Read it all.

Almighty and most merciful God, we acknowledge and confess that we have sinned against thee in thought, word, and deed; that we have not loved thee with all our heart and soul, with all our mind and strength; and that we have not loved our neighbour as ourselves. We beseech thee, O God, to be forgiving to what we have been, to help us to amend what we are, and of thy mercy to direct what we shall be; so that we may henceforth walk in the way of thy commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

–John Hunter

The full listing of chronological entries to do with South Carolina in 2012/2013 has been moved here from the main South Carolina Links entry due to an overflow of the entry capacity
LATEST:

(Anglican Ink) Trademark violation lawsuit against Mark Lawrence dismissed, August 25th, 2013
Local Paper Article””Federal judge dismisses Episcopal Church complaint, August 24, 2013
A.S. Haley””Court Dismisses Federal Trademark Action against S.C.”˜s Bishop Lawrence, August 24, 2013
Federal Judge Dismisses Case Against Bishop Mark Lawrence, August 23, 2013
(CEN) South Carolina clergy deposed by TEC, August 19, 2013
A.S. Haley””More Episcopal Church related Court Proceedings in South Carolina, August 12, 2013
Court Battle Over Who Is Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina After Schism, August 11, 2013 at 12:45 pm
(Diocese of SC) Judge Houck Hears Arguments in Motion to Dismiss, August 9, 2013 at 1:34 pm
(AP) Judge again weighs issues in South Carolina Episcopal schism, August 9, 2013 at 6:00 am
(AP) Attorneys back in court today in South Carolina Episcopal schism, August 8, 2013 at 6:20 am
An AP profile of the Bishop of SC churches remaining with the national Episcopal Church, August 3, 2013 at 2:30 pm
David Faulkner (Diocese of Dallas TEC priest) Chimes in, July 13, 2013 at 7:26 pm
(Living Church) Mark McCall””A Provisional Solution for South Carolina, July 2, 2013 at 4:05 pm

Entries from June 12
A PR from the brand New TEC Diocese in South Carolina on the recent Legal Ruling, June 12, 2013

Entries from June 11
An ENS Article: Federal judge remands lawsuit to state court, June 11, 2013
Alan Haley Analyzes Senior District Judge C. Weston Houck’s reasoning in Yesterday’s S.C. Ruling, June 11, 2013
An AP Article””Battle between SC Episcopalians back to State Court, June 11, 2013
A Local Paper Article””Federal judge remands Episcopal Church case back to state court, June 11, 2013
(SC Now) Episcopal case to be tried in state court, June 11, 2013

Entries from June 10
Federal Judge Remands Diocese of SC Case to State Court, June 10, 2013
(Anglican Ink) Federal Judge remands South Carolina Episcopal Case to State Court, June 10, 2013

Entries from June 8
A.S. Haley on the South Carolina Episcopal Contretemps Court Hearing this week, June 8, 2013

Entries from June 6
(AP) Federal court considers S.C. Episcopal division, June 6, 2013
Your Prayers requested for Today’s Hearing in the South Carolina Diocesan Dispute, June 6, 2013
(AP) Federal court hearing set in South Carolina Episcopal schism, June 6, 2013

Entries from June 5
(Island Packet) South Carolina Episcopal diocese alleges retirement savings held hostage, June 5, 2013

Entries from June 3
The Episcopal Church Holds Hostage Pensions of More Than 80 Disassociated Staff Members in S.C., June 3, 2013

Entries from May 30
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, May 30, 2013

Entries from May 28
Living Church Essays on South Carolina (III): Colin Podmore””Beyond Provincialism, May 28, 2013

Entries from May 18
Living Church Essays on South Carolina (II): William Witt””Don’t Cheat the Prophet, May 18, 2013
Living Church Essays on South Carolina (I): Jesse Zink””Why Provinces Matter, May 18, 2013

