en Kingstowne's Community Church http://www.dovefromabove.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=145 For the latest News Update, and the whole schedule of small groups and other upcoming events at The Spirit, get your copy of Access the SpiritIf you want to participate in our Faith Languages Survey for the whole congregation, and need an extras survey, get one here. This survey will benefit you as you get our follow up book and see how you believe may be different from how others you know believe ... It will also benefit the church as we use the results to adapt our services and programs to better speak the languages of faith you have now. Additional copies of the survey are also available at the Info Booth. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:07:06 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=241 Starting in July we'll be working through the book, "An Ordinary Day with Jesus" by John Ortberg. What would it mean to have Jesus as a partner, as a companion, from morning to evening each day? You would probably live quite differently. Well, why wait to make a change? What does it take to make a day seem great to you? Maybe you think of a great day as one without problems. Only how often do you get one of those? Instead, you can discover how to turn ordinary days into extraordinary ones by doing one simple thing -- spending the day with God. In this series of messages we'll help you develop personal strategies for turning your life over to God, one day at a time. God can be a partner with you, walking with you and helping you in each day. His great desire is to spend the day with you. And now, you can have the means to learn how to spend it with him.Sundays this summer at both 9:00 and 11:00, and on the web for those weeks you are off traveling.Schedule of Messages7-13 How to live everyday in Jesus name7-20 Bringing Jesus into your everyday relationships7-27 Taking Jesus to work with you8- 3 Following Spiritual Leadings8-10 Taking time for solitude *8-17 Following your own spiritual pathway8-24 Walking with Jesus at his pace *8-31 Making the ordinary into the extraordinary *Featuring Guest Preacher the Rev. Frazier Green Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:50:26 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=64 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:31:29 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=56 Life's too much to do on your own. Living with Spirit is the first step. Learning to do life with one another is the next. Getting your relationship with God straight will allow you to build better relationships with others: like your family, friends, significant others, even your neighbors and your enemies. God gives you a great opportunity to do life with others in all kinds of small groups, where you can know others and be known and accepted for who you really are. God also has given you guidelines for making life better. With his help, you'll learn that life doesn't need to be messy. Isn't it time to discover the better life God offers you? Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:31:29 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=57 You choose at what level you want to participate. We're a safe place for newcomers, and for people with questions. Stop in for supper some Friday night at our Spirit Cafe, or drop in for worship services on a Sunday. Explore our web site, and ask your questions in our Stump the Pastor page. There's always room for another in our small groups, and our congregation. We may not be for everyone, but we may be just what you need to come closer to God. Come on by and catch the Spirit today. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:31:29 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=37 You'll hear great music from the House of Spirit Band, with Worship Leader Henry Fiske. There are relevant messages each week, focusing on how you can live as a Christ Follower each day. We offer you a chance to be touched by God, whether it's through receiving communion regularly, prayers for healing, or one of the other sacraments of the church. Our mission is to bring you into a closer relationship with God. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:31:29 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 We're a diverse group of people who are looking for something more than the traditional services and programs churches have offered for years. Many people get out of the habit of going to church because it doesn't speak to them or help them connect with God. Maybe you've felt that way too.If you've ever been turned off, turned down or turned away by churches, we're here to help you get turned on to God. We figure most people aren't really looking for a church so much as seeking for God. If that's you, we offer a chance for you to experience God for yourself rather than just hearing someone talk about God. It's in communion with God that our lives are changed. It's in doing life together that we find a real, authentic sense of community. Spend some time with us at Church of the Spirit, and we'll help get you better connected to God and to others.Right now we're looking at ways for people not to come to church ... that's right. We don't want people to come to church, but to be the church. We believe that gets lived out best when people come to worship, when they come to the community of a small group, and when they help people they know come to Christ. So that's what we're all about right now ... Why not come along and join in the adventure? Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:31:29 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=231 Healing Service, Tuesday 7:00 Informal Worship Services start at 7:00 each week, and includes both prayers for ourselves and others, for both healing and wholeness. Feel free to stay following the service to request indidual times for prayer with our trained Prayer Teams. You can either drop in this Tuesday night or you can call ahead for an appointment to make sure you have an appointment. Talk with Nancy at (703) 313-9888. Small Groups It's in small groups where you can learn, find support, offer to serve, in fact ... it's where life happens. If you're not sure or have not been in a group before, we challenge you to give it a try. Check out the groups we have and try one on for size. