wisdom, my portion, my possession, and my treasure; in Whom my mind and heart may firmly and unchangeably be fixed and rooted, henceforth and forever. Amen.

Bonaventure, monk, bishop, reconciler

Today is Bonaventure's feast. I particularly like Bonaventure, for a couple of reasons.

He was Franciscan in the generation after Francis. The order had divided by this point--into those who observed complete poverty and owned nothing, and those who were university professors and owned a few things, necessarily books.

Bonaventure was of the second group, which said they were living the spirit and heart of Francis, and that in their calling, books and few other possessions were necessary.

The order was on the verge of division, and Bonaventure effected a reconciliation. One may now be Franciscan in the observance of poverty in two ways--one way is owning nothing. The other is owning nothing in our hearts, and living in the knowledge that all we own belongs to God, and that we are just stewards of them. We own or are stewards of things; they don't own us.

His theological writings are useful and good, but that isn't the other reason I like him. His contemporaries noted his personal characteristics: gentle courtesy, compassion, accessibility, and humility. He served as the Minister General of the order, and when in 1273 was nominated cardinal-bishop of Albano, and was commanded to not refuse, he had the papal messengers wait while he finished the dishes in the friary of Mugello (near Florence). He told them to hang the miter on a tree branch because his hands were dirty. He also nearly effected a reconciliation between the Eastern and Western churches.

We named our chapel/library/music room after him, thinking it fitting. (The Oratory of St. Bonaventure, "Bonny" room for short, the altar with the reserved Sacrament being called the "Bonny Altar.") The brother has the heart we wish for us, and for all Christians.

We thank our God for his heart and example, and pray to be like Him, as he was like Christ. Bonaventure, pray for us.



br. francis

Rain

It was 22 (?) days of rain here in OKC and in a lot of other places. Then we got a break. We were glad.

Now it's back again. Can't cut the grass with our mower, so we've hired someone. Now it's raining again, and the grass remains high--the guy can't cut it due to the rain. I've never lived anywhere where the grass was so high.

I should be thankful--we could have the drought they say was here before. The rain does wash the earth and make things grow, and that's good. Except the grass part.

Mercy House--in the jungle. :)


br francis

Bishop Jim's Blog

Our pastor and abbot, Bishop Jim Beckett, has a blog up now. Here's how to look at it--www.bishopjimbeckettokc.blogspot.com.

Check it out. Hope your weekend is good. Ours has been great. Shirley, Athalia, and I are enjoying a restful Sunday afternoon.


br francis

Sunday 7/8

We had great worship today. The music was good, Abbot/Bishop Jim spoke on humility (Scripture doesn't teach we're to command God, for instance--He commands us), and our time of receiving the Lord in Eucharist was very special today. Yours truly made chili dogs, Clare supplied chips and salsa and queso, and Ivy made up a delicious fruit dessert. Fellowship was good, too.

Next week, we celebrate birthdays--so we go out to eat after church (wherever the birthday people choose--probably Olive Garden).

It's nap time at Mercy House. Join us Wednesday if you're in the area. Blessings.


br francis

Saturday 7-7-7

In So Deep band isn't rehearsing the third Saturday in a row. : (

Shirley is working. (I work later.) Been reading a blog and looking at Stryper's website, and listening to some of their new stuff. They've reunited (minus bass player Tim Gaines) and have a great new album Reborn. Robert Sweet's voice has, I think, improved with age (I liked it in the day, I just think he sounds better now--see what you think). The live album they released is worth a crank, too. Oz Fox has live video on his site of him with Bloodgood (he's playing with both bands). Worth a look--it rocks!

I'm ready to work on the Christian rock band I've been threatening to do. I think I have a guitarist. Bassist? Vocalist? Keyboardist? In OKC?

I pray your worship is good tomorrow. Join us if you're in the area.


br. francis

4th

Shirley and I had a great 4th. We spent a couple of nights and a day with brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew. Saw Ratatouille--fun movie, especially for a guy who likes to cook. The fireworks show we caught was great. Good time with the family, and thankfulness to God that, even with its flaws, we live in the greatest country in the world.

Hope your Independence Day was as good as ours. If you're in the OKC area, hope to see you Sunday at 10 for Eucharist or tomorrow at 7 for Morning Prayer.

The peace of Christ to you.


br. francis

The Church

is not s country club. It's a hospital. It exists for the healing of people for whom God created, loves, and died an agonizing death for.

The Church is to be a welcoming organism, a place of love, fellowship, and healing.

What an awesome thing it is--that our God loves each of us and wishes to be in close fellowship with us. And that He has made the means. His will is that each of us be forgiven and reconciled to Himself, and fully restored.

We celebrate Him and that reality tomorrow morning here at the hermitage as the worshipping community of Chapel of St. Francis. Welcome.



br. francis

In the player

Rush, Exit Stage Left. Neil Peart is one of the best (if not THE best) rock drummer in the world. Great CD. One to add to your collection, if it's not already there. Enjoying Lifeson's incredible guitar work on La Villa Strangiato.

Just put the new Rush CD on. Incredible. Another must-have.

Hope to see you here tomorrow morning for Eucharist, fellowship, and lunch.

Peace to you.


br. francis

First two icons up

They are up! The Christ icon and the new Thoetokos of the Sign icon are up. Soon we will have the rest. Praise the Lord!



br.francis

Reredos

A reredos is the wall behind an altar. It usually has some kind of ornamentation or icons, and helps to set the wall behind the altar apart from the rest of the room, and thus helps to direct the eyes of the worshipper to the cross and to God.

We have two altars at Mercy House--one in the Bonny Room (Oratory of St. Bonaventure, which is our chapel/library/music room), that has our Reserved Sacrament. The Bonny Altar has part of a beautiful reredos of wood which was made in Germany in the 1800's (the entire piece won't fit--there's not enough room). Morning and Evening Prayer is usually prayed in front of this altar, over which hangs a San Damiano cross.

The other altar, in the living room, is where the Chapel of St. Francis parish worships in Eucharist on Sundays and Wednesdays. Until last weekend, the Celtic cross sat on the altar. I mounted a shelf above the window which is over and behind the altar, and sat the Celtic cross on it. Now we begin putting together our reredos for the main altar--and I'm excited. We've decided to mount icons, not unlike our brethren in the Eastern Church. The icons will be mounted under the cross and above the window in the general order the Eastern Church does it. We already have a Christ icon and Mary with the Christ-child icon, and this particular one that Sr. Clare brought over this morning is called "Theotokos 'Of the Sign'". My intention is to have them up today before Eucharist. Also, we'll eventually have a St. Antony and a St. Francis. The St. John the Beloved by Br. Luke will be on the wall to the left of the altar, over Athalia the cockatiel's room, and a Holy Trinity icon will be mounted on the wall to the right of the altar (because we are now The Communion of the Holy Trinity).

We have two large icons in the Bonny--Christ, and Mary with the Christ-child. We'll add a Holy Trinity icon in there, too.

I'm excited! Now I need to get busy mounting these icons and get to my homework. :)
We welcome you to join us tonight at 7 for fellowship, Eucharist, and class. Topic: stem cell research, a Biblical look.


br. francis

Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer has been at 7am Tue-Fri here at the hermitage for a few weeks now, allowing me the opportunity to sleep in a bit on Mondays, and then pray. Not so now.

