Swimming Companions

I love the smell of neoprene in the morning. It smells like...polychloroprene adjusted with copolymerizing chloroprene with sulfur and/or 2,3 dichloro 1,3-butadiene.

My Home For The Next Week

Honky Tonkin - Dagmars, The

Great Happiness

Our own Emily is the grandmother to a 9 pound, 6 ounce, 21 and one-half inches long granddaughter. The player is to be named later.

Celtic Prayer Of The Day [This Feature Will Return on February 19th]

God with me lying down,
God with me rising up,
God with me in each ray of light,
Nor I a ray of joy without him,
Nor one ray without him.

Christ with me sleeping,
Christ with me waking,
Christ with me watching,
Every day and night,
Each day and night.

God with me protecting,
The Lord with me directing,
The Spirit with me strengthening,
Forever and forevermore,
Ever and evermore, Amen.
Chief of chiefs, Amen.

Celtic Prayer Of The Day

Bless, O God, the dwelling,
And each who rests herein this night;
Bless, O God, my dear ones
In every place wherein they sleep;

In the night that is tonight,
And every single night;
In the day that is today,
And every single day.

We Got Ours For Free

Last week's snow cost county $60,000

Celtic Prayer Of The Day

O God, listen to my prayer
Let my earnest petition come to you,
for I know that you are hearing me
As surely as though I saw you with mine eyes.

I am placing a lock upon my heart,
I am placing a lock upon my thoughts,
I am placing a lock upon my lips
And double-knitting them.

Aught that is amiss for my soul
In the pulsing of my death,
May you, O God, sweep it from me
And may you shield me in the blood of your love.

Let no thought come to my heart,
Let no sound come to my ear,
Let no temptation come to my eye,
Let no fragrance come to my nose,
Let no fancy come to my mind,
Let no ruffle come to my spirit,
That is hurtful to my poor body this night,
Nor ill for my soul at the hour of my death;

But may you yourself, O God of life,
Be at my breast, be at my back,
You to me as a star, you to me as a guide,
From my life's beginning to my life's closing.

The Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

This week, Isaiah establishes the poetic/prophetic language that will dominate sacred literature, Paul continues his law lecture to the Corinthians, and Jesus demonstrates that mothers-in-law have a place in the new covenant. All this and how the Christian way of life promotes small business [really].

The lections may be found here. Celtic Prayer, Part II will be offered at noon in the church.

Celtic Prayer Of The Day

God to enfold me,
God to surround me,
God in my speaking,
God in my thinking.

God in my sleeping,
God in my waking,
God in my watching,
God in my hoping.

God in my life,
God in my lips,
God in my hands,
God in my heart.

God in my sufficing,
God in my slumber
God in mine ever living soul,
God in mine eternity.

Great News

Bill to allow concealed handguns in churches advances

Actually, during the days before the American Revolution, one of our pro-royalty clergy had to constrain the pro-revolutionary members of his congregation by pointing a pistol at them during the sermon. That was in Virginia, I believe. Also, it probably wasn't illegal as the weapon wasn't concealed.

Probably In Late March

February should turn warmer - eventually

Celtic Prayer Of The Day

God's will would I do,
My own will bridle;

God's due would I give,
My own due yield;

God's path would I travel,
My own path refuse;

Christ's death would I ponder,
My own death remember;

Christ's agony would I meditate,
My love to God make warmer;

Christ's cross would I carry,
My own cross forget;

Repentance of sin would I make,
Early repentance choose;

A bridle to my tongue I would put,
A bridle on my thoughts I would keep

God's judgement would I judge,
My own judgement guard;

Christ's redemption would I seize,
My own ransom work;

The love of Christ would I feel,
My own love know.

I Thought They Were Spotted All Over

Leopard spotted in residential area

Celtic Prayer Of The Day

Come I this day to the Father,
Come I this day to the Son,
Come I to the Holy Spirit powerful;
Come I this day with God,
Come I this day with Christ,
Come I with the Spirit of kindly balm.

God, and Spirit, and Jesus,
From the crown of my head
To the soles of my feet;
Come I with my reputation,
Come I with my testimony,
Come I to you, Jesu;
Jesu, shelter me.

Even More Pleasant Not To

Pleasant to consider levy for May 5 ballot

Feast Of Cornelius The Centurion

Today is commemorated one of the most important moments in Christianity, when Peter brings Cornelius, the Roman centurion, and his family into the Christian life. It is notable for many reasons, particularly it illustrates the call for Christians to closely examine what culturally constructed barriers may limit the proclamation of the Gospel.

It also, I think, illustrates a less popular point. Namely, Cornelius was called to Christianity as it existed, not as it needed to be altered to suit his expectations. While God called Peter to initiate Cornelius into the Body of Christ, it appears that Cornelius had already adopted the Way of the Cross as the way of his life. The initiation, while important in encouraging this Christian journeyman in his faithful quest, responded to his sincerity of purpose and intention.

Another issue is realized when one considers how active Peter was in recognizing Cornelius. For example, the contemporary notion of separating the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion into two distinct chunks, called by some "open Communion", is a passive invitation made by clergy, placed as it is within the liturgy of a Sunday morning. The clergy need do nothing that is active: they are already in the sanctuary, vested in their finery, and in an attitude of liturgical control as they are presiding over the proceedings.

To invite someone to receive Holy Baptism, the affirmation of the Christian way of life [that is to be re-affirmed by reception of the Holy Communion], is a much more active process. It requires, especially in this age, that clergy perform work outside of the sanctuary, outside of Sunday morning liturgies, not cocooned in vestments, and often in a socially ordinary position.

Peter's ministry was always active and, in this moment captured in the Acts of the Apostles, one that led to the Gospel's proclamation to all people, regardless of culture. I hope it can still serve to inspire disciplined laity and clergy who pray and work for an active ministry to pursue even outside of Sunday morning.

Celtic Prayer Of The Day

My soul's Healer,
Keep me at even,
Keep me at morning,
Keep me at noon,
On rough course faring,
Help and safeguard
My means this night.
I am tired, astray, and stumbling,
Shield me from snare and sin.

