The Trouble in Tanzania

From the pulpit today Mary Cat, and Charlie from the aisle tried a little brainwashing. All designed to make it appear that the ECUSA has it right while the rest of the world has it all wrong. Through self discipline you too can immunize yourself against brainwashing. Here is my take on the impending battle for your soul. First, I predict the African Bishops will be tarred and feathered as homophobic thick heads because of their Schori snub. Listening to our clergy I thought, "Uh oh, now we are starting to hear the talking points to be used against the current worldview that the ECUSA has turned into an apostate sect." When the African Bishops refused to share communion with Ms. Schori, they lost any moral high ground they may have held. (see link in this title). By demonstrating such unchristian behavior, they strengthened her position. Of course she will never be able to take the moral high ground as long as she remains intransigent herself. It looks like two rudderless ships trying to ram each other. I think I will watch the fray from my little island, with the Good Book, BCP, Hymnal, blog, a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread and thou. It seems this lowly pewster is left without worldly leadership at present.

Not Fit for Public Consumption

At the joint Grace Lutheran/Episcopal Church of Our Saviour Ash Wednesday Service Charlie gave the homily. We somehow went from the scriptures telling us to keep our fasting secret to his turning his head away from couples necking in public (or what is currently called PDA ,public display of affection) and also not looking when actors and actresses do the PDA thing on film or TV. He rightly believes such displays are "not for public consumption" because love is a holy thing. Of course he was preaching to the choir since Episcopalians are well known for being cold and less than touchy feely. As we all sat there with smudged foreheads, being careful not to come into any bodily contact with the beings seated near us, I was thinking we should hurry and wash the ashes off before anyone could see an outward sign of devotion. I guess we should also not wear the cross where anyone can see it, nor should priests wear those funny collars. This must have been a good Ash Wednesday because I was left feeling incredibly guilty.

Could this be Agape?

I enjoyed the reading from the King James Version of 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13. I have grown too accustomed to hearing the modern translation of agape as love. to hear it again as "charity" makes you slow down and think. "Charity" was dropped probably because of its current implications of giving to the poor and so called charitable organizations. "Love" may need to be dropped because it is too generic and in such common use that people have taken Paul's letter as if it were meant for the marriage of man and wife. "Agape" has a different meaning to the pewster. I think of it as a word that describes both the intellectual and the emotional/spiritual sides of the God-man relationship. Agape is something that flows from God. Thanks to God this agape will also show in our interpersonal relationships. The results of agape are ultimately good, although intellectually we know things will not always seem to be done by a loving God. I may not be able to channel agape through my hands like Charlie, but if I keep working at it, I may in time see "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Breezy Porticos

The link above has a couple of appropriately titled songs. Architectural firms always give you more than what you ask for. Unfortunately, you are usually "wowed" by the presentation and don't think to question the extras. Parish meetings always give you something to think about. Unfortunately, these thoughts usually come up after the meeting. I agree with Cato about the "portico." I would like to see the elevation drawings for the altar. This could be provided by the architectural firm via an electronic walkthrough accesible over the web. We have several avenues through which we may voice our concerns. Ideally, an electronic forum should be available for all parishoners to discuss issues of the day. Alas this was dismantled by the last Vestry and all that remains is this lonely outpost. Alternatively, we must lobby the committee chair (who says she will take the punishment) and approach the new Vestry to take up these concerns. One can also stand up during the announcements on Sunday and raise awareness amongst the sheep. With today's sermon we were blessed by having Fr. Dunbar expound on the Gospel of Luke. This is the pewster's favorite gospel. Now what would Luke say about the renovation project?

Did Jesus Use Sonar?

The link in the title will take you to an unusual site showing that God has an ultrasound machine Go to stations 10, 12 and 13. Anyway, how did Jesus find those fish? In the words of the anthem "Disperse the mists of sin, celestial Light, and unto us reveal the things of God invisible to mortal sight." Do fish count as invisible to mortal sight? Does the bare brick behind the rotten paneling in the church count? What I am getting at is the things of God invisible to us are things we may call either good or bad, but they are still God's. Charlie did a good job with the sermon, but went long on his report at the annual parish meeting (no sonar needed to find the good and bad there). Counting the votes for the new vestry took too long. I propose holding the election first to give time for counting those pesky hanging chads.