INTERNATIONAL COMMUNION
DIOCESE OF FLORIDA
OF THE CHARISMATIC EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Charismatic Episcopal Church is comprised of men and women of faith gathered from diverse backgrounds seeking an expression of the church that is fully sacramental — liturgical, evangelical, and charismatic; a church that is submitted to the authority of scripture, as interpreted by the continuing witness of the ancient church, and governed by consensus. Our worship is Biblical, liturgical and Spirit filled, ancient and contemporary, holy and joyful. We are committed to advancing God’s kingdom by proclaiming the Gospel to the least, the lost, and the lonely.
IT'S AROUND THE CORNER!
Rise Up, the 2018 CEC North America Convocation, will be held in Henderson, NV on July 10-12. The Most Rev. 
Craig W. Bates is calling the entire Charismatic Episcopal Church of North America—every man, woman, and child—to come to Henderson for this event to gather in Holy Convocation to worship Jesus and listen to the voice of the Lord. Please visit https://www.cec-na.org/convocation-2018 for all the details.
Tres Arroyos
3 days to REFRESH-LEARN-RENEW-GROW in your faith
MARCH and APRIL, 2018
A Tres Arroyos weekend is your opportunity to step away from the ordinary into a dynamic time of fellowship, worship, healing, singing, sharing, and study designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian believers. If you need to recharge your spiritual batteries, want to experience God’s power in your life, desire a place to join with others who are doing their best to walk with the Lord in this challenging world, or could just use a spiritual shot in the arm—if that’s you, then you belong with us!
For more information and a detailed schedule, please visit us at www.tresarroyoscec.com.
BISHOP'S REMARKS
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11b-13.
True contentment is a state of our soul, not a state of our situation; a sense of inner satisfaction, not only when things are going well, but even when things are not going well. The secret of which is, of course, Christ Himself, who gives us strength to face every circumstance with confidence and courage.
That being said, there are things we can do to cultivate such a sense of contentment. First, we can praise. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4. Praise breaks oppression, releases anointing, transforms attitudes, edifies souls, and conquers circumstances. If, therefore, we want to learn the secret of being content in any and all circumstances, we would do well to learn to rejoice in any and all circumstances.
Second, we can pray. “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-6. Contentment producing prayer is prayed in faith and with thanksgiving. Trusting the Lord to hear, receive, and answer our prayers. Thus do we express our thanks to Him even as we pray as a demonstration of our faith.
And third, we can ponder. “Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8. Physically we are what we eat; spiritually we are what we think. Thus is it important that we fill our minds with things which build us up and protect our minds from things which tear us down.
True contentment is not to be found in the things of this world, mysticism, drugs, or alcohol; sex, success, or status; power, possessions, or position. Rather in the things of the Kingdom: praising, praying, and pondering the things of the King. For it is in Christ that we can do everything through Him who gives us strength.
—The Most Rev. David Simpson, Bishop of the Diocese of Florida
INFORMATION
For more information about the Charismatic Episcopal Church:
www.iccec.org or https://cec-na.org
Link to ICCEC Canon Law:
