I Had To Post This Headline

Los Alamos National Laboratory Researchers Accidentally Blow up Building with a Cannon

Hiatus

The New Coracle will be closed for a few days as the staff takes a "between-the-holidays" break. Back on Friday with lots of fun things for the new year [including experiments with video announcements and the weekly reflection].

The First Sunday After Christmas

This week, we host our friends and neighbors from the Congregational Church. The lections may be found here.

Best To Stick With Plastic Animals

Church's nativity donkeys wander off

They Had It With Roast Pork And Poi

Hawaii broadband company gets fed stimulus money

Archaeological News

First Jesus era house found in Nazareth

Merry Christmas From The Roxbury Green

My camera isn't all that great for night shots, but for those who haven't seen the splendor of what is essentially my front yard, feast your eyes.

Liturgies For Christmas Eve And Christmas Day

Christmas Eve:
5:00 pm Celebration of the Holy Eucharist on the occasion of the Feast of the Incarnation with Carols and Hymns.

11:00 pm Festal Celebration of the Holy Eucharist, also with Carols, Hymns, and special music. [Carol Sing at 10:45pm.]

Christmas Day:
10:00 am Celebration of the Holy Eucharist with Carols.

Weather Update

4:40am: Still coming down; roads are being plowed but not the parish parking lot yet. Time to start shoveling the front of the church. Maybe.

4:57am: Okay, that was a bad idea. Drifting snow is making it difficult. Maybe I'll wait until dawn. Good thing it's not ten degrees warmer, or else those large flakes would be even more of a problem.

5:04am: Gee, what a novel idea: Southbury church: Service will go on

5:59am: Snow seems to be tapering off; strong wind is creating drifts, though, and the roads are still slippery even when plowed.

6:11am: Okay, forget what I said about the snow tapering off....

6:18am: Lt. Vance of the State Police is advising people to stay off the roads. Clearly, he doesn't understand the idea of the collection plate [Just kidding].

6:42am: A couple of guys came by to help me shovel [Well, I helped them. Well, I shoveled, too, just not as well] and to plow the parking lot. Now it feels like nap time.

6:50am: I almost forgot. The lections for the Fourth Sunday of Advent may be found here.

9:01am: A dozen people attended the 8am Eucharist and we are a "go" for the pageant.

Update From The Rectory Weather Desk

As the watch is now a warning, I want all to know that services will still be held at 8am and 10am Sunday morning. However, if you feel that it is dangerous to travel in the morning, please do not imperil life or limb. I'm planning to hold services on Thursday and Friday of this week, anyway.

As far as the Christmas pageant is concerned, we are planning on having it and the potluck dinner. It may very well be that we will receive a manageable snowfall that will be well cleared by 4:30 tomorrow afternoon.

Please feel free to contact your friendly, neighborhood rector with questions or suggestions. Stay tuned should new information be offered.

A Word About The Weekend Weather

I've gotten two questions today about our Sunday schedule in regards to the possibility of a storm. While I think that we have little to worry about [see map above], one of the great things about this weblog is the ability to disseminate information efficiently.

So, question #1: Will we have church on Sunday?

Short answer: Yes, at 8 and 10am.

Long answer: I haven't missed a Sunday due to weather in my career, even when I lived 40 miles away from an interim parish. Now that I live right next door, I have even less of an excuse not to be there dispensing the sacrament. Do not travel if you feel that it's dangerous, but know that I will be here ready to go on Sunday morning.

Question #2: Will we have the pageant on Sunday afternoon?

Short answer: Yes, at 4:30pm

Long answer: While I will wait to form a final opinion about this until early on Sunday, my inclination at this point is to assume that whatever weather we get will be manageable and cleared by the late afternoon.

Please check this site for continuing information from the Rectory Weather Desk.

Friday Photo: Mayan Panther

I Used To Play Bass With This Group

Kung fu monkeys

And He Only Works One Day A Year

In Chicago: Santa Sanitizes For The Holidays In Wake Of H1N1

In Canada: H1N1 Bars Santa Claus

Nationwide: Don't Kiss Santa, He Might Have H1N1

Not to be outdone, in Hungary: Chimneys closed to Santa to prevent H1N1 spread

I Was Always Bad At Word Problems Myself

Malaria cases likely half in third of countries

Now This Is Too Much

Anglican 'Santa' barred from giving gifts to children at detainee centre

What amazes me even more is that the Anglican Church has an expert on St. Nick and that his name is Rosenthal.