Entries from April 28
The Sermon of Rob Martin, Anglican Bishop of Marsabit, at the Charleston, S.C., Cathedral recently, April 28, 2013

Entries from April 20
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Newspaper is now available, April 20, 2013

Entries from April 18
A.S. Haley””An Overview of the Complex Situation between TEC and the Dioc. of S.C. in South Carolina, April 18, 2013

Entries from April 17
George Conger Unpacks the South Car. Legal Fracas and the recent WSJ article’s poor Coverage Thereof, April 17, 2013

Entries from April 16
A copy of the Letter the New TEC Bishop in South Carolina sent to Diocese of S.C. clergy, April 16, 2013

Entries from April 15
(WSJ) South Carolina Episcopal Church Fight Heads to Court, April 15, 2013

Entries from April 14
(Christian Post) Bishop of new TEC in S.C. Diocese Sends Letters to Various Ordained Ministers, April 14, 2013

Entries from April 13
A Video of the Four Anglican Bishops visiting Charleston, S.C., this past week, April 13, 2012

Entries from April 12
Anglican Bishops Express Strong Support for Bishop Lawrence and the Diocese of South Carolina, April 12, 2013

Entries from April 10
(The State) South Carolina Episcopal dispute may play out in two courts, April 10, 2013

Entries from April 9
Big Night for the Diocese of S. Carolina””An Evening with Bishops from East Africa, April 9, 2013

Entries from April 5
An ENS Article on the Ongoing Legal toing and Froing in South Carolina, April 5, 2013
Local paper””New TEC Diocese in South Carolina asks for federal jurisdiction, April 5, 2013

Entries from April 1
Local Paper Article””Countersuit filed in [South Carolina] Episcopal dispute, April 1, 2013
TEC counterclaim filed on Maundy Thursday in South Carolina case, April 1, 2013

Entries from March 20
Clergy of the Diocese of South Carolina Renew their Vows, March 20, 2012

Entries from March 16
TEC Lawsuit Asks Federal Judge to Overturn State Court Order and Strip Diocese of SC of its Identity, March 16, 2013

Entries from March 13
Diocese of SC Convention””Remain Steadfast in Faith, Firm in Conviction, Resolute in Will, March 13, 2012

Entries from March 12
Bishop Keith Ackerman’s Sermon at the 222nd Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina, March 12, 2012

Entries from March 11
Bishop Mark Lawrence’s Address to the 222nd Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina, March 11, 2013
[SC Now] The Diocese of South Carolina Holy Eucharist for the 222nd meeting of the convention, March 11, 2013

Entries from March 10
(SCnow) Diocese of South Carolina””Without TEC, but not without hope, March 10, 2013

Entries from March 9
A Prayer for South Carolina’s Convention Today, March 9, 2013

Entries from March 8
[SC Now Morning News] Episcopal diocese kicks off convention with flair despite national divides, March 8, 2013
Please Pray for the Diocese of South Carolina 222nd Annual Convention today, March 8, 2013
Allan Haley: ECUSA’s Desperation in South Carolina Knows No Bounds, March 8, 2013

Entries from March 5
222nd Annual South Carolina Diocesan Convention to be Held in Florence, March 8-9 later this week, March 5, 2013

Entries from March 2
Three More Diocese of S.C. Parishes Join in Suit to Prevent TEC from Seizing Property, March 2, 2013

Entries from February 28
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, February 28, 2013

Entries from February 24
Old Saint Andrew’s Parish in Charleston, S.C., Votes to Align with Bishop Lawrence and the Diocese, February 24, 2013

Entries from February 16
“In, But Not of, the World” How Far Would You Go to Preserve the Faith You Love so Much?, February 16, 2013

Entries from February 12
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, February 12, 2013

Entries from February 11
South Carolina Episcopal diocese headed to Florence for its Convention, February 11, 2013

Entries from February 8
(Living Church) Eric Turner””Speaking of Reconciliation, February 8, 2013

