A Methodist Cardinal?

With the meeting of the Cardinals to elect a new Pope, I thought this would be a good time to mention a (probably) little known tidbit.  Namely, that, yes, indeed, it seems that there has been a Methodist Cardinal!

If one travels to the World Methodist Museum at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina (at the headquarters of the World Methodist Council), or if one picks up the book, Treasures of the World Methodist Museum, one will discover a ring given to Methodist Bishop, Fred P. Corson, by Pope Paul VI.  At the time that the Pope gave the ring to the Methodist Bishop, he said, "I have made you a Cardinal In Pectore."

A Cardinal In Pectore literally means, a Cardinal in my breast or heart.  It is a way that a Pope makes a "secret Cardinal."  Now, as a secret cardinal, they cannot function as a Cardinal unless and until the Pope makes such appointment public.  Indeed, in some cases, the person in question may not even be aware of their elevation to the position of Cardinal!  However, once it is made public, the Cardinal gains rank among the Cardinals from the time of his In Pectore appointment.  -  If the appointment is never made public, then the Cardinalship ceases at the time of the Pope's death.

It does not appear that Bishop Corson's appointment was ever made public by the Pope.  However, made public or not, whether one is able to function as Cardinal or not, whether one is aware that the Pope has given you that rank or not, a Cardinal In Pectore is, nevertheless, a real, true Cardinal (so long as the Pope is alive)!

Why would a Pope make a secret Cardinal?  In general, Popes may do so when it seems that such a person's life would be endangered by giving them such a position.  An example of this would be Cardinals named in the People's Republic of China or prior to the fall of the Soviet Union. . . . Perhaps another reason for making a "secret Cardinal" might be that the person in quesiton is a PROTESTANT, METHODIST BISHOP!

It really does raise the question, though, can the Pope really name as Cardinal a non-Roman Catholic, whose orders are not recognized by the Church of Rome?

Well, Bishop Corson was elected a Methodist Bishop in 1944.  He also served as the President of the World Methodist Council in 1961.  He was an observer at the Second Vatican Council.  He also held a number of private audiences Popes, and was considered to be close friends with Pope Paul VI.  -  And apparently the Bishop of Rome esteemed him so highly he made him a Cardinal In Pectore!

Pope Paul VI and Bishop Fred P. Corson
(picture found on eBay)

Bishop Corson died in 1985.  Pope Paul VI died in 1978.

Devotional Thought

As I was praying Morning Prayer, this morning, I sang the following hymn by Charles Wesley as found in Wesley Hymns, compile by Ken Bible, Lillenas Publishing (Nazarene), 1982.  The final line struck me, especially.

 

O My All-sufficient God

 

O my all-sufficient God,

Thou know'st my heart's desire;

Be this only thing bestowed;

I nothing else require,

Nothing else in earth or skies,

Not through all eternity;

Heav'n itself could not suffice:

I seek not Thine, but Thee.

 

Following the hymn, on the same page, was the following quote from John Wesley's A Plain Account of Christian Perfection:

 

 

"One design you are to pursue to the end of time, the enjoyment of God in time and in eternity.  Desire other things so far as they tend to this; love the creature, as it leads to the Creator.  But in every step you take, be this the glorious point that terminates your view.  Let every affection, and thought, and word, and action, be subordinate to this.  Whatever you desire or fear, whatever you seek or shun, whatever you think, speak, or do, be it in order to your happiness in God,the sole end, as well as source, of your being."

 

Amen.



The Final Meeting of the Anglican-Methodist International Commission for Unity in Mission

The following article has been copied from the original post at the Anglican Communion News Service.  -  I am very pleased to report it, here, and I look forward to the final reports being made public in 2014.

I have two great (personal) hopes for this:  1.) That the Wesleyan-Anglican Society, in our pursuit of affiliation with the World Methodist Council, might contribute to the proposed Anglican-Methodist International Coordinating Committee, the purpose of which would be to oversee and foster relationships between Methodist and Anglican member churches; and 2.) That the Church of the Nazarene (a WMC denomination) might take advantage of this report and the "toolkit" for opening talks with the Anglican Church in North America (which, I understand, is not an official Anglican Communion province, at this time).

