A new years benediction by David Teems...

http://www.davidteems.com/

Happy New Year!

Dear Friends, Members, Supporters and Intercessors,

What a rich and full first week of Christmas! What a special time of year this is as we gather with family and friends to remember God’s grace in sending His Son. Yesterday in the epistle lesson we had these verses from Galatians 4:4-7 (here from The Message)…

But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, "Papa! Father!" Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

“Just at the right time God sent His Son”, as I have pondered this phrase I know it has an ongoing meaning for us who call themselves Christian. There is a revelation of Jesus that comes to us just at the right time. It might be an assurance of His love. It is maybe conviction of sin that leads to repentance and transformation. It is comfort in loss, pain and suffering. It is healing in brokenness and infirmity. It is his presence to carry us through any circumstance. God continues to send us His Son – actually Jesus is always there and I believe God gives understanding, a revelation of His presence to strengthen us and pull us close to himself crying as this translation puts it “Papa”.

There is no chasm too deep; no mountain so high; no ocean so wide; no pain so great; no sorrow so profound; no struggle so difficult; that His grace and love cannot reach to surround, protect, strengthen, comfort and heal; all because at the just the right time He sent His Son. We have much to be thankful for – especially at Christmas!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Canon Neal Michell has written an article worthy of our reflection as we consider 2007 and what 2008 might bring. I believe in personal reflection and as Socrates, the great Greek philosopher said, The unexamined life is not worth living (in Plato, Dialogues, 469 BC - 399 BC). I think you will find Neal’s thoughts helpful and I commend them to you

Questions to Ask Before you Enter 2008 / Canon Neal Michell

If you’re like me, this is an awfully busy time of year. A lot of my business planning has already been done, but I leave a lot of my personal planning and reflection for the upcoming year until the time immediately preceding the new year. I find it awfully tempting to put this off and simply go with the flow of the busyness of the season; however, knowing how 2007 didn’t turn out the way I had hoped it would gives me a strong sense of urgency to reflect on my life and 2008 before it gets here.

So, here are some aids that I have come up with to help me reflect on 2008. I hope they help you as well.

· What am I currently doing that energizes me?

· What do I do that drains me of energy? Can I hand some of those things off to others without “dumping” on them?

· What were the highlights of 2007 that I’ve done that give me immense satisfaction?

· What projects have I started and am stuck in that need to get “kick started”?

· Name two things that, if you were to accomplish them in 2008, you would say, “you know, it was a pretty good year.”

· Who are your personal heroes and why? What aspects of their character do you wish to emulate? How might you further incorporate those qualities in your life in 2008?

· Go through your junk drawer. What should you throw out? What should you keep? What should you do something with?

· Name two people who lives in 2007 you made a positive difference.

· Name two people who have made a positive difference in your life in 2007. Don’t let February 1st come along without having told them how much you appreciate them and why.

· Reflect on your relationships. Is there an important one that needs to be restored? Is there an important one that needs to be deepened?
·
Until next time,

Neal+

Christ the King

Yesterday was Christ the King Sunday and we celebrated the reign of Jesus as the King of kings! As Sarah said in her sermon and as I have thought many times we as Americans do not get the idea of King. I always think of the scene from Monty Python's Holy Grail and with today's internet you can see it on YOU TUBE... http://youtube.com/watch?v=1xvnsIodU34

Being a subject of Jesus is a high calling and as subjects we enjoy his protection, provision, and most of all salvation and redemption offered to those who believe.

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Consecration of Samuel Seabury

Yesterday we celebrated the Consecration of Samuel Seabury, the first Bishop of the Episcopal Church. In doing so we prayer the following collect (prayer)...

We give you thanks, O Lord our God, for your goodness in bestowing upon this Church the gift of the episcopate, which we celebrate in this remembrance of the consecration of Samuel Seabury; and we pray that, joined together in unity with our bishops, and nourished by your holy Sacraments, we may proclaim the Gospel of redemption with apostolic zeal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

In this day and age I pause to give thanks for our Bishop John W. Howe, Bishop of Central Florida. He is a champion of the faith, a gifted teacher, and dynamic leader. He stands in true Apostolic succession faithfully defending and propogating the "faith once received".

The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe
Bishop of Central Florida

These are difficult days in the Episcopal Church especially for those who are holding to the authority of scripture. Pray for Bishop Howe and our diocese.

Chet had surgery

Chet who hurt himself by falling down a rock on our annual cabin trip had surgery to install screws and a plate to make his ankle heal right...

Keep him in your prayers as he has 5 -6 weeks of recovery.

Home again and busy

Here is the latest update from Incarnation -

Dear Friends, Members, Supporters and Intercessors,

Well you go away for a week or two and come back and boy does it get busy! My good friend and “cabin buddy” Cary Grubbs is in town this week for a conference and will be our preacher and do some music this evening at 6:30pm at the Mission House for our mid-week Eucharist and healing service. I could say much about Cary – maybe too much! Know this among his many gifts and talents, he is a man who has a heart for Jesus and a love for His followers. You will be blessed if you join us tonight – guaranteed!