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:29:57 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=232 Easter comes. Easter goes. We talk about keeping the Spirit of Christmas all year round, but what about keeping the spirit of Easter ... what about living a new life, like Jesus? Here's what separates a Christian from a Christ Follower. Want in? Just follow the signs ... and you'll have a good way to remember how to follow Jesus each and every day. Join us for this brand new series:March 30 No U Turn: Living without Jesus?April 6 Yield: When you "gotta get him into your life"April 13 One Way: What following Jesus offers youApril 20 Merge: Partnering with Jesus for lifeApril 27 Men at Work: Making a differenceMay 4 Children at play: The joy of following Jesus Thu, 22 May 2008 10:10:24 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=49 Worshipping the God of Second Chances Mary Magdalene: God offers you forgiveness for the past Peter: God offers you a new identity Paul: God gives you a new purpose for your life Lazarus: God offers you healing and life David: God holds you accountable Judas: You can "Just say No" to God's offer You: You can make the most of your own "Do-Over"Encountering JesusEncountering Jesus #4 Encountering Jesus #3 Encountering Jesus #2 Encountering Jesus #1Failing Forward 2006Failing Forward #4 Failing Forward #3 Failing Forward #2 Failing Forward #1 Thu, 22 May 2008 10:09:28 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=18&article_id=155 9:00 Communion Service 11:00 Community Service *Childcare and sunday school classes provided at each service.Message Series:Sundays @ 9:00: Galatians: Freedom in the SpiritSundays @ 11:00: No Halos Required Thu, 22 May 2008 09:51:52 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=61 Our staff is here to serve God and our community. Each of the staff members brings different gifts to the church. We each come from different religious backgrounds. We each serve you in our own ways ... Please feel free to contact the staff person you feel most comfortable talking with.Please note: Pastor Roger is the only member of the staff who is ordained. While all Christ Followers can minister in God's name, ordained ministers have special roles in leading worship and the sacraments of the church. If you wish to be baptized, married, receive communion, be anointed, have your confession heard, or speak to "the priest," please contact Pastor Roger. Thu, 22 May 2008 09:48:49 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=83 Children's Ministry Administrators Bob Martray Child Care Director Karen Mitchum Executive Directors (Sr and Jr Wardens) Warren Capps Rich Riley Treasurer Clerk of the Vestry Cathi Eifert Vestry members (Elected Leadership Team) Sharon Wasz Bob Martray Sheryl Hall Barbara Walker Marty Bartreau Lisa Boyette Parish Response Team Thu, 22 May 2008 09:42:28 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=153 For the weekly Sunday Bulletins:March 30March 23March 16 Copies of the messages from our 11:00 Message series are here. Please note ... for copies of our previous messages please follow this link. Tue, 8 Apr 2008 13:34:46 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=23&article_id=152 For your weekly one page Access the Spirit News Update:April 4 March 26March 19March 12March 6 Tue, 8 Apr 2008 13:34:31 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=65 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=65&article_id=148 Click through on the icon and you'll have entered a new way to offer your support for the ministry we share here. From this secure site you can make gifts to the church via bank to bank transfers and/or credit cards. Your gift can be set up as a one-time gift or on a regular schedule of your choice. In order to enroll in e-giving, you will need either your bank account and routing information or your credit card information. You will not need an envelope number since we don't use an envelope giving system. While what you give is up to you and God, we can offer you more information on why and how to give. Go to E-giving Other Options Some of you have asked if there's something special you could do to help the church in addition to your regular giving. You can download our wish list here. Then choose something extra you'd like to provide for the coming year. Tue, 1 Apr 2008 16:52:16 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=65 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=65&article_id=226 that includes baptisms, weddings, funerals, classes, sacraments, and counseling services. Even the coffee & treats are free when you're here. We simply don't make you pay. We ask you to give ... because Ministry takes money. Tue, 1 Apr 2008 16:31:20 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=65 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=65&article_id=149 Tue, 1 Apr 2008 16:25:14 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=111 Once a month we offer a more quiet, contemplative, and yet spirit-filled experience. The communion service begins with a time to sing and pray in worship, followed by a short teaching on God's promise of healing. Then during communion we have trained prayer teams available to pray with you for an extended period of time for your personal concerns. They will listen, but not offer counseling. They will pray for you and pray with you for healing in the following areas:Spiritual Healing: For a fresh experience of the free gift of God's forgivnessPhysical Healing: For physical cures or for a renewed sense of God's presence Emotional Healing: For the wounds from long ago or for current emotional crisesDeliverance: Being set free from addictions or anything that has