A Letter from the Rector, Wardens and Vestry of Good Shepherd…updated

There are just no words, except kyrie eleison.

bb

God bless, Matt+.

The witness of your congregation will touch many.

Matt+, you and your church will be in our prayers.  What a tragedy.  But what beautiful words of encouragement and grace you’ve offered to your congregation.  I know the Lord will bless your faithfulness in and through this process.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy on everyone at Good Shepherd.

I’m proud of you, Matt, and the vestry and congregation of Good Shepherd.  You folks did the right thing, hard though it was.

Three cheers for you all.

Fr. Matt,

Our prayers are with you and your flock.  When we left TEC in Feb ‘07, we thought we had much more time than we thought.  We didn’t.  On a Wednesday afternoon, our rector and senior & junior wardens were told we had to be out pretty much immediately.  This was just before our Wednesday evening classes.  A couple of phone calls were made to local pastors of other denominations who had offered support.  Messages were left.  By the time the Wednesday evening classes let out, one had called back and said to call and plan to meet him tomorrow.  By Thursday night, we had an entire unused worship space (they had built a larger space for themselves and were using the “old” space for the youth group), Sunday School classroom space and their defunct private school buildings (2 of them) for offices and a youth center.  We had tried for several months to plan our departure ourselves, but God had his own plan.  He showed us that when we step out in faith, with no “home”, no property, no assets, no prayer books, no nothing, He will more than provide.  We have been co-existing next door to our Pentacostal brothers & sisters in Christ for almost a year now, and it has been an UNBELIEVABLE blessing for both churches, in too many ways to post here.  We use to go around saying, “unbelievable” all the time, but God has provided every single need - every single one! - so now we say, “Believe it!”

God has a plan for you and your congregation.  Try not to be too surprised when He meets every single need in ways you could never imagine. 

God bless all of you on this new and exciting journey!

Ack!  Please ammend the above:  We thought we had much more time that we did .

there may be a time when even kate will tire of all this how many empty church buildings can one church “make use of”

Don’t worry about what has happened Fr. Matt. Instead rejoice in the fact that you are firmly and safely in God’s hands and that He will lead you where He wishes you all to be.  The key thing to remember is that you are not a congregation without a church, but instead you are a Church without a building. It is not the tapesties, windows, and lumber that make a church. Instead it is the people. We know that you are all true disciples and followers of Christ and his message and name is upon all of your hearts. Also remember that God doesn’t call the equiped. He equips those he calls. He has called you out of the desert which TEC has become, and in His time and by His will, He will equip all of you with blessings untold as you continue to proclaim the truth.

Being a member of a parish 2/3 of whom walked away from a 125-year-old physical plant into which a great deal of blood, sweat, and tears had been invested I sense the pain you must feel.  We had to leave because of the spiritually noxious abyss that TEC has become.  We were left with only one choice.  Walking the LORD’s way.  We now sense His presence in our worship services in ways we had not experienced in a long, long time.

Prayers ascending for all.

Christe eleison!

Tears for your sorrow, smiles for your glorious future!
Wherever you are going as a church family, God is already there, preparing a place for you.  The time of unknowing is coming to an end for you; it is half over; you know where you will not be.  May God quickly reveal to you where you will be.

There is a wonderful sense of freedom at which time the yoke of the Episcopal Church and all she brings with it is no longer around your necks.  This is also a time of great sadness and grief which must be borne out to its ultimate termination.
God Bless you, Matt, and your Congregation.

I am so sorry about all of this, Matt. The injustice & the outrage you (and so many) have been enduring - but now, God’s peace. Thank you for sharing this witness with those of us who can only watch, and pray…May His blessings be with you & all at Good Shepherd in the work He has called you to do. In this grave moment & in the joy to come…

I am so sorry to hear this Fr Matt.
I am sure God will bless you and much love to your congregation.
PM

Fr. Matt,

What has become ever more evident over the years I’ve been reading Stand Firm is your remarkable maturity and wisdom as a Christian leader.  In being able to write this letter at this time, you’ve confirmed that in a powerful and Spirit-filled way.

I believe that all of us could profit by saving your words and, when our lives become difficult, reading them as a reminder of how the follower of Christ is to walk in this world.

Even knowing how the Story ends, it breaks my heart to see the enemies of the Gospel succeed even in small things – but, I know you have a bright future and that God will richly bless you as, in truth, He has richly blessed all of us.

Have fun building for the Lord!

Matt,
I think you have done the right thing. I’m sure you know that these people are only hurting themselves and bringing faster judgement on their “church”.

Worldy “victories” provide only temporary respite for the enemy. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

There are some defeats more triumphant than victories.
Michel de Montaigne
French essayist (1533 - 1592)

The old saying “pride goeth before the fall”  Fr. Matt and all at Good Shephard - you are entitled to reverse that saying “the fall goes before the pride”......for we all are very proud of you all….and in this case you may be very proud of your stand for The Gospel of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  You will be blessed for this stand…...

Very sad, yet not completely unexpected.  What a beautiful letter you wrote, Matt+.

Prayers are with you from the diocese of Fort Worth, Fr. Kennedy. May God bless the faithfulness of you and your parish.

Fr Matt,

Your freedom is at hand, the tabernacle is just over the horizon.  In time there will be Jerusalem and a temple.  Eat the bitter herbs, pack your things and sing your songs of praise.

And remember to tell your children.  Keep this passover every year so the people will remember and this will not happen again to God’s people.  Keep track of the miracles and proclaim them again every year until the Lord comes for his own.  God Bless!

Matt, may the Lord bless you all.
Keep going as you are.
Remain faithful.
And remember the welcome on the last day: ‘good and faithful servant’.
And continue to pray for those who oppose: in the Lord’s mercy may they not hear the terrible words: ‘I never knew you’.
But His will be done.
And may His kingdom continue to come through you and your faithful people as you go from strength to strength.
You are all in our prayers brother.

God is gracious, merciful, loving and provident towards his children. His greatest provision was sending his own Son, Jesus, to die on our behalf. As sons and daughters of God through faith in Jesus Christ, the darkness is never final. The light is greater than the darkness. God’s providence is greater than the destruction of sin. Jesus died but he also rose from the dead. So it is for His people. There is no “end” or “death” or “despair” for us because we know that in all things God works for his glory and for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Because God is faithful to his promises, we look to our future knowing it to be one full of hope. God has been faithful to us in the past. He is faithful to us now. He will be faithful to us in the future.

Amen.

Please forgive a somewhat lengthily post.

I once witnessed what I believe to be a miracle. A young congregation in Northern VA was trying to build their first worship center (they met at a public school at the time). The congregation was not just young as a congregation, but demographically young as well. These families were (largely) recently out of college and/or had young children to support, and that’s an expensive area to live in (or of course build a church). There were few retirees with assets or even that many professionals in their peak earning years.