I Don't Find This Stuff Amusing Any More

Is it just those who aren't politicians who pay their taxes these days?

Nancy Killefer withdrew her nomination Tuesday to become the Obama administration's chief performance officer, citing unspecified problems with District of Columbia unemployment tax.

I appreciate that the tax code is tricky, especially as it considers parish clergy to be "self-employed", but these are the smart people, aren't they? These are our leaders, right?

Seems like the whole notion of stewardship, in both the secular and sacred worlds, is rapidly disintegrating.

Truer Words Were Never Said, Part II

"It's so bad being homeless in winter. They should go somewhere warm like the Caribbean where they can eat fresh fish all day." - Lady Victoria Hervey

Someone recently told me that the world is now too enlightened for "organized" religion. Yes, yes, I see what they mean.

Oops! [Please Read Important Update Below]

I don't know why I'm finding the news from England so amusing today, but I promise this will be the last post for now.

It's been almost twenty years since England has received as much snowfall as they have in the past few days. In the intervening years, it appears that they've forgotten how to drive in the stuff. Click below to see the wonder. Ten more drivers like that and I could destroy the world.



Update and Correction: When I originally viewed this video, it was on British television and I didn't have the sound on. When I listened to it, I realized that the voices weren't British, but American. Subsequent research has revealed that this video was shot in Oregon. Go, USA! It was apparently shown so that the British viewers would not feel so bad about their winter driving ability.

Another Clergyman Embarrassed By His Own Religion

Sandhurst Royal Military Academy is the West Point of the United Kingdom and has been in existence in one form or another since 1741. The institution boasts a diverse and remarkable body of graduates. This group includes Winston Churchill, David Niven, James Blunt [we are all too old to know who he is, but he's a current popular musician], Augustus Pitt Rivers [an archaeologist and, thus, a hero], Prince Harry and, due to the nature of empire, four Saudi princes, a Bahrainian sheik, the Sultan of Brunei, the Crown Prince of Greece, the Sultan of Oman, the King of Tonga, and the current King of Jordan, Abdullah II.

Needless to say, not all of the graduates of Sandhurst have been Christians. However, as it is a "royal" institution, it is understood that the Church of England is the representative religion.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the chaplain of Sandhurst has decided to drop the Creed from the worship services so that non-Christian students won't be...wait for it...offended.

Before one starts to think what a nice gesture this is, despite the fact that non-Christian students have been studying at Sandhurst without issue since the 19th century, according to media accounts I read, the Sandhurst chaplain did not receive any complaints from any of the students and the religious service in question is one that is specifically Anglican at which student attendance is not mandatory.

[The Episcopal Church's Office of Evening Prayer is offered in the university chapel at Princeton and, on a good evening, is attended by three people including the priest. Imagine if that clergyperson announced to the two other worshippers present that the Creed was to be omitted so that non-Christians would not be offended. Yep, pure pretzel logic.]

It's yet another interesting example of a Christian clergyperson being embarrassed by Christianity, but this time it's coupled with something else that is as common. Namely, the need to feel radically relevant. Apparently, the chaplain's nickname among the students is "Right On Rev". I don't know if this is meant to be ironic.

["Right On Rev"? Really? What is this, 1969? Way to be hep, Rev. I think I want to be known as "Groovy Bob".]

Not Just In England

"It’s interesting that nowadays politicians want to talk about moral issues, and bishops want to talk politics." - Sir Humphrey Appleby, the redoubtable civil servant on the BBC's old television comedy, "Yes, Minister".

Update: At today's clergy conference, the new US president was referenced by the keynote speaker 27 times; Jesus once.

Looks Like Bolivia May Be The Next Energy Player [Or Is It "Playa"? I Don't Speak Hip-Hop]

In Bolivia, Untapped Bounty Meets Nationalism

This interests me because Bolivia also has a rapidly growing evangelical Christian base. The shift of energy resources carries the potential for the political polarization of Roman Catholic and Evangelical Christian Bolivians that will be felt throughout the southern cone. This is something that the New York Times wouldn't think about because, you know, religion isn't a factor in global relations.

[According to the Joshua Project, there are no Anglicans in Bolivia.]

Celtic Prayer Of The Day

I will go in the name of God,
In likeness of deer, in likeness of horse,
In likeness of serpent, in likeness of king,
Stronger am I than all persons.

The hand of God keeping me,
The love of Christ in my veins,
The strong Spirit bathing me,
The Three shielding and aiding me,
The Three shielding and aiding me;
The hand of Spirit bathing me,
The Three each step aiding me.

Truer Words Were Never Said

An actress named Alicia Silverstone [no, I don't know who she is, either] concerning a role in some movie she made:

"I think that the film was very deep. I think it was deep in the way that it was very light. I think lightness has to come from a very deep place if it's true lightness."

I think she should get an honorary divinity degree.

My Home State Learns How To Work The New System

Ohioans Seek Slice Of the Stimulus Pie

Since all of this is to be paid by tax money, I want everyone to remember the sage words of Tom Daschle:

“Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce our laws to the letter. ” - Sen. Tom Daschle, Congressional Record, May 7, 1998, p. S4507.

For some reason, the last verse of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" is echoing in my head. Must have stayed up too late or something.

Celtic Prayer Of The Day

As it was,
As it is,
As it shall be
Evermore,
O Thou Triune
Of grace!
With the ebb,
With the flow,
O Thou Triune
Of grace!
With the ebb,
With the flow.

Today In Adult Ed...

...we had a brief discussion of clergy vestments, their meaning and history. Naturally, those of us with more than a normal portion of ham in their systems like to have a little flash and pizazz in their Sunday morning presentation. However, nothing quite prepared me for this [ya gotta see it to belief it]:



Priest Fashion Show - video powered by Metacafe

Supra Bowl Tie-In

Naturally, the footballs used in the NFL come from the greatest state in the nation.

And, surprise, they aren't made of pigskin.

Celtic Prayer Of The Day: The Lorica

I bind unto myself this day,
The strong name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in the hearts of all that love me,

Christ in the mouth of friend and stranger.

Hey, Wait A Minute!

