Roseberry's Leaderboard

Dear Friends,

As of today, Fr. David Roseberry is on medical leave for the next several weeks. He underwent back surgery this afternoon around 2:30 and I am thankful to report that everything went very well. I just talked with Fran around 8 p.m. tonight and Fr. David had just gotten settled into his room.  He is resting and will be in the hospital until early next week.  He will have to remain flat on his back for the next two days.  They have respectfully requested not to have any visitors until Sunday. On or after Sunday, friends may contact Fran directly to see if David is up for visitors. If there are any updates, I will announce them at the start of my sermons this weekend, and we will also keep you posted by way of Fr. David’s blog, so please check back.  Finally, thank you for your continued prayers for Fr. David and Fran during this recovery period.

Restoration Hardware
Last weekend I had the privilege and joy of visiting my friends in Christ, Fr. Jed and Stacy Roseberry down at Restoration Anglican Church. They and their growing congregation of 125 or so are doing very well. I believe the Holy Spirit is moving in their ministry and touching the lives of people in their Addison community. Restoration may be a brand

Fr. Jed Roseberry with iPad at Restoration Anglican Church

new church plant, but don’t assume they are not cutting edge in the hardware department… Here is a photo of Fr. Jed addressing the congregation with his new iPad in hand.

Survey Finished
I want to thank all of you who participated in the recent Spiritual Life Survey. The staff will spend some time this summer analyzing the results so that we can offer ministries that really address the spiritual growth goals of the church family. We know you are busy, and we appreciate your taking the time to complete the survey!

Congregational Care
You have most likely noticed that we have spent a lot of time and energy this past year talking about three simple values of our church life: Worship, Grow and Serve. As Fr. David says, “Pick three!” But you should know that there is a quiet fourth component to church life that is also critical. It’s the pastoral care and support of our members, especially in times of deepest need. Everyone goes through hard times…it’s inevitable. So, if and when you find yourself or a family member or a friend in need of a shoulder to lean on or just someone to talk to, we are here for you. Our congregational care staff is ordained, trained, experienced and eager to minister to you with confidentiality. Click here for more information about the support services we offer, including, for instance, our grief recovery class that begins this Tuesday.

New Director of Children's Ministry

Meet Our Student Ministers
This week, the staff has had a great time welcoming Jon Lyon as our new Director of Children’s Ministry. Jon will come on board fulltime this Monday, May 17. He has a master’s degree in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary and many years of experience in youth and children’s ministries. He and his wife, Holly, are expecting their first child in November. Parents, over the next few weeks you will probably meet Jon in the lobby of Archgate Center when you drop off your children. When you do, please introduce yourself and help give him a warm Christ Church welcome. Our outgoing minister, Katherine Somich, has generously agreed to remain on staff until June 25 to help ensure another fruitful VBS for our kids, and we are very thankful for her service.

As the new guy on the block in Archgate Center, Jon will have plenty of company in the task of discipling our students. Click here to see the Children’s Ministry staff and the Youth Ministry staff lineups. If you have any questions about our student ministries, feel free to contact Fr. Jason Bowman.

Meet Our Seniors
Speaking of students, this weekend we will recognize and pray for our graduating seniors at the 11 a.m. worship service. You will be very proud to see these young disciples, some of whom have come up through our student ministries since they were young children.

I will preach at all services this weekend. My message, entitled “Be Careful Out There!” will be based on Colossians 4:1-6 and I am looking forward to sharing it with you. ‘See you here.

Blessings,

Fr. Clint Kerley
Associate Rector

Dear Friends,

I have begun the countdown to my back surgery next Thursday. I have just a few things left to take care of before then, including asking for your prayers and offering these few thoughts about this process:

First, I have become aware of the amazing medical system that we have in this country.  I have had a relatively “hospital-free” life up until three years ago. Since that time I have been thankful for the doctors and nurses and technicians whose calling and career is to take care of people like me who are in pain.

