Saturday, 29 October 2011
Friday, 28 October 2011
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
28TH. OCTOBER 2011
ST. SIMON AND ST. JUDE
All are welcome to join me in taking communion. There are no exceptions.
The order of service is posted beneath the audio file so that you can join in with the service. The words in bold type are the ones we say together.
If you want to physically partake of communion you will require a small piece of bread and a small amount of drink (preferably made from grapes and containing alcohol). You eat the bread after I say “The body of Christ,” and drink the wine after I say “The blood of Christ.” How you åview the nature of this part of the service is completely up to you.
Click on the arrow on the player to stream.
Download via the MP3 icon below the player.
Download podcast via iTUNES.
MP3 File
INTRODUCTION
"St. Jude's Medley" - Sweet Colleens
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
"He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds."
Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONFESSION
ABSOLUTION
"Praise To The Lord With Drums And Cymbals - Ian Tracey
on the organ at St. Jude's Church, Southsea
COLLECT
"Psalm 119 (Verses 73-104)" - Durham Cathedral Choir
FIRST READING
"Simon Zealotes, Poor Jerusalem" - From "Jesus Christ Superstar"
Alleluia, alleluia.
The glorious company of the apostles:
praises you for ever, O God.
Alleluia.
Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
Glory to you, O Lord.
GOSPEL
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
HOMILY
"The Light And Shade Of Being " - Roberto Coccia
We believe in God the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.
We believe in God the Son,
who lives in our hearts through faith, and fills us with his love.
We believe in God the Holy Spirit,
who strengthens us with power from on high.
We believe in God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
INTERCESSIONS
THE PEACE
"Lord Of All Saints" - Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir
PRAYER OVER THE GIFT
The Lord is here.
God's Spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
It is truly right and just…
…we glorify your holy name:
Holy, holy, holy Lord! God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!
We praise and bless you, loving Father…
…until he comes in glory.
Great is the mystery of faith.
Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again.
Lord of all life…
…for ever and ever. Amen.
Let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.
Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
you take away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world,
grant us peace.
you take away the sin of the world,
grant us peace.
This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
Blessed are those who are called to his supper.
Blessed are those who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
The body of Christ. Amen.
The blood of Christ. Amen.
"St. Jude" - The Shots
POST COMMUNION PRAYER
"Let The Round World With Songs Rejoice"
- Choir Of The Abbey School Tewkesbury
Let the round world with songs rejoice;
Let Heaven return the joyful voice;
All mindful of the Apostle's fame,
Let Heaven and earth their praise proclaim.
Ye servants who once bore the light
Of Gospel truth o’er heathen night,
Still may your work that light impart,
To glad our eyes and cheer our heart.
O God, by Whom to them was given
The key that shuts and opens Heaven,
Our chains unbind, our loss repair,
And grant us grace to enter there.
For at Thy will they preached the Word
Which cured disease, which health conferred:
O may that healing power once more
Our souls to grace and health restore.
That when as judge Thy Son shall come,
To bring his ransomed people home,
He may with them pronounce us blest,
And place us in Thine endless rest.
To God the Father; God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Be honour, praise and majesty,
Now and throughout eternity. Amen.
THE BLESSING
My sisters and brothers, go in the peace of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
"St. Jude's Day" - The Bouncing Souls
CREDITS:
Service from "Common Worship" (Church of England)
compiled by Jonathan Hagger
Collect by Steven Shakespeare
Homily from the homilies of Origen on the Book of Joshua
Prayer over the gifts, eucharistic preface and post-communion prayer
from "Celebrating The Christian Year" compiled by Alan Griffiths
Readings from the N.R.S.V.
WHAT IS REALLY GOING DOWN AT ST. PAUL'S(?)
This is cartoonist, Steve Bell's take on the situation.
It's funny, but cynic as I am I still have to admit is unfair. The chapter of St. Paul's may derive pleasure from being important in the Church but they are not in it for the money. It doesn't matter how much money is taken on the turnstiles at the doors of the cathedral there are no big bonuses paid out to the management each year. Some of them earn a lot better than parish priests but their salaries are closer to those of the cleaners of the city offices than those of the CEOs.
And they have one huge financial problem. St. Paul's is only in a very small part a church. In reality it is mostly a museum, art gallery and concert hall. People with no faith whatsoever believe it is their right to visit the cathedral for it's entertainments, art and architecture. Unlike most public spaces of such import in England, St. Paul's is not heavily funded by the public through government subsidies and grants. On the other hand the Church of England is expected to keep the place open and an active part of the English tourism experience. To do this they have to make unpopular decisions that appear contrary to the teachings of Jesus. It is they who get it in the neck from the public and, especially, other Christians for turning the cathedral into a market place but it's not their fault. It's the fault of the English public and their ridiculous belief that the Church of England is stinking rich and that religious buildings don't cost anything to keep up. It is also the fault of our government that takes advantage of the Church's commitment to it's holy places.
No, I don't think this week's train wreck at the cathedral has much to do with money. What worries me is that it has been about something far more insidious and vile. My personal belief is that the excuses given for closing the doors were just a politically acceptable smokescreen to hide the real ideological clashes that are going on behind those closed doors.
The protest in the city is an attack on the establishment and the capitalist system that keeps those in the establishment in power and the establishment is using all the tricks in the book, clean and dirty, to make sure that the establishment is not weakened or altered by this attack. On "Have I Got News For You" this week, the conservative member of parliament and extremely rich author of chick lit, Louise Mensch, had a go at the protestors for buying cups of coffee from the nearby Starbucks. Evidently, in her opinion, this made them as capitalist as she is and guilty of hypocritically benefitting from international capitalism like everyone else whilst complaining about it. I have no idea where the protestors were supposed to buy their coffee from as all the greasy spoon caffs have been priced out of our cities by big business. So it was an unintelligent and plain daft accusation but one typical of conservatives and a normal part of their belittling, arrogant tactics against anyone who opposes them most perfectly exemplified by Margaret Thatcher's accusation that miners trying to protect their jobs was just "the politics of envy." The establishment is on the back foot and very fearful at this time.
Although most members of the Church of England are in it for spiritual and / or social reasons there have always been some individuals who use the church to get on in life, to gain political influence locally and nationally, to acquire prestige for themselves, to hobnob with the nobs and, ultimately, to become part of the establishment. Such people covert the bishoprics, archdeaconships and deanships of the Church and far too often attain to such offices. Not all members of cathedral chapters are necessarily such people but many of them are. My guess is that there is a split in the chapter of St. Paul's between those who don't want to upset the applecart of establishment, who want to protect the establishment, and those who prefer to pursue their bid for celebrity apart from the establishment, even at its expense.
It's impossible to say what the consequences of this battle will be at this moment in time. Will the "man of the people" win and lead English Christianity into a new golden age of Christian care for the poor and endless seminars and conferences? Or will the men in black win and ensure that the stuffy, private member clubs of the city of London remain the power base of the national church?
My guess is that it will be the latter and that the man of the people will end up being just as much a part of the establishment as the men in black but with better PR.
Assimilation has always been the preferred method of the establishment when dealing with high profile critics. Resistance is futile.
It's funny, but cynic as I am I still have to admit is unfair. The chapter of St. Paul's may derive pleasure from being important in the Church but they are not in it for the money. It doesn't matter how much money is taken on the turnstiles at the doors of the cathedral there are no big bonuses paid out to the management each year. Some of them earn a lot better than parish priests but their salaries are closer to those of the cleaners of the city offices than those of the CEOs.
And they have one huge financial problem. St. Paul's is only in a very small part a church. In reality it is mostly a museum, art gallery and concert hall. People with no faith whatsoever believe it is their right to visit the cathedral for it's entertainments, art and architecture. Unlike most public spaces of such import in England, St. Paul's is not heavily funded by the public through government subsidies and grants. On the other hand the Church of England is expected to keep the place open and an active part of the English tourism experience. To do this they have to make unpopular decisions that appear contrary to the teachings of Jesus. It is they who get it in the neck from the public and, especially, other Christians for turning the cathedral into a market place but it's not their fault. It's the fault of the English public and their ridiculous belief that the Church of England is stinking rich and that religious buildings don't cost anything to keep up. It is also the fault of our government that takes advantage of the Church's commitment to it's holy places.
