Week #3 Update

The first step in the project of discernment and development is to try to develop a clear picture of what the Lord is doing in the way of Anglican ministry in the Indianapolis area and surrounding regions.  I was hoping to start the contact work last week, but some unforeseen family matters took me out of state and prevented me from getting a start on this work.

So far this week I have talked with Rev. Ron Jackson - Canon for Leadership and Development and Bishop-Elect to share with him about our Indy Network Project Goals.  He is enthused and willing to be consulted as the work continues.  We both expressed a desire to make sure we are connecting with all critical parties.

I'm hoping to connect soon with Rev. PT Morgan,  Southern Indiana Network leader for the ADGL who we hope will help us discover more of the many "Anglican players" in Indy and surrounding communities.   Being an outsider looking in on the ministry,  even at this early stage, I see there are many things beginning or coming together that makes one think this is more than mere coincidence.  One example is the new arrival to Indy of the Rev. Joe Murphy from the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh.  He and his wife have recently moved to Carmel.  He is a "Virtual" Professor serving Northern IL University and is able to work remotely.  He brings much experience and insight to the table.  Fr. Joe and I began a conversation but were waylaid.  We hope to do some face to face time on my next visit to Indy.

I had my first survey interview with Fr. Tim Felch,  missionary Priest of the Anglican Church of the Ascension, which meets now on Sundays at 4:30pm.  They gather in the BSA Center near Lawrence on the near east side of the city.  Around a dozen members in attendance and are under Bishop Amos oversight.  Tim and I will meet for coffee, and he's excited about a vision of creating an inter Judicator network of Anglicans in the area who can support and work together when possible.   Currently Tim is bi-vocational, working with a software company downtown.

Tim hopes to introduced me to Bishop Amos whose home church, The Anglican Cathedral Church of the Resurrection,  is on the near north side.  It appears they have have 150-200 in attendance on a Sunday and maintain a very beautiful facility on Ditch Road.  Tim will introduce me to Bishop Amos at one of my visits to the area.  This primarily African Anglican congregation should certainly shape the face of Anglicanism in Indy and, I would hope, add rich diversity to the church if we work at it in these early years of development.   Bishop-Elect Ron said he would love to counsel together with Bishop Amos when the time is right.

Tim also mentioned several "continuing churches" that exist in Indy.  If anyone has knowledge or relationship with the rectors or leaders of any of these churches please contact me.  I would love to hear about the work and learn from their experience of ministry in Indy over the years.  Also if there is any orthodox leaning Episcopal clergy or lay leaders in the area,  I would like to reach out to them as well.

Dr. Todd Durvel of All Souls Anglican Mission is back from a holiday trip to Italy, but will soon be heading out again on business overseas.  All Souls Anglican Mission is a house church that meets in his home and is in the midst of a transition as Fr. Aaron Harrison moves to Chicago.  They are thankful for Aaron's work with them.  They hope that this project will result in some new clergy support either part-time or full-time for their work on the North East corner of the city.