Dear Church of the Apostles,

One of my favorite messages of Scripture is Psalm 126, especially the first three verses: “When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’ The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.”

Will you join me this Saturday, July 28, and pray for God to give Church of the Apostles a permanent place? Will you ask God to fill our mouths with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy for all that he has done for our church? Will you dream together of where God wants to set our feet permanently?

In May we fasted one meal and prayed for God to enlarge our hearts to love the things that he loves in Fairfield County and Southwest Connecticut. In June we fasted from media for a day and asked God to bring us together in his love and for the sake of others. This was strategic as we cannot joyfully pray and dream for what God has for us if we are not unified together in his love for our community and neighbors. 

Building on that, I am asking that everyone who calls Church of the Apostles home set aside one hour this Saturday and pray that God will give us a permanent place. You choose the hour that best works for your family.

I am also welcoming you to dream and ask God for the kind of place you desire. Ask him to find us a place in a neighborhood that you love. Ask him to give us specific architectural designs that are meaningful to you. Our Good Father is big enough and kind enough to hear various joyful dreams from various thankful people. He’ll know what to do. 

Peace,
Brian+

Dear Church of the Apostles,

Our brothers and sisters in Christ in Nigeria are facing persecution. Our communion, the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), and our Diocese, Christ Our Hope (ADHOPE), have asked us all to pray. 

Please join those around the world praying for the Church in Nigeria. Because we are told to love our enemies, we also pray for God to miraculously change the hearts of the persecutors, the Fulani and Muslim Tribesmen. And we pray for greater unity and support in the Church around the world.

Click here for specific ways to pray for the Church in Nigeria.

As you pray for the Church and the world, continue to pray for Mitchell and the CHS team on mission in India; for Hands Offering Hope led by Amy and Adiel, in Chiquila, Mexico; for June, Dawn, and Pria as they re-enter life here in Fairfield County after being on mission in the DR; and for Rebecca, Amelia, and Harrison who arrived home late last night after being on mission in the Appalachian region of Tennessee.  

We look forward to getting reports from everyone during Sunday services later in the summer. 

Peace and Hope,
Brian+

Church of the Apostles,

A church that remains playful by engaging in general fun and silliness is a church that will stay vibrant in mission, compassionate in ministry, and solid in unity. 

When we have fun together we gain perspective about the world around us, which helps us practice the presence of Christ rather than anxiously overreacting to life. Silliness fosters a wide scope of responses to all circumstances and is critical for apology and forgiveness to form in our character.

With that said, let’s have a picnic in the park. Please join us at 4 pm on Friday, July 20 at Owen Fish Park in Fairfield. We will have a couple of grills fired up and ready to go when you arrive. Bring meat to grill, any drinks that you like, and a dish to share. Paper products, plastic cutlery, and a couple of drink coolers of lemonade and tea will be provided for you. 

While you’re enjoying July 4th festivities with your family and friends mark your calendar and plan to come and enjoy food, fun, fellowship. You can watch or play in a pick-up softball game. There is a great playscape for the kids and plenty of shade to relax in, so bring your lawn chairs. I hope to see you there!

Peace and Hope,
Brian+