A Man for Some Seasons!

So Rowan Williams has announced he will retire as Archbishop of Canterbury and so begins a fascinating process by which his successor will be selected with all the interplay of the worldwide Anglican Communion and Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street and... and... and...

The Easter sermon preached by Dr. Williams was sent to me by my colleague, Noah. It is, I believe, a fine example of Biblical/theological preaching with a heart concern for the individual and society. Maybe we would have had more this if Dr. Williams had not been encumbered by the duties etc. of the Archbishopric.

This man, to adapt Lloyd Bentsen's words, was no Michael Ramsey nor Robert Runcie but then, thank God and forgive me, he was no George Carey (the Canterbury sycophant of all things royal).

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/04/09/archbishop-of-canterburys-easter-day-sermon/

We may try to be all things to all people but sometimes, wisely, we just now it is time... to resign.

God-Talk - Happy are you when... you don a plastic collar!

So, the secret is out... the happiest job according to Forbes Magazine is http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2011/09/12/the-ten-happiest-jobs/

In June I will, please God, celebrate my 35th anniversary of ordination; to be honest I have known for many years what Forbes is now telling the world.

To be ordained and especially, I believe, to serve as a parish priest is one of the most privileged, exciting, fulfilling and, yes, happy vocations. Many years back I withdrew from ordained ministry for a while and quickly I realized I had to return to my vocation; in fact, those around me discovered this truth more quickly than I did!

At the beginning of my ministry I served with a senior curate who once said, in earnest, "This job would not be too bad if it weren't for the people" - he resigned before retirement age!

Of course it is tough for the priest, and partner, to be used a punching bag by frustrated, powerless, mean-spirited and visionless church members but this is all greatly balanced by the tremendous opportunities to come alongside people at profound, traumatic and transforming times of their lives.

I guess if I had the resources I'd choose to focus on some particular aspects of parish ministry given my experience and talents but the unexpected still never fails to amaze me. If boredom is a sympton of unhappiness, I think no ordained person could ever be unhappy for long.

Of course this is all dependent, I think, on the clergyperson seeing this as a vocation and not as career. To know that Jesus has called and will support us is crucial (read John 15:16 sometime).

God-Talk - with a light touch.

I'm happy to pass on these rather "light" comments for beneath the smile they actually contain profound truths. I have removed the part about "send this onto seven people or..."; I find such comments distasteful and superstitious.

And try to be kind, remember there is always an urgent need to find relevant, engaging metaphors for God; now get ready you sophisticated ones!
God is like Bayer Aspirin - He works miracles

God is like a Ford - He's got a better idea.

God is like Coke - He's the real thing
God is like Hallmark cards - He care's enough to send His very best

God is like Tide - He gets the stains out that others leave behind

God is like General Electric - He brings good things to light

God is like Wal-Mart - He has everything

God is like Alka-Seltzer - Try Him, you'll like Him
God is like Scotch-Tape - You can't see Him, but you know He's there

God is like Delta - He's ready when you are

God is like Allstate - You're in good hands with Him
God is like VO-5 Hairspray - He holds through all kinds of weather
God is like Dial Soap - Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?

God is like the USPost Office - neither rain, snow, sleet nor ice will keep Him from His task

God is like Chevrolet - the heartbeat of America

God is like Maxwell House - Good to the very last drop

God is like Bounty - He is the quicker picker-upper; can handle the tough jobs and He won't fall apart on you!