We had a wonderful Stewardship BBQ and gathering at the Mission House this past Sunday following service. It was great weather, tremendous food and sweet fellowship – if you missed it, you missed a blessing! We are in our stewardship focus and on Sunday we handed out pledge cards as we discussed some of the plans for 2008. If you were not there you can pick up a pledge card on Sunday or you can even fill one out online (Click Here) You can read the stewardship letter by clicking here that details the financial needs and strategy for 2008. We also have some of the slides from the long range planning committee up on the website as well – here is the link (Click Here). I hope we all will continue to pray for these efforts and for wisdom and guidance as we move forward as a congregation.

A Stewardship Prayer for INCARNATION...

O Almighty God, majestic and all-powerful Creator of all that exists, you placed us as stewards of your creation and bestowed on us the gifts of talent, time and treasure. Give us thankful hearts for all we have received from your gracious hand, and a willingness to give back graciously for the extension of your Kingdom, and always to your glory. All this we ask in the name of the One who gave up all that we might live, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
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A few new things to note that are coming up on our calendar…Thanksgiving Day Service - Thursday, November 22, at 10am in partnership with Covenant Presbyterian Church in the main Chapel at RTS. We will gather with brothers and sisters and give thanks and praise to God for His provision, grace, mercy, and the many blessings of this life. As a part of this service we are going to have a few folks sharing testimonies of thanksgiving. If you want to publicly proclaim your gratitude for what God has done for you in a 2-3 minute testimony than please pop me an e-mail and let me know – we are hoping for 2 folks from each congregation. The service should be no more than hour which will give you time to get back to your Thanksgiving feast preparation. This will be a special time, our first shared service with Covenant Presbyterian, our first Thanksgiving service as a congregation, wonderful music, prayers and praises and more. Please make every effort to be there.
On Sunday, December 2nd the church year begins anew with the Advent Season. You will notice a few differences in the liturgy and in the look of our worship. In the season of Advent we will have “evergreens” for our worship (no flowers). Following the morning service on December 2nd we will have an Advent Wreath Workshop, where you and your family can make an Advent Wreath to take home and use as we all prepare to celebrate the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus.
An Incarnation Pageant – We will soon begin work on our Christmas pageant. This we are blessed to have Deacon Sarah who compiled, scripted, designed and orchestrated a wonderful telling of the Incarnation rooted in the scriptures and complimented with favorite carols. There are several speaking parts and other parts for all our children. If you are interested in being a part of this production there will be sign-ups this Sunday. You can also contact Deacon Sarah at sarah@incarnationoviedo.com This pageant will be presented at our Family Christmas Eve Service at RTS at 5pm on Christmas Eve.
Lessons & Carols – we are gathering for a service of Lessons and Carols on Saturday December 8th at 7pm at the Mission House. Join us as we recount in readings from Scripture and in song the wonderful story of our redemption. Following the service we will have a campfire with “smores”, hot chocolate, a special visit by St. Nicholas and a few more surprises. This is an opportunity to bring friends and family, neighbors and coworkers and share with them the Good News of the Kingdom. Lynda Piercy is coordinating this event and if you would like to help please contact her at (407) 365-6106 or lyndapiercy@earthlink.net
Christmas Party – Sunday, December 16th 6-7pm. We are going to have a Christmas Party for the whole congregation. Cliff and Mari Parsons are opening their home (really there barn) to us to gather and celebrate our life together as members of Church of the Incarnation. More details soon – but put it on your calendar and don’t miss this fun and meaningful evening.
Our Christmas Services are as follows… Monday, December 24 – 5:00pm / Family Service with the Incarnation Pageant (no incense) 11:00pm / Feast of the Incarnation Mass with Incense at the Mission House
Tuesday, December 25 - 10am / Feast of the Incarnation (no incense)There will be a sign up to contribute to Christmas Flowers in “memory of a loved one” or in “thanksgiving for God’s blessing” – please check the back table after service on Sunday.
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SPECIAL PRAYER REQUESTS… Please continue to pray for Roseddy and for Jonah and the Cockerham family. Also pray for Ben, Tim, Lance, Wilbur, Joan, Carolyn, Leo, Christy, Carly, Gail, Carolyn, Mario, Alma, Bishop Godfrey, Kimberly, Fr. Joe, Fr. Paul, – each are dealing with needs for physical healing.
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INCARNATION DIRECTORY – we are in the process of compiling a Church of the Incarnation Directory and we need your information. If you consider yourself a member please fill out the membership form on line or on Sunday. For more info contact Shelly Buchan at shelly@incarnationoviedo.com In the next few weeks we will be taking pictures on Sundays to make sure we get everybody.

Things going on…

Morning Prayer The daily office of Morning Prayer 7:30am Monday through Friday at the Mission House.


Do not forget our midweek – Eucharist and Healing Service – Wednesdays / 6:30pm at the Mission House Check out our healing webpage (click here) During this service we will offer healing prayers for anyone who wants to receive them.

