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The Reverend Dr. Michael Simon
St.
Mark's Berkeley Springs and Mt. Zion Hedgesville extended a call to the Reverend Dr. Michael Simon to be our new priest He
accepted that call and began is ministry as rector or St. Mark's and Mt. Zion Churches on June 13, 2010.
Michael spent over 22 years as a Physicians Assistant in Psychiatry before going to seminary. Following seminary,
he worked for 7 years as a chaplain for hospice while also serving as rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Wheeling, WV.
He comes to us from the Hampshire/Hardy Yoke where he has been working with those two congregations over the past six years.
In 2003, Michael received
his Doctorate in Ministry with an emphasis in Pastoral Theology. He believes in a team ministry approach and works to
empower the laity in the ministry of the church. The Search Committee reports that he has a wonderful style of preaching
that impressed those who met with him.
Michael and his wife Kathe are originally from the Wheeling area. They
have three grown children and seven grandchildren. We are excited that Michael has answered our call and look forward
to welcoming him and Kathe into our congregation.
Below are a series of writings
from the desk of
Fr. Simon.
Please
check back weekly for spiritual updates.
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Thoughts on the Baptismal Vows from Fr. Simon
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July
25, 2010
The
church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members. (Book of Common Prayer, page 855.) We are all called
to ministry.
Discernment
Romans
12:3-8
I
realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense
and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has
its own use. That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of
one another. God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount
of faith we have. If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. If we can encourage others, we
should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to
others, we should do it cheerfully. (CEV)
Paul
talks of community. Then he talks about the “jobs” needed by the community—leaders (administration),
prophets (worship team), servers (service team), teachers (learning team), encouragers (fellowship team and evangelism team).
The bible says God has given each of us special gifts—not some of us, all of us. We need to pray for discernment –
the ability to recognize our special gift. God loves you. Prepare for your ministry by developing a rule of life – a
set of guidelines to strengthen you as a Christian. Maybe include - regular church attendance, financial
support of the church, and time given back to God for Bible Study, and prayer.
Something
to Consider-
If
you don’t already have a bible study group consider starting one. There are hundreds of available programs.
Discuss the possibilities with your friends and church leaders. Pick a program and a date and place to meet. Get commitments
to attend a set number of weeks depending on the length of the program.
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July
18,2010
The
church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members. (Book of Common Prayer, page 855.) We are called to
minister.
Empower
Acts
13:1-3
The
church at Antioch had several prophets and teachers. They were Barnabas, Simeon, also called Niger, Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen,
who was Herod's close friend, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and going without eating, the Holy Spirit told
them, "Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do the work for which I have chosen them." Everyone prayed and went without eating for
a while longer. Next, they placed their hands on Barnabas and Saul to show that they had been appointed to do this work. Then
everyone sent them on their way.
There
are several important points here. First, the congregation was serious about the work. The bible says they were praying and
fasting when God told them to commission Saul (Paul) and Barnabas. The second thing to notice is that they were empowered
by the congregation. God has a job for each of us but it doesn’t occur in a vacuum. It is important to work as a team
to first decide what jobs need to be done and then to decide who is best suited to carry out each task. God loves you and
wants you to share that love. Consider ways you can empower others in their ministry.
Something
to Consider-
Collect
for your local animal shelter: litter, dog and cat food, toys, treats, blankets, etc.
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Ability
The
church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members. (Book of Common Prayer, page 855.) We are called to
minister.
John
20:19-21
The
disciples were afraid of the Jewish leaders, and on the evening of that same Sunday they locked themselves in a room. Suddenly,
Jesus appeared in the middle of the group. He greeted them and showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw
the Lord, they became very happy. After Jesus had greeted them again, he said, "I am sending you, just as the Father has sent
me." (CEV)
The
disciples are afraid. They know what happened to Jesus and they think they just might be next. Imagine the feeling when Jesus
appears in their midst. Then he sends them—the same way the Father sent him. As we wonder about our ministry we should
recall this passage. As followers of Jesus we have great ability – not on our own but because of who we are –
children of the most high God sent to do the work he has given us.
