New Priest, New Name!
Dear Friends in the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic,
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement for DOMA’s church plant in Frederick, Maryland, which has been called “Frederick Anglican Fellowship” for the past couple of years. I am blessed to be the pastor of this fellowship, as I took up full time responsibilities in Frederick on July 1. God has been doing good things here, and as we move forward we are pleased to announce that Bishop Chris has approved St. Andrew's Anglican Church as the new name for the Frederick church plant.
Why this name? Andrew was a fisherman, like his brother Simon Peter. He was one of the first people Jesus called to leave his nets and follow him. Andrew recognized Jesus as the Messiah; he followed without hesitation and hurried to bring Peter too.
Andrew was able to see with eyes of faith. The Gospel of John tells us that when there were 5,000 people to be fed in a remote place, it was Andrew who told Jesus about the boy with his five barley loaves and two small fish. That little bit of food in Jesus’ hands produced an abundant, miraculous feast. All were filled—with food left over.
Beyond those accounts, we don’t have many specific references to Andrew in the gospels. We have to assume that he is there, with the other disciples, faithfully following Jesus, being made like Jesus, and joining Jesus’ mission.
Our church plant in Frederick aspires to follow Andrew’s example: actively engaged behind the scenes, bringing the good news of Jesus to others, and knowing by faith that our Lord can take crumbs of faith to meet the hunger of many. We pray that many in the Frederick area will recognize Jesus’ call and come into this community of followers—whether they are new to the gospel, deepening in it, or returning after a period away from faith.
I am thankful to join and lead those gathering in Frederick in the process of following Jesus, being formed by Jesus in the Anglican tradition, and inviting others into the family of Jesus. Please keep praying for us as we continue the work of planting St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Frederick, Maryland.
Grace and peace to you,
Seth Zimmerman +
