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News from the REC Diocese of Mid-America, ACNA.
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- THE CROZIER CONNECTION -

Newsletter of the REC Diocese of Mid-America, ACNA
Advent / Christmas 2015

 
DMA Vesic

IN THIS ISSUE

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The Most Rev. Royal U. Grote, Jr.
A Word from Bishop Grote

Have a Blessed ChristmasHolly

We sing the well-known Christmas carol -- "O little town of Bethlehem". We read the familiar scripture prophecy -- "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrata who are little to be among the clans of Judah." We hear, again and again, the Christmas story -- "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David..."

"Ephrata" refers to the specific region in which this Bethlehem was located, some six miles south, south west of Jerusalem -- it was "least of the clans of Judah" -- insignificant among the villages of Palestine. It is a village with a history, not simply with a past. In was in Bethlehem that Rachel, wife of the patriarch Jacob, died and was buried. It was the city of Ruth - great-grandmother of Bethlehem’s most distinguished son. Out of Bethlehem came a shepherd-king, David, who was to found a dynasty of Hebrew monarchs who were to rule Judah for almost half a millennium.

It had a future as well. Micah, distressed with the worldly splendors of Jerusalem and the corruptions that surround him on every side, points to this modest village of Bethlehem as the focus of Israel’s future hope.

Why did the Christian Church pick up that Bethlehem-Ephrata passage from Micah with its specific historical reference? How and why did the Church apply it to the birth of the Christ? Also, what meaning does it have for us?

First off, I would say that the Bethlehem passage was a powerful way of underlining the fact that it's so typical of God to choose to come to humankind through that which is most unlikely. Where you least expect to see the power of God demonstrated in a corrupt and demonic world, there you will find God working out his purpose in an ordinary place by ordinary means.

Historically, God surprised Israel by sending the original David from a shepherd clan from a backwash of a village -- not significant enough to be among "the thousands of Judah" -- that is, not among the towns that counted. Thus, I believe that the early church was saying: it's so typical of God to use the unexpected -- for the scenario is that of an obscure peasant couple, kicked about by government bureaucracy, powerless to the point that they had to trek to Bethlehem for some pain-in-the-neck census when the woman was in the final stages of pregnancy -- and to that humble couple was born, in obscurity, a child. It's the mystery of the hidden God for enfleshed within that obscure peasant child, was the mystery of God's own presence.

The Prophet Micah was right: it's so typical of God; always God surprises us by choosing to come through the unlikely. The insignificant becomes significant.

The world of little Bethlehem was real; Caesar Augustus was real; Herod was real; taxation was real; death and slaughter of innocent children were real; despair was real and normal. In the midst of all this, God really came to us. That's the meaning of Emmanuel - God with us.

There is another point the early church was trying to make by applying Micah’s Bethlehem prophecy to Jesus. The word "beth-lechem" is a name that means literally, "the House of Bread". It would appear that Bethlehem was a Judean breadbasket, a village nestled among the grain fields. Interestingly enough, the word "Ephrata" bolsters the "House of Bread" motif for Ephrata comes from the root-word, "parah", a word meaning "to be fruitful".  Bethlehem was a fertile breadbasket, a "house of bread". Could there have been a town with a more appropriate name for the birth of one who was to say of himself, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst"?

To Bethlehem, "the House of Bread", comes the one who is to be "the bread of life" -- whose birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection we remember as we break bread at the Communion Table. In these ordinary elements of bread and wine, we become one with him who for us became one with us. What a heavenly and spiritual mystery. Every time a baby is born, an old legend says, God endorses this world. Every time we celebrate Holy Communion we experience once again His incarnation.

The miracle of Christmas: What is it? Is it the star, the singing angels, the wondering shepherds, the lovely mother, the exotic kings? Is it the cold night, the hopes and fears? I think not. The miracle of Christmas is that God cared enough to send the very best, the redeemer of mankind, in the person of his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Amen!

A Blessed and Wonderful Christmas to you all,
Bishop Grote

 
 

Almighty God, the strong Tower and Refuge of thy people; We remember before thy throne of Grace the officers and enlisted of our armed forces in their service of defense of our nation.  As we gather in the warmth of our churches and homes make us mindful of those who stand lonely watches in distant lands in harm's way. Ever spare them from being ordered into a war of aggression or oppression. Use them if need be, as the instruments in the defense of our national life and liberty and in the liberation of the oppressed. Keep them safe from harm and cause them to know the love and favor of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Wrap them in the warmth of the light of the Babe in the manger and bring them safely home to their loved ones. As the child whose birth we celebrate is the Prince of Peace, pour out upon their hearts the Spirit of peace. Restrain the sin that moves in the hearts of men to work fear and terror upon the land. Replace that spirit of fear with the Love of Christ our Lord and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Cause all men everywhere to join the choir of angels and the chorus of the wise in the worship of Christ our Lord. All which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
Synod is Coming!
 
