The October 2024 House of Bishops meeting was a deeply reflective time, marked by a strong sense of spiritual renewal, connection, and shared mission. Bishop Chuck Jones shared insights on the aftermath of the hurricane and then focused on the story of Caden—the young quarterback from Selma whose final prayers were for revival in his community. His prayers, intentions, and the community’s response appear to be sowing seeds of revival, particularly among the youth. 

Some notable quotes from Bishop Jones concerning the important of humility as the foundation for consensus government,  which is a hallmark of the CEC: 

“ If you’re seeking Christ, you’re obeying instructions, not making decisions”. 

“There’s only One  person who has the right to have an agenda.” 

“For consensus government, you must lay down your will.” 

Bishop Simpson’s teachings on humility, honoring one another, and the power of childlike faith emphasized the necessity of shedding strife and jealousy. These teachings were grounded in scriptural principles advocating kind speech and humility, calling us to release jealousy and grievances and to witness the power of God’s work when the Holy Spirit is no longer grieved. 

Bishop Rob Northwood’s reflections on St. Ignatius of Antioch and martyrdom provided a profound historical layer to the discussions. His insights on embracing the cross and living out Christ’s way, alongside a call to remember the sacrifices of martyrs, encouraged leaders to pursue authentic faith—not merely in orthodoxy (right teaching), but in orthopraxy (right practice). All were reminded to view the Church, both militant and triumphant, as the “one undivided body” from Christ’s perspective, transcending schisms and embracing unity, presenting a compelling vision of oneness and purpose. 

Overall, the House of Bishops meeting was marked by themes of unity, humility, forgiveness, and revival. This gathering emphasized the Church’s collective calling to be transformed through the cross, lay down individual agendas, and join Christ in His mission for the world. 

The Mid Atlantic Diocese is thrilled to announce the opening of the new facility of Saint Michael’s and all angels church in Williamsburg, Virginia! After a series of closed doors, Saint Michaels, and I’ll angels church was blessed with an opportunity to move their facilities to the top floor of a commercial building near downtown Williamsburg. The exposure and space have allowed for growth and an overhaul of church facilities. Father Michael Pacella, and Archdeacon, Larry Rieger are thrilled with what God has done and will invite anyone in the local community or in the Mid Atlantic region to come and visit and see what God has done! New chairs, new technology, new branding, and a new space are just he beginning of God’s move on Williamsburg.

Wednesday evening, in the Eucharistic celebration of a healing service at the Cathedral in Belair, Maryland, Bishop Rob Northwood, was inspired to invite the clergy present in the room, representing Virginia, and Maryland, to come and con, celebrate the Eucharist with him. Present were Father Jeffrey Welch, Father Jim Ball, Father Terry Murphy, Father Samuel Foss, archdeacon Larry Rieger, and Deacon Mark Carico. Deacon Mark Carico preached a moving sermon on God’s desire to deliver from entanglements and bondage.

Bishop Rob said that the Holy Spirit was moving in that service, and that he believes the Holy Spirit has much that he wants to do. He hailed this summer as a “Summer of Healing” and highly anticipates the move of God through His Church, through the Eucharist, through the Holy Sacraments, and through healing services.

Saturday, May the 7^th was marked by several momentous occasions. In a time of great fulfillment, those gathered witnessed the installation of its first archdeacon in many years, the ordination of Deacon Elijah Northwood, and the ordination of Father Samuel Foss.

Bishop Rob Northwood blessed and installed Deacon Lawrence Rieger to the office of Archdeacon with the assignment of developing that office and expanding the administrative processes of the diocese. He was given a red cincture in recognition of the responsibilities of the office he now holds, and following the service, the new Archdeacon expressed his true delight to serve the diocese and its churches in this manner. He has been operating in this role for several months and was instrumental in the coordinating of the weekend’s events.

Archdeacon Rieger receives a red cincture in recognition of his new office.