Work begins earlier for me now on Monday and Tuesday, so Morning Prayer must now begin earlier on those days. So we now invite you to pray Morning Prayer with us Monday and Tuesday at 6 am, and Wed-Fri at 7 am (except holidays).

We still have good coffee and can make a good, hot cup of tea, if you'd like. We confess and receive forgiveness for our sins, read Scripture together, pray liturgically and extemporaneously, and observe saints' days.

We welcome you. Dress is, of course, casual. We are reverent yet relaxed.




br. francis

In the player

The Essential Journey. Steve Smith is a phenomenal drummer, Perry has a great voice, Schon is a killer guitar player, love the keys. And the songwriting is great, the music timeless.

Got it cranked.




br. francis

Hindsight

is always 20/20. And the grass isn't always greener. How true this is, we all know.

Shirley and I married and moved here to OKC 7 months ago--with no jobs. We both left good jobs in Houston to come here--I in driving and radio and Shirley in banking. Family members and friends were, understandably, concerned about that. It is preferable to have employment secured before moving to another place. But we felt that God led us to do exactly what we did--so we did it. Not that I didn't try--I've worked in radio in the Houston market and outlying area for 24 years, so I sent out air checks and resumes before we moved, thinking I would get a bite. I haven't as of yet. (I haven't given up--and I'm still tracking on an internet Southern Gospel station out of Houston, the Gospel Hiway, 4-7 am. I used to do a midday show there and assisted in formatting the station for a few years--but of course I want on here. God's timing.) The grass that is greener, though, isn't the jobs we left in H-town--it's one I had here.

I worked a job in the hospitality industry not long after we got here, at a hotel, but I needed more hours. So I took another job at an eating establishment that paid better, offered more hours--but that ended up being awful. Let's skip the details--it was just a bad gig. Should have kept the hotel job--but as I wrote earlier, we can't always see the truth until we look back. Shirley and I were then offered to cook and wait on folks at another food place, a chain. The pay is less but the people are better to work with, and we usually get to work the same hours. (Sad that sometimes people who aren't Christians are easier to work with than Christians--that should say something to us.) We have applied and thrown out resumes and we have continued to pray.

And God answered this morning. The manager of the hotel I worked at called this morning and offered my old job back--with more hours and a raise. Praise Him! I really enjoyed that job, and I'm thrilled to have it back. He will answer and provide Shirley with a better gig soon, we know.

I write all this as an encouragement. Jesus said that we should pray at all times and not lose heart, and that if we put first His kingdom and His righteousness, He would provide all we need.

Thank you Lord. If we can be in prayer with you in anything, email me at br.francis@yahoo.com.



br.francis

Thoughts

We are called to "be" as Christians, before we are called to "do". What do I mean? God wants us to be at peace in Him, surrendered in Him, and submitted to Him, first. We are to be who we are in Christ. Then we are to be about doing the work of being a Christian in the midst of this world.

At times, we will experience opposition from the world when we "are," and when that necessarily spills over into what we do. A monastic principle applies here: we answer to no man (or woman). We answer only to God.

Let that be a comfort to you as it is to me.


br. francis

Class tonight

Our class tonight was good, but controversial. We discussed the sacrament of holy orders, or ordination. Our position is that the Scriptures teach that men should be bishops and priests/presbyters, and that men and women may serve as deacons. We note the example of Phoebe as a deacon in Romans 16. We note that the teaching of the Church Fathers and the councils affirm that the apostolic teaching and the consensus of the early church was for men bishops and priests. We also note that the ancient Celtic Church ordained women deacons, and that the Church has had, throughout its history, women abbots, or abbesses, or prioresses, and prophetesses. We see that Scripture has examples of women judges, prophetesses, and the apostle Paul noted women praying in church, a practice that would not have been accepted in his day. We agree that women may teach and pastor, while not holding the offices of priest or deacon. We also noted that women were the first to believe and to witness to the resurrection of our Lord. And we affirmed the teaching of the apostle Peter of the priesthood of all believers.

Next week we will discuss the hot topic if stem cell research and the Biblical position. Soon we will have a "teaching mass" that will double as a practicum for me. You are welcome, if you're in the area.



br. francis

Evening Prayer

One of our Spring storms blew in from the northwest tonight. We had a heavy downpour and 40-60 mph winds. I stepped out the front door of the hermitage and prayed Evening Prayer while watching the hard rain and winds and lightning flashes. What a great prayer time.


br. francis

Life is interesting

I don't think any of us will deny that. Life, to me, is never boring. God is good. There are times I wish He would make people be good, too. Then I think twice about that--and realize that I would rather have people choose to do right, rather than it be a forced thing.

I am blessed in my life. I have a wonderful new wife (married her 7 months ago), we have a great church, and I am looking forward to serving as a priest. There is a couple of things, however, that I would like to change. One of them depends on another person choosing to do the right thing and to cease doing evil. I believe our God is long suffering, and that He still does miracles, but He will never force us to do anything against our own will. There are times in our lives when we can be sure that circumstances will never change, and then we must make a decision. I am purposely being vague here--some will know what I am referring to, and you who do not will still be able to use this (I hope) in your own life.

When we are relatively sure that circumstances will not change in a particular situation, here's a couple of things for consideration:
1) We must always stand against evil
2) We must protect our families from evil the best we can
3) When others wish to perpetuate evil against our family, and persist in doing so, we must, as Christians--take steps to stop it (doing nothing evil or illegal ourselves), or, if that is not possible, distance ourselves from them as much as possible

I have been dealing with an evil perpetuated against me for 7 years now. There is only one legal and moral thing I can do to stop it, and I believe this must be my course of action.

Sometimes we must choose to do the thing we do not want to do. Yet, our wives and families must come before all else in the world. When we are needing to make decisions like this, we know that our God is with us.

I welcome your comments and dialogue.


blessings,
br francis

June 14, 2007

Oblate Andrew has been here from Houston at Mercy House this week. It's been nice to add another to our group for Morning Prayer in the Bonny this week. Shirley and I have taken him to Poblano's Mexican, Jimmy's Egg, the lake, and given him a partial tour of OKC. Yesterday Shirley, he and I visited St. Elijah's Orthodox Church (Antiochan) and had a great time with Fr. Basil there. He showed us the Nave and explained everything, we discussed liturgy, form and function, and had great fellowship with him. Thank you, Father. We felt welcomed and affirmed and we enjoyed it very much. What a beautiful facility! And they have a very cool bookstore, too. We'll go back and pick up a couple of books very soon, I'm sure. (Everybody likes the incense we purchased there a couple of months ago. I don't think anybody makes better incense than the Eastern Church.)

Our Chapel of St. Francis fellowship, Eucharist, and class was very good last night, as well--we discussed the sacrament of Matrimony or Marriage. We had a full room, and I, of course, was very happy with that. :) Next week we finish the sacraments with Holy Orders or Ordination. My presentation to the group before Bishop/Abbot Jim teaches is part of my seminary study and training. It will be interesting to see where we go from here in our study/discussion. Join us if you don't have a church home, or if you have one on Sunday and you'd like something different and a class during the week. Our focus is Jesus, the Scriptures, and what the ancient Church believed and practiced--and why.

Email if we can pray for you or be of help to you.


Blessings,
br. francis

Saturday, June 9

Usually, I get up and do Morning Prayer by myself, or with another person from our monastic order. Shirley and I usually pray the Bedtime Prayers or Compline from the St. Augustine Prayer Book and then have a time of extemporaneous prayer together.

