A job well done

We’ve done it! We’ve finished the 100 Days to a Healthier Church process, and tomorrow we celebrate together as a parish. Fittingly, tomorrow is also the Feast of Pentecost, sometimes referred to as the birthday of the Church when the Holy Spirit fell upon those gathered together in prayer. The believers then spoke in many languages. That day began a new chapter for the kingdom of God.

While we did scale back the 100 Days process toward the end, it was still a great deal of work. The core leadership team (Peter, Marilyn, Isaac, Fr. Eric, and myself) spent 24 hours total together studying Scripture, praying, and discussing hard questions regarding the history, challenges, and opportunities for the parish. A report was made to the Vestry who considered and received it. And a project was conceived to help take Messiah Anglican to a new place of health. A discipleship team was formed (Peter, David, Isaac, Melinda, Fr. Eric, and myself) who evaluated five discipleship/evangelism programs and selected one to run this fall. An implementation team (Peter, Sherri, Isaac, and Fr. Eric) have already begun concrete planning, including setting dates. And the core leadership team regrouped last Saturday in part to debrief the overall 100 Days process.

In summary, we did the hard of discernment, the results are being used (not only for the Fall discipleship/evangelism program but also by the Rector Search Committee), and we finished well with what we set out to do. Praise be to God!

Therefore, tomorrow is a celebration of work completed and of the joy of knowing we are continuing in the work of the kingdom in a healthier way than back in January when we started. The author of Hebrews writes, “The one who is righteous will live by their faithfulness … we do not belong with those who shrink back but with those who believe” (10:38-39). Alleluia!

In Christ,
Dcn. Arica

Join us this week!

Services this week are hybrid—the building is open, and you can also join us online for the Feast of Pentecost.

Download the Service Bulletin for
Holy Communion
Sunday, May 23, 10:30 AM

Online Service Links

Zoom link for all services

Livestream and service recordings at

Messiah Anglican YouTube Channel

Schedule notes

• May 23, Holy Communion—Feast of Pentecost
  • Celebration Lunch for conclusion of 100 Days program
• May 30, Morning Prayer (Memorial Day weekend)

Bishop Julian will be visiting Messiah on July 25 for confirmations.

‘True Bread’ Spring 2021 Weeknight Bible Study

• Wednesday nights from 8:00–9:30 PM (no meeting on June 9)
• Ending on June 30 with a closing potluck at the church, and a hybrid in-person + Zoom meeting.
• All meetings will be on Zoom.
• Each meeting will focus on a short passage and will have music, teaching, discussion, and prayer.
• Participants will receive a Bible study “toolkit” that will help them explore Acts more deeply between sessions.
• Rotating leadership will highlight a variety of approaches to Acts.
• Anyone is welcome to join.

Zoom link for all Wednesday Bible Study meetings

Please RSVP to Melinda Cosentino.

From the Wardens

The search committee interviewed a candidate this week and is looking into references! Please join us each day in this prayer “for the selection of a bishop or other minister”:

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for Messiah Anglican Church, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will preach the Gospel, care for your people, equip us for ministry, and lead us forth in fulfillment of the Great Commission; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the Treasurer

No update this week. Thank you for your faithfulness!

Giving options: Giving through Tithe.ly is a preferred option. You can also send a check, written to the church, directly to the treasurer, Marilyn McIlhenny, 4 Reason Lane, Coatesville, PA 19320. During this season, checks received at the church building may be delayed in processing.

From the Diocese

The 2021 Synod and Missions Conference is scheduled for June 10-12, 2021 in Souderton PA.

Join us in prayer

• Peace, order, truth, and justice in Philadelphia and the nation
• Those suffering and serving in the midst of pandemic and unrest
• Neighbors and recent visitors, especially those looking for a church
• The Search Committee and all rector candidates
• Our regular worshipers, especially David
• Our kids, especially Nick
• Fr. Eric and Melinda and family
• Dcn. Arica and Isaac
• Bishop Julian, Brenda, and the Diocese of the Living Word
• Bob Emberger and the men of Whosoever Gospel Mission
• Our prayer and financial partners
• Our missionaries: Dan and Rachel Zuch, Matt, Fr. Josh Harper, and Fr. John Chol Daau
• Church of the Atonement and the RE Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic
• Needed repairs for the building to allow for expanded ministry

Contact the clergy

You can reach Fr. Eric Cosentino by email at rev.ericfc@yahoo.com or by phone/text at (845) 915-0390‬

Dcn. Arica Demme is available at deaconarica@messiahanglican.org and ‭(978) 689-5301‬

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