diary entry - 3rd. August 2008
MadPriest's Big Adventure
I did something incredibly courageous, for me, today. I got up at 5 o'clock, picked up Themethatisme, and drove 200 miles to Glasgow to receive communion from Bishop Gene. It had to be something really big to get me through the days of panic beforehand and being away from home without Mrs MadPriest for that long, but Tmtim kept my feet on the ground even when I got lost in Glasgow, and, you know, it was worth it.
St. Mary's Cathedral was packed. FATHER KELVIN and his people can really put on a good show. We we're a little late and had to sit on folding chairs right next to the main door at the back.
Bishop Gene did a brilliant exegesis of the texts for the day based around the central premise that too many Christians mistakenly believe that they are on the Selection Committee when we should all be on the Welcoming Committee.
Then Bishop Gene presided at the Eucharist..
And it was exactly the same as any other Eucharist you might go to in an Anglican Church on a Sunday morning.
Then we sang a hymn, we were blessed by Gene and we gave him a standing ovation that lasted longer than Jessye Norman would have expected in her heyday.
Yesterday, in the cathedral, with the blessing of his bishop, Father Kelvin presided at the blessing of two men (marriage) after their civil service.
When I got home this evening I noticed that the Grand Tufti is demanding that there should be a moratorium on including gay people in the Anglican Church. Well, all I can say to him after today's experience is...
YOU'RE TOO BLOODY LATE, MATE!
... the new thing has begun.
After the service, over coffee, I met Father Kelvin and also Chris of the BLETHERS blog (she's crazy but lovely) and I did something very naughty and completely out of character. I gave Bishop Gene a signed copy of my "Dream of Gene" photoshop from yesterday. He said he would keep it for ever and I don't care if he was just being diplomatic, I shall treasure his comment for ever, as well.
73 comments:
I'm so glad the two of you went, MP -- how wonderful for both of you.
MadPriest, that is absolutely exciting and thrilling to read. No sarcasm here. Just unalloyed joy that you and TheMe had this lovely adventure. I am insane with jealousy.
The thought of the mad leading the nearly mad on a 200 mile adventure is pure delight. I ain't bullshittin' ya. I am thrilled beyond description for you and TheMe! And the icing on the cake is your giving your signed PhotoShop to Bishop Gene!
Thanks
200 miles each way, by the way
WOW! You did the right thing by making that inspired drive to Glasgow. Thank you for sharing the recording of Gene's sermon. The blessing of the occasion comes through clearly in what you wrote. If you can, don't hesitate to tell us more and show us more about the event.
Benedicite!
.
-Rob
No matter how hard I try, I just can't get it right, can I? Fine, a bloody 400 mile adventure, then! Happy now?
Well done Jonathan. Well done!!!
Brilliant! Just...brilliant! Both of you - I'm laughing and crying at the same time.
Now THAT'S what I call a pilgrimage, and you're right:
Dear Tufti: Way too late!
Oh, Jonathan and TheMe, I am thrilled that you managed to go and had each other as good company. Congratulations, blessings, and alleluia!
A 400 mile round trip in a country where everyone drives on the wrong side of the road? you really are mad.
Gene Robinson, that lucky son of a gun! he actually got to meet you! I'm so envious!
You're one in a billion, MP. That was a courageous thing to do, and I'm glad it proved to be so rewarding. I'm delighted that TmTim went with you, and I wish him all the best.
You're absolutely right. The Archbishop has really missed the train on this one. It left the station long ago.
Wonderful, MP and TheMe and awfully brave of you! I'm glad you did it and were inspired through +Gene (and got a chance to network with Fr. Kelvin and Chris).
I really think TEC should fund an overseas effort to talk and preach about full inclusion (and think more about companion liberal dioceses and parishes).
Good for you, MP!
Next thing you know you'll be boarding a plane to visit us all here in the good ole US. of A. :)
Grace.
Good to meet you, MP - even if I have to use Safari to visit your blog (it freezes Firefox on a regular basis)
Horray for you, and what a trip! I hope to meet +Gene when he comes this way, someday.
Yes, the train has left the station. You don't need a weather man to know which way the wind blows.
oops... that anon was me.
cany
How perfectly wonderful!!! I'm so happy the two of you went! That's the bee's knees!
I'm sure +Gene will keep your Photoshop effort, Mad One. Now, if he will choose to display it is quite another thing, though I'm sure they can find just the right spot at the Diocesan offices.
I am really chuffed that you made it up to Glasgow to be at Gene's eucharist and hear him preach. He is fan-f*cking-tastic (and that is the best example of tmesis in English you will ever see).
I was present at both Barbara Harris's and Gene's consecrations, and I feel very lucky and privileged to have been able to do that.
I bet that Gene will indeed keep your offering. He is a man of his word.
Good on ya, MP. I hope you gave +Gene love from the entire OCICBW loony-bin. ;-)
[And what Grace said. A transatlantic flight will be nuthin', compared to Glaswegian traffic, I'm sure! ;-D]
Awesome! Well done, MP!