Here is the article:

The final meeting of the Anglican-Methodist International Commission for Unity in Mission (AMICUM) took place 22 February to 1 March 2013, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, hosted by the Anglican Communion. Members of the Commission worshiped together morning and evening, and the Eucharist was celebrated according to both traditions.

AMICUM Group Photograph

Photo Credit: ACNS

The Commission has after five years completed the phase of work mandated to it by the World Methodist Council and the Anglican Communion, and has now prepared a report for both bodies. As the last three words in its title suggest (Unity in Mission), AMICUM aims to foster the unity of the Church so that the Church can engage more fully in God’s mission of love to the world. The report begins and ends with biblical reflections, on our Lord’s prayer for the unity of his people that all might believe, and on the radical nature of Jesus’ ministry as a mandate for mission.
AMICUM has set out key points of agreement concerning the interchangeability of ordained ministries, and the awareness of each Communion’s need of the other. It sees a common, interchangeable ministry as crucial in making the unity of the Church visible.
The report analyses the place of the apostolic tradition and the nature of the oversight (episkope) in the life of the Church. It explores the history of oversight, and the way it has been exercised in the Methodist and Anglican traditions, and the way it is exercised today.
AMICUM has closely monitored dialogues and agreements around the world, and has drawn lessons and recommendations from these which it now offers to both Communions. The report shows that each tradition has affirmed the authenticity of the other’s ministries, and encourages churches that have not yet entered into mutual agreements to do so.
A toolkit is provided for churches wanting to move into closer co-operation, giving questions for consideration to enable this process to advance.
AMICUM is recommending that the World Methodist Council and the Anglican Consultative Council establish an Anglican-Methodist International Coordinating Committee to oversee and foster relationships between Methodist and Anglican member churches.
The Report will be published during 2014.
The Commission is grateful for the warm hospitality given by the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, at the Parish of St John’s Ocho Rios, by the United Theological College, where the Commission worshiped, and by Bishop Howard Gregory. At this meeting AMICUM met the President of the Jamaica Methodist Church, the Rev Everard Galbraith, and the Rev Dr George Mulrain who gave a lecture on Anglican and Methodist relationships in the Caribbean and the Americas.
Present at the meeting were,
Methodists
The Revd Professor Emeritus Robert Gribben (Uniting Church in Australia) (Co-Chair)
Dr Elizabeth Amoah (Methodist Church, Ghana)
The Revd Dr Wong Tik Wah (Methodist Church in Malaysia)
The Revd Professor Sarah Lancaster (The United Methodist Church)
The Revd Gareth Powell (The Methodist Church) (Co-Secretary)
AnglicansThe Rt Revd Harold Miller (The Church of Ireland) (Co-Chair)
The Revd Canon Professor Paul Avis (The Church of England)
The Revd Garth Minott (The Church in the Province of the West Indies)
The Rt Revd Dr P Surya Prakash (The Church of South India)

Lutheran World Federation ObserverThe Rt Revd Walter Jagucki (Great Britain)

StaffThe Revd Canon Dr Alyson Barnett-Cowan (Co-Secretary) (Anglican Communion Office)
Mr Neil Vigers (Anglican Communion Office)
- See more at: http://www.aco.org/acns/news.cfm/2013/3/1/ACNS5331#sthash.6uKebMXU.dpuf

Nazarene General Superintendents' Annual Report

Nazarene Board of General Superintendents

Nazarene Communications Network has reported that the Rev'd. Dr. Stan A. Toler, general superintendent,  presented the Annual Report of the Board of General Superintendents to the General Board this past Sunday, 24 February.  The report, "The Radical Optimism of Grace," can be read in its entirety, here.

The report indicates that the total number of Nazarenes now in 159 world areas has reached 2.15 million.  -  It shows that $38.3 million was given by Nazarenes for the World Evangelism Fund, this past year.  Out of that amount, 94% was given by Nazarenes in the U.S. & Canada.

This report precedes the 28th General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene, which will take place in Indianapolis, IN, beginning the 23rd of June, this year.  During that Assembly, two of the six Nazarene general superintendents will be retiring: The Rev'd. Dr. Jesse C. Middendorf, and the presenter of the report, +Stan Toler.

