Since 1996 our diocese has had a companion relationship with the Diocese of Northern Malawi in Central Africa. Our relationship has been one of sending and receiving teams to nurture and expand the Kingdom of God in our respective dioceses. As we transition diocesan leadership this fall with the consecration of Bishop Elect Reed, Bishop Fanuel, the Bishop of Northern Malawi will be with us to show his solidarity and support. We are privileged to have him preach at Saint Barnabas on September 22, the day after this historic event!
It is fitting to have him in our midst as we transition as a church, growing from a mission to becoming a parish. This transition marks the stability and longevity of Saint Barnabas for the sake of the Gospel. In keeping with our namesake, Barnabas, a missionary himself, the first offering that was collected in our permanent space went to support our relationship with Northern Malawi on August 24, 2008. We have taken an offering annually around that time, to provide the full support of a priest with whom we are partnered.
We plan to have our annual ingathering when Bishop Fanuel visits us. Would you begin praying about how you may be called to support the work of the Gospel in Central Africa this year? We send $1,800 to enable Fr. Banda (our partner in the diocese) to serve the congregations committed to his charge. I believe we can tackle the whole amount that morning as we renew our commitment once more to mission as we have Bishop Fanuel in our midst. I pray it will be a symbolic reminder as we transition to parish status to keep mission and the advancement of the Gospel at the heart of all we undertake in this new season!
It is fitting to have him in our midst as we transition as a church, growing from a mission to becoming a parish. This transition marks the stability and longevity of Saint Barnabas for the sake of the Gospel. In keeping with our namesake, Barnabas, a missionary himself, the first offering that was collected in our permanent space went to support our relationship with Northern Malawi on August 24, 2008. We have taken an offering annually around that time, to provide the full support of a priest with whom we are partnered.
We plan to have our annual ingathering when Bishop Fanuel visits us. Would you begin praying about how you may be called to support the work of the Gospel in Central Africa this year? We send $1,800 to enable Fr. Banda (our partner in the diocese) to serve the congregations committed to his charge. I believe we can tackle the whole amount that morning as we renew our commitment once more to mission as we have Bishop Fanuel in our midst. I pray it will be a symbolic reminder as we transition to parish status to keep mission and the advancement of the Gospel at the heart of all we undertake in this new season!
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