Blog Posts

Giving thanks to the Lord

11/22/2018

Hallelujah! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures for ever. Who can declare the mighty acts of the Lord or show forth all his praise? Psalm 106:1-2

This week as we gather with friends and family around tables for food and fellowship we are called to reflect upon the blessings of this life. It is a wonderful practice that we maintain as a culture. Unfortunately, however, it can often be a fleeting hour, afternoon, or day where we momentarily pause to reflect before launching into the next activity, shopping, or event.

As Christians, we are called to live in a state of thanksgiving. For we believe that all we have comes as a result of God's provision, generosity, and abounding love toward us. As the psalmist wrote, give thanks to the Lord for his mercy endures forever. He continues by asking who can recount, or declare all his praise? Indeed we are brimming over from the abundance of God's goodness toward us. The pinnacle of which comes through the restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

We cannot in one day begin to fathom all that God has done, and is doing, for us. The challenge is to live in a place of thankfulness, not merely to recall it periodically. In fact, if we dwell or live in a place of thanksgiving it changes us. It combats cynicism, bitterness, and even the covetousness that can result from the highly crazed consumerism (such as Black Friday). It keeps us grounded in the most important things in life, namely the knowledge and love of God.

Remaining in thanksgiving transforms us. It molds our outlook, and it can mold the way we spend our time and energy as well. We are able to keep focused upon what is most important, rather than running in so many different directions. As we order lives, our heart shows forth the praise of God and it becomes easier not to get wrapped up in the copious distractions that bombard us during this time of year.

As we hit the pause button to give thanks this week, may it remind us that this is intended to be more than a moment. It is a way of living. God showers us with His mercy and love, and as we respond in thanksgiving we are drawn more wholly and fully to offer our lives to Him in return. I hope we, too, can echo the psalmist in praise for the mercies of the Lord, and be so overwhelmed by their number that our lives echo them daily.

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Celebrating Freedom

11/15/2018

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As we marked a historic moment this week in both the celebration of Veterans Day and the 100 years that have passed since the end of WWI, we have the cost of freedom in the forefront of our minds. We are forever grateful for those who have stood, and continue to stand, to secure the way of life that we are blessed to have here in the United States. I always find it a bit ironic that we commemorate such an occasion by exercising our freedoms to purchase a multitude of items that become more available through the surge of sales at this time of year! We may do better to pause, pray, and give thanks for our freedom and reflect upon its application for our lives.

We know that freedom is not merely the ability to do whatever we please, but to stand for what we believe. And in our country such principles are birthed from the freedom we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. Through His life and teaching and ultimately His sacrifice once for all time, we have hope, joy, and true happiness. Pursuing a life of freedom in Christ is one that means putting it into action by choosing to no longer be slaves to the hurts, habits and hangups of life. Instead, discovering freedom when we lay them down at the cross and allowing the virtues of Jesus to be brought forth in our lives by the working of the Holy Spirit therein.

As we pursue such a life in Christ, we find that life is filled with far more than merely the freedom to exercise our will. We embrace our created purpose in relationship with God as we grow to trust that He desires what is best for us. So as we have freedom in mind this week, may we rejoice, return, and pursue more fully the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and the purpose He brings forth in our lives

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We have a new member of the team at Saint Barnabas, Deacon John

11/8/2018

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We have a new member on the team at Saint Barnabas, Deacon John Heffron! You’ve likely noticed him up front the past couple of weeks and his involvement in various parts of worship. Why does he do them and what do they symbolize? Quite simply, each act of Deacon John points back to his calling and also serves to remind us of our own as Christians. Namely, to bring the Church out beyond its walls and bring those beyond its walls back into the Church.

It is for that reason that the first time you encounter Deacon John in service is in the reading of the gospel. As he brings the gospel out among us, he reminds us that he carries Jesus’ words out among the faithful and those lost and disconnected from God who he visits over the course of the week. He brings them words of encouragement, challenge, and solace from the pages of Scripture.

As he returns from visiting them, Deacon John also carries their needs and concerns back to the Church. That is why Deacon John now bids, or starts, and reads the prayers of the people. He offers up the intercessions shared with him and calls them to our attention and personal prayers.

