Dear Firefox,
I am so sorry things are just not working out. You will always be my sentimental favorite, but Google Chrome just gets the job done faster and better. I will continue to check in from time to time to see how you are doing and run an update. Good luck to you in all of your endeavors.
Your friend,
Tymetraveler
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
I Am An Anglican
On May 6, 2012 I was confirmed in to the Anglican church at St. Andrews parish. I did this realizing the state of disarray in which the Anglican Communion finds itself. I have not abandoned my reformed theology. I made this move after many months of prayer, study and investigation. It is important for me to be connected to the ancient, apostolic church of our Lord Jesus Christ and I believe the Anglican church provides this where I am theologically and geographically. The Anglican Way provides for sound Biblical doctrine in conjunction with the observing of the Sacraments in the ancient, catholic tradition. Style of worship is important to me and this church is one of the few remaining places where God is worshiped in a reverential way using liturgy and what I call "Classical Christian" music. Yes, I was playing bass guitar in a praise and worship band just two short months ago, but people change, and mine has been gradual and definite.
I love my brothers and sisters I left behind at my former church, but I pray they will understand and where necessary, forgive me. I know I have hurt and disappointed some people with this decision.
The future of the local Anglican situation is uncertain. As mentioned before on this blog there are two small Anglican parishes in this local area where some discussion has occurred concerning the possibility of merging the two. There are, understandably, differing opinions on the subject, but I believe not only is a merger in the best interest of all concerned, but is God's will. Now that I am part of the Anglican scene, and no longer an outside observer, I will attempt to be an advocate for the merger of the two parishes in any way I can.
Thanks be to God.
I love my brothers and sisters I left behind at my former church, but I pray they will understand and where necessary, forgive me. I know I have hurt and disappointed some people with this decision.
The future of the local Anglican situation is uncertain. As mentioned before on this blog there are two small Anglican parishes in this local area where some discussion has occurred concerning the possibility of merging the two. There are, understandably, differing opinions on the subject, but I believe not only is a merger in the best interest of all concerned, but is God's will. Now that I am part of the Anglican scene, and no longer an outside observer, I will attempt to be an advocate for the merger of the two parishes in any way I can.
Thanks be to God.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Anglicans Ablaze: What kind of radio station is your church?
Anglicans Ablaze: What kind of radio station is your church?: Choosing songs to sing in church can often seem just as complicated as choosing songs to play on a radio station. Read more
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The Journey Continues
The die has been cast. Lord willing, I will be confirmed into the Anglican Church on Sunday, May 6, 2012. I believe this is the route I must take at this point in my Christian walk. I sadly leave behind my Presbyterian brothers and sisters at my former church as I was a part of the praise and worship band, and it was (and still is) a great fellowship.
Different things led to this decision, which is the culmination of prayer, investigation and interviews over the past year. Strangely enough I "discovered" Anglicanism while studying Eastern Orthodoxy last summer. I became intrigued by the idea of the ancient, original Church which came from the Apostles. All I was really familiar with was the Protestant Reformation (all those denominations) and (as I was always taught) the apostate Roman Catholic Church. What happened to that original church? Well, for the most part, it was rolling right along until a thousand years into its existence the Great Schism happened in 1054. That's when the Western church broke away with all that papal stuff and became the Roman Catholic church. Of course then, 600 years later was the Protestant Reformation, protesting against the many abuses and apostasy of the Roman church. What was left of the "original" church (what is now referred to as Eastern Orthodox) has its doctrinal problems as well, but may I say I believe they haven't strayed as far from the true path as the Roman church has.
(I am trying my best to keep this from turning into a history lesson.)