No, I don't think this week's train wreck at the cathedral has much to do with money. What worries me is that it has been about something far more insidious and vile. My personal belief is that the excuses given for closing the doors were just a politically acceptable smokescreen to hide the real ideological clashes that are going on behind those closed doors.
The protest in the city is an attack on the establishment and the capitalist system that keeps those in the establishment in power and the establishment is using all the tricks in the book, clean and dirty, to make sure that the establishment is not weakened or altered by this attack. On "Have I Got News For You" this week, the conservative member of parliament and extremely rich author of chick lit, Louise Mensch, had a go at the protestors for buying cups of coffee from the nearby Starbucks. Evidently, in her opinion, this made them as capitalist as she is and guilty of hypocritically benefitting from international capitalism like everyone else whilst complaining about it. I have no idea where the protestors were supposed to buy their coffee from as all the greasy spoon caffs have been priced out of our cities by big business. So it was an unintelligent and plain daft accusation but one typical of conservatives and a normal part of their belittling, arrogant tactics against anyone who opposes them most perfectly exemplified by Margaret Thatcher's accusation that miners trying to protect their jobs was just "the politics of envy." The establishment is on the back foot and very fearful at this time.
Although most members of the Church of England are in it for spiritual and / or social reasons there have always been some individuals who use the church to get on in life, to gain political influence locally and nationally, to acquire prestige for themselves, to hobnob with the nobs and, ultimately, to become part of the establishment. Such people covert the bishoprics, archdeaconships and deanships of the Church and far too often attain to such offices. Not all members of cathedral chapters are necessarily such people but many of them are. My guess is that there is a split in the chapter of St. Paul's between those who don't want to upset the applecart of establishment, who want to protect the establishment, and those who prefer to pursue their bid for celebrity apart from the establishment, even at its expense.
It's impossible to say what the consequences of this battle will be at this moment in time. Will the "man of the people" win and lead English Christianity into a new golden age of Christian care for the poor and endless seminars and conferences? Or will the men in black win and ensure that the stuffy, private member clubs of the city of London remain the power base of the national church?
My guess is that it will be the latter and that the man of the people will end up being just as much a part of the establishment as the men in black but with better PR.
Assimilation has always been the preferred method of the establishment when dealing with high profile critics. Resistance is futile.
DOG OF THE DAY
From THE MAIL:
Ian Thomas, 64, was taking his German schnauzer Monty out for an early morning walk when he was struck by a bolt so powerful he would have been killed if he had not been wearing wellington boots. The bolt threw Mr Thomas, who is the Mayor of Redruth in Cornwall, into the air and knocked him out.
He regained consciousness when five-year-old Monty, who had also been struck, began licking his face. Mr Thomas struggled to stand but only managed to stagger several paces before he collapsed. He managed to wrap his arms around Monty, who responded by dragging him the 100 yards home. Mr Thomas' shocked wife Sharen, 42, then took him straight him to hospital.
Mr Thomas suffered burns to his head and hip and had to spend four days in hospital but has since made a full recovery.
Kathryn Rose is our "Brick Of The Week" (see post below) but for showing great faithfulness and intelligence instead of running away scared of the thunder like many dogs would, Monty is OCICBW...'s
BRICK OF THE DAY
Schnauzer and Schnauzer and Schnauzer!
Ian Thomas, 64, was taking his German schnauzer Monty out for an early morning walk when he was struck by a bolt so powerful he would have been killed if he had not been wearing wellington boots. The bolt threw Mr Thomas, who is the Mayor of Redruth in Cornwall, into the air and knocked him out.
He regained consciousness when five-year-old Monty, who had also been struck, began licking his face. Mr Thomas struggled to stand but only managed to stagger several paces before he collapsed. He managed to wrap his arms around Monty, who responded by dragging him the 100 yards home. Mr Thomas' shocked wife Sharen, 42, then took him straight him to hospital.
Mr Thomas suffered burns to his head and hip and had to spend four days in hospital but has since made a full recovery.
Kathryn Rose is our "Brick Of The Week" (see post below) but for showing great faithfulness and intelligence instead of running away scared of the thunder like many dogs would, Monty is OCICBW...'s
BRICK OF THE DAY
Schnauzer and Schnauzer and Schnauzer!
MEANWHILE ON THE STEPS OF ST. PAUL'S
From Kathryn Rose (THE ARTSY HONKER):
On Friday we will have Evensong outside St Paul's. While the Cathedral has said they will be open for worship, I don't believe they are having Evensong tomorrow, so I want to go ahead with this. It's the day for St Simon and St Jude, apostles.
Meet at 6.15pm for 6.30; outside M&S seems to be a reasonable place for it, although we may need to move (especially if there are enough of us to obstruct the walkway).
Details of the liturgy (print out your own copy if you are attending) can be found on Kathryn's website.
In any battle there are heroes who get the medals and all the media attention and then there are those quiet heroes who just get on with changing the world humbly and with no desire for celebrity. Kathryn is one of those quiet heroes. Whilst the Chapter of St. Paul's has been digging a grave for Christianity over the last week, she has been busy throwing the soil back in by arranging these services of ordinary Christianity outside in the cold among the people.
She is OCICBW...'s
BRICK OF THE WEEK
On Friday we will have Evensong outside St Paul's. While the Cathedral has said they will be open for worship, I don't believe they are having Evensong tomorrow, so I want to go ahead with this. It's the day for St Simon and St Jude, apostles.
Meet at 6.15pm for 6.30; outside M&S seems to be a reasonable place for it, although we may need to move (especially if there are enough of us to obstruct the walkway).
Details of the liturgy (print out your own copy if you are attending) can be found on Kathryn's website.
In any battle there are heroes who get the medals and all the media attention and then there are those quiet heroes who just get on with changing the world humbly and with no desire for celebrity. Kathryn is one of those quiet heroes. Whilst the Chapter of St. Paul's has been digging a grave for Christianity over the last week, she has been busy throwing the soil back in by arranging these services of ordinary Christianity outside in the cold among the people.
She is OCICBW...'s
BRICK OF THE WEEK
THE PRAYER LIST: 28TH. OCTOBER 2011
The Prayer List is a daily feature at OCICBW... with an option to light a candle as you pray. If anybody has any concerns they would like included on tomorrow's list please email me with details or leave your request in the comments to this post. I will include relevant photos if provided.
THANKSGIVING
A huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to two heroes of our neighbourhood. Their blogging, media activities and involvement in the"real world" have changed the world. God bless them and God bless the Blogosphere.
Scott Gunn
SEVEN WHOLE DAYS
Lionel Deimel
LIONEL DEIMEL'S FARRAGO
From THE MAIL:
Private Shane Dixon from 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment is being called the 'luckiest soldier in the Army' for getting away unscathed when he was shot in Helmand province. Pte Dixon was on patrol when a Taliban bullet struck him, throwing him unconscious to the ground. The bullet got stuck in his helmet just centimetres from his skull. His only injury was a 'golf ball sized bruise' and he was back to work within two days.
***
From THE BELFAST TELEGRAPH:
It was a simple yet moving gesture that encapsulated the remarkable qualities of the family of murdered Northern Ireland girl Jennifer Cardy. Her mother, Patricia, walked over to the lawyer who had defended the man found guilty of her daughter's kidnap and murder and embraced him warmly. That hug with David Spens QC in a quiet corner of Armagh Crown Court demonstrated the generosity and kindness of spirit the entire Cardy family retained throughout a trial which exposed them to an ordeal second only to the horror of losing Jennifer.
***
From THE MAIL:
David Cameron will strike a deal today to reform the monarchy, which will let the eldest child of Prince William and his wife Kate inherit the throne – even if it’s a girl. The Prime Minister will put an end to more than 300 years of history by thrashing out an agreement with Commonwealth leaders to end the rule that the first-born male inherits the throne ahead of any elder sisters. The deal will also end the ban on members of the Royal Family who marry a Roman Catholic being able to succeed to the throne.
***
From AFP:
Religious leaders joined with Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday to denounce violence perpetrated in the name of their faiths, amid growing religious fanaticism across the world.
"No more violence, no more war, no more terrorism! Never again! In the name of God, that every religion bring justice and peace, forgiveness and life and love to the world!" the pope said at a ceremony in the Saint Francis basilica in Assisi, Italy.