It was the final day of their attempt to raise the necessary funds to obtain the mortgage and they had come together to worship and pray. They had agreed that this was how the Lord would tell them whether they were to move forward or not. They had prayed for the harvest and were prepared to receive it, but I honestly think that most (in their humanity) saw that it was over. The pledges weren’t enough to get the job done and the congregation (IMO) had already stretched beyond what could be expected. I don’t remember the particulars, but I’m a banker and fairly adept at these things… and I remember that I didn’t believe it was (humanly) possible.

So they set out their baskets and took their final collection… just leaving it open for people to come forward as they prayed and sang. There were of course plenty of checks and cash, but I saw ladies giving their engagement rings (they were returned) or inherited jewelry… and couples donating deeds to family land. I saw children bringing forward bags of coins… or cash from selling game systems or bicycles without any urging (or knowledge) from their parents. I can’t even think about it now without tears flowing (at work no less ), but they continued to worship as the money was counted even though it was expected to take a couple hours. When the total was in, they had well exceeded the required amount… without including land or jewelry.

I prefer to think that it was a loaves and fishes miracle worked with the money from the kid who sold his bike without his parents’ knowledge, but perhaps I’m wrong.

The pastor preached a wonderful sermon that I see echoed in your words above. I later heard that he was asked what his “other” sermon was (if they had failed) and he answered that he had only prepared one.

For the longest time I guess I assumed that this was an example of personal faith. That perhaps the Lord had told them to build a church and he just accepted that it would happen. That he knew it would happen even if I didn’t think it was possible.

I no longer think so. I think that they understood that “God is gracious, merciful, loving and provident towards his children” regardless of whether our lives are blessed with comfort and health or filled with suffering. God IS faithful to His Promises. He has been faithful to us in the past. He is faithful to us now. He will be faithful to us in the future.

I can’t speak for the congregation I mentioned. They aren’t my “flavor” of Christianity. I don’t even know whether they still exist or what the Lord has done with them. I am thankful that Good Shepherd understands this truth… and I have faith that the Spirit has great plans for you. Plans “to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”

Fr. Matt,

You did the right thing to separate from TECUSA.  You did the right thing to ask the courts to determine ownership of the real estate and other assets.  You have responded to the court’s decision in a Godly and gracious way.

You are an icon of strength, Godliness and integrity to me and many other orthodox, Scripture based, faith-once-delivered Anglicans.

God bless you, the Good Shepherd vestry, the Good Shepherd parishioners, and your family.

God’s will be done.

“Please forgive a somewhat lengthily post.”

Nuts…. that’s “lengthy”. I’m sure there are others… :(

You have been delivered fromt the hand of pharaoh. May you never long for the leeks, onions and garlic you ate while in bondage.  God will provide.

Recently our church had come to the last week of the year and was a good 85,000 behind budget and expenses, which represented about 8% of the yearly budget.

The final Sunday of the year showed a slight improvement, but was still $76,000 under.

By the first Sunday of ‘09 the church had collected the deficit, plus $36,000 OVER the needed amount.

There had been much anxiety and prayer prior to the year end. It was assumed that the deficit would be carried over to the new budget.

I know that churches frequently collect a fair amount of money at year end, but this was a small example of God’s unexpected blessing to our church.

Fr. Matt - God’s blessings to you, your family and your congregation from Faith Church in Plano, TX.  We walked away from our properly about 2 years ago - a painful but freeing experience.  God’s ABUNDANT BLESSINGS on you and your congregation - we are praying for you!

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.

Matt and Ann,

And as painful as this time is, not one drop of Good Shepherd Church’s blood has been spilled. It is the spilled blood of our Good Shepherd that has been both profaned and now is liberated to flow freely through your lives into the broken, lost and lonely in Binghamton.

We, the Bible Believing Anglican Clergy now in retreat at Holy Cross Monastery in Mesilla Park NM, are upholding you in prayer this day.

Bev and I will pray for you daily.

Capn Jack Sparrow

And in a year where making contributions means a greater step of faith than in prior years.

The same kind of thing happened here. My wife is baptist and we frequently attend one of the larger SB churches (where Gary Chapman is on staff). They had been asked to increase their Lottie Moon offering (a baptist missionary fund drive in her honor that represents half of their missions budget each year) to half a million dollars this year.

We’ve never collected that much in the past… and many of the members are bankers who have presumably lost a large chunk of their assets (I know I have ) - lots of people have lost their jobs and “times are tough” for many.

They raised over $550,000.

Of course it is not cause for boasting except in what the Lord has done… I continue to wonder why I ever look at these things and try to determine whether or not they are possible. My faith is certainly weak.

Not an unexpected outcome, given the laws and the judicial perspective of New York.  But you have the Lord and salvation, with his Holy Spirit uniting you, guiding you, and providing for you - and all they have are some buildings.  Even if some former members who left because they did not like the Gospel come back, it is doubtful if they will be able to keep any sort of worship and service going, or be able to pay all the bills.

Like #9, I have walked from a building, worth many millions.

You felt called to fight, and now that fight is over. God is has allowed this to happen, which means it is an opportunity.  Once you secure temporary facilities, keep your eye on a location that is more conducive to growth of a young congregation.  Take advantage of the freedom you have.  Many of the largest congregations in the US started without facilities, and with small congregations, twenty years ago.  It takes clarity of message, an urgent sense of door to door evangelism, and a willingness on the part of the founders to sacrifice their own preferences in non-essentials in order to achieve a higher goal. With your leadership and God’s blessing, anything can happen.

The building may go but the congregation remains .... wherever it may gather.

God bless all of you as you continue on your journey.

God bless you, Matt+.  We are all very proud of the principled stand taken by you, the vestry and the whole congregation.  I’m reminded of John Adams’ dictum:  “Always stand on principle, even if you stand alone.”

Freedom! W00T!

As many, including my parish have found, a school cafeteria can be sanctified space in its own way.  My prayers for you and your flock.

APB

And so they “won.”  Literally, an empty victory.  An empty, silent building.

But you and your parish family are victors in Christ and He has swung open not just a door, but all the windows, to all for your own exodus.  May your promised land materialize quickly and gloriously.  The freedom you will feel, I can tell you from experience, will make you almost giddy.  Just wait and see what the Lord has in store.  It will take your breath away to watch the pieces fall into place.

Matt,
I grieve at the loss of your worship building and I pray that God will bring good out of it.  We serve the greatest “environmentalist” for there is nothing in our environments that God cannot use to bring us (and others) closer to Him.  While I am called to stay and you are called to depart, I pray that God will bless you and your congregation and that He will raise up even more faithful people to use the building you just left.

YBIC,
Phil Snyder

Matt,
I am praying for you, your family, and your church. I will also lead prayers for you at our worship celebration on Sunday. Those prayers will be lifted up at a Seventh Day Adventist Church located about .2 miles from the building we left behind when we departed TEC in October 2006. They will come from the hearts of people who have traveled a similar road. I believe they would join me in encouraging you now by telling you that while our transition was by no means easy or without pain, it was right and good and has been blessed by God in ways that we are still discovering. God is glorified by faithful people who suffer in love for His Name’s sake. The actions of your congregation and the public distribution of your letter serve as a powerful and convicting witness to the people of your community and beyond.
May God meet your every need as you follow where He leads.
If I can be of any assistance, Matt, don’t hesitate to ask.

