Holy Week at Church of the Messiah

This Sunday, April 5th, marks the beginning of the holiest week of the Christian calendar, however, this year, COVID-19 has changed the way that Christians will be observing Holy Week throughout the world.  On Wednesday, April 1st, both the Mayor of Jacksonville and the Governor of Florida issued their own “Safer at Home” orders directing non-essential businesses to close, residents to stay home unless on essential activities, and for everyone to maintain safe social distancing practices.

Thankfully, Governor DeSantis’ executive order specifically declares that churches and other houses of worship are essential during this time, but we will not do anything that might endanger either our congregation or those with whom they might come in contact.  The verse that Fr. Looker said would guide our actions during this time is still 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  We will continue to do everything that we can to share the love of God, but we will do so in a prudent way that makes every use of the sound minds which God has given us.

Recognizing that this current crisis makes for very fluid circumstances, here are our plans at the moment.  We will continue to live stream our Sunday morning services via Facebook Live.  We will do so with a skeleton crew that will be ten people or less, which follows the CDC recommendations and our Bishop’s directives.  Those people who are present in the building will do their best to maintain a healthy 6 feet of social distance whenever possible.  We will provide Holy Communion through the Host only to those who are present in the Sanctuary and those who join us in the parking lot at the designated times.  We believe that this allows us to be in submission to all of our earthly authorities while still remaining faithful to our heavenly authority which calls us to preach the Gospel at all times, and in all places; to be a light which shines in the darkness; and to bring hope to those who otherwise might have none.

In particular, we will hold our Palm Sunday service on Sunday, April 5th, beginning at 10 o’clock.  We will live stream the service through Facebook Live and those wishing to receive Holy Communion may do so in our parking lot from around 11 o’clock to 11:30.  At the time which we serve Holy Communion we will also distribute blessed palms to anyone present to take home.

Our Maundy Thursday service will be April 9th, starting at 7 o’clock.  While this service typically includes the clergy washing the feet of the congregation, we will obviously not be able to do that this year.  This service will be live streamed via Facebook Live.

Our Good Friday service will be release on our YouTube channel at noon on Friday, April 10th.  This will not be streamed live but we encourage those of you who watch it to share it on Facebook.  Our service will include the traditional reading of the Passion Gospel, the Solemn Collects, the adoration of the Cross, and, as is our tradition, seven meditations on the Passion of Our Lord.

We have yet to determine exactly how we will observe Holy Saturday.  In the past we have prayed the Liturgy for the Pre-Born outside a local abortion clinic.  We have yet to make a determination about this service.

Easter Sunday, April 12th, we will do our very best to celebrate the glorious resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to give that day all of the glory and honor it deserves.  Our service will be streamed live via our Facebook channel starting at 10 o’clock.  If you just cannot imagine an Easter Sunday without going to Church, then celebrate with us in our parking lot and receive Holy Communion from 11:00-11:30.

We know that these are anxious and uncertain times.  This will be a Holy Week unlike anything anyone has ever celebrated in over 100 years.  At Church of the Messiah, we are doing our very best to bring honor and glory to God, to bring hope and joy to God’s people, and to be that city on a hill that shines out God’s light in this dark time.  We invite you to join with us during this time.  By God’s grace, we will get through this together.

Church of the Messiah’s COVID-19 Response Plan

Please take a few moments and read the following pastoral letter from Fr. Scott Looker, Rector of Church of the Messiah.

Beloved in Christ,

As most of us have in the past few days, the Rector’s Council and I have been very attentive to all of the news and most recent updates on the Corona Virus pandemic and how we can best fulfill our call to be good pastors and shepherds of the congregation which God has entrusted us.  In light of that, we met last night and prayerfully formulated this response, aware that this situation is ever-changing and that what we say now may need to be amended in just a few hours.

First and foremost, our response to this and every other situation, crisis or otherwise, is to be guided by the words of Holy Scriptures.  Near the time of his own death, St. Paul reminded his disciple Timothy that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)  This verse is terribly relevant because it reminds us of both how we will respond and how we will not respond.

We will not respond in fear.  We will not shutter the churches, lock ourselves away, and forget that we are Christians, called that name by a Savior who overcame death itself and calls us to be lights that shine in the darkness.  We are, indeed, walking through a dark time in America and in the world, and they shall know that we are Christians by our love.  The Great Commission has not been put on hold because a disease runs through the land.  The world needs Jesus now more than ever.

