Summer thoughts
It is the end of July, and a few things are in my thoughts.
I am at peace in that I surrendered to the Lord my desire to be disobedient to my calling.
A few of years ago, He won our wrestling match as to whether or not I would be obedient, and serve as a presbyter, a priest in His Church. When I was 14, the Lord spoke to me and said that I was to be a minister in His Church, in His Name. He had spoken to me before through His written Word the Bible, through sermons, Bible teachings, Sunday School, through friends. and through the Holy Spirit. But never like this, and not in quite the same way since.
The voice was audible, yet it was not. I was eating alone in the cafeteria at school. My girlfriend had just broken up with me, and I was backslidden -- away from the Lord. He said -- "I want you to be a minister in My Name," and I knew what He meant. In my backslidden state, my reaction was not good -- I told Him to forget it using some choice words, turned my tray in, and walked out of the cafeteria.
At 16 I repented, and at 18 was in Bible college, but still full of fear and fighting it. After college I did a year of seminary, but dropped out after that due to finances and simply, disobedience.
I did ministry over the years and was licensed after college, but my attitude still was, "Lord, I'll do it but my way. But I'm still doing it, at least partly. Isn't that good enough?" His answer was, "For now."
He was patient. But compromise catches up with all of us, and the Lord's disciplining hand through consequences of sin can be severe. My friend, you don't want that. There is a joy in full obedience that can only be experienced, not explained.
It's wonderful to be obedient and walk in the calling He has for each of us. We are planning the wedding, and the move to Oklahoma City.
Knowing and serving Him, and coming Home to the ancient Church -- its beliefs and practices, has been awesome.
Is your life spiritually dry? Feel like you're missing something? Want more out of your Bible study/meditation? Want to learn about the beliefs and practices of the early Church? We would be happy to pray with you and help you in any way we can. Please feel free to email. May God richly bless you,
under the mercy,
Br. Francis
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Summer doings
It has been a (too) busy and interesting Summer. Some things are working 10-12 hours daily (weekdays), Summer visitation with my daughter Cheyenne (and taking her to work with me -- she's at that question-asking phase), and keeping up on the Anglican news around the world (can't go just one place for that). And planning our wedding.
Reading this Summer; Bob Lepine's book on a Christian husband, Cintra Pemberton's Soulfaring book on Celtic pilgrimage, daily Scripture reading, and reading/outlining Bishop Moorman's English Church history (for ordination studies). A lot of good reading.
We hope and pray you are having a good, Christ-filled Summer. Peace to you.
under the mercy,
Br. Francis OSJB
It has been a (too) busy and interesting Summer. Some things are working 10-12 hours daily (weekdays), Summer visitation with my daughter Cheyenne (and taking her to work with me -- she's at that question-asking phase), and keeping up on the Anglican news around the world (can't go just one place for that). And planning our wedding.
Reading this Summer; Bob Lepine's book on a Christian husband, Cintra Pemberton's Soulfaring book on Celtic pilgrimage, daily Scripture reading, and reading/outlining Bishop Moorman's English Church history (for ordination studies). A lot of good reading.
We hope and pray you are having a good, Christ-filled Summer. Peace to you.
under the mercy,
Br. Francis OSJB
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Morning prayer on Sundays
Oblate Andrew have prayed Morning and Evening Prayer at varying times and places since we became part of the Order, But for several months, due to schedules, we've had to take a break (we have our Sunday night group).
We've worked out the details,and are very happy to begin again! We'll begin this Sunday, June 11 (which is Trinity Sunday). We're praying in the outdoor chapel at St. John the Divine church, a faithful ecusa parish, at 8:15 am. The chapel has a small altar and places to sit and kneel. We will pray Morning Prayer from the St. Augustine Prayer Book (which is available in the church's bookstore) and pray for about 15 minutes.
If you're in the Houston area, we invite you to join us and for Eucharist after, either at St. John the Divine or at another faithful church. (We recommend and have a list of faithful Anglican, convergence and orthodox services and churches.)
under the mercy,
br. francis
Oblate Andrew have prayed Morning and Evening Prayer at varying times and places since we became part of the Order, But for several months, due to schedules, we've had to take a break (we have our Sunday night group).
We've worked out the details,and are very happy to begin again! We'll begin this Sunday, June 11 (which is Trinity Sunday). We're praying in the outdoor chapel at St. John the Divine church, a faithful ecusa parish, at 8:15 am. The chapel has a small altar and places to sit and kneel. We will pray Morning Prayer from the St. Augustine Prayer Book (which is available in the church's bookstore) and pray for about 15 minutes.
If you're in the Houston area, we invite you to join us and for Eucharist after, either at St. John the Divine or at another faithful church. (We recommend and have a list of faithful Anglican, convergence and orthodox services and churches.)
under the mercy,
br. francis
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Racquetball
Well, I finally did it. I have begun to play racquetball again.