Brilliant, MP ... I'm so glad (and envious) that you were able to do that. I've not yet had the opportunity to meet Gene Robinson in person.
Good on ya, mate! So glad you and TMTIM made the trip and, metaphorically, got the T-shirt. You witnessed the Church's future while the purple folk dithered about its past.
You can tell by the comments that we are elated that you did this and shared it with us.
I'm really glad you did this for yourself and then shared it with us.
Awesome Crazy Ass and TheMe...excellent!
I'm proud of you both!
I'm gonna pretend I don't care that you went and I'm not at all jealous in any way whatsoever....you sod! ;-)
yeah ... jealous.
yeah ... pleased.
As I was getting ready for bed and noticed that you had made that early morning post of the foto of the +ABC, I was wondering, "What is MP doing up this early?" I knew you were up to something!
I am such a bawl-baby, I was weeping tears of joy as I read the tale of your adventure with TheMe. I cannot help myself, they just flow naturally, even when I do not want them to.
I am glad you met +Gene and Kelvin+, and were blessed by the journey. A 650 Km round trip in one day, plus the service, that is almost flying is it not?
so very very jealous. I really am glad that you went. I guess we now need to monitor +Gene's blog to see what he says about the photoshop!
Well done MP. If you just repeat this once per week you'll be cured in no time.
HELL what am I saying? We don't want you cured MP. Keep up the good work!
I am back from my holiday and cannot possibly read all the missed blog posts...
But so glad I read this! Holy crap you two- that is brilliant!!!
Why am I reading this at 1 o'clock in the morning? I don't know, but I am glad I did. I can hear the heavenly party poppers going off from here. Way cool dude!!
It's good to know you can leave the barriada when inspired.
Now, can you get TMTISM to come with you to Panamá?
200 miles - at today's petrol prices that's quite an equivalent to put into the collection plate at home.
As much as I admire all you do on this blog, this was the best thing ever. Glory Hallelujah for you and TMTIM!
Did he wear kilts under the otherstuff...why do I think like that? Glad you had a safe trip!
Really the ABC "boggles" ones mind...just what is it he wants? Death squadlike acolytes armed with scissors and duck tape to cover mouths and bind hands at the Communion rail?
perhaps as pleased as any thing that you and TMTIME had a day together,
Awesome. Good on yer, mates!
Now, a more technical question. I told BP and she asked, would it be legal for her to take Communion from Gene or any other Episcopalian or Anglican? Her being a baptised and confirmed Roman Catholic....
I might ask the same question. I too was baptised and confirmed RC.
What are the rules?
IT
Every baptized person is welcome at the Lords table in Anglican churches IT. There is no fence around it.
However, the RCC has its own outlook about receiving the Eucharist from other "Christian communities."
Daved is right, IT; some Anglican parishes offer the Eucharist to all, baptized or not. Others, including my own at present (it has been different), offer it to all the baptized. You don't have to pass a theological exam.
"There's no fence around it" says it very well.
IT, I could be wrong, but I believe that an RC takes communion from us is considered to have excommunicated himself or herself.
At our Parish, the Table is open, we do not ask, or question anyone.
Can't say the same for the Romans, especially if you're a political candidate and pro-choice, or any form of inclusive.
I've met +Gene Robinson and heard him preach, and everything you've ever heard about how amazing he is... it's all TRUE, and then some!
I'm so envious of +Gene for meeting MP and TmTim.
We announce "All are welcome at God's table."
I communicate anyone who comes to receive, even though the rule is as Da-veed says.
Robin+
Yay for MP and TMTIM! This sounds like the very definition of A Great Day Out.
Good for you both.
Did you tell him who you were? Remember, we have reports this is one of his favorite websites.
dang --that's wonderful!! Good on ya both ---and I am sooooo wanting to do just what you both did...meet the man.
What a blessing!
I told BP and she asked, would it be legal for her to take Communion from Gene or any other Episcopalian or Anglican? Her being a baptised and confirmed Roman Catholic....
I might ask the same question. I too was baptised and confirmed RC.
["legal" by whose rules, mon cher?]
You left out one more verb above: BP is baptised, confirmed AND "communicating" (desires to, and does, receive the sacrament of Holy Communion on a regular basis---doesn't she?)
By that standard, and by TEC's rules, that BP is welcome to receive is absolute.
But as far as YOU go, IT, my question is: re "The Body of Christ, The Bread of Heaven/The Blood of Christ, The Cup of Salvation"---how hungry/thirsty are you? ;-/
Congratulations to you (both) for making the pilgrimage north. Envy? I'm green all over ...
OK, folks of world, the authorised version is now available.
I went to sleep thinking about this and woke up thinking about this.
This is the best thing I've read for many reasons...
You took a huge step in doing this.
I am glad that TMTIM was up to going with you - what a brilliant pair.
You got to go see/hear/meet +Gene.
Good God - this is all so great.
What a marvelous thing you did! And how wonderful for Bishop Gene to have a chance to meet you.