The colourful crowd of religious representatives had taken a special train from Vatican City to Assisi, where Buddhist monks mixed with turbaned Sikhs, black-frocked patriarchs and Catholic cardinals in their red skull-caps.
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Your prayers, please, for Dianne at FORKS OFF THE MOMENT. She's been through a lot lately and the stress is beginning to effect her physically.
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered in the New Orleans area this week:
10/18 Wilbert Decou 45 M stabbed Jefferson (missed last week)
10/20 Louis Dickerson 26 M shot Orleans
Please pray for them, their families, and their murderers.
***
From AFP:
Twin roadside bombs in Baghdad killed at least 10 people and wounded 35 on Thursday in the biggest attacks since the United States said it would withdraw all its troops from Iraq. Two other people were killed and 13 wounded in other gun and bomb attacks across the Iraqi capital yesterday.
***
From BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEK:
Kenyan forces killed at least nine al-Shabaab fighters in their first engagement with the al-Qaeda- linked militia since beginning an incursion into the country 13 days ago. Two Kenyan soldiers were injured, one critically, in the fighting that took place yesterday near Tabda, about 470 kilometers (292 miles) southwest of the capital, Mogadishu.
At least four people died yesterday when a vehicle carrying Education Ministry officials was attacked by suspected bandits about 100 kilometers south of Mandera, a northeastern Kenyan town on the border of Somalia.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
THANKSGIVING
A huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to two heroes of our neighbourhood. Their blogging, media activities and involvement in the"real world" have changed the world. God bless them and God bless the Blogosphere.
Scott Gunn
SEVEN WHOLE DAYS
Lionel Deimel
LIONEL DEIMEL'S FARRAGO
From THE MAIL:
***
From THE BELFAST TELEGRAPH:
It was a simple yet moving gesture that encapsulated the remarkable qualities of the family of murdered Northern Ireland girl Jennifer Cardy. Her mother, Patricia, walked over to the lawyer who had defended the man found guilty of her daughter's kidnap and murder and embraced him warmly. That hug with David Spens QC in a quiet corner of Armagh Crown Court demonstrated the generosity and kindness of spirit the entire Cardy family retained throughout a trial which exposed them to an ordeal second only to the horror of losing Jennifer.
***
From THE MAIL:
David Cameron will strike a deal today to reform the monarchy, which will let the eldest child of Prince William and his wife Kate inherit the throne – even if it’s a girl. The Prime Minister will put an end to more than 300 years of history by thrashing out an agreement with Commonwealth leaders to end the rule that the first-born male inherits the throne ahead of any elder sisters. The deal will also end the ban on members of the Royal Family who marry a Roman Catholic being able to succeed to the throne.
***
From AFP:
Religious leaders joined with Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday to denounce violence perpetrated in the name of their faiths, amid growing religious fanaticism across the world.
"No more violence, no more war, no more terrorism! Never again! In the name of God, that every religion bring justice and peace, forgiveness and life and love to the world!" the pope said at a ceremony in the Saint Francis basilica in Assisi, Italy.
The colourful crowd of religious representatives had taken a special train from Vatican City to Assisi, where Buddhist monks mixed with turbaned Sikhs, black-frocked patriarchs and Catholic cardinals in their red skull-caps.
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Your prayers, please, for Dianne at FORKS OFF THE MOMENT. She's been through a lot lately and the stress is beginning to effect her physically.
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered in the New Orleans area this week:
10/18 Wilbert Decou 45 M stabbed Jefferson (missed last week)
10/20 Louis Dickerson 26 M shot Orleans
Please pray for them, their families, and their murderers.
***
From AFP:
Twin roadside bombs in Baghdad killed at least 10 people and wounded 35 on Thursday in the biggest attacks since the United States said it would withdraw all its troops from Iraq. Two other people were killed and 13 wounded in other gun and bomb attacks across the Iraqi capital yesterday.
***
From BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEK:
Kenyan forces killed at least nine al-Shabaab fighters in their first engagement with the al-Qaeda- linked militia since beginning an incursion into the country 13 days ago. Two Kenyan soldiers were injured, one critically, in the fighting that took place yesterday near Tabda, about 470 kilometers (292 miles) southwest of the capital, Mogadishu.
At least four people died yesterday when a vehicle carrying Education Ministry officials was attacked by suspected bandits about 100 kilometers south of Mandera, a northeastern Kenyan town on the border of Somalia.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
WHEN IS UNEMPLOYMENT NOT UNEMPLOYMENT?
Good news, Fraser fans, Giles has already bagged himself a new gig. He's popping up my way to star in the Sage Concert Hall and Radio Three's festival of brights. In fact, I received this leaflet some weeks ago so he's been booked for a while. On top of the Church Times work, the BBC work and his academic engagements, I'm sure the Newcastle appearance will help pay the bills and keep his name up in lights.
REGENERATION COMES TO MADPRIEST'S VILLAGE
The people of my village are great. I love them. Considering that they are regarded as the scum of the earth by decent folk (which is why they were herded together here away from the decent folk in the first place) they are extremely quiet and well-mannered. Heck, they even go quietly whenever the police knock on their front doors.
But, as most of us who live here are unemployed there is not much cash about and this has led to the place getting a little run down to say the least.
It has not always been this way. Not long ago it was a thriving pit village (coal mine) with lots of work and spare cash sloshing around. The main street was full of shops, far more than you would normally expect in a village of its size. These shops are still there but most of them are shuttered up. This really makes the place look abandoned and threatening. All the shutters are the same grey colour and the buildings themselves are falling into disrepair very quickly.
However, there is good news. This week has seen two of the shops reopened. The not so good news is that one of them is a cheap tat for Christmas shop and the other is a tattoo parlour.
Never mind, at least Grandmère Mimi on her annual visit next year can get her other ankle done without going too far if she wants to. I would pay the tattooist a visit as well but I have a feeling Mrs MP wouldn't approve and, anyway, isn't it painful?
But, as most of us who live here are unemployed there is not much cash about and this has led to the place getting a little run down to say the least.
It has not always been this way. Not long ago it was a thriving pit village (coal mine) with lots of work and spare cash sloshing around. The main street was full of shops, far more than you would normally expect in a village of its size. These shops are still there but most of them are shuttered up. This really makes the place look abandoned and threatening. All the shutters are the same grey colour and the buildings themselves are falling into disrepair very quickly.
However, there is good news. This week has seen two of the shops reopened. The not so good news is that one of them is a cheap tat for Christmas shop and the other is a tattoo parlour.
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
COMPLINE
27th. October 2011
The order of service is posted beneath the audio file so that you can join in with the service. The words in bold type are the ones we say together.
Click on the arrow on the player to stream.
Download via the MP3 icon below the player.
Download podcast via iTUNES.
MP3 File
INTRODUCTION
"Abbey Bells And Introit (Spiritus Domini)"
- Monks And Nuns Of Prinknash And Stanbrook Abbeys
The Lord almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist, steadfast in the faith.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Thanks be to God.
Our help is in the name of the Lord
who hath made heaven and earth.
We confess to God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed, through our own grievous fault. Wherefore we pray God to have mercy upon us.
Almighty God, have mercy upon us, forgive us all our sins and deliver us from all evil, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May the almighty and merciful Lord grant unto us pardon and remission of all our sins, time for amendment of life, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord.
The Lord's name be praised.
"Before The Ending Of The Day "
- Choir Of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
- Choir Of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world we pray,
That with thy wonted favour thou
Wouldst be our guard and keeper now.
From all ill dreams defend our eyes
From nightly fears and fantasies;
Tread underfoot our ghostly foe,
That no pollution we may know.
O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, thine only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and thee,
Doth live and reign eternally.
"Psalm 94 (95)" - Ensemble Officium / Jürgen Seefelder
READING
Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
For thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, thou God of truth.
I commend my spirit.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Keep me as the apple of an eye.
Hide me under the shadow of thy wings.
"Nunc Dimittis" by Arvo Pärt
- Tallinn Sinfonietta / Chamber Choir Voces Musicales
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
"The Lord's Prayer" by Valentin Silvestrov - Latvian Radio Choir
Blessed art thou, Lord God of our fathers:
to be praised and glorified above all for ever.
Let us bless the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost:
let us praise him and magnify him for ever.
Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven:
to be praised and glorified above all for ever.