Interactive Map Of The Growth Of World Religion

Seasonal Celtic Prayer

Days of heavy clouds stifling the sunlight
the world burdened by grayness and gloom

Open our eyes, O Lord
To the coming of your light
Lifting the burden of darkness.

Chillness that seeps deep into bones
hearts and spirits rigid with frost-hardness
souls wrapped up against coldness and loneliness.

Open our souls, Lord,
To the warmth of your arrival
Melting the hardness
The separates us from the world and eternity.

[The photo above is of St. Barnabas' House, where I spent my time in monastic life. I couldn't find a photo of the House in winter, unfortunately.]

Hymns For The Fourth Sunday Of Advent

Processional 66 Stuttgart

Gradual 102 Irby

Offertory 450 Coronation

Recessional 58 Helmsley

This Should Have Been In A Church

Elevator mural casts you as Adam on the Sistine Chapel's ceiling

He Also Had A Rolls Royce Silver Cloud And I Had A Ford Escort

Gene Barry, Actor of TV, Film and Stage, Dies at 90

It was Amos Burke who made me want to get a phone in my car. Of course, Burke had his in the early 1960's and I didn't get one until thirty+ years later, but still....

I now have a phone in my pocket and don't want it.

The Third Sunday Of Advent

It's Rose Sunday, which means we light the third candle on the Advent wreath, the rose-colored one. It represents a lightness in the time of preparation and serves as a caution not to become too serious and dour about the season itself. After all, we are preparing for celebration.

This week Zephaniah reminds us to rejoice and exalt, as are the Philippians reminded, and John the Baptizer gives us a glimpse of some of the realities in First Century economics. All this plus why I'm glad I don't worship Gaia or the PGA.

The lections may be found here.

Friday Photo: Telecaster

God And Dog

If you have ever had a dog, or sought to understand God more deeply, this may be of some aid in your spiritual quest.

God and Dog

[This comes courtesy of Jayne, who is a member of the only other congregation for which I have regard equal to that in which I hold Christ Church. In fact, when you want to be bored, I'll tell you of how Jayne's parish convinced me to continue to be a priest, even though I had pretty well decided to move on from the church life.]

Hymns For The Third Sunday Of Advent

Processional 437 Birmingham

Gradual 544 Duke Street

Offertory 656 Franconia

Recessional 376 Hymn to Joy

And I'm In Roxbury

Surf's up as biggest waves in five years come to Hawaii after North Pacific storm

This Season's Best Decoration

Source

Be Circumspect Before Following The Link...

...as this addition to the mortality industry is a little, ah, disturbing:

Personal Urns

Oh, and it's available in two sizes.

Apparently, The Episcopal Church Is Now A Sect

At least according to the Associated Press:

Mary Glasspool would be sect's 2nd openly gay bishop

Sightings

Mass. woman sees image of Jesus on her iron

Burleson Couple Says Egg Is A Message From God

Beatle Ringo Starr's face seen in water droplet on lotus leaf

How Did I Miss This Obit?

Paul Wendkos, Director of ‘Gidget’ Surfer Movies, Is Dead at 84

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Elf jailed over dynamite hoax on Santa

The Second Sunday Of Advent

This week Baruch metaphorically advises a change of garments for Jerusalem, the Philippians receive a happy letter, and the Man of Advent himself makes his first appearance in the Gospel of Luke. All this plus the secret of the Hand Jive.

The lections may be found here.

Jake Enjoys His First Full Week At The Rectory

As you can tell, he's thrilled.

Friday Photo: Inside The Green Room

Debris Pile, Day Three

The World Of A Fire Chaplain

Chaplain's Faith Helps to Deal With Tragic Fire

I appreciate that Roman Catholic priests get some pretty rough treatment these days, especially in the press. Remember that there are still good men of faith working on behalf of the Gospel for little remuneration and dwindling respect. I have a feeling this fellow has been in the right place at the right time more often than he realizes. Thanks, Father Scanlon.

Ahem

New Rector Feels Right at Home at Christ Episcopal Church

[Actually, I ride the skateboard from the Senior Center to the Rectory, not the other way around, as that would be uphill.]

How To Starve The Healthy Way

Hungry, sure, but food is healthier

"When a small church comes to the Bowery Mission bearing fried chicken with trans fat, unwittingly breaking the law, they’re told “thank you.” Then workers quietly chuck the food...."

On the other hand, I'm glad to see that Holy Apostles, an Episcopal parish, still knows the right thing to do. Sometimes all our blather about "questioning authority" has a real world application that fulfills Gospel teaching.