George Beaven, Rector
Christ Our Lord Anglican Church
Woodbridge, VA

Great letter.  Great Witness.  God bless.

Fr. Matt, I appreciate your courage in fighting the good fight.  I truly wish there had been a better result.  I don’t know what God has planned for you, your family, and your congregation.  Whatever lies ahead, I know you trust Him implicitly.  Surely the faith communities in Binghamton will reach out to help in your time of need. 

Why does TEC continue in this horrific cruelty to the body of Christ?  Why won’t they do the loving thing and and cooperate with the parishes that have to leave.  Instead, they would rather see a beautiful facility that serves the community sit empty or taken over by a bar or a pool hall.  So much for Christian love!  Eventually the AC will realize the cancer that TEC has become and excise it.

Your letter to your congregation is a perfect example of Christian charity.  Too bad that the bishop and diocese don’t possess some.  Whatever your future, just know that God knows what is ahead even if you don’t.

Great letter! I am sure with God’s help you will soon find a new place to worship and minister. Hopefully it will still be in the same neighborhood - where your light and the light of Christ has shone through your ministry so brightly - As for the Diocese of CNY - shame on them - The white church on the corner will never again house the ministry it has now - Shame on them - but go with God!! And He will guide you to another shore and a greater Light!
Grace and Peace in Jesus,  Mike+ Shank

Matt+

I know that I writing what you already know in your heart, but I experienced that often hearing another brother helps speak what we know is true chases Satan and his lies back to where he belongs. The only thing the judge did was order you from a future ash heap when the New Heavens and New Earth come, for 815’s party line is so wrong, when the people leave, actually the Church has left for the Living Stones are all that really matter.

The Lord will go with you and ahead of you. Things will look very different and very strange. In the end I know the Lord will use this for His glory and put Satan to shame.

That said I know that pruning and the purification isn’t much fun. Prayer for you, family and congregation in this time.

God bless you Matt+ & Ann+

[*Hugs*] w/ silent prayers

At least you had Christmas and the Epiphany to celebrate. Now this coming Lent and Easter season will have another meaning for you ...
Prayers to you and your congregation.

“My son, cast thy heart firmly on the Lord, and fear not the judgment of men, when conscience testifieth of thy dutifulness and innocency.
  “It is a good and happy thing to suffer in such a way; nor will this be grievous to a heart which is humble, and which trusteth rather in God than in itself.”
                Thomas `a Kempis

Father Kennedy,
You and Anne and your vestry authored a wonderful letter, and express a degree of charity we all should strive to emulate.  May the peace of our Lord be with you all, now and in the difficult- and wonderful- days and years ahead.
    TJ

The true church went 200 years before there were church buildings.  They did pretty good.  In China there are more “house churches” then any other.  And it may be that the Lord doesn’t want anything associated with TEO to cling to your church.  Now let’s see how the Head of the Churches blesses you.  I’ll bet in 2-3 years if not sooner you will be measurably better off spiritually and physically than now.  Of curse we know how TEO will be doing.  I am reminded of how our POWs in Hanoi Hilton would tell the guards that they were sorry for them, because they would get to go home someday, but the guards had to stay under Communism in N. Vietnam.

I don’t know you personally, Matt+, and we obviously disagree on legal matters, but it is clear from my months on this site that you and your wife are inspiring leaders with a deep Christian faith that you defend and propagate.  I am confident that you and she will continue to inspire and to defend and propagate the faith in the months and years ahead.  And I wish the congregation of Good Shepherd the best in finding a new home and continuing its growth and good work.

Do you have a link to the actual ruling?  It appeared from the reporting and blogging on this case that the diocesan case was built on the validity of the Dennis cannon and Good Shepherd’s assertion that it was never passed.  It w
s expected that the ruling would deal with this issue?  Also, is all of the property real and other subject to the ruling and, finally does Good Shepherd plan an appeal?  As stated before, I am glad that tgis ruling (which I thought was very likely) came after Christmas and the departing community was able to celebrate a final Christmas in the building they loved.

My heart aches for you, your family and your congregation. I do so appreciate your faithful witness in the midst of such a great loss. I pray that our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be very present with all of you as you leave this special place.
As it becomes ever more apparent that I too, sooner rather than later, will have to leave my beloved church—not only the building, but my church family that I have loved and worshipped with so many years. I do not have the foggiest idea where I will go, as there no Anglican churches close by, but I am finding it more and more difficult to be faithful to my Lord and my church. I look to all of you who have gone before me and have made great sacrifices to remain faithful and I pray for the courage to follow in your footsteps. There are great promises for those who do overcome in this world, but it surely is a hard and painful walk, though not nearly as hard or painful as the path Jesus trod for me. May God give us all the courage and strength to follow our Lord Jesus Christ wherever He leads.

I’m sure that Matt will answer your questions, EmilyH, if and when he deems appropriate.

Matt—you, Anne and the parish (and Shepherd’s Bowl!) have been much in our prayers for a long time, and will continue to be.  Small comfort to have contributed to (probably) the world’s fastest growing collection of empty church buildings.  Thank you for such a clear, winsome witness through this.
Rich & Debra

What a splendid and encouraging letter! 

But strangely, though I read it with tears at first, all of a sudden, I just cackled out loud and grinned when two words popped into my mind:  NEW WINESKINS
An image of cracked old wineskins about to burst, then lying discarded and empty replaced with fresh new ones full of fresh new wine came to mind.
Good Shepherd *will* need space to grow.  For years you have faithfully taught and preached the Word and Precepts of God and loved the people of Good Shepherd.  Truth, Love and Life (Jesus Christ IS all that) always produces growth - spiritual and numerical. 

The grace, mercy, peace and joy of Lord be very present with you and cover you, Anne, your children and all the Good Shepherd family as you prepare to look forward and move forward.
Our blessings, prayers and our hearts are with you.

Agree w/ bb #1. No words. As a dad my heart went immediately to your kids… what this experience will mean in their lives and how it will shape their view of God and “church.”
Of course their parents will send the most significant message,and this letter indicates the great blessing it will carry.

Matt,

You and Good Shepherd are in my prayers tonight. Amy and I thank God for the brightness of your witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Peter Mitchell

Matt+, Anne+,

The folks at St. Andrew’s Syracuse continue to pray for you and your fine flock.  May the Lord bless and keep you as you move—you may lose real estate, but you will gain freedom… and clarity.

Matt,
As I read your letter, it reminded me of some of the Epistles of St. Paul.  It is an Epistle for modern times. “They won the victory over him because of the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony.” (Rev.) The video was powerful too.  God Bless you all

Well done, Matt and Anne!
As you well know, it is not success but fidelity which is enjoyed in the Throne Room.
Nelson

EmilyH, this is one more revealing statement of TEO’s true priorities than you realized:

...and the departing community was able to celebrate a final Christmas in the building they loved.

