Category: Liturgical

“40 Days of Hope” Clean Water Campaign

On By Aaron AllisonIn CIL News, Liturgical, MissionsLeave a comment

Today is the beginning of Lent, a 40 day season (not counting Sundays) until Easter. We prepare ourselves for Easter by walking with the Lord in this season of praying, fasting, giving, and reflection. There are no rules for Lent. Simply follow the Lord’s lead to turn from sin and connect with Him.

As part of our Lent journey, I invite you to give a gift to our “40 Days of Hope” giving campaign. For $25, you can provide clean water for years to a family in the developing world by providing them a water filter. And 100% of your gift will go directly to families in need. This project is through our partners Convoy of Hope. During Lent, replace something you may fast during the 40 days of Lent with a gift to this project.

I hope every person in our church family can give towards the “40 Days of Hope” campaign.

You can give now by clicking here:

https://cil.churchcenter.com/giving/to/40-days-of-hope

We can make a tangible difference in the quality of someone’s life. Let’s do it!

The passing of Queen Elizabeth

On By Aaron AllisonIn Anglicanism, Culture, Current Events1 Comment

Queen Elizabeth’s passing today reminds us that when used to serve, tradition adds stability and dignity to our human experience. While the monarchy is an outdated institution in our modern republics, its evolved, mostly symbolic role gives Americans a connection to our past. 

My Allison family branch came from England in 1658, so I take an ancestral interest in the story of this English throne. It will be an interesting few days of reflection for Americans as we have a variety of responses to this historic shift. 

Ash Wednesday on March 2

On By Aaron AllisonIn Church History, CIL News, CIL Services, LiturgicalLeave a comment

The season of Lent has become an important part of my yearly rhythm as I join the global church in preparing for Easter. This season in the church calendar begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on March 2. 

CIL Church will have an Ash Wednesday service at Noon, which includes live worship, communion, and the imposition of ashes. Also, we will open the sanctuary for a come-and-go prayer and imposition of ashes for an hour, beginning at 7 am. 

Join us for either or both of these times as we dedicate our hearts anew to Jesus.

We hope!

On By Aaron AllisonIn Devotional, LiturgicalLeave a comment

Put your hope in God. 
Hope through Jesus.
Receive hope through the Holy Spirit.

Advent begins today. The theme of HOPE on this 1st Advent Sunday reminds us that …

  • There is something greater beyond us
  • There is something available with us
  • There is something to look forward to

Put your hope in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Todd Hunter’s newest book – Deep Peace

On By Aaron AllisonIn Anglicanism, Books, Charismatic / Spirit-Filled, Leadership, Nashville, United States of AmericaLeave a comment

I just eagerly ordered the book Deep Peace, the newest release by Todd Hunter. Todd has been at the forefront of several Christian movements in American for the last 40 years, so his insights into our faith today are proven and needed. Todd desires this book to “make a real difference in the conflict and anxiety that permeate Church and society.”

Since Todd has moved to the Nashville area from California, he has been gracious to me. I am enthusiastic about his ministry and what this book can mean to people.

Thomas McKenzie – A Significant Loss

On By Aaron AllisonIn Anglicanism, Church History, NashvilleLeave a comment

I am sorry this blog has recently had so many death notices. It is an unusual time. However, I want to acknowledge and inform you of this impactful death.

Thomas McKenzie was a strategic and important voice in Nashville and America. I am so sad to learn of his sudden and tragic death on August 23. My prayers and love for The Church of the Redeemer, and all who are mourning this loss. He was special and needed.

Thomas McKenzie, Nashville Anglican pastor, and daughter killed in car crash
Click for full article

Maundy Thursday

On By Aaron AllisonIn Church History, CIL News, LiturgicalLeave a comment

Today is Maundy Thursday. The term “maundy” comes from the Latin word “command.” On this night, we remember Jesus’ new command:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34

At a Maundy Thursday service a few years ago, these words hit me with power and conviction. This Scripture has been my life verse since then. I do not always live this Scripture, but it is my standard of spirituality.

On Maundy Thursday, we recognize that Jesus established Holy Communion as our way to remember and connect with Him. We also remember that Jesus washed His disciple’s feet on this day, so we should also serve each other.

The observance of Maundy Thursday is important preparation for Good Friday and the Easter celebration.

The Three Streams Chart

On By Aaron AllisonIn Anglicanism, Charismatic / Spirit-Filled, Church History, CIL News, LiturgicalLeave a comment

We had such a powerful worship experience last night. We took that evening to lean into the “Spirit stream” and found refreshing in the Lord.

Last Sunday, I started our vision series CIL Forward and shared our identity as a Three Streams church. Here is the chart that we shared during the sermon about the Biblical-basis for a Three Streams identity. Pastor Dan Scott introduced this chart to me a few years ago, and it has been a great way to put in words how God has formed us.

Devotional and Prayer on Holy Saturday

On By Aaron AllisonIn Devotional, LiturgicalLeave a comment

I commend the Hendersonville Standard for printing and posting an Easter devotional I wrote. I hope these words give hope and strength to people. We can’t get enough positive messages these days!

One note about the article, our church is now known as CIL Church, which is an acronym for Christ is Love Church.

https://www.hendersonvillestandard.com/opinion/columnists/the-face-of-god-in-uncertain-times/article_af15fd2a-7b4c-11ea-994d-833d711d2d87.html

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The Collect (collective prayer) from the Book of Common Prayer on this Holy Saturday:
 
O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.