Well, There Goes That Decorating Idea

I was just about to decorate with lights and other Christmas ephemera that rather dreary area along the driveway entrance to the Christ Church campus when two fellows in unmarked vehicles came by, trimmed the tree, and left. Since casual conversation and eye-contact were not on their agenda, they were unclear about what else they have planned. However, I appreciate the Lone Rangers, mystery men that they are, for trimming and caring for the tree with such zeal.

I think I'll decorate the area next year.

"Efforts to reach Christ for comment were unsuccessful."

Jesus Christ dumped from jury pool for disruption

Wow, Those Are Some Dramatic Cuts

From this article: LAUSD Superintendent orders hiring freeze and other cuts

"The only exceptions to the hiring freeze will be for classroom teachers, principals, assistant principals, cafeteria managers, school police officers, bus drivers teachers' assistants, education aides, special education assistants and plant managers."

Must Have Bought The Shelf In Woodbury

Darwin book found on shelf worth up to $100,000

Archaeological News [and Canine, Too]

Dogs to look for archaeological remains on Port Angeles waterfront

Hymns For The Second Sunday Of Advent

Processional 59 Merton

Gradual 7 Ratisbon

Offertory 324 Picardy

Recessional 416 Lucerna Laudoniae

The Feast Of St. Andrew

Most references to Andrew in the New Testament simply include him on a list of the Twelve, or group him with his brother, Simon Peter. But he appears individually three times in the Gospel of John. When Greeks wish to speak with Jesus, they approach Philip, who tells Andrew, and the two of them mediate with Jesus (Jn 12:20-22). Before Jesus feeds the Five Thousand, it is Andrew who says, "Here is a lad with five barley loaves and two fish." (Jn 6:8f]; and the first two disciples whom John reports as attaching themselves to Jesus (Jn 1:35-42) are Andrew and "the disciple whom Jesus loved" [John].

Having met Jesus, Andrew then finds his brother Simon and brings him to Jesus. Thus, on each occasion when he is mentioned as an individual, it is because he is instrumental in bringing others to meet the Savior. In the Episcopal Church, the Fellowship of Saint Andrew is devoted to encouraging personal evangelism, and the bringing of one's friends and colleagues to a knowledge of the Gospel of Christ.

Several centuries after the death of Andrew, some of his relics were brought by a missionary named Rule to Scotland, to what is now known as St. Andrew's, nowadays best known as the site of the world-famous golf course. Hence, Andrew's association with the jewel of the British Isles.

According to pious legend, Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross, as represented on the design of the official flag of Scotland.

For those interested, the flag of the United Kingdom, the "Union Jack", is a combination of the crosses of St. Andrew [white x-shaped cross on a blue field], St. George, the patron of England [red cross on a white field], and that of St. Patrick, the patron of Ireland [red x-shaped cross on a white field].

Sorry, Wales and St. David. You got left out.

Headline Of The Week

Harper lauds press freedom in speech, doesn't take questions from reporters

The First Sunday Of Advent

This week we change seasons [yay] from Pentecost to Advent and from the green liturgical color to that of Sarum Blue or violet as we begin to prepare for the Incarnation. To aid us in that, Jeremiah reveals his prophecy, the Thessalonians get a pat on the head, and Jesus interprets the signs. All this plus what happened the day I got a new Jesus in my classroom.

The lections may be found here.

[A word about the blue color in use during this church season. That shade, generally known as "Sarum blue", is based on that in use by the Celts in the days before Christianity was brought to the British Isles. In times of war and in holy seasons, faces would be painted with a mixture of roots and clay. It was also a common color in Celtic art.

After the arrival of Christianity, Sarum blue was translated from Celtic religion to the Celtic Christianity that developed nearly 300 years before the Church of Rome became dominant. I appreciate there are those who state that the color is evocative of Our Lady, and certainly Sarum blue has been used in that regard, and others who feel it's a cynical ploy on behalf of church supply companies to sell more merchandise. But the reality is that it evokes our pre-Roman heritage and serves as a reminder of the Celtic roots of our worship.]

Rectory Flag

This isn't an easy one to recognize, especially as it's not the official flag of Scotland [pictured below], but the unofficial, and rather insurrectionist, "Lion Rampant". Why don't I use the official flag? Because I don't have one.

Why is any flag of Scotland being flown? Easy. Monday is the Feast of St. Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland and one of the lesser feast days in the Episcopal Church. This is particularly significant since it was not the Church of England that consecrated the first bishop of TEC, but three bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church. For all of our Anglican pretense, we owe our existence to the Scots and trace our independent lineage from them.