You may think, well, great, good for you. And it is but it is also very painful for me...............!
Yes, painful. It's been 20 years since I've picked up a racquetall racquet. And my friend who is playing with me, the guitarist in our band, also hasn't played in 20 years. But he's 10 years younger than me, and he's not hurting like me. That's just not fair. Just kidding.
The first week we played, my upper arm and shoulder hurt on the 2nd serve! The muscle right under my knees (what is it called?) hurt right after we were done. And every time after. And my muscles ached the rest of the week, the first week we got back on the court.
The 2nd week we played, the arm and shoulder began hurting the first game, and the knees right after, again. But the muscles stopped hurting after a few days.
This week, the arm and shoulder only began hurting in the 3rd game. Yes! Progress! The knees only hurt somewhat. Progress! But, the shoulder still hurts. And the back. : ( OK, I pushed harder the third game....! Our nun who is an M.D., Sr. Clare, told me today to back it off a bit. Don't push as hard. I told her, yeah, good idea, but I'm a man! We gotta be dumb and push! She said yes, she knows. And we chuckle, but I know I gotta listen to her.
But overall I feel better since we started playing. My goal, you understand, is to play the way I played, and to have the stamina I had when I was 16! Tall order, but I will not give up until I reach it. It's gotta be.
Oh, yeah. One other thing. The court we play on is one at the guitarist's apartments. So we don't pay to play. But, the thermostat is torn off the wall and there is no air in the court. And this is Texas! I am soaked when we walk out of the court. But, fun, and good for us.
Shalom!
br francis
Well, I finally did it. I have begun to play racquetball again.
You may think, well, great, good for you. And it is but it is also very painful for me...............!
Yes, painful. It's been 20 years since I've picked up a racquetall racquet. And my friend who is playing with me, the guitarist in our band, also hasn't played in 20 years. But he's 10 years younger than me, and he's not hurting like me. That's just not fair. Just kidding.
The first week we played, my upper arm and shoulder hurt on the 2nd serve! The muscle right under my knees (what is it called?) hurt right after we were done. And every time after. And my muscles ached the rest of the week, the first week we got back on the court.
The 2nd week we played, the arm and shoulder began hurting the first game, and the knees right after, again. But the muscles stopped hurting after a few days.
This week, the arm and shoulder only began hurting in the 3rd game. Yes! Progress! The knees only hurt somewhat. Progress! But, the shoulder still hurts. And the back. : ( OK, I pushed harder the third game....! Our nun who is an M.D., Sr. Clare, told me today to back it off a bit. Don't push as hard. I told her, yeah, good idea, but I'm a man! We gotta be dumb and push! She said yes, she knows. And we chuckle, but I know I gotta listen to her.
But overall I feel better since we started playing. My goal, you understand, is to play the way I played, and to have the stamina I had when I was 16! Tall order, but I will not give up until I reach it. It's gotta be.
Oh, yeah. One other thing. The court we play on is one at the guitarist's apartments. So we don't pay to play. But, the thermostat is torn off the wall and there is no air in the court. And this is Texas! I am soaked when we walk out of the court. But, fun, and good for us.
Shalom!
br francis
Monday, May 29, 2006
Music
Haven't discussed music here yet, so I figured it's about time...........
I believe that as Christians we are to create good art, and thus emulate our Creator. I believe in the teachings of Francis Schaeffer and Kemper Crabb concerning Christians and the arts. It saddens me that in the Church, for many years, what I regard as a heresy has been taught: that if a Christian doesn't make or use art for the purposes of evangelizing or building up other Christians, he/she is sinning. I disagree with this. I hold to the view that we are to make good art; that we are to be passionate about our faith; and that our faith necessitates that we make good (make that, excellent) art. But nowhere in the Scripture is it commanded that the art we make must evangelize or build up the Body. Sadly, churches have sometimes made artists feel unwelcome, especially if they make art, specifically music that their Christian brothers and sisters might call "secular".
Shame on us for this! (I once did this, as well.) I think there is a principle for us to understand here: some believers are not called to do public ministry! Over the years, I have seen rock musicians who became Christians immediately put in the "spotlight" -- and expected to demonstrate a level of Christian maturity that they could not, in reality, possess. They had only recently become Christians. The pressure put on them was enough to nearly shipwreck their faith.
Do we criticize J.S. Bach for writing what we would today call "secular" pieces of music? Of course not! We know that Bach lived his life for Christ, and that all his music was not written for the Church. Can we not allow our brothers and sisters who are artists today the same freedom in Christ? Can we not give them the benefit of a doubt that they, too, are attempting to live out their faith in Christ the best they can, and make art the way they are called to, as well? I believe it is an awful thing for us to say that Christians who don't evangelize or minister to the Body with their art aren't living for Christ.