Something
to Consider-
Save
a Life: Learn the symptoms of depression. Two key areas to consider are: loss of interest in daily activities and loss of
pleasure in activities formerly enjoyed. Other possible signs
of depression include: feelings of sadness, helplessness, or hopelessness, crying spells sleeping too much or too little,
waking up and not being able to get back to sleep If you notice someone who is exhibiting symptoms of depression, ask the
person how he is feeling and explain why you are concerned. Listen without passing judgment. Recommend that he discuss depression
with his doctor. For more information see charityguide.org.
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July 4, 2010
Anxiety
The
church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members. (Book of Common Prayer, page 855.). We are all ministers
of the church.
Exodus
3:11-15
But
Moses said, "Who am I to go to the king and lead your people out of Egypt?" God replied, "I will be with you. And you will
know that I am the one who sent you, when you worship me on this mountain after you have led my people out of Egypt.”
Moses answered, "I will tell the people of Israel that the God their ancestors worshiped has sent me to them. But what should
I say, if they ask me your name?" God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the LORD, whose name is "I Am,"
has sent you. (CEV)
This
is a piece of the call story of Moses. His reluctance and anxiety is clear in verse 11— “Who
am I to go to the king and lead your people out of Egypt?” God responds with an answer we all need to remember when
called to ministry. “I will be with you.” We do not minister because of our ability but because an all powerful
God is with us. You need to remember that as you pray about what God would have you do. God loves you and wants to support
your ministry. Pick a bible verse or a verse from a favorite hymn that reminds you that God will be with you in your work.
Memorize that verse or write it on a card and repeat it frequently during the day.
Something
to Consider—
Episcopal
Relief & Development alleviates hunger, ensuring that people have enough nutritious food that is available and affordable.
They offer seeds, tools and training to improve crops, add nutritional value and increase total food production. They give
families and communities healthy animals to provide an ongoing source of nutrition. To help, go to http://www.er-d.org/Alleviate_Hunger/ Or send your check to Episcopal Relief
&Development/ MDG Inspiration Fund P.O. Box 7058,Merrifield,VA 22116-7058.
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June 27, 2010
Will
you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ? (Baptismal Covenant)
We
are called to evangelize.
1
Thessalonians 1:4-8
My
dear friends, God loves you, and we know he has chosen you to be his people. When we told you the good news, it was with the
power and assurance that come from the Holy Spirit, and not simply with words. You knew what kind of people we were and how
we helped you. So, when you accepted the message, you followed our example and the example of the Lord. You suffered, but
the Holy Spirit made you glad. You became an example for all the LORD'S followers in Macedonia and Achaia. And because of
you, the LORD'S message has spread everywhere in those regions. Now the news of your faith in God is known all over the world,
and we don't have to say a thing about it. (CEV)
Paul
congratulates the people because they had followed the Lord’s example and became an example to others. This is the best
kind of evangelism—something we should imitate. God loves you and he wants you to follow Jesus’ example. Telling
people about Jesus is never as effective as showing them the results of God’s action in your life. It is an especially
important way to pass on values to our children and grandchildren.
Something
to Consider-
Take
photos during an event and send them to the local paper. Let people know what is going on in your church and they just might
want to join you.
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June 20,
2010
Support
Will you proclaim
by word and example the good news of God in Christ? (Baptismal covenant)
We are
called to evangelize.
Acts 2:1-4
On the
day of Pentecost, all of the Lord’s followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like
the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving
in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone and they began
speaking in whatever languages the Spirit let them speak. (CEV)
When we
wonder where we will get the energy to reach others, this is our answer. The Apostles gave themselves over to God’s
will. The Lord’s followers were together in one place waiting for further directions and God—through the Holy
Spirit—inspired and enabled them. We know what they accomplished. We are called to do the same. God loves you. You don’t
need to worry about your lack of ability. The God who sends you will also give you all the support you need to get the job
done.
Something to Consider-
Consider stopping
to see a person who has come to church for the first time and has signed a visitor’s card with their name and address.
This can be a five-minute visit to get to know them a little and to let them know you are happy they are becoming part of
our church family.
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