Bible Study and Fellowship Sunday Evenings 6-7:30pm. All are welcome to join in the study of God’s word. The course being done this fall to start this group is EXPERIENCING GOD. For questions/comments contact Leslie Cain: leslie11457@mindspring.com

Another Bible Study / Fellowship Opportunity - Heather and Jose Rodriguez cordially invite you to their home for a Young Adult (or those young at heart) Bible Study on Monday nights at 8:30PM. We will be starting a study on the epistle of St. Paul the Apostle to the ROMANS. Our address: 260 Stallworth Court / Oviedo, FL 32765 / 407-325-6148 / jose.rodriguez.fl@gmail.com


Boy Scout Meeting every Monday at the Mission House at 7pm. For more information contact Ed Ghiglieri @ 407-365-1146 or eghiglieri@cfl.rr.com



DAUGHTERS OF THE KING - If you are interested in pledging yourself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism dedicated to the spread of Christ's Kingdom and to the strengthening of the spiritual life of our mission then the Daughters of the King ministry is for you. As this ministry begins classes will be with the Daughters of the King group at All Saints in Winter Park starting on Wednesday January 9th at 4:30 PM for 8 weeks. After this initial session we will be offering classes at Incarnation. For more details call/e-mail Sandra Costin at 407-366-8959 / rcostin@cfl.rr.com




MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A VERY SPECIAL EVENT IN OUR LIFE… God willing and the people consenting The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Florida will ordain Sarah L. Richmond Bronos to the Sacred Order of Priests in Christ’s one holy catholic and apostolic Church on Saturday, December 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Incarnation, 1845 County Road 419 in Oviedo, Florida
Your prayers and presence are requested (Clergy: Red stoles) Reception to follow - For directions and more information: 407-365-5651 / www.incarnationoviedo.com

in the mission,
JD+The Rev. Jon Davis / Vicar

Church of the Incarnation
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623302 / Oviedo, Florida 32762-3302 Physical Address: 1845 W County Road 419 / Oviedo, Florida 32766
Church 407-365-5651 / Vicar 321-436-8006
www.incarnationoviedo.com / jon@incarnationoviedo.com

a view from the cabin...

Sunrise


Fall Colors

Back to the Blog

I have had sevral folks ask me about the Blog and why I have not posted since June. I did take the summer off and to be honest got out of the habit. So now I will try and resume my 2-3 times a week posting.

I am currently hiding out in a cabin on a mountain in North Carolina. I am working on my dissertation and making some good progress. As I started the work this week it seemed daunting: write a theological dissertation on the use of image in worship. I was overwhelmed and yet as I got still I heard Jesus say - "I will help you if you'll let me". Amazingly I have had several breakthroughs in my studies. I would like to think it is me but I know I am not that smart. It was grace at work in me.

I am inspiried, it would be hard not to be. These mountains renew me. I find comfort in this place that has been a refuge for some 25 years now. The fall colors, the cool crisp air, the vast view of the "smokies" from the porch all revive me, body, soul, mind and spirit. God uses creation to reveal himself to us...

Romans 1:19-20 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.

There are many places on this planet that feel like home. This is surely one of them.

Summer Holiday

I will be taking a break from blogging until September. To keep up with church check out... www.incarnationoviedo.com

As the song goes... See you in September!

Have a great summer!
Jon+

updating!

Sorry about not keeping the blog up to speed. Here is a link to previous Oviedo Mission Updates - http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/oviedo_mission_updates.htm

This weekend I had two close friends Cary and Carl visiting and sharing music and more at Church of the Incarnation...

Yesterday, after our morning worship Cary, Carl another “cabin buddy” Steve and I had lunch. There was joy and laughter, serious discussion ranging from church history, family and vocational pursuits and more (mostly laughter and cutting-up). Cary reminded us in his sermon that we are not alone, even in the darkest prison of our life Jesus is with us. I believe one of the primary means of knowing the presence of Christ is through other people. It makes me think of the last scene in It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey has discovered he is wealthy and successful because of the friend he has been to others… The angel Clarence who has led him in this discovery leaves a book for George with the following inscription:

Dear George:—
Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings!
Love, Clarence.

George learns a valuable lesson and Clarence gets his wings - a classic ending to a classic film. One of my hopes for Church of the Incarnation is that we are bonded to one another in Christ and that we form meaningful life long friendships with each other. I hope we care for one another, support and encourage one another, challenge one another and thus fulfill the great commandment to love one another as Jesus loves us. This is our calling…

in the mission,
JD+

The Rev. Jon Davis / Vicar

mission update 4-30

Here is a link to the most recent Mission Update...

http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/Media/Updates/Mission%20Update%20April%2030.pdf

Mission Update 4-23

Dear Friends, Members, Supporters and Intercessors,

Yesterday we had a great day as we installed The Rev. Dave Aycock as a Deacon. There are a few pictures on the website at… http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/4_22_Pics.htm We are so blessed to have Deacon Dave and Jill in our midst and I look forward to see how God will use them to extend our ministry in Oviedo and to see the Kingdom advanced.

