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The Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic States

Of the Anglican Catholic Church

The credo The Rt. Rev’d D. Francis Lerow, Managing Editor

The Rev’d T.L. Crowder, Content Editor

Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr

13 December, A.D. 2013

The Crozier Today is my first letter to you in this publication of THE CREDO. The

restoration of this newsletter is a hopeful spark and evidence of a dream of

many. Certainly any opportunity to reach out to a larger audience for the

advancement of Christ in the Diocese is a good thing. Though THE CREDO

has lain dormant over the last number of years, the work of the Diocese has

continued to take on its own form and shape. “What you see is what you get” is

the old saying. If we understand what we have, it at least gives us a place to

begin and a path to follow. Certainly we have our work cut out for us, a

comment echoed by the Apostles, I might add. Yet, that is not to say that the

Diocese has not produced some pretty tasty fruit, because it has. Yet, it has seen

its share of the tough times, which only makes us a tough and robust people,

prepared for the advancement of Christ’s Church.

We are now at a crossroads, and some very important decisions need to be made. The first

requirement is that we take a good inventory of our heart and mind. Let us ask ourselves if we are

ready to step forward with courage, and a sound sense of duty. The challenge before each of us is to

lift up our eyes, and look across the aisle to our fellow brothers or sisters in Christ, and to the Parish

not far down the distant road, and to realize that we are not alone. Every Parish has its difficulties,

from personalities, management of the temporalities and shoestring budgets. But the prayer of Christ

is that “we may all be one,” and be “made perfect in one” (John 18:21-23). And with this in our mind

we can never give up on our belief that we are the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus

Christ, faithfully continuing the Anglican tradition and called to be the manifestation of Christ in and

to the world. Such a calling and adventure requires two things; first, that we “seek those things which

are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Col 3:1), and second, that we learn to be

more “Forbearing (of) one another, and forgiving.” (v.3). With such tools latched to our belts we can

win the world to Christ and be the united people that Christ has prayed we would be.

Truly our vision is lofty and remains hopeful and vigilant. We are an Anglican people who

have broad traditions with one heart. Broad traditions can make for some interesting times, but if we

can look for ways to knit our hearts more closely together as a Diocese, and be a place to which many

will come, finding safety and spiritual health, there is no telling what God will be able to do with us. It

is my hope that THE CREDO will be a fundamental piece of gear in our tackle box that will unite our

Anglican hearts together, and be the testimony of a work well done, and a witness to the great shining

light of Christ throughout the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic States of the Anglican Catholic Church.

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Now, I would be remiss if I did not take the opportunity to publically thank Fr. Tom Crowder

for gathering the tidbits of information from the landscape of the Diocese for this Newsletter. His

willingness to go the extra mile in formatting, editing, text and correcting the spelling is greatly

appreciated. It is a privilege to have him and his due diligence in this great work. Thank you Fr.

Crowder!

In Christ,

Bishop D. Francis Lerow

Bishop Ordinary, DMAS, ACC

From the Archbishop

Looming Changes in Tax Law

The Archbishop wishes to remind the faithful that during this year, A.D. 2013, individuals may

give up-to $100,000.00 from their IRA (Individual Retirement Account) to the Church, without having

to pay the income tax on said amount. It does not appear likely that this rule will be renewed for

A.D. 2014, so if anyone is inclined to make such a gift, now is the time.

Philippines Relief

At the recent Provincial Synod in Newport Beach, Bishop Rene Canillo and the Missionary

District of the Philippines were received into the ACC. This happy news has in recent days been

overshadowed, by the disaster visited upon the people of the Philippines in the form of Typhoon

Haiyan. Bishop Canillo has requested prayers and aid for his people, and we are in a position to help.

In addition to offering up your prayers, donations may be made through the Missionary Society of

Saint Paul. To do so online, cut-and-paste the following link: http://www.anglicancatholic.org/news/

Bishop-Canillo-requests-prayers-and-aid-for-churches-people-of-Philippines.

From the Diocese

Diocesan Administration

Each publication of THE CREDO will provide updates on the business of the Diocese and what

has been done through the various working committees of the Diocese. The working committees are

divided into committees outlined within the canons of the DMAS, such as the Executive- and Standing

Committees, and other committees that are not required within the canons. These work with the Bishop

to implement the Strategic Plan of the Diocese, such as the Commission on Holy Orders, the

Evangelism Committee, Children and Youth Committees, and the Music Committee.