We will respond, however, in the spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind which God has given us.  In respect to the “sound mind,” that means that we will employ the Christian virtue of Prudence.  We will not take foolhardy or dangerous actions because we do not fear the repercussions.  Such actions would imperil the lives of countless others and would not be acting in love but rather the height of selfishness.  As it relates to the power, we will remember that God bestows on us the Gift of Healing and calls us to pray for others and move in the confidence that even death is not a true defeat because Our Lord has conquered death.

When in comes to love, the greatest of all the gifts, we must be mindful to be charitable in this dark time.  Our friends, neighbor, and loved ones will not respond to this crisis the same way that we will.  We must show them the love of God.  Hundreds of thousands of thousands of people will be financially impacted by this crisis.  We should do what we can to reach out in love to those who are hurting.  People’s lives have been completely upturned.  They need to hear the calming, loving voice of Him who can speak to the wind and waves and say, “Peace, be still.”  We must be that voice.

As to practicals changes, we will comply will with the Mayor’s directive to limit occupancy to less than 50 people in a building.  We ask that anyone showing flu or cold symptoms, anyone who is considered high-risk, and anyone who has traveled to a country where there has been an outbreak, as well as anyone who has been in contact with someone who has traveled to a country where there has been an outbreak to remain home and contact the church office or one our priests.  We are blessed to be able pray for you and to bring Holy Communion to you in such a way that you will not put yourself or anyone else at risk.  To be clear, those who are considered high-risk are those with cardio vascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, people in treatment for other illnesses, and those who are over sixty years old.  

We will continue our Wednesday night adult Bible study and youth group as regularly scheduled unless otherwise notified.  We will be postponing our women’s ministry Bible study on 2 Timothy until further notice.  We will be “livestreaming” our Sunday morning services for those who are shut in.  Our first attempt at this was last Sunday and it was met with all of the challenges one would expect from launching new technology.  We are endeavoring to improve this as we go.  You should be able to watch the livestream on our Facebook channel at Facebook.com/mycomjax.  We ask everyone to be faithful with their tithes and offerings during this time.  As with every other business, bills remain largely unchanged regardless of attendance.  Please consider sending in checks by mail or giving on-line.  If you have not already set up on-line giving, you can visit mycomjax.com/give or text “mycomjax” to 77977 and follow the directions.  The service which we use to process on-line donations is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant meaning that they meet the highest standards of industry safety for on-line financial transactions.  Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.

Now, the obvious question is how will we proceed with Holy Communion?  In the past week, I have reached out all over.  I have talked with dozens of clergy, read all sorts of web-pages and blogs, looked at what this parish and that diocese is doing.  I have made my decision.  Not everyone will like it.  Some will think it too harsh; some will think it too weak.  Remember that responding in power, love, and a sound mind requires that each of us move in faith, make prudent decisions for ourselves, and be charitable to those with whom we disagree.

We will continue to distribute the the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist and we will make the Chalice available to those who wish to drink from the Chalice.  We will in no way think less of those who refrain from partaking of the Blood of Christ in the Chalice, nor will we think more highly of those who choose to partake.  It is a choice that is made with a great many factors involved and we will not judge.  We will NOT allow any longer, however, what is known as intinction, or the dipping of the Host into the Chalice.  Many see this as the healthier and more sanitary option and wonder why I exclude it.  I will explain.

If we are going to make a change, it must be a change that will legitimately and truly impact the health of those worshiping with us and not just appear to do so.  While intinction appears to be more sanitary, having consulted with medical professionals and other clergy, I believe that is not more sanitary, rather it is just a different way of transmitting germs.  Instead of the possibility of transmitting germs from mouths on the Chalice (mitigated by several factors: diligent acolyte cleanliness, the metallic surface of the Chalice, the alcohol content of the wine, etc…), intinction creates contact with every hand in the congregation, and then places the fingers of the server in the Chalice and then near the mouth and nose of every other member of the congregation.  This is not a more sanitary way of receiving Communion; it is rather a different way to transmit germs.  To be clear, there will be NO dipping of Hosts into the Chalice by anyone, clergy or lay, until this crisis has passed.