There are several things ahead of us in the next couple weeks. A new item on our calendar is a Healing Service on Wednesday, May 2nd/ 7PM at the church. There are a few needs in the congregation that we know of and I assume some we do not know of as well. So we will gather to hear God’s word, share in the Eucharist, and pray for those in need. I hope you will join us to be prayed for or to pray for others.

We are gathering folks into the church and if you are new to Church of the Incarnation in that last few weeks and want to join officially you can fill out a membership form on the website at… http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/regform.htm or pick one up at the church. There are a number of places to plug in and serve. Whether it is Altar Guild; Flower Guild; Helping out with cleaning or landscape, children’s ministry; worship ministry or other areas there is a place for you to contribute to our life and community of faith.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) –
LIFT OFF! Soaring to New Heights with God
We will have our first VBS - May 29th – June 1st / 9:00am – 12 noon. For 3-11 year olds (registrations will be available beginning this Sunday). Brandi Lavoie is coordinating and seeking volunteers to help with crafts / games / refreshments / lessons and more. Please contact her at brandijc_31@yahoo.com for more information.

Coming up…

Wednesday Night Class on Authentic Spirituality – growing faith in a faith barren world. Wednesdays 7pm. As we examined St. Benedict last week and his “Rule of Life” we can see how the simple practice of spiritual disciplines enrich our lives and draw us closer to Christ Jesus. Join us in the journey!

Dinner on the Grounds This Sunday / April 29th - following the 10am service Come join us as we celebrate and give thanks for all God has done in our midst. Hamburgers / Hot Dogs (buns and condiments) / Drinks provided - People are asked to bring one or more of the following: Salad - cold side dish / Hot side dish (remember all we have is a microwave) or dessert. We will be dedicating the Prayer Garden built by Archie Blydenburg as his Eagle Scout Project. Click here for a flyer

Moving to Reformed Theological Seminary (www.rts.edu) Sunday May 6th we will begin meeting for our Sunday morning 10am service at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) . Due to our growth we are moving into the "fellowship hall" at RTS (adjacent to the bookstore) This will be come our home for Sunday worship for the next season of our ministry. All other events and services other than Sunday Morning will take place at the church property on County Road 419. For a map to RTS Click Here / For a Map of RTS Click Here Covenant Presbyterian Church (http://www.cpconline.net ) has been meeting there for sometime and we are blessed that they are willing to share the campus with us and let us be their neighbor at RTS. They own the property across the street from us on C.R. 419 and we will be neighbors there as well. Pray for us as we make this move.

CONFIRMATION – Confirmation Classes will be offered Sunday afternoons 4-6pm – May 20th / June 3rd and 10th. Confirmation will be Sunday morning at the 10am service on June 17th Bishop Jackson Matovu of the Diocese of Central Buganda in Uganda, Africa will be presiding. If you are interested in being confirmed or want to know more about Confirmation, please see me for details.

Coffee House Concert at the church with Cary Grubbs and Carl Imes; May 19th / 7pm. We’ll turn the church house into a coffee House for a folk music concert featuring Cary and Carl. They are dear friends of Father Jon (some of his cabin buddies) and they will participating in the worship on Sunday May 20th. They are gifted musicians, singers and songwriters and you can hear Cary and Carl sing the hymn It Is Well Click Here . Here is a link to CD Baby site for the whole CD release Song Evangel by Cary and Carl. Click Here Mark your calendars now!

The Ordination of Sarah Bronos to the Transitional Diaconate
Saturday, June 2nd at 3pm (notice the time change) at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke… http://www.stlukescathedral.org/index.html Sarah will be joining the mission this summer and we will be blessed to have her in our midst. You can read her BLOG at http://bestrongandofgoodcourage.blogspot.com/ More Details soon!

PRAYER AND PRAISE GATHERINGS This summer we will have 2 prayer and Praise events on Wednesday evenings. The first will be on Wednesday, June 13th and feature Professor Woody Anderson. Woody is a brilliant New Testament Scholar and communicates the truth of the Holy Scripture with excitement and in a way that brings the message of the Gospel to life. The second Prayer and Praise is Wednesday, July 18th featuring Dr. Richard Pratt. Richard is gifted communicator, specializes in the scriptures of the Old Testament and has a passion for Jesus. His ministry and mission is educating the saints in the knowledge of Christ. You can check out his website at www.thirdmill.org. These are two of the finest theologians in the country and we are incredibly blessed to have them in our midst. The evenings will begin with a dessert at 6:30pm and service at 7pm. Mark your calendars now!