During the first or second century, Christian missionaries made their way to the British Isles. The Church has been present there in one form or another ever since. The English church evolved on its own until the Roman church asserted itself and dominated the English until the Reformation of the 1600's. The term "Anglican" comes from the word "English", thus the church in England is/was the Anglican church. The English church, along with others, broke away from the Roman church during the Reformation of the 16th century during the reign of Henry VIII. Some believe this is when the Anglican church began, when Henry wanted a divorce and the pope would not grant it. So, Henry, being a good politician and not letting a good crisis go to waste, declared himself head of the English church and declared it independent from the Roman church. Thus, in a sense, the Church of England began at that point, at least as a part of the Protestant Reformation. What makes the Anglican church unique is that not only was doctrine corrected from Roman error, but many of the good aspects of the church such as liturgical worship were retained. Anglicanism has been considered as the "Via Media" or "middle way" between the Protestants and the Catholics. After the American Revolution, Anglicans in the new upstart nation began referring to themselves as Episcopalians, after the type of church government, to distance themselves from England, since the British, of course, were the enemy. Over the past 200+ years, as is more often than not the case, the Episcopal church has drifted away from sound doctrine and wandered down the path to apostasy. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries there has been a movement of Anglican churches severing ties with the Episcopal church and remaining true to God's word and the "Anglican Way". That is where I find myself today....preparing to join a small Anglican parish in my hometown which is part of the Reformed Episcopal Church, which is a part of the Anglican Church in North America.
Different things led to this decision, which is the culmination of prayer, investigation and interviews over the past year. Strangely enough I "discovered" Anglicanism while studying Eastern Orthodoxy last summer. I became intrigued by the idea of the ancient, original Church which came from the Apostles. All I was really familiar with was the Protestant Reformation (all those denominations) and (as I was always taught) the apostate Roman Catholic Church. What happened to that original church? Well, for the most part, it was rolling right along until a thousand years into its existence the Great Schism happened in 1054. That's when the Western church broke away with all that papal stuff and became the Roman Catholic church. Of course then, 600 years later was the Protestant Reformation, protesting against the many abuses and apostasy of the Roman church. What was left of the "original" church (what is now referred to as Eastern Orthodox) has its doctrinal problems as well, but may I say I believe they haven't strayed as far from the true path as the Roman church has.
(I am trying my best to keep this from turning into a history lesson.)
During the first or second century, Christian missionaries made their way to the British Isles. The Church has been present there in one form or another ever since. The English church evolved on its own until the Roman church asserted itself and dominated the English until the Reformation of the 1600's. The term "Anglican" comes from the word "English", thus the church in England is/was the Anglican church. The English church, along with others, broke away from the Roman church during the Reformation of the 16th century during the reign of Henry VIII. Some believe this is when the Anglican church began, when Henry wanted a divorce and the pope would not grant it. So, Henry, being a good politician and not letting a good crisis go to waste, declared himself head of the English church and declared it independent from the Roman church. Thus, in a sense, the Church of England began at that point, at least as a part of the Protestant Reformation. What makes the Anglican church unique is that not only was doctrine corrected from Roman error, but many of the good aspects of the church such as liturgical worship were retained. Anglicanism has been considered as the "Via Media" or "middle way" between the Protestants and the Catholics. After the American Revolution, Anglicans in the new upstart nation began referring to themselves as Episcopalians, after the type of church government, to distance themselves from England, since the British, of course, were the enemy. Over the past 200+ years, as is more often than not the case, the Episcopal church has drifted away from sound doctrine and wandered down the path to apostasy. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries there has been a movement of Anglican churches severing ties with the Episcopal church and remaining true to God's word and the "Anglican Way". That is where I find myself today....preparing to join a small Anglican parish in my hometown which is part of the Reformed Episcopal Church, which is a part of the Anglican Church in North America.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Enough Bible Translations?
Sorry ESV....looks like you may owe royalties to the NKJV and the NASB. Listen to one while reading the other and see what I mean.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Saturday Worship
What a blessed time at the building dedication of All Souls Anglican church today. There was great worship, a good crowd and good music. I believe the St. Andrews choir added a special touch to the service with the accapella singing during the Eucharist. Will this lead to further talks between the two parishes and a possible merger? Only time will tell.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Very Convicting Article
From Ligonier's Tabletalk Magazine:
Seeking the Lost
Luke 15 "I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance" ( v. 7).Generally speaking, a dog owner will search high and low for his pet if he finds that his animal is missing. He might walk through his neighborhood yelling out the name of his dog in hopes that it will come running. The local animal control center may receive several visits a day from this owner, hoping to find that the dog has been picked up and brought there. Normally, he will also plaster the telephone poles on the local streets with flyers promising a reward for the animal's return. He may even go door-to-door, asking his neighbors if they have seen his pet.
