Today we have all woken up to a fairer
world and a far more dangerous one.
Saturday, 12 February 2011
NEW INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE
SHEILA WHO MUST BE OBEYED
On St Laika's on Facebook, do feel free to use the "like" button on links to St Laika's proper, because it makes them more visible, everyone ... if you're on Facebook and you get the links ... and if you don't mind my asking :-)
COMMENT: I have no idea what Cathy is on about, not being up on facebook tech. But I really do think we should all do what she tells us to do. Resistance is futile, anyway.
COMMENT: I have no idea what Cathy is on about, not being up on facebook tech. But I really do think we should all do what she tells us to do. Resistance is futile, anyway.
LATEST OSCAR NOMINEE WOWS JUDGES
Check out this video to see our good friend, SAM NORTON, in
his latest staring role. He has been nominated for the category, "Actor with the best churchy voice" (what you hear is not Sam's real voice - in real life, especially when he is with the lads, he sounds like a normal, Essex yob). However, the boyish good lucks are entirely Sam's. In the film he is wearing the minimum of make-up. In fact, no more than he would usually wear on a visit to his local hostelry.
his latest staring role. He has been nominated for the category, "Actor with the best churchy voice" (what you hear is not Sam's real voice - in real life, especially when he is with the lads, he sounds like a normal, Essex yob). However, the boyish good lucks are entirely Sam's. In the film he is wearing the minimum of make-up. In fact, no more than he would usually wear on a visit to his local hostelry.
THE PRAYER LIST - 12TH. FEBRUARY 2011
From CNN:
Security forces clashed with anti-government protesters chanting "change the power" in the Algerian capital of Algiers on Saturday. About 100 protesters were detained, according to the Algerian League for Human Rights, one of the main opposition groups that organized the rallies. The demonstrations were mostly peaceful, with police rounding up protesters in small groups to break up the crowds.
From THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:
Yemeni protesters and government supporters clashed briefly in the early hours of Saturday morning in the capital San'a. No injuries were reported.
***
From AFP:
The United States pivoted from delight at Egypt's revolt to hiking political pressure on arch-foe Iran Friday, charging that the leadership in Tehran was "scared of the will of its people." The White House said that Iranian leaders should give their people the same chance to express their will as Egyptians seized for themselves -- and noted that instead, Tehran had threatened to kill any protesters.
***
From THE GUARDIAN:
North Korea has ordered all its embassies to appeal to foreign governments for food aid in a sign of growing desperation in Pyongyang, according to diplomatic sources.
In November the WFP and FAO warned that the majority of North Korea's people faced continued hunger this year after harvests were affected by unusually bad weather. North Korea has been hit by repeated famines in recent decades, particularly when bad weather has exacerbated the effects of inefficient collectivist farming practices and a shortage of mechanisation. The situation was particularly acute in the mid-1990s, when between 600,000 and more than 2 million people are believed to have died. China, which has long served as North Korea's food supplier of last resort, faced its own food crisis as a result of a sustained drought, and that may have an impact on Beijing's food deliveries.
***
From Dah·veed:
Prayers for the communities of El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua as they morn the lives of two US teens visiting a teen friend in Juearaz where the three were all murdered while visiting a car dealership.
***
From FATHER KENNY:
Thank you all for your prayers for May Casey. I buried her today. A tremendous loss for our little flock. May was 60 and died very quickly and peacefully from ovarian cancer. She was due to fly out today for a holiday in Dubai. I know she's checking in somewhere else.
***
Posted by Seev at SEEVSPLACE:
The cat, named Bunky, had to be put down today. He was Kate’s cat and I was fond of him because he was so big and funny and pretty.
***
Posted by Cecilia at (UN) CLOSETED PASTOR:
Five years ago tonight I was sitting on my couch when the phone call came from my brother, to tell me that my mother had died.
It seems, this week, that about every other word out of my mouth has been a quote of something my mom said often, or would have said. She is very much with me. And the experience of losing D. this week, who was so like my mom in personality and temperament, has brought it all home that much more. So. Praying today in gratitude for this extraordinary woman. She is with me still.
Posted by Paul at BYZIGENOUS BUDDHAPALIAN:
I ask your prayers for Sandi.
"Will you please include me on your prayer list? Things kinda rough right now. Feel very dark. Love, Sandi."
May Light surround her and radiate from within her.
For my nephew Jay who had part of a root canal done yesterday but it needs to be finished next week.
For Diane who has challenges on multiple fronts right now.