As you can see there is a lot going on with this new mission church. Added to the special events there is the weekly preparation for worship: cleaning; set-up; printing; altar guild; flower guild; hospitality and much more. It can be overwhelming. Last week a few folks joined us on Saturday as we cleared and the property of some debris and prepped the tent for worship on Sunday. Right now there are just a few folks who answer those calls for help. There is a saying I learned from a man who ran a camp where I use to take young people, he said, “Many hands make a big job small.” It is true and as we move forward into meeting at RTS and doing other events and such there will be many routine tasks for us to accomplish. I hope you will look to see how you can lessen the load and reduce the size of the “big job” by contributing and sharing your gifts, skills, time, talents and more. If you read it you saw that we are looking at a “RULE of LIFE” in our Wednesday Night Bible Study. An element of this “RULE” is our vocation and labor. In all we do may we do it unto the Lord…

in the mission,
JD+
The Rev. Jon Davis / Vicar

BAPTISM

On Saturday, April 14th / Easter Eve We welcomed Jaxson Jonathan Smith into the Kingdom of God through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. Here is a picture of the proud parents and and Jaxson and Father "Grandfather" Jon.

Oviedo Mission Update April 18

Dear Friends, Members, Supporters and Intercessors,

Some folks have asked about our future plans in terms of meeting space, buildings and more. Beginning on Sunday May 6th for our 10am service we will be moving to the campus of Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS - here is a link to their website http://www.rts.edu/site/about/campuses/orlando/index.aspx). RTS is located just off Mitchell Hammock halfway between Alafaya / 434 and Lockwood (about 3-5 minutes from the church) We will be sharing the RTS campus with Covenant Presbyterian Church (CPC - Here is their website: http://www.cpconline.net/common/content.asp?PAGE=137) Our service will be in the "fellowship hall". ( we will have clear directions for everyone to find us) We will continue to offer Children's Chapel and will begin to offer a nursery in partnersip with CPC.

This past Sunday as we were forced into the house because of the storm - I had a moment of lament about leaving the property for our Sunday worship. I spoke with a few folks about the possibility of an addition to the house to allow us to stay there but in exploring that idea it is not feasible at this time. We need to come up with a master plan and a long range plan for a building. As we build the church in terms of people, seeing our faith community established and our lives formed in the love and knowledge of Christ we will also build a structure to house us. We will be forming a long range planning committee and if you are interested I would encourage you to speak to me or our Senior Warden, Dick Costin. We came across a church in Houston that was completed recently which is very much what I and others have envisioned. You can take a look at their building process at... http://www.walsingham-church.org/photos.htm (as you scroll to the bottom you can see some construction photos) All this being said, I am committed to seeing us build as soon as possible. In the meantime we will have everything possible on the property; another way of saying that is, everything will be at the house and property except Sunday morning worship.

Our hope in the next few weeks is to gather folks in and engage all of us in what God is calling us to do. If you are new to Church of the Incarnation in that last few weeks and want to join officially you can fill out a membership form on the website at… http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/regform.htm or pick one up at the church. There are a number of places to plug in and serve. Whether it is Altar Guild; Flower Guild; Helping out with cleaning or landscape, children’s ministry; worship ministry or other areas there is a place for you to contribute to our life and community of faith.

Coming up…

New class on Authentic Spirituality – growing faith in a faith barren world. Wednesdays 7pm beginning April 18th. As I have been developing this study we will be looking at the issue of RULE OF LIFE and how we live as Christians in a Post-Christian / Postmodern world. I believe looking at our lives through this grid / from this perspective, will call us deeper into a relationship with Christ Jesus as we mine spiritual gems and treasure for life today. The preparation is already doing this for me. Saturday,

April 21, 9-12 noon - a short workday to spruce up the property and prepare for Sunday worship. Come join us if you can for some yard work and cleaning.

Saturday, April 21, 3-5pm / Baby Shower for Shelly Buchan At the home of Leslie Cain and Micki Nowell - All the women of the church are invited to attend for details and more information please contact Leslie or Micki at 407-590-8925 the address is: 11457 Swift Water Circle / Orlando, FL 32817 (for Mapquest CLICK HERE )

Dinner on the Grounds Join us following the 10am service on April 29th for a cookout and celebration of all God has done for us. We will be dedicating the Prayer Garden built by Archie Blydenburg as his Eagle Scout Project. Click here for a flyer

CONFIRMATION – Confirmation Classes will be offered Sunday afternoons 4-6pm – May 20th / June 3rd and 10th. Confirmation will be Sunday morning at the 10am service on June 17th Bishop Jackson Matovu of the Diocese of Central Buganda in Uganda, Africa will be presiding. If you are interested in being confirmed or want to know more about Confirmation, please see me for details.

Coffee House Concert at the church with Cary Grubbs and Carl Imes; May 19th / 7pm. We’ll turn the church house into a coffee House for a folk music concert featuring Cary and Carl. They are dear friends of Father Jon (some of his cabin buddies) and they will participating in the worship on Sunday May 20th. They are gifted musicians, singers and songwriters and you can hear Cary and Carl sing the hymn It Is Well Click Here . Here is a link to CD Baby site for the whole CD release Song Evangel by Cary and Carl. Click Here Mark your calendars now!

The Ordination of Sarah Bronos to the Transitional Diaconate Saturday, June 2nd at 10am at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke… http://www.stlukescathedral.org/index.html Sarah will be joining the mission this summer and we will be blessed to have her in our midst. You can read her BLOG at http://bestrongandofgoodcourage.blogspot.com/ More Details soon!