The almighty and most merciful Lord guard us and give us his blessing. Amen.
Wilt thou not turn again and quicken us;
that thy people may rejoice in thee?
O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us;
and grant us thy salvation.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this night without sin;
O Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, hear our prayer;
and let our cry come unto thee.
Let us pray.
Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the silent hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world, may repose upon thy eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
We will lay us down in peace and take
For it is thou, Lord, only that makest us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, O Lord,
for it is toward evening and the day is far spent.
As the watchmen look for the morning,
so do we look for thee, O Christ.
The Lord be with you
and with thy spirit.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, bless us and preserve us. Amen.
"Angelus" - Bells Of The Abbey Of Notre Dame
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A person who chooses to believe in eternal life or hope for eternal life is far more sensible than a person who chooses not to. A person who does not believe in eternal life but still gives birth to a child is the most deliberately evil of people.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
There's an excellent rant posted at BETWEEN THE LINES entitled "We Are All Prostitutes." It's an attack on the bullying that goes on in left wing social media from those who have decided what can and what cannot be said and who get their own way through viciously attacking those they disagree with on their own blogs and the blogs of others.
***
Brian R (from New Zealand) has posted a video of an advertisement that has won awards in his homeland. It's got a cute dog in it. But, as Fran points out in the comments, it leaves one wondering what you actually think about the advert itself.
Check it out at NOBLE WOLF.
***
Brian R (from New Zealand) has posted a video of an advertisement that has won awards in his homeland. It's got a cute dog in it. But, as Fran points out in the comments, it leaves one wondering what you actually think about the advert itself.
Check it out at NOBLE WOLF.
OWL OF THE DAY
This truly amazing photograph was taken by Jay and posted on his BAILEY'S BUDDY blog. Go visit his site for another great photo and a recording of it as well.
THE PRAYER LIST: 27TH. OCTOBER 2011
The Prayer List is a daily feature at OCICBW... with an option to light a candle as you pray. If anybody has any concerns they would like included on tomorrow's list please email me with details or leave your request in the comments to this post. I will include relevant photos if provided.
THANKSGIVING
Posted by Jan at YEARNING FOR GOD:
I am so happy! Tonight I found out who the family is that will host me for five days in Vologda, Russia--a young couple with boys who are 3 and 6 years old. I'd been worrying about who would have me, and instead I am thrilled to be with this family where the parents are about the ages of my oldest son and his wife. I am so excited about being with those two little boys and their parents!
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Posted by Mark at ENOUGH ABOUT ME: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
Yesterday, I held a small memorial, funeral for Miutu. I made him a memorial marker, and, since there was no body for me to bury, I wrapped his food dish in a black cloth and buried it. It was a lovely day, and I placed the "grave" in the shade of the crepe myrtles which bloom so beautifully in spring.
***
Posted by Leonardo Ricardo at
ERUPTIONS AT THE FOOT OF THE VOLCANO:
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality bill was reintroduced to parliament yesterday. The bill includes the death penalty for some offenses, provides for Ugandans fleeing the country to be extradited, requires that all people in Uganda report homosexuals and would ban advocacy by anyone for LGBT human rights.
***
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Lance Cpl. Jason N. Barfield, 22, of Ashford, Ala.
Lance Cpl. Jordan S. Bastean, 19, of Pekin, Ill.
Chief Petty Officer Raymond J. Border, 31, of West Lafayette, Ohio
Capt. Shawn P. T. Charles, 40, of Hickory, N.C.
Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer B. Domeij, 29, of San Diego, Calif.
Pfc. Christopher A. Horns, 20, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Airmen 1st Class Jerome D. Miller Jr., 23, of Washington, D.C.
Staff Sgt. Jorge M. Oliveira, 33, of Newark, N.J.
Cpl. Paul A. Rivera, 26, of Round Rock, Texas
Pfc. Steven F. Shapiro, 29, of Hidden Valley Lake, Calif.
1st. Lt. Ashley I. White, 24, of Alliance, Ohio
Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.
***
From REUTERS:
A Tibetan Buddhist monk doused himself in fuel and set himself ablaze in far western China on Tuesday, the tenth ethnic Tibetan this year to resort to the extreme form of protest.
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Political censorship in this authoritarian state has long been heavy-handed. But for years, the Communist Party has tolerated a creeping liberalization in popular culture, tacitly allowing everything from popular knockoffs of “American Idol”-style talent shows to freewheeling microblogs that let media groups prosper and let people blow off steam.
Now, the party appears to be saying “enough.” Whether spooked by popular uprisings worldwide, a coming leadership transition at home or their own citizens’ increasingly provocative tastes, Communist leaders are proposing new limits on media and Internet freedoms that include some of the most restrictive measures in years.
The most striking instance occurred Tuesday, when the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television ordered 34 major regional television stations to limit themselves to no more than two 90-minute entertainment shows each per week, and collectively 10 nationwide. They are also being ordered to broadcast two hours of state-approved news every evening and to disregard audience ratings in their programming decisions.
***
From THE BBC:
Thousands of residents are rushing to leave the Thai capital Bangkok, which is braced for potentially severe flooding over the weekend. People in several northern districts of the capital, some of which are now 90% submerged by rising water, have been told they should evacuate immediately.
More than 360 people have died in Thailand's worst flooding in decades.
From CNN:
A further weakened Hurricane Rina trudged toward Mexico's popular tourist beaches early Thursday, sending coastal residents fleeing inland.
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Flailing through mounds of sludge left by torrential rains, rescue workers cleared debris and hunted for survivors in Tuscany and Liguria on Wednesday after mudslides and flooding left at least six people dead and hundreds homeless in those areas, among the most picturesque in Italy.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
THANKSGIVING
Posted by Jan at YEARNING FOR GOD:
I am so happy! Tonight I found out who the family is that will host me for five days in Vologda, Russia--a young couple with boys who are 3 and 6 years old. I'd been worrying about who would have me, and instead I am thrilled to be with this family where the parents are about the ages of my oldest son and his wife. I am so excited about being with those two little boys and their parents!
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Posted by Mark at ENOUGH ABOUT ME: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
***
Posted by Leonardo Ricardo at
ERUPTIONS AT THE FOOT OF THE VOLCANO:
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality bill was reintroduced to parliament yesterday. The bill includes the death penalty for some offenses, provides for Ugandans fleeing the country to be extradited, requires that all people in Uganda report homosexuals and would ban advocacy by anyone for LGBT human rights.
***
Posted at DIOBETH NEWSPIN:
Pray for our young men and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for their families:
Lance Cpl. Jason N. Barfield, 22, of Ashford, Ala.
Lance Cpl. Jordan S. Bastean, 19, of Pekin, Ill.
Chief Petty Officer Raymond J. Border, 31, of West Lafayette, Ohio
Capt. Shawn P. T. Charles, 40, of Hickory, N.C.
Sgt. 1st Class Kristoffer B. Domeij, 29, of San Diego, Calif.
Pfc. Christopher A. Horns, 20, of Colorado Springs, Colo.
Airmen 1st Class Jerome D. Miller Jr., 23, of Washington, D.C.
Staff Sgt. Jorge M. Oliveira, 33, of Newark, N.J.
Cpl. Paul A. Rivera, 26, of Round Rock, Texas
Pfc. Steven F. Shapiro, 29, of Hidden Valley Lake, Calif.
1st. Lt. Ashley I. White, 24, of Alliance, Ohio
Pray also for the fallen heroes also of our coalition partners, and for the citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan who have died, unnamed and unknown to us, and for those who mourn ... and for an end to this endless war.
***
From REUTERS:
A Tibetan Buddhist monk doused himself in fuel and set himself ablaze in far western China on Tuesday, the tenth ethnic Tibetan this year to resort to the extreme form of protest.
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Political censorship in this authoritarian state has long been heavy-handed. But for years, the Communist Party has tolerated a creeping liberalization in popular culture, tacitly allowing everything from popular knockoffs of “American Idol”-style talent shows to freewheeling microblogs that let media groups prosper and let people blow off steam.
Now, the party appears to be saying “enough.” Whether spooked by popular uprisings worldwide, a coming leadership transition at home or their own citizens’ increasingly provocative tastes, Communist leaders are proposing new limits on media and Internet freedoms that include some of the most restrictive measures in years.