Maddy, The only think that I grieve as much as my mother's passing is that I couldn't make this trip with you. It would have been wonderful. You're not going to believe this, but I had just stepped outside of the Communications Center at St. James to call you when the call from Ms. Conroy came in about the loss of my mother. So, next time, Luv. I fully intend to travel back to UK and look you up. Until then, I'm so happy you got up to Glasgow and that you got to meet Gene. I can tell you from knowing him that he will have that thing famed, if it isn't already, and it will be up in his office. Word.
Well done, MP and TheMe! (I believe he will keep the "Dream of Gene" photoshop forever. I'm sure it will give him a laugh when he needs one.)
Good on you, JCF. I was wondering if anyone else would catch that.... ;-)
BP's concern (one anyway) appears to be that not all of y'all are trans-substantiationists. I told her that as far as I can see, it's the typical Anglican/Episcopal via media: not "you must" like the RC, but "you can".
I am slowly nudging her toward at least considering possibly attending an Episcopal Mass to "try it out" tho' she told me if she does I have to go with her. I suspect by 2010 we might get there.
BP's concern (one anyway) appears to be that not all of y'all are trans-substantiationists.
IT, many of us are, like me, very possibly not transubstantiationists, however, quite a few of us believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the elements of bread and wine, as I do.
I wonder how many true believing trans-substantiationists are left in the Roman Catholic Church, even among the clergy.
What BP may experience at an Episcopal Mass is decent music and ceremonial for a change.
Oh, be careful counterlight, BP sings in the folk choir....
IT
BP should know that the elements/Body and Blood are handled with respect/reverence and with common sense. I just don't see that anyone in TEC is going to have a fit over whether the wafer is placed on the tongue or on the hand. Trans-, con-, or "not" Substantiation - I daresay there are all of the above beliefs in the typical congregation.
NancyP
On the tongue or in the hand? In my case it's likely to end up in the beard. I suspect His Holiness the Grand Tufti has that problem too. [snigger]
Hey MP: is this your longest comment thread of all time?? This is No. 60: pretty dang good, wot??
No Pilgrim
We've had barbeque threads get well past a hundred comments.
Did you have to mention that, MP?
No Anglican liturgy of my knowledge comes close, but I remember many an MCC church which uses this form of epiclesis;
"...to bless and sanctify this bread and wine, that they may be a Perfect and Holy Communion for all those who partake of them."
The idea being that folks come from many different liturgical/theological traditions, and this would cover the bases for just about everyone.
It is best if new people know about your little perversions before they get sucked in too far, susan s.
That way they can't come complaining to me when somebody rubbishes the way they do outdoor food in their neck of the woods.
I'm coming to this thread late but I'm so pleased you and TheMe managed to hear Gene. I heard him in Putney where, sadly, he wasn't allowed to preside at the Eucharist, and it was an unforgettable experience. Well worth the 370 mile round trip!
TheMe, so good to hear from you again, have the black dogs all disappeared now?
It's the indoor food that bothers me. They've got a lovely big table over at bplaw.com: what sort of thing do you think they serve on it? They say they're devoted to service. Do you think they gather round it for services of Unholy Dissunion?
200 MILES!!!!
Like wow.
Sue-z and I drove from Chicago to Atlanta to attend a conference and mass featuring +Gene. For the road trip challenged, that is about a 2000 mile trip.
FWIW
jimB
Well, jimb, but you have to remember that the UK is the size of Oregon, so proportionally speaking, MP went a heckuva long way.
Yes, that is true, IT.
When Joe and I drove from Orlando to Washington DC two years ago, that was over 800 miles. I drove the whole thing, straight through. (Joe's driver's license was suspended at the time...)
I love long road trips.
Well, I did before gas/petrol prices went berserk.
Oh, be careful counterlight, BP sings in the folk choir....
Yeah, well B16 is probably going to phase those out, anyway (It's "Back to Latin" time for the Popoids!)
IT, does BP know Good Queen Bess's famous line?
(paraphrased from memory---I'm sure one of you lot will correct me)
Our Lord
Took the Word and Spake It,
He took the Bread and Break It,
And what that then doth Make It,
I but do Partake It.
The "Real Presence" (of Christ in the Eucharist) is the Real Presence. To further define it (ala "Christ's Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity"---does that come from Trent? or Vat2?---or process language, like "Transubstantiation"), well, defines (limits) it.
I like the Jesus I eat to remain (like the sausage I eat *g*) a mystery! ;-p
Not gone completely Erika thank you, but I'm learning that the dog is actually my friend and inviting it in for a time may be preferable to letting it sneak up on me. I am putting up a post today about this.
...and yes 200, 400 miles is not compararble to 2,000, unless there are siginificant difficulties for an individual for whom new places, faces, situations represent a serious challenge, in which case 200 yards may as well be the moon.
Good on you mate! and good on TheMe too.
Woof!
rowan, the canine bishop
Well put TMTIM, and welcome back.
IT
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