This morning, Shirley and I did Morning Prayer together and read a little about Abbot Columba and prayed the collect in Lesser Feasts and Fasts. It was a good prayer time.

And we're keeping Br. Shorty, our Order dachshund this weekend, while Sr. Clare (his human) does prison ministry. We thought we were going to lose Shorty recently, but the Lord chose to heal him and so he gets to hang around with us still. And that's cool. Shorty was there with Clare at the beginning with Abbot Jim, Sr. Sarah, and Br. Luke when the Order began ('96?) and he was made an honorary brother when everybody else took their vows. He shows us how to live.

Shirley and I are about to take him to the park. Come worship with us tomorrow and meet Shorty.



br. francis

The Communion of the Holy Trinity

I am excited about our new church name. United Convergence Church, the name we are changing from, really didn't convey to people what or who we are. "Convergence" refers to a blending, or convergence, of the 3 "streams" or traditions of the early Church, which when combined makes for a balanced and relevant Church today--evangelical, liturgical/sacramental, and charismatic. By "charismatic," we mean the filling and life of the Spirit. The emphasis isn't on a particular gift or gifts--it's on the life of the Spirit, which includes the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. "Spirit-filled" would probably better describe that aspect. We are still convergence in our beliefs and practice. Our basis is the Anglican tradition, the tradition of the Church catholic as it developed in the British Isles. We enjoy aspects of the Roman and Eastern traditions as well.

So, our convergence worship hasn't changed. A huge thing that also hasn't changed is our main emphasis--our emphasis isn't Anglicanism, liturgy, theology, church polity, arguments over which Prayer Book is the best--none of that. Our emphasis is the Lord God Almighty, Who our liturgy and theology and traditions are to point to. I think sometimes we lose focus--we major on the minors, so to speak. Liturgy is important insomuch as it points us to God and facilitates our corporate, participatory worship. I frankly disagree that use of the 1928 or 1662 liturgy is somehow more Anglican, or more theologically sound than the 1979 Prayer Book--the arguments simply don't hold up. If anything, the 1979 Book of Common Prayer was more of a return to the ancient Church, in my opinion (email if you'd like to discuss why). Also, our understanding of God's sovereignty and eschatology is finite and simple at best--and not to be a test of intelligence or of good hermeneutics. True Anglicanism is a blending of ancient Celtic (which is monastic in root) and Roman traditions, and is based on the Church being shepherded by a plurality of bishops who hear God and the voice of the whole Church--what we would call "consensus" government of the Church. It has a Biblical base (the primary authority) with apostolic tradition. It is liturgical and Eucharist-centered, but liturgy is not a test of true Anglicanism. The above is. The Anglican tradition is, at its best, God-centered, not man-centered.


All this having been said, we are changing the name of our church (I don't like the word "denomination") to The Communion of the Holy Trinity because it simply states Who is our focus. The word "communion" denotes a fellowship, a sharing--of what? The life of the Trinity, and the sharing of that life with all Christians--here and in heaven.

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday. So we're obviously going to celebrate. If you're in the area, come join us. Our worship is contemporary, yet rooted in the ancient Church. We will worship our great God together in music, prayers, confession and receiving of forgiveness, reading and preaching from the Bible, and receiving our Lord Jesus Christ in the special way we do in the Bread and Wine. Then we'll have lunch and fellowship.

And if you're in the area, the Order of St. John the Beloved offers Morning Prayer here at Mercy House Tue-Fri mornings at 7 am. We're usually done around 7:30. You are welcome--come pray with us before work.

We pray your worship this weekend is good.


under the mercy,
br. francis

Memorial Day

Shirley and I enjoyed today and part of the weekend with family. We thank God for those who have given their lives for our country and for our God and His Church.

I'm tired and not feeling well tonight, so I'll blog later on the name change for our church--we are changing our name from United Convergence Church to The Communion of the Holy Trinity. The new name is a better reflection of who we are. I'll blog and explain later when I'm feeling better. Until our web page is updated, you may still find us at www.unitedconvergencechurch.com. When it's updated, we'll be at www.thecommunionoftheholytrinity.org.

Hope your Pentecost Day worship and Memorial Day weekend was good. Have a great Pentecost week.


br.francis

Easter season musings part 2

At ChristChurch, our musicians were in bands who didn't want to be signed to a Christian label or be a part of the Christian music scene. The view was that the labels tended to want to mold you into something they felt was marketable--to the point of influencing lyrics and music style, and forcing bands to be evangelistic or to do music as a ministry--when that may not have been their calling. We were taught there that as musicians, we needed to first of all make good art, good music--and that our music and art should in some way reflect our faith. We were taught that it was to be done with excellence. The bands that were made up of our members did (and do) just that--wrote good music, reflected their faith, and were (and are) noted live performers.

This view has a lot to say for it. I firmly believe that many believers have a God-given talent who are NOT called to be ministers--in fact, at least one of the members of the fore-mentioned bands struggles with his faith. Common sense here suggests this brother (I still call him that) continue to be loved, befriended, and shown understanding to his struggle. Obviously, he's not called to propagate the faith--but to write about his struggles with it and with life, and to continue to make cutting-edge rock. In this and other like situations, the Church should take very special care to not shoot its wounded. Sadly, many times we have done just that. Myself included--I've been on the giving and receiving end of that.

I began playing drums and percussion much later than I wanted. My parents wouldn't allow a drum kit, even in the garage. But I always wanted to play. Around age 30 about 15 years ago, I finally began to play drums. A few years ago, due to the needs of a worship band, I began to learn other percussion instruments, such as congas, bongos, shakers, and triangle (can't say there was any difficulty with the triangle, though. hah.). I was privileged to play in a few different bands, playing modern and classic rock and originals, as well as in worship bands in churches. My calling is to facilitate worship as well as make good music. With my friends over the years, it has seemed to be one or the other. But with a few of us, it has been both.

I want to say something here. I will agree, as someone who has worked in Christian radio for nearly 20 years, that a lot of the music aired is formulaic. The labels do, of course, sign bands who are marketable, and they do influence lyrics, image, etc. However, criticism of these bands and artists is undue. There is a LOT of talent in ccm these days. Christian radio is a lot better (in most ways) than it was when I first worked in it in the 80's--the music on the playlists is definitely more rockin'. There's more freedom to play that now on Christian radio. And I shake my head when I hear believers who don't like ccm say that the artists aren't good or don't write well. I beg to differ. It's similar to when a young teenage or early 20's guitarist says that classic rock guitarists aren't any good, that only the new guitarists are good. To which I say, "Can you play their stuff?" They usually say, no. Then I say that they must be better than you think. Same with ccm. I would ask, "Can you play it?" or, "Can you write that well?" Or I ask them if they can write something as compelling. Sometimes they can. I say, OK, so then let's not criticize.

Our callings are different. Our places and methods of ministry are different. Our God has made each of us different. Let's be encouraging of one another. Let us be praying for one another.

And, by the way....Red Reign is looking for a good keyboard player. You don't have to be a Christian, but it would be nice. You just have to be tolerant of everyone's beliefs. In the OKC area? We're working on covers now. After we learn about 20, we're going to write originals in the prog-rock vein and have some studio time already paid for. Interested? Let me know.