World Methodist Response to the Pope's Resignation

 

It is old news, now, I realize.  Everyone knows that the Pope has resigned, effective 28 February.  However, as I finished the previous post, I thought that it might be good to include on the blog the response made to this news by the World Methodist Council.

I posted a link to this article on my Facebook page, and on the Wesleyan/Anglican Facebook page.  However, I failed to mention it, here.

+Ivan Abrahams

In the article, General Secretary, +Ivan Abrahams recalls his time with Pope Benedict.  Also, the WMC offers prayers for the Pope, the Cardinals as they seek to elect a new Bishop of Rome, and to our sisters and brothers in the Roman Catholic Church.

I would encourage members from all of the World Methodist Council denominations, as well as members of the Wesleyan-Anglican Society and those who read this blog, to join the WMC in these prayers.

Feast Day for Martin Luther

Today is the day that those in The Episcopal Church (and perhaps elsewhere) remember Martin Luther, the great Protestant Reformer.

 

Luther was born on November 10, 1483.  In 1505 he entered an Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, and he was ordained a priest in the Catholic Church on April 3, 1507.  -  Luther was a professor of biblical studies at the University of Wittenberg.  He had, previously, earned a doctorate in theology.

Martin Luther did not set out to start the Protestant Reformation, or even to start a new church.  He loved the church.  He had every desire to remain faithful to her. Nevertheless, he encountered some very troubling issues within the church.  Again, it was not his desire to leave the church over these issues.  Rather, it was his desire to try to address these issues so that the church might make some corrections; that it might be . . . "reformed."

One of the practices that greatly troubled Luther was the selling of indulgences.  And so, on All Hallows' Eve (i.e., the eve of All Saints' Day; what we call "Halloween"), in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his "95 Thesis" on the door of the Wittenberg church.  It was an act seeking an academic debate over these issues, not a declaration of a split with Rome.  Nevertheless, this act became the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

Pope Leo X called for the discipline of Luther via his Augustinian order.  The pope labeled him a heretic.  After several attempts to come to terms, it was demanded that Luther recant.  He refused in the words of that famous declaration, "Here I stand.  I can do no other, so help me God," and the Protestant Reformation was born.

This Protestantism was built on certain principles: 1.) Justification by faith; 2.) Salvation by grace, not works; 3.) the Authority of Scripture; and 4.) the Priesthood of all believers.

Wesleyan Christians are greatly indebted to Martin Luther.  The Church of England adopted Luther's understanding of justification by grace through faith..  John Wesley, a priest in the Church of England, incorporated this teaching in his own.  And, indeed, Wesleyan Christians own it, as their own.  -  Further, it was while hearing someone reading Luther's Preface to the Epistle to the Romans, during a Society meeting in Aldersgate Street, London in 1738, that John Wesley felt his "heart strangely warmed."  -  Really, the list of Luther's influence upon all Protestant denominations, upon Methodism and upon the Church of the Nazarene, in particular, could go on and on.

We owe Luther so much, and it is right to celebrate the life of one used so powerfully by God.

However, I must confess, I am still a bit conflicted, here.  -  Perhaps, this would be more appropriately talked about on Reformation Sunday, rather than the Feast of Martin Luther.  Still, I think it is worth talking about.

You see, the Protestant Reformation laid the groundwork for the plethora of church splits and various denominations that we have, today.  It brought about, not just a correction of certain doctrines and practices, but it also resulted in split after split after split.  -  One of my favorite quotes, which I often attach to my email signature comes from the late Rev'd. Dr. William Greathouse, general superintendent emeritus in the Church of the Nazarene.  He says:

"It is time the Church of Jesus Christ overcame the disjunctions created by the 16th-century Reformation.  What is called for is the 'evangelical catholicism' of John Wesley's 'middle way' in which the two historic Christian traditions were synthesized.  In this synthesis the English Reformer not only recovered for the Church a viable doctrine of holiness but also pointed the way to a scriptural view and practice of the sacraments that is both apostolic and catholic."

The Reformation did create many disjunctions.  Some of them are painfully present, to this day.  Even within the children of Wesley, when one seeks to recover his commitment to liturgical and sacramental worship, one is often said to be "too Catholic"  (and that is supposed to be a bad thing!).  There is still much prejudice between Protestant Christians and Roman Catholic Christians. 

