The Way

He is Risen

Peter — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:04:24 +0000

The earth shook with the news. He is not here; He is risen! And in that moment, joy replaced despair, hope pushed past fear, and life conquered death, not just that day, but for eternity. We celebrate the resurrection of Christ for what it meant then and what it means for us every day: a sacrifice that brings forgiveness, renewal, and peace to any of us who put our faith in Jesus.

We invite you to come and join in celebrating with us this Easter Season at the awesome news that Jesus is Alive! We continue to bask in the wonderful fact that all are invited to participate in the Resurrection story which confirms, affirms, celebrates the same thing Doubting Thomas discovered and proclaimed over two thousand years ago “Jesus, my Lord and My God!”

Holy Week at the Way

Peter — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:53:27 +0000

Dear Friends,

This past Sunday we celebrated the triumphant entry of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. This week we invite you to join us as we prepare our hearts for the agony of His passion and then the joy of His Resurrection! Below are a list of a number of special events happening at The Way this important Easter week. We hope that you can take part of this life changing week!

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE: April 5th, 7pm.

One of the most moving services of the year as the Church community gathers together, like Jesus and the twelve for the last night before the crucifixion, to reenact the institution of Holy Communion and the washing of feet. We invite your attendance. The service will end at about 8:15 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY, April 6th, Noon. Stations of the Cross at the Benedictine Monastery in Oceanside (650 Benet Hill Rd. Oceanside, CA)
Follow this link for a map: http://mapq.st/Hm5RqG
Join the church community as we walk the journey with Jesus Christ toward His crucifixion. Literally millions of Christians worldwide will be participating in this moving event on this Good Friday. We begin promptly at noon.

EASTER SUNDAY, April 8th, 10 a.m. Easter Service at Datron.

We hope that you can take part in this life changing week!

Peace,

Pastor Steve

What is Ash Wednesday?

Peter — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:27:12 +0000

In many Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox and some Protestant churches, an Ash Wednesday worship service marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It is a solemn, penitential liturgy that launches worshipers on a reflective journey toward the climactic events of Holy Week. Several traditional rituals frame the meaning of the service. The most visible and widespread of these rituals is the marking of the forehead with ash in the sign of the cross. Usually applied with the words, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return,” the ashes suggest a posture of penitence, and they remind us of our mortality and our humble place before God.

Perhaps the second most familiar practice of a typical Ash Wednesday service is the communal recitation of Psalm 51. The words of the Psalm are heartrending. Expressing clear humility and contrition, the psalmist acknowledges his transgressions and pleads for God’s mercy. Indeed, King David’s sins seem to haunt him and he allows that he deserves whatever consequences come his way. His urgent prayer is for God’s forgiveness and salvation, that God might withhold just punishment and instead wash him clean and purify his soul. For his part, David knows that simple platitudes are not sufficient as he petitions for mercy; he offers God the sacrifice of a broken heart and promises to praise God continuously and to teach others the ways of God.

Have you ever wondered why the early church started this annual seasonal time of Lent six weeks before the most holy week in the life of the Church? Let me list several for you

The church knew that people need a second chance for a new start in life. And you can not have a second chance unless you receive God’s mercy and grace. We all need a second change, perhaps even a third and a fourth and more. However, the church wanted us to know that our God is gracious and merciful, and Lent reminds us that we can have a new start if we are truly remorseful and repentive of our self-destructive ways.
The church knew that sin is not a surface wound but a penetrating sickness. Sin is similar to cancer in that it eats away at the core of our very being. Overcoming such an invasive disease requires a dramatic and divine intervention – nothing else but a heart transplant. The heart transplant is the only way for a restored relationship and a path for healing and wholeness.
The church knew that healing and restoration takes time and is best done in community. Like the 40 days of Jesus’ wilderness journey in preparation for his public ministry, we must come into Holy Week preparing ourselves for the public declaration and demonstration of our faith, visibly seen in the Resurrected life. Sin is as social as it is individual. Healing of sin must be social and it must be individual for genuine transformation to take place.

Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (February 22), The Way Anglican Fellowship will gather at Datron as a community where everyone will take individual responsibility for their actions of self-destructive thoughts, words, and deeds. We will ask for God’s mercy and grace and we will begin our journey of reconciliation, restoration, and resurrection so that Christ can fully live in us. I hope you will be there.

In His mercy and grace,

Fr. Tony Baron

Valentine’s Day

Peter — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:10:00 +0000

It doesn’t take a genius to realize that most of the world is looking for love in all the wrong places. We all can plead guilty to the fact that our need to love and be loved has created some pretty regrettable moments. Like they say, stupid comes packaged in all ages and color and sizes.
The ancients were not really smarter in dealing with love either. Perverted customs and observances were done on February 14^th in attempts to increase fertility and manipulate love relationships. The only ones that benefited by all the activities were the pagan temples and the city taxes.
When Roman Emperor Constantine decided “enough was enough” by all these pagan holidays, he decided, along with the Church leaders, to provide a Christian alternative to all the licentious partying. On February 14^th, the Church honored several Valentines. All were martyred, one a bishop located in Terni in AD 197, one a priest in Rome in AD 260, and one whose only records indicated that he was martyred on February 14^th and buried on the Via Flaminia. Today, the Roman Church has removed February 14^th from the General Roman Calendar and the Anglican Communion places it in the category of a “commemoration.” That’s the equivalent of scientist telling us “Pluto” is no longer a planet! Hardly worth a sniffle or a tear!
So what’s love got to do with it? Is this day more a Hallmark moment than anything else? Well, Hallmark does make a lot of money because of Valentine’s Day. But I think there are many reasons to recognize this time of the year.
First of all, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder for all those who tied the knot as husband and wife that a Holy Sacrament took place when we said, “I Do.” The Bible says that at that moment of sacramental union a man and a woman in God’s eyes becomes one . . . united, in union, in partnership . . . “for better, for worse, in richer and in poorer, in sickness and in health” (Eph. 5:22-33; Gen. 2:24).
I truly love being married to my wife and best friend, Bobbi. Every day I am grateful for her grace, love, and respect she has for me and there are some days I don’t deserve any of it. Bobbi is still the most beautiful women I have ever seen, inside and out. And I really hope that all spouses see their partner the same way as I do with Bobbi. Valentine’s Day makes me stop and take time in our busy lives to celebrate our life together as husband and wife.
Valentine’s Day also reminds me of the biblical truth that “God is love.” The Apostle John writes, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love (I John 4:7-8).” God created all of us to love and be loved and be bearers of God’s love.
You cannot create love; you only can participate in love. The healthiest most holistic love is our participation with God in love. It is the only way to not deform love into selfish passions and inordinate choices. You actually get to look for love in ALL the right places. As you participate in love with the Holy Trinity, you can love others as you are loved – your spouse, children, grandchildren, family, friends, and believe it or not, even with those who are disagreeable.
For me, February 14^th is more than a Hallmark moment; it is a Holy Moment when I can tell the love of my life thank you for the gift of you!

A Super ”natural” Bowl

Peter — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:42:17 +0000

I am sad and angry this morning – Sad that my beloved New England Patriots did not win the Super Bowl and angry that Bill Belichek did not listen to my coaching suggestions when I was screaming at the television. I could barely handle it when the 6’6” Gronk couldn’t jump to catch the football that ended with an interception and barely maintained my sanity when Wes Walker dropped the key 4^th quarter pass to guarantee victory.

Immature you say? Absolutely. Childlike? Of course, you are right. Annoying to my beloved wife Bobbi? Well, is the Pope Catholic? Do dogs bark? So yeah, I am guilty on all charges.

Monday was depressing. Everybody seemed to love Eli Manning, even the San Diego Charger fans that seemed to forget that he decided to not play for them when he was drafted.

Three footballs were stripped by the Patriots in the game but remained unrecovered. An once-in-a-lifetime impossible catch four years ago at the Super Bowl was made again by the Giants as they marched down the field late in the fourth quarter to eventually win the game. Even when the Patriots were ahead, I had a sinking feeling that the Patriots were on life support. I couldn’t even enjoy the $6 million dollar commercials!