In the past decade and one-half, I have attended two clergy conferences, eleven clergy workshops, received at least an annual letter from a bishop or other type of diocesan authority, and been lectured by my peers countless times, all about saving the rain forest and environmental sensitivity and the evils of progress and I don't know what else.

Lo, then I read this. In the New York Times, no less.

These new “secondary” forests are emerging in Latin America, Asia and other tropical regions at such a fast pace that the trend has set off a serious debate about whether saving primeval rain forest — an iconic environmental cause — may be less urgent than once thought.

So, in other words, globalization and economic progress in developing countries is actually doing more for the rain forest than are the feelings and concerns of well-meaning mainstream Protestants, especially as the "secondary" rain forest is better able to sequester atmospheric carbon.

Good Lord, do you know what this means? The politico-environmental ideology of the Church isn't always right! I'm dizzy in this moment of fear and trembling.

Maybe we should let scientists issue edicts about science and we'll take care of the spiritual stuff. After all, we aren't clergy because we're rocket surgeons. Then again, nah. We're not clergy unless we have an opinion about everything.

[Growing up in Cleveland, all I learned about the jungle was from Larry and his wife, Safari Jane, both of whom appeared weekly on the Captain Penny cartoon show. I guess nowadays he'd be called Rain Forest Larry.]

The Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany

This week we have Paul's meditation on food, Moses defining the continuing role of prophecy among the Chosen, and Jesus practicing medicine without a license, but certainly "with authority". All this plus lessons learned from "The Moment of Squirm".

The lections may be found here. I understand that Jackie Kuhn shall be serving as our intercessor.

Remember, too, that Celtic Prayer meets at noon.

Header Change

The weather, which is a serious mellow-harsher [especially when I'm nearly late for school because I had to chop the ice away from the garage door with my trusty Boy Scouts of America tomahawk], made me want to look at something other than the photo of Niantic Bay in the early winter that was formerly at the top of the page. Enough already.

So, this is a photo I took slightly above the Palancar Reef a few years ago. Makes me warm just to look at it.

This Sunday's Adult Education: Celtic Prayer

Come learn of pirates and nuns, slaves and blue-faced warriors, and the prayer and worship tradition that they helped to create. This Sunday and next, following the 10:30 liturgy and lasting a scant 45 minutes, we will offer the following:

February 1st and 8th
Celtic Prayer
This two-Sunday series continues our Epiphany 2007 discussion of Celtic spirituality by examining how the pre-Roman style of prayer informed the Roman Catholicism that would invade the British Isles and continues to influence and direct Anglican prayer in the 21st century. It will include prayers written by and for the various saints and holy men and women of the Celtic church, as well as examine their theological and historical foundation. Of particular concern will be how to restore aspects of Celtic spirituality in our personal and parish prayers and liturgical offerings.

Maybe Someone Needs To Form A Committee

Gay penguins expelled from zoo colony

Happy update here.

Something's Happening Here, What It Is Ain't Exactly Clear

The ordained members of the Episcopal Church, deacons, priests and bishops, are charged with many responsibilities, some mundane, some transcendent. The leitmotif that connects these responsibilities is that we are to find ways to keep the Christian presentation, in all of its history, social responsibility, and potential, as fresh and accessible as is humanly possible. All of this via the appeal to divine guidance and discernment, of course.

So, imagine my surprise at discovering what is becoming an interesting trend in the contemporary church: Episcopal clergy finding spiritual succor in religions other than Christianity. Please understand that I'm not speaking of things like the Roman Catholic monk and hermit, Thomas Merton, finding common contemplative ground with Zen monastics, or the writer and one-time Episcopal priest Alan Watts laying the foundation for continuing American interest in Asian philosophy, religion, and literature. Merton never "joined" another faith and Watts did not pursue such with anything other than academic interest until after his holy orders had been renounced.

What I'm talking about is news such as:

1.] Rectors also serving as Druid priests and publishing "pagan rituals" that were not only allegedly disseminated in their parishes, but, hilariously, also on the official Episcopal Church website. [Supporting my personal opinion that the Church doesn't read its own website.]

2.] An Episcopal priest who has declared that she is also a Muslim.

3.] The only candidate for bishop in a diocesan election who appears to have a cafeterian appreciation of the world's spirituality. In the words of the candidate's former bishop, he " was 'walking the path of Christianity and Zen Buddhism together.'"

I cannot tell you how many ways there are to re-charge and renew one's way of life as a Christian, beyond simply receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion in its true intention for the amendment of life. From long-established contemplative programs to guided and prayerful journeys to places of spiritual importance to new efforts in education and purposeful ministry, clergy of the church have many, many resources from which to draw and, importantly, from which to share with their congregations and/or students.

But when a member of the clergy honestly reaches a point where Christianity no longer sustains their spiritual practice, and where their need is best served by pursuing initiation into another religion, then it may be time to acknowledge that their ability to lead other Episcopalians has concluded and it's time to move on. Clearly, their faith journey has...um...transcended the common bonds that the rest of us find, well, liberating. I would think doing otherwise would simply convince cynics that the bifurcated clergy are just staying in it for the pension fund benefits. Certainly, it would add to the view of some that many Protestant clergy are embarrassed by their own religion.

The rest of us, who still find new surprises and wonders in Christianity and, yes, even Anglicanism, on an almost daily basis will continue, with congregations strongly desirous of the same, to build upon what God continues to grant to those who quest for it. If the clergy aren't finding spiritual fulfillment in the religion into which they have been ordained, it is doubtful that they will ever offer compelling, powerful witness or proclamation.

[By the way, I think I announced to my parents when I was about 9 that I wanted to practice Zen Yogi. I recall it was the spiritual discipline of Gomez Adams on "The Adams Family" TV show and always seemed to make him so happy. It's only feature seemed to be standing on one's head, something I quite enjoyed when I was nine-years-old.]

Confirmation Class

During the season of Lent, I would like to begin Confirmation classes at Trinity Church. Our deanery Confirmation liturgy this year will be on Saturday, May 2nd at 4pm.

If there is a young person who is currently in the 7th grade or its equivalent, or if you are an adult who feels it is time for to make a sacramental commitment to your faith, please be in contact with the Vicar.