Deacon John serves also to remind us that healing and wholeness comes when we draw nearer to Jesus, which is why he starts the confession that follows the prayers of the people. We do so when we turn back to Jesus time and again from those things that have led us astray, or those things that we have neglected to do as His followers. And as John brings the words and presence of Jesus to those beyond our walls, they, too, are reminded of the same.

Deacon John then calls us to draw nearer still to the Lord, as we approach the altar. Thus, he both sets up for and cleans up after communion. It is a symbol of the service at the very heart of his calling and vocation (see Acts 6). And he stands ready to depart from the altar to bring the grace received therein back to the faithful who are unable to be present in worship that week. Again, always drawing, as you see, the Church out beyond its walls and bringing those beyond its walls back to the Church.

Finally, Deacon John reminds us that his calling is one we all share in as Christians as he dismisses us out into the world. As we are sent forth, we are to reflect upon our charge to go and do likewise. We need to share Jesus with the world we enter back into after service, and draw them with us back into worship. Deacon John’s ministry therefore stands as an icon for all of us in the calling to both be and enroll disciples. So, as you see him in motion on Sundays give thanks for his ministry and the reminder to us to go and do the same

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What does it mean to move from mission to parish status as a church?

10/3/2018

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Over the coming weeks we are going to begin talking about a major milestone we hope to reach next year as a church - a transition from being a mission church to becoming a parish. It is a huge moment in the life of our church and one that comes through our financial giving this year. What exactly does that mean for us at Saint Barnabas?

It quite simply means we are self sufficient and not receiving support from the diocese. It is a coming of age moment in the life of this congregation and one that shows both the longevity and viability of this church. With such a shift comes signs and symbols to represent this very fact.

The Bishop’s Committee, as their name signifies, is under the direct leadership of the Bishop who is the head of the congregation until they become a parish wherein a priest is no longer a vicar in his stead but a rector entrusted with the growing needs and responsibilities of the thriving church. In fact, when such a milestone is reached the newly formed Vestry, as they will be called, is charged with calling the rector. The vicar functions by appointment of the bishop, whereas the rector is called by the mutual discernment of the bishop and the congregation.

A formal act of transition comes when the new rector is instituted as such in the presence of the congregation. Such a service is only held in parishes and, Lord willing, will be done late next year! I hope that if I have served you well, I will continue to be with you as your first rector. In that service the bishop presents the rector with the symbols of such the office. He presents him with a Bible, bread and wine, catechism, a book of common prayer, and water all of which are visible signs of his ministry to God’s people. Additionally, the keys of the building are handed over as the church is physically entrusted into the care of his charge in conjunction with the elected lay leaders of the parish (if you are curious you may the full institution of a rector service here under the Episcopal Services heading).

It is a momentous occasion in the life of a church that shows that such a people, such a place, and such a ministry have grown to support and continue in that mission. The parish presses on in the teaching, baptizing, and administration of the sacraments to which it is called so that it may flourish and thrive for generations to come. My friends, we stand at the precipice of such a moment. A moment wherein we press further into the calling of Christ Jesus upon Saint Barnabas to be disciples who make disciples and to further grow, excel, and move forward in mission in North Fort Worth and, in time, beyond!

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Angels and archangels and all the hosts of heaven...

9/27/2018

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This week we celebrate the feast of Saint Michael and All Angels. On that day, which falls on Saturday this year, we are reminded of the heavenly hosts whom God created for specific purposes. Though the angelic hosts have various roles, all of them, as their name quite literally means, are messengers of God. Some bear His message quite literally as was the case of Gabriel in the tidings to Mary and Joseph at the annunciation of our Lord. Others, such as Michael, bear His message through executing His plans in spiritual battle. Still others bear His message of healing, such as is the case of Raphael. If you are interested in reading more I’d direct you to the following link for information here.

As we approach the day two things come to mind for our reflection. First is the recognition of the spiritual realm itself. Weekly, in the Nicene Creed, we proclaim that God created all that is, visible and invisible, of which this day serves as a reminder of the latter. The invisible, or spiritual realm, is one that we cannot see but which is quite real and active. We are to be encouraged by the reminder of their role of defense in our lives, often unseen, as part of their purpose. We should likewise meet such a reality by being spiritually equipped ourselves for daily battle with demonic forces through prayer and time in God’s Word (see Ephesians 6).