More about St. Andrew on Monday.

Friday Photo: Surf City Pier

Surfer Soul Food For Thanksgiving

Since people ask me what we do for Thanksgiving [I know you're just being polite, but be careful what you ask for], there is a particular dish that I like to prepare to either delight or horrify those with whom we share the holiday. [If you're looking for a turkey recipe, you've come to the wrong place. We never eat turkey at Thanksgiving. What are we, a buncha Congregationalists?] The recipe and preparation instructions follow:

Surf City Curbside Fish Tacos

Ingredients:

1 lb of fresh swordfish steak
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
1 doz corn tortillas
Vegetable oil or butter (optional, depending on how you heat your tortillas)
Lime Mango sauce [see instructions]
1 ripe Avocado
Cabbage or iceberg lettuce
Cider vinegar
Salt

Prepare the sauce. This can be done either the simple or the complex way. The simple way is as follows:

1. Go to Stop and Shop
2. Buy some lime mango sauce in aisle 6

You may use it as a marinade for the fish and then, with the addition of some sour cream, use the remainder as the sauce for the finished dish. Naturally, don't use the sauce in which the fish has been marinating for the presentation sauce. At least, that's what Jenni always tells me. What she doesn't know won't hurt her.

The more complex way is to do the following:

Place two ripe, peeled and pitted mangoes and some lime juice [two limes or equivalent] into a food processor and blend until pureed. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of cold water. Stir in one diced jalapeno with seeds and skin removed [unless you like four-alarm sauce, like I do, in which case toss the seeds and skin into the whole shebang] and there you go. Save it until taco construction.

Prepare the cabbage and avocado. Thinly slice the cabbage and put it in a small serving bowl, sprinkle it with cider vinegar (about a tablespoon) and salt (about a teaspoon). Mix in the vinegar and salt. Peel the avocado and remove seed. Chop and reserve for later.

Heat the tortillas. There are two ways of doing this.
1. Simply heat them in the microwave for 20-25 seconds on high heat, on top of a napkin or paper towel to absorb the moisture that is released.
2. Or heat a cast iron skillet to medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil to the pan or spread a half a teaspoon of butter on one side of one tortilla. Place tortilla in the pan (butter side down if you are using butter). As the tortilla sizzles, flip the tortilla with a spatula so that the other side gets some of the oil or butter from the pan. Continue to flip every 10-30 seconds until the tortillas begins to develop air pockets, after about a minute. You can always skip the butter or oil.

Remove the tortilla from the pan and place it folded on a plate. If the pan is large enough you can prepare two or more tortillas at once. Continue until all the tortillas (estimate 3 per person) are cooked. Set aside.

Cook the fish. Soak the fish fillets in cold water for at least one minute. Pat dry with a paper towel. Heat a large stick-free skillet to medium high heat. Add a couple of teaspoons of olive oil to the skillet. Place fish on skillet. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillets. A thin fillet may take only one minute on each side to cook. A thicker fillet may take a couple of minutes. Fish should be still barely translucent when cooked. Break off a piece and test if you are not sure, or give it to your cat and see what he does with it. Do not overcook the fish. When done, remove the fish from the pan to a separate plate. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Place the plate of tortillas, fish, the sauce, cabbage, and avocados on the table and let everyone assemble their own. You go to a separate room where it's quiet and watch a football game. Preferably, Ohio State. Or maybe that DVD of Endless Summer I or II.





The staff of The New Coracle will be off-duty on Thursday and Friday of this week. Please have a pleasant Thanksgiving.

[Today in Huntington Beach, California, the high temperature will be 67 degrees with cloudy conditions. The surf forecast is poor/fair.]

An Important Safety Video

And you thought all firefighters did was wash trucks, lift weights, and play a little pool around the firehouse. Nah, they also teach about safety by making things explode in flames. Namely, turkeys.

I Was A Chaplain Here; That Was Our Motto On Pay Day

Letters Lost, Meaning Found

Bet He Didn't Even Know They Were Missing

Galileo’s 2 fingers and a tooth found

Now This Is Really Neat

Digital map reveals Israeli archaeology

Pentecost Last: Christ The King

This week we hear David's final words, learn from John of Patmos what we may find at the beginning and the end of creation, and see Jesus bring a new form of debate to someone with a very Greek education. All this plus what Harry Pedicord said on that fateful first day of class.

The lections may be found here.