PRAYER AND PRAISE GATHERINGS This summer we will have 2 prayer and Praise events on Wednesday evenings. The first will be on Wednesday, June 13th and feature Professor Woody Anderson. Woody is a brilliant New Testament Scholar and communicates the truth of the Holy Scripture with excitement and in a way that brings the message of the Gospel to life. The second Prayer and Praise is Wednesday, July 18th featuring Dr. Richard Pratt. Richard is gifted communicator, specializes in the scriptures of the Old Testament and has a passion for Jesus. His ministry and mission is educating the saints in the knowledge of Christ. You can check out his website at http://www.thirdmill.org/. These are two of the finest theologians in the country and we are incredibly blessed to have them in our midst. The evenings will begin with a dessert at 6:30pm and service at 7pm. Mark your calendars now!

Long Range Planning Committee - Late April / Early May – We are organizing a Long Range Planning Committee to help us plan for building a permanent worship space on the property. More information soon. See our Senior Warden, Dick Costin for details and to get involved.

In the wake of the awful tragedy at Virginia Tech, I feel so much grief for those who lost family and friends in in this senseless act of violence. They remain thick in my prayers. I read a comment from a blog that got me thinking... "Maybe democracy only works with a foundation of Christian morality? So it would seem that the privileges of a democracy such as bearing arms is only possible in a society of Christian morals... As we become less Christian in society maybe the answer isn't to carry more guns but to do more evangelism." I think there is a lot of truth in this thought maybe one of the reasons why democracy has difficulty taking root in other parts of the world is because the foundation is not Judaic/Christian. Regardless doing more evangelism is a good thing and core to our calling...

in the mission,
JD+
The Rev. Jon Davis / Vicar

Update 4-14

Dear Friends, Members, Supporters and Intercessors,

We are headed into a weekend where the weather forecast is for storms Sunday morning. We will not know until then whether the weather will be over us directly and how severe it will be. We are having service tomorrow at 10am, if weather permits we will be under the tent – if not we will move back into the house for our service (maybe a squeeze but we will make that work). We will make the call in the morning and everyone’s safety is our utmost concern. We do have Children’s Chapel in the morning and hope you will join as we continue in this glorious Easter season.

Our hope in the next few weeks is to gather folks in and engage all of us in what God is calling us to do. If you are new to Church of the Incarnation in that last few weeks and want to join officially you can fill out a membership form on the website at… http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/regform.htm or pick one up at the church. There are a number of places to plug in and serve. Whether it is Altar Guild; Flower Guild; Helping out with cleaning or landscape, children’s ministry; worship ministry or other areas there is a place for you to contribute to our life and community of faith.

A few things…

Our friend Dave Buehring has started a BLOG at http://www.jottingsonthejourney.com/ Dave will be our retreat speaker in August at our church retreat.

One of our vestry members sent me this link to a video on the web that I think you will find worthy of your time and consideration Check out ONE SOLITARY LIFE… http://www.theonesolitarylifemovie.com/

Coming up…

New class on Authentic Spirituality – growing faith in a faith barren world. Wednesdays 7pm beginning April 18th.

Dinner on the Grounds Join us following the 10am service for a cookout and celebration of all God has done for us. We will be dedicating the Prayer Garden built by Archie Blydenburg as his Eagle Scout Project. Click here for a flyer

CONFIRMATION – Confirmation Classes will be offered Sunday afternoons 4-6pm – May 20th / June 3rd and 10th. Confirmation will be Sunday morning at the 10am service on June 17th Bishop Jackson Matovu of the Diocese of Central Buganda in Uganda, Africa will be presiding. If you are interested in being confirmed or want to know more about Confirmation, please see me for details.

Coffee House Concert at the church with Cary Grubbs and Carl Imes; May 19th / 7pm. We’ll turn the church house into a coffee House for a folk music concert featuring Cary and Carl. They are dear friends of Father Jon (some of his cabin buddies) and they will participating in the worship on Sunday May 20th. They are gifted musicians, singers and songwriters and you can hear Cary and Carl sing the hymn It Is Well Click Here . Here is a link to CD Baby site for the whole CD release Song Evangel by Cary and Carl. Click Here Mark your calendars now!

The Ordination of Sarah Bronos to the Transitional Diaconate Saturday, June 2nd at 10am at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke… http://www.stlukescathedral.org/index.html Sarah will be joining the mission this summer and we will be blessed to have her in our midst. You can read her BLOG at http://bestrongandofgoodcourage.blogspot.com/ More Details soon!

