Web editor's note: The following newsletter from AANF makes it look normal. Let's take a hint! "Let Thy loving kindness, O Lord, be upon us, like as we do put our trust in Thee" Psalm 33:21 Marching Forth News July 4, 2006 Pentecost celebration   All Saints (newest congregation)   Youth report AANF Spouse retreat   Mission report   Prayer calendar PENTECOST, June 4th, 2006, celebrated amongst members of the Anglican Alliance of North Florida By: The Rev. Claudia Kalis For those of you who were unable to attend this extraordinary and historic event . . . nearly 400 people from across the territory of ECUSA's Diocese of Florida gathered together for worship at 5 p.m. at Servants of Christ Anglican Church in Gainesville. What a marvel it was to see tour busses unloading, a parking lot filled to capacity, with the neighboring elementary school providing space for others. The sanctuary was packed ... including the balcony pews. Personal testimonies of healing, renewed hope, joy, freedom, rang aloud as individuals were invited to share from their experiences following their departure from the ECUSA. Brothers and sisters from many of the continuing Anglo-Episcopal churches joined in the celebration of the birthing of new thing. Fr. Jim Needham spoke extraordinary words on the power of the Holy Spirit -- it's joy, but also it's enormous call to responsibility. Fr. David Sandifer served as MC in encouraging members of the congregation to share of themselves and the wonderful experiences of their churches and all the blessings poured out because of their faithfulness and trust in the Lord. Fr. Neil Lebhar completed the time of testimony with the assignment of issuing a charge to those assembled. He spoke powerfully on how Christianity is literally dying in America, citing data that was utterly horrific. He spoke of our need for one another, our need of our brothers and sisters overseas where the truth of Jesus is being proclaimed and thousands upon thousands brought to Christ, as well as their need of us in supporting their faithful witness to the Gospel. For me, one of the most powerful moments of the evening followed a man in the congregation standing up and thanking the clergy for their faithful leadership -- a comment that was greeted with a standing ovation. I turned and looked up and down the front row where all the clergy were seated, and there wasn't a single dry eye. Another moment for me was when Buddy and his wife from Amelia Island sought us out to thank all the members of Christ's Anglican Church for standing solidly behind them in their efforts to launch another Anglican Church in Fernandina Beach. They're on their way with Whitey Hoagan serving as their spiritual leader. Believe me, they don't come any better than Whitey. Indeed, wonderful things happen when we trust in the Lord. The JOY, the HOPE, the PROMISE of something brand new, filled with all the hope and peace and truth of JESUS was literally palpable. There was such a sense of being truly connected with our brothers and sisters throughout all the world and throughout all time -- a sense of genuine UNITY and LOVE that is firmly grounded in the WORD OF GOD !!! Fr. Lehbar did give us a charge, and he summed it up in one word -- CHARGE. I am very grateful that about 15 of us from Christ's Anglican Church were able to share in the event. There will be many, many more ... I can assure you and I pray many more of you will find it possible to be a part. It is truly phenomenal. Welcome the newest member congregation of the AANF! Sunday July 2nd marked the birth of the newly formed All Saints Anglican Church. The overflow crowd met at the Wingate Inn located off North Monroe Street just south of I-10 at 2626 W. Lakeshore Dr., the temporary location for Sunday services. The Rev. Gilbert Crosby, Pastor, will be assisted by the Rev. Patrina ("Trina") McCarthy as Deacon of the new church. The service began with praise music followed by thunderous applause as Fr. Gil welcomed the congregation and visitors to the inaugural service of the new church. Visitors and well wishers representing congregations from all over Northeast Florida were on hand to show support for fellow Anglicans in their glorious embarkation of faith and new beginnings. Because many were forced to stand, Fr. Gil said that he would abbreviate his sermon, but those who return next week will get the full text. His homily focused on the name of the new congregation, All Saints. He said that it represents that we are not islands unto our selves, but rather part of a vast cloud of Christian believers throughout history that join together in continuous worship of the triune God. Following the celebration of the Eucharist and blessing by Fr. Gil, all were welcomed to a pool side reception. Surely the light of Christ shines brightly on this group of committed Christian servants. The church office will be located at 1929 