Please God, help me! I mean, after all, we live in the land of the free. Isn’t it better to be a Patriot than a Giant in America? Didn’t King David slingshot God’s people to victory by thumping a Giant? Didn’t Jack of the Beanstalk fame pull a “Bellichek” and beat the Giant? Come on, really? 21-17 Giants. Where’s the justice?

In the midst of my post-game personal pity party, a crazy insane absolutely absurd thought crossed my mind.

GOD. You thought I was going to say “suicide”, didn’t you? Nope, I was thinking about God. I told you it was crazy. Now, please don’t misunderstand. I am not saying that God loved the Giants more than the Patriots or that God helped Manningham catch that late 4^th quarter pass. I am also not saying that God loves Eli Manning more than Tom Brady just because Eli means “my God” and Tom reminds us of another “Tom” in biblical times that doubted the resurrection of Jesus.

However, I am saying that God used this Super Bowl, like He chooses all moments in time, to make us aware of Him. Romans 8:28 “all things work together for good,” even applies to the Super Bowl. Twenty-four hours after the final play, I am getting some perspective. God, allowed the game to unfold, to teach us something about Him, about me, and about His ways on earth. One thing I learned about me is that I take football way too seriously. Lord forgive me, it is simply a game. There is some other stuff I am still working through – but God is talking and I am listening.

Tonight I will remove my seven New England Patriots caps from the fireplace mantle and somewhat tearfully put them away for six months until football practice starts again and hope is renewed. Bobbi will again thank God that some degree of normalcy has returned to Sunday afternoon and Monday evening at the Baron household.

In a strange way, I will too! There are more important things than the Super Bowl, Tom Brady, and the Patriots. Life is far more important than a game. Thank you Lord for teaching me some priorities. And also Lord, thank you that I am not a Chicago Cub fan . . . that may be more than I can handle in my spiritual journey.

A GUIDE FOR BIBLE READING FOR THOSE WHO ARE JUST STARTING

Peter — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:04:01 +0000

Fr. Tony Baron, Rector
The Way Anglican Fellowship

Recently, several people have come up to me and said that they would like to read and understand better the best-selling book the world has ever produced—The Bible. Most novels or non-fiction works are best read starting from the first page, then moving sequentially until you reach the end. However, I have found that is not the best way to read the Bible. In fact, you might be interested to know that the Bible, inspired by God and written by men, is composed of 66 books written over a 4,000 year period.

Which Bible Translation Should I Read?

If I were to recommend a Bible to read, I would recommend two different Bibles. One Bible would be designed for reading large portions at one sitting, much like you would read a novel. I would recommend a paraphrase translation of the Bible’s original languages and the best one, by far, is the Message Bible by Eugene Peterson. His introductory notes on the individual books within the Bible alone are worth the price, and that part is not even inspired by God!

The second Bible I would consider purchasing for readings of one chapter at a time reading is a study Bible. There are many study Bibles to select from, and they can be rather confusing to those who are getting started. Choosing one type over another is usually based on personal preference. If I were a new believer or just getting started with my Bible reading, I would choose The Life Application Study Bible in the New International Version.

The highest rated Study Bible for maturing Christians is the ESV Study Bible. Anglican J. I. Packer was instrumental in developing this study Bible with a team of evangelical scholars. However, if you have a great interest in biblical archaeology and culture, the best study Bible is the Archaeological Study Bible.

Where Would I Start Reading?

The early Church, the Apostolic period through the Patristic period, believed that the Old Testament and the New Testament pointed to Jesus Christ. The only Bible Jesus ever read was the Old Testament, and Jesus himself stated that the Scriptures spoke of him (Luke 24:27). Because the Bible was designed as divine revelation for us to know God, I would start with one of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. If it were me, I would start with the Gospel of Luke, then move to the Book of Acts. Luke wrote these books as two volumes; it would be good to read them in this way as well.

After Luke and Acts, I would begin reading the Gospel of John, followed by Matthew and Mark. By then the reader has been saturated with the focus of our Christian life, Jesus Christ. Then, I would begin reading the first two books in the Bible, the Book of Genesis and the Book of Exodus. After that, call me and we can discuss the next steps in your reading plan.

