Article by Bishop David Epps
It was 40 years ago, Friday, February 13, 1970, that I arrived at Parris Island, South Carolina at “zero dark-thirty” a.m. I’d like to say that I was motivated to enlist by intense patriotism during a time of war but the simple truth is less honorable. I was about to flunk out of college and face the draft. Having played around in high school, I was unprepared for the rigors of the university. During the summer of 1969, I took one night course and made a C. In the fall quarter I enrolled in four courses and came away with two A’s and two C’s, but one of the C’s was a point above a D. During the winter quarter, I was academically drowning.
At the time, I discovered, if one had military orders one could be “withdrawn passing” from East Tennessee State University with no questions asked and there would even be a partial refund of tuition. I didn’t want to be drafted. I had two friends who had been drafted and sent to Vietnam. One was horribly wounded and the other was killed. If I had to go, I wanted to go on my own terms so I began to investigate the various options. One, of course, was the Marine Corps.
Sculpture of a Black Hole
Article by Deacon Jim Gardner
So many voices rise against the veracity of the Genesis account of Our Lord’s Creation that I thought it well advised to share some results of my life long research on the matter. I have found certain facts that point most clearly from the five sense realm back to the Voice of God as revealed in Genesis. Source and definition play consuming roles in the many attempts to prove our God a liar. The following is neither an exhaustive nor truly complete argument. Rather it is meant to encourage your own study of Creation.
Why attempt to refute evolution? So many people take it as established fact: scientists, teachers, and even some clergy. Why attack something with such a good reputation? The answer? Darwinism is a shell game where ‘science’ and ‘intelligence’ are defined as belief in the philosophy of evolution. Its ever shifting ‘truths’ are an endless confusing search. You are neither ‘intelligent’ nor ‘scientific’ by Darwinian standards if you do not believe in evolution. Further, ignorance as defined by Darwinists is a lack of belief in evolution. Yet, more data with better credentials exists to refute evolution than to support it.
For updates on Bishop John and Elaine Holloway, their son, Jacob, has created a family website for posting the latest news about his father’s ongoing health issues, his mother’s treatment for cancer, and any other issues or challenges facing the family. Jacob also reports on the blessings and miracles they have experienced as a family demonstrating God’s ongoing provision and care for his children. The website is updated regularly so that family and friends will know best how to pray for or assist the family. To view the website go to: http://hollowayfamily.wordpress.com. We have also added a RSS feed to The Holloways site in the side bar of our website so that readers can have a ready link to the latest posted information. We ask you to please keep Bishop John and his family in your prayers.
The Most Rev’d David Epps, Bishop
The Cathedral of Christ the King, January 31, 2010
4th Sunday after Epiphany
Sermon: Divinely Chosen
To listen to more sermons by Bishop David Epps, go to www.midsouthmedia.org.
Christ the Redeemer is preparing for an upcoming book study to begin the first Tuesday in March. “Fearless – Imagine your Life without Fear” is a book by Max Lucado that addresses the fear that holds us back as Christians. A practical book with tools to identify and combat specific fears in our lives. The book supports Fr. Stephen’s challenge for our congregation during Lent. Christ the Redeemer members are being challenged to pray and fast during Lent for God to reveal any areas in our lives where fear is holding us back from all God has called us to do. God has placed in each of us the talents and gifts that we need for what he calls us to do, and he calls them forth as they are ready and necessary. With that said, many times we choose not to step forward in our callings as a result of fear – fear of failure, fear of disappointing God, fear that God won’t be there, etc.
If you are interested in joining Christ the Redeemer on the journey, please contact Deacon Justin at 770-851-2323 or Fr. Stephen at 404-395-5003. The class will be held on 8 successive Tuesdays in March and April from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at Christ the Redeemer’s meeting place – All Points Community Church in Canton/Hickory Flat. Classes will be led by Deacon Justin and Luanne Allen with a time of teaching, followed by large group or small group discussion each week. Please keep all the participants in your prayers as the class begins, and specifically be in prayer that those who God is leading to the class will be fearless to join us.
Article by Bishop David Epps
Recently, someone inferred that I was a racist. The charge came, of course, from someone I do not know, who disagreed with something I said in an article, and who sent a comment to the newspaper anonymously. I am a child of the South. I remember the segregated school systems, separate water fountains, separate entrances at the movie theater, and the segregated seating on public transportation. I also remember our high school being integrated in the fall of 1966 and black and whites playing on the same sports teams for the first time in history. So I know something about the way things used to be.
Several men and women received training leading toward certification as Licensed Liturgical Ministers (LLM) in the Mid-South Diocese of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. The classes were held at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Sharpsburg and were taught by Father Dan Hale who serves as the Canon Liturgist for the Mid-South Diocese. Hale was assisted by Deacon James Gardner. Those who complete the process are licensed by the diocese to serve the chalice at services of Holy Communion and are authorized to take Holy Communion to the sick and shut-in of their parish. They may also have additional duties as assigned by the bishop. LLM’s operate under the authority and direction of the diocesan bishop, who licenses LLM’s, and their own parish priest.