Perhaps it is time for those of us who are Wesleyans to re-read Wesley's Letter to a Roman Catholic.  Perhaps it is also time for us to recognize that, while there are certainly still disagreements between Protestants and Roman Catholics, nevertheless, the Protestant Reformation also created the Roman Catholic Counter Reformation.  -  Even Roman Catholics will admit that Luther had some good points (though some may only admit it behind closed doors!).

Beyond that, it is worth celebrating that the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church developed The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, signed by representatives of both traditions on October 31, 1999 (the anniversary of Luther's 95 Theses!).  The World Methodist Council was represented at that historic event and brought a letter of congratulations.  On July 23, 2006, another document was signed by the Lutherans, Roman Catholics and Methodists, adding the Official Common Affirmation of the Methodist Statement of Association with the JDDJ to the original document.  That statement was approved unanimously by the World Methodist Council members, including those representing all seven U.S. based denominations.

I suppose, then, it is true:  despite all of the denominational divisions, agreements on the doctrine of Justification, like this one, would not have happened if not for Martin Luther.  -  Protestant Reformer?  Yes, but also Church reformer, as well.  -  May God grant that all Christians might grow together in the unity of the Spirit of God.

I Was A Stranger

I encourage the readers of this blog to view the video, below.  I encourage you, then, to go to the Evangelical Immigration Table website and sign the Evangelical Statement of Principles for Immigration Reform.

You can also read the Post-Election Open Letters sent to President Obama & the Leaders of Congress.

For my Wesleyan readers, you may note that the Rev'd. Dr. JoAnne Lyon, General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church, and all six General Superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene have signed on to this statement.  Dr. Lyon is also featured in the video.

As President of the Wesleyan-Anglican Society, I have recently signed the statement, as well.

Again, I encourage your support.

"TRADITIONAL ARMINIANISM” OR “STEPHEN HAWKING VS. OPEN THEOLOGY” (OR . . . “ARE GIUNAN AND THE WORMHOLE PROPHETS GREATER THAN GOD?”)

Well, that’s quite a title, isn’t it?  And the last bit will be completely lost on my non-Star Trek readers (and likely confusing at this point for even my Trek friends).  -  So, what is this all about?

This is about a few reflections that I was making as I was lying in bed, getting ready to go to sleep, a couple of nights ago.  That is to say, this isn’t really a “well researched” article.  That, of course, makes it, perhaps, a bad idea to publish this on the blog.  However, it does give others the opportunity to educate me concerning my very limited understanding of open theology. 

Dr. Thomas J. Oord

And, yes, I admit a very limited understanding of open theology.  I have done next to no real reading about open theology.  Thus, I would be happy for those who are proponents of open theology (e.g., Tom Oord ) to correct me.  (Well, kinda’ happy.  I would hate for them to completely make this article sound stupid!)

That part of open theology that I am questioning in this article is the idea that God does not know the future.  This idea is an attempt to explain true human freedom.  Traditional Arminianism, at this point, says that God does fore-know, but God does not fore-determine the future.  That is to say, traditional Arminianism wants to safeguard human freedom, on the one hand, and God’s omniscience, on the other hand.

Jacob Arminius

Open theology would be seen as a subset of Arminianism.  That is to say, it cannot fit under a Calvinistic perspective which says that God not only knows, but also pre-destines all that will ever happen.  Arminianism says that God does not pre-destine all that will ever happen.  Traditional Arminianism, however, says that God does know all that will ever happen.  Open theology is a subset of Arminianism that differs from traditional Arminianism by saying that God neither pre-destines, nor knows what will happen.  -  As I understand it, at least some open theologians would say that God may know all of the possibilities for the future, and perhaps even the probabilities.  Nevertheless, God cannot know, with certainty, the future, for the future cannot be known.

That is the idea that I want to challenge.

If I understand open theology correctly (and that is a big “if”), then it seems to me that open theology makes God subject to the time-space continuum (at least the time aspect, and as Science indicates, time and space are connected).  -  This is different from the traditional Arminian (and Calvinist?) idea that God is situated outside of time; above time.  -  If God does not know the future (because it cannot be known, because it has not happened yet, and because we are all truly free), then God is not “above” time, but rather “within time;” limited by time.