The second reminder gleaned from this day is that we, too, are created with and for a purpose. We were created to steward all of God’s creation. We have have often lost sight of that in our sinful and fallen state, aiming to be lord over it or aspiring to a different role (as pop culture has put forth positing that we become angels after this life)! Yet, we have a created purpose in God’s design to tend to all He created. It is a high calling to steward creation itself - the knowledge God imparts, resources He provides, in addition to the time, breath, and days we are given. Our souls find rest when we fulfill our intended purpose, being satisfied as we carry out God’s will and work in our lives.

We give thanks for the wonderful order of God’s creation of which the angelic hosts, we ourselves and all creation are a part thereof. And we continue to seek God’s grace to submit to our intended purpose while being on guard against our foe, Satan, who seeks to tempt and deceive us from fulfilling it. As we do so, we find peace and purpose in this life as we worship Him and experience a foretaste of worship with the angelic hosts in His presence in the life to come.

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Celebrating the Author and means of our salvation

9/13/2018

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Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Tomorrow we celebrate Holy Cross Day, which falls annually on September 14. It is the date of the consecration of the basilica that was constructed on the traditional site of the crucifixion. The church, The Holy Sepulcher, was built on the site where the three crosses were discovered when Constantine sent his mother, Helena, to find and preserve these holy places where our Lord walked, taught, and died for us.

The picture below is of my favorite place in that church, where the visible split in the earth below the hill of Calvary can still be seen (see Matt 27:51). It stands as a reminder of the darkest and yet most poignant moment in all of history, when Jesus bore our sins upon the cross. It is both visually compelling and a reminder of the fulfillment of the law. The other biblical moment of such a violent shaking of the earth came in the giving of the law to Moses (see Ex.19:18), which was now complete in Jesus.

As we reflect upon these events, which are the source of our hope and salvation, may we contemplate those mighty acts anew. May we with thankful hearts recall what we celebrate weekly in worship, and seek God’s forgiveness for that which separates us from Him. With renewed hearts may we seek the greatest reward of being reunited with Him. Keeping that goal before us means making sacrifices daily and dying to self as we choose to pick up our cross and follow Him. Where may you do so more fully in your life? Where may you need to turn back to Him?

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Faithfulness in the small things leads to faithfulness in all things

9/6/2018

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"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” Mother Teresa

As we remember the life of Mother Teresa this week, I am struck by the reminder of her faithfulness and impact for the Kingdom of God. Unfortunately, however, we may look at her life, and those like hers, feeling as though it is too much to aspire to emulate. We hold her up as a ‘giant in the Faith’ who lived an extraordinary life that cannot be followed outside the walls of a convent or some austere commitment. Yet, we are called to the same level of commitment and faithfulness in our own lives.

One of my favorite quotes is the one above, which shows how Mother Teresa achieved such great work for the Kingdom of God. It came through her daily commitment to be faithful in small things, which built a pattern of strength that carried her in the bigger things. Her faithfulness to prayer, being in God’s Word, engaging others with God’s love, presenting God to the world in each task in word and deed developed discipline that built spiritual strength.

Where might we be more faithful in the small things? Might it be though engaging in God’s Word regularly? Perhaps it is in building your prayer life? Maybe it is in having a grateful heart for all God gives and provides? As you ponder such questions take a look at the video below, which Bishop Iker made to reflect upon his prayer life and daily faithfulness. And as we reflect upon the faithfulness of Mother Teresa to our Lord this week, we are reminded of our call to greater depths of faithfulness in our lives as well. May we build patterns of faithfulness in the small things and so grow in faithfulness to our Lord Jesus daily in all things!

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And to each servant does the Master say, 'Go work today'

8/30/2018

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As we approach Labor Day weekend, it brings to mind a great hymn entitled ‘Come Labor On.’ I’ve been reflecting upon the first line in that hymn in the days leading up to this long weekend. In it one sings, Come labor on. Who dares stand idle on the harvest plain while all around us waves the golden grain? And to each servant does the Master say, ‘Go work today.’