Once I see who is interested and we have a chance to compare schedules, I'll know more about the dates and times of the Confirmation classes.

The Vicar may be reached at 435-2627, Ext. 100.

[We need extension numbers because we're such a big operation.]

More Things I Didn't Know

10 Extinct Languages of the U.S.

They Should Try Public School

Full-day kindergarten will cost millions

He's Going To Write Leviticus?

James Frey to write 'third book of the Bible'

Salvation Comes In Many Forms

Skateboarding in Afghanistan Provides a Diversion From Desolation

Wait Until You See Who Wrote It

"Dismissed for 175 years as a fake, a letter threatening the assassination of President Andrew Jackson has been found to be authentic." More here.

There's Nothing I Can Add To This

Former French President Chirac hospitalised after mauling by his clinically depressed poodle

If It Had Been Pleasant, That Would Have Been News

Not-So-Pleasant Sword Attack

The Third Sunday After Epiphany

This week Jonah, on dry land yet, turns God away from thoughts of calamity, Paul begins his presentation of the "two worlds", and Jesus begins to take classroom attendance. All this plus the reason why books on Buddhism outsell books on Christianity. Plus, the Vicar's Annual Address.

The lections may be found here.

Children's Chapel begins at 10:20am. Jackie Kuhn reads on Sunday.

All Done

The Trinity Church Annual Report for 2008 has been completed. Thank you, everyone, for turning in the individual reports in a timely manner.

An Obituary Of Note

Another really nice guy who had the best nickname ever, not to mention being a champion in the history of labor negotiations. Look how much the football world has changed since 1956:

"Lavelli...pressed for a pension plan and minimum pay standards, as well as meal money on road trips and uniforms that they did not have to pay for themselves."

In related news, this fellow had a great nickname, too.

Books For And About Celtic Prayer

None of these is mandatory for the class, but if you are interested in any, please consider buying them after clicking on the Amazon.com icon. If you do so, Trinity Church will receive a donation of 4% of the purchase price. [Yes, it used to be 6%, but so few people use this feature that Trinity has been reduced by 2%.]

Upcoming Adult Education

February 1st and 8th
Celtic Prayer

This two-Sunday series continues our Epiphany 2007 discussion of Celtic spirituality by examining how the pre-Roman style of prayer informed the Roman Catholicism that would invade the British Isles and continues to influence and direct Anglican prayer in the 21st century. It will include prayers written by and for the various saints and holy men and women of the Celtic church, as well as examine their theological and historical foundation. Of particular concern will be how to restore aspects of Celtic spirituality in our personal and parish prayers and liturgical offerings.

February 22nd
The Hebrew and Jewish Roots of Contemporary Christianity

As Jesus was born, raised, educated, lived, died, and was buried as a Jew, this will be an examination of the connection, still present and vibrant, between the two great faith traditions and how that foundation is represented in our scripture, liturgies, prayers, songs, and holy teaching. We will include readings from some post-Christian Jewish theologians as well as look into the very dynamic 1st Century world of Jerusalem and Rome that served as the crucible for early Christianity and the Jewish Reformation.

March 1st and 8th
The Return of Biblical Archaeology

This two-Sunday series continues our overview of the history, techniques, important sites, discoveries, and future expectations in this field. This offering’s particular interest is displaying how continued discoveries are helping to refine our understanding of sacred literature and the earliest Christian Church. We will include in our discussion the leading personalities in this field as well as gauge recent knowledge granted through new developments in genetic and marine archaeology.

All courses will be offered after the 10:30am Eucharist and will be of 45 minutes length.

Day Of Days

You all know by now that I'm kind of old-fashioned in my regard for my country. It may have something to do with my corn-fed Midwestern upbringing, or the fact that I was a Boy Scout, or the son and nephew of real veterans, or my Scottish grandparents' oft-stated delight in finding a home in the United States, or any number of reasons, I guess, as I've never really analyzed it with much interest.

I've noticed it also makes me rather out-of-fashion with some of my ordained colleagues. Quel dommage!

So, you can imagine that today I spent more hours than normal watching television. While I really wish that the media would find religion reporters who knew what they were talking about, I am delighted that St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington D.C. still plays the initiatory role in the events of the inauguration.

While more may be read here, let me help those "religion reporters" from the Washington Post, CNN, CBS, and other outlets understand why FDR chose that particular church. Yes, it is the closest to the White House, but FDR was also an Episcopalian; a devout one who served for many years as the senior warden of St. James, Hyde Park. He just wanted his inaugurations to begin appropriately with prayer from the Book of Common Prayer [Where else?]

In fact, the following presidents have been Episcopalians, most of them life-long:

George Washington
James Madison
James Monroe
William Henry Harrison
John Tyler
Zachary Taylor
Franklin Pierce
Chester Arthur
Franklin Roosevelt
Gerald Ford
George H.W. Bush
George W. Bush [baptized, Confirmed, and a common worshipper at St. John's over the last eight years]

[By the way, the following presidents are Ohio-born:
Ulysses Grant
Rutherford Hayes
James Garfield
Benjamin Harrison
William McKinley
William Taft
Warren Harding
I just thought you'd want to know.]

Every December I Get A Call From A Reporter...

...who will ask me if I, as a pastor, think that Christmas is becoming too commercial. I don't like to say, "I've been asked this question annually for the last quarter century" or "No comment" or something rude like that, since this is a question that is usually tasked to the most junior member of the newsroom, so I just give some ponderous historical answer, complete with footnotes, that ensures I will never be quoted in any American newspaper.

Now, if someone asked me if I thought American politics is becoming too commercial, I could simply refer them to this page.

By the way, anything purchased results in a 4% donation to Trinity Church. Not that we're commercialized or anything.



I think I still have my Jimmy Carter can opener.

Hey, Where's Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Remember, the feast of MLK, Jr. is held on April 4th in the Episcopal Church, in keeping with the tradition of remembering significant Christians on the date of their martyrdom.

Our Father, Who Art Our Father....