The Psalms were written lamenting life's woes. And they are part of inspired Scripture. It would be appropriate, then, for Christians to struggle with life's ups and downs in their art.
Some of my years were spent playing blues/rock behind the drum kit. A few years ago, I was asked to join a modern hard rock (may I add, creative) band, our music written by Christians, struggling with life's dirt. We cannot run from the hard things in life--we have to grapple with them, and continually offer them to the Lord. We have Evening Prayer and Bible study on Sunday nights at the singer and guitarist's home (husband and wife songwriting team -- her voice at times reminds me of Pat Benatar), and discuss living life as a Christian from the Scriptures. We look at the teachings and practices of the ancient Church and their relevance for our lives today. Check out our music if you like -- www.stagedivetheband.com. (We all use different, fun names in the band--the name "Kane" I chose is Celtic, and its' root is "John," our patron for the monastic order I belong to.)
Unfortunately, this will be my last year playing with the band, as Shirley and I will move to okc to serve with my Order after we marry at the end of the year. I've enjoyed playing with SD, but on this earth, we know good things come to an end.
I've also enjoyed playing drums and percussion in the worship bands of a couple of churches. Had to take a sabbatical on this for now -- the parish we worship at now in Houston requires Wed and Sunday rehearsal, and visitation with my daughter is on Wed nights. Family first. There will be music opportunities in the future that involve evangelization, building up the Body, and hard, loud rock -- the Lord has shown me this. I'm looking forward to it. (Christian guitarists, bass players, vocalists in okc -- you called? Email me -- we're coming!)
How funny it is to me that I enjoy the quiet worship music of John Michael Talbot (he is my favorite artist) as well as hard rock (really, rock of all kinds). I feel that I am blessed in that I enjoy a broad spectrum of music.
So, please pray for those who are called to make art, especially music -- that they will be obedient to the calling that the Lord has given to them, and that they will be welcomed in Christian churches and groups, and encouraged by them. And be an encouragement to them yourself.
I welcome your emails -- but I don't wish to debate on the issue. If you disagree, then please pray for me! : )
blessings,
br francis
Haven't discussed music here yet, so I figured it's about time...........
I believe that as Christians we are to create good art, and thus emulate our Creator. I believe in the teachings of Francis Schaeffer and Kemper Crabb concerning Christians and the arts. It saddens me that in the Church, for many years, what I regard as a heresy has been taught: that if a Christian doesn't make or use art for the purposes of evangelizing or building up other Christians, he/she is sinning. I disagree with this. I hold to the view that we are to make good art; that we are to be passionate about our faith; and that our faith necessitates that we make good (make that, excellent) art. But nowhere in the Scripture is it commanded that the art we make must evangelize or build up the Body. Sadly, churches have sometimes made artists feel unwelcome, especially if they make art, specifically music that their Christian brothers and sisters might call "secular".
Shame on us for this! (I once did this, as well.) I think there is a principle for us to understand here: some believers are not called to do public ministry! Over the years, I have seen rock musicians who became Christians immediately put in the "spotlight" -- and expected to demonstrate a level of Christian maturity that they could not, in reality, possess. They had only recently become Christians. The pressure put on them was enough to nearly shipwreck their faith.
Do we criticize J.S. Bach for writing what we would today call "secular" pieces of music? Of course not! We know that Bach lived his life for Christ, and that all his music was not written for the Church. Can we not allow our brothers and sisters who are artists today the same freedom in Christ? Can we not give them the benefit of a doubt that they, too, are attempting to live out their faith in Christ the best they can, and make art the way they are called to, as well? I believe it is an awful thing for us to say that Christians who don't evangelize or minister to the Body with their art aren't living for Christ.
The Psalms were written lamenting life's woes. And they are part of inspired Scripture. It would be appropriate, then, for Christians to struggle with life's ups and downs in their art.
Some of my years were spent playing blues/rock behind the drum kit. A few years ago, I was asked to join a modern hard rock (may I add, creative) band, our music written by Christians, struggling with life's dirt. We cannot run from the hard things in life--we have to grapple with them, and continually offer them to the Lord. We have Evening Prayer and Bible study on Sunday nights at the singer and guitarist's home (husband and wife songwriting team -- her voice at times reminds me of Pat Benatar), and discuss living life as a Christian from the Scriptures. We look at the teachings and practices of the ancient Church and their relevance for our lives today. Check out our music if you like -- www.stagedivetheband.com. (We all use different, fun names in the band--the name "Kane" I chose is Celtic, and its' root is "John," our patron for the monastic order I belong to.)