It comes as a poignant reminder that the Kingdom of God is always advancing and our call as members of it is to join in the work. Such labor is unlike that in the rest of our lives. It is one that leaves us refreshed, renewed, and reoriented toward our heavenly goal as we labor on God’s plain, as the hymn states. Partnering in God’s work in the world is needed for our soul’s health as we draw nearer to Him and utilize the spiritual gifts entrusted to us.

I’d encourage you to prayerfully consider a one year commitment to labor in God’s plain. Explore a new ministry at the church, or come see me if you have one on your heart that we don’t yet have in place. There are so many ways to serve - some behind the scenes in preparations for worship, and some in worship, while others involve teaching and still others utilize gifts of hospitality. As we co-labor in Kingdom work we use our God given gifts to build up the Kingdom and our corner of it at Saint Barnabas.

Pray about how you may come labor on this year and put your gifts to use. I’d love to talk with you more about it and you can find a list of many of our ministries on our webpage by clicking here.

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What we love we shall grow to resemble - Bernard of Clairvaux

8/23/2018

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In the Church Calendar this week we remember a saint, or hero of the Faith, by the name of Bernard of Clairvaux. Bernard was born and lived in tumultuous times on the heels of the split of the unified Church, political posturing between major nations, and in the wake of the Muslim invasions that threatened Christianity to name a few! Yet, in the face of so many challenges and divisions facing the world, he turned to God and dedicated himself to God though the monastic life.

However, he didn’t hide away in the monastery. Instead, the times he spent in prayer and devotion to our Lord led him to be a reconciler, advisor, and winsome preacher and teacher used in his generation to draw others together through God’s grace and love. He noted that such love of God which he both experienced and taught molds and shapes us as he wrote, “what we love we shall grow to resemble.”

This is a great thought to reflect upon in our daily lives! What do we love? What are we growing to resemble? Whether it is a person, a desire, a habit, or goal, we are shaped and molded by whatever that may be. We may not think of it in such terms, but upon reflection we certainly see its effects. Ultimately, the call of the Christian life to love God more fully will transform us as we grow to resemble Him whom we pursue first and foremost, namely Jesus Christ our Lord. In being more transformed into the likeness of Jesus we therefore reflect Him to a world that needs to see and embrace Him.

In the many divisions of our day only Jesus can heal, restore, and bind together that which is broken. Yet, like Bernard, we can only reflect that which we love. If it is Jesus we reflect hope, if it is ourselves or some other end we only add to the myriad of empty promises and desires that are dead ends. So may we continue to abide, or persevere daily, to be in the presence of Jesus. May we do so through prayer, times in His Word, and in community as the Body of Christ, the Church, so that we may, by God’s grace be to the world what it needs most, Jesus.

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Reflections on our new Growth Group hour

8/3/2018

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Blessings to you!

Father Andrew asked me to write this week in the Encourager about growth groups at St. Barnabas. I would like to explain what the groups are, how they should work, and then give a quick plug about my experience with small groups. We would love to see every person in St. Barnabas involved in a growth group, and I hope that this little glimpse into them might entice you to try it.

Growth groups are groups of about 12 people that meet regularly to help members grow in their relationships with Jesus Christ. Now, that growing is something that we should all be doing, and it is something that we should be doing by attending Mass and through personal reading and prayer. However, growth groups give an extra, unique opportunity for a deeper relationship. A growth group meets so that the members can share how they are growing, what they are learning, discuss with and learn from each other, and can pray with and for each other.

At St. Barnabas, our growth groups will meet every week on Sundays before Mass; we’ll have refreshments and fellowship at 8:00 and will have the study portion from 8:30 to 9:30. That study portion will sometimes use videos, sometimes books, sometimes just the Bible, sometimes topical lessons as we mov through the year, but will always have that critical sharing, discussion and prayer. And that is what makes growth groups an incredible tool for change your life.

Jennifer and I were missionaries in Europe for 13 years, and we were in small groups for all of that time. We can both testify that our relationships with Jesus were radically deepened and strengthened in those groups. In those groups, we learned so much about God, about ourselves, about our friends and about life, and formed relationships that we will treasure forever. And it did all of this in ways that attending church services and personal study could not do.

Growth groups are special, and I am excited about the opportunity to experience it beginning on August 19th. We know that it makes for an earlier morning, but I am also convinced that it is well worth the effort. So I want to invite and encourage each of you to come and see.

Grace and peace,

Tom

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