power over your life For a schedule of the next Healing service please check here. Tue, 1 Apr 2008 16:09:06 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=201 Rich Riley Tue, 1 Apr 2008 14:05:13 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62&article_id=166 For the latest news and commentary from Pastor Roger about local and national church events, and not-so-random thoughts, click here. For the latest news from around the world concerning the current crisis in the Anglican Communion, please click here. If you are a fan of conservative church views, Harry Potter, U2, Bob Dylan and odd sense of humor, you might enjoy checking out a local friend's blog ... babyblue. Or not. Other sites of interest:The Anglican District of VirginiaAnglican Communion Network Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:48:06 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=63 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=63&article_id=142 Church of the Spirit's News & Commentary Check out the latest news, theological notes, a discussion of national church crisis and other messages at the viewfromabove blog by Pastor Roger. Get the latest press releases from around the world about the Episcopal church/Anglican Communion. These are run without commentary, so they provide a good resource to listen to what's happening. Yes, the choice of articles may have a slant to them ... but that's the price to pay to see what's being written in the major news sources (Church Times, London; NY Times; CNN; AP; etc) along with some of the smaller news organizations. For more of this news go to either Titus 19 at http://kendallharmon.net/t19/ or the blog for the website for the Anglican District of Virginia at anglicandistrictofvirginia.org or Anglican Communion Network at acn-us.org. Another of our friends runs an eclectic blog of Harry Potter, Bob Dylan and Anglican Church inside info at http://babybluecafe.blogspot.com/. Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:47:22 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=62&article_id=165 Our weekly Access the Spirit News Summary Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:40:17 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=184 Feb 10 The historical search for Jesus Feb 17 The scientific search for Jesus Feb 24 The modern day search for Jesus Mar 2 So who did Jesus claim to be anyway? Mar 9 But why did Jesus have to die? Ma4 16 Will the real Jesus please stand up? Mar 20 What is it we do ... "in remembrance of him"? Mar 21 What's to mourn if Jesus is alive? Mar 23 The personal search for Jesus Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:32:20 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=228 Don't swim alone: You and God Why doing life with others mattersWho needs the church anyway? The role of a religious community in your life Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:17:10 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=38&article_id=18 Roger Schellenberg Ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1984, and has served in churches in New York, Virginia, Maine and Massachusetts before starting Church of the Spirit in his home in 1997. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:13:32 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52&article_id=210 In order to be prepared for the next service of Confirmation, please use the form below or speak directly to one of the pastors. Confirming your faith Workshops are held each year prior to the bishop's visit. About Confirmation5 G's Confirmation workbookThe 7 steps outline for growing as an adult discipleConfirmation Request Form Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:06:45 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=31&article_id=69 We have a simple, and direct mission for everything we do. We want to help you Find and Follow Jesus as a Fruitful Disciple and a Faithful Witness. When you put all those together, we believe you become a Fully Devoted Follower of Christ. To Find: We will seek Jesus We find Jesus as we seek God's presence in our lives through worship and in a community of small groups. Finding Jesus in our lives is our first step closer to God. To Follow: We will see Jesus We begin to follow Jesus as we grow in our faith, and learn to see where God is at work in our lives. We will then ask what God would have us do with our lives. Following Jesus allows us to live more closely to God's plan. Being Fruitful: We will serve Jesus We become Fruitful Disciples as we reach out to one another, serving God with the unique spiritual gifts he has given each of us. As we love and serve others, especially those who do not yet believe, God produces the fruit of his Spirit in our lives -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Being Faithful: We will share Jesus Sharing what God has done in our lives with others gives us the chance to invite them closer to God. As Faithful Witnesses, we work to bring others into the life-changing relationship and the power of the Spirit we have already experienced. When you put all these together we believe you become a Fully Devoted Follower of Christ. Sound hard? Nope, just takes focus and a desire to put God first in your life. We've found that after all Jesus has given for us and to us, it's not that hard to give ourselves back to him. Try it and you'll discover the truth of the final prayer we say each week: "it is in giving that we receive" ... Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:03:10 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=217 Though there is a movement these days to say you can believe whatever you want as a Christian so long as you welcome and love everyone ... there's more to our faith than this. Knowing the turth matters because your beliefs will change your behaviors. And that matters because your behaviors determine your destination in life, and in the life to come. Knowing the truth about God, as Jesus said, will set you free ... explore the truth of our faith and discover what it's really like to be free, loved and welcomed by God. I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary He suffered under Pontius Pilate He descended into Hell He will come again to judge us all I believe in the Holy Spirit I believe in the holy catholic church I believe in the communion of saints I believe in the forgiveness of sins I believe in the resurrection of the body I believe in the life eternal Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:27:48 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=202 What is our relationship with one another, and with the church? This series takes a timely look at the relationship that matters most: our relationship with God, and how that changes how we relate to one another, to the church (especially the modern church) and to the larger community of people in the world. From our message series called DTR: Determining the Relationship by Pastor Roger Determining your relationship with Jesus Determining your relationship with the church Determining your relationship with the world Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:27:48 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=199 Why can't we all just be friend? Religious toleration and your personal search for truth How do religions look at God? Aren't they just different views of the same God? How do religions look at themselves? What must you do to be holy and whole? How do religions look at evil? Problem number 1 is always why people suffer Where's it all going to end? How religions look at death, Heaven, & Hell What's it all matter anyway? How spirituality can come home for you ... Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:27:48 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=70 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=70&article_id=227 This winter we'll look at the Big Questions ... 'cause we're not afraid of helping you dig deeper and discover all there is to find about faith. Each week starts with a home cooked supper made just for you, served at 7:30 PM. After supper, there's a mixture of multimedia, discussions and presentations around one of the big questions of our time. Jan 11 Asking the Big Question (Is there a God?) Jan 18 How did we get here ... really? (Creation) Jan 25 Big Questions about the Bible Feb 1 Who was Jesus ... really? Feb 8 Is Jesus really "the only way" to life? Feb 15 What's up with suffering? Feb 22 Big Questions about prayer Feb 29 Horns & a pitchfork? (Questions about Satan) Mar 7 Big Questions about an afterlife Mar 14 About Doubts, Questions and Seeking God Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:25:27 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=28 Baptism FAQsAbout Baptism BrochureAbout Infant Baptism BrochureBaptism Request FormThe promises we take at Baptism Please feel free to ask any questions about baptism ... or about taking the next step in your faith at whatever level you are in your spiritual journey right now ... We're here to serve you. Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:08:47 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71&article_id=225 Welcome Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:46:48 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42&article_id=170 Dear Pastor: What do you make of the Gosepl of Judas? Answer: I know the release of the Gospel of Judas was big news for a while in the paper, but there was in fact very little new in it. The parchment was a new find, but the information in it told us nothing new about Jesus or Judas. It was instead a document from the late 2nd to early 3rd century from a Gnostic group, and represents a lot of the same themes as found in the Nag Hammadi library documents, The Gospel of Thomas, etc. The Gnostics believed that Jesus gave out secret knowledge to a few elite folk, and that knowledge would lead them to a more spiritual existence, away from the physical existence of this world. The gnostics wanted to become enlightened, and that would mean finding the spark of divintiy within themselves and living free of the world. (For a modern piece of gnostic literature read Jonathan Livingston Seagul, popular back in the 70's ... it could have been written by the same author as the ancient texts we have). The Gnostics were not Christians or Jews, but people who turned both religions upside down, seeing creation as bad and the God of the OT as evil. Jesus, according to the Gospel of Judas, laughs at people who believe in God for being naive, and asks Judas to help him die so he can escape the evil world here and find his true divinity elsewhere. No wonder Judas appears as a hero ... The Gnostics grab headlines to this day because many current reviewers/scholars want to argue that Christianity as we have it is a bad thing. In its place we should be allowed to follow our inner light or discover our deepest spirituality within us ... ideas better described and debunked by early church scholar NT Wright in his latest book Judas and the Gospel of Jesus. Wright's book gives a scholarly review as well as some greta insights into why books like the Gospel of Judas seem to be so popular as a means to attack what Christianity holds to be true about the historical figures of Jesus and his followers. Wed, 21 Nov 2007 03:59:39 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42&article_id=169 (2) Dear Pastor: Are you getting discouraged over the split in the church? Will Church of the Spirit be able to survive in the midst of all this turmoil. It saddens me to think we are too small to survive by ourselves if matters go that way. Answer: Cue the Donna Summers song "I will survive ..." Yes, I get discouraged when I see how some people speak poorly of Christ or how some people get turned off from God because Christians continually argue. I am not as discouraged by the split in the church that is coming because I'm not the one splitting away. I have every intention of remaining a faithful Christ Follower, and an Anglican priest. I can not speak for others ... only for myself. I