The most striking instance occurred Tuesday, when the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television ordered 34 major regional television stations to limit themselves to no more than two 90-minute entertainment shows each per week, and collectively 10 nationwide. They are also being ordered to broadcast two hours of state-approved news every evening and to disregard audience ratings in their programming decisions.
***
From THE BBC:
Thousands of residents are rushing to leave the Thai capital Bangkok, which is braced for potentially severe flooding over the weekend. People in several northern districts of the capital, some of which are now 90% submerged by rising water, have been told they should evacuate immediately.
More than 360 people have died in Thailand's worst flooding in decades.
From CNN:
A further weakened Hurricane Rina trudged toward Mexico's popular tourist beaches early Thursday, sending coastal residents fleeing inland.
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
Flailing through mounds of sludge left by torrential rains, rescue workers cleared debris and hunted for survivors in Tuscany and Liguria on Wednesday after mudslides and flooding left at least six people dead and hundreds homeless in those areas, among the most picturesque in Italy.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
GILES FRASER IN BRILLIANT CAREER MOVE
Mrs MP really wishes I could be more like Giles Fraser. My obvious jealousy of him somewhat proves that at least a part of me knows she is right.
From THE GUARDIAN:
The canon chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral, Dr Giles Fraser, has resigned in protest at plans to forcibly remove demonstrators from its steps, saying he could not support the possibility of "violence in the name of the church". Tweeting just after 9am on Thursday, Fraser announced his resignation: "It is with great regret and sadness that I have handed in my notice at St Paul's Cathedral."
In a short statement to the Guardian, Fraser, who was appointed canon in May 2009, confirmed his resignation, saying: "I resigned because I believe that the chapter has set on a course of action that could mean there will be violence in the name of the church."
Fraser has pitched himself as a man of the people, and Anglicans either love or loathe his liberal views.
COMMENT: Don't worry. He won't starve, he has alternative employment opportunities, and he'll be back. Anyway, the word on the street is that he didn't really enjoy his job at the Cathedral. So, no harm done.
BREAKING NEWS: The Durham firm, MadPriest Bookmakers, has announced that it will be taking no more bets on Giles Fraser becoming the next Dean of Southwark.
From THE GUARDIAN:
The canon chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral, Dr Giles Fraser, has resigned in protest at plans to forcibly remove demonstrators from its steps, saying he could not support the possibility of "violence in the name of the church". Tweeting just after 9am on Thursday, Fraser announced his resignation: "It is with great regret and sadness that I have handed in my notice at St Paul's Cathedral."
In a short statement to the Guardian, Fraser, who was appointed canon in May 2009, confirmed his resignation, saying: "I resigned because I believe that the chapter has set on a course of action that could mean there will be violence in the name of the church."
Fraser has pitched himself as a man of the people, and Anglicans either love or loathe his liberal views.
COMMENT: Don't worry. He won't starve, he has alternative employment opportunities, and he'll be back. Anyway, the word on the street is that he didn't really enjoy his job at the Cathedral. So, no harm done.
BREAKING NEWS: The Durham firm, MadPriest Bookmakers, has announced that it will be taking no more bets on Giles Fraser becoming the next Dean of Southwark.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
CAPTION COMPETITION
This is what they get up to in Father Kenny's church.
Well, our friend deserves some good luck in his old age.
What this photo needs is an (in)appropriate caption.
Well, our friend deserves some good luck in his old age.
What this photo needs is an (in)appropriate caption.
HEADLINE OF THE DAY
From CHRISTIAN TODAY:
Well, that's it then. Angela Merkel better get off her arse and get on with it. Although, to be honest, there hasn't been much else on the BBC news channel during the last month other than EU leaders trying to save the Eurozone before we all go to hell in a handcart courtesy of those lovely fat cats of the banking sector.
Well, that's it then. Angela Merkel better get off her arse and get on with it. Although, to be honest, there hasn't been much else on the BBC news channel during the last month other than EU leaders trying to save the Eurozone before we all go to hell in a handcart courtesy of those lovely fat cats of the banking sector.
RECESSION FORCES ENGLISH CHINESE RESTAURANTS INTO MAJOR CUT BACKS
They're a clever race, the Chinese, but not clever enough to slip this passed eagle-eyed me.
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER
26th. October 2011
Feast Of St. Alfred the Great
The order of service is posted beneath the audio file so that you can join in with the service. The words in bold type are the ones we say together.
Click on the arrow on the player to stream.
Download via the MP3 icon below the player.
Download podcast via iTUNES.
MP3 File
INTRODUCTION
"Rule Britannia" by Thomas Arne from the masque "Alfred"
- John Potter & Lucie Skeaping With The Broadside Band
SENTENCE
Dearly beloved brethren . . .
. . . saying after me;
Almighty and most merciful Father; We have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we oug Ìht to have done; And we have done those things which we ought not to have done; And there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; According to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; That we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, To the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.
Almighty God...
. . . through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou our l ips.
And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord.
The Lord's Name be praised.
"Psalm 21" - Choir Of York Minster
READING (from the prose preface to King Alfred's
translation of Gregory the Great's "Pastoral Care"
"Magnificat" - L'abbaye Benedictine De Saint-Benoit-Du-Lac
LESSON
"Nunc Dimittis" - The Maulbronn Chamber Choir
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth : And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried: He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: The holy Catholick Church; The Communion of Saints: The Forgiveness of sins: The Resurrection of the body, And the Life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon u Ás.
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us.
And grant us thy salvation.
Endue thy Ministers with righteousness.
And make thy chosen people joyful.
O Lord, save thy people.
And bless thine inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord.
Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.
O God, make clean our hearts within us.
And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
COLLECTS
"Chorus of the Danes" from "Alfred, Konig Der Angelsachsen"
by Franz Joseph Haydn - Jacqueline Fox / Collegium Musicum 90
INTERCESSIONS (Alfred The Great and B.C.P.)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
"Alfred The Great" - Alan Skidmore's Ubizo
FASHION TIPS FOR THE CLERGY
No! No! No!
The wearing of stoles or scarves over just a clerical shirt or, even, just a black cassock, is an abomination before the Lord. I don't care how gay, lesbian or in touch with the youth you are - DON'T DO IT!
The wearing of stoles or scarves over just a clerical shirt or, even, just a black cassock, is an abomination before the Lord. I don't care how gay, lesbian or in touch with the youth you are - DON'T DO IT!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Those who oppose equality can call it what they like, but the reality is that we are living in a society that has learned how to value LGBT people as they would others.
That attitude doesn’t rely on fear or lies, but on caring relationships and trust. It lives out the apostle Paul’s wish for the Corinthians that someday we will know fully, even as we are fully known. It is a biblically informed reality that is helping to make the world a better place.
(Ross Murray)
Read the full article at BELIEF BLOG.
Thanks to Tracie who sent this in.
That attitude doesn’t rely on fear or lies, but on caring relationships and trust. It lives out the apostle Paul’s wish for the Corinthians that someday we will know fully, even as we are fully known. It is a biblically informed reality that is helping to make the world a better place.
(Ross Murray)
Read the full article at BELIEF BLOG.
Thanks to Tracie who sent this in.
UNSOLICITED ADVERTISEMENTS
The 2012 Wenchoster Diocesan Calendar (the only calendar that is allowed anywhere near MadPriest's desk) is now available. It costs a measly £5.00 and can be purchased via the SAINTLY RAMBLINGS blog.
Honestly, I promise you, it is the funniest, full stop (period).
There will be evensong, this evening (Wednesday) outside St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Arrive at 5.00p.m. please for a 5.15 start.
Full details are on THE ARTSY HONKER blog.
Honestly, I promise you, it is the funniest, full stop (period).
There will be evensong, this evening (Wednesday) outside St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Arrive at 5.00p.m. please for a 5.15 start.
Full details are on THE ARTSY HONKER blog.
THERE WILL BE NO DISCUSSION
Members, lay and clerical, of the various deanery synods of Newcastle Diocese, in England, were recently invited to a meeting in which, they were told, the issue of women bishops would be discussed. Now, deanery synods are the most boring occasions in the Church of England. They have absolutely no authority whatsoever and the meetings usually consist of the Reverend Lukatmi's holiday snaps of his trip to the Holy Land. But the lure of something interesting to talk about, maybe even a "spirited" debate, meant that, for once, everybody tried to get there for this one.
