New Around the Mission

Parish Finds New Life Through Renewal Weekend

March 14, 2011

“The Holy Spirit was in the house.”

Bishop Thad Barnum with Lisa and Mark Hood

That’s how the Rev. Ray Freisheim describes the BRACE FOR IMPACT “Walking in the Light” Renewal Weekend at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Churchville, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 25-27. Featuring Bishop Thad Barnum and Miracle on the Hudson crash survivor Mark Hood as speakers, the weekend encompassed four services and ministered to approximately 500 people.

“We had a marvelous response,” Freisheim says. Parishioners sat side by side with newcomers from the community and other local churches, and everyone enjoyed the hymn sings, discussion groups, choir performances, communion and speaking – especially Bishop Thad’s sermon on Psalm 23. Other messages issued a call to renewal, breaking through barriers and taking risks for the Gospel, and a Saturday night outreach service centered on Hood’s powerful testimony. Friday and Saturday evenings concluded with fellowship over a dessert potluck.

Freisheim says a major highlight was testimonies from the parishioners. “There was a transplant need for a kidney for a 36-year-old in our parish, and a 22-year-old in our parish was a match. She donated her kidney last Friday, on the first day of the event. On Saturday evening, the parents of girl who donated and the girl who received shared what was happening and how they came through this, what God meant in their lives.”

Bishop Thad Barnum and church members

Another young man shared how God had brought him through the loss of his young son and just that week, of his brother.

“It was a very emotional weekend, a lot of tears, a lot of joy,” Freisheim says. “It was very uplifting.”

Throughout the weekend, many people recommitted their lives to God. “We offered a prayer time at the rail at the end of Friday and Saturday services,” Freisheim says, “and we’re in the process of following up with those people. It’s not a numbers game for us; it’s hearts changed.”

After the final Sunday service, the parish celebrated with three cakes that said, “Walk in the Light.” They plan to hold another renewal weekend in a year or so.

“One of the things we noticed is it’s a chance for the talent of theAM to come together in one place to help each other,” Freisheim says. “My son Chris said we should be sharing our talents like the Hoods did with us, and Bishop Thad up in Connecticut. We aren’t as charismatic as some of the parishes, maybe a little more conservative, but we can serve our brothers and sisters in other places.”

Learn more about St. John of the Evangelist.

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Local Events