Executive Committee – Canon 8 of the DMAS Canons states that the purpose of the Executive

Committee is to work in conjunction with the treasurer of the Diocese to prepare and present an annual

budget to the delegates of Synod, and to administer the budget between Synods. The Executive

Committee has the authority change the budget as necessary, based on the income and expenses

realized by the Parishes. The Executive Committee has 3 lay members, and 3 clerical members, with

the Bishop acting as the President. The lay and clerical members of the committee are elected on a

rotating basis at each annual Synod. Each member serves for a period of 3 years, and members are not

allowed to succeed themselves.

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The most recent work of the Executive Committee

has been to work on the Diocesan Strategic Plan prepared as

a result of the June, A.D. 2013 Diocesan Synod. The

Diocesan Vision Statement developed at the Synod is “That

the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic States of the Anglican

Catholic Church be a unified, informed, educated and

growing Diocese with a deeper understanding of the

Catholic faith, Anglican worship and the Holy Scriptures.”

Standing Committee – While the Executive committee deals with the fiscal business of the

Diocese, the Standing Committee advises the Bishop on spiritual matters. While the Standing

Committee may not instruct the Bishop, it may recommend and advise the Bishop upon matters he

deems necessary. The Standing Committee has 3 lay members and 3 clerical members, with the

Bishop acting as the President. The lay and clerical members of the committee are elected on a

rotating basis at each annual Synod. Each member serves for a period of 3 years, and members are not

allowed to succeed themselves. The most recent work of the Standing Committee has been to work

with the Executive Committee on the implementation of the Diocesan Plan.

Council of Advice – The Executive Committee and Standing Committee meeting together

serve as the Bishop’s Council of Advice. This Committee may not mandate procedures, but serves in

an advisory capacity to the Bishop upon matters he deems necessary to bring before it. The Council of

Advice becomes the Guardians of the Spiritualities in the absence of a Bishop Ordinary, and deals with

the administration of the Diocese.

Commission on Holy Orders – The Commission on Holy Orders also serves in an advisory

capacity to the Bishop, in matters regarding men wishing to be Postulants and Candidates for Holy

Orders. All men wishing to pursue a vocation to the Priesthood come before the Commission to

answer questions, report progress, and to receive canonical evaluations. The Commission consists of

lay and clerical members appointed by the Bishop, and confirmed by the annual Synod.

Children and Youth Committee – This committee’s primary purpose in the past has been to

organize and plan the annual DMAS summer camp. However, based on the actions of the 2013

Annual Synod, they will now be taking on more activity, such as compiling and distributing

standardized Sunday School materials for use by the Diocese. This committee consists of lay and

clerical members appointed by the Bishop, and confirmed by the annual Synod.

Music Commission – This committee, chaired by Mr. Bernard Riley, Diocesan Choirmaster, is

responsible for the music at all Diocesan events, and for the musical education of the children at the

DMAS summer camp.

Evangelism Committee – This committee, chaired by The Rev’d Jeffrey Edmunds, will be

continuing the work started at the 2013 DMAS Synod, to share ideas and spread the Gospel, and to

provide practical advice to Parishes to help them grow. This committee will also be responsible for

implementing portions of the DMAS Strategic Plan.