Unfortunately, this will be my last year playing with the band, as Shirley and I will move to okc to serve with my Order after we marry at the end of the year. I've enjoyed playing with SD, but on this earth, we know good things come to an end.
I've also enjoyed playing drums and percussion in the worship bands of a couple of churches. Had to take a sabbatical on this for now -- the parish we worship at now in Houston requires Wed and Sunday rehearsal, and visitation with my daughter is on Wed nights. Family first. There will be music opportunities in the future that involve evangelization, building up the Body, and hard, loud rock -- the Lord has shown me this. I'm looking forward to it. (Christian guitarists, bass players, vocalists in okc -- you called? Email me -- we're coming!)
How funny it is to me that I enjoy the quiet worship music of John Michael Talbot (he is my favorite artist) as well as hard rock (really, rock of all kinds). I feel that I am blessed in that I enjoy a broad spectrum of music.
So, please pray for those who are called to make art, especially music -- that they will be obedient to the calling that the Lord has given to them, and that they will be welcomed in Christian churches and groups, and encouraged by them. And be an encouragement to them yourself.
I welcome your emails -- but I don't wish to debate on the issue. If you disagree, then please pray for me! : )
blessings,
br francis
Memorial Day and stuff...
Hello. It's been a bit of time since I've posted here...Br. Francis has been quite busy. So I'll share some of it.
Memorial Day has been good this year. Had a nice, long Morning Prayer time this morning. Really have been making an extra effort lately to do more Scripture reading, so did all the readings for this morning. Then, spent part of the afternoon with my fiance Shirley and my future mother-in-law, and cooked burgers and ranch style beans for us.....mmm-mmmm. Pulling an extra radio shift from 3-7pm today. Been pulling a 6-hour shift on Sat. nights for 4 years now, playing Christian music and programs. This Fall it will be 24 years in radio for me (: o ), in which a lot of it I've been privileged for it to have been in Christian radio. So far, I've resisted the temptation to post stories here. Maybe I can continue to resist......
Shirley and I are glad we have some time to plan the wedding, but we're slowly getting things ready. I think (?) we have chosen the colors, the music is lined up, the church is lined up, and we have the minister (Abbot/Bishop Jim). Still deciding on a photographer, caterer, and trying to get the remaining members of Led Zeppelin to play the reception (ok, just kidding on that part, although that would be very cool...!). It would be very difficult for me to fill Bonham's shoes behind the kit! (he's my favorite drummer) Incidentally, had my "How the West Was One" dvd out and watching it the last couple of days....really been getting into the first disc.
We return to okc next month and looking forward to it! Honestly, I really am burned out on Houston Texas--the construction and traffic here is horrendous. Shirley and I are looking forward to our life together and the move to Oklahoma.
Promise to post more! Feel free to email--we'd enjoy hearing from you.
Blessings,
br francis
Hello. It's been a bit of time since I've posted here...Br. Francis has been quite busy. So I'll share some of it.
Memorial Day has been good this year. Had a nice, long Morning Prayer time this morning. Really have been making an extra effort lately to do more Scripture reading, so did all the readings for this morning. Then, spent part of the afternoon with my fiance Shirley and my future mother-in-law, and cooked burgers and ranch style beans for us.....mmm-mmmm. Pulling an extra radio shift from 3-7pm today. Been pulling a 6-hour shift on Sat. nights for 4 years now, playing Christian music and programs. This Fall it will be 24 years in radio for me (: o ), in which a lot of it I've been privileged for it to have been in Christian radio. So far, I've resisted the temptation to post stories here. Maybe I can continue to resist......
Shirley and I are glad we have some time to plan the wedding, but we're slowly getting things ready. I think (?) we have chosen the colors, the music is lined up, the church is lined up, and we have the minister (Abbot/Bishop Jim). Still deciding on a photographer, caterer, and trying to get the remaining members of Led Zeppelin to play the reception (ok, just kidding on that part, although that would be very cool...!). It would be very difficult for me to fill Bonham's shoes behind the kit! (he's my favorite drummer) Incidentally, had my "How the West Was One" dvd out and watching it the last couple of days....really been getting into the first disc.
We return to okc next month and looking forward to it! Honestly, I really am burned out on Houston Texas--the construction and traffic here is horrendous. Shirley and I are looking forward to our life together and the move to Oklahoma.
Promise to post more! Feel free to email--we'd enjoy hearing from you.
Blessings,
br francis
Monday, April 17, 2006
Holy Week and Easter
Shirley and I had a good (but stressful) Holy Week and Easter.
Palm Sunday was great -- we gathered outside the church building with palms and flags, acoustic guitars and percussive instruments (of course I had a shaker!). We walked around the church and shouted and sang "Hosanna!", then processed inside and had a wonderful Palm Sunday Eucharist.