How Should I Read?

I know the question sounds strange, but it is really is a serious question. And you are right…I am not saying you should read the Bible with a notepad in one hand and a “Grande Decaf Non-Fat Mocha with No Whip” in the other. Find a place with limited distractions, just like when you read a novel, so you can get ‘lost’ in the Book.

If you are inclined to do enjoyable readings, like reading a love letter or a good novel, take your Message Bible and read away. Get the big picture and don’t get lost in the detail right away; you can use your study Bible for that purpose. If you are inclined to read as a student of God’s Word, take your study Bible and read only one chapter. Then go back and take a look at the notes within that chapter. Of course, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you do all your readings. Holy Spirit thoughts may come your way that you need to explore.

The ancient Christian scholars and mystics used many methods in reading God’s Holy Word. In my next post, I will explore those for you, including Lectio Divina. But for now, enjoy the adventure in reading and studying the Word of God.

The time to read is really based on your internal alarm clock. For me, I usually choose early morning for enjoyable readings and prayer. Later, in the day, for a half-hour, I would choose a short study time. Because I prepare sermons, that study time is usually absorbed in understanding the Scripture at a deeper scale and often takes longer than 30 minutes. But, for now, take 15-30 minutes in the evening to study before bed. It would be a good time, if married, to study the passage with your spouse.

Is That It?

Yep, that’s it! The key is to get started and do it. Keep the Bible near you, in your car, and at your favorite place in the house so you will see it. That way, you can pick it up when you have a moment.

Enjoy your reading. I have found the Bible to be captivating, and I have found myself captivated by the lead actor in the story, God.

Blessings,

Fr. Tony

The Beautiful Life

Peter — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 14:51:26 +0000

By Fr. Tony Baron

I was going to title this blog, “The Good Life.” But I realized quite quickly that the good life, for most of the world, is often defined by personal wealth or at least, ease of living. The theologian in me also remembered the Gospel account of Jesus saying, “No one is good except God alone.” So on monetary and moral grounds, I decided to entitle this blog “The Beautiful Life.”

I have always been interested in living the beautiful life. Now, you might be saying, “Tony has really lost it this time. All he wants to do is dance in the tulips, smell the flowers, sing “Kumbaya” with total strangers, and make sure he has completed everything on his “bucket” list. We are really going to miss him.” Well, maybe I have lost it or maybe I haven’t, – but I am definitely not telling! Besides dancing, singing, and smelling the aromas of life have to be part of living the beautiful life.

What does the beautiful life look like for me? Before I share what I think it is, I certainly know what it is not. The beautiful life is not judgment, anger, fear, retaliation, pride, worry, lust, distrust, busyness, acquiring power, or protecting power. The beautiful life doesn’t compare self with others, doesn’t compete for others’ adulation, and doesn’t keep hidden agendas and long lasting grudges.

It seems to me that the beautiful life must include a lot of laughter. Not laughter filled with angry sarcasm, but laughter filled with something truly funny or touching. People living the beautiful life see humor in many things, including enjoyment of laughing at themselves. Yes, a beautiful life has to include laughter.

It seems to me that the beautiful life must also include crying. Tears come easily in the beautiful life. A beautiful life is touched deeply when there is human hurt, a tender word, or a long embrace.

A beautiful life must also include joy and happiness. Not the kind of happiness that brings temporary pleasure, but a real and lasting kind. I am reminded what C.S. Lewis wrote, “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” Therefore, a beautiful life must include soul training with the first lesson to learn being is that you don’t have a soul, but you are a soul!

A beautiful life must also include learning and connecting. Learning about life, people, and facts through books and experiences is to me a beautiful life. A beautiful life must be aware that we are all connected, knowing that we must not harm or exploit others because we will be only harming and exploiting ourselves.

A beautiful life is loving and being loved. A beautiful life needs a community, especially a small one that not only knows your name but bears your name. A beautiful life is filled with wonder and play. Someone living a beautiful life loves his or her work, for it is a vocation and a passion. A beautiful life must enjoy moderation and boundaries. A beautiful life is filled with the classic virtues of faith, hope, and love.

