Saturday CANA 2008 Council - Photo by Fr. Dalton, originally uploaded by richarddalton14.

This is a picture of the gathering in Akron, Ohio of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA). Believers from across the country and a good representation traveling from Nigeria gathered to worship and work together. - Father Richard Dalton, Lexington, MI

Dennis and Mollie will be a while before coming home but they are heading now in the right direction and heading homeward.

“Nevertheless,”—As if, notwithstanding all the foolishness and ignorance which David had just been confessing to God, not one atom the less was it true and certain that David was saved and accepted, and that the blessing of being constantly in God’s presence was undoubtedly his. Fully conscious of his own lost estate, and of the deceitfulness and vileness of his nature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings “nevertheless I am continually with thee.” Believer, you are forced to enter into Asaph’s confession and acknowledgment, endeavour in like spirit to say “nevertheless, since I belong to Christ I am continually with God!” By this is meant continually upon his mind, he is always thinking of me for my good. Continually before his eye;—the eye of the Lord never sleepeth, but is perpetually watching over my welfare. Continually in his hand, so that none shall be able to pluck me thence. Continually on his heart, worn there as a memorial, even as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart forever. Thou always thinkest of me, O God. The bowels of thy love continually yearn towards me. Thou art always making providence work for my good. Thou hast set me as a signet upon thine arm; thy love is strong as death, many waters cannot quench it; neither can the floods drown it. Surprising grace! Thou seest me in Christ, and though in myself abhorred, thou beholdest me as wearing Christ’s garments, and washed in his blood, and thus I stand accepted in thy presence. I am thus continually in thy favour—“continually with thee.” Here is comfort for the tried and afflicted soul; vexed with the tempest within—look at the calm without. “Nevertheless”—O say it in thy heart, and take the peace it gives. “Nevertheless I am continually with thee.” - Charles H. Spurgeon

It will take you to where all the action is!

Parade 4 Wheel, originally uploaded by daveham.

Summer has arrived officially in Lexington, Michigan. Friday night, the 4th, started off with the display of fireworks from the harbor on Lake Huron. Saturday, the 5th, was the annual parade. This roving reporter armed with only paper and pencil, (the reader will now have to imagine small town Mayberry) went to investigate the different conveyances to be displayed. As I exited our street, my first glimpse were people dressed in Kilts. They were from Midland and they were with the White Pine Pipes and Drums. Then my interest in trains drew me to two voiture (wheeled vehicle) trains. I was invited to come inside and look around. Spoke to the chief engineer and his 'co-pilot', it takes two pair of eyes to drive this train. After talking with various people who were going to be in the parade, we found a place to stand on main street. There were various organaizations such as The Shriners; Lions Club; Knights of Columbus; American Legions from Marysville and Lexington; The Auxiliary Color Guard; The Cros-Lex Band, the Pioneer. There were many different kinds of fire trucks; Fire & Rescue water pumpers; Boy Scouts, Cub scouts; K9 Unit from Sanilac County. There were five tiny cars manned by men who buzzed the crowd. There were also the usual campaigners. In my estimation, 1200 people were lined two deep for eight blocks. Several churches were represented by Biblical characters along with Buster the Donkey, this donkey tried to get fresh with me earlier ( I know the owner). Ever been kissed by a donkey? As I was standing behind the crowd, a motorcycle parked next to me. I noticed the sticker on his bike which read Powered by Faith. I asked him if he was a Christian, he said "yes", and that's all it took, we were no longer strangers, we talked for a long time sharing our faith. He is with The Knights of St. Michael The Archangel, and has a Catholic motorcycle ministry. There are 12 men from different dioceses throughout Michigan, and they travel spreading the Word of Jesus. Keven gave me his card and brochure with their e-mail address on it and I will write to him if only to say Shalom! So today was good, I got kissed by a donkey, and a hug from a brother in Christ! God is good! The crowds have since dispersed, but our little town will be buzzing with activities until Labor Day.

You can google Watson Lake if you like and find out more about this little village on the Alcan… The second is a "typical" vista that appeared out our truck window along the Alcan….
Time after time you would crest a long climb and then see out over the country side for miles and miles….

These happen to be the Cassier Mts., one of several chains we've traveled through. The last pic is of us sitting on the upper deck of the Swotka, a siteseeing vessel based in Whitehorse…. The river is the famous Youkon river…… Our clothes reflect the temps we've been encountering…. Currently sending these from a site in Alaska… Yea !!! Delta Junction…..about 100 mi out of Fairbanks…. We will open our best wine tomorrow and celebrate landing in Fairbanks…. and, if you get these , I'll send along some more pics….
Dennis Smallwood

GAFCON, originally uploaded by richarddalton14.

Anglican Bishops, Clergy and Laity are meeting in Jerusalem. This is a crucial time for the worldwide Anglican Communion,