Fran and I took one of our doctor friends to lunch a few weeks ago. He shared a lot of his life, his practice, the challenges of modern medicine and the coming changes due to governmental action. I felt that he wondered if he was making a difference in the lives of people anyway. I asked him to wait just a minute, whipped out my iPhone and browsed to Ecclesiasticus 38, part of the Apocrypha. I read this aloud over the lunch table:

Treat the doctor with the honour that is his due, in consideration of his services; for he too has been created by the Lord. Healing itself comes from the Most High, like a gift received from a king. The doctor’s learning keeps his head high, and the great regard him with awe. The Lord has brought forth medicinal herbs from the ground, and no one sensible will despise them. … He has also given some people knowledge, so that they may draw credit from his mighty works. He uses these for healing and relieving pain; the druggist makes up a mixture from them. Thus, there is no end to his activities; thanks to him, well-being exists throughout the world. … [Let] the doctor take over—the Lord created him too—do not let him leave you for you need him. There are times when good health depends on doctors. For they, in their turn, will pray the Lord to grant them the grace to relieve and to heal, and so prolong your life. Ecclesiasticus 38:1–15

Even then, in Scriptural days, the poet put into words the respect I have for the doctors and nurses and health professionals.

Second, I have learned that a lot of people are quiet sufferers. There is more than enough pain that others have to bear in their life. I met a man this morning that has had severe back pain for nearly two decades. He has done everything he knows to do, and while he manages it, it is like a shadowy presence in his life. But, he told me that he has learned to rely upon the Grace of God to make it through each day.  He said, “I have learned not to borrow pain from tomorrow…but to make each day deal with the pain that it brings.” (Jesus said something like this in the Sermon on the Mount.) Amazing. What he has found…and so many others have found as well…is a gift of Grace to bear what our life brings. We are not perfect beings–we know that all too well.  But neither is the world we live in perfect. There is pain and suffering. And yet God gives us Grace to manage, subjugate, and even sometimes to overcome the pain.

Third, I have learned that our staff is totally dedicated to this mission and vision of our church. When I told them I would be out for two months, they didn’t bat an eye.  They moved in around me, carefully took the tasks and burdens that I carry, and are taking them on themselves.

I do ask you, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to carry this ministry with them over the next few months. We have a great fellowship. We have been blessed beyond my dreams and, as Jesus said, “those to whom much is given, much is required”. Luke 12:48  (Yes, it’s true that Peter Parker of Spider-Man said something like this, too…but Jesus said it first.)

Until then, here are things you need to know:

A Little Stirring
I will preach at all services this weekend. I will enjoy tying the whole sermon series, “The Changed Heart”, together in a final message on Mother’s Day. This preaching series has been a blessing to me in many ways. It has shown me (once again) the power of the Word of God to carry the faith forward to new generations of people. The Gospel is the only truly “renewal power source” there is. The message from God comes to us via the Word of God th rough the Holy Spirit. If you have felt that little “stirring” while you have been in church….or if the message has stayed with you throughout the week…or if you have heard that “still small voice” within you cry out for more of the Good News, this is the actual presence of the Holy Spirit in our church and in your life.

Here’s an idea. Go to www.IAmSecond.com and hear and see some amazing stories of how contemporary people have welcomed the Holy Spirit into their lives and received a new heart, a changed heart. Watch famed novelist Ann Rice share her story of the changed heart she received from God.

Mother’s Day This Sunday

The Predtechenskis Family

I think you will really enjoy a special interview we have lined up for this Mother’s Day. Fr. Jeff will introduce the Predtechenskis family of 10! That’s right…mom, dad and eight beautiful children. To our knowledge, they are they largest nuclear family at Christ Church. We’ll hear from them at the 9:15 and 11 a.m. services.

Names for God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit
Someone in our congregation counted up all the references to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a recent service bulletin. There were many. This tells us all that Christ Church liturgy is a God centered liturgy honoring the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I made this “wordle” or “cloud.” See the full list here.