Church of England publishes prayer for the redundant

Annual Reports Are Due [Updated]

The vicar requires the following annual reports by Sunday:

Wardens' Reports [received]
Treasurer's Reports
Buildings and Grounds Reports [received]
Music Report [received]
Altar and Flower Guild Reports
Altar Guild Treasurer's Report
ECW Report
EFM Report [received]
Recreation Ministry Report [received]
Art Show Report [received]
New for this year: Website Report [received]

It is best, since I would like the appearance of the collated annual report to be uniform, if reports were submitted via e-mail attachment so that all can be of the same font and type and that the page numbers may be assigned in the correct manner. Or not.

The Second Sunday After The Epiphany

This week we hear of visions, lawfulness, parachutes, and Nathanael [or is it Bartholomew?]. The lections may be found here.

An important note: Please do not potentially sacrifice life or limb in attempting to come to church during poor weather. I appreciate that most members of the parish prefer to receive the Holy Communion on at least a weekly basis and, while we are always open and ready with prayer, praise, and music, we also offer "home delivery".

Anyone who wishes to receive the sacrament at home may do so simply by calling the vicar and arranging it. Certainly, if the weather is dangerous on a Sunday morning, this would be a far more pastoral, and historically sound, way in which to disseminate the sacrament.

Do Not Touch The Parish Thermostats This Weekend [Please]

I appreciate that many parishioners are aware of the $576.92 a week we spend to heat Trinity Church and are just trying to help, but "adjustment" of the thermostats in Walker Hall, the Guild Room, and the new wing just makes things a little more expensive.

This is especially true when both our diocese and insurer are encouraging us to set the thermostats a little higher given the extreme cold we are to face this weekend so that damage is not done to the more vulnerable aspects of the building and its sometimes-antique plumbing.

From Big Wafer Central:
"Set your thermostats at higher than normal when buildings are vacant; turn off non-essential and vulnerable water feeds; make sure all storm windows and storm doors are properly sealed and in place; make sure that gutters and leaders are free of ice and snow."

I Wonder What Planet The Current Chief Comes From

Earth Scientist Emerges as Possible Replacement for NASA Chief

An Obituary Of Note

Just before I dash out the door for school, I have to post this as he was the creator of and lead actor in one of the most enigmatic metaphors for contemporary society ever placed on prime-time television. I would use the opening episode in my philosophy classes when we began the section on Existentialism.

Although it was over twenty years old when I first started to use it in class, my students would invariably think that it was a contemporary teleplay. I guess some themes truly are universal and timeless.



My students at Hoosac School and another school used to refer to the campuses as "The Village", thus endearing me to two different administrations.

Here's more:
"According to his IMDb page, McGoohan was the first choice to play Gandalf in the recent Lord of the Rings trilogy and Dumbledore in the Harry Potter movies, but turned down both roles. He also was considered for the role of James Bond, but reportedly declined it for moral reasons.

McGoohan was married to the same woman for 57 years, and included in the contract for his first TV series, “Danger Man,” three special clauses: 1) no kissing, 2) each fight had to be different, and 3) his character must always try to use his brains before resorting to a gun."

He was married to the same woman for 57 years and turned down a movie role due to moral reasons? In his universe, he must have been seen as a mutant.

Schedule Change

While I'm generally office-bound on Thursdays, I have to make a trip to Wassaic between 12 and 1. I'll be back afterwards.

I Worked For Him And It's All True

15 reasons Mr. Rogers was best neighbor ever

The Return Of Sunday School

This Sunday, beginning at 10:15am, we will once again offer Sunday School on a weekly basis. If you have a chance, thank Gretchen, who looked at our current situation and decided to do something about it. That's more like it, Christians.

Anyway, we will begin with Children's Chapel as led by the vicar and, while the older folks attend church, move into this week's project which will involve gifts, giving, receiving, and all sorts and manners of things relating to Epiphany, the season which we now celebrate. After all, the three wise men offered gifts of specific meaning to the newborn Jesus; it may be interesting for our children to observe what form of gift we offer to the resurrected Christ.

If parents and others are wondering about the concentration for our Sunday School curriculum, it's easy. I think we'll study the stories found in the...wait for it...Holy Bible.

We're nothing if not radical.

From This Month's Trinity Times

In the early 1960’s my mother and father received their first credit card. Diner’s Club, if I remember correctly. The first big-ticket item that they bought was a new mattress and set of box springs. It was from a local merchant who was also experimenting with this brave new world of credit cards and had just begun to offer telephone sales. The system was not yet perfect, however.

On the day the order was to arrive, at shortly after nine o’clock in the morning, a delivery truck, complete with a friendly, uniformed deliveryman, brought the mattress and box springs into the house. The sale was complete and my parents happy with their purchase. My father went to work and my mother, siblings and I left to visit my grandparents. However, according to the story told by our neighbors, about thirty minutes later, another mattress and box springs arrived with another friendly, uniformed deliveryman who left the items on our back porch. Later still, a third set arrived, this time delivered by the first, and rather puzzled, driver.

By late afternoon, when we returned home, the purchase of a single mattress and box springs set had blossomed into fourteen mattresses and box springs. Our back porch looked like a flophouse. The story was picked up by the daily newspaper [Fourteen Mattresses Delivered: Area Family Baffled] and made us into minor celebrities for a few days. Even with the publicity, it took about two weeks for everything to get straightened out and for the credit card agency to delete the charges for the thirteen extra mattress sets.

Naturally, I enjoyed the entire experience. From having my elementary school classmates stop by the house to see what was rapidly becoming the ninth wonder of, if not the world, at least of the east side of Cleveland, to savoring the endless possibilities for building forts and other obstacles of childhood fun when there are thirteen mattresses stacked up around the house. As far as my parents were concerned, the whole experience was a complete lark.

I am reminded of this endless series of unexpected gifts as we have come to the end of our great expectations for Christmas and are beginning to, once again, settle into our routine practice. The trees and decorations begin to disappear; the presents are settled into drawers, toy chests, or armoire. Even our spiritual selves begin to return to normal, with the high expectations for Christmas replaced with the approaching and altered expectations of Lent.

Between those two seasons rests that of Epiphany. Epiphany is celebrated for a variety of reasons, not the least of which its recognition of how the gift of the Incarnation, presented to us during Christmas, continues to be received with an incrementally increasing bounty. We may have ordered our spiritual “mattress” for Christmas, and received that which we expected, but Epiphany is the season in which the gift, like that seemingly infinite series of mattresses and box springs, begins to develop and deliver. And, as with much that is spiritual, it is delivered whether we are ready or not.