Entries from February 7
Jack Cranwell offers Thoughts on the South Carolina Episcopal Church Conflict, February 7, 2013

Entries from February 6
James Ueberroth Chimes in on the Presiding Bishop and her recent South Carolina sermon, February 6, 2013
South Carolina Rectors Speak Out Against TEC’s Attempt to Seize Local Property; “Hijack” Identity, February 4, 2013

Entries from February 4
Anglican Unscripted Episode 64, February 4, 2013
(Hilton Island Packet) St. Mark’s Chapel visited by new Episcopal bishop of new S.C. TEC Diocese, February 4, 2013

Entries from February 2
Lowcountry bishop wins skirmish over Episcopal diocese name, January 2, 2013

Entries from February 1
(AP) Judge makes order permanent in SC Episcopal schism, January 1, 2013
Peter Mitchell Chimes in on the Presiding Bishop’s recent South Carolina Sermon, February 1, 2013
A.S. Haley on the Latest in the Ongoing South Carolina Episcopal legal Battle, February 1, 2013

Entries from January 31
TEC Agrees to Injunction that Prohibits Them From Using Diocese of SC Identity, January 31, 2013
Bart Gingerich””Two Very Different Episcopalianisms Meet in Charleston, January 31, 2013

Entries from January 29
An Anglican Ink Article on the Presiding Bishop’s recent sermon in South Carolina, January 29, 2013
(Christian Post) ”˜Continuing Episcopalians’ in Breakaway Diocese Elect Temporary Leader, January 29, 2013
A.S. Haley on the Latest in the Ongoing South Carolina Episcopal Church Mess, January 29, 2013
The AAC’s Phil Ashey Comments on the Presiding Bishop’s recent sermon in South Carolina, January 29, 2013

Entries from January 27
An ENS Article on the new TEC Diocese and its First Bishop, January 27, 2013
TEC Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s Sermon from Yesterday, January 27, 2013
Article from The State Newspaper on the New TEC Diocese in South Carolina and its First Bishop, January 27, 2013
Local Paper Article on the new TEC affiliated South Carolina Diocese and its first Bishop, January 27, 2013

Entries from January 26
A.S. Haley: An Open Letter to my Fellow Episcopalians in South Carolina, January 26, 2013
Bagpiper outside St. Philip’s Charleston SC, January 26, 2013
Frank Larisey””The Episcopal Church conflict in South Carolina is not (primarily) about sex, January 26, 2013
An ENS Article on the South Carolina Order to Refrain from Assuming the Diocese’s Identity, January 26, 2013
Malicious prosecution warnings for Episcopal clergy from a prominent Lawyer and Lay Leader, January 26, 2013
(Ang. Ink) South Carolina TEC loyalists defy ban on using diocesan name and shield, January 26, 2013

Entries from January 25
(Christian Post) Episcopal Leader to Visit ”˜Continuing Episcopalians’ in SC Diocese, January 25, 2013
(AP) Presiding Episcopal Bishop coming to SC, January 25, 2013
Unaffiliated TEC Group in South Carolina Still not Complying with Court Order, January 25, 2013
Local paper””Judge issues restraining order against Episcopal Church, January 25, 2013
(RNS) S.C. Episcopal diocese claims a victory in theology and polity struggle, January 25, 2013
A.S. Haley””SC Circuit Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order to Protect Diocese’s Identity, January 25, 2013

Entries from January 24
(Living Church) Deference vs. Neutral Principles, January 24, 2013

Entries from January 23
Circuit Court Blocks the Use of Diocese of South Carolina Identity By Anyone Outside of the Diocese, January 23, 2013
One S.C. Parish Rector Writes about recent Developments, January 23, 2013
Saint Andrews, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Writes about the recent Lawsuit by S.C. Against TEC, January 23, 2013
(Anglican Ink) 15 more parishes join South Carolina lawsuit against the Episcopal Church, January 23, 2013
(Local Paper) Mere Anglicanism Conference convenes in Charleston, S.C., this week, January 23, 2013