A beautiful life is . . . well, you know. You really do. I want to invite you to share with me what a beautiful life is to you. You can write me back on the blog or email me, Fr. Tony Baron at tbaron@dtwc.com. After all, everyone I have ever met really does want a beautiful life.

HEAVEN ON EARTH: The Divine Liturgy and the Eucharist

Peter — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:33:03 +0000

True worship is nothing more than “heaven on earth.” True worship is nothing less that God dwelling among his people. It is an embracement of two worlds into one world, much like a husband and wife becoming one: a ‘kairos’ moment where time stands still, where unity stands out, and the love of God, for God, and for one another is overwhelming. – Fr. Tony Baron, Rector, The Way Anglican Fellowship, Vista, Calif.

I. The Historical Marks of the Early Church (Early Followers of Jesus)

Inescapably Ritualistic

Uncompromisingly Moral

Unmistakably Intellectual

Unapologetically Trinitarian

Unquestionably Scriptural

Impressively Loving

Undeniably Eucharistic

The Eucharist was the central act of Christian worship, and its communal celebration each Sunday set the rhythm of Christian life. In the early church there was no Christianity without an altar!

II. A Detailed Description of Christian Worship (Eucharistic Service, 150 A.D.)

The Two Key Parts of the Eucharistic Worship

Liturgy of the Word: Centered on the Bible (series of biblical readings interspersed with prayers and psalms, followed by the exposition of the text) – Deacon Kirsten will teach on the Liturgy of the Word next week.

The early Christian writings and thoughts centered on the Bible. Their writings were scriptural in language and inspiration. The goal for all followers of Christ was not only for understanding but love! Faithfulness, not originality, was the distinctive mark of a good teacher of God’s Word.

Evagrius “A theologian is one who prays, and one who prays is a theologian”

Liturgy of Holy Communion (Great Thanksgiving)

The Distinctives of Holy Communion

A Distinctive Narrative Biblical Structure that Praises God for His Mighty Deeds in the Past, Present, and Future

The biblical story is from creation, through the giving of the Law to the people of Israel to the Coming of Christ, his death and Resurrection, and the expectation of His coming again. The liturgy kept intact the biblical narrative by recounting the story of Israel and Christ in ritual form. God’s fullest revelation came through historical events.

A Distinctive Liturgy that is explicitly Trinitarian

Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus (190—210 A.D. approx..)

A Distinctive “Remembrance” of Christ life-giving Sufferings

Anamnesis (Gk): Usually translated “remembrance,” which in this context means “recall by making present.” The past becomes a present presence that opens a new future.

In the Mishnah, the collection of Jewish law from the early third century, it is reported that Rabbi Gamaliel (teacher of St. Paul) used to say, “Whosoever has not said these three things at Passover has not fulfilled his obligation. And they are these: Passover, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs.

Passover because God passed over the houses of our father in Egypt, bitter herbs because the Egyptians embittered the lives of our father in Egypt.

“In every generation you must so regard himself as if he came forth himself out of Egypt, for it is written, And you shall tell your son on that day saying, “It is because of that which the Lord did for me when I came forth out of Egypt.” Those who celebrate Pesach are not spectators, they are participants. It is I who came forth out of Egypt.

John Chrysostom “Do we not offer the sacrifice daily? Indeed we do offer it daily, re-presenting his death. How then is it one sacrifice and not many?… We offer the same person, not one sheep one day and tomorrow a different one, but always the same offering . . . . There is one sacrifice and one high priest who offered the sacrifice that cleanses us. Today we offer that which was once offered a sacrifice that is inexhaustible. This is done as a remembrance (anamnesis) of that which was done then, for he said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” We do not offer another sacrifice as the priest offered of old, but we always offer the same sacrifice. Or rather we re-present the sacrifice.(Homily on Hebrews 9:24-26).