(The argument that I am about to make is dependent upon the accuracy of the previous paragraph.  If I have completely misunderstood this, then my argument will likely be easily torn apart.)

Now, if God is limited by future time, it seems to me that it would be difficult to argue that God is not limited by past time, as well.  -  This is where Stephen Hawking comes in.

Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking has stated (if I remember this correctly!) that he believes that Science proves that God does not exist, or at least that God the Creator does not exist.  -  Here is what he says (as I remember it):

Time and space exist in a continuum, i.e., they are linked.  Time is affected by space, in particular, by gravity.  Einstein came up with the idea that gravity warps space.  And, since space and time are linked, time, too is warped in the same way.  Further, time gets slower the greater the gravity.  This explains why the clocks on satellites have to continually be adjusted.  It also explains Hawking’s theory that it could, at some point, be theoretically possible to “time-travel” into the future (though not to the past).   -  But that is another subject!

At any case, Hawking argues that when one (figuratively!) goes back in time to the point of the “big bang,” due to the density of space, time would slow down to the point that time actually stops.  He argues, then, that there would literally be no time (or space?) for a god to “say, ‘Let there be . . .’”  There would be no time for anybody to say anything or to do anything.  There would be no time.

Hawking’s assumption, interestingly, is very much like the assumption of open theology.  Namely, Hawking and open theologians, both, understand God to be One who is subject to, bound by, limited by . . . time.  The open theologian understands God to be limited by (present and) future time (i.e., the reason for God not being able to know the future is an issue of time).  Hawking sees God as being limited by past (and all) time.

If open theology subjects God to future time, I find it difficult to understand how God would not be subject to time in the past.  That is, why would Hawking be wrong about the existence of this god?

That is my question for open theology.  (Now, it may easily be answered by open theologians, but I would like to hear the answer; an answer that views time consistently and takes what Science says about time, seriously.)

So, if open theology is correct, why is Stephen Hawking incorrect?  And if Stephen Hawking is incorrect (i.e., if God actually exists outside of time and space, and actually is the Creator of time and space), then why should we assume that open theology not also incorrect?

This, by the way, is a subject that Fred Cawthorne, Associate Professor of Physics at Trevecca Nazarene University, takes up in his chapter, “The Harmony of Science and the Christian Faith” in Square Peg: Why Wesleyan’s Aren’t Fundamentalists (Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City).  -  There, he is not arguing with open theology.  He is, however, using the conclusions of Science and the beginning of creation to affirm the traditional Christian understanding “that God transcends space and time, that the universe was created ex nihilo (out of nothing) and that the universe is fully dependent at every moment on God’s continual creative and sustaining work.”

Now, where, some might wonder, do Guinan and the “worm-hole prophets” come in?  (I saved this for the last part of the article to make sure that my non-Star Trek friends would not stop reading before getting to the main point!  -  So, here we go.)

Guinan

Guinan is a character played by Whoopi Golberg in Star Trek the Next Generation.  Guinan is an El-Aurian, a very long-lived “race of listeners.”  Last night I watched the “Yesterday’s Enterprise” episode of STNG.  In that episode, there is a rift in the time-space continuum, allowing the Enterprise-C to enter into the time period of the Enterprise-D; some 22 years into their future (if I remember the time correctly).  This event caused a seismic change in the time-space continuum.  It altered the timeline.

Now, no one was aware of this change in the timeline (though, or course they were quite aware that the Enterprise-C was displaced in time).  -  No one, that is, except Guinan.  Guinan had the clear . . . “sense” that this time-line was wrong.  -  Data suggested that she might have a sense that went beyond linear time.  (Some have speculated that this sense might have to do with her connection to the Nexus, but that is another story!)  The point is, she had a sense that went beyond linear time.

The “worm-hole prophets,” on the other hand are from Star Trek: Deep Space 9.  Suffice it to say that they were . . . aliens . . . who existed outside of time.

Of course, Guinan and the worm-hole prophets are fictional characters.  (I do know that!)  The point is only to say that, if the God of open theology were to be a part of the Star Trek universe, then, at least in this regard, Guinan and the worm-hole prophets would be greater than God.  . . . And do we really want to say that!  :0)

New Nazarene Blog

I just discovered a blog that I thought I would pass along. It is called iChurch of the Nazarene, and it is maintained by the Rev'd. Daryl Densford.  (Daryl is a fellow member of the Wesleyan-Anglican Society.)