Entries from January 22
Another 15 South Carol. Parishes Join the Diocese Suit to Block TEC from Seizing Local Property

Entries from January 18
Saint Paul’s, Summerville, S.C., joins suit against Episcopal Church, January 18, 2013

Entries from January 16
St. Matthias joins South Carolina lawsuit against The Episcopal Church, January 16, 2013

Entries from January 14
Anglican Unscripted Episode 63, January 14, 2013

Entries from January 12
(AP) Bishop of SC diocese that disaffiliated from TEC says split brings clarity for followers, January 12, 2012
In Total Contrast to TEC, a Presbyterian Story of a genuinely gracious Parting, January 1, 2012

Entries from January 11
An Article from the Local Paper about the proposed new Leader for the yet to be formed TEC diocese, January 11, 2012
Bishop Mark Lawrence writes about the Death of his Mother Berrtha, January 11, 2012
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, January 11, 2013
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Newspaper is now available, January 11, 2013

Entries from January 10
(AP) Bishop nominated for parishes seeking affiliation with TEC in the yet to be established Diocese, January 10, 2013
(ENS) Charles vonRosenberg nominated to be Bishop for a Diocese that Does Not Exist Yet, January 10, 2013
(Onenews Now) Diocese of South Carolina Seeks to Preserve its Freedom, Faith and History, January 10, 2013

Entries from January 9
Diocese of South Carolina””Diocesan Identity/Legal Response Requested to unauthorized email, January 9, 2013

Entries from January 8
An ENS Story on the Lawsuit Between the Diocese of South Carolina and TEC, Jnauary 8, 2013
Dean of Charleston, South Carolina’s, Cathedral discusses lawsuit against Episcopal Church, January 8, 2013

Entries from January 6
Myrtle Beach, Conway parishes join lawsuit against The Episcopal Church, January 6, 2013

Entries from January 5
(Anglican Ink) South Carolina fires first salvo in legal battle with TEC, January 5, 2013
A.S. Haley””DioSC in Preemptive Strike against ECUSA’s Attempted Identity Theft, January 5, 2013
One South Carolina Parish Rector writes his Parish about the new Protection Initiative taken Friday, January 5, 2013
(Orangeburg, S.C. Times and Democrat) South Carolina Episcopal diocese files lawsuit over property, January 5, 2013
Local South Carolina Story on the Diocesan Action Yesterday to prevent a Hostile Takeover, January 5, 2013

Entries from January 4
A Message to Clergy in the Diocese of South Carolina Regarding the Declaratory Judgment, January 4, 2013
(AP) SC Episcopal diocese files lawsuit to protect beliefs, people and heritage, January 4, 2013
RNS Quote of the Day: Episcopal Bishop Mark Lawrence of South Carolina, January 4, 2013
Bishop Mark Lawrence Writes Regarding the Declaratory Judgment, January 4, 2013
S.C. Diocese Seeks Declaratory Judgement to Prevent Episcopal Church from Seizing Local Parishes, January 4, 2013

Entries from December 22
The Diocese of South Carolina is the Only Authority to Convene a Convention in the Diocese, December 22, 2012

Entries from December 21
(Ang. Ink) Global South Coalition states Jefferts Schori’s actions toward S.C. of no legal account, December 21, 2012

Entries from December 19
One South Carolina Rector writes his Parish about Recent Events and Questions about them, December 19, 2012

Entries from December 16
Global South Primates Steering Comm. Recognizes Mark Lawrence’s Oversight in S.C.and the Communion, December 16, 2012

Entries from December 14
(CEN) South Carolina schism descending into farce, December 14, 2012

Entries from December 11
Peter Carrell [NZ]: Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction, December 11, 2012
Anglican Unscripted Episode 59, December 11, 2012
(The State) Lowcountry S.C.congregations wrestle with whether to stay or go, December 11, 2012
(ENS) Presiding bishop to visit South Carolina diocese, December 11, 2012

