Life - What a very funny insight into the Church of England (and the Episcopal Church too???)

Please, please, please click this link and consider afresh the hesitancy some have about The Peace in church!!!

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Click here: YouTube - Mrs. Beamish

Life - Isn't this just an amazing picture???

I don't usually forward the many and various emails I receive but looking at this picture this morning brought a smile... enjoy!

Life - Bibles v. Cell 'Phones

This was sent to me by a friend... challenging, yes? Perhaps we can begin by finding some business card size cards and then writing some verses down and reviewing them during the day??

Cell Phones vs Bibles
Even wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones? What if we carried it around in our purse or pocket? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we turned back to get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live with out it? What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergencies? And unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. God asked me, 'my child, what can I do for you'? And I said 'Father, please protect the person reading this message'. God smiled and answered 'request granted'..

Films - Australia

Now I really enjoyed this film - it was long (so, for me, it was pleasant to watch it in the comfort of a home chair but I'm sure I missed something from not seeing some of the scenery on the big screen).

A "ripping yarn" - with several plausible stories interwoven throughout the film including the global aspect of the Second World War physically encroaching on Australian soil.

Now when I talked with a good Australian friend, I became a little less enthusiastic about the film but still was very pleased and happy to have watched it. Only in conversation did I realize the probable play on the "Wizard of Oz" theme and film that appears in the film and a name of Australia... "Aus".

Oh the end (with the Enigma variation played so well) was very moving and stirred in me a little the sadness of an Empire slowly (inevitably and rightly) giving its "young colonies" the freedom to be themselves... yes, I realize that the "giving" was not too voluntary in any example but...

Once again in this batch of dvds - the challenging theme of knowing when, and being able, to let go! Good and healthy for all but then the act of surrender and the acceptance of lack of control is probably a life-long quest of all spiritualities... Christianity very much included.

Film - Everybody Wants to be Italian

Yes, this was the one of the group that satisfied the quest for the "romantic comedy" genre! If you can overlook the title (that can't be true, is it?), the film is funny, pretty authentic (even to the longing attachment the hero has for his love of years ago despite all evidence that things have moved on - possible?) and some of the dialogue is just plain and openly funny... especially given the placement of a psychology student working in the fish market!

But from Frank Scheck - "This lame-brain romantic comedy strives hard for a shambling charm, but is unlikely to prove appealing to even the most undemanding of audiences" ouch! Perhaps I expect little from this genre and am rarely disappointed!

Film - Dorothy Mills

Variously called "The Irish Exorcist" (just in time for St. Patrick's Day??!!) or "a gentle contemporary version of the Exorcist.

This was the one of our joint recent choices which I was to watch by myself while Wendy was otherwise occupied.

It was neither horror nor frightening and also a little scary.

There are some wonderful views of Irish/Scottish coastlines and one is introduced to the stark life of those who live on the Western Isles. A strict, somewhat sheltered and theologically incestuous religious community condone that which should not be condoned.

The "twist" is interesting and I, for one, do not consider it to be impossible. People will do all that they can do "hang on and not let go" - whether it be the living or the dead! Denial is a powerful and consuming energy! "The truth shall set you free...".

From Rotten Tomatoes - ""Dorothy Mills" is atmospheric and well acted, but too derivative to be memorable".

Film - Way of War

Without a doubt, we chose to rent the dvd because it starred Cuba Gooding, Jr. - he let us down. I would not recommend this at all... same old themes of conspiracy, the righteous man etc.
Even my respected Rotten Tomatoes site does not even rate the film... perhaps just as well.

Films - Taking Chance

I found this to be an amazing, moving and provocative film. Kevin Bacon is just perfect for the role of Marine Colonel escorting back to Billings, MO the body of a Marine slain in Iraq. Much to my surprise... often I was deeply moved, even to tears.

This is definitively not an anti-war film but it portrays vividly the cost of war on an individual level.

The responses of bystanders to the coffin remind me that there really are no bystanders in life... even the posture of neglect, inertia or apparent oversight is a posture!

Life - One of Life's Achievements

So, is this one of life's achievements... having a sandwich named after one? Even though the title (and the name) are slightly mis-spelled - the arrow points to "Vicor S/W". The hand is that of Suzanne... a gloriously warm manager of Tuscany whose facility to remember names is quite staggering (and so appreciated).

Ah... the Good Shepherd knows us each by name!

Books - Straight Man by Richard Russo

I think what attracted me to the novel was both a quotation from a NYT Book Reviewer ("The funniest serious novel I have read since - well, maybe since Portnoy's Complaint") and that the novel centred around university life and politics. I really didn't find it too funny nor serious and the "university politics" theme is still far better expressed by C.P. Snow and David Lodge. Ah well!

William Henry Devereaux, Jr is coming to terms (a little painfully) with aging, profession and the challenges of being a husband and parent. At times he comes near to "slaying the golden goose" (literally) but backs away!

His wife, Lily, observes that he becomes "more misanthropic every day". His response, "I get older every day". I can appreciate that a little... and I think Prof. Devereaux is not the only man who "plays at being a curmudgeon".

Of his marriage he writes: "We each know what the other will say and so the saying becomes an unnecessary formality... to my way of thinking we've worked long and hard to achieve this silence".

Oh the cynic... "'And these strike you as compelling reasons for matrimony?'. 'There are no compelling reasons for matrimony. Getting married is something you do despite compelling reasons'". Remember St. Paul... "the love of Christ constrains, compels me..."!!!