Holy Land Trip Almost Full
We are in the final stages of filling the spots for the Holy Land trip for this November. Fran and I will lead the team, and we would love to have you join us, but we are almost full. Read about it here, and contact us right away if you are interested.

What a Difference a Day Makes!
Last Saturday, almost 475 Christ Church members and friends went out into the community to make a difference. They sent back some great photos and an amazing list of results. Check it out here.

How is your spiritual life?
The church-wide online survey we have been conducting ends on Monday, May 10. I have heard from quite a few people that taking the survey really made them think about their own spiritual life, what they believe, and where there might be spiritual growth opportunities. Would you please spend a few minutes to take it, too? Thanks. Begin Survey

‘See you this weekend.
David+

Dear Friends in Christ,

Attendees at last Sunday's Welcome Class

I have a few things to share with you today, but mostly I just want you to know that I sense we are being blessed week by week here at Christ Church. For instance, last Sunday night we had 66 people attend our Welcome Class…people who have discovered our church (largely through personal invitation from you!) and are considering making it their church home. Here is a photo of the attendee group. It will be a privilege to officially welcome our new families at this weekend’s services.

Here are a few other things you should know this week:

Trip Down Memory Lane
Fr. Clint and I took a trip to Pittsburgh this week to check up on a few things there. But one joy we had was visiting the seminary, Trinity School for Ministry. For both of us it was a trip down memory lane. Clint graduated from there in 2004. I served the school at many levels of Board involvement, including Chairman. It was great to be back there and to see this school flourish as they prepare Anglicans for leadership, mission and church planting. We both left very, very encouraged. The school’s dean, Justyn Terry, will be with us this summer as a guest preacher. You will be very blessed by him as a man of God and a preacher of the Word.

Brothers in Christ, David Roseberry & Dean Justyn Terry

Campus of Trinity School for Ministry

“Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Some of you have asked for that Mark Twain quote that I used in the sermon last week.  It was posted somewhere on the internet in observance of the 100^th anniversary of his death a few days ago.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Mite Box Might

Cheryl Jackson of Minnie's Food Pantry receives check from Children's Minister Katherine Somich.

If you were in one of the Sanctuary services on April 11, you probably remember our precious children coming in to present their mite boxes. These little boxes were full of coins that the kids had collected during Lent, ultimately for the purpose of making an offering of it to Minnie’s Food Pantry here in Plano. Altogether, the kids collected $1,070.53, and a check for that amount was delivered this week.

Real Options for Women
I had a great sit-down visit with a member of our church, Danielle Hanson, who runs a local ministry called “Real Options for Women.”  We spoke about their ministry and the value and quality they bring to women who are facing the birth of an unexpected child.  They have a non-political, service ministry to women who have had needs at this time in their life. It was a great visit and it reminded me of how important this ministry is to women who are facing an unexpected pregnancy or facing regret or sadness for the choice they made earlier in life.  I felt strongly that you needed to know this ministry so that you can refer someone who might be in crisis or grief. Here is the letter Danielle wrote me after our visit.

Father David,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me this morning and to encourage me to persevere in the work of Real Options for Women, particularly in the abortion recovery ministry. We know that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Sadly, many women in the church know this intellectually, but not spiritually. Forgiven and Set Free guides women through the stages of grief to a place where they can acknowledge their responsibility and accept God’s grace. Women who have had abortions, or know someone who has, can find more information at www.friendsofro.com.

Thank you for supporting Real Options. Thank you, also, for allowing the Forgiven and Set Free referral cards to be placed strategically at Christ Church. I pray more women will experience the healing power of Jesus Christ!

For His Glory,
Danielle Hanson
Real Options for Women

Finally, I want to encourage you to take the Spiritual Life Survey if you haven’t already. It is a great way to help us help you in your spiritual journey by providing just the right kinds of teaching and support. Please, would you take 30 minutes and do this for the church? Thanks! Click here to begin the survey.

