Rector’s Letter on the Forty Days of Discernment

This letter was sent to the congregation on September 5, 2006. by The Rev. David Harper

Beloved in the Lord Jesus,

I want to give you more information and insight about the Forty Days of Discernment, which we and several other neighboring congregations will be entering mid-September.

We have reached a crisis point in our ability to participate in the fellowship and ministry of The Episcopal Church (TEC). Although this crisis has been mounting for a number of years, Church of the Apostles has chosen not to leave, seeking instead to be an influence for reform and renewal. The actions of the past two triennial General Conventions (2003 and 2006), however, have brought us to the point where we find ourselves standing, once again, in the valley of decision.

There has been a growing and reasonable presumption, shared by many other congregations in this Diocese, that our only recourse now is to leave. That may certainly appear plausible and even obvious; yet we know that the only way to choose a path is by diligently seeking the Lord through prayer and fasting, and listening attentively for Him to show us: “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21). Only then can we be assured that the path we are choosing has been prepared for us by God. This is the first objective of the Forty Days.

A second is to enquire of the Lord about where He would have us go. If He calls us out of TEC, we have a number of different options available for where we might go. It is also possible that God may still be preparing the place he has planned for us. In this case, we want to be obedient to his call to leave, but postpone deciding upon our destination until he has made the way clear.

A third objective is to recognize the importance of how we would leave. Those who walk away from relationships with unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, or pride will find those roots sprouting up in new relationships.

What Will Forty Days of Discernment
Look Like at Church of the Apostles?

1. Our Forty Days of Discernment will be launched on the weekend of September 16/17, and end the final weekend of October. We will gather for a Day of Decision on Sunday evening, November 5.

2. I will use the pulpit at our weekend services to provide the biblical and spiritual anchor for the Forty Days, with each message built around 2 Chronicles 7:14. You may want to purchase CDs of the sermons to review the message during the week as part of your individual prayer time, or your personal Bible study (or access them online here).

3. Discernment is a corporate process; so small groups will be an integral part of our Forty Days of Discernment and the most significant way you can participate. Existing small groups and home groups will turn their focus to the Forty Days during these six weeks. Some of these groups have room for more people and many more groups are being formed specifically for this season, with some meeting at convenient times here at the church. Each week, we will provide these small groups with materials based on that weekend’s sermon to be used for guided study, discussion, and especially worship and prayer.

I strongly urge you to participate in a small group. It is where you will be most connected to the process with other members of the congregation, be able to share what the Lord may be saying to you, and be best prepared for the Day of Decision on November 5. Let us know if you are interested in leading or forming a small group, or if you need help finding one that is convenient for you.

Feedback from these small groups—in the form of words and impressions from the Lord—will be forwarded to me and to the Vestry. As the leadership meets and prays together as our own small group, we will carefully weigh before the Lord what we believe he is saying to us through all these groups. Through this process, and with the benefit of the groups’ feedback, the Vestry will prepare a resolution that will be presented for the congregation’s vote on November 5.

Note: Feedback will only be received through COA small groups engaged in the Forty Days of Discernment. Messages from individuals or other sources will not be considered by leadership.

4. On Friday evening, September 22, and then on alternating Fridays throughout the Forty Days, I will be calling the church to gather for worship and prayer.

5. The wardens and I will be distributing a document, “Can Two Walk Together Except They Be Agreed?” (based on a publication of the same name released at The Falls Church earlier this year). This will help you know what the issues are and why they are important, and inform our decision-making process. The Book Table will also carry resources that you can purchase.

6. We will come together as a congregation on Sunday evening, November 5, for a shared meal, worship, and prayer—all leading to our congregational vote.

Note: To be eligible to vote, you must be baptized, at least 16 years of age or older, known to the Rector as a regular worshipper at our weekend services, and known to the Treasurer as a regular financial contributor to the parish. Eligibility will be confirmed prior to the vote. If you have any question about your eligibility or are interested in Baptism, please contact our offices.

I encourage you to take whatever steps may be necessary to ensure your eligibility to participate in the historic vote we will be taking on Sunday, November 5.

Affectionately in Christ,

David Harper, Rector