Entries from December 10
Your Prayers requested for Bishop Lawrence’s mother who is gravely ill, December 10, 2012
The Diocese of South Carolina Responds to the Announcement of a January TEC Meeting, December 10, 2012
Phil Ashey””Canons are Made to be Broken: Anglican Perspective, December 10, 2012

Entries from December 9
Reminder in the Midst of the TEC Disinformation Campaign””Can a Diocese Legally Withdraw from TEC?, December 9, 2012
Mike Clarkson, the Rector of our Saviour, John’s Island, S.C.””Where I Stand on the Diocese of S.C., December 9, 2012
(Anglican Ink) A Note of clarification from the Bishop of Upper South Carolina, December 9, 2012

Entries from December 8
Presiding Bishop of Episcopal Church coming to SC in Jan. 2013 for “Special Convention”, December 8, 2012
Spokesman for Withdrawn S.C. Episcopal Diocese Disputes Renunciation Order, December 8, 2012

Entries from December 7
More from A.S. Haley on South Carolina””But sue, TEC certainly will, December 7, 2012
(Anglican Ink) South Carolina’s sorrow and pity for Katharine Jefferts Schori, December 7, 2012

Entries from December 6
AnglicanTV Interviews South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence about Recent Developments, December 6, 2012
South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence Writes Regarding his Alleged “Renunciation”, December 6, 2012

Entries from December 5
A.S. Haley””The Presiding Bishop Flouts the Canons Again, December 5, 2012
Presiding Bishop Says Mark Lawrence Says what he did not Say, right out of George Orwell, December 5, 2012

Entries from December 4
The Bishop of Upper South Carolina’s Pastoral Letter for Advent 2012, November 4, 2012

Entries from December 2
Anglican Unscripted Episode 58, December 2, 2012

Entries from November 29
Anglican Ink: Loyalist meeting learns Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is behind them, November 29, 2012
A.S. Haley on The Episcopal Church””Dysfunction Everywhere, November 29, 2012

Entries from November 28
Anglican Communion Institute””An Open Letter to the Bishops of The Episcopal Church, November 28, 2012

Entries from November 27
Shay Gaillard on the Diocese of South Carolina Misreporting””Who Is Welcome in the church?, November 27, 2012

Entries from November 26
Another Christian Post Article on the diocese of South Carolina””but please note my correction, November 26, 2012
Robert Barnett isn’t pleased with Bishop Mark Lawrence, November 26, 2012

Entries from November 25
Diocese of South Carolina Announcement in Today’s State Newspaper (Columbia, South Carolina), November 25, 2012

Entries from November 23
(The State) As South Car. Episcopalians move toward split, questions and painful decisions remain, November 23, 2012

Entries from November 21
An ENS story on those in the Diocese of S. Car. opposed to Bishop Lawrence and the recent decisions, November 21st, 2012
Anglican Communion Institute: South Carolina: A Communion Response, November 21st, 2012

Entries from November 20
(Anglican Ink) Church of Eng. will not make any “premature” statement or judgment re:South Carolina November 20th, 2012

Entries from November 18
(Local Paper) Roy Hills on the Dio. of South C.””Diocese has long history of moving away from church, November 18, 2012
(Local Paper) Peter Mitchell on the Dio. of South C.”””˜diverse like me’ mind-set is killing TEC, November 18, 2012
Local Newspaper Article on the Diocese of South Carolina Convention, November 18, 2012

Entries from November 17
Diocese of South Carolina Turns the Page; Looks Forward, November 17, 2012
Bishop Lawrence’s Address to the Special Convention, November 17, 2012
Kendall Harmon””Attempted Liveblog of Bishop Lawrence’s Diocesan Convention Address, November 17, 2012
(ENS) South Carolina convention affirms decision to leave Episcopal Church, November 17, 2012
A Christian Post Story on South Carolina’s Special Convention today, November 17, 2012
A Sumter, South Carolina, Item Story on today’s Special Convention, November 17, 2012
(AP) South Carolina diocese meets after break with national church, November 17, 2012