In Epiphany, the Magi will arrive to present to Jesus gifts that reflect his task and its majesty. During this season, Jesus will be named in the Temple in Jerusalem and receive the blessing of the priest Simeon, securing his role for the future. He will be baptized by John in the Jordan River and experiences the Holy Spirit descend upon him. At a wedding in Cana, Jesus will perform his first miracle. Significantly, the miracle will be that of change. While his birth began the liberation of those who were to follow him, it is these events that enrich and refine his developing ministry and aid us in our continuing pilgrimage. While Jesus’ birth is that for which we waited and prepared, it is its unfolding realization that we celebrate in the season of Epiphany.

This, then, becomes the moment of our Epiphany, too, when we notice what has been delivered when we least expected it, often through humble and quiet circumstance. For, as James Joyce wrote, “The moment the focus is reached the object is epiphanised. It is just in this epiphany I find…the supreme quality of beauty.”

No, Thanks. Ethanol Is Weird Enough.

Fill 'Er Up With Human Fat

It May Be Cheaper To Be Illiterate

Reading raises property taxes 5 percent

Go Figure

According to Feedjit, this week we were the 7th most popular blog in the West Hartford market. I have no idea why. [Hey, wait a minute. Don't all three bishops live in West Hartford? Hmmm.]

The Galilean Boat

As mentioned in today's Biblical archaeology discussion.

Are We Having Church Tomorrow?

Yes, I've already been asked that question. Has it now become standard practice that we close churches in bad weather? Maybe for some, I guess, but not for Trinity.

Please folks, I'm an old devil dog from northeastern Ohio, where winters were far more severe and long-lived than in Connecticut. Barring an accident or some other form of foul happenstance, I'll be at Trinity by 8am ready to administer the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and, at 10:30, Holy Baptism.

The collection plates will be there, too....

[I actually competed in this in the winter of 1969, along with other members of Troop 163, Boy Scouts of America. The lead dog's name was "Kaiser".]

The First Sunday After The Epiphany

This Sunday we welcome the Three Kings, acknowledge the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, and receive into the community of faith our sister-in-Christ, Isabelle Margaret.

The lections may be found here.

The participants in this week's liturgy are-

Lay Minister: Linda Lloyd
Lector: Arete Warren
Epistler: Bill Warren
Intercessor: Sue Kozlowski
Hospitality: Team Schindler
Altar Guild: Luis Francke and Jane Canfield
Head Usher: Mary Anne Carley
Flowers: Cynthia Conklin

Speaking Of Archaeology

Last week I couldn't remember the arrangement of languages on the Rosetta Stone. I stumbled over the helpful diagram above earlier today.

Remember, Sunday at Noon in the church.

Top Ten Discoveries In Biblical Archaeology

The full article may be read here.

THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS
THE HOUSE OF DAVID INSCRIPTION
AMULET SCROLL
THE GALILEE BOAT
BARUCH BULLA
OSSUARY OF CAIAPHAS
PONTIUS PILATE INSCRIPTION
EKRON INSCRIPTION
MOUNT EBAL ALTAR
UGARIT

Ugarit is the port city I mentioned on Sunday that was discovered in 1928 when a farmer dislodged a stone with some odd writing on it. In fact, note how many of the "top ten" were discovered by accident rather than scientific design. The discovery of the Caiaphas ossuary is a classic example of accidental discovery.

Keep This In Mind When That Collection Plate Passes By

In Hard Times, Houses of God Turn to Chapter 11 in Book of Bankruptcy

An Obituary Of Note

Richard John Neuhaus, a Roman Catholic priest and theologian with whom Cyril Wismar and I were personally acquainted, died today. Although best known in recent years as a "conservative" Roman Catholic, when I first met him at The General Theological Seminary in New York twenty-seven years ago, he was introduced to me as a "liberal" Lutheran pastor.

As is often the case with true Christian thinkers, he was difficult to put in a secular ideological box. Because of that, too many Christian non-thinkers felt free to express their dislike of him in ways that seemed tangential to Gospel teaching.

Not that it mattered, of course. He knew what he believed and expressed it in a manner that was lucid and elegant. There is little of that in any branch or style of ideology these days and it will not only be missed, but I'm concerned that such lucidity and elegance will never be replaced.

He had written several books, the best-known of which appears in the link below, and was the editor of the last serious periodical dedicated to the nature of the secular and the sacred, First Things. He was only 72 years old.

Here is an example of his work from one of the last pieces he wrote:

"St. Paul writes, 'Be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind' (Rom. 12:2). Worrying about the cultural conformity of Christianity is nothing new. Such worries are a staple in the history of Christian thought, from the third-century Tertullian’s defiant question 'What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?' to Kierkegaard’s withering critique of culturally domesticated discipleship, to Karl Barth’s emphatic Nein! thrown in the face of the Kulturprotestantismus that was the form taken by the 'Christ of culture' model in liberal Protestantism.

And, of course, there are today in America forms of principled nonconformity finding expression among both politically left-wing and politically right-wing Christians who would revive, at least in theological and moral rhetoric, a 'Christ against culture' model—meaning, most specifically, Christ against American culture. There is, for instance, the vibrant home-schooling movement, which often goes far beyond education in forming elective communities of families supporting one another in resistance to the more meretricious elements of popular culture. Such communities—whether Catholic, Protestant, or ecumenical—are frequently charismatic in character. On the left, there are groups such as the Catholic Worker movement and Sojourners, focused on what they define as justice for the poor and, in their more diluted practical politics, supportive of the leftward wing of the Democratic Party. The mix of Christ-and-culture models is a many-splendored thing."

This Week's Adult Education

We will continue with the second part of Biblical Archaeology, noting that we will have to schedule further meetings in the near future as the sheer volume of material and interest is too daunting for only two sessions.

This week we will learn of Sir Leonard Woolley, Max Mallowan, Kathleen Kenyon, and William F. Albright as they take this discipline away from the treasure hunters of "crypto-archaeology" and place it safely in the science developed by the early Egyptologists.