PRAYER AND PRAISE GATHERINGS This summer we will have 2 prayer and Praise events on Wednesday evenings. The first will be on Wednesday, June 13th and feature Professor Woody Anderson. Woody is a brilliant New Testament Scholar and communicates the truth of the Holy Scripture with excitement and in a way that brings the message of the Gospel to life. The second Prayer and Praise is Wednesday, July 18th featuring Dr. Richard Pratt. Richard is gifted communicator, specializes in the scriptures of the Old Testament and has a passion for Jesus. His ministry and mission is educating the saints in the knowledge of Christ. You can check out his website at http://www.thirdmill.org/. These are two of the finest theologians in the country and we are incredibly blessed to have them in our midst. The evenings will begin with a dessert at 6:30pm and service at 7pm. Mark your calendars now!

Long Range Planning Committee - Late April / Early May – We are organizing a Long Range Planning Committee to help us plan for building a permanent worship space on the property. More information soon. See our Senior Warden, Dick Costin for details and to get involved.
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After a few busy weeks it has been nice to stop and catch my breath this week. So much to be thankful for, so full from the many blessings we have received and I believe there is so much more to come. I told someone this week I sense we are walking in “destiny” and that we will look back on these days with great joy seeing how God ordered our steps in the journey…

in the mission,
JD+The Rev. Jon Davis / Vicar
Church of the Incarnation

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623302 / Oviedo, Florida 32762-3302 Physical Address: 1845 W County Road 419 / Oviedo, Florida 32766
Church 407-365-5651 / Vicar 321-436-8006
http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/ / jon@incarnationoviedo.com

EASTER

Dear Friends, Members, Supporters and Intercessors,

Alleluia, He is Risen!!!

What a week! We had 215 people yesterday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus! There were 38 daring souls who braved the cold at 6:15am. It was 42 degrees – (some of you in other parts of the country will laugh but that is solidly 20 degrees colder than the average) It was a glorious service celebrating resurrection, new light and life. At the 10am service we had 177 folks – standing room only. It was still a bit chilled in the air but we overcame the cold with Easter JOY!!! Pictures are available on our website at… http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/Easter_Sunday_Pics.htm

The official launch is complete and I have to say a resounding success. Many worked hard to make this happen but it was a labor of love. As we move forward we will hopefully gather everyone into the church officially and continue our mission of Great Commandment + Great Commission. There are many newcomers to the list as of today and I invite to check out previous updates at… http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/oviedo_mission_updates.htm and my BLOG which has archived much of our journey… http://incarnationoviedo.blogspot.com/ I hope you will join us in some of the upcoming events listed below.

Coming up…
Appetizer Party at the home of Lon and Roseddy Montgomery THIS Friday, April 13th / 7pm (Click here for map and details) Bring a favorite appetizer to share and join in the fellowship and fun!

New class on Authentic Spirituality – growing faith in a faith barren world. Wednesdays 7pm beginning April 18th.

Dinner on the Ground Join us following the 10am service for a cookout and celebration of all God has done for us. We will be dedicating the Prayer Garden built by Archie Blydenburg as his Eagle Scout Project. Click here for a flyer

CONFIRMATION – Confirmation Classes will be offered Sunday afternoons 4-6pm – May 20th / June 3rd and 10th. Confirmation will be Sunday morning at the 10am service on June 17th Bishop Jackson Matovu of the Diocese of Central Buganda in Uganda, Africa will be presiding. If you are interested in being confirmed or want to know more about Confirmation, please see me for details.


The Ordination o Sarah Bronos to the Transitional Diaconate Saturday, June 2nd at 10am at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke… http://www.stlukescathedral.org/index.html Sarah will be joining the mission this summer and we will be blessed to have her in our midst. You can read her BLOG at http://bestrongandofgoodcourage.blogspot.com/ More Details soon!

PRAYER AND PRAISE GATHERINGS This summer we will have 2 prayer and Praise events on Wednesday evenings. The first will be on Wednesday, June 13th and feature Professor Woody Anderson. Woody is a brilliant New Testament Scholar and communicates the truth of the Holy Scripture with excitement and in a way that brings the message of the Gospel to life. The second Prayer and Praise is Wednesday, July 18th featuring Dr. Richard Pratt. Richard is gifted communicator, specializes in the scriptures of the Old Testament and has a passion for Jesus. His ministry and mission is educating the saints in the knowledge of Christ. You can check out his website at http://www.thirdmill.org/. These are two of the finest theologians in the country and we are incredibly blessed to have them in our midst. The evenings will begin with a dessert at 6:30pm and service at 7pm. Mark your calendars now!

Long Range Planning Committee - Late April / Early May – We are organizing a Long Range Planning Committee to help us plan for building a permanent worship space on the property. More information soon. See our Senior Warden, Dick Costin for details and to get involved.
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It remains to be seen what all we will be and do in Oviedo as a church. At the core my prayer is we would love God and love each other and bear that love to the world. This I hope is our DNA, our “rule of life” that will guide every step in the journey we are walking. We measure success in lots of ways but typically in numbers, so the launch was a success. Numbers are important in evaluating what we are doing but they are not the “end all” many make them to be. I think now we are called to examine not just the quantity but rather the quality of our life as a community, primarily how well do we love. My hope and prayer is as we move forward we are known for the love we have for God and one another. I would like people to marvel at my sermons or be impressed with our worship and like what we do. More so I pray when they encounter Incarnation as a community they walk away knowing they were loved by Jesus through us. People will forget my words or the songs we sing or the liturgies we employ – they will not forget that when they walked in they were loved! May God continue to pour his love on us, in us and through us…