Entries from November 16
Please Pray for the Diocese of South Carolina Special Convention to be Held Tomorrow, November 16, 2012
An RNS Article on the Diocese of South Carolina Situation Heading into Special Convention Tomorrow, November 16, 2012
A.S. Haley on the Meeting in South Carolina and Two Bishops Letters recently Released, November 16, 2012
AP Article””Clergy and parishes meet; national bishop writes South Carolina Diocese, November 16, 2012
Charleston (South Carolina) Mercury””Taking the pulse of a diocese in conflict, November 16, 2012

Entries from November 15
A Message from Bishop Mark Lawrence to the Diocese of South Carolina, November 15, 2012
Statement from the Communion Partner Bishops on the South Carolina Situation, November 15, 2012
Presiding Bishop issues Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of South Carolina, November 15, 2012
One South Carolina Parish Rector writes his Parish today about recent developments, November 15, 2012

Entries from November 14
(Anglican Communion Institute) Consumed By Litigation: TEC In South Carolina (Part Two)

Entries from November 13
South Carolina’s Canon to the Ordinary”¨ Writes the Clergy of the Diocese
A note on Diocese of South Carolina Developments
South Carolina Developments (I)””Two Emails From a TEC Steering Committee Led Group to SC Clergy
South Carolina Developments (II)””Tennessee Bishop offers support to dissident South Carolina clergy
South Carolina Developments (III)””Local Newspaper article on the TEC-Diocese of SC Struggle
South Carolina Developments (IV)””A Priest at Holy Communion, Charleston, leaves and Heads to Rome
South Carolina Developments (V)””Local Newspaper Article on Holy Communion: “Group to leave church”
South Carolina Developments (VI)””Advertisement in the Local paper by the TEC Group
South Carolina Developments (VII)””Another Local newspaper Article, Q and A with the Diocese of SC
South Carolina Developments (VIII)””National Church releases “Fact sheet: The Diocese of South Car.”
South Carolina Developments (IX)””Presiding Bishop backs ecclesiastical coup in South Carolina
South Carolina Developments (X)””A.S. Haley’s Analysis of recent Events

Entries from November 12,
Anglican Communion Institute””Consumed By Litigation: TEC In South Carolina, November 12

Entries from November 11
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, November 11
(CEN) Global South backing for the Diocese of South Carolina, November 11

Entries from November 8
(Diocese of SC) Group Attempts to Mislead Clergy; Unauthorized Use of Diocesan Seal and Name, November 8, 2012

[Earlier entries are being reconstructed]

In thee, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In thy righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline thy ear to me, and save me! Be thou to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for thou art my rock and my fortress.

–Psalm 71:1-3

Oh King of grief! (a title strange, yet true,
To thee of all kings only due)
Oh King of wounds! how shall I grieve for thee,
Who in all grief preventest me?
Shall I weep blood? why thou has wept such store
That all thy body was one door.
Shall I be scourged, flouted, boxed, sold?
‘Tis but to tell the tale is told.
‘My God, my God, why dost thou part from me? ‘
Was such a grief as cannot be.
But how then shall I imitate thee, and
Copy thy fair, though bloody hand?
Surely I will revenge me on thy love,
And try who shall victorious prove.
If thou dost give me wealth, I will restore
All back unto thee by the poor.
If thou dost give me honour, men shall see,
The honour doth belong to thee.
I will not marry; or, if she be mine,
She and her children shall be thine.
My bosom friend, if he blaspheme thy name,
I will tear thence his love and fame.
One half of me being gone, the rest I give
Unto some Chapel, die or live.
As for thy passion – But of that anon,
When with the other I have done.
For thy predestination I’ll contrive,
That three years hence, if I survive,
I’ll build a spittle, or mend common ways,
But mend mine own without delays.
Then I will use the works of thy creation,
As if I us’d them but for fashion.
The world and I will quarrel; and the year
Shall not perceive, that I am here.
My music shall find thee, and ev’ry string
Shall have his attribute to sing;
That all together may accord in thee,
And prove one God, one harmony.
If thou shalt give me wit, it shall appear;
If thou hast giv’n it me, ’tis here.
Nay, I will read thy book, and never move
Till I have found therein thy love;
Thy art of love, which I’ll turn back on thee,
O my dear Saviour, Victory!
Then for thy passion – I will do for that –
Alas, my God, I know not what.

