As diverse as is the Episcopal Church, General Convention
can be messy, factional, and petty, but sometimes profound and
always inspirational.
It is a reminder that all Episcopalians are part of "One
holy, catholic, and apostolic faith," and at its best it is a
small vision of God at work in His world.
As you will undoubtedly understand, many persons-from a variety
of perspectives across the spectrum of the Church-view this
forthcoming General Convention with a degree of concern and anxiety.
Each member of the Church may have a different take on what that
meeting and its decisions may mean, but we do seem to be united in
our concern for our Church and the Anglican Communion. I understand
God to be working in the Church through the Holy Spirit at all times
and in all places. I believe Jesus calls us to a faithfulness that
casts out fear. And I believe God does answer our prayers when they
are offered in the spirit of Christ.
I therefore call on the congregations of the Diocese of West Texas
and their clergy to gather in each community for a Day of Prayer and
Fasting for the General Convention of the Church on Saturday June
3rd, the eve of Pentecost. On our diocesan website you will find
several resources for this effort: an Order for the Vigil of
Pentecost, some resources should you not want to conduct a vigil,
and a meditation I have written for the occasion. In lieu of a
formal liturgy, you could also have persons sign up for time
segments when they would come to the church to pray. Some
congregations may wish to unite with others to carry out these
prayers.
However you may choose to live into this holy endeavor, let us all
join in corporate prayer on June 3. Let us pray that our Church may
be a united witness to the working of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray
that we might gather as God's Church in unity, peace, and in holy,
catholic and apostolic bonds of affection, and with a Gospel for the
world for which Jesus died and rose again.
Use the controls in the "FLASHPAPER" tool
bar below to move the page, change the size, scroll down or arrow through multiple
pages, or print the document (second button from the right).
Use the controls in the "FLASHPAPER" tool
bar below to move the page, change the size, scroll down or arrow through multiple
pages, or print the document (second button from the right).
This document can be used as a template to create a church
specific Vigil of Pentecost liturgy. You will find several
instances where a "_________" line should be replaced with your
information. For example, at the sermon replace "The
Rev._______" with the cleric's name.
Use the controls in the "FLASHPAPER" tool
bar below to move the page, change the size, scroll down or arrow through multiple
pages, or print the document (second button from the right).
