Musings from the Rector!!!

Like you, I watch, wonder and keep the current economic situation in my prayers. Recently a representative from the Salvation Army Food Bank, an area food ministry we support through dry food donations, came by. He reported they are seeing more and more people seek them out for food. He reported that at the moment they had a food supply that will last only three weeks!

Remembering Jesus' command to feed the hungry, I ask that you fill our Salvation Army barrel to overflowing throughout the summer and beyond. Many thanks to Glory Faunce who has oversight of this food ministry.

Many thanks to Glory and each of you for your continuing generosity to this community food bank.

On Thursday, May 29 @ 7:00 p.m. in the evening, Bishop Howard, clergy and friends from around the Diocese will join us in a service of "Celebration of a New Ministry." On that evening, I will be installed as the first Rector of St. Patricks. You and I will join together through the giving and receiving of various symbols in a "Covenant of Mutual Ministry." Please make every effort to attend. There will be a reception following and opportunity through out the evening to celebrate and delight in the fact that God continues to bless us with more then we ever imagined!

Finally, planning continues for our 2nd annual Vacation Bible School coming up August 4-8 from 9:00-12:00 each day! "Rain Forest Adventure" is the theme this year. No surprise, the children that attend will learn about the saving grace of Jesus in their lives and others through bible stories, song, art, drama, snacks and much more! Call the church office at 287-2807 to find out more and how to register your child/children. We will also need help from you adults and our youth to pull this magical experience off Pass the word along to friends and neighbors. All are welcome!

I remain yours in Christ!

A message from The Rt. Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard, Bishop of Florida

The Right Reverend Samuel Johnson Howard
Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Florida
325 North Market Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Dear brothers and sisters,

The information below was given to the press today. I encourage each of you to share it with your congregations and I invite all of you to participate in welcoming our newest Episcopalians.

+John

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF FLORIDA
Press Release - June 9, 2008

HISPANIC CONGREGATION OF 150 AND RECTOR TO BE WELCOMED INTO EPISCOPAL CHURCH DURING CELEBRATION AT ST. JOHN'S CATHEDRAL, JACKSONVILLE

Spanish-speaking group, formerly members of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, will now join fully in ministry with Episcopal Church congregation which had loaned it worship space

JACKSONVILLE - A jubilant welcome by north Florida Episcopalians awaits the 150 members of an Hispanic congregation and their priest, the Rev. Dr. Miguel Rosada, all of whom will be formally received as members of the Episcopal Church during a service at 7 p.m. on June 18 at St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville.

“We joyfully receive this flock into the Episcopal Church,” said the Right Rev. Samuel Johnson Howard, bishop of the Diocese of Florida. “We look forward to being colleagues and companions in ministry with the people of San Lucas and with Fr. Rosada. This event marks not only the addition of a substantial congregation to the Episcopal Diocese of Florida, but also a remarkable beginning for us in terms of Hispanic ministry.”

Following the June 18 service in St. John's Cathedral the newcomers will merge their Spanish-speaking congregation with the existing English-speaking congregation of St. Luke’s. They will be greeted by members and clergy of the more than 70 Episcopal Church congregations in the 25 counties of the diocese, which include Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Gainesville.

Two years ago St. Luke's Episcopal Church, at 2961 University Blvd. North, began renting worship space to the Hispanic congregation, which was then Ministerio Hispano El Mesias, in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. The two groups, worshiping at different hours on the St. Luke's campus near the gates of Jacksonville University, grew to share an increasing amount of fellowship and outreach ministry. Over time, through conversation with Bishop Howard and others in the Episcopal Diocese, the leadership and people of El Mesias realized a call to join the Episcopal Church. The newly combined congregations are enthusiastic about the new opportunities for enhanced ministries which are emerging from their new status as “St. Luke's/San Lucas” - St. Luke's Episcopal Church/Iglesia Episcopal San Lucas - with Fr. Rosada as rector.

Commenting on the merger of his Spanish-speaking congregation with the English-speaking congregation, Fr. Rosada said, “We are all foreigners. All of us came from somewhere else. We are all on a journey - travelers in this world headed to a new place. God is King of all nations.”

The Charismatic Episcopal Church is a denomination founded by former members of The Episcopal Church over 25 years ago. Both denominations ordain their bishops in “apostolic succession,” an unbroken chain of spiritual leadership which originated in the twelve apostles of Jesus and is a tenet of some other churches, including the Roman Catholic and Orthodox communions.