Then things happened during the week that weren't very enjoyable. I think I'll just call it persecution, : ) 'cause that's just what it is. There are people who hate us simply because we're Christians, and say we are judgemental because we attempt to live by, and hold up the standard of God's holy Word the Bible. We must show them the Lord Jesus and His love.
Maunday Thursday we had a very good Eucharist, and the priest delivered a well-done sermon on the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist. Then they stripped the altar, and we remembered Jesus' betrayal and arrest and the disciples fleeing, sat in the silence after, and "kept watch" and prayed.
Good Friday morning at 8:00 am we flew out to OKC. We did the Stations of the Cross after noon on Good Friday, and Eucharist and Veneration of the Cross Friday evening. Saturday the Abbot showed us Bricktown, the downtown district -- the older brick buildings are renovated and have shops and restaurants, and the baseball field is there, too. Looking forward to seeing some games there! We spent some time in a Native American art and gift store, and I had a hard time leaving. I wanted a flute, but it was a bit more than I wanted to pay. And they had a wooden Latin cross with a turquoise stone in the middle, which I nearly bought. (Wish I had, now...!) Then we went by and saw the Memorial of the bombing -- next time we plan to go in and see the museum. They weren't able to do their Seder/Maunday Thursday Eucharist Thursday night, so we combined it with the Vigil on Saturday night. So we had Seder, Maunday Thursday Eucharist and footwashing, and Easter Vigil, all on Saturday night. What a service! Sunday morning we had Easter Eucharist with our friends at St. James Anglican. Then late Sunday afternoon we had Easter dinner with the rest of the Order. It was a great, restful weekend, and I really wasn't ready to come home.
We really like Oklahoma City. It's a medium-sized city, and has a lot of what Houston has -- except it's not as spread out and the traffic isn't as bad. I like the rolling plains. The neighborhood we'll be in there with them is pretty quiet, which I enjoy tremendously. The city is pretty, and we're looking forward to moving there.
It's Monday, after work, and I'm tired. But God is good. Time to ask Shirley what we should do for dinner. We hope your Easter weekend was as wonderful as ours was.
under the mercy,
Brother Francis, O.S.J.B.
Shirley and I had a good (but stressful) Holy Week and Easter.
Palm Sunday was great -- we gathered outside the church building with palms and flags, acoustic guitars and percussive instruments (of course I had a shaker!). We walked around the church and shouted and sang "Hosanna!", then processed inside and had a wonderful Palm Sunday Eucharist.
Then things happened during the week that weren't very enjoyable. I think I'll just call it persecution, : ) 'cause that's just what it is. There are people who hate us simply because we're Christians, and say we are judgemental because we attempt to live by, and hold up the standard of God's holy Word the Bible. We must show them the Lord Jesus and His love.
Maunday Thursday we had a very good Eucharist, and the priest delivered a well-done sermon on the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist. Then they stripped the altar, and we remembered Jesus' betrayal and arrest and the disciples fleeing, sat in the silence after, and "kept watch" and prayed.
Good Friday morning at 8:00 am we flew out to OKC. We did the Stations of the Cross after noon on Good Friday, and Eucharist and Veneration of the Cross Friday evening. Saturday the Abbot showed us Bricktown, the downtown district -- the older brick buildings are renovated and have shops and restaurants, and the baseball field is there, too. Looking forward to seeing some games there! We spent some time in a Native American art and gift store, and I had a hard time leaving. I wanted a flute, but it was a bit more than I wanted to pay. And they had a wooden Latin cross with a turquoise stone in the middle, which I nearly bought. (Wish I had, now...!) Then we went by and saw the Memorial of the bombing -- next time we plan to go in and see the museum. They weren't able to do their Seder/Maunday Thursday Eucharist Thursday night, so we combined it with the Vigil on Saturday night. So we had Seder, Maunday Thursday Eucharist and footwashing, and Easter Vigil, all on Saturday night. What a service! Sunday morning we had Easter Eucharist with our friends at St. James Anglican. Then late Sunday afternoon we had Easter dinner with the rest of the Order. It was a great, restful weekend, and I really wasn't ready to come home.
We really like Oklahoma City. It's a medium-sized city, and has a lot of what Houston has -- except it's not as spread out and the traffic isn't as bad. I like the rolling plains. The neighborhood we'll be in there with them is pretty quiet, which I enjoy tremendously. The city is pretty, and we're looking forward to moving there.
It's Monday, after work, and I'm tired. But God is good. Time to ask Shirley what we should do for dinner. We hope your Easter weekend was as wonderful as ours was.
under the mercy,
Brother Francis, O.S.J.B.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Concerts and study
Shirley and I have been to see a couple of good concerts lately. We saw Rebecca St. James and Barlow Girl (Jadon Lavik opened). The sound was good, the volume good, and the ministry was excellent. I was especially impressed with Barlow Girl, 3 sisters who rock and love our Lord! The concert appeared sold out. May God bless their ministry.
