The “Vestry” is a term in Anglicanism for the group in the local parish which, together with the Rector (the head pastor, which at All Saints is myself) is charged with the “secular” affairs of the church: everything from the stewardship of our resources to our insurances, all financial matters, governance questions, fiduciary concerns, safeguarding policies, vacation days, bylaws, canonical conformity, etc.… you get the idea.
Read moreQuick notes on the '9th Island'
photo courtesy of Grant Cai via unsplash
I’ve been reflecting on a question posed to me late on Saturday evening by a member of the cast, the gist of which was whether I had been prepared for the overwhelming sinfulness of Vegas —the word used in the question was “sexiness.” I couldn’t help laughing, kindly I hope, at the question. I knew what he meant but had trouble articulating my answer. For I wanted to answer with a question that ran something like, “What sexiness?”
Read moreBrief notes on "Feasting"
We’re going through a sermon series at All Saints on our central values and vision. As much as that kind of corporate-speak makes one a bit itchy (‘cause it feels a little like the way the ‘bad guys’ speak in The Office), it is important as a local parish to spend time emphasizing values. Practices change over time. Values do not. Practices are embodiments of values.
Here are some notes on this “value”…
Read moreSt Bernard on the kiss
For Bernard the longing of the Christian year at Advent was best expressed in this cry of lovesickness. As we wait for his return, the song of the Bride becomes the song of the church in waiting. “Maranatha, come Lord Jesus!” (1 Cor. 16:22; Rev. 22:20).
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