Miletus Network Blogsite

Pastoral Letter from Bishop John

2010-04-02T08:28:00.000-04:00

Maundy Thursday, AD 2010

Beloved in the Lord,

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Today is Thursday of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday by our Church calendar. Tonight Prince of Peace’s community of faith, like many of yours, will gather to wash one another’s feet and feast anew on our Lord’s body and blood in that wondrous mystery we call the Eucharist. As we stoop in service to our brothers and sisters and kneel before the Lord’s presence, to feed on Him who is our very life, we will be reminded that Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. It’s a grand prelude to God’s once for all sacrifice of His Son, a sacrifice so horrific, yet so vital for the salvation of sinners, that the Church remembers that sacrifice in what is unquestionably our most solemn liturgy—Good Friday.

During visits to Jerusalem over the years, I have walked along the Via Dolorosa (The Way of Suffering) many times, pausing at designated stations to read and prayerfully reflect upon the Scriptures in the hope of capturing something of what we commemorate on Good Friday. In my feeble humanity, I attempt to appreciate all that Jesus endured as He trod those same steps, his flesh covered in sweat and blood from brutal beatings, his body wearied by the weight of the cross, his spirit tormented by those along the way unwittingly mocking their Messiah. Yet the sights and smells and sounds I encounter have been sanitized by the centuries, and I am left only to imagine what it must have been like for an innocent man to trudge humbly through these streets amid the jeers and insults of those he purposed to save by the giving up of his life. Of course from a purely theological perspective, I “get” the crucifixion, and all that preceded it, but from an emotional standpoint I am undone by “the pain of his love”.

While I experienced “the pain of his love” shortly after accepting Christ Jesus as my Savior, I did not understand what was happening in my soul, until I encountered that phrase for the first time in seminary. I discovered that the “pain” springs from a knowledge—or lack thereof—that in spite of who I am, of what I’ve done, of what I am capable of doing, God in Jesus loved me enough to travel the Via Dolorosa, to die, for me! Yes, I know that Jesus sacrifices himself for everyone, but the “pain” comes from accepting that he died for a wretch like me, someone who did absolutely nothing to deserve such love, such caring, such compassion. At the root of the “pain” is the realization that, unlike Jesus, I have never acted in such a totally selfless manner towards another human being. At best, I offer myself to his service and hope that his light and love shine through my fallen frailty.

Undoubtedly a far better way to express what I am trying to convey is to share with you the words of the great composer Charles Wesley from his song And Can It Be, 1739:

And can it be that I should gain
an interest in the Savior’s blood!
Died He for me? who caused His pain!
For me? who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be
that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

‘Tis mystery all: th’ Immortal dies!
Who can explore his strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tires
to sound the depths of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;
let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father’s throne above,
so free, so infinite his grace!
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam’s helpless race.

‘Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my God, it found out me!
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free,
for O my Ggod, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,
bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

My friends tomorrow, on Good Friday, as you vicariously walk with our Lord along the Way of Suffering, may he, who gave everything for you, deepen your understanding of his amazing love. And as you come together with your flock on Easter Day, to celebrate his glorious Resurrection, may the victory Jesus won for you on the cross and the power that raised him from the dead, embolden you to faithfully serve others that they, too, might experience his redeeming, albeit “painful”, love.

In His grip,
+John

Retreat 2009

2009-10-08T17:15:00.002-04:00

Fall Retreat 2009

Fall 2009 Miletus/Gulf Coast Retreat Information

2009-08-25T13:46:00.002-04:00

DATES
October 6-8

LOCATION
Resurrection Anglican Church
231 Arnold Mill Road
Woodstock , GA 30188
www.resurrectionwoodstock.org

1.3 miles east of I-575 exit 8 on Arnold Mill Road

770-591-0040 (office)

LOCAL HOTELS

Note: Host families are available by request. Please email Jennifer by September 29 at office@resurrectionwoodstock.org to reserve.

Comfort Suites
340 Parkway 575 , Woodstock , GA, US, 30188 | (770) 517-9650
http://www.comfortsuiteswoodstock.net/

Hampton Inn
450 Parkway 575, Woodstock , Georgia , USA 30188 | 770-592-2323
http://www.hamptoninn.com

Microtel
305 Molly Ln, Woodstock, GA 30189-3712 | (678) 738-0001‎
www.microtelinn.com

Links

2009-05-21T20:39:00.002-04:00

Here are the links to documents we were discussing this morning:

Clergy Credentialing Documents

A Canonical Charter for Ministry of The Anglican Mission in the Americas. Published in December of 2008, this Charter includes the eleven articles that govern all The Anglican Mission in the Americas' congregations.

A Study on Women's Ordination

ACNA Constitution

ACNA Canons

Spring Retreat, May 19-21 in Birmingham

2009-03-17T11:25:00.002-04:00

Mark your Calendars!

Our spring retreat will be held in Birmingham, Tuesday, May 19 through Thursday, May 21st.

(the Revd Dr) Victor Oliver, Network Leader

2009-01-01T10:32:00.001-05:00

Victor Oliver serves are our Network Leader, coordinating the oversight of our Bishop in this region. Victor served as the first Rector of Resurrection Anglican Church, Woodstock, GA, guiding the parish in its intial growth and into their current location.

Victor and his wife Dixie have two grown sons and lots of grandchildren. After serving as a missionary in Vietnam, where he and Dixie met, Victor has served in education and publishing. He has retired from work with Thomas Nelson Publishers and frequently visits the churches he serves.

"In our network, we want our pastors and their congregations to be passionate about connecting with their culture so that through them, God’s message of compassion and forgiveness will be understood and received by their friends and neighbors."