Church of the Holy Communion, Dallas
When: February, 25, 26, 2016

Where: Church of the Holy Communion
              Dallas, TX


Online Registration will begin shortly on the DMA Website.
 

Working Schedule

Thursday February 25
          1:00 PM – Registration in Lunt Hall
          2:00 PM – Presentation by Chris Hoyt - Creation of a new Hymnal for the REC
          2:30 PM – Missions Presentations,
                              Canon Bill Jerdan, BFM Executive Secretary
                              Postulant Michael Vincin –Coordinator, Croatia Project
                              The Rev. Matt Colvin, REC Missionary
          4:00 PM – Choral Evensong – Bishop Grote Preaching
          7:00 PM â€“ Banquet in Lunt Hall followed by an Evening Concert
                                (Coppell High School Choir)

Friday, 26 February
          8:00 AM â€“ Late Registration & Refreshments in Lunt Hall
          9:00 AM â€“ Eucharist in Church  [Clergy will be vested (Red)]
                                  Archbishop Foley Beach preaching
        10:45 AM â€“ Break
        11:15 AM â€“ Organizational Business Session in Church
        12:00 PM â€“ Lunch in Lunt Hall
          1:30 PM â€“ Synod Business Session
          3:00 PM â€“ Break
          3:30 PM â€“ Synod Business Session
          4:30 PM â€“ Evening Prayer in Church

Renovations for Holy Cross,
Alpine, Texas


The church was filled to overflowing. Over 100 people attended the rededication Service Saturday Night Dec. 5, 2015.

 

Members and clergy of Holy Cross Anglican Church took a hands-on approach to remodeling their sanctuary.

They began construction this past summer and the new space will be consecrated Saturday by the Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church Royal Grote.

The Rev. Damien Grout is the director, building supervisor and teacher of the venture. Together with his wife, Jolie, and a willing congregation, Holy Cross is now an elegant convergence of heaven and earth.

One practical reason for doing the remodel, Grout said, was the fact the church had no good transition from outdoors into the worship space -- you were outside, then you were in the sanctuary – leaving no space for greetings. Secondly, it was a bit utilitarian – it felt more like a liturgical office space, he said.

“There is a pragmatic streak in America, especially in western America which overrules things at times,” Grout said. However, the church is the place where heaven and earth are brought together, which is sometimes seen as “non-practical.”

“The things that are the essence of life are rarely measured in dollars and cents – they are more intangible,” Grout said. “The church is a place where you catch your breath and commune with God – it’s a place of peace and beauty.”

A trained graphic artist as well as the rector’s wife and community volunteer, Jolie Grout was tasked with translating that idea into something executable. She worked on the drawings for months before construction began. They wanted to incorporate a theological vision and adapt it to a West Texas setting, and to build something beautiful yet not gaudy.

“We love the beauty of English architecture and traditional Anglican architecture, but the neo-gothic didn’t really work in the rustic, cowboy space of west Texas,” Jolie Grout said. “The challenge was how to bring something that was aesthetically transcendent and holy to a steel building.”

The resulting beamed ceilings, arches and restrained decorative elements are reminiscent of Mission style, which fits the culture of Alpine.

The construction phase lasted six months, a remarkable accomplishment in any town, especially West Texas. “That was one reason to do the labor in-house,” Damien Grout said.

He owned a cabinet business and was the master carpenter for a church renovation company, so Grout was able to direct the novices as well as the experts. “It was remarkable the way the congregation came together,” he said. “We have 50-plus members and most all of them came out on a work day at some point.”

The plans called for raising the ceilings and replacing acoustical tiles with wood. They replaced fluorescent lights with chandeliers; the congregation conveniently included electricians.

Windows were added for natural light as well as a foyer for greeting and transitioning. Woodworking and millwork were done in house, which saved money.

Bill Newman joined the church in August after moving to Alpine from Virginia. He builds guitars and does woodworking for a hobby. The church project was a different application of his skills.

