Almighty and everliving God, we beseech you to strengthen these your servants for witness and ministry through the power of your Holy Spirit. Daily increase in them your manifold virtues of grace: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and the spirit of holy fear, now and for ever.Amen.
This is the prayer that Bishop Chris prayed as he prepared for the laying on of hands for those who were being confirmed and received last Sunday. A beautiful encouragement, of who we want to be, as we follow Jesus.
Book of Common Prayer, p. 178
Dear Restoration,
We had such a good visit from Bishop Chris and his wife Catherine last weekend. It brought me and our clergy great joy to present about a dozen youth and adults for confirmation and reception into the Anglican church. Many thanks to Rev. Nathan Dickerson, Ryan Goyer, and TJ Ono for leading classes and discussions that prepared our friends to make these public professions of their faith in God. And many thanks to Bishop Chris for the ways that He shepherds our congregation with authority and grace. I know that I speak for many of us when I say that one of my great delights is listening to the prayers that Bishop Chris prays over those receiving the laying on of hands- his words of insight, knowledge, and hope are so encouraging. It was an awesome Sunday of worship.
A Difficult Update
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book… This I know: God is on my side. (Psalm 56:8,9b NLT)
Last fall I told you about an investigation that was happening at The Falls Church Anglican (TFCA). We have frequently prayed for it, the church, and all of the people affected by abuse during our Sunday services. Last week, TFCA released the report that was generated from the investigation. You can access the report, here. It is devastating to read. If you choose to do so, please know that I and the other Restoration clergy are available to pray for you and to come alongside you as you process it. You can contact us, here.
Our bishop offered this to the clergy of our diocese this week. I am quoting him in full: “You may be aware that an investigation was recently conducted and a report published concerning past child sexual abuse that occurred at The Falls Church Anglican. The report is graphic and heartbreaking. A great deal of trauma has been suffered by multiple children (now adults), their friends, family members, and this wonderful church. This need not have happened and by God’s grace and our diligence, nothing like this will happen again in our Diocese.”
Bishop Chris continues, “From time to time, bishops write letters to their diocese. These are known as Pastoral Letters, or simply Pastorals. Historically, this has been a common way for Anglican bishops to communicate when there are extreme circumstances or acute needs. Pastoral letters are open letters addressed by a bishop to the clergy or laity of his diocese, or both. They contain specific instructions or directions for behavior in particular circumstances. Sometimes they are also intended to provide consolation or to share information which the bishop feels is especially important.”
Bishop Chris has written a ‘Pastoral’ to us in light of the investigation at TFCA. You can access it, here. Bishop Chris has instructed his clergy to read the letter in all of the churches of our diocese this Sunday. So, I will be reading it during all three of our services and then leading us in prayer and intercession for what happened, for the vulnerable, for those who have been harmed, for justice. We will have hard copies of the letter available on Sunday as well, should you want it.
Last night our vestry met and we prayed for this situation and for our church. The other clergy and staff of Restoration are praying for you. This is an enormously painful situation that has such a far reach. If you are struggling with this (or anything), please reach out to me, to others on our staff or vestry (scroll down), or to your small group leader. We want to pray for you and we want to walk alongside you. We can also offer referrals for trauma-informed counselors and therapists.
The body of Christ is a body. When part of it hurts, we feel it. We are feeling it.
But you are not alone. Be with us God as we are with each other.
A Prayer:
God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by his blood on the cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