We will also view maps and a list of discoveries of Biblical places, not to mention visit the increasingly technological world of diggers and squints.

We will meet in the church this Sunday as your vicar really, really needs to be able to move and show charts and pictures when he teaches.

What Will David Byrne Do?

Music Industry to Abandon Mass Suits

I'm Proud To Announce That This Comes From My [Adopted] Hometown Newspaper

Winner of the most prosaic headline competition:

Ice storm leaves many in the cold

Ongoing Archaeological Information

This article from the New York Times, linked to here and in an earlier posting on the original version of The Coracle, speaks of the significance of the latest excavation in the field of Biblical archaeology at the site known as Khirbet Qeiyafa. [It's also mentioned in the last portion of the excavations list below.]

This may give those interested some idea of how important these finds can be in the developing understanding of scripture.

[Pictured above is the partial reconstruction of a Mayan priests' retreat that is located somewhere in the Yucatan. Or maybe it's Knott's Berry Farm. No, it's the Yucatan as that dashing figure next to the mangrove tree is sporting his official Smithsonian Institution Tilley hat. He's also, I think, attempting to be Captain Morgan.]

Yep, The Parish Phone System Is Kerflooey. Again. [UPDATED]

I've dispatched the unpaid parish administrator to attend to this concern. According to the unpaid parish secretary, all should be in order by Wednesday.

Update: Phones are working again. Thank John Lloyd, one of only two persons on Earth who knows how to repair the phone system, for his good work addressing this.

Significant Excavations In Biblical Archaeology

• 1898–1900 Frederick J. Bliss and R.A.S. Macalister excavated 4 major sites in the Shephelah region of Israel:
Tell es-Safi (probably Biblical Gath)
Tell Zakariya (probably Biblical Azekah)
Tell ej-Judeideh (possibly Biblical Moresheth-Gath or Libnah)
Tell Sandahannah (probably Biblical Mareshah)
• 1902–3, 1907–9 R.A.S. Macalister excavated Gezer, where the oldest Hebrew inscription (Gezer Calendar) was found on the surface
• 1902–4 Ernest Sellin excavated Taanach
• 1903–5 Gottlieb Schumacher excavated Megiddo
• 1905–7 Herman Kohl, Ernest Sellin, and Carl Watzinger surveyed ancient synagogues in Galilee
• 1907–9 Ernest Sellin and Carl Watzinger excavated Shechem
• 1908, 1910–1 David G. Lyon, Clarence S. Fisher, and George A. Reisner excavated Samaria
• 1911–3 Duncan Mackenzie excavated Beth Shemesh
• 1921–3, 1925–8, 1930–3 Clarence S. Fisher, Alan Rowe, and Gerald M. Fitzgerald excavated Beth Shean
• 1922–3 William F. Albright excavated Tell el-Ful (probably Biblical Gibeah)
• 1925–39 Clarence S. Fisher, P.L.O. Guy, and Gordon Loud excavated Megiddo
• 1926, 1928, 1930, 1932 William F. Albright excavated Tell Beit Mirsim (possibly Biblical Eglon or Debir–Kirjath Sepher)
• 1926–7, 1929, 1932, 1935 William F. Bade excavated Mizpah
• 1928–33 Elihu Grant excavated Beth Shemesh
• 1930–6 John Garstang excavated Jericho
• 1931–3, 1935 John W. Crowfoot excavated Samaria
• 1932–38 James L. Starkey excavated Lachish (the excavation terminated when he was killed by bandits near Hebron while on his way to the opening ceremonies of the Palestine Archaeological Museum)
• 1936–40 Benjamin Mazar excavated Beit She’arim.
• 1948–50, 1952–5 Jacob Kaplan excavated Jaffa
• 1954, 1959–62 Yohanan Aharoni excavated Ramat Rahel
• 1955–8, 1968 Yigael Yadin excavated Hazor
• 1956–7, 1959–60, 1962 James B. Pritchard excavated Gibeon
• 1961–7 Kathleen Kenyon excavated Jerusalem (City of David)
• 1962–7 Yohanan Aharoni and Ruth Amiran excavated Arad
• 1962–3, 1965–72 Moshe Dothan excavated Ashdod
• 1963–5 Yigael Yadin excavated Masada
• 1964–74 G. Ernest Wright, William G. Dever, and Joe Seger excavated Gezer
o This was the first Palestinian excavation to operate as a school by granting academic/college credit.
• 1968–78 Benjamin Mazar excavated Jerusalem (southwest corner of the Temple Mount)
• 1969–76 Yohanan Aharoni and Ze’ev Herzog excavated Beersheba
• 1969–82 Nahman Avigad excavated Jerusalem (Jewish Quarter)
• 1973–94 David Ussishkin excavated Lachish
• 1975–82 Avraham Biran excavated Aroer
• 1977–9, 1981–9 Amihai Mazar and George L. Kelm excavated Timnah
• 1978–85 Yigal Shiloh excavated Jerusalem (City of David)
• 1979–80 Gabriel Barkay excavated Ketef Hinnom
• 1979, 1981–2, 1984–7, 1990–1, 1993–2000 David Livingston excavated Khirbet Nisya
• 1981–2, 1984–8, 1990, 1992–6 Trude Dothan and Seymour Gitin excavated Ekron
• 1989–96 Amihai Mazar excavated Tel Beit-Shean
2. 21st Century
• 1994–2007 Israel Finkelstein and David Ussishkin excavated Megiddo (ongoing annually)
• 1996–2002, 2004–2008 Aren Maeir excavates at Tell es-Safi (identified as Biblical Gath) of the Philistines
• 1997– Amihai Mazar excavated Tel Rehov
• 1999–2001, 2005 Ron Tappy excavated Tel Zayit (Zeitah)
• 2005 Oded Lipschits excavated Ramat Rahel
• 2005 Amir Gorzalczany and Gerald Finkielsztejn excavated Nahal Tut
• 2007 Yosef Garfinkel and Saar Ganor excavated Khirbet Qeiyafa

Links to the sites listed above will be offered by the end of the week.