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Status of Invested Funds

DIOCESE OF THE MID-ATLANTIC STATES

STATUS OF INVESTED FUNDS

July 1, 2013 through November 30, 2013

NAME

Description

Investment Strategy

VALUE

07/01/2013

CHANGES IN

IN VALUE

VALUE

11/30/2013

1 Entwistle Fund

Endowment of the DMAS Episcopate

Long Term

$221,081.55 $27,646.88 $248,728.43

2 Reserve Fund

General back-up for special

unbudgeted items

Medium Term

51,855.14 4,084.48 55,939.62

3 Bishop's Clerical Assistant

Endowment to provide the Bishop

with a priest assistant

Long Term

104,832.59 15,227.34 120,059.93

4 Anglican Advancement Fund

Seed money for new congregations

Short Term

12,917.45 471.25 13,388.70

5 MacCammond Fund

Education/Training of

Prospective clergy

Medium Term

55,938.94 2,650.86 58,589.80

6 Revolving Loan Fund

Loans to missions/parishes

to construct a building

Medium Term

18,060.42 3,571.69 21,632.11

7 Bishop's Chariot Fund

Purchase of DMAS

vehicle for Bishop

Medium Term

55,845.43 4,512.38 60,357.81

8 Provincial Synod Travel

Travel funds for clergy

Delegates to Provincial Synod

Short Term

16,478.81 (5,305.55) 11,173.26

9 Missions & Charitable Works

Missions and Charity

Medium Term

13,661.48 1,100.39 14,761.87

10 Elsie M. Perry Camp Fund

DMAS Summer Camp Scholarships

Short Term

28,599.72 1,108.02 29,707.74

TOTALS $579,271.53 $61,068.05 $634,339.27

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Diocesan Regions Bishop Lerow has divided the Diocese into convenient Regions for Clergy and lay gatherings,

in an effort to facilitate communication and community within the Diocese. The Regions, and

Regional Co-ordinators, are as follows:

Northwest, henceforth known as Galilee – Fr. Carlton Clarke;

o Ascension, All Angels, S. Columba (Warrenton).

Northeast, henceforth known as Iturea – Fr. John Roddy;

o Ss. Andrew and Margaret, S. Mary’s, S. Michael’s, S. George’s.

Central, henceforth known as Samaria – Fr. Jeffrey Edmunds;

o Epiphany, S. David’s, S. Luke’s, S. Paul’s.

Southwest, henceforth known as Judea – Fr. Alex Darby;

o St. Thomas, S. Peter’s, S. Stephen’s, Good Shepherd, S. Columba (Lebanon),

Christ Church.

Southeast, henceforth known as Idumea – Fr. Jeff Johnson;

o S. Alban’s, S. Anne’s, S. Mark’s, All Saints, S. John’s, S. Matthew’s (Newport

News).

The Regional Co-ordinators will have their first meeting with Bishop Lerow on 17 January,

A.D. 2014.

Bishop’s Visitation Schedule for 2014

The Bishop has distributed his proposed schedule of Parochial Visitations for A.D. 2014. The

Clergy have until 31 December this year to respond. Please only respond if the proposed date will

NOT work.

New Diocesan Treasurer

Many thanks to Col. Kief Tackaberry, USAR Ret., who has volunteered to serve as our next

Diocesan Treasurer. The transition and training process has already begun. We offer many thanks and

blessings to Mr. Jim D’Wolf, who has long-served the DMAS faithfully, and well.

Pre-Advent Retreat

Those who missed the Pre-Advent Retreat this year missed an excellent session. It was hosted

by Saint Thomas of Canterbury Parish, in Roanoke, Virginia, over 15 and 16 November. Our newly-

elected Bishop Ordinary, The Right Rev'd D. Francis Lerow, gave an in-depth presentation on healing,

both spiritual and physical, and how the Church has been-, is-, and should be involved in both. Those

present both enjoyed and learned a great deal from the talks given by the Bishop, as well as the lengthy

question and answer sessions.

Clergy Meeting

Over 30 September and 1 October, the House of Clergy met for fellowship and discussion.

Presentations were given on Church Music, by Mr. Bernard Riley, Diocesan Choir Master, and on

ministries of healing, by The Rev’d S. Strother Smith, Jr. Items discussed ranged from liturgy and

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Clergy apparel to the forth-coming Diocesan Newsletter, the then- approaching Provincial Synod, and

Clergy compensation. Topics to be discussed at the next Clericus (12-13 May, A.D. 2014) include

Diocesan Retreats and Evangelism.

New Diocesan Website

The diocese has a new website address – www.dmas-acc.org.

Diocesan Calendar

11 January, A.D. 2014 – Enthronement of Bishop Lerow as Bishop Ordinary of the DMAS

(S. Alban’s, Richmond, VA)

28-29 March, A.D. 2014 – DMAS Lenten Retreat (S. Alban’s, Richmond, VA)

12-13 May, A.D. 2014 – Clergy Meeting (Site TBD)

12-14 June, A.D. 2014 – DMAS Synod (Site TBD)

July, A.D. 2014 – DMAS Youth Summer Camp (Mechanicsville, VA)

From the Province

Bishop Lerow Elected as Ordinary

At the recent Provincial Synod, it was announced that The Rt. Rev’d D. Francis Lerow had

been elected by the College of Bishops as the next Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic

States. The date has now been set for the Enthronement of Bishop Lerow, which will take place on

Saturday, 11 January, A.D. 2014. The place will be Saint Alban’s Parish, Richmond, Virginia; the

time will be 11:00 A.M. All Clergy are required to attend; all others are joyously encouraged to

attend. A special hotel rate of $59.00 per night is available at the Clarion Hotel Central (3207 N.