In Christ,
David+

Dear Friends,

I am flying home today from Orlando. I have been attending a mega-conference on church planting. Exponential Conference is the single largest gathering of planters, resources, teaching and materials on the planet. It is huge. There are about 3,300 of us here listening to speakers, practitioners and authors who are reshaping the face of American Christianity through the establishment of new congregations and communities of faith.

I have never heard anyone talk about where this metaphor comes from: to plant a church. Why not “start” or “build” or “birth” a new church? The parlance is always about “planting’.  I think this comes from an image that the Apostle Paul uses in describing his relationship with the Christians in Corinth.

Paul writes: For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (I Cor 3:4-7)  So, while later in the book Paul calls the church the body of Christ, the starting image is of a growing organism that is planted, like a seed or a shoot.

Our own Daniel Adkinson has written a blog piece over at our companion site, www.Anglican1000.org, complete with a goofy picture of yours truly making friends with a furry mascot. (The fellow in the costume actually didn’t know anything about the product he was representing…software, I think. He was a hired Disney extra looking for work. Nice fellow, I think, but it isn’t something you see every day at a church conference.)

There were some real characters at the Exponential Conference.

I was there to move the agenda and plans for Anglican1000 forward and to connect with a growing number of Anglican clergy who are eager to plant churches. There is an increasing number of people in the AMiA and ACNA (our parent affiliations) who feel a call to plant new congregations. Five years ago there were five Anglicans at this conference; this time there were over five dozen!

This is the challenge before us at Christ Church. I think we all see the joy and blessing that have come to us from supporting Jed’s new church, Restoration Anglican Church. He loves the work and is doing a great job. I know many of their new members and I hear from them regularly. They love what God is doing in that new church. Many at Christ Church also remember when we sent families to plant St. Philip’s Church in Frisco. We celebrate their strength and vitality, too.

The point is that church planting is going to become a normal thing at Christ Church. We have the base to do it. We have people who are committed to that kind of mission effort. And we have a wide-open field in which to plant. I am working with our staff to make our plans and start new plants over the coming years. I expect to have specific plans to present by this fall, perhaps sooner.

Here are a few things you need to know:

God’s Word is Alive and Active
The responses to our current sermon series, “The Changed Heart”, continue to remind me of a central tenet of the Christian faith: The Word of God is alive and active. God uses the Scriptures to penetrate deeply into the lives of believers and seekers alike. Here are a few comments from those who receive the Sermon Study Guide that goes out every other week:

One member writes to a prisoner a few times a month to encourage him and help him learn the Scriptures in a lay-led correspondence course. The member wrote this: “My most recent ‘student’ will complete his jail time on April 26th and thus will be returning to his home and what’s left of his family. Obviously it gives him the chance for a ‘do-over’ with his life. These circumstances gave me a chance to refer him to Colossians 3:5-11 and a suggestion that he use it as a starting place for this new chapter in his life…”

I have no greater joy than knowing that the Scriptural message is not just sinking in, but sinking through people’s lives into their own important ministries. I thank God for that.

Another member writes: “We discussed the Study Guide for Colossians 3 last night in our small group and everyone thought it was excellent. We wondered if Fr. David would address the question Fr. Ted had about whether Christ Church Plano knew the power and person of the Holy Spirit… We are enjoying the lessons that have been prepared and feel that the questions make you think about your walk with the Lord.”

I will speak about this part of the Christian life, the rebirth by the Holy Spirit, this weekend.

The “Who” and the “Do”
In conjunction with The Changed Heart series, take a look at Ray Ortlund’s blog post about Colossians 3:3 here. He has a wonderful take on what it means to have our life ‘hidden’ with Christ in God. And as I worked out my thoughts and comments about the “Indicative” and the “Imperative”, the “Who” and the “Do”, I came across this webpage. Read, mark, learn and inwardly digest this description of who you really are in Christ.