“Lately I’ve been here every day,” Newman said. “There’s so much to do, and we’re running out of time. I’ll have to find something to do when we finish,” he said.

When it came time to stain all the wood, the construction team had “staining parties.” Whether volunteers were skilled or not didn’t matter – people came and participated and learned.

“It was rewarding to see the members trying new things,” Damien Grout said.

Worship services were held in the educational facility on-site during the remodel. “I like to think the worship informed the construction,” he said. “Worshipping together gave us the strength to build together and work together.”

What will the Reverend do once this intense project is done? 

“Hide,” he said, laughing. “It’s been a long sprint. My wife will be happy to end the 14 to 16-hour work days.”

They’ll take a breather for a couple of weeks then move on to the preparations for the Christmas feast.

He never wants to do another remodel, he said. “But it was amazing to go through it. It was such a blessing to work with the congregation.”

Consecration to the Glory of God of the renovated nave, chancel and altar by the Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church Royal Grote will be at 5 p.m. at Holy Cross Anglican Church, 903 Fighting Buck Ave. Music by the Big Bend Community Chorale and light refreshments will follow the service.


Below left: The Rev. Damien Grout with Bp. Grote standing under the new Good Shepherd stained glass window above the Altar. The window was made by The Rev. Mark Bleakley of Bleakley Stained Glass.
Top right: Fr. Grout and Bp. Grote with Confirmands.
Bottom right: Bp. Grote preaching at the Consecration of the church.

- Back to Top

Holy Cross, Alpine, TX













Holy Cross, Alpine, TX

Around & About the Diocese and Beyond . . .

In Memoriam

Marianne Morse, wife of The Rt. Rev. Daniel R. Morse

It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of our dear sister in Christ, Marianne Morse. The funeral service with Holy Communion will be celebrated at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church with the Most Reverend Royal U. Grote officiating. Interment will immediately follow on-site as well as a reception in the parish hall. St. Bartholomew's is located at 4800 Belmont Park Terrace, Nashville, TN 37215. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Missions for the Reformed Episcopal Church, Diocese of the Central States: PO Box 195, West Point, TN 38486 and Gilda's Club of Nashville using the following link:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx…

Ordinations

Bishop Grote ordained The Rev. Blaine Kemendo to the priesthood on August 30, 2015 at St. Thomas of Canterbury, Houston.  Left to Right: The Rev. Cn. Wayland Coe, Rev. Mr. John Clay, Rev. Blaine Kemendo, The Ven. Dr. James T. Payne, and The Rev. Lawrence Jones. 
The Rt. Rev. Ray Sutton ordained The Rev. Chris Linebarger on September 16, 2015, at The Chapel of the Cross in Dallas. Fr. Chris accepted a call as Rector of Christ the King Anglican Church in Arroyo Grande, CA. Many blessings to him, his family, and his new ministry.

Confirmations







Miss Katherine Kistler, daughter of The Rev. Jerry & Danielle Kistler, poses with Bishop Grote following her Confirmation at St. Stephen's, Montrose, Colorado where her dad serves as Rector.
 

. . . and Beyond

The Bishop Primus of the Free Church of England (REC), The Rt. Rev. John Fenwick, paid a visit to the Malabar Independent Syrian Church (MISC)centred in Kerala,India, in November. The MISC is one of the churches of the St. Thomas Christian Community, which traces its origins to the evangelical activity of St. Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century. Here he is visiting one of their schools. (Bishops who are not monks wear pink in India. It is their version of purple.)
A portrait of the beautiful Anglican service of Lessons & Carols celebrated by our REK brethren led by The Rev. James David Crofts in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Neuss, Germany to begin the season of Advent. The Rt. Rev. Gerhard Meyer, Bishop of the REC churches in Germany, also participated.

 

Bishop Grote's Travel Schedule

January - February, 2016

Jan 3 â€“ St. Matthias, Katy TX
Jan 4-8 â€“ ACNA College of Bishops, Melbourne FL
Jan 17 â€“ St. Stephen's, Flowood MS
Jan 24 â€“ Conference @ St. Matthew's, Orange Co. CA
Jan 31 â€“ Providence, Corpus Christi TX
 
Feb 7 â€“ Resurrection, Crosby TX
Feb 14 â€“ St. Mark's, Rydal PA
Feb 21 â€“ St. Stephen's, Flowood MS
Feb 25-26 â€“ DMA Synod @ Church of the Holy Communion, Dallas TX
 


 
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