Soon, I expect to be including his blog on my blog list on the sidebar.  For now, I would point you to the article, there, by Dr. Al Truesdale, entitled, "Why Wesleyans Aren't Fundamentalists".  As I understand it, this article first appeared in Holiness Today magazine.

I hope you enjoy the article and Daryl's blog!

Sanctuary Sights and Senses: Altar/Table & Rails

It has been quite a while since I issued a new edition of my Sanctuary Sight and Senses bulletin insert.  However, Centenary United Methodist Church (one of the two churches I currently serve as pastor) just moved to celebrating Holy Communion each Sunday during the Advent and Christmas seasons.  Therefore, I used the following insert as a means of sharing with the congregation about that decision.

Altar/Table & Rails  -  The altar rails serve a dual purpose.  They are a place to meet God in prayer.  We gather around them as a people when we seek the Lord in prayer.  We also use them, at times, during an “invitation” or “altar call,” where, after the sermon, a call is given for people with a particular need to come and pray.  In some of our churches with strong revivalistic heritages, the altar rails are referred to simply as the altar. 

The other purpose for the altar rails is really the first and primary purpose.  We gather and kneel at the altar rails when we receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (also known as Holy Communion or the Eucharist).  It is in this way that we see their connection with the Altar/Table. 

The Altar/Table is the place where we prepare and celebrate the holy sacrament.  The two candles, there, remind us that Christ is truly present in the sacrament of His body and blood.  This is why the eternal light is often found near the place of the sacrament. 

For Wesleyan Christians, Communion is not just a memorial.  Rather, it is a rich means of God’s grace, to us.  When we come with faith in Christ, we believe that God truly pours out His grace to us; grace to forgive, redeem, cleanse, sanctify, heal . . . to meet our needs and make us more like Christ. 

The Wesley’s viewed this sacrament as the richest means of God’s grace.  Therefore, John Wesley, like the early Christians, celebrated this sacrament multiple times a week and charged all Methodist elders to administer the sacrament every Lord’s Day, which he believed was a biblical practice.  The United Methodist denomination has officially called all congregations to understand that this is, indeed, the norm for the Church.  -  May we come to the Table with faith and thanksgiving, assured that Christ has promised to meet us there!

Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas ideas for your (Nazarene) pastor.  There's also a John Wesley bobble head appropriate for pastors of any Wesleyan-Methodist denomination.  Take it from me, Bresee & Wesley bobble heads are great ideas!

More Resolution News

More good news concerning my resolutions to next summer's Nazarene General Assembly!  My district's delegation met early this week and approved seven of my eight resolutions.  This, in addition to East Ohio's action (cf., my Nov. 21 post, below), means that all eight of my resolutions will make it to General Assembly!

The resolutions that my district approved that were not covered by links in the East Ohio post are as follows: Nazarene Anthem, Deacons & Elders, and the Church Government Flow Chart. 

The one resolution that East Ohio approved, but my district did not approve was the one on Ordination & the Superintendency.  That means that four of my eight resolutions will be sponsored by two districts (so far!).  This is important, because weight is added to the resolutions when it is seen that more than one district is sponsoring them.  -  Hopefully, the Board of General Superintendents will have matching resolutions on baptism & membership and on deacons & elders, seeing that I presented these same resolution (essentially) at the last G.A., and they were then referred to the Board of General Superintendents.

As I understand it, at least some of my resolutions are being presented to another district committee.  If I hear more about that, I will post it.  It is my hope that others are presenting them to their district's delegation, as well.  -  If you would like to do so, but have questions on how to go about it, please let me know!  Time is running out!

Christ the King Sunday

This Sunday we will be celebrating Christ the King Sunday (or "The Reign of Christ the King")! - It is the last Sunday after Pentecost and the last Sunday of the Christian year. It is also the Sunday just prior to our entering into the holy season of Advent.

The observance of Christ the King Sunday is really a relatively new celebration. It was originally instituted by Pius XI, Bishop of Rome, for celebration on the last Sunday of October. However, after Vatican II, it was moved to its current location on the Christian calendar.