40 Years of Earth Day
Today, Earth Day turns 40. I can remember (in my youth) thinking that this kind of observance was a good idea and probably needed. I am a strong believer in the biblical burden of stewardship that we have been given by God for the planet. But I truly resist the new varieties of religion that have developed around the Earth Day event and the Environmental Movement. There is a heavy dose of New Age religion and spirituality that is mixed in with a lot of the “green” thinking.

Don’t think about the environmental movement uncritically. Believers in Christ must be not only “green”, but wise. Don’t be pulled into thinking that God is “in” the planet or “of” the planet. Or vice-versa. The Scriptures affirm that the planet and the whole creation exist because God created them apart from Himself. He didn’t “beget” the planet or the universe or any part of the created order.

We are not “children of God” in that way–created from God the Father like children are created from their parents. We are made children only by adoption in Christ. See John 1 and Romans 8.  The world and the universe are created apart from, and outside of, the existence of God.  Read Colossians 1 and Genesis 1.  Here are some posts about the subject that you might find interesting from Kevin DeYoung.

Upcoming Surgery
I have some personal news to share that I wish were different. After years of continuous back and leg pain, numerous conservative therapies, and too much hobbling around, I have no choice but to address my sciatica with another surgery. The first surgery (two years ago) did its job but unfortunately did not fix the whole problem. I have a great doctor and I am very thankful for the level of care that I have been receiving. But I must do this one next step. My surgery is scheduled for May 13 and will be followed by an intense period of recovery and rehab. I will need the time away to regain my strength and rebuild, and I have confidence that our staff will continue to lead and grow this congregation. I would appreciate your support and prayers, for me and for our wonderful leaders (both staff and volunteers) as they work to keep the ministry strong.

Welcome Class: Come and See
Finally, I would like to extend a warm invitation to anyone who is considering joining our church family. If you are ready to join, or if you just want to explore and think on it awhile, we would love to see you at the Welcome Class this Sunday night. It’s at 5:30 in the Fellowship Hall. I will be there along with some of our clergy and staff leaders. Please come. Contact Fr. Clint and he will save you a seat.

‘See you this weekend.
David+

Dear Friends,

I spoke to a man in our church today about a friend of his. The friend was having a rather difficult time. His marriage was a bit rocky. Some events had happened that set loose a chain reaction of grief, guilt and regret. There were a lot of late night conversations between these two friends. One man trying to help another through a tough spot.

This brought to mind something I have been wanting to write to the whole congregation.  I encouraged the man in our church to bring his friend to church.

Why?

There is something that happens in worship. Worship is not a human activity that is simply a program of music and words and prayer and communion. The promise of God is that He will meet us in the prayers and praises of His people. And many at Christ Church sense this.

Do you know that one of the most common things I hear from our members is that when they came for worship and sat in the pew, tears came to their eyes.  They were moved.  The music speaks to them. God uses the message of the preacher to illumine their hearts. God’s Word (the Bible) read in public is a powerful thing all by itself. The mystery and moment of communion speaks deeply to many people.

Hasn’t it spoken to you? Have you not sensed that God was present in Spirit and in Truth in the worship week by week?

My encouragement to have this hurting man and his wife come to church is not self-serving. I make this suggestion because I believe that there is an “atmospheric condition” of Grace that is sometimes palpable. Counselors and psychologists can expose wounds…suffering and hardship can lay people bare…but the healing power of Jesus Christ can make them whole. So, this week, love all in any kind of need.  Invite them to come to church.

Here are a few things you need to know this week:

New to Christ Church?
I am eager to meet all the new people who are signing up for our April 25^th Welcome Class. Most of our main staff will be there. I’ll give an overview of Christ Church and answer the many questions that our new members always have. But the biggest blessing for the Welcome Class always comes as people meet each other and begin to establish friendships and lasting relationships within the parish. About 65 people have already signed up…and many more are likely to come. Be sure it is on your calendar.

Who Does What?
I am well aware that our church family is full of many talented, gifted people who are eager to contribute to the ministry in various ways. So, I am providing this brief ministry leadership overview to help you connect to our staff. These leaders represent the wider staff, and any of them would welcome your call anytime—about serving in ministry or about any other issue.

