A traveler asked a preacher, "Among your congregation, have you any sinners?"

"Well, of course, my child," the preacher replied.

"Why would you allow them if they continue in their sins?"

"Because, my child, all are guilty.  It would be blasphemy to think anyone but the Son of God is without sin."

The traveler thought for a moment and then asked, "Among your congregation, have you any homosexuals?"

"I dare think not, my child!"

"Why, do you suppose,…

I read two separate articles today which when taken on the whole illustrate a really disturbing trend in the US and developed world.  That trend is technology.  But not just stuff...its like love of technology for its own sake.  There are implications to technology that most do not see.  This is especially true when it comes to technology and the church.

In one article, Steve Jobs is quoted as saying that he does not want the iPhone to just be for the rich.  But lets face it,…

Sorry, I kept thinking of things to add - I'm not eschewing NO process for ordination.  Every denomination has its processes, it's just the 'starting over' aspect of the Episcopal process and the time and expense involved for someone who might have already spent tens of thousands of dollars being educated in all aspects of Christian faith, and served as pastors in other churches.  I don't think that qualifies as  immaturity!

You know that being received into Episcopal membership if…

This retired Lutheran bishop is leading interest in the East in missional church.  I teach a classat Yale Divinity School and have a lectureship this September hopefully including Abbess Karen Black by video conferencing.  Your connections and welcome to a full=communion partner is welcome.

The missional church conveersation is long on theology and short on practise. I hope you will be a balance.  The website is excellent. 

Bp. David W Olson (former bishop in…

http://www.dianovo-cumberland.blogspot.com/

This is a great post by a wise man. 

     I've been thinking more on the issues of ordination and its traditions and practices.  The early church model of attendance was based on fellowship, not membership, and it was voluntary.  The Bible does not even suggest a requirement of a specified manner of ordination, or even ordination at all,  to perform baptisms, Eucharist, or evangelize. 

     When did 'churches'  adopt an extra-Biblical approach to who might perform these tasks and further, create requirements of…

     Oosh.  It's always hard when someone's writing stirs up a  reaction in my soul. 

     Today I'm having a problem with the words of Canon Dan Webster as published in the Maryland Church News.  Canon Webster is speaking of the adaptive change needed to lead a 21st century parish. 

     In his article, Canon Webster states 'Change can be frightening.  We resist change as human beings. …

Dr. Matthew Fox.  Creation Spirituality, is the author of his new book.  the Pope's war.

it tells the role of Joseph Ratzingar his role in the Vatican. as a Cardinal in the congregation of Doctrine and Faith, it details its witch hunt against people who stood in solidarity with people who were p[olitical social alienated.  other people who were censored who disagreed with the congregations views, about people who are gay/lesbian

the rise of Cardinal Joseph Raatzingar as Pope…

Jon Dewey and Ray Bell have an excellent conversation going about  the Episcopal church and it's process for the ordination of priests.  Their comments, as insiders, are insightful and would be a great springboard for the denomination to take a look at the ordination process.

One of Jon's key points is that he personally has degrees and qualifications that make him a well-qualified minister of another denomination, yet his Doctorate of Ministry and 4 other degrees are not considered…

I formally served in a denomination that did not require a seminary education for its clergy, only a bachelor's level Bible college degree which could be completed after ordination. That denomination expected its ministers to be bi-vocational and it served them well. In the Episcopal church I was trained in an alternative program designed for "later vocations," and our folks usually did much better on GOE's than the residential seminaries did. It was designed for those who wanted to serve,…

The Diocese of Maryland earlier in the year did a series of presentations on the hows and what to expect for becoming an ordained Episcopal priest in Maryland.  For the most part I wasn't too surprised on what was presented.  However, several points jumped out at me:

1.  The perception that seminaries do little to equip graduates for leadership in parishes.  The graduate seminarian is expected to learn on-the-job in an assistant/associate pastor position. Because of the…

yes folks homophobia exsists

David Norris.  independent senator Dublin Ireland.  is a candidate for presedential elections Ireland 2011.

ten years ago he gave a interview to journalist.  Helen Lucy Burke.   over dinner about ancient sexual activity in Greece

this interview was to come back to haunt him.  next in line to line up against him, was John Waters with outrageous ignorance article in the Irish times.  claiming that people didn't want to elect a person who seemed…

Enlightenment, nirvana, mystical union, there is an experience of eternal truth that has always been the goal of spiritual seekers. And yet the way to this truth has often remained a closely guarded secret, revealed only to students who are prepared to follow the teachings of various sects or…

Sadly, I've been reading many posts online by people so dissatisfied with church they quit going.  My heart goes out to these people because I've been wounded enough by church people to feel the same way.  But something in my stubborn spirit refuses to give up on the 'assembling of ourselves.'

Today our service was particularly lovely.  We are an aging congregation, but Father Bonadie has instituted quarterly F.R.A.N.K. Sundays (Friends, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors and…

My new book has been released for the Kindle.  Entitled "The Search for the Biblical Jesus," it examines what Jesus said about Himself, what those around Him said, and what the Bible says about Him.  There are many books that examine different people's philosophies.  My idea was to let the book speak for itself.

You can find it here if you are interested:

 …

It has been a while since I posted here, but I thought some of you might appreciate what I just posted on my other blog:

http://cumberlandemergent.blogspot.com/2011/05/christian-pirates.html

Its about the alienation we sometimes feel when we pursue Jesus, rather than institutionalised religion.

Tonight, my husband Jon and I were formally received by the Episcopal church.  The service took place at the lovely St. George's church in Mt. Savage.  It stormed from one end of the night to the other, but the service held much warmth and peace. Some of our fellow congregants braved the heavy flooding to be there for us, and we so appreciated their presence.

That we are Episcopal at all comes because my mother-in-law invited us.  From the moment I first attended, which was a…

I've been working with the Allegany County Museum here in Cumberland, Western Maryland, to have a 400th Anniversary Exhibit of the printing of the King James Bible.  Other than the works of Shakespeare, no other document has been more influential in the shaping of the English language and thought.

The exhibit will be featured at the Allegany County Museum, 3 Pershing Street, in Cumberland, Maryland. The exhibit will feature actual…