It is worth acknowledging that we believe both the Body and Blood of Christ are contained within the Host so one is “fully” partaking of Communion if one “only” receives the Host and elects not to drink from the Chalice.

All of what has been said before can change in the blink of an eye.  As of the current press releases, tweets, and updates, this is the best course of action that the Rector’s Council and I can assemble in the face of this current crisis.  Given the fluidity of the circumstances, this may change very quickly and we will do our very best to update everyone as soon as possible.  We are very aware that Holy Week and Easter are only a few weeks away and we want those experiences to be the best, most glorious services which we have ever had, while at the same time maintaining the safety of all our members.

While these circumstance may change daily, it is important to remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and that His Word never changes.  The Church has been through crises before.  It has been through plagues and pestilences before.  We will not stop being the Church because of COVID-19.  We may start doing some things differently, but our mandate to share the Gospel has not changed because of a virus or a limit on the number of people who can gather in one place at a time.  Prior to His betrayal and Crucifixion, when Our Lord would endure His own isolation and ultimately conquer death, He reminded His Disciples, “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33)  In this season, we may find ourselves isolated, but we are not alone because Christ is with us.  We are facing a trial the likes of which none of us has ever faced before.  Nevertheless, be of good cheer.  We serve a God who has overcome the world.

I am praying for you and I look forward to worshiping Our Risen Lord together with you on Sunday morning (on livestream or in person).

In Christ,

sjl+

March for Life at Church of the Messiah

This week more than a dozen members of Church of the Messiah will be heading up to Washington, D.C., to join with CEC for Life and participate in the 47th Annual March for Life.  If you cannot make the trek to the frozen north, you can still participate in a series of events planned right here at Church of the Messiah.

On Thursday night, beginning at 7:00, we will have a night of pro-life intercession and prayer at Church of the Messiah.

On Friday morning, starting at 9 o’clock, we will participate in a silent prayer vigil at All Women’s Health Center at 1545 Huffingham Road (click HERE for a map.  Please park in the church parking lot or alongside the road.)

On Saturday morning, starting at 9 o’clock, we will be leading the Liturgy for the Pre-Born in front of All Women’s Health Center.  If you have never attended one of these liturgies, this will be a perfect opportunity to do so.

For more information on any of these services, please contact Casey Harlow or Fr. Scott Melanson.

In light of these scheduled event and our many youth who are traveling to Washington this week to participate in the March for Life, we are cancelling both Youth Group and our Adult Bible Study on Wednesday night, January 22nd.  This events will resume as normal on Wednesday, January 29th.

The Patriarch’s Christmas Message

One of the horrific wars of the 20th century was fought in Europe it is called the First World War or some called it the “war to end all wars.”  It is estimated that between 15 million and 19 million died in the conflict and 23 million were wounded.  The war to end all wars ended with a treaty intended to bring peace.  However, it led to the rise of fascism and the Nazi Party and the outbreak of the Second World War where an estimated 70 to 85 million people died. This was about three percent of the world’s population.  These two wars mean that some call the 20th century, the most violent in humanity’s history.

Yet despite the horror of these two wars, other wars, and those that continue to take place there are incredible stories of light, courage, and hope.  The ravages of the two wars gave rise to a list of Christian men and women who, today, provide examples of how to live in and with suffering. Their lives pointed to something far greater and beyond the horrors of war and the inhumanity of man. I have several favorites, from this time, including St. Maximillian Kolbe, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), and Dietrich Bonhoeffer who died at the hands of the Nazi’s in concentration/death camps.  Also, Corrie Ten Bloom, who spent time in a concentration camp and survived influenced, has influenced other’s walk with the Lord, particularly regarding reconciliation.

Europe was forever changed as a result of these two wars and the evil of genocide not only in Germany but in the Soviet Union where over 20 million died at the hand of communism. Many had their faith challenged, and they rejected the Church and her message.  A large portion of Western Europe that has surrendered to the values of secular humanism still experience this rejection.  Now, countries that were once the center of Christian life and thought have an attendance of less than 5% of the population.  This suggests that the Church failed to answer the deep discouragement and hopelessness of war.  Despite this, some of the greatest theological works originated from that time.  Some of these works are from great authors like C.S. Lewis, Karl Barth, and others.