Identity Theft
Our sermon series, The Changed Heart, is underway.  We are looking closely at Colossians 3. Take a look at it. The first four verses are like an overture for the rest of the chapter.  My contention is that the truth of what it means to be “raised” with Christ is one of the most powerful ideas I can convey to you. This week, in a message entitled “Identity Theft” I’ll outline how we have lost our identity in Christ and how we can retrieve it.  It is only as we understand who we are in Christ that we can live the life of victory and joy that the Bible promises.

Important Survey
On the weekend of April 24, I will ask you to participate in a very important survey of the spiritual life and heart of our congregation. It will be done entirely online. In the past few years, we have simplified our ministry, become more focused and stronger in three key areas. And, as you have heard me say, I continually call people to engage in the life of this church in each of these three areas: Worship. Grow. Serve. Our survey will help give us a baseline reading about the relative heart and strength of our church. But it will be best if many, many, many people participate. It will take about 20 or 30 minutes. I know you’re busy, but this will be a great investment in your church. Look for details starting next weekend.

A Book for Married Couples
I read a chapter from this book online. It looks great, and it will be on sale for the next 48 hours. The books is What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage by Paul David Tripp. Based on the chapter I read, I would recommend the book to any married couple at any stage in their life together.

Bishop Ray Sutton

Confirmation on June 5

I was very happy to invite Bishop Ray Sutton of the Church of the Holy Communion in Dallas to come and do our confirmation service for our 6th grades and adults on June 5 at 5:30. p.m. Bishop Sutton and I have been connecting on a number of levels, including through the umbrella organization of the ACNA. We are blessed to have him with us for this very special event in the life of our church.

That’s it for now.  I’ll see you over the weekend.  Please invite and encourage people to come. God is doing something wonderful here…and I want you and your friends to be a part of it.

In Christ,
David+

Dear Friends,

I give thanks to God for the many, many members and leaders in our church who made the Holy Week services truly remarkable. There are too many to name–hundreds of people.  But all of us certainly give thanks to God for the ministry of our musicians and our whole music and worship team. Have you ever heard anything more wonderful at Christ Church? Bravo to all of them.  But there is one thing I think we all know and sense in our worship and music ministry.  It is not a performance. The gifts of talent and voice and leadership and singing are offerings to the Lord. They come from the human heart and are directed toward the heart of God.

Here are a few more things you need to know this week:

The Changed Heart

Sermon Series Begins This Weekend

The sermon series that kicks off this weekend will answer the question that should have been on your minds last week. It will address the fact that Jesus was raised from the dead and lives even now. This is the Easter message and the Easter hope, and it is fully and powerfully attested to in history. But what does it mean? What does “Jesus is Risen” mean for your life?

That is the focus of a new series of messages called “The Changed Heart”.  I think it will be clear, inspirational, and helpful to everyone, and I strongly encourage you to invite your friends.  Those of you who were brand new last week…welcome to Christ Church! You especially are invited to return to join us for worship this weekend!

Anglican 1000
Please continue to check out the webpage of Anglican1000.org.  More content is being added every week as the whole ACNA gears up to take on the challenge and the immense opportunity to raise up congregations all across the US and Canada.

Making a Difference
I hope you won’t ever let the phrase “make a difference” become trite to you. As a church community, we really do have a chance, even an obligation, to make a significant difference for people right here in the Plano area. This weekend, when you come through Fellowship Hall, you will see lots of opportunities featured. All you have to do it sign your name, or your family’s name, or your small group’s names, and show up on May 1 to make a difference together. Check out these video testimonies from a couple of people in our church family who have been blessed through their participation in Make a Difference Days in years past:

Suzy

“Suzy”
Standard Definition

High Definition

Jason

“Jason”
Standard Definition

High Definition

Enjoy! I’ll see you this weekend.

David+