Miletus Bishop: (the Revd) John E. Miller, III

2009-01-01T10:27:00.003-05:00

The Rt. Rev. John Engle Miller, III founded Prince of Peace Anglican Church, a 400-member congregation located in Melbourne, FL, in February 2004. On January 26, 2008, he was consecrated as a missionary bishop in the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda to serve the Anglican Mission in the Americas, a missionary outreach from Rwanda to North America.

John graduated from Trinity School for Ministry, Ambridge, PA in 1993. Prior to founding Prince of Peace, John served as Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church (1996-2004), Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (1995-1996) and Assistant Rector and School Chaplin of Holy Trinity (1993-1994), both in Melbourne. While at St. John’s, John introduced his flock to the importance of local and global missions, resulting in the support of mission trips to Africa, Papua New Guinea, England, Honduras, Haiti and several stateside locations. His greatest blessing as an Anglican Mission priest has been participating in the planting of new mission churches that lead unbelievers into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. In its inaugural year, Prince of Peace played a key role in planting a new mission in Ft. Mill, SC.

In his former career, John held positions in marine biology with the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Ft. Pierce, FL, conducting research from Bermuda to Antarctica and throughout the Caribbean Sea. His favorite memory as a scientist is diving in manned research submersibles to depths of 3,000 feet. When asked how it was possible to make the leap from biology to theology, John notes how blessed he was to spend 18 years studying the creation and how grateful he is to have the remainder of his life to study the Creator.

John and his wife Joyce have been married for 35; together they have led three pilgrimages to the Holy Land to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and another to Greece and Turkey to study the missionary journeys of the apostle Paul. The Millers have three children, Paul, Kimberly and David.

The Rt. Rev. John Engle Miller, III

2009-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

AMiA Winter Conference

2008-11-18T16:16:00.001-05:00

Every year we gather from places like Chicago, Atlanta, Kigali, and Toronto to worship, grow, and network. This is a great way to get a big picture view of the AMiA, to meet our partners in mission and hear from dynamic speakers and workshop leaders. This year we meet in Greensboro, NC at the Sheraton Conference Center.

Click here to register today!

Atlanta Retreat Roundup

2008-11-17T16:18:00.001-05:00

The recent meeting in Atlanta was a grand opportunity for us to connect with our Lord and each other. For various reasons, some of our numbers were unable to attend and so I pass on some tidbits of info about the time together.

It began, auspiciously, with a “fun” time of whirly ball—yes that is what it is called but it actually allowed stuffy priests to shed their collars and whoop and holla quite unbecoming men of the cloth. The game was played in bumper cars with each driver given a jai lai type throwing bat/stick/basket? With this catching device the driver tried to pick up the ball and hit a basketball type goal at the end of the court. Unfortunately, those members of the yellow team were more interested in obstructing, slashing and generally crashing into the red team—of which I was a proud member!

The eventual winners by two points were the “yella” team—only because they had a divine mandate since +John was on their side and participating in all their skullduggery etc.

After that, we met at a local diner and had a good time of fellowship.

Wednesday had three highlights: First, Greg Goebel’s dad, Sam, gave us a very inspirational devotional/instructional hour on the “Grace that can come to us when God says “no” and when His plans take us through the very difficult times and places on our journey. Second, Alfred Sawyer, formerly rector of Christ Church , Jerusalem , gave us a most fascinating talk about Jesus and Israel —ancient and modern. He is an historian with excellent knowledge of the Church and Israel . Finally, Erik Daniels, a senior partner of the Ronald Blue financial planning firm talked with us about “You (the pastor) and your money or the lack thereof.” We still have a few of his handouts if any of you are interested. Please let me know. That evening, we were treated to a fine supper at Sugos. If you are ever in town, try it—excellent food and atmosphere.

On Wednesday evening, we had a service of Eucharist at Resurrection church in Woodstock . +John gave an anointed message surrounded by good lively worship and a nicely attended congregation. It is obvious to me that local AMIA congregations thoroughly enjoy having their bishop visiting them and bringing the Word to them.
Keep in Touch, Victor+

Birmingham Retreat Roundup

2008-05-17T09:06:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all of you who came to the meeting and special thanks to Mary Dorsett, our “lone ranger” this time, who baked delicious cookies (she is the cookie queen) and opened her lovely home with Lyle, of course, to host us on Wednesday. Then, again, thanks to John Richardson for inviting us to meet on Thursday at St. Peter’s church. (We all appreciated the St. Arbuck’s coffee, John).
For those not present, here is a very brief recap:
Wednesday:
Doug McCurry gave us some really thought-provoking devotional thoughts on being “Squeezed but not Crushed.”

Paul Hogan to shared his journey to faith.

Greg Goebel then led us in a lively discussion on Change in the Church—this came out of the book we had read called “Who Stole My Church?”

In the afternoon Lyle gave us an excellent summary of the life of A. W. Tozer.

I led some discussion about thinking anthropologically about religion and more notably about Christianity.

Thursday:
Glandion Carney led us in an inspirational time of self-searching. This session ended with prayers, tears and anointing with oil for several of us.

We then took time to evaluate a leadership article about different types of Christians and the characteristics that indicate what they believe and how their worldview pushes them into a certain type of lifestyle. This caused us to be engaged in thinking about how we can better attract and keep new contacts in our churches. We took time to think together about the material Ellis Brust distributed to us at the earlier Atlanta Bishops/network leaders meeting. This focused on America in the next 10 years and the undeniable trend towards people moving into major urban arenas and what this means for AMIA and the church in general.

Finally, we discussed some budgetary matters. Greg Goebel told us about the new network blog space.

For me, best of all was the interaction and fellowship with all of you who were there. Thanks so much for the abundant grace you give to me. -Victor

Test

2008-01-14T21:31:00.000-05:00

Test