One story from the first World War has always stood out in my mind. There are many but this one is so unique.

World War I was fought in trenches.  These trenches were cold and wet.  Two thousand Americans and seventy-five thousand British soldiers died of trench foot; a disease caused by feet and socks that didn’t dry.  Thousands more had feet and legs amputated from the same disease.  World War I also introduced gas warfare.  Men died horrible deaths.  One can barely read the effects that gas warfare had on the dying person because it is so graphic.  It is no wonder, that despite many nations storing toxic gases, every civilized society has condemned the use of chemical gases in warfare.

The young men in the trenches suffered.  During suffering, Pope Benedict, on December 7,1914 called for a truce but the warring governments refused to heed his plea.  But on Christmas Eve of 1914, the soldiers themselves put down their weapons.  Across the no-man’s land (the area between the opposing trenches) the British soldiers heard the German soldiers singing Christmas Carols.  Some suggest that the first carol was Silent Night sung in German to which the British sang the same back in English.  On Christmas Day, the Germans, unarmed crossed into the no man’s land with gifts for the British soldiers.  The British did not trust them at first but eventually they too entered the land and gave gifts to the Germans.  For a moment, if only so briefly there was “peace on earth.”  The war resumed on December 26th.  And, it took four more years before a very fragile and vindictive treaty was signed.  A treaty that historians tell us was doomed to fail.

Christ was among the suffering; he was in the trenches singing hymns with them. Christ was with them amid the darkness. Christ enters the darkness of humanity by becoming complete and perfectly human to redeem humanity and restore it to its proper dignity and worth.  Christ becomes human and takes it upon Himself to be the enemy of death defeating our enemy and making it the very means by which we are born again into eternal life.  We can now participate in His death and so know the power of His resurrection, seating us with Him in the place we belong both now and then.

It is incredible that God became a baby.  God became a helpless dependent baby, born of a human mother making every womb a holy sanctuary of life.  The creator God became dependent on His creation for food, shelter, warmth, and even human affection.  God reveals Himself not as wrathful or vengeful but in love with humanity (John 3.16) by coming to us in humanity.  It is the gift Him that is the mystery that silenced a war.  It is also the mystery that silences the stirring and rumblings of a restless soul.  As St. Augustine wrote, “you have made us for yourself and our souls are restless until they find their rest in you.”

The Incarnation we see at Christmas time is God’s solution to the problem of evil, whether it be from war, genocide, or the horror of the modern holocaust of abortion.
The Incarnation is God’s solution to the continual fight against sin, the world and the devil.  The Incarnation is that which turns sinners into saints – even martyrs.  The Incarnation is that which gives us hope.  The Incarnation calls us out of fear and compels us to seek that which is greater than the horrors in the trenches.

There is so much suffering in the world even today.  But our faith tells us that we will always find Him among the suffering and the poor, in the prisoner, the stranger, the hungry, the thirsty, and the homeless.  We will always find Him fully human and divine in a small piece of bread and a sip of wine.  Forever Christ is with us – Emmanuel.

I pray each of you, no matter what your circumstances, will find a moment to ponder, like Mary, the mystery of infant Jesus.  I pray you have a most blessed Advent and Christmas.

Under His mercy

+Craig, Patriarch

Church of the Messiah to Host Life & Leadership Conference

We are excited to announce that on Saturday, December 14th, Church of the Messiah will host the first-ever Life & Leadership Conference in America.

Throughout history, the biggest changes in the tide of time were brought about by dedicated servant leaders.  This training brings those leaders to life and offers intense spiritual instruction that will equip Christians to change their world.

Fr. Terry Genesmer, the Director of CEC for Life and long-time friend of Church of the Messiah, has led several Life & Leadership conferences in Europe, usually over three days.  This event will be an intensive one-day course geared towards men and women (ages 17 & up) who are currently in leadership or actively seeking to become leaders in their church or community.

The cost is $30 and covers your leadership booklet, light breakfast and lunch.  Only 35 spots available!  To register for the conference, click HERE.  To pay for the conference, you may give Sunday at church or you may pay on-line by clicking HERE (select “Life & Leadership Conference” option).