Stop Meeping!

I spent twelve years of my professional life as high school teacher, teacher/chaplain, and teacher/chaplain/administrator. One of the most important things to learn when working with teenagers is what to take seriously and what not to. One should come to realize that the jocular enthusiasms of the student body tend to be transient and silly, rather than harmful. They generally don't last very long, certainly not past a school vacation. There is no point in letting adolescent absurdity turn one into a humorless, scolding martinet.

It appears that the administrators at a high school in Massachusetts are still processing this understanding. The tale, sad is it seems, is told here:

Mass. high school principal bans students from saying 'Meep!'

I'm trying to imagine what it must have been like to be a parent, coming home at the end of the long, busy day, to listen to a "robo-call" informing you that your child and his/her classmates may not issue the sound "Meep" without receiving a substantial, official punishment. If it were me, I'd check the wall calendar to see it were April.

The story gets better when an attorney, seeing this for what it is, decided to send the administrators a one-word e-mail. That tale may be found here. [It includes law enforcement!.]

Something All Too Familiar

When Lutherans split

A Cold And Flu Statement

The other day I received a call from reporter at one of the daily newspapers in Connecticut. I find that I am in a lot of reporters’ address books since I have worked in so many communities in New England. What she wanted to know was whether I was going to stop dispensing the Holy Communion during the cold and flu season. I was tempted to point out that a priest excommunicating his entire congregation is something that I don’t believe has happened since the Middle Ages but, instead, I gave a ponderous historical response that ensured that I would never be quoted in an American newspaper.

However, I did speak to a professional about what would be best for us to do, a physician who specializes in infectious disease, and he said the likeliest way that H1N1 would spread in a congregation would be if I were so infected and handled the sacramental bread without first using anti-bacterial solution on my hands. Although I am not carrying the H1N1 flu at this time, I can promise the congregation that, during the general exchange of the peace, I will be unobtrusively in the vestry washing my hands in anticipation of the consecration of the elements.

Also, I would remind the congregation that there are three ways in which one may receive the Blood of Christ. The first, and most traditional, is drinking from the proffered cup. The second is to practice intinction, touching the bread not directly into the wine itself but to the interior wall of the cup [and not directly and deeply into the wine itself]. The third method, viaticum, is generally used either by those who are in recovery for alcoholism or intubated in a hospital bed, but is no less valid for use by those concerned about disease. With viaticum, the communicant simply touches the chalice while the priest or lay minister issues the words of ministration [“The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation” or similar expressions].

The Holy Communion will always be offered “in both kinds”, that is, in bread and wine, as that is a key feature of our tradition that has remained inviolate for half a millennium. So serious are we as a church about this feature that we are reminded that many of those who delivered the sacrament in both kinds in the early days of our tradition suffered remarkable punishments, all so that would have both the Body and the Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord as part of the liturgy. I would also remind the congregation that another feature of Anglicanism is that we respect individual choices in this matter, rather than make choices on behalf of those who join us in worship.

Friday Photo: Huntington Beach

One Of "Those" Stories

Every once in awhile I read a newspaper story that causes my Christian serenity to be shaken. Mrs. Rector usually suggests that I mention it on The New Coracle rather than yell at the newspaper or television set.

This is one of those stories:

Union troubled by Eagle Scout project in Allentown

Here's the quote that got me: "'We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails,' Balzano told the council."

If this kid needs a contribution to his defense fund, put me down for a pledge.

Hey, I Bought Some Guitar Wood From These Guys...

...wait...no, I didn't. Must be the shoulder pain medicine that confused me. Is the FBI reading this?

Gibson Guitar plant in Nashville raided by feds

Actually Eating One Would Have Been A Class A Felony

Cops: Woman Hit With Cheesesteak

Maybe I Could Replace The Skateboard With One Of These

Amazing footage of kite surfers flying over Worthing Pier

Looks like everyone is getting involved with it:

The Angolan Kitesurfing Association has been founded

Quote Of The Week

From NYC papers' circulation offices raided

"Calls to the newspapers seeking information on whether the news operations were involved were not returned."

In other words, newspapers refused to return the calls of newspapers about this story. That would really be news if a newspaper said "no comment" to itself. Samuel Beckett would have loved this.

Feast Day Of St. Hilda Of Whitby

Hilda was, for all intents and purposes, the spiritual head of the Celtic Church in the days before our tradition was consumed by the Church of Rome [only to be liberated 900 years later]. Ironically, she also played a large role in the synod that determined that our tradition would be a part of Rome; something that is debated with much passion to this day.