TEO loves buildings.  Christians love Jesus and give themselves to Him for His glory and to be used by Him to save souls from eternal banishment and for eternal glory and joy.

Matt+, Anne+ and family, may the LORD open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing on you and your whole staff and congregation until there is not room to hold it!

For centuries Episcopal buildings have been among the most architecturally significant in the land. But sometimes our buildings become millstones around our necks. Now all of your energy can be focused on the Gospel and growth. The personal strength born of this experience has equipped the entire congregation for its mission without distraction.
As for the Bishop, I don’t know him. But it seems certain he will second guess himself in the privacy of his own heart, for the rest of his life. Unless he is a callous, cold man, this building will silently haunt him with the ghosts of every faithful person who was forcefully removed. While Father Matt’s congregation will go to bed with clear consciences, their former bishop will secretly harbor the guilt of a person who persecuted the faithful for a piece of silver.

I swear Emily! I was reading along and entering into all the good wishes and empathy and then your legal query hit me like a cold wind. It was like people who want to know how the person died in detail. And then the clincher—I’m glad they evicted you after Christmas (yes, that’s how it came across).

Qui habitat in adiutorio altissimi in protectione di caeli commorabitur.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.  Psalm 90:1

Matt, Anne, and the congregation of Good shepherd, God inhabits the praises of His people.  A building without praise is no habitation for our Lord, but He will show Himself strong for those who are fully committed to Him. (Ps 22:3, 2 Chr 16:9a). May God grant you all a double portion of the spirit of praise and thanksgiving.

Dear Matt and Anne:
Unfortunately, we may not be far behind you in packing up, but, I know that neither you, nor the people of St. James Newport Beach regret taking the stand we have taken.
We remain steadfast in the faith, Jesus Christ ...“no one comes to the Father, but through Him.”

A fellow traveler and Catechist—Christie

Does everyone recall TEC’s “Decade of Evangelism?”  Well, welcome what would you call the present decade? How about “The Decade of Dis-Evangelism?” (“Deconstruction” is probably more like it).

Matt+,
You, Anne, your whole family, and your church family will be in my prayers much tonight and in the coming days and weeks.

What a wonderful letter.  Amen, may God give you the grace to truly forgive, and to grow in love and trust in Him.  I echo those commenters who have prayed that you will see blessings above and beyond what you could have asked or imagined.  May the Lord guide you and keep you in His perfect peace.

Thank you Everyone. Anne and I are encouraged so much by your prayers and support. We rely on them through the night as we pray our children will sleep and we will all gain strength for the work ahead. Thank you also for your nice comments about the letter itself. Our youth minister, Micah Towery (hopefully on his way to seminary) wrote the first draft. Thank you for your prayers.

Matt+,
We lost everything in Katrina. We lived in eight houses and our kids attended three schools in one year. Our church building sat under six feet of water—and our home eight feet—for a month. We started over by meeting in the parking lot with folding chairs for worship. Eventually we graduated to a tent. Then a trailer. This catastrophe was the best thing that ever happened to us in so many ways I don’t have space to list them. Our battle cry from day one has simply been, “God honours those who honour Him.” Just honour God—as i know you will—and the future will hold amazing, wonderful surprises for you. Know of our prayers at Annunciation, New Orleans. If there’s anything we can do for you .  . . we’re there.

jerry+

Fr. Matt;

You and all of the individuals associated with your parish are in my prayers this evening.  May you find in the coming days, the grace and strength to move aggressively, into a new chapter, of the life of your parish. 

Stu Howe

Matt,
It is numbing.  How much more so for you, your wife, the wardens and vestry, and every member.  Make sure you get re-charged in the Spirit of God.
If it’s all right with you, I will ask the intercessors I assigned to the court decision to just keep praying until Good Shepherd gets settled in their new home, whatever and wherever.

These events bring to mind the words of the Lord:

Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.  But may that are first will be last, and the last first.  Mark 10:29-31

Mindful of Rom 12:20, and the eschatological inappropriateness of immediate satisfaction of the requests of Imprecatory Psalms, here is something for you, and for that matter, all of us:

Psalm 140 (Scottish Metrical Psalter)

1 Lord, from the ill and froward man
    give me deliverance,
  And do thou safe preserve me from
    the man of violence:

12 I know God will th’ afflicted’s cause
    maintain, and poor men’s right.
13 Surely the just shall praise thy name;
    th’ upright dwell in thy sight.

Fr. Matthew,

A little bit of EZRA:

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:
So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.  …..

Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem: And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes.

And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.

Father Kennedy,
I have found that God lets us suffer loss and trials and his motives are not always clear as I am sure you know.  When I have gone throught loss or great pain I remember Joseph when he reunited with the brothers who had sold him into slavery he told them “You ment it for evil but God ment it for good”.  May God bless you for your witness.

((Father Matt,)))
Prayers for you, and your family, and for everyone in this sad situation.

Matt & Ann,
You and your congregation have been and are in our prayers, and will certainly continue to be.  Good Shepherd has been a wonderful witness to our Lord’s love and faithfulness, and under your leadership I know it will continue to be.  As +Skip and the Diocese of CNY leadership add to their growing collection of empty buildings, I pray that they will realize what they have done and finally repent and return the love you have so freely given to them.  I pray that the powerful witness and growth of Good Shepherd will continue apace.

Warren Musselman

#36,  Deacon Snyder,
I deeply regret that I cannot join or agree with your prayer that other people will fill the empty church and live under the authority and teachings or be in communion, joining in fellowship, lending the weight of their support or compromising the credibility of their witness in the world aligning with Bishop Skip Adams or PB Shori, Robinson, Spong, Russell, Kaeton, Crew et al.
Until those people are rebuked, silenced and removed, TEC is a toxic vessell pouring out effluent, sickness, evil and deception to unwittingly come to seek the Living True God.

For example imagine that your first ever worship experience was designed by this man who claims to be a bishop: http://themcj.com/?p=1970

You and every other cleric and lay leader in TEC and in the Anglican Communion are responsible to God for what every other one teaches and lives before men. 

Yours in Christ.

The Courts in this country, for the most part, have pretty much decided TEC owns and controls the Church buildings. Accept it! But that being said, each person has a inalienable right to follow one’s conscience. What you all don’t understand is that the property rights and rights of conscience are separate. To save money, toil, sweat, tears, and blood, parochial separations should go one of three ways: the dissenting congregation departs and sets up elsewhere, or it pays TEC market value of the property on which it wishes to remain, or it pays fair rental value for its occupancy for a fixed term. Any of these three solutions respects the property rights of TEC and the conscience rights of the worshippers. Now that the Courts have pretty much spoken, these separations should be negotiated in good faith by both sides, in the spirit of the Gospel.

Desert David,

Now that the Courts have pretty much spoken, these separations should be negotiated in good faith by both sides, in the spirit of the Gospel.