Peace to you.


br. francis

Morning Prayer and pouring rain

May is the "storm month" in Oklahoma. As the seasons change and the air masses meet, thunderstorms and tornadoes form in this part of the country. While we can do without the tornadoes, it is a blessing to rise for Morning Prayer to the sounds of pouring rain. To me, it is a sound and sign of God's washing the earth, of His renewal and blessing, a reminder of our baptism, and--as the Psalmist wrote, that His mercies are new every morning.

Sunday is the Day of Pentecost. We remember on that day the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church in Acts 2, and ask the Lord to pour out His Spirit again on us. The Spirit brings repentance, renewal, change, and life to the Church. In our day, we see that the Church is in need of renewal. Old heresies are still propagated. Sin is excused and even accepted in the Church. What Scripture plainly calls sin is flaunted as life in the Spirit. Let us turn to God and pray for renewal and repentance in the Church. Let us pray that this Sunday, Pentecost, will be a day of renewal in the life-changing Holy Spirit. Let us pray that the Spirit will fill each of us anew and draw us closer to God, make us more like Christ.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your people, and kindle in us the fire of Your love.

We pray your worship and renewal in the Spirit will be good this Sunday.



br. francis

Easter season musings

I grew up listening to a lot of different kinds of music in the 60's and 70's, thanks to my parents. In the 70's, I listened to a LOT of rock. When I repented and came back to Christ in '79, I was involved in a church which believed and taught that it was bad to listen to all music made by non-Christians. Thankfully, at the time I was introduced to good music made by believers.

Also thankfully, I was exposed to the writings of Francis and Frank Schaeffer, and the view that music (and all art) is representative of the human experience--hence, amoral, neither morally good or bad. I then felt free to listen to music I appreciated, and enjoy good art. I also have been privileged to cultivate a dream, that of playing drums and percussion. (I've been privileged to play in worship bands in three churchrs, and in the Rock bands "Stage Dive" and "In So Deep," which we just re-named "Red Reign.")

In the early nineties, I was involved in a Houston church, ChristChurch, where Kemper Crabb and Dave Marshall (ArkAngel, Radiohalo, and Atomic Opera are band names you may recognize) were a couple of the pastors--and who were involved in making music that built up the body of Christ as well as making people think, and trying to transform culture. We were taught at that church to be more of an "outside" church, a people that took Christ to the world, instead of just inviting non-Christians to worship with us and give them the gospel in the context of our corporate worship. They introduced me to liturgical and sacramental worship. (Members of the bands King's X and Galactic Cowboys were also members.)

Later on, I was exposed to the ancient Church's beliefs and practices, and as well to a "missional" and "holistic" way of doing Church. I visited one such church, their coffee house, book store and art gallery in Houston (Ecclesia) and Shirley and I visited another (Fusion) here in OKC.

I am thrilled at these groups, and their movement to real spirituality and toward the ancient Church. I do have some of my own musings that I want to share.

I encourage you the reader here--if you are interested in moving toward the ancient Church and a deeper spirituality, may I suggest that you read the Church Fathers and the monastics? The Church Fathers give us a good idea of what the early Church believed, how they interpreted Scripture (especially those disputed passages about baptism and the Lord's Supper, for instance), what they believed about sacraments and how they conferred grace, and the relationship between works and grace in our salvation. The monastics have a lot to teach ous about working out our salvation, about learning about how to be the Church. All parts of the Church have something to teach us. Not only can we learn from the above-named churches on the subjects of being the Church, spirituality, and the desirability of moving toward the ancient Church--we should jump on the social justice bandwagon with them--read Matthew 25.

As a monk, a seminarian, and a man who will be ordained as a priest next year, my aim is pastoral. My calling is to bring Christ and the ancient Church to you. So I welcome dialogue and any questions you may have. Our number here at Mercy House is 405-470-0174. My cell no. is 713-205-2324. My email is br.francis@yahoo.com. Our worshipping community here in OKC is Chapel of St. Francis (in Tulsa it's St. Timothy), and we meet together Sundays at 10am and Wednesdays at 7pm at Mercy House for Eucharist, prayer, teaching, fellowship, and learning how to be the Church. Two web sites you can check out--www.unitedconvergencechurch.com, and the one for Mercy House--www.netministries.org/see/churches/ch07969.

Please call or email if I can be of any help to you.


br. francis

Red Reign

Just returned from rehearsal with my rock band after a break since before Easter. The band was called "In So Deep," but because we are writing new material and learning different covers than they did with their previous drummer, we all agreed it was time for a name change. So we chose the name "Red Reign," which has numerous meanings. One meaning which will be obvious to us as believers is the blood of Christ and His rule over all.

We had a great rehearsal tonight. We're working on a Rush "medley" of sorts, which will include Priests of the Temples of Syrinx from 2112. I remember as a teenager listening to All The World's A Stage and hearing Geddy say, "We'd like to do for you side one from our latest album. This is called 2112." We'd crank it so loud our ears rang. I had no idea that as an adult I would have the joy of learning to play that on drums.

The band is a 3-piece--a singer/bassist, guitarist, and myself on drums. I think our chemistry is really good and I am really looking forward to playing out. When I was with "Stage Dive" in Houston, I used the stage name "Kane," from the Gaelic which means, "John," the patron of our monastic order. Fitting, is it not? I will be using the name again with Red Reign.

Hope your Easter season is full of His joy.


br francis

Holy Week

It's been a good Holy Week so far. Although the Advent and Christmas season is really my favorite time of the year, Holy Week and Easter run a close second.

I honestly used to dislike the Lenten season pretty strongly (I hated fasting!), but as the years have gone by, I have appreciated more that--not only are there various creative ways to fast, food isn't the only thing we can fast from that will benefit us spiritually. And if done well, the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday services and observances can be rich for us in our lives.

I look forward every year to re-living the Thursday night experience of Jesus and the disciples--His commands to love and do Eucharist, the footwashing, His agony in the Garden, and the arrest and betrayal, which we remember by stripping the altar. All the visual things that speak to of us of, and convey our Faith to us--are quietly taken off the altar. The altar book, the altar cross, the bread and wine, and the candles--all things that remind as well as convey Jesus' Presence (as in the bread and wine) are removed, and we have an opportunity to walk with Jesus and the disciples again on that dark night. We walk with them as they see Jesus led away to His "trial" and sure death. We know and remember that Jesus knows what is coming and yet He is ready to do the Father's will and suffer and die for us, so He can reconcile us to Himself.

Then on Good Friday we meditate on His "trial," appearance before Pilate, His carrying the cross and agonizing death for us.

Then on Holy Saturday we meditate in His burial with Joseph and Nicodemus, and sit with Jesus by His tomb, as it were. We meditate on how the disciples must have felt on this day.

Some may ask--why do all this? Is this all necessary? No. I can celebrate His resurrection Sunday morning without it. But older, wiser folks than I am long ago saw the benefit of meditation in His Passion and death. They saw how beneficial it can be for us as believers to remember what He did for us. And how good it would be for us to meditate in the Scriptures in the experience of the disciples--who they were, their reactions to Jesus suffering, death, burial, and resurrection--and the explosive way their lives were changed by their Risen Lord sending His Spirit to them.

Chapel of St. Francis parish meets here at Mercy House, Shirley's and my hermitage, 5901 NW 62nd St. at MacArthur (northwest corner), Warr Acres (OKC). We invite you to join us--here or at another church--in Maunday Thursday ("maundy" means mandate or commandment), Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter observances. Walk with us as we walk again in the footsteps of Jesus and the disciples.