–George Herbert (1593-1633)

Our God and King, who didst call thy servant George Herbert from the pursuit of worldly honors to be a pastor of souls, a poet, and a priest in thy temple: Give unto us the grace, we beseech thee, joyfully to perform the tasks thou givest us to do, knowing that nothing is menial or common that is done for thy sake; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

We are not worthy, O Lord, to enter into thy presence, for thou art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity. But thou, Lord, art merciful and full of compassion; forgive us therefore all the sins and offences whereby we have grieved or dishonoured thee, and receive us again into thy favour, that we may worthily magnify thy holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Beth-za’tha, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your pallet, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me said to me, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk.'” They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your pallet, and walk’?” Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

–John 5:1-15

How much oxygen
to ask a question,
to rattle a crack-lipped
whisper,
a one-word lie?

Other animals exist
in an endless present””
ice and light,
speed or crawl, waves
of whatever is this and now.

Of course there’s us””
the only breathing bodies
free enough not
to show up to ourselves,…

Read it all and read the very interesting circumstances that led to the writing of this poem.

O Blessed Saviour, who art full of mercy and compassion, and wilt not cast out any that come to thee: Help us, we beseech thee, who are grievously vexed with the burden of our sins; and so increase in us the power of thy Holy Spirit that we may prevail against the enemy of our souls; for thy name’s sake.

–Henry Alford

Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to thee, when my heart is faint. Lead thou me to the rock that is higher than I; for thou art my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell in thy tent for ever! Oh to be safe under the shelter of thy wings!

–Psalm 61:1-4

Britain’s most senior Roman Catholic cleric, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, is stepping down as leader of the Scottish Catholic Church.

It follows claims, which he contests, of inappropriate behaviour towards priests dating back to the 1980s.

Read it all and see also the Statements

Read it all.

O Almighty God, who into the place of Judas didst choose thy faithful servant Matthias to be of the number of the Twelve: Grant that thy Church, being delivered from false apostles, may always be ordered and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Write deeply upon our minds, O Lord God, the lesson of thy holy Word, that only the pure in heart can see thee. Leave us not in the bondage of any sinful inclination. May we neither deceive ourselves with the thought that we have no sin, nor acquiesce idly in aught of which our conscience accuses us. Strengthen us by thy Holy Spirit to fight the good fight of faith, and grant that no day may pass without its victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

–C. J. Vaughan

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord…

–Romans 1:1-4

The vote total I am told was 189 to 64.

You can find the parish website here. Please note that on the front page of the website there are four separate links for your perusal, Discernment Schedule, Discernment Meeting January 13th, Discernment Meeting January 20th, and Bishop Lawerence’s Remarks. You may also be interested in the parish newsletter which you cand find there.

O Eternal God, who hast taught us by thy holy Word that our bodies are temples of thy Spirit: Keep us, we most humbly beseech thee, temperate and holy in thought, word and deed, that at the last we, with all the pure in heart, may see thee and be made like unto thee in thy heavenly kingdom; through Christ our Lord.