More of her may be read here.

Ce que l'enfer est en place avec les Français?

French hamster hotel lets guests live like rodents

Glad I Usually Take The Garden State Expressway

Turkey on NJ Turnpike causes havoc, evades capture

When I Was A Clevelander, I Found It Best To Live In Cleveland

Survey: Israel best country for Israelis

HIstorical Note

According to early church leader Clement of Alexandria (c.155-c.220), Jesus was born on this day in 3 B.C.

Medical Update

Good news: minor wrist injury. Bad news: shoulder tendon damage. However, the skateboard is up for the season. Too bad, as I had just made it non-stop from the Senior Center all the way to the tennis courts.

Looks like I'm going to have to learn to type with one hand for awhile, too.

Here's what I'm asking Mrs. Rector to give me for Christmas.

Archaeological News

Discoveries of Polish archaeologists in a Byzantine basilica in Egypt

[Actually, despite this oddly translated headline, what was discovered were remnants of Christian life in an area near Alexandria. As far as I know, no Polish archaeologists were discovered at the dig site.]

The Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

This week Hannah reminds us that the best of prayer is also the best of poetry, the Hebrews learn of the new, and never to be broken, covenant, and Jesus speaks directly about the calamity that is to come. All this plus a kindergartner's hand-me-down and its relation to a bunch of old vets on their day.

The lections may be found here.

Princeton - Yale

Yes, today the Princeton Tigers will get beat like a gong by the Bulldogs. Er, I mean the Princeton geniuses will meet the Yale thugs to let them win and appease New Haven's feelings of self-worthlessness.

At any rate, the orange and black will fly one more time from the rectory. I will also be sporting my "Beat Yale" hat during the day. I guess that's why I'm often called "Mr. Fashion".

[Frantic Update: Clearly, the Tigers experienced some form of psychic shift and dominated the field during the first half, enough to secure a 24-17 victory. It's the new, orange jerseys with the built-in hand warmer pockets, I'm sure. Actually, I think there's another reason, but that one I'm saving for a sermon in the not-too-distant future.]

Another Obituary Of Note

David Lloyd, 75, Dies; Wrote ‘Chuckles’ Episode

I didn't know his name until I read his obit this morning, but the "Chuckles" episode of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, if you never saw it, was not only hilarious but a great examination of how people grieve.

To be reminded, or to know what the heck I'm talking about, just click on the three parts of the episode that appear below. Ah, the power of the Internet.

Friday Photo: Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, California

An Obituary Of Note [And Of One Of My Early Heroes]

One of the first smokejumpers dies at 98

A very good book about smoke jumpers is Norman Maclean's Young Men And Fire. Maclean was also the author of the better known A River Runs Through It. Either may be purchased by clicking on the icons below with 4% of the purchase price donated by Amazon.com to Christ Church.

And It's Kosher, Too

Glowing report for gefilte fish

The Feast Of St. Martin Of Tours

I appreciate the recognition of Veterans' Day today, but the church calendar also marks two individuals who contributed mightily to the progressive work of Christians over the last seventeen centuries.

The Episcopal Church recognizes St. Martin of Tours. Martin, in addition to being a bishop, was also trained in medicine and law. In Christian art and iconography he is frequently pictured holding three bezels representing the three academic disciplines.

He is primarily noted for an action in which he engaged before his ecclesiastical career. When he was a soldier, upon observing a beggar freezing in the winter temperatures, he cut his own cloak in half with his sword so that it might be shared with the unfortunate man. At the end of the day, in a dream, Christ came to Martin wearing half a cloak. This vision encouraged him to become a Christian. He died on this date, it is thought, in the year 397, after working to establish a sense of Christian justice in the still largely-pagan area of Tours.

Our brothers and sisters in The Lutheran Church recognize the great existential philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, today. Kierkegaard, who lived from 1813 to this date in 1855, was loath to present in his philosophy a concrete explanation as to the mystery of life, and acknowledged that embracing mystery often lead to fear. Because of the absurdity of existence, rather than in spite of it, we find a way to abide with God. [That's the really, really short form.]

Unless You Have A Heart Of Stone...

...this will make you misty: a collection of videos of soldiers being welcomed home by their dogs.

The Episcopal Church's Press Release For Veterans' Day:

The Great Spiritual Quest Is Over

Villagers confine rare turtle, say it is God

I Should Have Tried This Excuse With Mom

Woman diagnosed with fear of vegetables

Maybe Reproductive Education Is Part Of The New Healthcare Bill

First Lady: People ask my mom, 'What did you do to create Michelle Obama?'