in the mission,
JD+The Rev. Jon Davis / Vicar

Mission Update 4-2-07

Dear Friends, Members, Supporters and Intercessors,

The Mission is growing! We had 150+ yesterday for a wonderful Palm Sunday Celebration. Look for Pictures later today on our website at: http://www.incarnationoviedo.com/picture_pages.htm My dear friends, Mike Atkins and Barry Piacente joined us in ministry. Mike preached a powerful sermon calling us to consider even more deeply what Christ has done for us by his cross and Barry ministered in music, leading worship and singing one of my favorite songs (especially for Holy Week) Lamb of God by Twila Paris…

Your only Son no sin to hide, But You have sent Him from Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod, And to become the Lamb of God

Oh Lamb of God sweet Lamb of God, I love the holy Lamb of God
Oh wash me in His precious blood, My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God

Your gift of love they crucified, They laughed and scorned Him as He died
The humble King they named a fraud, And sacrificed the Lamb of God

I was so lost I should have died, But You have brought me to Your side
To be led by Your staff and rod, And to be called a lamb of God

Words worth thinking about in this week where we have and opportunity to journey with Jesus; “to know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” May this be our quest this week and always!

Our Holy Week Schedule of services is below. Please join us.

A few needs…

we need folks to set–up signs in the community at various intersections and several approaching the Church property on 419 from both directions. We also need people to collect these signs on Sunday following Church. If you are willing to take on the ministry of SIGNS it would be a great help to our efforts, pop me an e-mail or give me a call (321-436-8006).

Set-up / Greeters and Hospitality please be there 45 minutes before services to help with tasks and preparations.

A few announcements and other news…

The Launch continues…
…may our prayers continue as well for provision, finances, guidance, wisdom and favor.

…Holy Week Services:

Thursday, April 5th Maundy Thursday Service 7pm

Friday, April 6th
Good Friday Service at 12:00 noon
Stations of the Cross for Children at 4:00pm - This service helps children (ages 4-12) understand the meaning and purpose of Jesus dying on the cross. Service followed by a
reception with Hot Cross Buns.
Tenebrae Service 7pm—An ancient, solemn service moving from light to darkness,
commemorating Jesus entering the tomb to conquer death

Saturday, April 7th Easter Eve / Baptism 6pm

Easter Sunday, April 8th
Sunrise Easter Vigil at 6:15am (bring your bells!)
Easter Celebration Service10:00am (with a flowering of the cross)
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Coming up…

New class on Authentic Spirituality – growing faith in a faith barren world. Wednesdays 7pm beginning April 18th.

CONFIRMATION – Confirmation Classes will be offered Sunday afternoons 4-6pm – May 20th / June 3rd and 10th. Confirmation will be Sunday morning at the 10am service on June 17th Bishop Jackson Matovu of the Diocese of Central Buganda in Uganda, Africa will be presiding. If you are interested in being confirmed or want to know more about Confirmation, please see me for details.

PRAYER AND PRAISE GATHERINGS This summer we will have 2 prayer and Praise events on Wednesday evenings. The first will be on Wednesday, June 13th and feature Professor Woody Anderson. Woody is a brilliant New Testament Scholar and communicates the truth of the Holy Scripture with excitement and in a way that brings the message of the Gospel to life. The second Prayer and Praise is Wednesday, July 18th featuring Dr. Richard Pratt. Richard is gifted communicator, specializes in the scriptures of the Old Testament and has a passion for Jesus. His ministry and mission is educating the saints in the knowledge of Christ. You can check out his website at www.thirdmill.org. These are two of the finest theologians in the country and we are incredibly blessed to have them in our midst. The evenings will begin with a dessert at 6:30pm and service at 7pm. Mark your calendars now!

Long Range Planning Committee - Late April / Early May – We are organizing a Long Range Planning Committee to help us plan for building a permanent worship space on the property. More information soon. See our Senior Warden, Dick Costin for details and to get involved.
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Mike Atkins preached on Sunday and reminded me (and all of us) of the last verses from Psalm 22. Psalm 22:27-31 27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. 28 For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations. 29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. 30 Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.

As Mike shared this, he spoke of our mission and ministry in Oviedo. We are establishing a church not for us but for coming generations, a people yet unborn that “should the Lord tarry”, we would bear witness of the Apostolic Faith for people; 10, 20, 50 years and more from now. A church “telling of the Lord” and “proclaiming His righteousness”, this is why we are…

in the mission,
JD+
The Rev. Jon Davis / Vicar

Church of the Incarnation
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623302 / Oviedo, Florida 32762-3302Physical Address: 1845 W County Road 419 / Oviedo, Florida 32766
Church 407-365-5651 / Vicar 321-436-8006
www.incarnationoviedo.com / jon@incarnationoviedo.com