We went with Todd and Becca, my bandmates in a mainstrean rock effort, to see Warrant last night. They rocked! We saw the end of the set for the female-fronted opening band, Troublemaker--very good. The overall sound was good, despite a couple of technical problems during Warrant's set, and the volume was a little too loud. But Warrant rocked, the musicianship was exceptional, and we had a good time. Lord, we thank you for the talent we heard and saw displayed last night, which came from You. We pray that each person in the bands knows You and the joy of walking with You.
I am studying Anglican history today, as part of my preparation for ordination to the priesthood. I count it a privilege, and right now I'm humbled and awed that our Lord would call me. The coffee is on--this week it's Chocolate Rasberry, and I ground the beans. Yummy!
under the mercy,
br francis
Shirley and I have been to see a couple of good concerts lately. We saw Rebecca St. James and Barlow Girl (Jadon Lavik opened). The sound was good, the volume good, and the ministry was excellent. I was especially impressed with Barlow Girl, 3 sisters who rock and love our Lord! The concert appeared sold out. May God bless their ministry.
We went with Todd and Becca, my bandmates in a mainstrean rock effort, to see Warrant last night. They rocked! We saw the end of the set for the female-fronted opening band, Troublemaker--very good. The overall sound was good, despite a couple of technical problems during Warrant's set, and the volume was a little too loud. But Warrant rocked, the musicianship was exceptional, and we had a good time. Lord, we thank you for the talent we heard and saw displayed last night, which came from You. We pray that each person in the bands knows You and the joy of walking with You.
I am studying Anglican history today, as part of my preparation for ordination to the priesthood. I count it a privilege, and right now I'm humbled and awed that our Lord would call me. The coffee is on--this week it's Chocolate Rasberry, and I ground the beans. Yummy!
under the mercy,
br francis
Monday, March 13, 2006
Episcopal oversight and evangelical
In case you haven't read my home page, let me take a moment to tell you about our group. The Order of St. John the Beloved is a Franciscan monastic order led by Bishop/Abbot Jim Beckett, and the members are referred to as monks or nuns. We allow each to serve in the state he/she is called to be -- celibate or married. Our order allows for clergy as well as lay, and also for family members of members. We also have oblates. While a lot of orders focus on one area of service, each of us is involved in whatever ministry he or she is led to do. We feel like we are called to shine as lights in the world, so while we want to focus on our prayer life, we are an "active" order -- we serve in the world.
We are Anglican/AngloCatholic, and the name of our communion is the United Convergence Church. We believe in worship in a "convergence," or blending of the three streams of worship of the ancient Church: evangelical, charismatic, and sacramental/liturgical. From what I have seen, folks don't generally think AngloCatholic and evangelical go together. We believe they do -- we're very sacramental, and we believe Christ is to be received by each person, and preached in all the world. We believe the Holy Bible is the inerrant, infallible written Word of God, every Christian's rule for all of life, and that we are to obey it, the best we can. Also, charismatic to us is the work and life of the Holy Spirit in indwelling, filling, and moving in us, gifts to serve God and man. (We don't believe a person must speak in tongues to be filled with the Spirit; each person receives gifts "as the Spirit wills," as Paul said.) As far as a liturgy, an order of service -- every church has one of those, but every church doesn't print it and have all use it. Ancient Israel, the Lord Jesus, and the ancient Church used a written liturgy for public worship. It is a beautiful thing to combine liturgy and charismatic spontaneity.
As an Anglican/AngloCatholic part of the Church, we believe in a succession of bishops, or chief pastors, who shepherd the church and are to safeguard its teachings. Sadly, just because a person is ordained in apostolic succession is no guarantee that person holds to the apostolic faith which came from the Lord Jesus, was given to the apostles, passed on to the early bishops, and written in our Bible. There are many ordained ministers in the world today who weren't ordained in apostolic succession (but according to their tradition), who teach the truth of the Scriptures. But if you are looking for episcopal oversight from a bishop ordained in the apostolic succession, holding to the apostolic faith, and believing in the Scriptures and the move of the Spirit, our Abbot and Bishop Jim Beckett would enjoy talking with you. His email is j_beckett@sbcglobal.net. He would also enjoy talking with you if you're interested in our monastic order.
If you are evangelical, believe in the Trinity, that the Lord Jesus is God in the flesh who died and rose for our justification and salvation, and will come again, in the Bible is the Word of God our perfect standard, that we're saved by grace alone through faith alone, and have repented and received Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are family. We are one body in Christ. If we scraped the names of our churches off the signs, they would all underneath say: "Jesus." There is but one Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
Jesus Christ is Lord and God and is worthy to be praised and for us to give our whole lives to.