However, the first thing they were all told when the meeting started was that there would be no discussion about whether or not women should be ordained to the episcopacy. Instead they were to sit there and be told about the processes which would be involved.
Heck! I if I had a job I would willingly risk it to further full equality for women within the Church but squashing dissent and stopping the airing of heartfelt concerns about the opening up of the top jobs to women is not the way to go about it.
Furthermore, even though the Bishop's Council (underline "bishop") of Newcastle Diocese discussed the issue of debating the Anglican Covenant at diocesan level some weeks ago there is still no word from Bishop's House concerning how this will happen. In particular there is a deathly silence about whether or not those against the Covenant will be allowed to put there side of things prior to any meeting that takes place and so balance out, to some extent, the pro-Covenant propaganda that is being freely distributed throughout the Church of England by it's bishops.
However, the first thing they were all told when the meeting started was that there would be no discussion about whether or not women should be ordained to the episcopacy. Instead they were to sit there and be told about the processes which would be involved.
Heck! I if I had a job I would willingly risk it to further full equality for women within the Church but squashing dissent and stopping the airing of heartfelt concerns about the opening up of the top jobs to women is not the way to go about it.
Furthermore, even though the Bishop's Council (underline "bishop") of Newcastle Diocese discussed the issue of debating the Anglican Covenant at diocesan level some weeks ago there is still no word from Bishop's House concerning how this will happen. In particular there is a deathly silence about whether or not those against the Covenant will be allowed to put there side of things prior to any meeting that takes place and so balance out, to some extent, the pro-Covenant propaganda that is being freely distributed throughout the Church of England by it's bishops.
THE PRAYER LIST: 26TH. OCTOBER 2011
The Prayer List is a daily feature at OCICBW... with an option to light a candle as you pray. If anybody has any concerns they would like included on tomorrow's list please email me with details or leave your request in the comments to this post. I will include relevant photos if provided.
THANKSGIVING
From GAY MARRIED CALIFORNIAN:
The Danish government plans to introduce a bill after the New Year that would allow same-sex couples, who are currently entitled to the civil status of “registered partnerships,” to hold weddings in the Church of Denmark and be considered “married” under the law. Civil unions between same-sex partners became legal in Denmark in 1989. Recent polls show that almost 70% of the population supports allowing same-sex couples to marry in the church.
From THE LEAD:
The Episcopal Church's Executive Council will submit a resolution to General Convention next year that would have it state that the church is "unable to adopt the Anglican Covenant in its present form."
The resolution also promises that the church will "recommit itself to dialogue with the several provinces when adopting innovations which may be seen as threatening the unity of the communion" and commits to "continued participation in the wider councils of the Anglican Communion" and dialogue "with our brothers and sisters in other provinces to deepen understanding and to insure the continued integrity of the Anglican Communion."
***
From SKY NEWS:
A nuclear bomb, believed to have been hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic device that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945, has been dismantled. It was one of the most powerful nuclear bombs ever built - and the oldest in the US Cold War arsenal. The magaton-class nuclear bomb, the size of a small van and weighing about 10,000lb, was dismantled at a nuclear weapons storage facility outside Amarillo, Texas.
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Lesley, from LESLEY'S BLOG, and Alan, the bloke she shacks up with, should be moved and installed in their new home by now. She writes:
Actually there have been a number of moving days recently including Sunday when Alan lost it in the service when he was giving Communion and was very tearful. It is hard to leave, but I hope we have said goodbye well. We are very much looking forward to the next place where we will minister.
***
From THE WASHINGTON POST:
Authorities evacuated fishing communities on Mexico’s resort-studded Caribbean coast and some tourists began to leave, as Hurricane Rina took aim at Cancun and the island of Cozumel on Wednesday. Hundreds of residents from the fishing town of Punta Allen, south of Tulum, were taken to emergency shelters and a smaller group was evacuated from the low-lying hamlet of Banco Chinchorro Tuesday, and cruise ships shifted their routes in the face of expected storm surges, waves and heavy rains from Rina.
From AFP:
Two people died after torrential rain led to widespread flooding in Dublin and the east of Ireland. The rain, which one official described as a once-in-a-century event, caused traffic chaos and severe flooding as rivers burst their banks and storm drains could not cope with the volume of water. An off-duty policeman was swept away when he tried to warn motorists about dangerous flood waters late Monday and the body of a woman was discovered when water was pumped out from the basement of a flooded property in Dublin on Tuesday.
***
From THE WASHINGTON POST:
Vietnam has lost its fight to save its rare Javan rhinoceros population after poachers apparently killed the country’s last animal for its horn, pushing one of the world’s most endangered species closer to extinction. Only 40 to 60 Javan rhinos now remain in Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia. They are the last known living members of the species, with none in captivity.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
THANKSGIVING
From GAY MARRIED CALIFORNIAN:
The Danish government plans to introduce a bill after the New Year that would allow same-sex couples, who are currently entitled to the civil status of “registered partnerships,” to hold weddings in the Church of Denmark and be considered “married” under the law. Civil unions between same-sex partners became legal in Denmark in 1989. Recent polls show that almost 70% of the population supports allowing same-sex couples to marry in the church.
From THE LEAD:
The Episcopal Church's Executive Council will submit a resolution to General Convention next year that would have it state that the church is "unable to adopt the Anglican Covenant in its present form."
The resolution also promises that the church will "recommit itself to dialogue with the several provinces when adopting innovations which may be seen as threatening the unity of the communion" and commits to "continued participation in the wider councils of the Anglican Communion" and dialogue "with our brothers and sisters in other provinces to deepen understanding and to insure the continued integrity of the Anglican Communion."
***
From SKY NEWS:
A nuclear bomb, believed to have been hundreds of times more powerful than the atomic device that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945, has been dismantled. It was one of the most powerful nuclear bombs ever built - and the oldest in the US Cold War arsenal. The magaton-class nuclear bomb, the size of a small van and weighing about 10,000lb, was dismantled at a nuclear weapons storage facility outside Amarillo, Texas.
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Lesley, from LESLEY'S BLOG, and Alan, the bloke she shacks up with, should be moved and installed in their new home by now. She writes:
Actually there have been a number of moving days recently including Sunday when Alan lost it in the service when he was giving Communion and was very tearful. It is hard to leave, but I hope we have said goodbye well. We are very much looking forward to the next place where we will minister.
***
From THE WASHINGTON POST:
Authorities evacuated fishing communities on Mexico’s resort-studded Caribbean coast and some tourists began to leave, as Hurricane Rina took aim at Cancun and the island of Cozumel on Wednesday. Hundreds of residents from the fishing town of Punta Allen, south of Tulum, were taken to emergency shelters and a smaller group was evacuated from the low-lying hamlet of Banco Chinchorro Tuesday, and cruise ships shifted their routes in the face of expected storm surges, waves and heavy rains from Rina.
From AFP:
Two people died after torrential rain led to widespread flooding in Dublin and the east of Ireland. The rain, which one official described as a once-in-a-century event, caused traffic chaos and severe flooding as rivers burst their banks and storm drains could not cope with the volume of water. An off-duty policeman was swept away when he tried to warn motorists about dangerous flood waters late Monday and the body of a woman was discovered when water was pumped out from the basement of a flooded property in Dublin on Tuesday.
***
From THE WASHINGTON POST:
Vietnam has lost its fight to save its rare Javan rhinoceros population after poachers apparently killed the country’s last animal for its horn, pushing one of the world’s most endangered species closer to extinction. Only 40 to 60 Javan rhinos now remain in Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia. They are the last known living members of the species, with none in captivity.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
BRICKBATS AND TILES
SAY THE BELLS OF ST. GILES
We spent an hour or so wandering around the camp. Wherever we went, people were very welcoming. A motley crowd gathered and sang a mangled and tuneless version of “Amazing Grace” with great gusto. Ted and I visited the nearby Tesco and came back with a small donation for the food tent. “Thank you so much,” said the man warmly, accepting our potatoes and soya milk, “Please join us for some soup.” It’s possibly the friendliest place in London. The contrast couldn’t have been starker when we walked to Bank station to come home. As I struggled down the steps carrying Ted in his pushchair, a man in a suit huffed and elbowed me out of the way in his rush to reach the lifts.