Boulevard, Richmond, VA). Call the hotel at 804-359-9441 and request the “Saint Alban’s” rate.

Province Prepares to become Holy Synod

Much of the session-work at the recently concluded XXth Provincial Synod of the Anglican

Catholic Church dealt with the Constitutional and Canonical changes required by the impending

creation of a third Province within the Church. Currently, the Church has the Original Province, and

the Province of India (not their full titles). With the near-term potential of a third Province, in Africa,

the Constitution requires that a Holy Synod be formed. Considering the volume of material to be

amended, the work went smoothly, and well.

Anglican Catholic Church of Canada makes Africa appeal

“The Africa Appeal is a mission of the Traditional Anglican Church of Canada (ACCC)

focused on two national churches in Africa affiliated with the Anglican Catholic Church – Original

Province. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bishop Steven Ayule-Milenge leads the Missionary

Diocese of the Congo, and in Cameroon Fr. Alphonse Ndutiye is the Vicar General of the Missionary

District there.

The primary effort of the Africa Appeal is to provide support for liturgical necessities and for

church buildings, as well as ensure regular financial support for clergy living expenses. Donations are

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managed by the parishes of St. Bride of Kildare and St Columba of Iona in British Columbia and Fr

David Marriott communicates with the churches.”

The rest of this article, taken from The Traditional Anglican News, the organ of the ACCC,

goes into great detail concerning the history and needs of our brothers and sisters in Africa. Donations

are tax deductible, and can be sent to: The Parish of St. Bride, c/o 20895 Camwood Ave., Maple

Ridge, BC V2X 2N9.

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

December 15, A.D. 2013, Advent III – The Diocese of the Midwest –

The Rt. Rev’d Rommie M. Starks, Bishop Ordinary.

December 22, A.D. 2013, Advent IV – St. John’s, Virginia Beach, Virginia –

The Rev’d Robert Whitaker, Rector.

December 29, A.D. 2013, Christmas I – St. Thomas of Canterbury, Roanoke, Virginia –

The Rev’d Paul Buetell, Rector; The Rev’d Don Poff, Assisting; The Rev’d Marvin Gardner, Priest

Associate; The Rev’d Dennis L. Sossi, Priest-in-Residence.

January 5, A.D. 2014, Christmas II – St. Stephen’s, Clifton Forge, Virginia –

The Ven. C. Thomas McHenry, Jr., Rector.

January 12, A.D. 2014, Epiphany I – The Church of the Epiphany, Amherst, Virginia – clerically

vacant.

January 19, A.D. 2014, Epiphany II – St. Alban’s, Richmond, Virginia –

The Very Rev’d Charles Nalls, Rector.

January 26, A.D. 2014, Epiphany III – St. Paul’s, Lexington, Virginia –

The Rev’d Canon Wallace C. Shields, Rector.

From the Parishes

All Angels Springfield, VA

Marielle Nedum Malaka, daughter of Melvin and Michelle

Malaka, was christened on 10 November, A.D. 2013, at the Mission

church of All Angels in Springfield, Virginia. Fr. Carlton C. Clarke

performed the service, which was the first baptism at the year-old

Mission. The founders of All Angels established the Mission with a goal

of attracting traditional Anglicans from outside the United States. Its first

service was on the Feast of St. David of Scotland, 24 May, A.D. 2012.

From the Parishes

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All Saints Saluda, VA

“Last Spring the members of All Saints Anglican Church in

Saluda, Virginia, determined to increase their outreach both at home and

abroad. To that end, they began selling crafts, baked goods, and all kinds

of things at the Middlesex County Farmer’s market in Urbanna. The

market took place on the second Saturday of each month from June

through August.