For my sister Shirley who recovers from the fender-bender but has a lot of medical catch-up to do.
For my grandniece Hannah who celebrated her birthday yesterday (12 going on 16, says her grandmother).
For myself in that I came down with a chest cold yesterday. Stayed home today and spent many hours sleeping. Plan to continue that all weekend. Among the many with no paid sick live, so I need to get back to work as soon as prudent. Pray for healing and prudence.
For Nate and Ken who move through difficult transitions.
THANKSGIVING
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
A new era dawned in Egypt on Saturday as this nation of 80 million — and hundreds of millions beyond its borders — began to absorb the fact that an 18-day mass movement of nonviolent protest brought down a 30-year military dictatorship and renewed the country’s lease on life. Thousands lent a hand to a volunteer clean-up of Tahrir Square, the epicenter of the new Egypt. Sanitation trucks deployed on its outskirts and soldiers removed some of the barricades surrounding the square.
From CNN:
Two hostages freed by a Colombian rebel group reunited with their family members in the country's capital Friday.
Speaking to reporters, one of the freed hostages called for renewed dialogue between the government and insurgents.
"Humanitarian exchange is the first step toward a friendly understanding, which permits the return of our brothers deprived of their liberty," politician Armando Acuna said shortly after he was released by the FARC leftist guerrilla group Friday.
Marine Henry Lopez Martinez was also released Friday and met family members at an airport in the country's capital.
"This is the most beautiful moment of the liberations, the loving reuniting of the families. For this, all the effort is worth it," former Sen. Piedad Cordoba, who helped coordinate the humanitarian mission to free them, said in a Twitter post.
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.
Security forces clashed with anti-government protesters chanting "change the power" in the Algerian capital of Algiers on Saturday. About 100 protesters were detained, according to the Algerian League for Human Rights, one of the main opposition groups that organized the rallies. The demonstrations were mostly peaceful, with police rounding up protesters in small groups to break up the crowds.
From THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:
Yemeni protesters and government supporters clashed briefly in the early hours of Saturday morning in the capital San'a. No injuries were reported.
***
From AFP:
The United States pivoted from delight at Egypt's revolt to hiking political pressure on arch-foe Iran Friday, charging that the leadership in Tehran was "scared of the will of its people." The White House said that Iranian leaders should give their people the same chance to express their will as Egyptians seized for themselves -- and noted that instead, Tehran had threatened to kill any protesters.
***
From THE GUARDIAN:
North Korea has ordered all its embassies to appeal to foreign governments for food aid in a sign of growing desperation in Pyongyang, according to diplomatic sources.
In November the WFP and FAO warned that the majority of North Korea's people faced continued hunger this year after harvests were affected by unusually bad weather. North Korea has been hit by repeated famines in recent decades, particularly when bad weather has exacerbated the effects of inefficient collectivist farming practices and a shortage of mechanisation. The situation was particularly acute in the mid-1990s, when between 600,000 and more than 2 million people are believed to have died. China, which has long served as North Korea's food supplier of last resort, faced its own food crisis as a result of a sustained drought, and that may have an impact on Beijing's food deliveries.
***
From Dah·veed:
Prayers for the communities of El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua as they morn the lives of two US teens visiting a teen friend in Juearaz where the three were all murdered while visiting a car dealership.
***
From FATHER KENNY:
Thank you all for your prayers for May Casey. I buried her today. A tremendous loss for our little flock. May was 60 and died very quickly and peacefully from ovarian cancer. She was due to fly out today for a holiday in Dubai. I know she's checking in somewhere else.
***
Posted by Seev at SEEVSPLACE:
The cat, named Bunky, had to be put down today. He was Kate’s cat and I was fond of him because he was so big and funny and pretty.
***
Posted by Cecilia at (UN) CLOSETED PASTOR:
Five years ago tonight I was sitting on my couch when the phone call came from my brother, to tell me that my mother had died.
It seems, this week, that about every other word out of my mouth has been a quote of something my mom said often, or would have said. She is very much with me. And the experience of losing D. this week, who was so like my mom in personality and temperament, has brought it all home that much more. So. Praying today in gratitude for this extraordinary woman. She is with me still.Posted by Paul at BYZIGENOUS BUDDHAPALIAN:
I ask your prayers for Sandi.
"Will you please include me on your prayer list? Things kinda rough right now. Feel very dark. Love, Sandi."
May Light surround her and radiate from within her.
For my nephew Jay who had part of a root canal done yesterday but it needs to be finished next week.
