Clarke Kennedy got married

Date: May 13, 2016 at 11:56:00 AM EDT
To: Undisclosed recipients: ;
Subject: Betrothal/Marriage this week-end!

Hello, my dear friends!

I am delighted to announce my betrothal and marriage to Miss Marcia Elizabeth Quinn of Chillicothe, Missouri this week-end, May 14, 2016 with a formal wedding ceremony scheduled for June 19, 2016 in Patterson Missouri.

Marcia and I have known each other for two years, and felt drawn to one another from the very first phone call.  Our relationship has developed slowly but steadily and we are so happy to say we feel a deep confidence that the Lord has answered both of our prayers over many years in finding the right life-partner for building a family and ministry together.

About six weeks ago we agreed that we wanted to be deliberate about seeking the Lord regarding the possibility of a life together, and I flew to Missouri to get her parent’s permission to pursue the relationship with that in mind.  After getting a green light from her father, I traveled to Los Angeles where she was at the offices of Frontier Ventures, a new name for the US Center for World Mission.

We have spent the time since then deliberately praying and discussing what a life together might entail, as well as bringing in both of our families and close advisors, spiritual mentors and friends.  We have had practically unanimous support and affirmation from everyone we have discussed the matter with, especially from our parents and families.

We are following an old-fashioned biblical model of betrothal, which will constitute a legal marriage (we just got our marriage license yesterday from the same courthouse where my parents, grand-parents, aunt and uncle, and other family members got theirs), and we plan to celebrate with a betrothal ceremony at the very lakeside where my parents and aunt and uncle were also engaged years ago.

After the betrothal, we will continue to live separately and not consummate the marriage until after the formal wedding ceremony on June 19th, 2016 (Father’s Day) in Patterson, MO.  You are all invited to the wedding, and we would be delighted to have you. Details to follow soon.

I am including below pictures of our time together in Los Angeles at the AzusaNow conference where over 100,000 people celebrated the 110th anniversary of the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles.

Clarke Kennedy & Marcia Quinn Near Amarillo TX

AzusaNow Celebration at the Rose Bowl Stadium/Los Angeles Collesium

We are grateful for your prayers for us as we have our betrothal this weekend, and then our formal wedding celebration on June 19th.

We are confident the Lord is blessing our union and the ministry we expect to grow out of that union.

Blessing to you in our Lord Jesus!

Clarke and Marcia.

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Last Fridays meeting

After last Fridays meeting, I am not adversely affected. However there are those who will be and they will have discussions with the team leader.  There are two points.

1) Fairness
2) Transparency

We are not like those in secular jobs with a union to advise and fight for us.  I think there will be some disagreement and pain for some.  However, the deficit has to be closed and I have no other brilliant ideas on how to solve the problem.

losing to find. Marriage as an example

I find this inspirational.     Losing to Find January 15, 2017

Read: Matthew 10:37–42 Bible in a Year: Genesis 36–38; Matthew 10:21–42 Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.—Matthew 10:39 When I married my English fiancé and moved to the United Kingdom, I thought it would be a five-year adventure in a foreign land. I never dreamed I’d still be living here nearly twenty years later, or that at times I’d feel like I was losing my life as I said goodbye to family and friends, work, and all that was familiar. But in losing my old way of life, I’ve found a better one. The upside-down gift of finding life when we lose it is what Jesus promised to His apostles. When He sent out the twelve disciples to share His good news, He asked them to love Him more than their mothers or fathers, sons or daughters (Matt. 10:37). His words came in a culture where families were the cornerstone of the society and highly valued. But He promised that if they would lose their life for His sake, they would find it (v. 39). We don’t have to move abroad to find ourselves in Christ. Through service and commitment—such as the disciples going out to share the good news of the kingdom of God—we find ourselves receiving more than we give through the lavish love the Lord showers on us. Of course He loves us no matter how much we serve, but we find contentment, meaning, and fulfillment when we pour ourselves out for the well-being of others. —Amy Boucher Pye When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. Isaac Watts Every loss leaves a space that can be filled with God’s presence. INSIGHT: When we choose to follow Christ, we won’t necessarily be popular. Our highest calling is not self-promotion or self-preservation. A hero jumps into deep water to save someone who is drowning, but that same person could well lose his or her life (to quote Jesus) in the process of seeking to save someone else. Jesus indicated that even family members (normally our closest natural connection) may be squared off against us. While others may become our obstinate opponents because of Christ, we are obligated to show unselfishness because of Him (Phil. 2:3-5). “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (1:21). It’s a profound paradox. To lose our life for Him means to find it. Has there been a time when the choice to follow Christ has cost you? Jim Townsend Share your thoughts on today’s devotional on Facebook or odb.org.

The meeting this morning

The meeting took place this morning and as I expected, it was about finance and reducing the deficit.  All of us will get a reduction in hours, in my case, down to 35 and there will be a new pay structure.  Some will be gutted by this. However, having spent years unemployed, I am just glad to be in work and in my case, I will get paid a bit more under the new structure I will get paid a bit more. However for those with families and on a higher wage band, it could be gut wrenching.  It  is a proposal, but the way I see it is, I am privileged to be where I am.  If I were in Hailsowen or London, I could not survive. I could not be in missions with the financial issues that have hit them.

That said, we should pray for everyone.

day 12 and an announcement

It is the 12th of January 2017.  This is my first entry to this blog this year.  Chistmas was different. I spent it with D and D instead of going to central Scotland.   I think that was good for me as I learned what it would be like if we were married and I was supporting her.  I did enjoy my time there.

the 9th of January has come and gone. That means my time with OM started 22 years ago.

this is likely to be a challenging year and an announcement will be made at the team meeting tomorrow.

photos and memories plus doing right.

Looking at facebook photos today in the memories section and the visits D and I made to the bbc studios in Birmingham and she came to the church. I have known her for over a year and we have come a long way. I love her, and I need to do right by her.

last year at this time. What a contrast

jorymicah

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• jorymicahIn case you missed our Christmas newsletter, you are looking at the newest online theology adjunct professor at SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary!
  A special thanks to my Bible School professor, Scott Camp (from 10 years ago), who recommended me, and to SUM for taking Gal. 3:28 seriously and equally hiring women.
  Tip to fellow seminarians: Be the loud mouth student in the class that complains of Calvinism & complementarianism so your professors never forget you (lol...no offense Calvinists and Comps). 😂

• openlyheatherCongrats Jory. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
• jorymicahThank you @heatherisgay 😁
• iammargaretroseCongratulations Sis! God's Richest Blessings to You! May the Lord continue to Bless Your Ministry!🌹
• jorymicahThanks so much @iammargaretrose ❤
• sleightedchelseaThat's amazing! Congratulations!
• jorymicahThanks @e.k.casey 😘
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