Deacon Elijah Northwood is one of the youngest ordinands ever in the North American CEC at 23 years old  and has been in ongoing seminary classes for several years. He is Bishop Northwood’s third son and is also the fourth of six children. He felt called to the ministry at the age of 19 and has not hesitated in his progress toward that calling. Prophetic words spoken over him during the ceremony encouraged him to continue to deliver the unaltered truth with characteristic compassion and foretold of his going where most men would not go, sitting with the poor and serving among the broken. He is a great gift to the church in this time of great need.

“Meditate on the law of God, believe what you read, teach what you believe and put into practice what you teach.” – Ordination Liturgy

Father Samuel Foss was ordained a priest and has completed his seminary training. He is a steadfast servant and has served as leader of the men’s ministry at the cathedral for several years. He concelebrated mass alongside Bishop Northwood Saturday after his consecration and boldly preached the gospel Sunday morning. People remarked on his bold delivery and the strength of his spirit to speak the truth. Bishop Northwood spoke after of his pride at seeing the young priest walking in faith to a life of such great service. Father Samuel said “I hope to execute and bring about the vision and mission that God has placed on our bishop for the different communities of our diocese.”

Bishop Northwood and the CEC Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic wish to offer their most heartfelt congratulations to Father Michael Pacella iii, Vicar of Saint Michael’s and All Angel’s Parish. He has completed an immense work on his book From Valor to Virtue: The Moral Development of the Brave. Father Pacella serves as the Campus Police and ROTC Chaplin, as well as an adjunct professor at the College of William and Mary, has offered up a guide to the often complicated issues of valor and virtue. A veteran of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy, he holds a Masters in Theology from Harvard University Divinity School and a Masters in Divinity from Yale University Divinity School, and he has published multiple papers on theology and philosophy.

To learn more about the author and the book please visit www.fromvalortovirtue.com  It is available for purchase on Amazon.com

Bishop Northwood expresses his great admiration for Father Michael and his achievement and is thrilled at the insightful nature of the work. It is always a joy to see God’s people sharing their personal gifting and building the kingdom from the place they’ve been given.

“The fields are white unto harvest…”
John 4:35

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;  therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:37-38

The 2019 Diocesan Womens’ Retreat was themed around the mission of evangelism. Not natural evangelism, but rather supernatural evangelism. The mission given to us by Jesus to go and make disciples, is an impossible task. It is daunting, immense, limitless, and unapproachable without divine intervention. Even the most outgoing individual may find themselves making no headway. There has been more than one top-notch pastor asking themselves “Why don’t the people come flocking?” The ministry of evangelism requires a surgeon’s steady touch and an eagle’s longsighted vision.

The only hope we have of helping the sinner to navigate the obstacles to salvation, is to ask for the eagle eyes and the surgeon hands of the Holy Spirit. Charismatic evangelism is Spirit-led. He decides who we speak to and when we speak. Rather than bombarding the lost with ceaseless invitations and condemnations, we allow the Spirit to speak through us.
Three stream evangelism is fulfilled as we celebrate and inundate the evangelistic with the sacraments. Bringing the lost to the church and allowing the sacraments to flow in and through them. Confession, Eucharist, Baptism, the apostolic office, etc. all have a role to play in the renewing work of the Spirit and the saving work of Jesus Christ alive today and reigning forevermore.

The retreat was lead by the Bishop’s wife, Sarah and several other women from the Cathedral Church. Teaching, ministry, prayer, and praise were the unified practice of the ladies as they came away from their everyday lives to that most noble pursuit, namely seeking God.

God thoroughly blessed this retreat from start to finish. Where there was tension, He released peace, where there was trepidation, boldness, and when He spoke, many heard.  Below are several quotes from women who were blessed on retreat this year.

“Feeling I’m not alone in my struggles and that I can relate with those who’ve been walking with the Lord
way longer than me…gave me even more peace with where I’m at right now and that pressing in will
only strengthen my relationship with (God)!”

“The amount of love, acceptance, and support we all seem to have for one another even without
knowing everyone is absolutely wonderful.”

“Knowing a priest would be available for confession help set the tone up front for getting serious with the
Lord.”

The retreat will be held again in Fall 2020 November 19-21 at Sandy Cove Resort. If you would like to get information as the retreat approaches, please signup for email at www.riversmerge.org