Join with Church of the Messiah and Fr. Terry Gensemer on Saturday, December 14th, as we learn how to become focused servant leaders who will turn the tide for this country and the Kingdom of God.

Funeral Information for Linda Luck

On November 4th, Linda Faye Luck, the sister of James Luck, left this life and went to be with her Lord and Savior.  A memorial service in Faye’s honor will be held Saturday, November 16th, beginning at 10 o’clock in the morning.  The service will be at the Hobson Auditorium of First Baptist Church (Click HERE for a map) where she was a long-time member.

Rest eternal grant to Linda, O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon her.

May her soul, and the souls of the the faithful departed,
Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

The Patriarch’s All Saints’ Mission Offering Letter

Every year the churches throughout the CEC take up an offering on All Saints’ Day to support International Missions.  This year, Church of the Messiah will collect the All Saints’ Mission Offering on Sunday, November 3rd.  Please read the following message from our Patriarch Archbishop Craig Bates.

Since the early days of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, we have taken an annual offering to support international missions.  Over the years, this money has supported numerous projects and missions, including equipping the church in developing nations in becoming the three streams.  After several years, we have been led to assist the church in Africa in becoming self-sufficient.  This led us to develop micro-businesses in various regions and financially support a multitude of projects.

The generous offerings from people throughout the North American Church have built and supported cathedrals, churches, a seminary, schools, orphanages, and ministry to poor children.  This is in addition to the phenomenal work already done by our Diocese in Africa.  Not only does the work continue to be self-supported, but there will be additional projects that I will be able to see in my 2020 visit.

Perhaps the most exciting thing in the life of our communion is that I will install the first Kenyan CEC Archbishop in Kenya.  The Most Rev. Joshua Koyo will be installed during my visit in August 2020.  Bishop Koyo was one of the first CEC Bishops in Africa.  He is a holy man of God who has a heart not only for convergence but for bringing the Gospel to the least, lost and the lonely.  He is a man highly respected by his brother bishops, by area clergy, and by secular leaders.

Africa continues to have many difficulties.  There are civil wars, corruption, disease, lack of medical services, hunger, HIV/AIDS, child soldiers, and the ever-present danger of terrorism or war.  Our bishops and clergy are in the center of this.  They are where the conflicts and struggles are the most evident.  Many are struggling to spread their message without transportation, materials, adequate housing, and in some cases, food for their families.  Yet, they never complain.  They look to the Lord for Him to provide and rejoice in their relationship with the CEC.

These men are our brothers!

I pray that we can even be more generous than we have been in the past, If we can purchase some more fields for growing crops, more rice culling machines, pigs, cattle, and buildings to store the crops.  If we can expand our present micro-business, we will see a people who trust in God being able to feed their children physically and spiritually.

Join Cathy and me in giving the most generous amount you can imagine.  Every penny will go to ministry.  No money goes to administration or travel.  It goes directly to the ministry.

Be assured of my prayers.

Under His mercy,

+Craig W. Bates,Patriarch, ICCEC

 

For more information on the All Saints Mission and Development Offering, including how funds are spent and how much money has been received, visit the ICCEC Missions website by clicking HERE.  To watch a video on the All Saints Mission and Development Offering, click below.

This Sunday Is Foundation Day

The Foundation Stone of the Cathedral Church of the Intercessor. They met in the basement for thirteen years until they could build the first floor. A Cathedral was born from those faithful people worshiping in a basement for over a decade.

Please take a few moments and read the Patriarch’s letter on the 27th anniversary of our communion and our annual observance Foundation Day.

I have been hearing about a number of churches in the United States who are celebrating their twenty-fifth or more years since the founding of their Church. The time has gone by so fast.  I have been in the CEC for twenty-five of our Communion’s twenty-seven-year history. That is correct; it has been twenty-seven years since Austin Randolph Adler was consecrated the first bishop in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. Though twenty-seven years is a long time, it is really just a short period of time, and we are still a young fellowship within the larger Body of Christ.

The American House of Bishops decided many years ago to celebrate the “founder” of our communion on the anniversary of his consecration. Archbishop Adler stated very emphatically that he did not want an offering taken and given to him. Rather he wanted the Communion to take up a thank offering that would be used to assist churches in purchasing property or restoring property so that a CEC community could occupy it. Every year, an offering has been taken, and we have seen the vision unfold before our eyes. You can read about our successes on the CEC-NA website.