In the Epilogue we read, "This scene must be some form of concentrated significance. I thought maybe if I concentrated I could figure it out.". I really couldn't "figure the book out" unless this is the very plight of the hero and friends. Can one be a Christian and not, to some healthy extent, have it figured out? I think not! And when the Professor comments, "I am relatively at peace with who and what I've become"... I think there is a goal of all spirituality (Christianity no less) which helps us "figure it all out".

Life - CHT 'In the Bleak MidWinter'

This photograph was taken by Sally Griffith as she prepared to lead Morning Prayer on Monday March 9th at church. I'm sorry I can't show the picture at its best... but through the glass doors Rittenhouse Square is covered with snow... not really bleak at all! Early in the morning crisp and clean and quiet!

But clearly visible is what I consider a potent symbol... that of looking at the world through the Cross... allowing the Cross to shape our views, expectations and ministry. It's always good for me to celebrate Eucharist looking beyond into "the world".

God-Talk - Is Church Shopping Really a Virtue?

So, a friend sends me this article from SLATE (http://slate.com/toolbar.aspx?action=print&id=2211937) which is headed "The Church Search - Why American Churchgoers Like to Shop Around".
The author, Andrew Santella (whom I assume is neither an ordained minister, pastor of a church nor theologian), says "Since before Election Day, Washington pastors have been lining up to invite the first family into their flock... one in seven adults changes churches each year... one in six attends a handful of churches on a rotating basis... 44% of American adults have left their first religious affiliation for another".
Mr. Santella eventually comes down on the side of praising this exercise of "church-shopping" but this particular Episcopal priest would like to present some thoughts for consideration.

1. Experiencing church on some rotation basis (perhaps even church shopping) tends to remove the individual from any careful and intentional pastoral care... they choose not to be known and they are successful in this but... open wide the doors immediately when there is some crisis which requires some institutional religion or other to assist.
2. Experiencing church on some rotation basis (perhaps even church shopping) tends to allow the worshipper to be a spectator... no commitment of "work, prayer and giving". Please supply my needs on a regular basis (warm church, cool church, good music, acceptable audition, tolerable preaching) but do not expect any commitment and accountability on my part for when you come searching for me... I'm not there!
3. Experiencing church on some rotation basis (perhaps even church shopping) tends to dilute the message of the ordained minister -he/she can't be ignorant that a "strong" challenging message may encourage the 'church-shopper' to get up and leave until another nice oasis is found. Laity tend not to like autonomous clergy... they're scary people at times!
4. Where, in heaven's name, is the role of prayer in this church-shopping and the role of obedience. All too often the church is spoken of as a "volunteer organization" but really it isn't... we attend, worship, participate in a particular church's life because that is where God has called us but try selling this concept to all members of a church. Even the Greek word for church (ekklesia) makes the point that we are called to the church... not vice versa!

My! This has hit quite a spot, hasn't it? Well, I'm encouraged that nearly 32 years of parish ministry has not dulled my concerns and vision.
The church (like the Holy Spirit) is called not only to comfort the afflicted, but also to afflict the comfortable... the church-shopper tends to pack up bags and move on (emotionally if not also physically) when the message is tough and the needs are pressing.
Mr. President and Mrs. Obama - in your "church shopping" I hope you'll be praying as well... I'm sure you will, I just needed to write it!

And if you want to read the story that accompanies the picture Click here: Busy Family Hires Personal Church Shopper The Sacred Sandwich !!!

Life - A Sticky, Delicious Cinnamon Bun!

So most mornings, Lent or not, I am able to look and not purchase a delicious sticky cinnamon bun... but not this morning. Perhaps I'm giving up restraint for Lent... I did think briefly about giving up healthy sobriety for Lent but then, immediately, decided, "NO!".
Anyway... the sticky bun. First few times I set the bun on a plate and then procured knife and fork to ensure a clean digestion of the bun... I've thrown those utensils away now and have decided that sticky fingers are all part of the experience and, guess what, a simple rinse under the tap gets those digits clean.
I'm not sure this has such a great message for sin and Lent except to note that getting dirty never held God back from full, fleshly involvement with mankind in general and one man (Jesus Christ) in particular.
And (come to think of it)... there's a tap (sorry, fawcet) somewhere readily available for us all!

Life - Ambiguity!

This morning I read advice that Ronald C. White reckons President Lincoln would give to President Obama (White is Lincoln's biographer)...

"Value ambiguity - the ability to see reality in its complexity... that is a sign of humility, not of weakness".

Thank God for the Anglican Way and may the Lord have mercy and may He bless those who have seceded from this "Middle Way" to find pastures of certitude in all things.

Films - Religulous

At long last my DVD of Bill Maher's "Religulous" arrived last week. Now, this is no serious theological treatise and I hope that Mr. Maher does not expect his adventure into spiritual, religious and ecclesiastical ground will result in mass desertion from the faith (however that faith is expressed!).

Because of some of the more vigorous prose (!) and sexual references, this is probably not the DVD I will be recommending to all and yet it does raise some serious questions and challenges for the believer and, if you can be patient with Mr. Maher's unique style, it will also raise some laughter!

Behind some of the more ridiculous challenges, the Christian believer will be forced to consider "an answer for the faith that is in us" and this has been encouraged in the church for generations of generations.

I look forward to watching this again with some others in the audience!

Click here: Religulous Movie Reviews, Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes - "Consensus: Religulous is funny and offensive in equal measure, and aims less to change hearts and minds than to inspire conversation."