A Distinctive Belief in the “Real Presence” of Christ

Bishop Ignatius of Antioch (martyred between 98 A.D.-110 A.D.) “The Eucharist is the flesh of our savior Jesus Christ who suffered for us”

Ireaneus, Bishop of Lyon (martyred 202 A.D.) “the bread over which thanks given is the body of the Lord and the cup is the blood”have been

Justin Marytr, 150 A.D. This food we call Eucharist, of which no one is allowed to partake except one who believes that the things we teach are true, and has received the washing for forgiveness of sins for rebirth, and who lives as Christ taught us. For we do not receive these things as common bread or common drink, but as Jesus Christ our Savior who became incarnation by God’s word and took flesh and blood for our salvation. So also we have been taught that the food consecrated by the word of prayer which comes from him, from which our flesh and blood are nourished by being renewed, is the flesh and blood of that incarnate Jesus.

Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D. (sermon on Psalm 22): Makes present what took place in time past, and in this way it moves us as if we were actually watching our Lord hanging on the cross.

How is this possible? The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity and the moment of truth: here we see the world in Christ, as it really is.

Heaven is the immediate presence of God’s glory and can be present simultaneously anywhere and everywhere on earth. Since Jesus is in heaven, the risen Jesus continues to work on this earth in the Church and through the Holy Spirit. Heaven transcends us as a greater, truer, more splendid reality. The distance between God and humanity is fully and finally spanned in Christ.

In the Holy Spirit, time is collapsed in that we presently possess eternal life, although we await its full experience at the consummation. In the Holy Spirit, time is collapsed in that the presence of the risen Christ is available everywhere, although we await the time when we will see him face to face. In the Holy Spirit, matter is collapsed in that the presence of the risen Christ is experienced in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, although we await the final marriage feast of the Lamb.

Views Christian Body Is Christ Present? How?

Transubstantiation Catholic, Orthodox Real Presence Change Substance

Pious Silence Anglican, Orthodox Real Presence Unknown

Consubstantiation Lutherans (Luther) Real Presence Substance Remain

Body/Blood Present

Spiritual Presence Presbyterians (Calvin) Real Presence Substance Remain

Spiritual feeding

Mere Symbolism Zwingli/Baptist/Evangelicals Not Present Memorial

Non-literal Quakers/Salvation Army Not Present No celebration

Leo the Great, bishop of Rome in the fifth century: “Everything the Son of God did and taught for the reconciliation of the world, we know not only as an historical account of things now past, but we also experience them in the power of the works that are present.”

August 14, 2011, The Way Anglican Fellowship, www.findtheway.org.

The Anglican Way of Life: Part II of II

Peter — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:25:25 +0000

I. Briefly Reviewing Last Week’s Message on the Anglican Way of Life

A. The Anglican Way of Life is WORSHIP (Living in Christ and Living Out Christ in a World God Loves) – Apostolic Celtic Faith Tradition

B. The Anglican Communion is the third largest Christian religious body in the world behind the Roman Catholics and the Orthodox Churches (80 million plus in the Anglican Communion)

C. The Anglican Communion is the largest Protestant denomination in the world.

D. The Bare Bones Belief of Anglicanism (Reductionistic View)

1. Whole Bible: Anglicanism believes the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the revealed Word of God and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith.

2. The Creeds: Anglicanism believes in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed as the sufficient statement of the Christian faith.

3. The Sacraments: Anglicans believe in the Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as the two Sacraments ordained by Christ Himself.

4. The Servant Leaders: Anglicanism believes in the historic episcopate (Bishops) as locally adapted to the varying needs of the people of God into the unity of His Church.

II. The Spirit of Anglicanism as a Way of Life to Worship God (How being an

Anglican deepens our faith?)

We are incarnational in our theology more than systematic
We are sacramental in our spiritual formation more than we are secular

A sacrament is a promise of God joined to a visible sign of that inward reality. In the Book of Common Prayer (857), “the sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.”

The Sacrament of Baptism: A Covenant to live in the newness of life

“The whole of the Christian life, in time and in eternity is, in a sense, encapsulated in baptism. The Christian life is a baptismal life, and it is all about dying and rising with Christ, in this world and hereafter.” – Dr. Michael Green, Canon and Oxford professor

In our baptism, we renounce all that is not from God, we reach out for all that is from God, we journey together toward Christlikeness, and we promise to live our baptism in real life!

