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

Jesus is Lord. He is our God and King. It is a privilege to know Him and to serve Him.