by David Drake

What a joy it was to participate as a DOMA delegate at the Provincial Council and Provincial Assembly at St. Vincent College, June 24 - 28. The mixture of work, worship and wonderful fellowship made the time with 900+ other clergy, delegates and guests such as encouragement. During the provincial council we spent most of the working day strengthening our protection and abuse policies and procedures and were encouraged by Archbishop Foley to protect and shepherd our congregation in the Name of Christ. The opening Wednesday Festival Eucharist with over 960 attending in the St Vincent Basilica, was a Spirit filled and anointed time of worship with music provided by Stephen Holmes (Church of the Resurrection) and the Maryland State Boychoir. The Bible teaching and plenary speakers focused on remaining faithful to Christ, faithful to our Mission and faithful to prayer. On Thursday night there was a celebration of Archbishop Foley's ten years of ministry leading the ACNA. A video was shown celebrating the over 1,000 churches that have grown or been planted since 2009. On Friday, the closing Eucharist service was highlighted by the transferring of power from Archbishop Foley to Archbishop elect Steve Wood. Overall the week was so encouraging as we caught a better glimpse of who Christ is, what the ACNA mission is, and what the Lord is doing around the Province. Soli Deo Gloria!

The Rev. David Drake is a DOMA Delegate to Provincial Council and is the Rector of Church of the Resurrection, Baltimore, MD.