I Don't Often See Films These Days...

...as I don't want to take out a bank loan to watch computer drawn images of destruction or chemistry-free young actors pretending that they're deeply in love by insulting one another for two hours or by inferior re-workings of plots from much better films. [Oh, yes, I can be opinionated. I learned it from St. Paul.]

But this one I just can't miss:

BoardRoom

More like this please. Until then, I'll be in Ransom's Tavern [aka the rectory basement] watching Lawrence of Arabia for the umpteenth time.

For Those So Inclined

How To Help Fort Hood Victims, Families

The Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

This week, Ruth seeks a "kinsman-redeemer", Jesus' role as mediator is refined for the Hebrews, and I suspect that the disciples had a bad day at the giving bay. All this plus what happens when you don't have reservations.

The lections may be found here.

Today's Rectory Flag

It was a little hard to take this shot, as I was facing the sun and the wind is too strong to allow the flag to stay at rest. Still, this is to commemorate an important birthday this coming week, not to mention the introduction to another important date on Wednesday.

["Whatever It Takes"]

[BTW, if I had a US Army flag, given yesterday's events, it would be flying. This one will suffice to represent not only the gift of all veterans in the past, but that which they continue to offer; not just in foreign lands.]

Celtic Morning Prayer

Thanks to Thee, O God, that I have risen today,
To the rising of this life itself;
May it be to Thine own glory, O God of every gift,
And to the glory of my soul likewise.

O great God, aid Thou my soul
With the aiding of Thine own mercy;
Even as I clothe my body with wool,
Cover Thou my soul with the shadow of Thy wing.

Help me to avoid every sin,
And the source of every sin to forsake;
And as the mist scatters on the crest of the hills,
May each ill haze clear from my soul, O God.

[Above is the Lake Isle at Innisfree, made rather famous by the poem of the same name by Yeats, which appears below.]

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; 10
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements gray,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

Archaeological News

Archaeologists find 120 coins from the Revolt era

[The second revolt era took place approximately a century after the Crucifixion and 60 years after the first revolt, the one which resulted in the destruction of the Temple and events at Masada.]

I'm Glad We Raised Chickens

Farmer fined for ignoring cow's 'psychological needs'

That's One Tough Vehicle. Agile, Too

SUV smashes into Eastside tavern, runs

A Nearby Archaeological Mystery

Riddle of 200 year old Irish grave in New York

I Might Challenge That Theological Concept

“The injunction of Jesus to love others as ourselves is an endorsement of self-interest.”

Stories From Around The World

That's a very broad definition of "healthy":
3 half-marathoners who died described as healthy

Considering Albert's been dead 54 years, his IQ may be somewhat low: Two-year-old with same IQ as Einstein

Where else but Texas:
Would-Be Burglars Foiled By Billiard Balls

'Bout Time

Fathers Gain Respect From Experts

Ikea Has Everything

'Jesus's face' spotted on the toilet door in Ikea Glasgow

Sunday Fun

The Origins of All 30 NBA Team Names

All Saints' Sunday

This week Solomon waxes poetic on the nature of the soul, John of Patmos waxes hallucinogenic on the new Jerusalem, and Jesus demonstrates the exact way to read his audience's emotions. All this plus how Halloween reinforces social convention [and why that's important].

The lections may be found here.

Hey, Parents

Just a reminder that the Rectory will be dispensing the usual treats for All Hallows' Eve on Saturday in Roxbury from 5pm until 7pm. Consider it a very safe stop for trick-or-treaters and a rest stop for parents.

Just Perfect For A Snow Day; Or When The Schools Are Closed Due To H1N1

A website that enables you to watch hundreds of classic movies on your computer. For free, I might add.

Classic Cinema Online

[If you don't know, ask the rector how to hook up your computer to your tv set. It's especially good if you have a 58 inch set.]

I recommend "Crack in the World". It stars the ever-fab actor, Kieron Moore.

Best Story And Photo Of The Week. Thus Far.

KFC 'colonel' dupes UN security

[You should know that Mrs. Rector once worked for a television ad studio that had The Colonel as a client. Lord, the stories she could tell you about Harlan.]

Changing Times

The first wetsuit I ever bought was black. The second one was black with the manufacturer's name written in gray on the chest. Both were long-lived and serviceable in a variety of surf conditions. In fact, I'd still have that first one if a mouse hadn't eaten through it one winter.

