Episcopal Life Online Newslink July 6, 2007
Episcopal Life Online is available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/elife.
Today's ELO Newslink includes:
* TOP STORY - In Brazil, Presiding Bishop begins visits with Province, local dioceses * OPINION - Pondering the Great Commission: Baptism not a goal, but a relationship with God * ARTS - Martin Smith's latest book excels at 'snapshots from life'
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TOP STORIES
In Brazil, Presiding Bishop begins visits with Province, local dioceses
[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori arrived July 6 in Brazil for a five-day visit to the Anglican-Episcopal Church of Brazil, one of the 38 provinces of the Anglican Communion.
Welcomed by Primate Mauricio de Andrade, Jefferts Schori will meet with local clergy and laity in Brasilia, Porto Allegre, and Rio de Janeiro before departing July 11 to visit Episcopal Church dioceses in Ecuador and Colombia.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_87840_ENG_HTM.htm
More Top Stories: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/elife
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OPINION
Pondering the Great Commission
Baptism not a goal, but a relationship with God
By Katharine Jefferts Schori
[Episcopal Life] I met recently with a group of appointed missionaries of the Episcopal Church. They gathered for 10 days in New York for orientation before leaving to do mission. It was an enormous privilege to meet them and see their energy and enthusiasm (which means "filled with God") for this adventure.
We had an opportunity for conversation, and one young man shared his concern about how to understand the Great Commission, particularly the directive to baptize, especially in a multifaith environment. It was a wonderful question that engages us all at one level or another.
How do we engage in evangelism, and particularly in the specific directives of Matthew 28:19-20? Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80050_87836_ENG_HTM.htm
More Opinion: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80050_ENG_HTM.htm
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ARTS
Martin Smith's latest book excels at 'snapshots from life'
By Deborah Oliver
[Episcopal Life] Author of five previous books, Martin Smith offers in Compass and Stars (Seabury Books, 122 pp., $12.) 34 essays or "short reflections." The senior associate rector of St. Columba's Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., brings to this tight little collection the experience of 36 years in ministry, 28 of them as a monk.
The title refers to the compass rose, symbol of the Anglican Communion. These essays challenge readers to be more intentional and authentic in our spiritual lives, and by so doing to chart a new course toward God.
The most accessible and resonant essays are those in which Smith illuminates a larger topic through the prism of a snapshot from his life. Smith's frequent self-disclosures produce the uncommon result of making readers feel that we both know and trust the author.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81827_87837_ENG_HTM.htm
More Arts: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81827_ENG_HTM.htm