Prophetic Dreams! Bandits!! Mummies!!!

Yes, its the wonderful world of Biblical archaeology, which will be tomorrow's adult education offering, the first of two parts.

We will meet around noon to spend forty-five minutes speaking of techniques, theories, histories, and discoveries. It really doesn't get any better than that.

[The photo above was taken on top of the Kukulcan pyramid in the central Yucatan overlooking a Mayan game field. Jenni asked me if I thought I was "Ohio Jones".]

The Second Sunday After Christmas

We have a lot of choices this Sunday, however I am always taken by the role of Joseph and his implicit and faithful trust in dreams. [In our prayers at the monastery he was referred to as Mary's "most chaste spouse", although one day Brother Martin got a little tongue-tied and referred to him as her "most spoused chaste".]

The lections may be found here.

This Week's Participants-
Lay Minister: Jane Canfield
Lector: Alexis Dorf
Epistler: Jacqueline Kuhn
Intercessor: Ginny Dildine
Head Usher: Alexis Dorf
Hospitality: Team Tweed
Altar Guild: Emily DiMartino and Alice Tweed
Flowers: Sue Kozlowski

No Surprise, Really

Americans give more to charity, per capita and as a percentage of gross domestic product, than the citizens of other nations.

Welcome To The New Coracle

The First Sunday After Christmas

It will also be "creative liturgy" Sunday, as I'm ready to do something a little different after our four big Eucharistic liturgies this week.

So, we will offer a delightful combination of the Office of Morning Prayer with touches of Lessons and Carols, including the Holy Communion. We will also leave ourselves open to spontaneity as it is, in the words of the poet, "the spark of existence."*

The lections may be found here.

*Anyone who can help me remember which poet it was who said that will get a prize. I think it was an American, but that's all I remember. Sorry, but my specialty was British poetry.

So, What'd You Get For Christmas?

I'm hard to buy for as I am the man who has everything. Well, except for that standing band saw. Oh, and an upright bass. One of those new ones that looks a little goofy/futuristic but can play a variety of types of music [see photo above].

No one ever buys me a stringed instrument, though. I don't know why.

I do get great things like this:

He Was With The Elephant In Groucho Marx's Pajamas

Man hits bear on motorcycle

I'm Not Sure This Is Even Possible

Graffiti wall is vandalised

I'll Make A Note

Study: Don't drive during heart attack

He Must Have Just Gotten Up

Van Winkle files late election complaint

A Post-Modern Definition Of Friendship

Man Shot 45 Times by Best Friend

What's That Day, Again?

I wasn't near a computer on Monday or Tuesday, having rediscovered the joys of the rugged life [early morning hikes, wood chopping, turkey stalking, and fibreglass installation] that now take the place of sitting numbly in front of a screen and reading of the world, and didn't have a chance to comment on two important days.

Monday was the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. 233 years if I remember correctly. ["Whatever It Takes"] I appreciate that marking this anniversary must puzzle some Episcopalians, but I have my reasons. If this angers someone, I would suggest they read about that Jesus fella. He wasn't keen on hating.

Tuesday was Veterans' Day. I looked to the front page of the New York Times that day for some wisdom and found this:


Well, that's okay. The NYT hasn't been a big fan of veterans for about forty years now. Maybe the Episcopal Church had something to say:


Errr, never mind. Respecting the dignity of every human being is difficult work. I know The Church didn't mean to ignore the day out of malice. I'm sure there were Sunday bulletin inserts that could be found. Besides, I stopped by a Veterans' Day ceremony on Tuesday and realized that I was the youngest person in attendance by about ten years. [I guess younger folks find it hard to lay a wreathe with an Ipod in one hand and a Starbucks cup in the other.] Maybe this is a day that has lost its relevance.

So, thanks to all those who have born the cost of democracy in ways that are not always respected in the post-modern world. It's the best we can do for those who did their best.

But They Give Them Out For Free

Man allegedly steals communion wafers from priest

Something New In The Funeral Industry

Body found in paper to be recycled in Twin Falls may have come from Boise area

What Happened To Separation Of Church And State?

Obama win may render Martin Luther’s dream prophetic

An Obituary Of Note

Maybe one of the most gracious men I've ever met. He had a lot to do with my spiritual formation. No, he wasn't a bishop.

Of Course

Four years ago, when John Kerry lost the presidential election, the portions of the country that did not vote for him were viewed...harshly...by certain folks. Actually, it wasn't just that these folks were disappointed that some states were not overwhelmed by the ideology of Kerry or his remarkably Gallic looks, they placed the blame on faith in Jesus. Y'know, the religion that guarantees that it's practitioners are against the benefits of liberty and education.

Apparently in 2004, you could choose either Kerry or Jesus, a choice that either absurdly elevated a remarkably prosaic politician or obscenely diminished a 2000-year-old trans-cultural religion. To choose the former meant you were so high minded that you could import Canada into the United States [I'm sure Canadians were delighted at that prospect]. To choose the latter meant that you were a dolt, and a superstitious one at that. Through Jesus we may be granted remission of sins, but only through Kerry would one get both liberty and education.

Now that the bulk of the counties of the country voted for the current President-Elect, I'm wondering if that means those of us who were born and raised in "Jesusland" are now permitted acceptance into the United States of Liberty and Education. If so, gee, thanks.

You Think He Would Have Learned After His First Fatal Jump

Skydiver Dies in Second Fatal Jump at Virginia Airport in 2 Months

You Don't Say

Talk about unnecessary research:

Research shows that time invested in practicing pays off for young musicians

Election Results [or Food Preference, I'm Not Quite Sure]

Bacon vs. Fries

Well, That's Radical. But, Why Not?

Analysis: Next up after Obama win, governing

Election Results

Some millionaire won. Another one didn't.

According to the conventions of my denomination's theology, the winning millionaire is "good", the losing one is "bad". This assignment of values has nothing to do with winning or losing, just to which political parties they belong. I wonder if dissent will still be the highest form of patriotism.

[I wish I had thought to buy a couple of cases of solvent to sell at an obscene profit to my colleagues and neighbors so they could remove their "Don't look at me, I didn't vote for him" bumper stickers as soon as possible.]