While dogs are a good gift from the Lord, it is indeed sad that too many followers of Christ are more concerned to find lost pets than they are to find lost people. We easily grow complacent about our participation in the mission Jesus has given to us (Matt. 28:18-20 ). The task of world evangelization is so large that we often ignore it. Without necessarily bearing a malicious intent, most of us probably overlook the desperate needs found even in our own communities. Church buildings are often treated as doctor's offices. Just as a physician waits at his practice for patients to come for treatment, so too do we act as if sinners will of their own accord visit the church in order to find salvation.
The task of seeking, however, belongs to the Christian community. As indicated in the three parables found in today's passage, God's passion is to seek out the lost. If they died tonight, the unrepentant sinners around us would go to hell, and our concern for these unbelievers is to be so great that we search them out, share the Gospel, and then rejoice when someone trusts Jesus (Luke 15:1-10 ). Lest there be any doubt about the Creator's desire to find and be reconciled to lost sinners, the parable of the prodigal son tells us that the Father Himself rejoices when errant men and women return to Him (vv. 11-32).
We who have been found by Christ must never forget our desperation, lostness, purposelessness, and hopelessness before the Savior found us (Eph. 2:11-12 ). May we go out of our way to find and befriend non-Christians so that we might be used of Jesus to lead them into His kingdom.
Coram deo: Living before the face of God
How much do you know about the spiritual needs of your city? Where is the closest neighborhood to yours that has been given over to drug lords and other criminals because the hope of Christ is so absent? Where are those affluent areas in which people attempt to find purpose in their possessions because they do not know the One who makes life meaningful? Work with your pastor and elders to find unbelievers and then go and do what you can to bring the Gospel to them.Tuesday, April 17, 2012
You Can Go Home Again (at least with some things)
I have returned to singing in a church choir for the first time in over 15 years, and I must say, I was very blessed during my first rehearsal, especially singing ancient hymns acappella. We will be participating in a building dedication service for another church this weekend and I am very excited about it.
Friday, April 13, 2012
A Tale of Two Parishes (continued)
I hate it when things aren't clear-cut. Take the current situation concerning the two local Anglican churches. The idea of the two merging apparently isn't as obvious and easy as it seemed at first. St. Andrews has some good reasons for persevering and moving ahead on their own, that is if they can relocate, move to morning services and retain an ordained minister. All Souls' location is not the best and there are some, as yet, unanswered questions pertaining to doctrine.
Speaking from my perspective, at my age I would love to immediately be able to worship in a "church" building. I have been involved in my share of "store-front" situations and, frankly, I am tired of them. Musically, All Souls has the more urgent need for voices in their choir, but St. Andrews' choir is great and my first experience of singing with them (in a brief , impromptu rehearsal) was wonderful. If a definite doctrinal difference can be revealed between the two, that would tip the scales in favor of St. Andrews. At the same time, however, it must be said...they are both Anglican churches, each a part of larger Anglican groups that are officially in communion with each other. The "biggie" for me in all of this is that I don't believe in coincidences. The circumstances leading up to this point make the whole idea of merger seem quite providential to me. And that is what it comes down to ultimately.....what is God's will in all of this? Hopefully, time will tell. I have the luxury, for the moment, to attend the services of both parishes and see how this all plays out. However, as always, I am the impatient type and cannot seem to wait on the Lord. Some repentance seems to be in order on my part.
So the story continues.........