Maundy Thursday is tonight at 7pm. Stations of the Cross is tomorrow (Good Friday) at Noon. At 7 pm we have Communion and Veneration of the Cross. The Order of St. John the Beloved offers Holy Saturday Morning Prayer at 8 am--we'll pray the Collect, meditate in the Scripture readings and another reading, sit by the tomb, and pray together. For Easter Vigil, we gather at 7 pm for coffee and fellowship, and begin Eucharist as the Sun goes down. And our Easter Sunday Worship is Communion at 10 am. We welcome you if you're in the area.


God bless you this Holy Week.


br. francis

Worship Music

Sr. Clare (one of our nuns) handled the music at Chapel of St. Francis long before Shirley and I got here. She plays keyboard. When I joined her on Sunday mornings, I brought percussion instruments--bongos and shakers.

Now we've "stepped it up," and I'm excited. I purchased a triangle Saturday, and we added that and the drum kit to the worship music Sunday. It was awesome.

Our music is blended--we combine hymns and praise music. A good bit of our stuff is John Michael Talbot's. We're probably going to add some of the stuff from Monk Rock . We've taken the name "Sanctus." If you're on the OKC area and play guitar, and would like to be a part of a worship band for a Communion service, email me.

Lenten blessings.


br. francis

Wednesday Class

Our part of the Church, the United Convergence Church, was so named because we came out of the Convergence Movement.

What is that? A movement of the Holy Spirit in the Church which sought to recover the basic elements of belief and practice of the early Church: evangelical, liturgical/sacramental, and charismatic--a blend, or "convergence" of these elements is a move to our roots in the ancient Church, and makes for balanced, relevant worship in the Church today. Many denominations and independent churches are "convergence" in their worship, or have a service that is. We think that's great.

Recently in our Convocation, Abbot/Bishop Jim spoke of the need of our church to continue to be a Bible church--we believe it's the written Word of God, inerrant, infallible, our authority as Christians. He reminded us that we are to read and meditate in it, as the Psalmist wrote, "day and night." He encouraged us to have our private devotions include some Bible reading.

We then agreed to begin a Bible class on Sunday mornings before Eucharist. We began studying Ephesians. Concurrent with this was the graduate/seminary level class the Abbot/Bishop and I were doing, to train me for ordination. Our clergy expressed interest in attending this class as a "refresher." Last week, most of us attended the class. We believed the Spirit moved to combine both classes. So we did.

I am working on a hefty assignment--explore and discuss the Biblical, historical, and theological origins of the Eucharist and the liturgy, and write a separate paper describing both to a person who has an evangelical and/or charismatic background but not a liturgical/sacramental background. I then offered, after I completed that, to do the same with the Sacraments.

So, here's what our Wednesday Class is like: Eucharist at 7pm. Then I orally present the next part of the assignment (tonight it's the primitive, 1st-century Eucharist) and the apostolic teaching regarding. Anyone can ask me questions, and/or discuss what I'm presenting. Then Abbot/Bishop Jim then uses that as a "launching pad" and teaches more in depth. Fr. Joe and Dcn. Laura Mathy will be with us from St. Timothy Church in Broken Arrow. If you're in Oklahoma and are interested in the beliefs and practices of the ancient Church, we invite you to attend. Come worship with us in the Eucharist and then stay for class. We are meeting here at the hermitage (the home of my wife Shirley, our cockatiel Athalia, and myself), 5901 NW 62nd St at MacArthur, in Warr Acres (NW Oklahoma City). We'll have tea (and coffee, if anyone desires).

Come as you are--dress is casual. It will be interesting!


br francis

Tornado Warning Siren

It is just past Noon here at our hermitage. I had a particularly tiring night at work last night, and Shirley was working on things here, so we slept in very late this St. Patrick's Day. We had just finished Morning Prayer together out in the Bonny, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, when the Tornado Warning Siren went off.

They test it every Saturday at Noon--and the thing is mounted on a tall pole right outside our back yard ! As it sounded, being as we are in Lent, the Spirit brought to my mind and heart that our spiritual forefathers, the Israelites, were warned many times by the prophets that God's judgement upon them was impending. At times that warning from them was proclaimed in a loud voice, and at times it was loud in other ways--for instance, Ezekiel cooked his meal in public over crap. Jeremiah walked naked. God tried to get His people's attention. He wanted them to be close to Him, to walk in His ways, and to have His full blessing.

Recently, I was with Abbot Jim, our Abbot and Bishop, at his old home (he recently re-married and moved--his first wife passed due to a stroke). He made a statement to the effect that he wouldn't have wanted to be an Old Testament prophet--they lived pretty awful lives. Yet they were blessed in their obedience.

God uses ways to warn His people today. He gave us His written Word, the Bible, and our spiritual leaders. He wants to bless us and to fully give us His life in Jesus. But that is up to us.

This Lent, we should at times be still before the Lord, and ask Him to show us by His Spirit what things He wants to clean up in us, to make right. He wants to show us where we are sinning or making mistakes in our lives, so that we can receive forgiveness from Him, and live in His full, abundant life.

If I spend time with my wife, share my heart with her, do things for and with her that show my love for her, and tell her I love her often, we will have a good marriage, and our relationship as husband and wife will be good. It is the same with our God. So I pray that we may do that this Lenten season--draw close to Him, confess and receive His forgiveness for our sins, do things for and with Him that show Him we love Him, tell Him we love Him and give Him our praise, and our very lives, He will be with us and bless us. And He will make us happy. I pray that for my wife and myself, and for you who read this this Lent.

If you are in or near Oklahoma City we invite you to worship with us tomorrow at 10 am here at the hermitage.


br. francis

St. Patrick observance

We mostly observe saints' days at our Wednesday Eucharist. St. Patrick's Day is this Saturday, so we observed the radical missionary bishop's feast tonight at Eucharist at the hermitage.

The Abbot's and Shanna's dog Katie was with us tonight (a miniature pit--she really wanted to meet our cockatiel Athalia) and we had a great time. After Eucharist, we enjoyed some goodies--Heineken, and Ryan's Cream--a liqueur made with Irish whiskey (the stuff is chocolate--yummy!) and a chocolate cake with white icing, a shamrock and green lettering--"Happy St. Patrick's Day." I grabbed some cool Celtic music and threw it on after Eucharist as well. (No Guinness today--I'll have to enjoy some Saturday.)

Normally, Morning Prayer at the hermitage on Saturday isn't open to the public. This Saturday we'll offer it at 6:30 am and observe Bp. Patrick's day again on his feast day. We'll have coffee and tea as usual and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after. If you're in the Oklahoma City area, we welcome you in the Name of Christ.

We hope and pray you're having a blessed, Christ-centered Lent.


br. francis

Forty Martyrs/Covers

If the Fourty Martyrs of Sebaste had some covers on the night of their deaths, it wouldn't really have done them any good. So their story doesn't really involve covers, or blankets--the covers are another topic.