–B. F. Westcott (1825-1901)

A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’s and the fulness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein; for he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. [Selah] Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! [Selah]

–Psalm 24

Now, as Polycarp was entering into the stadium, there came to him a voice from heaven, saying, “Be strong, and show thyself a man, O Polycarp!” No one saw who it was that spoke to him; but those of our brethren who were present heard the voice. And as he was brought forward, the tumult became great when they heard that Polycarp was taken. And when he came near, the proconsul asked him whether he was Polycarp. On his confessing that he was, [the proconsul] sought to persuade him to deny [Christ], saying, “Have respect to thy old age,” and other similar things, according to their custom, [such as], “Swear by the fortune of Cæsar; repent, and say, Away with the Atheists.” But Polycarp, gazing with a stern countenance on all the multitude of the wicked heathen then in the stadium, and waving his hand towards them, while with groans he looked up to heaven, said, “Away with the Atheists.” Then, the proconsul urging him, and saying, “Swear, and I will set thee at liberty, reproach Christ;” Polycarp declared, “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?”

—The Martyrdom of Saint Polycarp, Chapter IX.

O God, the maker of heaven and earth, who didst give to thy venerable servant, the holy and gentle Polycarp, boldness to confess Jesus Christ as King and Saviour, and steadfastness to die for his faith: Give us grace, after his example, to share the cup of Christ and rise to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

O Eternal God, who through thy Son our Lord hast promised a blessing upon those who hear thy Word and faithfully keep it: Open our ears, we humbly beseech thee, to hear what thou sayest, and enlighten our minds, that what we hear we may understand, and understanding may carry into good effect by thy bounteous prompting; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee”; as he says also in another place, “Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchiz’edek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchiz’edek.

–Hebrews 5:5-10

Moody’s said weak prospects for British economic growth, which have thrown the government’s deficit reduction strategy off course, lay behind its decision to cut the rating by one notch to Aa1 from Aaa.

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The Archbishop of Tanzania was rebuffed yesterday in his bid for a second five year term as the Bishop of Mpwapwa, the Rt. Rev. Jacobo Chimeledya, was elected primate of the Anglican Church of Tanzania.

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When one asks the most influential thinkers in the modern evangelical church are, one might find names such as Jim Packer, John Stott, and Don Carson.

I would like to suggest, however, that there is one whose influence is perhaps much greater than we are aware of, yet whose thinking all but pervades the modern evangelical church: Marcion.

He’s the man who gets my vote for most profound influence on evangelicalism, from canon to theology to worship practices. You never see his books on the shelves in your high street Christian bookshop; you never see him advertised as preaching in your local church; but, rest assured, his spirit stalks those bookshops and pulpits.
Marcion is – or, rather, was – a somewhat shadowy figure, with most of what we know about him coming from the hostile pen of Tertullian. Apparently, he was a native of Pontus (in modern times, the area by the Black Sea), who flourished in the middle of the second century, dying circa 160. His major distinctive was his insistence on the Christian gospel as exclusively one of love to the extent that he came to a complete rejection of the Old Testament and only a qualified acceptance of those parts of the New Testament which he considered to be consistent with his central thesis (i.e. ten letters of Paul and a recension of the Gospel of Luke).

So how does Marcion influence modern evangelicalism? Well, I think evangelicalism has become practically Marcionite at a number of levels.

First, the emphasis upon God’s love to the utter exclusion of everything else has become something of a commonplace….

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God whose strength bears us up as on mighty wings: We rejoice in remembering thy athlete and missionary, Eric Liddell, to whom thou didst bestow courage and resolution in contest and in captivity; and we pray that we also may run with endurance the race that is set before us and persevere in patient witness, until we wear that crown of victory won for us by Jesus our Savior; who with thee and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

O Lord our God, long-suffering and full of compassion: Be present with us, we beseech thee, as we enter upon this season in which we make ready to recall our Saviour’s sufferings and to celebrate his triumph. Grant us the aid of thy Holy Spirit, that as we acknowledge our sins, and implore thy pardon, we may also be enabled to deny ourselves, and be upheld in the hour of temptation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

–Hebrews 4:12-13