Speaking from my perspective, at my age I would love to immediately be able to worship in a "church" building. I have been involved in my share of "store-front" situations and, frankly, I am tired of them. Musically, All Souls has the more urgent need for voices in their choir, but St. Andrews' choir is great and my first experience of singing with them (in a brief , impromptu rehearsal) was wonderful. If a definite doctrinal difference can be revealed between the two, that would tip the scales in favor of St. Andrews. At the same time, however, it must be said...they are both Anglican churches, each a part of larger Anglican groups that are officially in communion with each other. The "biggie" for me in all of this is that I don't believe in coincidences. The circumstances leading up to this point make the whole idea of merger seem quite providential to me. And that is what it comes down to ultimately.....what is God's will in all of this? Hopefully, time will tell. I have the luxury, for the moment, to attend the services of both parishes and see how this all plays out. However, as always, I am the impatient type and cannot seem to wait on the Lord. Some repentance seems to be in order on my part.
So the story continues.........
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Thought for the Day
"The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority but to
escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.” – Marcus Aurelius
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Anglicans Ablaze: Evangelical Ecclesiology (Part 2)
Anglicans Ablaze: Evangelical Ecclesiology (Part 2): Episcopacy, Ecumenism, Ministry, and Mission There is little doubt that evangelicals in particular within the Church of England are giving...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Traditional Worship
Excellent article on traditional Anglican worship that is God-centered:
http://stphiliptheapostle.wordpress.com/worship/the-why-of-traditional-anglican-worship/
http://stphiliptheapostle.wordpress.com/worship/the-why-of-traditional-anglican-worship/
Saturday, March 24, 2012
God Works in Mysterious Ways
Just three short weeks ago I posted on this blog my observations concerning two Anglican parishes in my local town. I stated how I believed the two should join to become one strong Anglican presence in the area. Little did I know that around the time of that post the music director of one parish was making contact with the vicar of the other through a series of events that I can only describe as providential. In the ensuing weeks the lay leadership of one has met with the minister of the other and talks are continuing. I plan to attend the worship service of the more established church this Sunday as does the Sr. Warden of the other parish. Moving forward I pray with both groups that the Lord's will be done. Many details will need to be worked through but however it all turns out, this is a very exciting time!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Secularism: Staging-Post on the Road Back to Pagan...
Anglicans Ablaze: Secularism: Staging-Post on the Road Back to Pagan...: Secularism promises a neutral public space in which people of all religions and those with none can live together in peace. This is a compe...
Sunday, March 4, 2012
A Tale of Two Parishes
For the past several months I have been visiting a local Anglican mission parish. They are good folks and I was already acquainted with some of the membership. It's a struggling work with about twenty regular attendees and no ordained minister. They meet in the afternoon in a Lutheran church. For a parish its size there is an excellent music program, but, interestingly, it appears over 90 percent of the church is in the choir. This parish has only been in existence for about three years and has already been through a split.
Also in the same community (though located a few miles outside the city limits) is another small Anglican parish with comparable attendance. This parish, however, has its own land and building and a full-time ordained minister. This church was founded over twenty years ago.
I already know some of the reasons and suspect others, but it is a wonder these two bodies do not get together to form one strong, local Anglican parish. I have observed both, and where one is weak, the other is strong. They would compliment each other so well. The newer parish could invigorate the more established parish with its youth and excellent music program. The older church would provide a solid foundation and the facilities for both to grow as one. Even though they belong to different Anglican groups, these two groups are in communion with each other.
Humanly speaking, it is unlikely these two groups will ever come together, but I am going to make that my prayer for this community and these two bodies of believers. All things are possible with God.
Also in the same community (though located a few miles outside the city limits) is another small Anglican parish with comparable attendance. This parish, however, has its own land and building and a full-time ordained minister. This church was founded over twenty years ago.
I already know some of the reasons and suspect others, but it is a wonder these two bodies do not get together to form one strong, local Anglican parish. I have observed both, and where one is weak, the other is strong. They would compliment each other so well. The newer parish could invigorate the more established parish with its youth and excellent music program. The older church would provide a solid foundation and the facilities for both to grow as one. Even though they belong to different Anglican groups, these two groups are in communion with each other.