believe the Bible is our ultimate rule of faith and what the world needs now, not just some fuzzy feeling of love, sweet love. I want the real thing: God's love, becuase it transforms me into who God wants me to be. As a sinner, that's what I need most. As for Church of the Spirit, we are actually larger than over 75% of the Episcopal Churches in this country. We have a phenomenal track record for baptizing new people, and our congregation is generous with their gifts. I love hearing stories of how people are healed, how their lives are changed by God in this place. It's fantastic. We are in fact, healthier by far than a lot of churches I know in the Diocese. I have no thoughts about surviving. I have my sights set on thriving. Wed, 21 Nov 2007 03:59:34 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=42&article_id=106 Here are a collection of your questions and Pastor Roger's answers. Be sure to keep those questions coming. Wed, 21 Nov 2007 03:59:34 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=216 We're going to start placing discussion starters here to help you all make sense of some of the big issues that are facing the church this year. (1) What does this church say about being welcoming and inclusive? Check out the first in Pastor Roger's starters. Then feel free to write back in and let us know what you think. (2) Here's how other parts of the Anglican Church see the American House of Bishops. Here's an address from the Primate of the Holy Lands to the House, Bishop Anis. After his remarks the American House was veru disheartened, and later another Primate apologized for Bishop Anis. Did what he say need apology? You decide ... (3) Discussion starter two is a part of a book by Archbishop WIlliam Temple from back in the late 1930's. His vision was that the church, specifically its leaders (bishops) should be very clear about the ultimate ideals fo our faith. At the same time there should be charity chown to those who do not live up to those ideals. He talks about marriage, but his idea work well for our current controversies. Check it out here ... (3) Discussion starter three deals with racism. Just for a change of pace ... Go here for more info. There's also some great suggestions from a book called Gracism available here, from our November message series. Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:41:46 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=21 God's Rules About Sex will Liberate You (From a July 2003 sermon at Church of the Spirit) Church Brochure: About the National Church's Debate Weighing Alternatives in a Divided Church Why heresy and schism are not the only alternatives open to the Episcopal Church. A lengthy review of the Episcopal Church's decisions since 1976 by the Rev. Mr. Roger Schellenberg. Sex and the single life, a theological paper by Dean Phil Turner, of Yale Divinity, General Theological Seminary and the Anglican Institute. This is a well thought out and pastoral approach to how we both keep the high standards of the Bible as a church and yet reach out to those who have a hard time keeping them personally ... More recently the Primates, or leaders of the Anglican Church (the third largest world wide group of Christians, behind the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches) met, Their Communique gave the American Church requests, and a response was asked for by Sept 30 2007. Here's the actual document with their requests (because sometimes what the Americans say they have been asked to do is not presented accurately). The Anglican primates represent the leaders of each of the 38 branches of the Anglican church around the world. Ten of these leaders and the head of them all, the Archbishop of Canterbury, are meeting in New Orleans in September 2007 with the American House of Bishops. The Americans were given a Sept 30 deadline to comply with a number of requests, which up until now, they have refused to address. To get a feel for what's up, check out this address by the Primate of the Middle East to the House ... The issues are many, for instance, will the American Church continue to bless same sex unions in churches, and will the American Bishops no longer consent to ordaining a bishop who is living in a sexual relationship outside of marriage? The House of Bishops has said they can not give those assurances to the rest of the Anglican Communion. For Pastor Roger's most recent look at the issues try this discussion starter ... For more background info from one of the insiders, see the recent interview with Bishop NT Wright printed here. Here's what the American House of Bishops answered in September 2007. You decide whether or not they have been clear. Then try this report from the New York Times ... There was also a great article in the magazine First Things, about the nature of the Anglican Church, written by the Archbishop of Uganda. It's a great piece of clear thinking ... Much of this came to a head earlier in the year when the Primates met in Tanzania. Two important decisions were made there ... One to proceed with an Anglican Covenant to allow member churches around the world to either buy in to the Anglican Communion and be held accountable to one another, or to walk apart. The other important set of decisions came in response to actions taken by the American church. For more on this please read the Primates Communique. Further commentary is available at Pastor Roger's blog. Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:39:23 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=221 Unfortunately, there will be more to post here in the coming months. We'll start with the legal papers as distruibuted by the Diocese of Virginia, on their web site. There's a lot here, including statutes, findings, briefs ...not for the faint at heart. The opening commentary states that thje Diocese is the defendant in these cases, though that's hard to understand when you see in the cases themselves the Diocese listed as complainant. That's why, I guess, we have legal cases ... to sort this stuff through. Thu, 8 Nov 2007 07:31:22 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=104 Here's a thoughtful statement of exactly who we are as a church in today's culture, written by a good friend of Church of the Spirit, John Yates, Sr. Pastor of The Falls Church. From our message series called DTR: Determining the Relationship by Pastor Roger Determining your relationship with Jesus Determining your relationship with the church Determining your relationship with the world Thu, 8 Nov 2007 07:31:22 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=105 Thu, 8 Nov 2007 07:31:22 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=63 Roger answers the same 10 questions posed to Katharine Jefferts Schori in a 17 July 2006 Time Magazine interview Thu, 8 Nov 2007 07:31:22 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=62 Revisiting the international debate on the Bible and the role of gay bishops The Archbishop of Canterbury's letter to the Anglican Communion, after Convention Interpretation of events by Bishop of Durham (England) and noted author NT Wright Pastor Roger's parish letter, after Convention Diocese of Virignia's protocol for parish dissasociation Bishop Lee's letter to congregations, December 1, 2006 The Falls Church response to Bishop Lee (with a very good, short summary of how we have gotten to this point) Anglican Archbishop's address, December 2006 describing the future steps to be taken to safeguard American churches Thu, 8 Nov 2007 07:31:22 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=54 Roger's response to a question about Islamic teachings on the afterlife Thu, 8 Nov 2007 07:31:22 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=53 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=53&article_id=126 (1) So you're seeking God ... or maybe just thinking about getting back to church ... You will Find Jesus as you open yourself up in worship designed for your needs, in small groups and our Spirit Cafe (2) When you're ready to get better connected to God and others ... You can Follow Jesus by connecting into a community of believers, and experiencing communion with God (3) Then, as you begin to put what Jesus taught into practice ... You can become a Fruitful Disciple as you discover and use your spiritual gifts to make a difference in the world (4) And because we know you'll get excited and want to share ... You can share all that God has done in your life with your friends as a Faithful Witness to the power of God Our Mission: Help all people Find and Follow Jesus as Fruitful Disciples and Faithful Witnesses You can discover more about how to connect by looking a bit deeper ... Fri, 17 Aug 2007 18:03:10 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=70 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=70&article_id=212 It's another Friday night. And we have it all planned out for you. So if you're not sure what's on the menu come on by and check out the Spirit Cafe. We'll cook and clean for you. There's a home-cooked meal waiting, and no dishes. If you've got kids we'll take care of them -- no babysitting fees. Over supper meet some new folk and catch up with friends ... then we'll explore a question of faith and look for how what you believe impacts how you live. Got questions? Good. All questions are welcome at the cafe. Over dessert we meet as small groups of 6-10 people and discuss the theme for the night. You don't have to worry about knowing all the answers ahea dof time ... and the answers you discover may or may not match up with the people at your table. But together we keep learning more about God. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 17:58:28 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=43&article_id=109 For more info on ways in which you can experience the power of God in your life, look through the following pages. There's more than enough here to help you discover all God has waiting for you in the days ahead. Go ahead, try it, you'll like it ... Worship BaptismCommunionConfessionConfirmationHealing MinistryWeddingsFuneralsOrdinationServing in the community Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:20:10 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=52&article_id=209 During a special service, each adult who wishes to be confirmed, stands and professes their faith in Jesus according to a very old tradition. Then, kneeling before the Bishop, they receive the sign of blessing described in the Bible as the "laying on of hands." As the Bishop prays for you, he asks the Holy Spirit to fill you to overflowing with a new sense of blessing and purpose. The Bible also describes many spiritual gifts that are available to those who believe ... and in confirmation you may receive some of those as well. Who knows what God intends for you as you take that next step out in faith. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:17:33 MST http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=57 http://www.dovefromabove.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=57&article_id=211 OK. So you'd like to get married. First you need to be engaged ... as a part of our congregation. We do not charge for our services, but we also only provide them for people who are connected to the church. Lots of people want to get married, and sometimes they are looking for a nice place in which to hold a service. First of all, we're not a traditional looking church. And second, we provide the sacraments as a service to those who are looking to be part of a church not just a place for a service. We can, if you like, refer you to other nearby churches that do not share our thoughts (on holding services ... or charging people for weddings). According to the Prayer Book, "Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God ... it is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church." For more info on planning your wedding here, please speak to one of our pastors.Planning your wedding brochureAbout remarriageMarriage request form Fri, 17 Aug 2007 13:13:42 MST