It is the second century after the resurrection of Christ. (Sorry, Mr. Carmeron--you blew it and your research blows, as well--but we do greatly enjoy Titanic. Your new documentary is the same formula as your great Titanic movie--some truth blended with some fiction. Those names were common in that day, sir. Blessings on you and we pray you find the Truth--Him Who is the resurrected One.) Persecutions in the early days of the Church were common, and these fourty soldiers were ordered to renounce Christ on pain of death. They, of course, refused. So they were stripped naked and forced to lay out on a frozen lake all night. To entice them to apostocize and renounce Christ, a fire was lit and a warm bath provided on the shore. One gave in, and another was sent out to take his place. Ten degrees with rain and a cold north wind is enough for me (we've experienced that of late here in OKC). I can't imagine what that must have been like. May we be as faithful.

Covers would have done them no good. But in In So Deep, the rock band I play drums in, covers do us a lot of good! We are beginning to write originals, but clubs want covers. I just got out from behind the kit. Here's what I'm working on for rehearsal today: our version of the Rush covers of "Heartful of Soul" and "For What It's Worth," Rush's "Temples of Syrinx" (I'm playing that on a 5-piece kit!), and Frampton's "Lines On My Face (the Frampton Comes Alive version--the studio version is nice, as well, but I like the feel of the live version better--thank you, Mr. Siomos: may God shine light upon you There). We're also intending to cover Journey's "Wheel in the Sky" and "Stone in Love." I've learned "Stone" but don't have "Wheel." Supposed to get a copy today (can you burn me the whole album, guys?). Their drummer back in the day, Steve Smith, is a great drummer. Oblate Andy gave his instructional video to me on my birthday last year. Need to get a little tv and a dvd out in the Bonny so I can work on it.

It's a beautiful day here in OKC, lots of sunshine, cool temperatures. Nice day to hang with Shirley, check out the Abbot's and Shanna's open house, and do band rehearsal.

Blessings to you this 2nd Saturday in Lent.


br. francis

Monastic community

The Order of st. John the Beloved (Franciscan) to which I belong, since its beginning, has been a group of Christians who feel called to a lifestyle of radical discipleship, as have all monks, nuns, and oblates. We have felt called to times of prayer, reading and meditation, and also to be serving Christ and people out in the world. (Some would call us an "active" order.) Like the early Celtic orders, we live as each of us is called--married or single. Since the beginning, we also know that, like the Celts, some of us would eventually be called to live together in an "integrated" monastic community--with part of the housing for married and family and part for singles. Yet some would still be called to remain living in their own homes, and still be a part of and serve with this Order.

I am excited to share that we just had a meeting about community! Those who are presently called to community met on Ash Wednesday, and shared with one another what ideas we felt God had given each of us for that community. Now we begin to look for property.

We feel led to purchase land in the OKC area. We are looking for a wooded property, far enough out from the city and noise, so as to have space to pray and meditate.

We will have a part for married and families and a part for singles. The community will have a "common area" with a kitchen, living room/fellowship area, chapel, and a library. There will also be a music room. We are praying about how often to do shared meals and prayers. Chapel of St. Francis parish will meet there, and continue to offer Morning Prayer weekdays, Eucharist on Sundays and Wednesdays, and probably eventually Eucharist on weekday mornings. Our intent is for those of us who are presently called to begin this intentional community some time next year.

We ask you to pray with us as we move toward this. If you feel you may be called to be a part of a monastic community, either living in the intentional community or in your own home, please feel free to contact us. If we can help you in any way with your prayer life or reading and meditating on the Scriptures, or want to know about the ancient Church and why it is relevant for today, please contact us. My email is br.francis@yahoo.com. You can reach us at Mercy House hermitage (home of my wife Shirley and myself and Athalia the cockatiel) at 405-470-0174.


blessings,
Br. Francis

Music

I love music, music of all kinds. There's not much music I can't appreciate. I am blessed to be able to play drums and percussion. Blessed now to have a home where there is a music room where my kit is set up and I can play. And I do, pretty much daily.

The rock band I'm working with now is called In So Deep. This is a 3-piece band--bass/vocals, guitar, and myself on the kit. They had some originals before I came on board, really good stuff, I think, and we're going to do some covers. Some of the bands we're going to cover are Rush, Neil Young, Journey, Frampton/Humble Pie, and KISS, to start. Nice thing is, they have a kit in the rehearsal room, so I don't have to drag mine back and forth.

We're being loaned a kit for Chapel of St. Francis, and when we get into our new worship space this next week (hopefully....!), we can add drums to our worship music. For a long time Clare has played keyboard by herself. Since Shirley and I came we've been able to add percussion--shakers and bongos. I am looking forward to adding a full kit. I'll be playing it with soft rods (drum sticks for quieter, acoustic, worship settings). I enjoy using mallets for cymbal rises in the right places and just making it pretty when I am privileged to do worship music, not much attack in that setting. (now when I do rock, well, I save most of my attack for THAT setting....!)

I am enjoying the fact that Van Halen will be touring this year with David Lee Roth. I saw them several years ago with Sammy Hagar, and really enjoyed that. But I've never been able to see them with original singer Roth, and I'm looking forward to it (gotta see if they are, indeed, playing OKC). Although I would say--the attitude belongs ON the stage--and leave it there! : )

I'm really enjoying the new John Michael Talbot album Beautiful City. It rocks! He pushed the envelope last time with Monk Rock, and this in many ways is a continuation of that. JMT plays all the electric guitars on this one, and plays some nice lead (although I did enjoy McPherson's and Keaggy's contributions last time on MR). There's some funky elements on this one, and a nice mix--some interesting eq's on the kit. Looking forward to seeing this live. Brother, I don't see an OKC date yet........we'll drive to Tulsa for it, but somebody book it here pllleeeeease!

I will be listening to a lot of worship music this Lenten season, as is my custom. Shirley and I visited the Episcopal cathedral bookstore downtown yesterday, and I was really wanting to get some of the worship cd's they had there--they had a Celtic one there I wanted to check out. Next time.



Blessings,
br francis

Athalia

Let me introduce you to another member of our family. She is a cockatiel, and her name is Athalia. Athalia means, "Yahweh is exalted," according to my wonderful Wife and her Bible name book. (Now she's going to find it, to make sure.) As I type, Athalia is perched on her Daddy's shoulder. (She is cleaning herself. I think she just pooped.) Athalia was Shirley's long before we met, and over the months before our marriage, I spent so much time at Shirley's, that I became Athalia's Daddy.

I like being Daddy. I was already a Daddy--I have an eight-year-old daughter, Cheyenne. So, I know the joy of being a Daddy. I know the work of being a Daddy.

So, when I became Athalia's Daddy, I knew what I was in for (in a sense--this is a bird).

She talks a lot, like her Daddy. She is messy, not unlike her Daddy. She sometimes wants attention, like her Daddy (thankfully Jesus and my Shirley give me plenty of that). And she can be affectionate, like her Daddy.

The last couple of days, she has wanted some more attention. She has been vocal about it. We had a new Black Crowes live DVD on yesterday, and I think she liked it--she was singing with it. When we took it out to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail and eat, she became quite vocal.

Shirley then said, "Why is she out of her cage?" I turned to look, and she, indeed, was sitting on top of the cage. Somehow her door was open. She ended up on Daddy's shoulder, we shot a little video, and kinda figured it might be OK for her to be out from time to time.

So, this morning, Ms. Athalia was very vocal again. Daddy took her out of her cage, she got on my shoulder, and we are spending some good time together.