All Saints became a vendor at the market, bought a nice pavilion

cover and tables, and had a nice sign made saying “All Saints Anglican

Church…Traditional Worship…Loving Fellowship…God’s Truth for

Today’s Challenges.” The sign brought many visitors by the booth, and

some tri-folds with information were handed out. Over the course of the

summer, $1,000.00 was raised to give away to mission work.

The funds raised were split between local mission needs in

Middlesex County, and overseas missions. The congregation decided to

send $500.00 to the South Sudan Cathedral fund, to help

Bishop Garang put a roof on the brick Cathedral being built to replace the

mud hut church ruined by the floods. In fact, following the Provincial

Synod and news of the needs in Africa, the Parish raised an additional

$720.00 for the Cathedral roof, as well as gathering boxes of material,

toys, clothes, and medical supplies. All Saints hopes to send the boxes in

December.

A great need expressed by the South African Parishes is for

sewing machines. The Parishes around Port Elizabeth want to create a

sewing business, to help with the 75% unemployment rate. They want to

make clothes and also make vestments and other materials for growing

Parishes. All Saints in Saluda is exploring the idea of sending pedal

sewing machines to avoid any issues with electricity. If other Parishes

would like to help support sending sewing machines to South Africa,

please contact Fr. Jeff Johnson at jldcm@msn.com, or at

757-374-6724.”

Christ Church Bath County, VA

Christ Church at Union Chapel will be supporting the Bath

County Christmas Mother program again this year ~ the seventh year that

the Parish has assisted the program.

From the Parishes

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Ascension Centreville, VA

The Church of the Ascension will hold their annual festival of

Lessons and Carols on Sunday, 22 December, during the Service, which

begins at 10:00 A.M.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Church of the

Ascension held its annual Thanksgiving Mass. Members gathered to

show thanks to the Lord in the manner that He would have us do it, in the

Lord’s Supper. Various food stuffs for Thanksgiving were brought and

blessed prior to their use the next day.

Several honored visitors joined the Ascension family for the

Service that evening. Tom and Louise Brown, former longtime members

of the Parish, were in town to visit and have a family Thanksgiving feast,

and they wanted to visit their old

Parish, and a few old friends. In

their time at Ascension, Tom was

a vestry member and Louise a

Sunday School teacher. They

currently reside in Washington

State, near Seattle, so travel out

east is a bit of chore for them. It

was really great having them and

the rest of their family with us to

give thanks unto the Lord.

Members of All Angels, Ascension, and St. Columba joined

forces on October 6th

for a joint parish picnic for the second year

running. Parishioners

from each parish partnered

to provide the many dishes

for a pot-luck luncheon

that was enjoyed by all.

Epiphany Amherst, VA

The Church of the Epiphany is happy to announce the return of a

former organist, Mrs. Ruth Vagt, to assist in their Services.

Since they are currently without residential Clergy,

Fr. Dennis Sossi Celebrated the Mass on 1 December; Fr. Don Poff will

Celebrate on the 22nd

. The Services for the Feast of the Nativity of our

Lord have yet to be scheduled.

At a recent Parish Bazaar, $1,306 was raised!

From the Parishes

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Good Shepherd Abingdon, VA

The Church of the Good Shepherd is located at 540 Colonial

Road, Abingdon, Virginia, 24210. The Rev’d Timothy Weiss is the Vicar;

information may be gotten at 276-614-0886.

St. Alban’s Richmond, VA

Saint Alban’s is currently in the midst of a Confirmation class.

“The class will explore such topics as the Sacraments, Creeds, Christian

family life, and other topics pertaining to the faith. Plans are to conclude

the class on Passion Sunday 2014, with confirmations to be set for the

first Sunday after Easter.”

The Parish hosted four families, at a dinner in their Parish Hall;

these families would not otherwise have had a Thanksgiving meal. The

Parish continues to operate their own Food Pantry, serving the needy as

best they may.

Their Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will held on 24

December, at 4:00 P.M.

Ss. Andrew &

Margaret Alexandria, VA

An unsolicited letter of observation was recently given to

Fr. Roddy, by Mr. Paul Onstad. The comparison was between “…The

Church of St John the Beloved, McLean, a large, affluent Roman Catholic

parish in a growing diocese, and the other, St Andrew and St Margaret's

Anglican Catholic Church, a tiny parish in a minuscule diocese of an

obscure jurisdiction.” Mr. Onstad used the Celebration of the Feast of

Christ the King, as each Parish Observed it, as the point of comparison.