“Should” is the key word.  I doubt very much that PB Schori or DBB will negotiate in good faith.  They haven’t so far.  There is no negotiating in their world, only slash and burn, divide and conquer, “it’s mine and you can’t have it, period!”.

Matt and Anne and all at Good Shepherd, here is one of my favorite poems—from Auden’s Christmas Oratorio:
He is the Way.
Follow Him through the Land of Unlikeness;
You will see rare beasts, and have unique adventures.
He is the Truth.
Seek Him in the Kingdom of Anxiety;
You will come to a great city that has expected your return for years.
He is the Life.
Love Him in the World of the Flesh;
And at your marriage all its occasions shall dance for joy.
(W H Auden - 1907-1973)

#36, Deacon Snyder, how like the Dallas approach- painless staying to witness. “We shall have our cake and call it C-rations.”
Dallas could be called “staying to witness” if they recognized +Iker, +Duncan, +Schofield etc and INVITED THEM TO COME AND PERFORM EPISCOPAL ACTS! Otherwise, you are just standing outside the concentration camp gate expressing disapproval at an acceptably low volume.
Nelson Koscheski

I am truly sorry to hear this about TEC’s continuing wake of destruction.  It is especially difficult for elderly parishioners who have spouses, friends and others they loved buried, baptized, married, confirmed, etc., in a parish lost to the rampage of the pagans, our present-day Visogoths.  I remember so many older and frail communicants in many Manhattan parishes that are driven out of their parishes or captive in them after decades of being in their church homes.  What a travesty.

My heartfelt condolences to the Kennedys, vestry and the entire parish.  Praying you strength to withstand the flogging and keep your eyes on the prize.  God has his on you, his prize of inestimable worth.

Proclaim the gospel, grow your congregation, and ten years from now you can buy this building back from the empty shell that it will be under the anti-church. That is, if you don’t just want to stay in your new, bigger building!

#36 Dcn Snyder,
“I grieve at the loss of your worship building and I pray that God will bring good out of it.” Phil, I have to call you on this one.  Since when is a church called a “worship building”. This sounds so TEC P.C. Are you trying to downplay the loss here?  Is TEC actually bothering to deconsecrate the churches it is taking over and selling to secular entities? “I pray that God will bless you and your congregation and that He will raise up even more faithful people to use the building you just left.”  Who did you have in mind Lutherans?  The property won’t be sold to non Episcopalian Anglicans.  You may grieve at their loss but you won’t fault TEC will you?

DesertDavid, when a congregation has worked hard to pay for its buildings and its mission funds and these are taken away by TEC, a lot of blood, sweat, and tears are lost - often so much that it is difficult indeed to find enough rent money for a new spot.  It’s kind of hard when you not only kick a person out of his house, and then also take away his bank account - in that case, he might not have enough for the down payment for renting a new place, even though you who took his bank account and house have ... his bank account and house.

Simply not agreeing with the ethics kicking people out of their houses of worship which they themselves paid for, and confiscating their mission funds, when the church has entered a Post-Spong atmosphere, would be enough by itself for many to wish to leave TEC.  The building and the mission funds are also essential to the church’s survival.  Amazingly enough, many have accomplished the feat of doing without them and starting anew.

I respect the courage of those who wish to stay in the post-Spong TEC atmosphere.  But it baffles me how TEC and TEC adherents continue to defend this type of ethics.  It may truly be time to part ways here.

One thing that should be understood here is that individuals wish to worship corporately, and stay with their families of worship.  One doesn’t suddenly become a consumerist church-shopper just because Ms. Schori decides to deny the resurrection.  One wishes to remain with one’s family of the church, the people with whom one prays and worships every week, or even more than weekly in many cases.

I think your advice here, “live with it!!!” is probably meant with good will, and certainly bearing grudges is not a good idea.  But it seems a bit callous though to be posting this in a thread about a StandFirm member whose church will soon be homeless, and who will even be personally homeless, since his home is the church rectory.  This though probably isn’t your intent.

This is something I really don’t understand about the revisionists.  Telling us that we certainly must understand that TEC has every right to sue for the money and buildings which these churches put aside for mission, when so often TEC just sells the building and then uses the money for future lawsuits.

Is there something wrong about not wanting to feed TEC’s litigious habits and contributing toward ecclesiastical homelessness?

I see ... increasingly ... in TEC fan-blogs - accusations of hatred, that people who disagree with TEC, “hate” the TEC adherents.  DesertDavid, I do hope that you appreciate that I don’t hate you.  I may vehemently oppose some of your ideas, and what you condone your church doing ...  I say this because I see some wisdom in your exhortation for us to “Live with it!” but also would like you to consider living with some facts which indeed many have found to be a stumbling stone.

I see from other comment postings here that you refer to “Marcus Borg, John Dominick Crossan, Brian McLaren, and William Countryman” -
If you don’t read others, then stick there with McLaren.  I’m not that familiar with Countryman, I only know his “purity” stuff which I don’t find credible.  But apart from this whole Anglican squabble about sex & property -

Don’t let the sex & property debates inhibit your turning toward Christ in faith.  Let Borg & Crossan fly, they won’t help.  If you insist on sticking with reading them, find at least good sources that point out the problems with Borg & Crossan.  I suppose some who oppose TEC in these things at times also need to hear this, though they aren’t into Borg & Crossan.  But for you: please, please, don’t lose sight of Christ because of the property/sex arguments.  Christ’s love *is* inclusive, as you rightly point out, though I think I would disagree in the consequences, or even meaning, of “inclusive” here - though in the essential things we are in agreement - but there’s more to Christ than a recognition that He loves all people - and if we don’t recognize who Christ is, we deny ourselves so much - we are essentially denying ourselves everything.

There are big intellectual problems with embracing Borg & Crossan.  You don’t even have to give up your views on sexuality to recognize this, and obstacles will be removed which - you may not realize - are making it difficult for your own faith to move forward.  You cry out to us, “Accept it!” - in some ways, very healthy advice.  I’d ask you to consider: “Accept it!” when it comes to the claims that Christ makes upon You in His so-inclusive love of you.  You will understand the depth of Christ’s love in a way which so radically overshadows any position on the ethics of sexuality, and is beyond the love you experience in any human relationship, sexual or not.

You list here a long list of hermeneutical habits you have in interpreting the Bible.  I do not have time to go into this in depth, but: when we use hermeneutical “filters” and devices for aiding in the interpretation of a text ... we are also in danger, in doing so, of imposing between ourselves and the text a whole series of our own presuppositions, and our own cultural presuppositions.  As with all things, this can help, but it can also hurt - it can illuminate, but it can also cloud the hermeneutical horizon by projecting onto it our own devices.  Have you tried Lectio Divina?  Simply just opening it up and reading can also help - and waiting at a later stage for application of the critical filters - taking a critical distance both from all - and also discovering that the critical filters we sometimes superimpose, are there for a reason - chosen because we felt threatened, or reluctant.  You may find that you can “live with it” - and that in doing so, you live and move in Christ and also have the freedom of re-evaluating and deepening the place of those critical devices in your reading experience.