We have so much to be thankful for over the years. I am thankful for a Communion that has remained faithful to the vision of convergence worship, consensus government, and to living out the historic and ancient faith passed down to us through the centuries.  I am thankful for a Communion that has remained steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel. I am thankful for a Communion that is Sacramental and is centered in the Eucharist. I am thankful for the ministries of our churches to the least, the lost, and the lonely. I am thankful for the schools that are educating our children. I am thankful for the friendships that I have established over the past 25 years of my membership in the CEC. And, I am especially thankful that my children and grandchildren have a church family they can call home.

So, we will take a thank offering.  The offerings will be sent to the Primates of each territory to be used for the construction, purchasing, or repairing of buildings. One-third of the money will be distributed as grants, one third will be distributed as low-interest loans, and one third will be placed in an investment account where the interest can be used in future generations.

The Communion continues to grow under the guidance and anointing of the Holy Spirit. I expect God to grow the Church as we water and plant. As we abide in Christ and walk by faith, we will see good fruit, the kind that will endure.

Under His mercy,

The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates, Patriarch

 

For more information on Foundation Day, click HERE.

 

2019 is the Year of Evangelism

The North American House of Bishop met in Bel Air, Maryland just prior to the consecration of Bishop Rob Northwood. A great deal of the meeting centered around our morning time of prayer. Following this time of prayer, the Bishops decided to call for a year of evangelism.

Every year should be a year of evangelism. The call for a year of evangelism is not suggesting that at the end of the year we stop evangelizing. Rather, that together we are taking a year with every parish, mission, and ministry in the North American Church to pray, listen, reflect, and evaluate the churches evangelist works. Bishops have committed themselves to; teach evangelism at our clergy gatherings, to engage in conversation with every Rector/Vicar and his councils, to develop a diocesan plan of evangelism, and to engage is spirit directed evangelistic efforts. It also is calling for every pastor to engage his congregation in the work of evangelism.

Prayer

They recognized that every region of North America is different and will call for different types of activity. They recognized that every parish is different with a different demographic. They recognized that every person is unique and yet, they believe that every one of us, every parish, and every region is called to evangelism. 1 Timothy 2.4 informs us that the will of God is that every person is saved and comes to know the truth.

There are many definitions of evangelism, but I think Archbishop William Temple gave the best definition. He said, “Evangelism is to so present Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit, that men shall come to put their trust in God through Him, to accept Him as their savior and serve Him as their King in the fellowship of the Church.”

Evangelism is fulfilling what our Lord Jesus commanded in Matthew 28.16-20. This is the Church’s mission statement.

I am excited about what God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, is going to do within our communion and among us as a people. I am excited because when people set their heart towards the presence of Jesus and His Kingdom, the Holy Spirit moves in miraculous and supernatural ways to fulfill the purposes of God.

Let us pray every day, a simple prayer from the Book of Common Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hardwood of the cross that everyone might come within reach of your saving embrace. So, cloth us (me) in your Spirit, that we (I), reaching forth our (my) arms in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of you name.”

Under His mercy,

+Craig, Patriarch, Primate

Fr. Scott Melanson to Begin a New Teaching Series This Wednesday

This Wednesday night, May 1st, Fr. Scott Melanson will begin a new teaching series as part of Church of the Messiah’s Wednesday night services.  The series will be entitled “(Not So) Random Thoughts from Fr. Scott (the Wiser)” and will continue for four weeks.  The title of the series hearkens back to early days of COM when then “Pastor Scott” would lead choir practice on Wednesday nights and give  short homilies to the worship department that were known as his “random thoughts.”  The service will begin at 7 o’clock and will include praise and worship, reading from Holy Scripture, “(Not So) Random Thoughts from Fr. Scott (the Wiser)”, as well as a time of prayer, and Holy Communion.  During these services Church of the Messiah’s Youth Group also meets and we have childcare provided for children 5th grade and under.  Please be aware that are not having community dinners through the month of May.  The service will end promptly by 8:30 to give everyone adequate time to get home and prepare for work and school the next morning.  Please join us this Wednesday, for this wonderfully surprising teaching series.