She's gray,white, and yellow, with a grey tuft over her head. She's a cute bird. Her cage is next to the consecrated altar in our living room. (we're Franciscans--what better place for her?) The other altar is in front of the house in the Oratory of St. Bonaventure, the "Bonny Room," our chapel/library/music room--where we have the Reserved Sacrament. It has the San Damiano altar cross. The living room altar has a large grey celtic cross--a gift from the Order when I took my temporary vows a few years ago. That one is next to Athalia. She is quite vocal at times when we both (or even one of us) leaves the room, and she knows we are still in the house. Like her Daddy, she can be a mess. Oh, well. We love her.

Shirley got her Bible name book. Athalia does mean, "Yahweh is exalted," in Hebrew. Fortunately, this Athalia is more faithful to the Lord than the Athalia she was named after. : )

Well, now you've met Athalia the cockatiel.


br. francis

Convocation

We had our United Convergence Church convocation Sunday after church and lunch. Why is that significant for anyone else?

First, our Bishop and Abbot Jim Beckett re-affirmed who we are, a people comitted to Jesus Christ and to His body, the Church. He said the Lord has called on us to worship with and serve with our brethren in Christ. Not that we were to give up ouir Anglican heritage, but that we affirm the WHOLE body of Christ.

He re-affirmed us that we are convergence--evangelical, sacramental/liturgical, and charismatic, the elements of the ancient Church. We remain in the Anglican tradition, which at its best is balanced, Biblical, and true to the ancient Church. We agreed that we all felt that the Lord was not leading us to attempt to join any other Anglican jurisdiction or body at this time, and that although we stand with Biblically faithful Anglicans (and all Christians) everywhere, we are grieved at the harsh words spoken to one another and of exclusivity by fellow conservative Anglicans.

We affirmed that we are a Biblical part of the body of Christ, and that the Bible is our rule of life. Abbot/Bishop Jim encouraged us to spend more time in it. It was suggested that Chapel of St. Francis begin a Sunday School or Bible study class before Eucharist on Sunday morning. The Abbot said, "Good, here next Sunday at 9 o'clock." Yours truly has the privilege to facilitate a study in the book of Ephesians. I have missed teaching since we have been here, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to again facilitate a group.

Hmmmm..........already have seminary studies, just began playing in a rock band, am a new husband and a father od an 8-year-old. Lots to do. We must remember to BE, first.


Blessings in Him,
br. francis

Snow, Brigid, Candlemas

What a great joy to see SNOW in the middle of winter! (we rarely had any in Houston) It was a welcome sight after the big ice storm we just got finished with. Shirley and I had to throw a couple of snowballs at each other (of course, I had to start it....!).

WE commemorated Brigid on Feb. 1. She was an abbess over a co-ed monastery in ancient Britain. We think that, in a lot of things, the celtic Church had it right. The Church was monastic-based. They ordained women deacons (not as priests and bishops). Their clergy were allowed to marry. Monks and nuns were permitted to marry, and, we see here with the example and practice of Brigid, orders were co-ed--even their communities. She was a strong, compassionate, Spirit-filled woman, who loved Christ above all else. Let us follow Him as she did. Brigid, pray for us.

The Presentation, Candlemas, was yesterday. Simeon and Anna, prophets, prophesied and told about our Lord, Who He was and what he came here for--His light was to shine to all the world. Some churches use more candles on that day to commemorate--so, the day is called Candlemas by some worshipping communities. We will celebrate Candlemas tomorrow at Chapel of St. Francis, and I am looking forward to it very much.

And I am getting to used to working in the snow and ice-cold air. But I STILL say it beats Houston, with its 100 degrees and nearly 100 percent humidity all summer, and high humidity all year long. Oklahoma is home!


br francis

Slam

Sometimes I read news posts and comments on Virtue Online and other blogs, where folks discuss developments in the church today. I like to keep up with the news, especially things Anglican and Anglo-catholic, and to read comments. It aids me in thinking things through.

I know God wants us to be able to think critically, to analyze things from every side. And I know He wants us to stand up for the Lord Jesus Christ and His written Word, the Bible. He wants us to stand against heresy.

And yet He also wants us to live with compassion. We could all learn from the way Francis confronted an erring bishop. It grieves me when I see posts that claim a certain minister, parish or group isn't really catholic or Anglican, because they don't use the same prayer book their minister and parish uses. Or claiming someone isn't orthodox when they state or articulate their theology a little differently than that person does. Or saying that a church or group isn't catholic or orthodox because they make women priests and bishops.

Our branch of the Church doesn't ordain women as priests or bishops (we do ordain them as deacons, however, and they may do a deacon's mass with pre-consecrated elements). But we would never say another group who does ordain women as priests and/or bishops isn't orthodox or catholic. We need to be very careful making statements like that.

There is a lot of posting, a lot of talk in this day and age of the Church. And their probably needs to be. But in my humble opinion, I've seen a lot of brothers take shots at fellow brothers, in a way that isn't warranted, it's just simply uncalled for.

Let's encourage one another to faithfulness and good deeds, as Paul commanded us. We should be very careful about opening our mouths and being offensive--yea, sinful--toward another brother or sister, minister, church, or group, by saying they are not really catholic, Anglican, or orthodox because they use a different prayer book, articulate their theology differently, or ordain women as priests and bishops.

The Church is being sifted today. Let us stand together as His Church, and lift up Christ. And let us do it with the love that comes from Him.


under the mercy,
br. francis

snowstorm saturday epiphany

We've driven in the ice most of this week--to job hunt, grocery shop, and purchase cool rods and an egg shaker (cool rods are drum sticks for quieter applications, i.e. an "unplugged" set or worship). Clare and I are going to begin to play together tomorrow morning at church. I am excited, and she is, too.

It's been lightly snowing off and on since last night. I've got the crock pot out--making some homemade soup (I like to cook). I added a lot of marinated stew meat to the mix, so some may say it's a stew. OK, that's fine--call it what you will. Just enjoy it. Shirley is doing boxes (mostly kitchen and dining area stuff). We've just listened to Frampton Comes Alive!--I really enjoy the late drummer John Siomos' playing. Shirley had never heard the material, but she enjoyed it, as well (albeit not as much as her husband....!). I learn something new every time I listen to that album. Now we've got on an early offering from The Choir (Hindalong and Daugherty's group). Really enjoying it, too. The crock pot is on low, and now I begin to shelve the rest of the books in the Bonny Room (Oratory of St. Bonaventure), our combination chapel/library/music room.

Maybe later we'll go out and check out the snow. Pretty sure we will.

Blessings


br. francis

Ice!

What a big lot of ice. A big ice storm rolled in here last week, and Shirley and I didn't leave the house all weekend. Everything is white, but it's not snow! I said I wanted cold, and a real winter--here it is! Thursday the temps are supposed to come back up above freezing. Then we're supposed to have another one this weekend--but this one's supposed to be snow. Maybe this one will be more fun.

May the light of Christ shine is us all this Epiphany season.


br. francis

Advent/Christmastime/Prayer

So this is Christmas....and what have you done? I love that John Lennon song. Although for years, when I heard it, the song depressed me, and I don't really know why. Now I love it, and for me it adds to the joy that is present in the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons.