The Courts in this country, for the most part, have pretty much decided TEC owns and controls the Church buildings. Accept it!

Some courts have sided wit TEC. Some have not, and he legal struggle is far from over.  None of this has been addressed at the level of the Supreme Court.

At the same time, courts have decided many things in this country that were later seen to be ill-advised, for example, the “three-fifths” compromise, the Dred Scott decision, the “separate but equal” doctrine, Roe vs. Wade.

I don’t understand the fuss….these are Episcopal Churches, part of TEC!! That is not a congregationalist,non denominational outfit where each congregation is wholy independent! 

You do not like the Episcopal Church at its present state, just leave! Many people do that in all denominations for a myriad of reasons after having tithed, prayed and done all kinds of works and wonderful deeds! What you can’t do is take the stuff with you…its not yours to take ...it does not only belong to you! You joined an Episcopal parish in TEC, with its own peculiar form of government and canons….which, as all things do, is in evolution! 

Just leave the junk if you no longer can abide as part of the diocese or denomination and go elsewhere as you are very free to do! I know many people and clergy who have done just that, left TEC, buildings , endowments and all…if its only about conscience and not money, confort or earthly attachmenys people should have no trouble doing so.

Or they could just stay…and preserve that sacred space with their presence, prayers, witness, evangelism…As far as I know none of these parishes have been booted out simply for not agreeeing! 

Nothing last forever and God can cause change to happen from just a mustard seed…in His time! Rome survived the Borgias and the clergy scandals…Christendom survived the Arians….surely you can muster the faith to survive a gay bishop and the present wave of aging liberals…or not?

Blessings

Seraph

Echoing all the good sentiments here.
God bless Matt+ and Good Shepherd.
God bring TEC to repentance and a better mind; and if not, to perfect justice.
“[They] meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”

Matt+
Is there an address where those who may want to help support Good Shepherd financially during this time may send checks? Thanks.

Mat and Anne,
God’s grace be with you, the vestry, and the ministry leaders of your parish as you depart for God’s more perfect will. I just stepped down from our vestry after serving through the six years that culminated in the division of St. Matthew’s here and the resultant birth of St. Andrew’s. God blessed us richly beyond our expectations in the time between extinction, inhibition and division, even as we prayed, wept and agonized over our fates. God has called you truly and as truly will meet your faith and turn your weeping into joy. We had to walk through the grieving, the relocation, the division of things, the recrimination, the pain and now finally (at St. Andrew’s at least) moving on into our service to Him. We see new faces each week as God calls new hearts to Him in our church, we are expanding our ministries, joining our efforts with others and God has both richly blessed us and challenged us more.

We will uphold you in prayer and thanksgiving for the love and witness to the Gospel truth. In turn wait patiently on God’s good time in things. He often uses our pain to make us stronger in our faith and trust in Him. We saw Him move powerfully and unexpectedly for us, we look to see the same for you as well. Serve God, love each other and lean into the tribulation.

God’s richest grace and blessings to you all!

-Patrick

#85 - Seraph,
The problem is that TEC does not follow or obey its own canons or guiding documents.  We have watched them sign agreements in the Communion and then go home to ignore them.  We have seen them lie, misuse the canons and ignore others. 

TEC is an oligarchy that has no operating integrity…

The only lawsuit that really has merit is a class action lawsuit by the whole church (at the individual parish level, those who are in and those who have left) against TEC for abandoning its theology and canons. 

The ring leaders, false shepherds and teachers and the agenda infiltrators should be driven out on a rail.

Edit - TEC does not follow or obey its own canons or guiding documents - neither the historical theological documents nor its current agreements.  This includes Windsor, Dar, Camp Allen and all the rest.
Anglican agreements are worthless.

Thank God for the Jerusalem Declaration and the new Anglicanism rising up.  By George, I think they mean it!  (apologies to Pygmalion/My Fair Lady)

As one door closes, so another door opens.

I am so sorry to hear this.  I read recently how Anne+ was reorganizing the house/rectory and schoolroom, getting ready for a new year of home schooling. It is very difficult to move your home, and in particular when the move is not of your choice and with little notice. 

My prayers for strength for all and especially a hedge of protection around the children.  I also pray for wonderful new housing for the Kennedy family.  Jeremiah 29:11

-Cathy_Lou

Since the Diocese has claimed the building and all the assets, I am assuming that they, from the day of the order, will be paying all the bills.  Small comfort, but think of the time and effort saved in accounting and bookkeeping!

My prayers are with you and your family, and my tears mix with yours and many others’ as we grieve your loss.  I offer them to the LORD as a sacrifice, and look forward to the time when He will wipe all the tears from our eyes.  Tomorrow is another day, but this might be the time for grieving - please allow yourselves to do so.

I also would like to know if there is a way for folks to help with the finances of the church and the Kennedy family - please let us know.  Thanks, and God bless you.

Matt, I am so sad to read this.  But I also rejoice in your ability and that of the vestry & warden in the midst of this sad news.  I know you will take these trials and use them to show the world the Glory of God and the amazing Truth of His Gospel.  God bless and keep you.  You are a worthy servant.

Matt,
I wish you and Anne and your children and your church family all the best as you set out on a new phase of your journey. You will be in my prayers for God to reveal his will for you in the days aheand.

God speed, faithful servant!

“What you all don’t understand is that the property rights and rights of conscience are separate.”

Then why do tyrants hate both with such a passion and do all they can to stamp them out?

Matt and Anne, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I wanted to share how my children have responded to leaving our church building. Admittedly we were not losing our home as well, and my children are a little older than yours, but I was blessed and heartened by their response.  I kept them busy with tasks and responsibilities for helping us set up our new church home (in a school gym), and took every opportunity to remind them of the Biblical reasons we took this step. It was also important to remind them that the important things would not change - the same clergy, the same friends, the same youth group/Sunday School and the same service.  Six months later my daughter wrote an essay at school discussing how much she respected her parents because we followed our faith rather than the society. She said she was proud and excited to be an apostle, of sorts, striking out into the unknown. My son, who is several years younger, didn’t seem particularly interested in the subject at the time.  Now, three years later, he says that he is strengthened by knowing that you don’t have to follow the crowd, and he uses the memory of our strong stand to remind him to make the right decisions. I pray that this experience strengthens your family, as it has mine.

Praying for you, may you know God’s blessing and may your tribe increase.

Matt,
We will be lifting you and your congregation up in prayer tomorrow at all of our services at Christ the King Anglican (AMiA) here in Ocala, Fl.  Welcome to the land of freedom.

Apparently, Rick Warren is extending a hand to the California churches. Perhaps, he can help out in Binghamton?

What a gift The Holy Spirit has given the faithful of New York. The examples of the true nature of all the participants now shows forth. TEC and its local manager (“Bishop”)offer stark contrast to the Christian men and woment of Good Shepherd. You will now go forth creating daily examples of Christian charity and fidelity.

I sincerely believe we should all loose our buildings so we can then more effectively witness to the Truth. A lot of folks have lost their lives in defence of the Church. What are a few old boards and red doors in comparison to that sacrifice?