For Diane who has challenges on multiple fronts right now.
For my sister Shirley who recovers from the fender-bender but has a lot of medical catch-up to do.
For my grandniece Hannah who celebrated her birthday yesterday (12 going on 16, says her grandmother).
For myself in that I came down with a chest cold yesterday. Stayed home today and spent many hours sleeping. Plan to continue that all weekend. Among the many with no paid sick live, so I need to get back to work as soon as prudent. Pray for healing and prudence.
For Nate and Ken who move through difficult transitions.
THANKSGIVING
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
A new era dawned in Egypt on Saturday as this nation of 80 million — and hundreds of millions beyond its borders — began to absorb the fact that an 18-day mass movement of nonviolent protest brought down a 30-year military dictatorship and renewed the country’s lease on life. Thousands lent a hand to a volunteer clean-up of Tahrir Square, the epicenter of the new Egypt. Sanitation trucks deployed on its outskirts and soldiers removed some of the barricades surrounding the square.
From CNN:
Two hostages freed by a Colombian rebel group reunited with their family members in the country's capital Friday.
Speaking to reporters, one of the freed hostages called for renewed dialogue between the government and insurgents.
"Humanitarian exchange is the first step toward a friendly understanding, which permits the return of our brothers deprived of their liberty," politician Armando Acuna said shortly after he was released by the FARC leftist guerrilla group Friday.
Marine Henry Lopez Martinez was also released Friday and met family members at an airport in the country's capital.
"This is the most beautiful moment of the liberations, the loving reuniting of the families. For this, all the effort is worth it," former Sen. Piedad Cordoba, who helped coordinate the humanitarian mission to free them, said in a Twitter post.
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.
Friday, 11 February 2011
HEADLINE OF THE DAY
From THE NATIONAL EXAMINER:
What?!!
Someone in the United States knows
what another country looks like?!!
That's amazing!!
I expect most Americans think that Southern Sudan is somewhere near Mexico. You know, next to Scotland.
What?!!
Someone in the United States knows
what another country looks like?!!
That's amazing!!
I expect most Americans think that Southern Sudan is somewhere near Mexico. You know, next to Scotland.
MADPRIEST'S (BOG STANDARD)
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Everything in the universe and everything that happens is straightforward and can be explained very simply. The mathematics behind everything appears complex but all sums end up with a simple answer.
Do not complicate your lives or seek complicated answers. It's unnatural.
Do not complicate your lives or seek complicated answers. It's unnatural.
DON'T BLAME MADPRIEST, BLAME MAD DAD
An 80-year-old Scot went to the doctor for a check-up. The doctor was amazed at what good shape the old fellow was in and asked: "How do you stay in such great physical condition?'"
"I am Scottish and I am a golfer," said the old fellow: "and that is why I am in such good
shape. I'm up well before daylight and out golfing up and down the fairways. I have a wee glass of whisky, and that's it."
"Well,' said the doctor, 'I'm sure that helps, but there has to be more to it. How old was your dad when he died?"
"Who said my Dad died?"
The doctor was amazed. "You mean you are 80 years old and your dad is still alive How old is he?"
"He is 100 years old," said the old Scottish golfer. "In fact he golfed wi' me this mornin, and then we went to the topless beach for a walk and had anither wee dram and that is why he is still alive. He is a Scot and he is a golfer, too."
"Well," the doctor said, "that's great, but I am sure there is more to it than that. How about your dad's dad? How old was he when he died?"
"Who said my Grandad is dead?"
Stunned, the doctor asked, "You mean you are 80 years old and your grandfather is still living! Incredible, how old is he?"
"He is 118 years old," said the old Scottish golfer.
The doctor was getting frustrated at this point: "So, I guess he went golfing with you this morning too?"
"No. Grandad couldnae go this mornin' because he is getting married today"
At this point the doctor was close to losing it. "Getting married!! Why would a 118 year-old bloke want to get married?"
"Who said he wanted to?"
"I am Scottish and I am a golfer," said the old fellow: "and that is why I am in such good
shape. I'm up well before daylight and out golfing up and down the fairways. I have a wee glass of whisky, and that's it."
"Well,' said the doctor, 'I'm sure that helps, but there has to be more to it. How old was your dad when he died?"
"Who said my Dad died?"
The doctor was amazed. "You mean you are 80 years old and your dad is still alive How old is he?"
"He is 100 years old," said the old Scottish golfer. "In fact he golfed wi' me this mornin, and then we went to the topless beach for a walk and had anither wee dram and that is why he is still alive. He is a Scot and he is a golfer, too."