Christmas has snuck up on me this year. We have been so busy planning a wedding, a honeymoon, and a move, that Advent was upon us before I knew it (maybe because it began when we were on honeymoon. Hmmmm....maybe I was distracted). Years ago some church friends told me that all married couples "backslide" somewhat when they first marry, because they are so into each other and their new life together--i.e. they miss church, don't pray or read their Bibles as much, etc. I have not found this to be true, but I do think they have a point--when we marry we do get distracted, and have to remind ourselves (esp. on honeymoon) to pray and read, and worship as usual (or do the best we can). While in Orlando Shirley and I didn't make church, either Sunday or Wednesday--but I did Morning and Evening Prayer as usual and sometimes we prayed it together, which was good, and rich. We should often pray with our spouses (and children), extemporaneously and liturgically (if it is our habit to pray liturgically). Shirley and I pray the short Compline (or Bedtime Prayers) in the St. Augustine Prayer Book nearly every night, and sometimes she joins me for morning or evening prayer when I pray it out of Augustine's. And we pray together at other times, too. I love praying with my wife, and enjoy hearing her pray.

It's Saturday, and we've worked so hard all week on the hermitage that we're just kind of laying around today. We both have hurting muscles, her much more than I. Tomorrow will be the third Sunday of Advent. We never really finish the fourth week, do we? Advent, we know, means "coming." Jesus came to be in our hearts (and does so daily and moment by moment), will come again, and we will again celebrate this year His first coming next week at Christmas, the Christ-Mass.

All thanks be to God. We wish you a blessed and wonderful Advent and Christmas season, and much joy in your life from Him Who came new as a baby and Who makes all things new.


your brother in Christ,
br. francis
Mercy House hermitage
Warr Acres/OKC

Friday night worship/Bonny Room

We normally have Eucharist on Wed. nights. When one of us has a conference or ministry obligation, we move Eucharist to Fri. nights.

Midweek Eucharist of Chapel of St. Francis is mainly from the Hippolytus liturgy. Worship was good tonight, although different--Abbot Jim turned his ankle today, so he preached the homily, consecrated and served us Eucharist sitting.

Shirley and I have worked hard to unpack and get the hermitage in order. We are both tired and sore tonight, although she more than I. I worked hard on the front room last night. The porch on the house was closed in, so I set it aside for a special purpose--it's a combination chapel/music room/library. I threw up a makeshift altar with the San Damiano cross above it and placed the Advent Wreath on the coffee table in front of the small couch. When you shut the door, it's pretty quiet in there. I've called it "The Oratory of St. Bonaventure." There's still unpacked boxes on the floor (mostly books), but it's a peaceful place to pray, read, and meditate in.

Shirley's parents, brother-in-law and nephew came up to see the hermitage today--they really liked it. We are really thankful. What a true blessing from our great God.


br. francis

OKC!

We are here! Praise God! Our wedding was wonderful. Thanks to the great brothers and sisters at Southwest Chinese Baptist in Stafford, Texas--the church that allowed us use of their great facility for our wedding. Much thanks to Pastor and Mrs. Leong, wedding coordinator Jasmine, reception coordinator Peggy (how's that French roast coffee?), and all the folks there who did such an amazing job with everything. When Shirley and I walked into the FLC for the reception, my jaw hit the floor. What a layout! Beautiful! Hats off to you all. I played my last show with Stage Dive at the reception (minus our bass player Krystal). The food was great, too.

Abbot/Bishop Jim and Sr. Clare got iced in, in OKC, so they couldn't get there. Fr. Joe and Dcn. Laura Mathy stepped in and handled the wedding, and did a great job. Thanks! Pastor Leong gave a challenging homily. The pictures are great and looking forward to seeing the DVD.

Then we honeymooned in Orlando--sick. We still had a good time and got to go to Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios. Lots of fun.

The move was grueling--'nuff said. We are unpacking boxes and trying to find everything. But Shirley, Athalea (the cockatiel) and I are very thankful to be in our new home--mercy House hermitage.

Thanks be to God!

Here in OKC? Like to have a Bible study or learn about the ancient Church? Looking for a church family to be a part of? Our church is the Chapel of St. Francis, and we're small and friendly. Email or call and we'll give you times and directions.

OKC is home now. We're glad to be here!


under the mercy,
Br. Francis

Giving Thanks

Had a good time today with Shirley, my future Mom-in-law Ladia, Mom and Dad, and Trish. We were at Trisha's, and her boyfriend and his son and daughter were there and we enjoyed eating and hanging together.

What a feast! A turducken and a turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, corn, dressing, 2 kinds of rolls, sweet potatoes w/marshmallows on top (mmmm!), and pies -- 2 pumpkin, a pecan, and a sugar-free apple (for me, of course!).

Better that that, of course, was the time to be with family and thank our God for all His many blessings to us.

I used to be a pretty hardcore Calvinist. Meaning, I believed that God only chooses to save some of us--the offer of salvation is only to a chosen few. He only loves those chosen few. And His blessings are only for those few elect. I now believe (and have now for a few years) that, based on Scripture and the Church Fathers (the apostolic tradition--our first and best commentary on Scripture), He loves us all. And He extends His offer of salvation to all, to each one of us, and wants each of us to come to Him in repentance in faith. He wants to fill each of our lives up with Himself. And all good things really do come from Him--even good things that people who don't know Him enjoy. It's just that, as believers, we are blessed more--we enjoy life more, and all things that He gives us, because we're rightly related to Him. When I came to this realization, all my questions about God's goodness and the unbeliever were answered.

Thankfully, He manifests Himself to all, many, many times in this life, and perhaps in the life to come. We pray that each person will respond to Him in faith.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving weekend.



under the mercy,
Br. Francis

St. John the Divine

Shirley and I want to say thanks to the folks at SJD for welcoming us in your midst the past several months. We have worshipped at the the 11am Contemporary Eucharist led by Fr. Reagan Cocke, and music by Kemper Crabb's worship band "The Living Creatures". I also went to Eucharist 5:30pm Wednesdays in the Chapel. (Shirley joined me some on Wednesdays, too.)

The Contemporary Eucharist is a great convergence service, and Reagan and Kemper really do a great job at making it a balanced, relevant and vibrant service. We've also enjoyed being a part of the "Marriage Course" that Reagan led. And we've had a good Sunday School class--the Blain/Hill/Temple group--we've really enjoyed some good, lively discussions and good fellowship with these folks.

St. John the Divine is a faithful parish that holds to the Scriptures and lifts up Jesus Christ as God come in the flesh, the only way to salvation. And they are a caring, alive parish with many different outreaches. And the church's priests are faithful--Fr.'s Larry Hall, Doug Richnow, and Reagan Cocke. God richly bless you guys. We will miss you.


Br. Francis

1st OKC move

Last Friday, Nov 3, Oblate Andrew and I loaded up part of my house and then part of Shirley's house for the first move. Shirley, her mother, sister and brother-in-law also helped load and pack the truck (thanks to all!). We left early Friday evening and arrived in OKC and were welcomed by Abbot Jim at 4 a.m. (yes, you read right!!!).

We signed the lease and moved the first load in Saturday at Noon (thanks Abbot and Matt!), bought blinds and curtains and watched the Sooners win that evening. Sunday afternoon, we cleaned, unpacked some, and hung blinds and curtains Sunday afternoon, then flew back and got home late Sunday night. Then--back to work Monday morning!

15 days working. I have to say, we have both been tired and I have been dealing with aching muscles all week. Needless to say, we both slept in this morning (I more then Shirley...!).

After the wedding and honeymoon, we take load 2 (the last!) up to Mercy House. It's 3 weeks away--getting close!

Thanks be to God.

Br. Francis