In honor of Christ the King Sunday, I am posting a copy of Charles Wesley's great hymn, “Rejoice, the Lord Is King,” which we will be singing at both Centenary and Main Street United Methodist Churches, this Sunday.  -  The hymn will be printed as it appears in the Sing to the Lord (Nazarene) hymnal and most other hymnals.  While we (at Centenary & Main Street UMCs) will be singing it as it appears in The United Methodist Hymnal, it seems that they have made some rather strange editorial changes in verses 1 and 4; changes that seem not to make sense.  The predecessor hymnal, The Methodist Hymnal, retains the hymn as appears elsewhere.

It is interesting (and puzzling) to note that this hymn does not seem to appear in volume 7 of The Works of John Wesley: A Collection of Hymns for the Use of The People Called Methodists.  If it had appeared in that volume, light may have been shed as to why the UMC hymnal changed the text.

Nevertheless, here is the hymn!

 

 

Rejoice, the Lord Is King

 

1. Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore!

Rejoice, give thanks, and sing, And triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart;
Lift up your voice! Rejoice; again I say: rejoice!

2. Jesus, the Savior, reigns, The God of truth and love.

When he had purged our stains, He took His seat above.
Lift up your heart;
Lift up your voice! Rejoice; again I say: rejoice!

3. His kingdom cannot fail; He rules o'er earth and heav'n.

The keys of death and hell Are to our Jesus giv'n.
Lift up your heart;
Lift up your voice! Rejoice; again I say: rejoice!

4. Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord, the Judge, shall come

And take His servants up To their eternal home.
Lift up your heart;
Lift up your voice! Rejoice; again I say: rejoice!

This Sunday (and every day!) may we all rejoice and worship Christ our King, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to His service, and by walking before Him in holiness and righteousness all our days (cf., "A General Thanksgiving," BCP). - May all glory be to God the Father, Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit! Amen!

_____________________________________

This post was made from a combination of previous posts on this same topic.

Excellent Blog Post

Greg Crofford

I have recently discovered a blog that will likely be of great interest to the Nazarene readers of my blog.  In fact, for some time I have needed to update my blog roll, and this is certainly one blog that will be on the new list.  It is called Theology in Overalls.  It is the blog page of the Rev'd Dr. James Gregory Crofford.  Greg is currently the Coordinator of Education and Clergy Development for the Africa Region of the Church of the Nazarene, as well as the Director of the Institut Theologique Nazareen.

The particular article I want to point my Nazarene friends to is Nazarene or "Baptarene"? When Traditions Collide.  It was posted by Greg at the end of October, but I just found it.  It is an excellent article, well worth the read, and I am happy to point my readers to my new found colleague!  (Now, we just need to get him connected with the Wesleyan-Anglican Society!)

Thanks for this post, Greg!

General Assembly Resolutions Report

While my own district's General Assembly committee will not be meeting until after the Thanksgiving holiday, I have received word that at least one other district has taken action on some of my resolutions for the 2013 General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene.

My friend (and Vice President of the newly formed Wesleyan-Anglican Society), Eric Frey submitted six of my eight resolutions to his district's committee.  He has reported that the East Ohio delegation has approved five of my resolutions.  As I understand it, the resolutions approved are those dealing with the following:  Ordination & the Superintendency, Baptism & Membership, The Lord's Supper Article of Faith, The Ritual for Infant Baptism, and the Article of Faith on Baptism. 

East Ohio was a great help at the last General Assembly by sponsor the Baptism & Membership resolution, at that time.  That Assembly voted to sending it to the Board of General Superintendents, so I expect that they will be presenting their own resolution at the 2013 meeting.  My hope is that it will be one that affirms my resolution.

Thank you to Eric for submitting these to his district.  I know that there is at least one other district, besides my own district, that will be considering some of these resolution.  As soon as I hear the results of these meetings, I will be reporting them on this blog.  Of course, when General Assembly comes around, I will be posting the final actions.

The five resolutions, above, can be reviewed via the links provided.  These and the other three resolutions can be found on my blog under my August 22, 2012 posts.

If you are a Nazarene and are in favor of any or all of these resolutions, and if your General Assembly delegation has not yet met, I would urge you to copy these resolutions and present them to your District Secretary/Superintendent for their consideration!  (Even if they have met, you could contact your D.S.; they could still consider them!)