"Well," the doctor said, "that's great, but I am sure there is more to it than that. How about your dad's dad? How old was he when he died?"
"Who said my Grandad is dead?"
Stunned, the doctor asked, "You mean you are 80 years old and your grandfather is still living! Incredible, how old is he?"
"He is 118 years old," said the old Scottish golfer.
The doctor was getting frustrated at this point: "So, I guess he went golfing with you this morning too?"
"No. Grandad couldnae go this mornin' because he is getting married today"
At this point the doctor was close to losing it. "Getting married!! Why would a 118 year-old bloke want to get married?"
"Who said he wanted to?"
LEGALISED GAY HATE IN AUSTRALIA
From THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD:
An Anglican bishop calls it "appalling" and a gay and lesbian rights group condemns it as "deeply offensive", but the Attorney-General, John Hatzistergos, backs a NSW law that allows private schools to expel gay students simply for being gay. Through a spokesman, Mr Hatzistergos, described the 30-year-old law as necessary "to maintain a sometimes delicate balance between protecting individuals from unlawful discrimination while allowing people to practise their own beliefs".
A relic of the Wran era when homosexuality was still a crime, the law exempts private schools from any obligation to enrol or deal fairly with students who are homosexual. An expulsion requires neither disruption, harassment nor even the flaunting of sexuality. Being homosexual is enough.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney declined to distance itself from the legislation.
Jim Wallace of the Australian Christian Lobby has no qualms about the law. The head of the influential Christian pressure group said a church school should have the right to expel any openly gay child.
"But I would expect any church that found itself in that situation to do that in the most loving way that it could..."
An Anglican bishop calls it "appalling" and a gay and lesbian rights group condemns it as "deeply offensive", but the Attorney-General, John Hatzistergos, backs a NSW law that allows private schools to expel gay students simply for being gay. Through a spokesman, Mr Hatzistergos, described the 30-year-old law as necessary "to maintain a sometimes delicate balance between protecting individuals from unlawful discrimination while allowing people to practise their own beliefs".
A relic of the Wran era when homosexuality was still a crime, the law exempts private schools from any obligation to enrol or deal fairly with students who are homosexual. An expulsion requires neither disruption, harassment nor even the flaunting of sexuality. Being homosexual is enough.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney declined to distance itself from the legislation.
Jim Wallace of the Australian Christian Lobby has no qualms about the law. The head of the influential Christian pressure group said a church school should have the right to expel any openly gay child.
"But I would expect any church that found itself in that situation to do that in the most loving way that it could..."
ALL CHANGE!
From THE CHURCH TIMES:
An “Ordinariate of Postulants” has been set up by the diocese of Peru in the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone to host a growing number of Roman Catholic priests who are keen to join the Anglican Church.
The Bishop of Peru, the Rt Revd William Godfrey, said that, so far, about ten RC priests had joined the new group to explore the possibility of switching denominations. Some may bring congregations with them. About half of them are from churches that have become independent from the RC Church, often because the priests have got married. Bishop Godfrey said that he had also received requests from RC clergy in Uruguay, Ecuador, and Argentina, to join the Anglican Church. He believes that some priests may have been encouraged by Pope Benedict XVI’s positive words about Anglicanism when setting up the Ordinariate, when he was “extra ordinarily positive” about the Anglican tradition.
An “Ordinariate of Postulants” has been set up by the diocese of Peru in the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone to host a growing number of Roman Catholic priests who are keen to join the Anglican Church.
The Bishop of Peru, the Rt Revd William Godfrey, said that, so far, about ten RC priests had joined the new group to explore the possibility of switching denominations. Some may bring congregations with them. About half of them are from churches that have become independent from the RC Church, often because the priests have got married. Bishop Godfrey said that he had also received requests from RC clergy in Uruguay, Ecuador, and Argentina, to join the Anglican Church. He believes that some priests may have been encouraged by Pope Benedict XVI’s positive words about Anglicanism when setting up the Ordinariate, when he was “extra ordinarily positive” about the Anglican tradition.
I'LL STAND BEFORE THE LORD OF SONG WITH
NOTHING ON MY TONGUE BUT HALLELUJAH
From THE VANCOUVER SUN:
St. John's Anglican Church in Squamish is arranging a special concert of Leonard Cohen love songs, served with wine and roses, tomorrow night, in honour of Valentine's Day.
David Dranchuk, the Anglican official organizing the event, says Cohen's music is "preoccupied" with love, and often brings out its spiritual dimension.