Humanly speaking, it is unlikely these two groups will ever come together, but I am going to make that my prayer for this community and these two bodies of believers. All things are possible with God.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
IMHO
After much investigation and comparison it appears to me the ESV translation of the Bible is the NASB with verses taken out. Maybe the ESV publishers should pay the NASB publishers royalties?........IMHO
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thought For The Day
Can wicked rulers be allied with you,
those who frame injustice by statute?
They band together against the life of the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
But the LORD has become my stronghold,
and my God the rock of my refuge.
He will bring back on them their iniquity
and wipe them out for their wickedness;
the LORD our God will wipe them out.
(Psalm 94:20-23 ESV)
those who frame injustice by statute?
They band together against the life of the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death.
But the LORD has become my stronghold,
and my God the rock of my refuge.
He will bring back on them their iniquity
and wipe them out for their wickedness;
the LORD our God will wipe them out.
(Psalm 94:20-23 ESV)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Times They Are A Changin'
I have no idea what my life will be one or two months from now, but I believe it will be very different from what it is at this moment. By the end of the month I will lose my trusted assistant and comrade in arms for the past twelve years at my job as he leaves for new endeavors. On top of that, it is a very real possibility I will find myself with a new boss or no boss at all (unemployed).
On the church front I should be making a decision soon whether to cast my lot with a local Anglican parish or stay in my Presbyterian church.
Surely within the next two months both of these situations should be resolved. This is beginning to wear on me a bit. At my age, I need stability!
On the church front I should be making a decision soon whether to cast my lot with a local Anglican parish or stay in my Presbyterian church.
Surely within the next two months both of these situations should be resolved. This is beginning to wear on me a bit. At my age, I need stability!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Thought For The Day
Religious works or activity without the transforming, saving power of Jesus Christ, is no different than rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
My Perfect Local Church
I have concocted in this feeble brain of mine what I believe to be the perfect church. Of course, I use the term "perfect" loosely. Maybe a better title for this post would be, "Characteristics of a Church of Which I Would Like to be Part in a Perfect World". I reserve the right to change any features of my "perfect" church at any time.
The facilities would be a traditional church with pews, organ, piano and room for additional instruments. There would also be enough classroom space to accommodate all ages. The congregation or membership would be large enough to provide and support an excellent music program including an adult choir and talent to provide a wide variety of "special music". A small orchestra and hand bell choir would be nice, but not necessary.
Sunday morning worship services would be liturgical, meaning there would be written prayers and creeds spoken aloud by everyone and the entire order of the service would be fairly "rigid". The pastor(s) and the choir would wear robes. The preaching would be expository through books of the Bible. Congregational singing would be hymns and choruses with hymn books. Lyrics projected on a screen would be used also. Sunday evening services would be similar, but much less formal. Wednesday evenings would be a time of Bible study and children's programs. The Christian calendar would be observed (Advent, Epiphany, Lent, etc.) including the use of the different symbolic colors throughout the church year.
Theologically and doctrinally this church would be Reformed and Evangelical, and church government would be Presbyterian, meaning rule by a board of elders.
To summarize, take some reformed conservative, throw in a little Anglican, and then add a dash of pre-liberal Protestant, then you would have the recipe for a church I could really sink my teeth into.
The facilities would be a traditional church with pews, organ, piano and room for additional instruments. There would also be enough classroom space to accommodate all ages. The congregation or membership would be large enough to provide and support an excellent music program including an adult choir and talent to provide a wide variety of "special music". A small orchestra and hand bell choir would be nice, but not necessary.
Sunday morning worship services would be liturgical, meaning there would be written prayers and creeds spoken aloud by everyone and the entire order of the service would be fairly "rigid". The pastor(s) and the choir would wear robes. The preaching would be expository through books of the Bible. Congregational singing would be hymns and choruses with hymn books. Lyrics projected on a screen would be used also. Sunday evening services would be similar, but much less formal. Wednesday evenings would be a time of Bible study and children's programs. The Christian calendar would be observed (Advent, Epiphany, Lent, etc.) including the use of the different symbolic colors throughout the church year.