It’s going to be just fine Matt. Go and Grow.

And, Matt+ and Anne+ you are in good company, in the company of all the Saints and Martyrs through the ages who are interceding for you right now.  Two in particular come to mind:
http://satucket.com/lectionary/Latimer&Ridley_Cross.jpg

Sorry bad link:
http://satucket.com/lectionary/Latimer&Ridley_Cross.jpg

Seraph, you have a way with words, you know that?  Unfortunately, that is not a good thing in this instance.  Ever hear the saying “don’t kick a man when he is down?”

Harsh.  Cold.  Sad.

Well said, GoodMissMurphey.  However, what can you expect from a troll?

Dear folks of Good Shepherd,
Please know that you are all being upheld in prayer by many as you begin your new journey.  While you mourn this loss, rest assured that God has an special plan for this very faithful congregation.  Soon you will be able to enjoy the liberating feeling that leaving behind the lukewarm Episcopal Church brings, but it is certainly understandable that you may be feeling sad now.

It is going to be such a blessing to see how things will fall into place for you all!  Please share with us how God provides for all of your church’s needs.

I think Seraph’s post (#85) is not trollish, since she has not acted the troll before here or on T19, though certainly in the reappraiser camp.  Methinks her conscience stings her a bit, and she tries to get the Kennedys to see, through her own filter, how unnecessary it was for Good Shepherd to leave DioCNY, and how having their offers to negotiate with the diocese for the property being rejected constitutes attempted theft of TEC property.

Seraph, perhaps someday you will understand that if, for example, the American Cattleman’s Association infiltrates the leadership of PETA by politically savvy and patient manuvering and outvoting the vegetarians, and redefines “ethical treatment of animals” to be whatever maximizes the profit of ranchers, then it would be difficult for a vegetarian to remain in good conscience as a member.  You might also understand how sharply felt would be the seziure of meeting halls and member dues paid for by the vegetarian membership, now being used to exploit animals instead of protect them, and you might even think the pursuit of redress by the courts not only acceptable, but even a moral obligation.  I am in no way endorsing all of PETA’s goals or any of their methods, with which I mostly disagree, except for those seeking to prevent cruelty to animals in any setting.  But try to imagine yourself in that situation and you may begin to appreciate our majority perspective on SFIF, and you might, though it would be a long stretch, even begin to reassess your own membership in an organization (I refuse to call it a church any longer) that loves and values buildings and assets, but forgets and dismisses Jesus as LORD and the only Saviour from sin and the only way to the Father.

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, but you do not follow My commandments?”

This is sad news, Matt.  You all are in my prayers.

Matt+,
Back in April of last year most of our congregation was forced to leave our Church of the Good Shepherd in Tomball, Texas for an extended stay in the wilderness of a junior high, with offices in another place and Wednesday classes in building provided by Tomball Bible Church and choir space provided by the local Methodist Church.  Our first worship service outside of our building was filled with tears of joy for many because of the freedom that we felt in escaping TEC and because so many of our parish members decided to join us.  For others there were tears of sadness over the loss of a building that they dearly loved…and for all of us there were the tears of sorrow at good friends left behind.  In the period since we entered the wilderness we were often surprised by God’s great mercy as we grew closer as a parish through our struggles.  Finally we were able to acquire a new worship space…our first service was Christmas Eve and while we are still sharing the building that we purchased with the previous congregation for another month or so, I spent most of my day today planning repairs and improvements on the new property…if our old bishop had come to us with an offer to sell our property back to us at the end I am sure that most of us would have rejected it.  As God has blessed us during our time in the wilderness I have followed your Church of the Good Shepherd recognizing most of your experiences as part of the same road which we had already walked…so I feel your pain and I bring tidings of great joy…Jesus Christ is Lord and he is well pleased with his good and faithful servants…I will continue to pray for your congregation as they follow down the path through the wilderness that God will bless your congregation as richly as He has ours at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church!

As a member of Good Shepherd, I am overwhelmed with the support of almost everyone here at Stand Firm.  I have said before that we are truly blessed to have Clergy who so love Jesus that they are able to lead us along the narrow path.  They are an inspiration to all of us.  Without them, we would be muddling through the changes in TEC never knowing what was happening to our souls.  We know that this is the right way to go.  But we would have really liked to keep the church we and our predecessors worked so hard to support for 135 years!
    Some have asked about helping us as we look for a new place to call home.  I, and some others, have been personally donating our funds to a religious foundation (St. Matthias Society, Ltd.) for some time.  These funds have been held for GS Anglican and will become available whenever we wish to draw on it.  I could not see it in my heart to donate to the church with the possibility of it going to the Diocese in the end.  If you wish, you could send checks to St. Matthias c/o Good Shepherd Anglican at PO Box 125, Binghamton, NY 13903.  The good thing is that it is fully tax deductible.
  We are praying that Matt+ and Anne+ will continue to be strong as they are put out of their home.  They are scrambling to find a suitable place to live.
  Thank you all again for the outpouring of love.  We certainly do appreciate your prayers.

Matt/Anne and those all at Good Shepherd:
What a gracious and well stated letter. We will remember you in prayer tomorrow at Christ the King Anglican Church, Winchester TN [CANA]. May you be filled with Christ’s peace and His mighty Spirit as you embark on this next step of faithful following. One thing is for sure, Christ is faithful! Having left TEC just a year ago, this is just one of many lessons I/we continue to learn -He is faithful!
Blessings to you.
Fr. Bill

Dear Matt, Anne, Vestry and Faithful Members of Good Shepherd
As we hold you in prayer, we will ask that God continue to bless you with His love and care and that you be showered with His blessings.  We thank you for your example of Christian charity.  Surely, the Lord will bless and keep you all your days.

Matt, prayers going up tomorrow from Christ the Savior in Jackson, MS.  God bless you through all this, and onward, especially.

Who is more fully invested in a full-on revival as ECUSA?  There’s either gonna be a great move of God to build up His Church (and create a demand for worship space), or somebody’s gonna be holding an double armload of distressed properties!  (Can you say, “Gothic ghetto,” boys and girls?  Sure you can!)

Besides- I reckon that neat little white building would’ve been too small for ya pretty soon, anyway! 

I want to say “A pox” on the diocese-as-organization-with-its-Manager. Would it really be un-christ-like? He called certain religious leaders “whited sepulchers—full of dead men’s bones” and “a brood of vipers.”

“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matt! 23:33 KJV. Read the whole chapter for your devotions today).

Can they not find some alternative to putting a young family out of their home? No, that would take grace.

I feel like Clint Eastwood in the current movie—Gran Torino—“Rrrrrrrrrrr.” But it is Sunday and I must go to church and pray for grace myself.

God, richly bless Matt, Anne, and their great family. Bless the people of Good Shepherd with hope and joy.

Off topic (but not really): See Gran Torino! Redemptive. [SF—If remove this comment, post a review of the movie. It is a movie for our situation. Don’t spoil the ending.].