The church hall will be decorated with longstemmed roses and candles for the Cohen love concert. People will be able to drink wine during the performance.
COMMENT: Drink wine? What, no wacky backy?
Below is a photo of St. John's priest, the Reverend Wendy Eyre-Gray (she is the lady on the far left). She certainly has the look of a Leonard Cohen fan about her. I wonder what she remembers well from the Chelsea Hotel.
St. John's Anglican Church in Squamish is arranging a special concert of Leonard Cohen love songs, served with wine and roses, tomorrow night, in honour of Valentine's Day.
David Dranchuk, the Anglican official organizing the event, says Cohen's music is "preoccupied" with love, and often brings out its spiritual dimension.
The church hall will be decorated with longstemmed roses and candles for the Cohen love concert. People will be able to drink wine during the performance.
COMMENT: Drink wine? What, no wacky backy?
Below is a photo of St. John's priest, the Reverend Wendy Eyre-Gray (she is the lady on the far left). She certainly has the look of a Leonard Cohen fan about her. I wonder what she remembers well from the Chelsea Hotel.
ANOTHER GOOD MAN DONE GONE
Announcement of the death of
the Rt Revd Derek Rawcliffe OBE
(ALL SOUL'S CHURCH, LEEDS)
It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of the Rt. Revd Derek Rawcliffe OBE at the age of 89. The former Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway died at his home in Leeds on Tuesday 1 February. Derek Rawcliffe had remained active in ministry and on the day of his death he attended a church service at his home church of St Aidan’s, Leeds where he read the lesson.
Bishop John paid tribute to Derek: “I was very sorry to hear of the death of the Rt. Revd. Derek Rawcliffe. Derek has contributed substantially in Leeds, both to our worship, through St. Aidan’s, and to the care of and concern about asylum seekers. He has worked to help those in poverty and has also been concerned with ecumenical relationships in the City, and regularly contributed to the work of Leeds Churches Together in Mission.”
A Requiem Mass is planned to be held at St Aidans Leeds (this Sunday). An online book of condolence is being opened on the website of ST. AIDAN'S CHURCH. (Canon John Carter)
From THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Derek Rawcliffe, the first Church of England bishop to be open about his homosexuality, has died at age 89.
Rawcliffe disclosed his homosexuality on television in 1995, when he was serving as an honorary bishop in Ripon and Leeds diocese. He was dismissed the following year for conducting blessings of same-sex couples. However, he remained active in ministry at the Leeds church (where he worshipped) and was allowed to preside at some confirmation services.
REST IN PEACE, FATHER DEREK
AND PRESIDE IN GLORY!
the Rt Revd Derek Rawcliffe OBE
(ALL SOUL'S CHURCH, LEEDS)
It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of the Rt. Revd Derek Rawcliffe OBE at the age of 89. The former Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway died at his home in Leeds on Tuesday 1 February. Derek Rawcliffe had remained active in ministry and on the day of his death he attended a church service at his home church of St Aidan’s, Leeds where he read the lesson.
Bishop John paid tribute to Derek: “I was very sorry to hear of the death of the Rt. Revd. Derek Rawcliffe. Derek has contributed substantially in Leeds, both to our worship, through St. Aidan’s, and to the care of and concern about asylum seekers. He has worked to help those in poverty and has also been concerned with ecumenical relationships in the City, and regularly contributed to the work of Leeds Churches Together in Mission.”
A Requiem Mass is planned to be held at St Aidans Leeds (this Sunday). An online book of condolence is being opened on the website of ST. AIDAN'S CHURCH. (Canon John Carter)
From THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
Derek Rawcliffe, the first Church of England bishop to be open about his homosexuality, has died at age 89.
Rawcliffe disclosed his homosexuality on television in 1995, when he was serving as an honorary bishop in Ripon and Leeds diocese. He was dismissed the following year for conducting blessings of same-sex couples. However, he remained active in ministry at the Leeds church (where he worshipped) and was allowed to preside at some confirmation services.
REST IN PEACE, FATHER DEREK
AND PRESIDE IN GLORY!
MADPRIEST'S (EXISTENTIALIST)
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Bad news can only exist if, ultimately, there is good news.
Without hope there is no hopelessness.
Without hope there is no hopelessness.
THE FRIDAY ICON (1)
MARILYN MONROE
1st. June, 1926 to 5th. August, 1962
Possible answer to the questions:
"What is the American dream?"
and "What is the American tragedy?"