This evening, the Guardian reports that the Cathedral may seek an injunction to force the protesters to move. As they rightly say, the sight of police officers dragging peaceful protesters from the shadow of a Cathedral would be a PR nightmare. But it’s so much sadder than that. Above all, St Paul’s is the house of God: the premier house of God in this great city. I spent some time this morning before we went to St Paul’s, reading what Jesus had to say about money and our relationship with it. As you probably know, he said a lot, all of it uncompromising. Try this: Luke 16:13 – "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Jesus repeatedly said that we should reject riches on earth in favour of spiritual wealth, and that we should do our best to care for those who are in need. As we looked up at the great, wooden closed doors of St Paul’s Cathedral, I couldn’t help thinking that if Jesus were there, I think I know which side of the doors he would be on.
Posted on the ROSIE FIORE blog.
Go check out the rest for a visitors view
of the Siege of Saint Paul's (that never was).
This evening, the Guardian reports that the Cathedral may seek an injunction to force the protesters to move. As they rightly say, the sight of police officers dragging peaceful protesters from the shadow of a Cathedral would be a PR nightmare. But it’s so much sadder than that. Above all, St Paul’s is the house of God: the premier house of God in this great city. I spent some time this morning before we went to St Paul’s, reading what Jesus had to say about money and our relationship with it. As you probably know, he said a lot, all of it uncompromising. Try this: Luke 16:13 – "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Jesus repeatedly said that we should reject riches on earth in favour of spiritual wealth, and that we should do our best to care for those who are in need. As we looked up at the great, wooden closed doors of St Paul’s Cathedral, I couldn’t help thinking that if Jesus were there, I think I know which side of the doors he would be on.
Posted on the ROSIE FIORE blog.
Go check out the rest for a visitors view
of the Siege of Saint Paul's (that never was).
WORSHIP AT ST. LAIKA'S
The words in bold type are the ones we say together.
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MP3 File
INTRODUCTION
"Crispin And Lisa's Duet" - Wayne Horvitz
SENTENCE
INVITATION TO CONFESSION
Almighty and most merciful Father; we have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy name. Amen.
ABSOLUTION
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou our lips.
And our mouth shall show forth thy praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Praise ye the Lord.
The Lord's Name be praised.
"Venite, Exultemus Domino" - Wells Cathedral Choir
"Psalm 87" - The Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
FIRST LESSON
"Te Deum Laudamus" - The Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
SECOND LESSON
"Benedictus" - Choir Of St John's College, Oxford
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth: and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried: he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead: he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty: from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: the holy Catholick Church; the Communion of Saints: the Forgiveness of sins: the resurrection of the body, and the Life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us.
And grant us thy salvation.
Endue thy ministers with righteousness.
And make thy chosen people joyful.
O Lord, save thy people.
And bless thine inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord.
Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.
O God, make clean our hearts within us.
And take not thy Holy Spirit from us.
COLLECTS
"Glory to thee who safe has kept" - Choir of Girton College
Glory be to thee who safe hast kept,
and hast refreshed me whilst I slept;
grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake,
I may of endless light partake.
Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart,
and with the angels bear thy part,
who all night long unwearied sing
high praise to the eternal King.
Lord, I may vows to thee renew;
scatter my sins as morning dew;
guard my first springs of thought and will,
and with thyself my spirit fill.
Direct, control, suggest, this day,
all I design, or do, or say;
that all my powers, with all their might,
in thy sole glory may unite.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
INTERCESSIONS
THE GRACE
THE PRAYER LIST: 25TH. OCTOBER 2011
The Prayer List is a daily feature at OCICBW... with an option to light a candle as you pray. If anybody has any concerns they would like included on tomorrow's list please email me with details or leave your request in the comments to this post. I will include relevant photos if provided.
THANKSGIVING
Happy Birthday to Carol with the wonderful smile over on Facebook.
Happy Birthday to our old friend, Jan H.
Congratulations to Tim at FAITH, FOLK AND CHARITY who celebrated the 21st. anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate yesterday.
And congratulations to Red at APPLES OF GOLD who had a successful and useful meeting with her DDO last Friday. She writes:
All in all, it went well and he expects me to see the Examining Chaplain in November and the Bish before Christmas, with the Bishops' Advisory Panel in the spring... Blimey..
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
From Chris H:
Please add me to the prayer list this week and next as I'm going for a preassessment for a foot operation, which will take place on All Souls Day. I am hoping that my left foot problems will be fixed.
***
Posted by Tim at FOLLOWING THE VOICE WITHIN:
This weekend has been of interest and has brought something into crystal-focus which I believe I have been ignoring. Without going into the sordid and personal details, let us say that what was is now, unequivocally and irreversibly no more. I have intellectually known this to be for some time, but my heart held out hope - for naught. I need to get out my psychological dustpan and sweep things clean so that when the new stuff arrives (whatever, whoever and whenever that may be), I'll have an uncluttered spot for it. I think between the comfy couch of non-conformity and the armoire of hopes and dreams.
***
From THE YORKSHIRE POST:
Flood alerts are in place in parts of Yorkshire as heavy rain and strong winds have been predicted to sweep in. The Environment Agency issued flood alerts for the north sea coast from Bridlington to Barmston, for east-facing coastal locations in south Devon and a number of waterways including the Upper River Tamar, St Austell and Par rivers, and rivers in West Cornwall.
***
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
At least one person is dead and more than 20 are injured in Nairobi. The attacks come after Kenyan troops were sent into Somalia, a move Shabab insurgents warned would lead to retaliation.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
THANKSGIVING
Happy Birthday to Carol with the wonderful smile over on Facebook.
Happy Birthday to our old friend, Jan H.
Congratulations to Tim at FAITH, FOLK AND CHARITY who celebrated the 21st. anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate yesterday.
And congratulations to Red at APPLES OF GOLD who had a successful and useful meeting with her DDO last Friday. She writes:
All in all, it went well and he expects me to see the Examining Chaplain in November and the Bish before Christmas, with the Bishops' Advisory Panel in the spring... Blimey..
FOR YOUR PRAYERS
From Chris H:
Please add me to the prayer list this week and next as I'm going for a preassessment for a foot operation, which will take place on All Souls Day. I am hoping that my left foot problems will be fixed.
***
Posted by Tim at FOLLOWING THE VOICE WITHIN:
This weekend has been of interest and has brought something into crystal-focus which I believe I have been ignoring. Without going into the sordid and personal details, let us say that what was is now, unequivocally and irreversibly no more. I have intellectually known this to be for some time, but my heart held out hope - for naught. I need to get out my psychological dustpan and sweep things clean so that when the new stuff arrives (whatever, whoever and whenever that may be), I'll have an uncluttered spot for it. I think between the comfy couch of non-conformity and the armoire of hopes and dreams.
***
From THE YORKSHIRE POST:
Flood alerts are in place in parts of Yorkshire as heavy rain and strong winds have been predicted to sweep in. The Environment Agency issued flood alerts for the north sea coast from Bridlington to Barmston, for east-facing coastal locations in south Devon and a number of waterways including the Upper River Tamar, St Austell and Par rivers, and rivers in West Cornwall.
***
From THE LOS ANGELES TIMES:
At least one person is dead and more than 20 are injured in Nairobi. The attacks come after Kenyan troops were sent into Somalia, a move Shabab insurgents warned would lead to retaliation.
If you would like to light
a candle as part of your
prayer, please click HERE,
then click on BEGIN and
follow the instructions.
Our group name is
Laika (case sensitive);
please type this into
the appropriate box
when requested.
GOOD NEWS FOR GAY PEOPLE IN ZIMBABWE
From GLOBAL POST:
Zimbabwe's beleaguered gays got a boost from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai who reversed his position and voiced his support for gay rights.
Gay rights should be enshrined in a new constitution for Zimbabwe, said Tsvangirai, in an interview with the BBC. He said that gay rights are a "human right" that conservative Zimbabweans should respect.
Last year, Tsvangirai joined President Robert Mugabe in opposing homosexuality. But in the new interview he staked out an opposing position. Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change has been in a controversial power sharing government with Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party. The two leaders have promised political reforms ahead of next year's elections. Zimbabwe is in the process of drafting a new constitution, which will be put to a referendum ahead of the elections. Homosexual acts are currently illegal in Zimbabwe, as in most African countries where many people view homosexuality as un-Christian and un-African.
