As most of you know, this is my church.
I am so proud of Father Stansey & Hartzer --- especially Hartzer. He's very young with an unvested retirement account and a lot of little kids. He's making a big jump.
Lots of little details to be worked out --- notably family remains buried on property, etc.
Ironically, one of the readings Sunday was about how it is a blessing to be persecuted because one actually follows Christ. Stansey stuck to the Mothers' Day message, although you could tell it was on his mind.
One of the great untold stories about this is how the various Christian denominations of Midland are helping us out --- from a place to pray (the gym of a shool associated with a Bible church), to Bibles, to vestments, to whatnot all from Roman Catholic churches, Baptist, and everything in between.
The 31 people remaining in the empty building --- with no priests ---- are by-and-large typical hateful liberals, although there are some who remain just because they can't stand to give the building up to become a bath house or whatever Bishop Ohl has planned for it.
BTW: Ohl refused to even sell the building back to the congregation. He's a bitter, little, liberal man.
It you'd like to give the Bishop (politely) a piece of your mind, do so at: Wallis Ohl 1802 Broadway Lubbock, TX 79401 Phone: (806) 763-1370 x 205 Fax: (806) 472-0641 Email: bishop@nwt.org
"It you'd like to give the Bishop (politely) a piece of your mind,..."
Politely indeed, keep in mind that Bishop Ohl voted AGAINST the consecration of Gene Robinson.
http://www.nwt.org/pastoralongc2003.htm
What we saw when our church split was that a number of folks who voted to leave ended up staying with the building. In that case, however, the pastors and the staff were among those who stayed. Those who left quickly attracted a number of new members, however, and 15 years out, while both groups claim about the same membership, those who left have about twice the average weekly attendance of those who remained.
So, a year from now, don't be surprised to look around and see a lot of new faces, and to not see a few folks you expected. May the Lord bless what you all are doing in Midland.
One of the great untold stories about this is how the various Christian denominations of Midland are helping us out
I have noticed in other stories that those who help out in these situations cover quite a large theological range.
I live in South Texas, and we are governed by the West Texas Diocese, most of whom are against this homosexual agenda stuff and support the biblical types.
I continue to be appalled at the behavior of these pro-homo, anti-Bible bishops that cling to the stuff espoused by Griswold & company. I plan to stay with the church here, but should things change, I'll be ready to bail.
May God bless you, your congregation, and your priests in your witness for the Gospel!!!!
I remember that lesson about being blessed to be persecuted, too, and I connected it to what we orthodox Christians in the ELCA are going through.
Where would one send a contribution to help Christ Church Midland?