Considering everything, from the Altar implements used, to the

architecture of the two buildings, he concludes his lengthy analysis with

“The greatness of power and strength has utterly failed us. Let us,

therefore, consider the mustard seed.” Apparently,

Ss. Andrew and Margaret did well.

St. Anne’s Charlotte Hall, MD

Saint Anne’s currently meets in the Dent Memorial Chapel,

located on the grounds of the Charlotte Hall Veteran’s Home, in Charlotte

Hall, Maryland. The Rt. Rev’d William McClean, Jr., is the Rector.

Information may be gotten at www.stannes-acc.org.

From the Parishes

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St. Columba Warrenton, VA

Bishop Lerow visited Warrenton on 3 November, and Said Mass,

assisted by Fr. Rosales. Effective that day, Fr. Rosales was assigned as

the Priest-in-Charge of the Parish. The Parish is grateful to have

Fr. Rosales and his family with them.

Many of the members are currently engaged in a thirty lesson

course on apologetics, the better to become evangelists for the Faith.

“With joy and love, we extend our wishes for a blessed Christmas

to all the other Parishes in the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic States.”

St. Columba’s Lebanon, VA

Saint Columba’s is located at 1 Trinity Drive, Lebanon, Virginia.

Information may be gotten at 540-628-3422.

The Rev’d S. Strother Smith III is the Rector.

St. David’s Charlottesville, VA

Fr. Shaw has added services to the schedule at Saint David's.

Evening Prayer is now offered at 5:00 P.M. on the first Sunday

of each month, followed by an open forum.

A Said Service of Holy Communion at 9:30 A.M. is offered on

the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

Christmastide Schedule of Services

The Service of Lessons and Carols will be held on Christmas

Eve, at 1:00 P.M.

Holy Communion will be available at Noon on Christmas Day,

Saint Stephen's Day, Saint John's Day, and on the Feast of the

Holy Innocents.

The Parish will host a classical guitar concert on Epiphany

Eve, at 4:00 P.M.

St. George’s Temple Hills, MD

Bishop Lerow has appointed Bishop McClean as Vicar of

Saint George’s. The Rev’d Sam Catlin will serve as Curate until the end

of A.D. 2013, at which point Saint George’s will cease to have regularly

scheduled services.

Fr. Catlin will shortly complete an undergraduate course in

Reformation History from the University of Richmond. He says it has not

improved his opinion of sectarian Christianity.

From the Parishes

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St. John’s

Virginia Beach, VA

Saint John’s is sponsoring a Service of Lessons and Carols on

Sunday, 15 December, at 1:30 P.M. The Harbor String Quartet, a

Norfolk-based professional ensemble, will provide the musical

accompaniment, along with a professional vocal soloist. The Harbor

String Quartet was formed in 1997 by members of the Virginia

Symphony. The group began primarily to perform classical recitals and

concerts in the Hampton Roads area, but interest in other musical genres

soon added to the quartet’s repertoire.

Saint John’s Service of Lessons and Carols is based on the

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols made famous by King’s College,

Cambridge, in England. King’s College has been holding this service

every Christmas Eve since 1918, and it has been broadcast on the BBC

live since 1928. Many churches throughout the world have since adapted

a version of the service as a Christmas or Advent program. Wherever the

service is heard and however it is adapted, whether the music is provided

by choir or congregation, the pattern and strength of the service derive

from the lessons. The main theme is the development of the loving

purposes of God, seen through the windows and the words of the Bible.

This is the second year in a row that Saint John’s has sponsored

this event, which is designed as an evangelistic service to our

community. A reception follows the service with refreshments provided

by the Women of Saint John’s. This is a free event open to the public,

and we invite anyone in the Diocese to join us for this special service of

Scripture readings, narrating the history of our salvation in Jesus Christ

and beautiful Advent and Christmas music.

St. Luke’s Fredericksburg, VA

Bishop Lerow visited Saint Luke's, Fredericksburg, on

17 November, A.D. 2013.

Pictured are the following: left to right; Donna and Charlie Pringle

(conditionally confirmed); The Rt. Rev'd Donald F. Lerow, Bishop

Ordinary; David Dutton

(received); Jim and Gloria

Koluch (anointed); Margaret

Hamilton (received);

The Rev'd Jeffrey Edmunds,

Rector, and Jimmy Baird

(received).