Hey, Bull Street,  Righteous anger and indignation are Scriptural and OK with God as long as we are defending the Faith, The Name of the Lord, cleansing the Temple (internal and external ones) of beasts, merchants, parasites and vermin, dung, etc. and acting, praying, motivated by desire for redemption of all concerned -  and not defending our own little purses, kingdoms and territories.

Hear, hear, Floridian!

TEO loves buildings.  Christians love Jesus and give themselves to Him for His glory and to be used by Him to save souls from eternal banishment and for eternal glory and joy.

No, not even that.  What TEO loves most is money.

Fr. Matt: As many others have done so previously, let me extend my prayers and best wishes to you and all the members of your parish. Your witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your ministry and by way of this marvelous forum (Stand Firm) speaks for itself. May God continue to bless you and your faithful flock as you move forward into the future…...free from the shackles of an ever-increasingly apostate and withering branch of God’s Holy Church. May God have mercy on those who continue to persecute those who stand firm for the faith once given.

I am sorry in addition for the effect on Good Shepherd’s ministry including the soup kitchen I understand they serve the needy in.

But perhaps Bishop Skip will come out of his palace, put down his crozier, put on his jeans, get in his limo with his wife and staff and come down to serve the poor and needy himself….every day.

Pageantmaster,

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!  Oh, my.  Thanks for a great laugh.

A thread title on another blog that applies: You keep the house, we’ll take the kids.

The Church is not a building. Nor it is an ecclesiastical institution. If you want to know what the Church is, read the first chapter of Ephesians. Jesus is the head of the Church, not KJS, not Robert Duncan, not Gene Robison, not Jack Iker. I know Fr Matt and Mo Anne only from the Internet. I disagree with them on many things. But I do respect them and do extend to them my warmest prayers in this their time of aedificial trauma.  Rest assured, God will take care of them as God does as well for progressive Anglo-Catholics like me. Good Shephed will move itself outward, onward and upward with God’s blessing and assistance just as God does for every other parish that endeavors to seek and serve Christ in all persons and respect the dignity of every being. Good Shepherd, do not worry about a building—-I’m sure there will be a suitable worship space somewhere—-but be a Shepherd to its community. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, house the homeless, heal the sick. Be servants. Your community will notice you and you will prosper.

Matt+
I have been trying to decide what to post for the last few days. All the bad news in the California courts followed by this news- it is not looking good for those who decided to separate. Are those separating wrong, and are all of these court decisions evidence of God’s judgement against those causing schism in the church? Or are those separating following the correct path, choosing the way of truth in the face of intense persecution? Is this battle worth it in terms of the casualties that those separating are taking?

Those were the thoughts in my mind as I went to church today. Then todays sermon was preached. At our church, the clergy take a break from preaching every few weeks, and a layman preaches from whatever part of the bible they feel led to preach from. Today they chose Philippians 12-14. Our church is not going through any of the Anglican battles. The reading was taken using the Message translation:

Philippians 12-14 I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered. All the soldiers here, and everyone else, too, found out that I’m in jail because of this Messiah. That piqued their curiosity, and now they’ve learned all about him. Not only that, but most of the followers of Jesus here have become far more sure of themselves in the faith than ever, speaking out fearlessly about God, about the Messiah.

I think this was the answer I was looking for. Go forth, preach the truth to all who will listen. This is a time for advancement and not retreat. You have a testimony now, and that testimony will help your ministry advance in ways you could never have done if you had not suffered this sorrow. Don’t be silenced, speak out at every opportunity.

DesertDavid #124,
“The Church is not a building”.
Well, yes and no.  That is like saying that a house is not a home when you’ve been living in it and raising a family in it for 20 years. I’m sure there are a lot of social, emotional and spiritual experiences and memories there for most of the parishioners. It seems dismissive to me to tell folks to move on when in fact they may not be ready to do so at this point. Additionally, to call their experience “aedificial trauma” is similar to Dcn Phil Snyder calling it the loss of their “worship building”. If it’s only a building, why is it consecrated? Do you really think they are just grieving the loss of a building?

“Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning”.

I know your sadness, ache with you, but as fellow parishoner Masternav said, there IS another side!  Wonder will replace your sadness as the Lord honors your stand for Him and His Word!  We have experienced it, and can witness to it!  Got is with you!  Watch Him work!

Of course DCN Dale and Desert David are both correct. The building is very special and was worth the fight to save. God’s will is now known, in an Exodus moment, for this brave parish. They need to grieve—- but moving on will open so many new possibilities to witness. The building now is a new symbol, of the callous and cold desire of TEC to extinguish the faithful. Everyone in town must be aware of Father Matt’s good works. They will drive by the empty building every day and be reminded of the difference between TEC and the real Good Shepherd.

Dear Fr Matt
I have been reading about your church and want to let you know that I’ve been worshipping in a faith community in Fort Worth TX since our Nov convention when the majority of delegates decided to leave TEC. It has been difficult to leave the church home I’ve worshipped in for 30 years, where I rasised my family and where I have many friends and memories. I am here to tell you that it will be alright. As one who wishes to stay with the Episcopal Church, I’ve come to learn it is not about the building. It is about the worship and worship is possible anywhere.
I do not like how many have treated each other in this separation. The group from our church who wished to remain with TEC asked if we could have meetings at our church, if we could use the church at alternate times for worship and we were told no. Postings on our egroup site warned others to watch “us” as we might steal from the church prayerbooks, hymnals and such.
So there is sadness and hurt on both sides. We have not been Christian to each other. I’ve read so many hurtful remarks on this blog alone that it went a long way to cement my feelings about whether to stay or go.
I wish you and your family only good things. I put you on our prayer list this morning and will continue to pray for you as I worship in a building that is not church except on Sunday mornings when we gather. On Sunday mornings it becomes the church and is full of love, prayer and hope for the future of us all!
Ann

Observing, 125, I think I can help.

“Are those separating wrong, and are all of these court decisions evidence of God’s judgement against those causing schism in the church?”

No.  Whatever the courts’ decision, be it pro-denomination or pro-congregation, it is an expression of human systems, not a reflection of divine will.

“Is this battle worth it in terms of the casualties that those separating are taking?”

I suspect Matt+ would point you, at least in part, to past threads.  See, for example, http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/18493/.

Matt—I heard this had happened in church yesterday. George Beaven asked the congregation to be in prayer for you and Anne, your kids and the congregation of Good Shepherd. I am so sorry things went this way. I am disgusted by the blindness of courts that side with evil.But I am infuriated by bishops who while claiming the name of Christ, act with deceit.

I think I am the most upset that your family’s house is part of the property. To any churches who house their pastors and families in parsonages—from the bottom of my heart, for many reasons, I beg you to find a way to pay them a living wage that includes the ability to purchase their own housing.

I ask the Lord to bring about all the blessings that people have prayed for all of you on this thread, and more. Lord—also please provide the Kennedys with a wonderful new house, one they hold the title to.

His peace,
Pat Kashtock