Mr Tsvangirai said there is a "very strong cultural feeling" against homosexuality in Zimbabwe, but he would defend gay rights if he became president.
"It's a very controversial subject in my part of the world. My attitude is that I hope the constitution will come out with freedom of sexual orientation, for as long as it does not interfere with anybody," said Tsvangirai.
"To me, it's a human right," he said.
COMMENT: I think Mr Tsvangirai is playing a canny long game here. Mugabe is dying and Tsvangirai is ready and waiting to take over the leadership of his country (he won the last elections and it was only Mugabe's refusal to stand down that relegated him to the political sidelines albeit with a fancy title). Zimbabwe is financially up the creek without a paddle and the only way Tsvangirai's party will stay in power is if they sort the economy out. The most likely place to get financial help from is Britain as we feel incredibly guilty about the whole empire thing and we were right bastards during the struggle of native Zimbabweans to gain independence. But we now have a policy of penalising countries that persecute gay people through their legal system by reducing the aid we give them.
I think Mr Tsvangirai will be a very wise leader of Zimbabwe if he ever gets the job.
Zimbabwe's beleaguered gays got a boost from Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai who reversed his position and voiced his support for gay rights.
Gay rights should be enshrined in a new constitution for Zimbabwe, said Tsvangirai, in an interview with the BBC. He said that gay rights are a "human right" that conservative Zimbabweans should respect.
Last year, Tsvangirai joined President Robert Mugabe in opposing homosexuality. But in the new interview he staked out an opposing position. Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change has been in a controversial power sharing government with Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party. The two leaders have promised political reforms ahead of next year's elections. Zimbabwe is in the process of drafting a new constitution, which will be put to a referendum ahead of the elections. Homosexual acts are currently illegal in Zimbabwe, as in most African countries where many people view homosexuality as un-Christian and un-African.
Mr Tsvangirai said there is a "very strong cultural feeling" against homosexuality in Zimbabwe, but he would defend gay rights if he became president.
"It's a very controversial subject in my part of the world. My attitude is that I hope the constitution will come out with freedom of sexual orientation, for as long as it does not interfere with anybody," said Tsvangirai.
"To me, it's a human right," he said.
COMMENT: I think Mr Tsvangirai is playing a canny long game here. Mugabe is dying and Tsvangirai is ready and waiting to take over the leadership of his country (he won the last elections and it was only Mugabe's refusal to stand down that relegated him to the political sidelines albeit with a fancy title). Zimbabwe is financially up the creek without a paddle and the only way Tsvangirai's party will stay in power is if they sort the economy out. The most likely place to get financial help from is Britain as we feel incredibly guilty about the whole empire thing and we were right bastards during the struggle of native Zimbabweans to gain independence. But we now have a policy of penalising countries that persecute gay people through their legal system by reducing the aid we give them.
I think Mr Tsvangirai will be a very wise leader of Zimbabwe if he ever gets the job.
NEW DEAN OF SOUTHWARK
I am expecting the new dean of Southwark to be announced either tomorrow (Tuesday) or, maybe, next Tuesday.
The smart money was originally on Giles Fraser getting the post. But you could probably get quite good odds on him now. I understand that Giles and the Dean of St. Paul's don't exactly get on too well and Graeme Knowles is well in with the movers and shakers of the Establishment. And then there's the whole St. Paul's and the protesters thing where I have a feeling Giles Fraser is being blamed for getting the stuffy old cannons embroiled in a very public moral dilema (cash versus freeing the captive - that old inconvenience).
So who is going to get the nod?
Maybe the acting dean, Andrew Nunn or perhaps Michael Ipgrave (who I used to rate very highly when he was working in the East Midlands).
But the Church of England hierarchy is being even more politically manipulative than normal at the moment so it could well be a surprise appointment of somebody who will promote the Anglican Covenant and not rock the boat with talk of gay bishops and the like. One thing is for certain, whoever gets the job has a hard act to follow. People who speak out for the persecuted are always loved in hindsight. For example, Durham has been a poison chalice for bishops for years simply because nobody "could ever replace Bishop Jenkins."
The smart money was originally on Giles Fraser getting the post. But you could probably get quite good odds on him now. I understand that Giles and the Dean of St. Paul's don't exactly get on too well and Graeme Knowles is well in with the movers and shakers of the Establishment. And then there's the whole St. Paul's and the protesters thing where I have a feeling Giles Fraser is being blamed for getting the stuffy old cannons embroiled in a very public moral dilema (cash versus freeing the captive - that old inconvenience).
So who is going to get the nod?
Maybe the acting dean, Andrew Nunn or perhaps Michael Ipgrave (who I used to rate very highly when he was working in the East Midlands).
But the Church of England hierarchy is being even more politically manipulative than normal at the moment so it could well be a surprise appointment of somebody who will promote the Anglican Covenant and not rock the boat with talk of gay bishops and the like. One thing is for certain, whoever gets the job has a hard act to follow. People who speak out for the persecuted are always loved in hindsight. For example, Durham has been a poison chalice for bishops for years simply because nobody "could ever replace Bishop Jenkins."
JESUS ON THE STEPS OF SAINT PAUL'S
You have to check out Kathryn's post over at THE ARTSY HONKER. Most of us round here are old codgers who are somewhat relegated to cheering the team on from the sidelines. So it's great to see one of our number, still young in years*, actually on the field so to speak.
Honestly, check it out. It will warm your cockles it will.
* I'm assuming Kathryn Rose is still a young lass from her blog photo. Of course, she may be a hundred years old and just using a very old photo (I've been caught out by that trick many times before and not always by women). So, OCICBW... doesn't accept responsibility for etc. etc.
Honestly, check it out. It will warm your cockles it will.
* I'm assuming Kathryn Rose is still a young lass from her blog photo. Of course, she may be a hundred years old and just using a very old photo (I've been caught out by that trick many times before and not always by women). So, OCICBW... doesn't accept responsibility for etc. etc.
Monday, 24 October 2011
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME SUSAN
We posted this joke before on OCICBW.... But this is such a lovely visual that we are going to post it again.
LETTER OF THE DAY
Posted to THE GUARDIAN:
It is one of those rare occasions that leaders in the contemporary church long for: to be at the heart of the action. In a society with little interest in organised Christianity, suddenly St Paul's cathedral finds itself at the epicentre of the Occupy London movement (St Paul's may seek injunction to move activists, 24 October). Rather than serving as a museum to the past, it has become a site of public contestation. Initially, the church demonstrated a hospitality that intrigued activists. Impressed after hearing a priest offer prayers for both the protesters and the police, one young man said: "It has changed my idea positively of the Church of England."
On Sunday, however, the cathedral shut its doors, using the meagre excuse of "health and safety concerns". Today the church has admitted that its main worry is lost tourist revenues. Such a stance will only confirm what many outsiders already think about the church. Influence and relevance in the wider society do not come without some inconvenience. It is a pity that the cathedral is unwilling to get its hands dirty. As an Anglican, I hope St Paul's doesn't completely squander this chance to make a real witness to its faith while it is in the public eye. Does suing young and unemployed protesters really model the call to love one's neighbour?
(Rev Christopher Craig Brittain
Aberdeen)
Good, old Craig!
It is one of those rare occasions that leaders in the contemporary church long for: to be at the heart of the action. In a society with little interest in organised Christianity, suddenly St Paul's cathedral finds itself at the epicentre of the Occupy London movement (St Paul's may seek injunction to move activists, 24 October). Rather than serving as a museum to the past, it has become a site of public contestation. Initially, the church demonstrated a hospitality that intrigued activists. Impressed after hearing a priest offer prayers for both the protesters and the police, one young man said: "It has changed my idea positively of the Church of England."
On Sunday, however, the cathedral shut its doors, using the meagre excuse of "health and safety concerns". Today the church has admitted that its main worry is lost tourist revenues. Such a stance will only confirm what many outsiders already think about the church. Influence and relevance in the wider society do not come without some inconvenience. It is a pity that the cathedral is unwilling to get its hands dirty. As an Anglican, I hope St Paul's doesn't completely squander this chance to make a real witness to its faith while it is in the public eye. Does suing young and unemployed protesters really model the call to love one's neighbour?
(Rev Christopher Craig Brittain
Aberdeen)
Good, old Craig!
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