This is what the new one looks like and, believe me, this is one of the "quieter" examples in the art of neoprene:

It reminds me of what a lot of congregations try to do: bring a lot of flash to something that's actually pretty basic. All a wetsuit needs to do is keep me warm in the surf and not come apart on rough days. It should be capable of being balled up in the back of the pickup for the ride home, abide with all forms of abrasive sand, and even host a shellfish or two. A fashion plate I don't need to be.

All congregations need to do is provide ministries that support all who enter through the doors. Parishes are to invite, welcome, sustain, and challenge as they have been doing since the first timorous collection gathered in those terrible and exciting early days of Christianity. While one may dress up ministry with new slogans, trendy topics, and obsequious overtures to episcopal authority, real ministry, whatever its guise or presentation, is carried not by its packaging but by its reality. It serves in a manner that is sturdy, long-lived, and remarkably utilitarian.

As a wetsuit is judged by its function rather than its colors, so is a parish judged by the happiness and community that is generated by its ministry. I think we've done well in regards to happiness. Now its time to begin to rebuild the aspects of fellowship and innovation that will enable our community to become stronger.

Archaeological News. Maybe.

Mystery stone found near church linked to Knights Templar

Obligatory "big shark in the surf" Story...

...that keeps newspapers in surf areas, especially Down Under, in business.

10-foot Great White Shark bitten nearly in half by 20-foot 'monster shark' near Australian beach

Also, a friend of mine, who reads this blog, has extreme selachophobia. This one's for you, buddy.

Another Sort Of Story About Canterbury

This seems apt, given that today is the Feast of William Temple, who was Archbishop during the Second World War. This story, however, is about a more contemporary Archbishop of Canterbury and includes a bit of a mystery; one that is aided by a scuba diver with the uncanny ability to assign motive without the clumsy need of corroborating evidence. Come to think of it, a weird religious practice would be a good way for the divers to sell their story for publication and, maybe, a reality series.

Bishop’s rare gifts immersed in river mystery

My favorite quote: "But Gary Bankhead does not believe a robbery was involved. Based on the location of the finds, he has concluded that Ramsey himself probably dropped the items into the river."

Thanks, "Kreskin".

[Above is Durham Cathedral, thought by many to be the most beautiful of all the cathedrals in the UK.]

Deanery Meeting Tonight

As hosted by Christ Church, we will be offering a program on the H1N1 virus. All members of the deanery [that's you, the reader] are invited. It begins at 7:00 pm with the Office of Evening Prayer.

Their Water Tasted "Salty"

Something sure to raise the blood pressure of anyone who has ever worked in any form of emergency services, especially as a volunteer:

Responders fear misuse of 'Yuppie 911' GPS beacons

The Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost

This week Job concludes, Christianity is reconciled with the Jewish priesthood, and Jesus grants a special request. All this plus how some old rectory floorboards gives sustenance during difficult days.

The lections may be found here.

Follow The Episcopal Election On Twitter

Just look to the right hand column of The New Coracle to find the frequent updates.

We Won

I do have celebratory news to bring via Diocesan Convention. Christ Church, Roxbury just received a very large trophy for pledging the largest amount to the Bishop's Fund. Maureen and I received it on everyone's behalf and it is now strapped to the hood of my car.

Photos to follow, I hope, and it will be in the sanctuary on Sunday morning.

I just read of the terrible accident that occurred yesterday, and of the stark tragedy that has been experienced by an area family. Please mark these young men in your prayers and, if anyone knows how we may be of assistance, please let me know. A convention at which I am merely an observer is something that is easy to skip in order to aid those in my town, regardless of whether or not they are members of our parish.

UPDATE: Many thanks to those of you who alerted me to this. As it turns out, the young man who died was also a graduate of Rumsey Hall School, where I serve as chaplain. As ever, please let any and all know that we stand by to help.

From One Convention To Another

Back just in time for the Connecticut Episcopalian version of Woodstock. [Well, without the mud, music, drugs, or general conviviality.] Watch Twitter for updates, such as they are. I'm banished to the cathedral choir loft due to diocesan bureaucracy which prevents me from voting or sitting on the floor. [Apparently, I haven't been in the diocese long enough. Yeah, I know.] But I may have the chance to blog, so who knows?

One other advantage to non-voting is that I may be able to visit the Cabela's store for their weekend sale without missing a ballot.

Yellow Helmets

[The West Coast guys prefer these to the black helmets familiar in the East. Don't know why.]

Practice Burn House