Buford Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32308. For further information, please call (850)325-1200 or e-mail the church at office@allsaintsanglicantallahassee.org . There is clearly life after ECUSA! All Saints Anglican Church All Saints is a new congregation forming in Tallahassee, Florida under the temporary oversight of the Anglican Province of Kenya. We affirm the classical Anglican understanding of Holy Scripture as "God's Word written", "containing all things necessary to salvation", and "as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith". We accept the Nicene Creed as "the sufficient summary of the Christian faith", and the Apostles' Creed as "the Baptismal Symbol". We celebrate the sacraments of "Baptism and the Supper of the Lord" as ordained by Christ and "ministered with unfailing use of Christ's words of institution, and of the elements ordained by Him". We are part of the Worldwide Anglican Communion ordered around the Historic Episcopate with the ancient orders of ministry: Bishop, Priest, and Deacon. We embrace the three principal streams of the Christian Faith: we are Evangelical, affirming the importance of a personal conversion to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and embracing the Holy Scriptures as God's Word for faith and faithful living; we are Catholic, with liturgical worship centered on the weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist and sharing in the sacramental expression of Christian living, acknowledging the Church as the Body of Christ and Christ and the Head of the Church with bishops as the focus of unity in Faith; and we are Charismatic, recognizing that all members of the Body of Christ are gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit for ministry and sanctification. We invite you to join us for worship on Sundays at 10:30 am. You will find our worship to be joyfully reverent, sacramental, and biblically centered. The Rev. Gilbert T. Crosby, Pastor AANF Youth Report, By: Mike Boone This summer more steps have been taken in the direction of cooperative youth ministry between AANF churches, and the development that is resulting is wonderful to see. In early June St. Peter's Anglican Church, Tallahassee and St. Peter's Anglican Fellowship, Macclenny were able to bring some of their youth together for summer camp. Camp Arête in Mentone, Alabama is a solidly orthodox Anglican camp planned each summer by St. Peters, Tallahassee and All Saints Church, Winter Park, FL. St. Peter's, Macclenny sent youth to Camp Arête for the first time, laying the foundation for what we hope will be a fruitful relationship between the two groups. Plans continue to be discussed to ensure that some camp ministries will be made available to AANF parishes next summer. In another move toward closer relationships between AANF youth groups, Redeemer Anglican Church, Jacksonville sent one of their teenagers, Peter Lebhar to be an intern at St. Peters, Tallahassee for the month of June. Young Peter was immersed into the life of St. Peter's youth ministry, living with a church family, working with a children's summer camp, and taking part in hurricane relief work in Mississippi. He was also a valuable part of the worship life of the group, contributing his drumming skills whenever possible. Most importantly, the two churches are setting an example as they continue to search for creative ways to forge bonds of fellowship with one another. More ministry and growth is happening in youth groups all across the AANF, as youth are seeking to know and serve the LORD in ways that are a challenge and a promise for our future. We are anxiously anticipating some exciting announcements about the continued planning of shared AANF mission and ministry as God leads all of us forward as one body. His grace continues to be our best hope, His will our highest calling. My Experience at the First Annual Clergy Spouse Retreat for the AANF By: Linda Strickland Dear Friends, I knew it was going to be a pleasurable weekend when I was led to my room in the Lodge of the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, and discovered to my delight that I had a view of the Suwannee River. The flowing waters of the river seemed to match the theme for our weekend, "Out of the Desert". On the dresser in my room were all kinds of goodies that felt good, smelled good and tasted wonderful -- lotions, soaps, make-up and chocolate! What more could a girl want? We began Friday night with wonderful praise, led by the extremely talented Chris Needham. Her music took us straight into the presence of the Lord, setting the stage for a Christ-centered weekend. Our retreat leader, the Rev. Dr. Sherry Adams, then led us through a journey in the book of Joshua that seemed to parallel our lives over the past 3 years. With endless energy and a beautiful smile that never seemed to fade, Sherry walked with us