A woman who always aimed higher than she could possibly achieve and who often achieved what she was aiming at. I love all the films she appeared in with the exception of "The Misfits" which I rate second only to "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf" as most depressing film of all time.
I'm listening to a book about her at the moment,
written by her dog, Mafia Honey.
So, what are your thoughts on this week's icon and what is the most depressing film you have ever watched?
LOUD FRIDAY
Chris Devotion And The Expectations - yet another Scottish group who know how to rock and roll. I wish they would pop across the border and teach some of our English musicians how to do it.
BAND'S MYSPACE PAGE
PURCHASE VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
ELSEWHERE ON THE OCICBW... EXPERIENCE
ST. LAIKA'S: Daily Prayer with music. There's some Prokofiev for classical music fans and a couple of soul based, gospel songs.
As the one respondent to my appeal for feedback (thank you, Jim) liked the style of yesterday's, more meditative than usual, podcast, I have gone for the same feeling today.
As the one respondent to my appeal for feedback (thank you, Jim) liked the style of yesterday's, more meditative than usual, podcast, I have gone for the same feeling today.
YOUR GOOD NEWS OR GOD'S GOOD NEWS?
Lesley has posted a question on her
blog today, "WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?"
It strikes me that a high proportion of Christians believe the "good news" to be claims made by theologians well after Christ's ministry on earth. Such statements as "Christ died for our sins" are human interpretations of the Christ event.
Personally, I believe the good news is that which was preached by Jesus and recorded in the Gospels. After years of thinking about it I have come to the conclusion that the Gospel can, therefore, be summed up as follows:
God is very close to us and God loves us. So, be nice to one another and, in the end, everything will turn out fine.
It's a bit simple, I know. But, then, so am I.
blog today, "WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?"
It strikes me that a high proportion of Christians believe the "good news" to be claims made by theologians well after Christ's ministry on earth. Such statements as "Christ died for our sins" are human interpretations of the Christ event.
Personally, I believe the good news is that which was preached by Jesus and recorded in the Gospels. After years of thinking about it I have come to the conclusion that the Gospel can, therefore, be summed up as follows:
God is very close to us and God loves us. So, be nice to one another and, in the end, everything will turn out fine.
It's a bit simple, I know. But, then, so am I.
THE PRAYER LIST - 11TH. FEBRUARY 2011
Following President Hosni Mubarak's latest refusal to step down, we continue to pray for the people of Egypt.
From AL JAZEERA:
Egyptian state news agency MENA has reported that Egyptian military leaders held an "important" meeting today. It is expected that the military will issue an important statement to the people after Friday midday prayers.
"The armed forces' solidarity movement with the people has begun," Major Ahmed Ali Shouman told Reuters news agency on Friday. "Our goals and the people's are one."
***
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
BAGHDAD — A car bomb exploded near a procession of Shiite Muslim pilgrims south of the holy city of Samarra on Thursday, killing nine people, including one child, and wounding 39 people, 5 of them children.
***
From THE WASHINGTON POST:
One of Iran's most prominent opposition leaders was placed under house arrest Thursday, with security agents posted at the entrance saying they would stay there until a possible anti-government protest (scheduled for next Monday) had passed.
Although the government has not officially banned Monday's protest, there are clear signs that it will not be allowed to proceed.
"The seditionists are nothing more than a corpse, and we will strongly suppress any movement or action by them," Hossein Hamedani, a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, said Wednesday.
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered this week in the New Orleans metro area:
2/2 Lars Stiaes 22 M Shot Orleans
(Please note the victim on 2/2 has been identified.)
2/6 Calvin Celestine 36 M Shot Orleans
2/6 Kean Short 24 M Shot Orleans
2/6 Terry Chandler 16 M Shot Orleans
2/7 Damien Joseph 19 M Shot Orleans
Please pray for the victims, their murderers, and their families.
***
Posted by Diane at FAITH IN COMMUNITY:
When she called, she was excited. She wanted me to officiate at her wedding in May. "I'm 60 years old and I'm getting married for the first time!" she told me. She couldn't believe her luck. She had gotten re-acquainted with an old friend, the son of the man that she brought to church, and they had decided to get married. They met because he would often come and make a nice dinner for his parents after church. We talked to each other a few times, trying to figure out dates and times.
Last week, she was hospitalized with complications from a cold.
On Thursday night, she had a stroke.
On Tuesday, she died.
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.
From AL JAZEERA:
Egyptian state news agency MENA has reported that Egyptian military leaders held an "important" meeting today. It is expected that the military will issue an important statement to the people after Friday midday prayers.
