Posted on 12/18/2006 8:21:17 PM PST by Huber
From: Church of the Word 14215 Lee Highway Gainesville, VA 20155
Vision: To encounter and share Jesus Christ
Mission: To encounter Jesus Christ as the Word of Life through creative worship and loving community and to share Jesus through relational evangelism, lifestyle discipleship, and hands on service
Phone: Fax: E-Mail: Web: 703-754-9673 703-754-9674 Administrator.ChurchOfTheWord@verizon.net http://www.pwcweb.com/ecw
Content summary
(1) Summary of results of the vote (2) Appreciation for the cooperation of the Diocese in discernment process (3) Hope for eventual reform of The Episcopal Church (4) Pastoral care offered to all members of Church of the Word (5) Will work with the Diocese to resolve any outstanding issues (6) Continue our ministries in Gainesville and surrounding area
(1) Summary of results of the vote
Having completed our forty days of discernment that started in September, which was conducted in a manner consistent with the Protocol for Departing Churches that was unanimously endorsed by the Special Committee commissioned by the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Church of the Word members voted during the past week as follows:
On the first resolution which reads: “ …that Church of the Word shall sever its denominational ties with The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia and affiliate with the Anglican District of Virginia, an association of churches under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, a branch of the Anglican Communion.”
Yes 70 (96%) No 3 ( 4%)
On the second resolution: “that if a majority of Church of the Word severs its denominational ties with The Episcopal Church and The Diocese of Virginia, the real and personal property of Church of the Word should be retained by the majority of the congregation.”
Yes 70 (96%) No 3 ( 4%)
(2) Appreciation for the cooperation of the Diocese in discernment process
We realize that the problem of finding an appropriate response to the dilemma caused by the 2003 general convention of the Episcopal Church has generated much difficulty for all parties concerned. Church of the Word wishes to express its appreciation to Bishop Peter James Lee and the administration of the Diocese for their willingness to respond to the needs of conservative churches in a positive way by supporting the discernment process. We have found the 40 days of discernment material helpful and we were glad to follow the procedures outlined in the ‘protocol for departing congregations’. We were pleased to receive a live presentation from the Diocese and to consider all the materials given to us in our discernment process.
It is our fervent hope that the spirit of ‘charity in all things’ shown thus far by the Diocese will be a much needed model to all the other dioceses in The Episcopal Church (TEC).
(3) Hope for eventual reform of The Episcopal Church
Even though it has proved necessary for Church of the Word to withdraw from TEC for reasons of conscience and to maintain its Anglican identity, we hope that the Lord will restore the denomination to mainstream Christianity and traditional Anglican beliefs and practices. We know that there are dozens of congregations still in the Diocese of Virginia who are looking for some sign of reform and thousands of ordinary parishioners across Virginia who are hopeful that a change of heart may yet come about. We assure them of our heartfelt fellowship and prayers.
(4) Pastoral Care offered to all members of Church of the Word
We are aware that a small minority of our members voted to remain in TEC and the Diocese and we are conscious of our pastoral responsibility towards them. We expect that most of these good folks will be happy to continue worshiping with us and sharing in our fellowship and ministry. If there is a request for a transfer of membership to a local congregation which remains in TEC, we will be glad to comply. It may be that some from those nearby TEC congregations will want to transfer to Church of the Word and we will be happy to receive them.
(5) Will work with the Diocese to resolve any outstanding issues
We know that the result of our vote on 12-17-06 may be the end of the discernment process but it is only the beginning of conversations with the Diocese about some outstanding issues. We pledge to enter into these conversations in good faith and look forward to building upon the spirit of cooperation established so far. We will be doing this in partnership with many other Virginia parishes.
(6) Continue our ministries in Gainesville and surrounding area
Church of the Word is still an Anglican Church and we expect that our worship and ministry will continue and flourish under our new association with the Anglican District of Virginia. Please pray for us as we begin this new chapter of gospel service.
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.
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