through our pain and then joyfully encouraged us to move forward. Throughout the weekend we enjoyed good food, wonderful music, old and new friendships and, for some of us, reclaimed joy. It was agreed by all that we need more of this kind of time together. Our weekend came to a close as we celebrated the Eucharist together. But do you remember when I referred to the goodies in my room and asked the question "what more could a girl, or a guy, want"? Well, for me it was the beautiful love letter from my husband I was given (as was everyone else from their spouse) as I left; and that, my dear friends, is exactly what every girl (or guy) wants! With Much Love and Gratitude, Linda Strickland AANF Missions Report, By: Bruce Prevatt It is exciting to hear how many churches in the AANF are involved in mission work outside of their own parishes. As we explore our evolving place within the worldwide Anglican Communion, we have an enhanced appreciation for reaching out to those who may be less fortunate than ourselves as well as the "un-reached". Within our own parishes we are seeing new faces as individuals and families seeking churches with a strong biblical foundation add to our numbers. External to the walls of our own parishes, we are exploring new or renewed opportunities to partner with local and overseas bodies including affiliations with Anglican dioceses in other parts of the world as a result of coming under the authority of their Bishops. Or, perhaps we are continuing relationships with overseas or local missions with whom we have had a history. In an effort to learn from what others are doing and explore opportunities to collaborate, you are encouraged to share your story with others in the AANF. If each Priest would recruit an individual to provide a monthly input of their activities, we will try to give as much coverage as possible so others may learn from, or even join them, as they reach out to serve others. Please send the name and contact information for this individual to Bruce Prevatt of St. Peter's Anglican Church in Tallahassee (bcprevatt@yahoo.com) who has agreed to serve as the AANF Mission Information Coordinator, at least for the immediate future. The following is offered as examples of some of the mission efforts currently underway by two of our parishes. St. Lukes Community of Life Church in Tallahassee is sponsoring a "Celebrate Jesus" outreach mission the week of July 16-21. They are recruiting volunteers from other Anglican parishes in North Florida to visit 3,000 homes in the Tallahassee area. The outpouring of outreach will culminate in a huge block party on Friday, July 21. You can help by praying for this mission effort, joining them in visiting homes, lending a hand with the party, or contacting Trish Silcox (850-385-7789) to see how you might be able to contribute to their effort. St. Peter's Anglican Church in Tallahassee currently has missionaries in Mexico, Uganda, and the Amazon. Later in July they will be sending forth 23 individuals to a Youth Camp at the Cathedral in Havana, Cuba. St. Peter's has long-standing relationships with Fr. Carlos Tamayo in Cuba and with Bishop Jackson Nzerabendi Tembo and the Diocese of South Ruenzori, in Kesese, Uganda. In Tallahassee, St. Peter's has continued in its support of Grace Mission, ECHO, and Father Flannigan's Boy's and Girl's Home. Now, let us know what you are doing in the mission fields and what can others do to support your efforts? AANF Weekly Prayer List - July 9th to August 6th 2006 July 9th - Christ Anglican, High Springs - Diocese of Recife, Southern Cone People and Clergy: Claudia Kalis Nativity Anglican Church, Jacksonville - Kajiado Diocese, Kenya People and Clergy: Gary Blaylock Other clergy to pray for: Jim Hobby, Shari Hobby - South Rwenzori, Uganda July 16th - Christ the King Anglican, Jacksonville - AmiA, Rwanda People and Clergy: Rob Sanders Redeemer Anglican Church, Jacksonville - Madi-West Nile, Uganda People and Clergy: Neil Lebhar, Shawn Porter Other clergy to pray for: Pete Wait & Gene Strickland July 23rd - St. Luke's Community of Life, Tallahassee - South, Rwenzori, Uganda People and Clergy: Jim Needham Holy Cross Anglican Church, Tallahassee - Taita Tevete, Kenya People and Clergy: Bob Coon & Travis Boline Other clergy to pray for: Sherry Adams & John Eason (St. Paul's, Jax) July 30th - Servants of Christ, Gainesville - Kenya People and Clergy: Alex Farmer Good Samaritan, Orange Park People and Clergy: Hall Hunt Other Clergy to Pray for: Mark Eldredge (Epiphany, JAX) Ann Stewart Hemphill - Recife, Southern Cone August 6th - St. Peter's Anglican, Tallahassee - South Rwenzori, Uganda People and Clergy: Eric Dudley, Michael Petty St Teresa's, Tallahassee People and Clergy: John Spicer, Bob Huguenin Other Clergy to Pray for: Jeff May - Anglican Province of the Church of the Good Shepherd

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