Theologically and doctrinally this church would be Reformed and Evangelical, and church government would be Presbyterian, meaning rule by a board of elders.
To summarize, take some reformed conservative, throw in a little Anglican, and then add a dash of pre-liberal Protestant, then you would have the recipe for a church I could really sink my teeth into.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
State of the Life Address
Wow. I just realized I haven't posted anything for a month and a twelfth of the new year is practically history. Time flies when you're having fun.
So much is going on....possible job changes, possible church changes.....everything is "possible"...meaning there is nothing definite going on around here. I'm wasting my life away waiting for and wondering about the next thing around the corner in my circumstances. There is the very real possibility that the place of my employment may be sold at anytime. That means I could find myself unemployed soon. My continued inquiries into other possible jobs aren't resulting in anything promising.
I continue to attend two churches (one on Sunday mornings, the other on Sunday afternoons). I do love the liturgy and music of the Anglican church, but sometimes I wonder if they (Anglicans) have a clue to what's going on. The more I investigate all things Anglican, the more confused I am. There is much diversity in the Anglican church, from evangelicals to Anglo-Catholics. At least the Presbyterians seem to have their theology nailed down. Now there are plenty of good Reformed folks in the Anglican church, but I perceive there are also many with wrong doctrine and others who don't know what they believe. But, I suppose you can find all kinds in any church.
Time is running out. I am 58 years old and I need to put some roots down somewhere. At this rate, I will die and not have a church family to bury me. I don't want one of those generic "funeral home" funerals. Actually I do have a church family, but I continue to feel the tugging at my sleeve to move on to other places, other experiences.
I know, I know....I need to trust God and live each day serving Him, but I guess my mental block comes with wanting to be sure I am where I am supposed to be NOW. I am learning that the older I get, it doesn't get easier. If anyone actually reads this, I ask for your prayers.
To update more specifically as I refer back to my post of December 26, 2011.....I had lunch with my pastor earlier this month and shared my concerns with him. He encouraged me to pursue other ministry possibilities in our church and in the community. At this time I am hoping to visit the "other Anglican church", All Souls, in a few weeks so I can make a more "intelligent" decision concerning the Anglican church and my future.
So much is going on....possible job changes, possible church changes.....everything is "possible"...meaning there is nothing definite going on around here. I'm wasting my life away waiting for and wondering about the next thing around the corner in my circumstances. There is the very real possibility that the place of my employment may be sold at anytime. That means I could find myself unemployed soon. My continued inquiries into other possible jobs aren't resulting in anything promising.
I continue to attend two churches (one on Sunday mornings, the other on Sunday afternoons). I do love the liturgy and music of the Anglican church, but sometimes I wonder if they (Anglicans) have a clue to what's going on. The more I investigate all things Anglican, the more confused I am. There is much diversity in the Anglican church, from evangelicals to Anglo-Catholics. At least the Presbyterians seem to have their theology nailed down. Now there are plenty of good Reformed folks in the Anglican church, but I perceive there are also many with wrong doctrine and others who don't know what they believe. But, I suppose you can find all kinds in any church.
Time is running out. I am 58 years old and I need to put some roots down somewhere. At this rate, I will die and not have a church family to bury me. I don't want one of those generic "funeral home" funerals. Actually I do have a church family, but I continue to feel the tugging at my sleeve to move on to other places, other experiences.
I know, I know....I need to trust God and live each day serving Him, but I guess my mental block comes with wanting to be sure I am where I am supposed to be NOW. I am learning that the older I get, it doesn't get easier. If anyone actually reads this, I ask for your prayers.
To update more specifically as I refer back to my post of December 26, 2011.....I had lunch with my pastor earlier this month and shared my concerns with him. He encouraged me to pursue other ministry possibilities in our church and in the community. At this time I am hoping to visit the "other Anglican church", All Souls, in a few weeks so I can make a more "intelligent" decision concerning the Anglican church and my future.
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