Peace to you in our Lord Jesus.
br francis
In case you haven't read my home page, let me take a moment to tell you about our group. The Order of St. John the Beloved is a Franciscan monastic order led by Bishop/Abbot Jim Beckett, and the members are referred to as monks or nuns. We allow each to serve in the state he/she is called to be -- celibate or married. Our order allows for clergy as well as lay, and also for family members of members. We also have oblates. While a lot of orders focus on one area of service, each of us is involved in whatever ministry he or she is led to do. We feel like we are called to shine as lights in the world, so while we want to focus on our prayer life, we are an "active" order -- we serve in the world.
We are Anglican/AngloCatholic, and the name of our communion is the United Convergence Church. We believe in worship in a "convergence," or blending of the three streams of worship of the ancient Church: evangelical, charismatic, and sacramental/liturgical. From what I have seen, folks don't generally think AngloCatholic and evangelical go together. We believe they do -- we're very sacramental, and we believe Christ is to be received by each person, and preached in all the world. We believe the Holy Bible is the inerrant, infallible written Word of God, every Christian's rule for all of life, and that we are to obey it, the best we can. Also, charismatic to us is the work and life of the Holy Spirit in indwelling, filling, and moving in us, gifts to serve God and man. (We don't believe a person must speak in tongues to be filled with the Spirit; each person receives gifts "as the Spirit wills," as Paul said.) As far as a liturgy, an order of service -- every church has one of those, but every church doesn't print it and have all use it. Ancient Israel, the Lord Jesus, and the ancient Church used a written liturgy for public worship. It is a beautiful thing to combine liturgy and charismatic spontaneity.
As an Anglican/AngloCatholic part of the Church, we believe in a succession of bishops, or chief pastors, who shepherd the church and are to safeguard its teachings. Sadly, just because a person is ordained in apostolic succession is no guarantee that person holds to the apostolic faith which came from the Lord Jesus, was given to the apostles, passed on to the early bishops, and written in our Bible. There are many ordained ministers in the world today who weren't ordained in apostolic succession (but according to their tradition), who teach the truth of the Scriptures. But if you are looking for episcopal oversight from a bishop ordained in the apostolic succession, holding to the apostolic faith, and believing in the Scriptures and the move of the Spirit, our Abbot and Bishop Jim Beckett would enjoy talking with you. His email is j_beckett@sbcglobal.net. He would also enjoy talking with you if you're interested in our monastic order.
If you are evangelical, believe in the Trinity, that the Lord Jesus is God in the flesh who died and rose for our justification and salvation, and will come again, in the Bible is the Word of God our perfect standard, that we're saved by grace alone through faith alone, and have repented and received Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are family. We are one body in Christ. If we scraped the names of our churches off the signs, they would all underneath say: "Jesus." There is but one Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
Jesus Christ is Lord and God and is worthy to be praised and for us to give our whole lives to.
Peace to you in our Lord Jesus.
br francis
Tonsure, preparation, ring
Well, Shirley has been shaving my tonsure for the past couple of weeks. We're used to it now. What I'm not used to, and don't think I'll ever be......is our Houston weather. We're cool one day and warm and muggy the next. I don't like warm and muggy. I like it cool and dry (hey, I'm a big guy, what can I say?). I've been here nearly all me life. You'd think I'd be used to it, by now. The older I get, the less I like it. Oh, well -- 8 months to put up with it, one more long, hot Summer.
So, I have to say we're looking forward to OKC this weekend. The humidity there day before yesterday was 14. Love it! Dry. Our next premarital counseling time with the Abbot....we did a family tree for this one, should be interesting. And we're supposed to talk about what will it be like for Shirley to be a pastor's wife. And, we're supposed to begin my formation for the priesthood. I'm excited and nervous at the sam time. I've always got my head in a book.....maybe it'll be worse, now. : )
And I bought Shirley's ring. Got it from a missionary who is a gemologist to fund his mission work. This man serves in India, Nepal, Africa, Madagaskar, and I can't remember where else. He's an Anglican priest, attends a Baptist church with his wife when home, and has served with Mother Theresa. I bought her a white sapphire that has a tint of blue, in a gold band -- the stone is from Sri Lanka and the band from Thailand. It's a beautiful ring. We're very thankful for it, and I purchased it a a very good price -- it's worth quite a bit more than what I [aid for it. So, now she has a ring. And she likes it very much. We're thankful.
I'll post more often. It's been very busy lately.
under the mercy,
br francis
Well, Shirley has been shaving my tonsure for the past couple of weeks. We're used to it now. What I'm not used to, and don't think I'll ever be......is our Houston weather. We're cool one day and warm and muggy the next. I don't like warm and muggy. I like it cool and dry (hey, I'm a big guy, what can I say?). I've been here nearly all me life. You'd think I'd be used to it, by now. The older I get, the less I like it. Oh, well -- 8 months to put up with it, one more long, hot Summer.
