SIX WAYS TO DEEPEN THE FAITH

There are six ways to become a stronger Christian disciple and deepen our faith:

I. Explore the Scriptures and become more familiar with the historic creeds and the doctrine of the Church. Study the Church's teaching on human dignity and its social doctrine, including the sanctity of life teaching.

II. Learn and embrace the sacraments, and acquire the spirituality to become an active participant in the liturgy, especially the Eucharistic liturgy. Pray daily; have regularly scheduled times for prayer; learn to pray the Psalms.

III. Seek to develop a well-formed conscience, and live in accord with the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the teaching of the Church.

IV. Familiarize yourself with diverse forms and expressions of Christian prayer. Practice personal and shared prayer. Use practices of popular piety and devotion that will strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ.

V. Understand Christian virtues that will help build relationships and civil responsibility. Nurture your marriage and family, and build up the Church right where you are. Learn about the Church's authority and structures, and about the responsibilities of all the Christian faithful.

VI. Cultivate a spirit of evangelism-share your faith! Tell others about your spiritual pilgrimage, the Scriptures, and traditions and teachings of the Church. Respond to God's call of vocation, whether it is lay or ordained.

Pray and praise God daily!
June 3, 2008

ORIGINAL TEXT
TRINITY II, 2007 A.D.
PASTORAL LETTER

The following is the original text of my statement on the anniversary of the Continuing Church, Trinity II, 2007 A.D.

Behold, how good an joyful a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Ps. 133:1

The verse from this short but powerful psalm really expresses the feeling of excitement I have as those of us from the “Chamber’s Connection” begin to come into and work toward full communion with one another. It’s a most joyful thing to contemplate and I truly believe that the Holy Spirit will bless us, the ACC, APCK & UECNA, in ways we can hardly believe now possible, as we work, pray and worship together. We must only keep in mind that the “Brethren” means those who share all the tenants of the Catholic Faith and that as Brethren we also will have some differences in practice in non-essentials but can and will, as brothers, share our togetherness all the while valuing our individually. I am truly excited about the unity being built and am inviting all who read this message to pray earnestly every day for the Bishops, clergy and people of our church families.

ALMIGHTY and Everliving God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant to the United Episcopal Church, the Anglican Province of Christ the King and the Anglican Catholic Church all things needful for our spiritual welfare [ministers to labour in our portions of your vineyards, churches complete in the beauty of holiness]. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent. Remove all the hindrances to the advancement of thy truth; and bring all to be of one heart and mind within the fold of Thy Holy Church; to the honour and glory of they blessed Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

++ Stephen C. Reber Sr.
Presiding Bishop