The Sacrament of the Eucharist: The Body and Blood of Christ as the Nourishment for the New Life (John 6:25-59; I Cor. 11:17-34)

The Eucharist is the sacrament of unity and the moment of truth: here we see the world in Christ, as it really is. Intercession begins here, in the glory of the messianic banquet, and this is the only true beginning for Christ’s mission. It is when having put aside all earthly care, we seem to have left this world, that we, in fact recover its reality.

We are encountering Jesus in the Eucharist. Jesus is the host who is also the feast!

Views Christian Body Is Christ present? How?

Transubstantiation Roman Catholic Real Presence Change Substance

Pious Silence Anglican Real Presence Unknown

Consubstantiation Lutherans (Luther) Real Presence Substance Remain

Body/Blood present

Spiritual Presence Calvin/Presbyterians Real Presence Substance Remain

Spiritual feeding

Mere Symbolism Zwingli, Baptist, Evangelical Not present Memorial, symbol

Non-literal Quakers/Salvation Army Not present No celebration

Heaven is the immediate presence of God’s glory and can be present simultaneously anywhere and everywhere on earth. Since Jesus is in heaven, the risen Jesus continues to work on this earth in the Church and through the Spirit. Heaven transcends us as a greater, truer, more splendid reality. The distance between God and humanity is fully and finally spanned in Christ.

We are apostolic in history more than contemporary in culture

Eusebius (early church historian) stated that oral tradition indicated that Joseph of Arimathea traveled to Britain. Roman soldiers, converted to Christ, share the Gospel.

Celtic Christianity joins the Roman Church and the Orthodox Church as Apostolic Expressions of the Faith. Three British bishops were at the Council of Nicaea.

We are liturgical in spiritual community expression more than spontaneous (Anglicans participant in the Worship experience more than be spectators)

Acts 13:2 the word, “liturgy” is first used for the early church. The early church was liturgical patterning themselves to the Jewish synagogue. The early church was also Eucharistic in expression. Our current Book of Common prayer serves us in this way.

Dogmatics (authoritative belief/doctrine) in Anglicanism is valued chiefly as a guide to leading the Christian life. The early church was first called in Acts 9:2 as “The Way.” The Book of Common Prayer is the foundational resource for spiritual formation. According to BCP 219, Christian spiritual formation is the process of allowing God to bring our “unruly wills and affections” into order with what is healthful to our spirits and to the spirits and lives of those around us.

The ancient rhythms and routines tell the biblical story and deepens our spiritual formation, i.e. liturgical calendar, lectionary, daily prayers.

Lex orandi, lex credenda “the law of prayer is the law of belief”: Right praying leads to right believing and these lead to right practices and right living. Hence, the Book of Common Prayer.

We value moderation as an attribute of comprehensiveness in our Christianity more than separating ourselves into doctrinal excesses.

Anglicanism grounds me into a broad, historic faith with no need to judge any part of the Body of Christ. The distinctive characteristic of Anglicanism is via media (moderation).

Preface of the 1662 Prayer Book (also used in the first Prayer Book of the American Church): It hath been the wisdom of the Church of England, ever since the first compiling of her Publick Liturgy, to keep the mean between two extremes, of too much stiffness in refusing, and of too much easiness in admitting any variation from it.”

Rome (tradition abuse at times); Geneva (Scripture misuse at times); and Anglican/Richard Hooker (Reason). We are “reforming Catholics.” George Herbert, John Donne, and other Caroline divines “manifest intention was to steer a middle course between the excesses of Romanist and Radical Protestant. Clearly also such a middle course was not in the nature of a compromise or of hesitation to commit themselves to conviction, but was governed by a positive determination to preserve the just balance between fundamentalism and accessories which were threatened by an authority vested in the infallibility where of Tradition or of Scripture.

The Rev’d Canon Dr. Tony Baron, Rector. The Way Christian Fellowship, Vista, Ca. July 17, 2011. Check out our website at www.findtheway.org or contact Pastor Steve Matson for more information on our community.

The Anglican Way of Life:

How Being an Anglican Deepens Our Faith