So, I have to say we're looking forward to OKC this weekend. The humidity there day before yesterday was 14. Love it! Dry. Our next premarital counseling time with the Abbot....we did a family tree for this one, should be interesting. And we're supposed to talk about what will it be like for Shirley to be a pastor's wife. And, we're supposed to begin my formation for the priesthood. I'm excited and nervous at the sam time. I've always got my head in a book.....maybe it'll be worse, now. : )
And I bought Shirley's ring. Got it from a missionary who is a gemologist to fund his mission work. This man serves in India, Nepal, Africa, Madagaskar, and I can't remember where else. He's an Anglican priest, attends a Baptist church with his wife when home, and has served with Mother Theresa. I bought her a white sapphire that has a tint of blue, in a gold band -- the stone is from Sri Lanka and the band from Thailand. It's a beautiful ring. We're very thankful for it, and I purchased it a a very good price -- it's worth quite a bit more than what I [aid for it. So, now she has a ring. And she likes it very much. We're thankful.
I'll post more often. It's been very busy lately.
under the mercy,
br francis
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Snowy, icy OKC!
Our OKC trip last weekend was great!
And Shirley and I had a couple of surprises.
Our flight was delayed. An hour after we were supposed to depart, we boarded. We waited several minutes, then the flight attendants began the emergency precedures. Then they informed us they were dimming the cabin lights and we began moving away from the gate. Suddenly, the cabin lights came back on and we bagan a fast taxi back up to the gate! We, of course, wondered why.
Several minutes later,we found out the Will Rogers airport in OKC was closed -- freezing weather. It was late, so we slept at the airport and took the first flight out the next morning, at 8:25 am. Where did we sleep? The quietest (!) place in the airport, and very appropriate: the chapel.
We did not sleep well, but enough to get up in the morning and try again to leave. It was nice to kneel on one of the chapel kneelers at 4 am to do Morning Prayer.
Over the weekend in OKC, I "took the plunge" and allowed one of our nuns to give me -- a TONSURE! I've been permanently vowed for a couple of years now, but at the time I just got a haircut. But now, I gave in. I now have a tonsure. I had to get the rest of my hair trimmed when I got back, so it wouldn't look funny. I'm getting used to it. But it feels right.
This weekend: a quiet weekend here with Shirley, church, Cheyenne, and hopefully -- naps.
under the mercy,
br francis
Our OKC trip last weekend was great!
And Shirley and I had a couple of surprises.
Our flight was delayed. An hour after we were supposed to depart, we boarded. We waited several minutes, then the flight attendants began the emergency precedures. Then they informed us they were dimming the cabin lights and we began moving away from the gate. Suddenly, the cabin lights came back on and we bagan a fast taxi back up to the gate! We, of course, wondered why.
Several minutes later,we found out the Will Rogers airport in OKC was closed -- freezing weather. It was late, so we slept at the airport and took the first flight out the next morning, at 8:25 am. Where did we sleep? The quietest (!) place in the airport, and very appropriate: the chapel.
We did not sleep well, but enough to get up in the morning and try again to leave. It was nice to kneel on one of the chapel kneelers at 4 am to do Morning Prayer.
Over the weekend in OKC, I "took the plunge" and allowed one of our nuns to give me -- a TONSURE! I've been permanently vowed for a couple of years now, but at the time I just got a haircut. But now, I gave in. I now have a tonsure. I had to get the rest of my hair trimmed when I got back, so it wouldn't look funny. I'm getting used to it. But it feels right.
This weekend: a quiet weekend here with Shirley, church, Cheyenne, and hopefully -- naps.
under the mercy,
br francis
Thursday, February 16, 2006
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit! Amen.
Hello all. I've begun again! I had another page, but I've closed it and begun again. I may post some old posts here.
May God be praised and Jesus exalted! He is worthy of all praise! Our lives are to be centered around Him and be for His glory. Let us prefer nothing to Christ.
I'm enjoying Epiphany, and beginning to think about Lent this year. Not sure how/what to fast, but I'll know by then.
Blessings to you!
grateful to be under the mercy,
br francis
Hello all. I've begun again! I had another page, but I've closed it and begun again. I may post some old posts here.
May God be praised and Jesus exalted! He is worthy of all praise! Our lives are to be centered around Him and be for His glory. Let us prefer nothing to Christ.
I'm enjoying Epiphany, and beginning to think about Lent this year. Not sure how/what to fast, but I'll know by then.
Blessings to you!
grateful to be under the mercy,
br francis
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