"The armed forces' solidarity movement with the people has begun," Major Ahmed Ali Shouman told Reuters news agency on Friday. "Our goals and the people's are one."
***
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
BAGHDAD — A car bomb exploded near a procession of Shiite Muslim pilgrims south of the holy city of Samarra on Thursday, killing nine people, including one child, and wounding 39 people, 5 of them children.
***
From THE WASHINGTON POST:
One of Iran's most prominent opposition leaders was placed under house arrest Thursday, with security agents posted at the entrance saying they would stay there until a possible anti-government protest (scheduled for next Monday) had passed.
Although the government has not officially banned Monday's protest, there are clear signs that it will not be allowed to proceed.
"The seditionists are nothing more than a corpse, and we will strongly suppress any movement or action by them," Hossein Hamedani, a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, said Wednesday.
***
Posted by Ormonde Plater at THROUGH THE DUST:
Murdered this week in the New Orleans metro area:
2/2 Lars Stiaes 22 M Shot Orleans
(Please note the victim on 2/2 has been identified.)
2/6 Calvin Celestine 36 M Shot Orleans
2/6 Kean Short 24 M Shot Orleans
2/6 Terry Chandler 16 M Shot Orleans
2/7 Damien Joseph 19 M Shot Orleans
Please pray for the victims, their murderers, and their families.
***
Posted by Diane at FAITH IN COMMUNITY:
When she called, she was excited. She wanted me to officiate at her wedding in May. "I'm 60 years old and I'm getting married for the first time!" she told me. She couldn't believe her luck. She had gotten re-acquainted with an old friend, the son of the man that she brought to church, and they had decided to get married. They met because he would often come and make a nice dinner for his parents after church. We talked to each other a few times, trying to figure out dates and times.
Last week, she was hospitalized with complications from a cold.
On Thursday night, she had a stroke.
On Tuesday, she died.
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, 10 February 2011
ELSEWHERE ON THE OCICBW... EXPERIENCE
THE ANCHORHOLD: "Strange Islands, Silent Music."
ST. LAIKA'S: A service of daily prayer taken from "Common Worship," with loads and loads of music. I've stretched my editing expertise to its extreme today in order to try and create a more meditative experience. I would grateful if you would let me know if it works or if it is too long-winded.
CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...: Lots of stuff (and very likely some nonsense, as well). Check out the right hand sidebar for details of how to access Chin Wag.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: The latest podcast and possibly the best so far.
And don't forget The OCICBW... Experience's
OFFICIAL HOME on facebook.
ST. LAIKA'S: A service of daily prayer taken from "Common Worship," with loads and loads of music. I've stretched my editing expertise to its extreme today in order to try and create a more meditative experience. I would grateful if you would let me know if it works or if it is too long-winded.
CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...: Lots of stuff (and very likely some nonsense, as well). Check out the right hand sidebar for details of how to access Chin Wag.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: The latest podcast and possibly the best so far.
And don't forget The OCICBW... Experience's
OFFICIAL HOME on facebook.
THE PRAYER LIST - 10TH. FEBRUARY 2011
From REUTERS:
A 12-year-old boy in a school uniform blew himself up at a Pakistani army recruitment center Thursday, killing 31 cadets.
***
From CTV NEWS:
A suicide bomber posing as a dairy deliveryman struck a Kurdish security headquarters Wednesday, setting off a series of rapid-fire attacks against the oil-rich Iraqi city of Kirkuk that killed seven and wounded up to 80 people. Within minutes, two more bombs exploded nearby, sending dark plumes of smoke into the clear winter sky and ending a six-month lull in violence in a city rife with simmering ethnic tensions located 290 kilometres north of Baghdad.
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
As Egypt’s uprising entered its 17th day on Thursday, bolstered by labor strikes and worker protests across the country, a senior official in President Hosni Mubarak’s embattled government was quoted as saying the army would “intervene to control the country” if it fell into chaos.
“If chaos occurs, the armed forces will intervene to control the country, a step which would lead to a very dangerous situation,” he was quoted as saying.
***
IT at THE FRIENDS OF JAKE will be interring her father's ashes this weekend.
***
Please pray for D who died recently and for Cecilia at (UN) CLOSETED PASTOR, who was her friend and pastor until the end.
***
Posted by Jim at JIM'S THOUGHTS:
My younger son and I attended a wake this weekend. The sister of a dear friend was murdered. Her killer shot her, another woman and eventually himself.