St. Mark’s Williamsburg, VA

St. Mark's will celebrate the Mass on Christmas Eve at 4:00 P.M.,

and the Nativity of Our Lord at 10:00 A.M., on Christmas Day.

Fr. Warren adds “Our little parish gives real meaning to the phrase

"Where two or three are gathered together…"

From the Parishes

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St. Mary’s Wilmington, DE

In late Fall, the Parish hosted a choral concert on-behalf of the

Anglican Fellowship of the Delaware Valley, by the choir of the

Reformed Episcopal Church Seminary in Philadelphia. There were over

sixty in attendance; a reception was had following the concert.

The Rev’d Canon Gunn-Walberg, Rector, has been busy attending

conferences, speaking and presenting papers.

St. Matthew’s Newport News, VA

Saint Matthew’s recently held a Parish Rummage/Baked

Goods/Craft sale, which raised over $500; these funds will be used for the

refurbishment of the Parish Hall.

The Rev’d T. L. Crowder has been elected Rector, and hopes to be

Instituted in early 2014, pending approval of the date by the Bishop.

The Parish Annual Meeting will be held on the Second Sunday

after the Epiphany, which falls on 19 January, A.D. 2014.

St. Matthew’s Seat Pleasant, MD

The Mission meets in the Addison Chapel, in Seat Pleasant,

Maryland. The Rt. Rev’d William McClean, Jr., is the Vicar; more

information may be gotten at 1-301-952-1318.

St. Michael Frederick, MD

The Rev’d Arthur E. Woolley, Jr., has retired as the Rector of

Saint Michael the Archangel, effective 29 September, A.D 2013.

Bp. Lerow has since appointed The Rev’d Pothin Ngyele as Priest-in-

Charge.

Father Woolley, in his capacity as Rector Emeritus, returned to

Saint Michael’s on 8 December, to say Mass and bless the new Rose

vestments. The vestments were given to the church by a parishioner, in

loving memory.

From the Parishes

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St. Paul’s Lexington, VA

Members of St. Paul's, Lexington, are happy that the new bridge that was

being built next to their property has been completed, and they don't have

to go a long way around, any more, to get to their church. They were also

grateful for the rent paid by the contractor, for his use, during

construction, of a plot of land belonging to the Parish. And, the Rector

remembers when the previous bridge in this location was built, but doesn't

like to admit it!

St. Peter’s Christiansburg, VA

Saint Peter’s now has a new website:

www.stpetersanglicancatholic.org.

The Parish is also in search of a new Rector, and has been since

the retirement of The Rev’d Dennis L. Sossi.

The Angel Tree program is being supported, this year. It is an

effort to give gifts to the children of those incarcerated in prison. Another

work, the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program, which

was started by then - Father Scott, over 30 years ago, is still supported by

the Parish. This program provides aid to families in crisis with vendor

payments to utility companies and landlords; food from their Food Bank,

and clothing from their Thrift Store.

St. Stephen’s Clifton Forge, VA

Saint Stephen's, Clifton Forge, has contributed over 500 pounds of

food to the Clifton Forge Food Pantry in the last six months.

On 7 December, the Parish went caroling at a local nursing home,

and distributed gifts to residents.

Saint Stephen’s will hold its annual service of Lessons and Carols

at 9:15 A.M. on Sunday, 29 December, A.D. 2013, which is the First

Sunday after Christ Mass.

St. Thomas Roanoke, VA

On Christ Mass Eve, the Parish will have a Solemn Eucharist at

6:00 P.M.; on Christ Mass Day, Holy Communion with hymns.

Baby supplies are being purchased for the Blue Ridge Women’s

Center, by selecting a wee Booty from the Baby Booty Tree, and

purchasing the item specified on the Booty.

The Women of S. Thomas are manning their food box again this

year, for the benefit of the local food bank.

A Parish potluck will be held, after the 11:00 A.M. Service, on the

29th ~ the First Sunday after Christ Mass, to celebrate the Patronal Feast

of the Parish, St. Thomas a’ Becket.