***
Posted by the cajun at ON TRANSMIGRATION:
Feeling a little better this afternoon though the cough is still deep and painful. This isn't the dreaded flu that everyone's talking about. No, this is a demon rhino-virus that takes you to the mat and keeps slamming you back there each time you try to rise. Not 100% on my feet - but better than Monday.
***
THANKSGIVING
From INDIA EXPRESS:
India and Pakistan are set to announce a set of seven conversations under a renewed engagement process. This will signal the resumption of talks on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, that had been frozen after the 26/11 attacks. These talks will take place in “quick succession” with the aim to have them completed within the next three months, followed by the visit of the Pakistan Foreign Minister in July.
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.
A 12-year-old boy in a school uniform blew himself up at a Pakistani army recruitment center Thursday, killing 31 cadets.
***
From CTV NEWS:
A suicide bomber posing as a dairy deliveryman struck a Kurdish security headquarters Wednesday, setting off a series of rapid-fire attacks against the oil-rich Iraqi city of Kirkuk that killed seven and wounded up to 80 people. Within minutes, two more bombs exploded nearby, sending dark plumes of smoke into the clear winter sky and ending a six-month lull in violence in a city rife with simmering ethnic tensions located 290 kilometres north of Baghdad.
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
As Egypt’s uprising entered its 17th day on Thursday, bolstered by labor strikes and worker protests across the country, a senior official in President Hosni Mubarak’s embattled government was quoted as saying the army would “intervene to control the country” if it fell into chaos.
“If chaos occurs, the armed forces will intervene to control the country, a step which would lead to a very dangerous situation,” he was quoted as saying.
***
IT at THE FRIENDS OF JAKE will be interring her father's ashes this weekend.
***
Please pray for D who died recently and for Cecilia at (UN) CLOSETED PASTOR, who was her friend and pastor until the end.
***
Posted by Jim at JIM'S THOUGHTS:
My younger son and I attended a wake this weekend. The sister of a dear friend was murdered. Her killer shot her, another woman and eventually himself.
***
Posted by the cajun at ON TRANSMIGRATION:
Feeling a little better this afternoon though the cough is still deep and painful. This isn't the dreaded flu that everyone's talking about. No, this is a demon rhino-virus that takes you to the mat and keeps slamming you back there each time you try to rise. Not 100% on my feet - but better than Monday.
***
THANKSGIVING
From INDIA EXPRESS:
India and Pakistan are set to announce a set of seven conversations under a renewed engagement process. This will signal the resumption of talks on all outstanding issues, including Kashmir, that had been frozen after the 26/11 attacks. These talks will take place in “quick succession” with the aim to have them completed within the next three months, followed by the visit of the Pakistan Foreign Minister in July.
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.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
CAPTION COMPETITION
Oh, good. It looks like the Italians have
solved their priest shortage problem at last.
(Allegedly, it's part of the "settlement process")
solved their priest shortage problem at last.
(Allegedly, it's part of the "settlement process")
IT IS SO SAD, BUT THEY WON'T GET IT THEMSELVES
I have just received this email from my former diocese:
This is from the diocese whose first move when I instigated legal proceedings against them under human rights legislation was to claim exemption from human rights legislation because they are a church.
This is from the diocese whose first move when I instigated legal proceedings against them under human rights legislation was to claim exemption from human rights legislation because they are a church.
ELSEWHERE ON THE OCICBW... EXPERIENCE
ST. LAIKA'S: A service of daily prayer based on Evening Prayer from "The Book Of Common Prayer." Intercession is for the abolition of the death penalty in all the nations and all the music in the service is taken from Billy Joe Shaver's album, "Victory" - it just fitted the occasion.
THE PRAYER LIST - 9TH. FEBRUARY 2011
From THE MIAMI HERALD:
Martin (Marty) Link died by injection at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday at the Missouri state prison in Bonne Terre. It was the first execution in Missouri since May 2009 and just the second since 2006. Link's fate was sealed when Gov. Jay Nixon on Monday denied clemency and the courts on Tuesday refused to halt the execution.
We pray for our friend, Jane R, who corresponded with Marty up until just before his execution (see yesterday's Prayer List). We pray for Marty's defence team. We pray for those made less human by their part in his execution. We pray that Marty's claim that he was at peace with God is made real by God. We pray for all who suffered due to Marty's crimes, that they too may find some peace of mind. We pray for an end to judicial killing as God "desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live."
***
From THE BBC:
People in Sri Lanka are going hungry as a fresh wave of floods has hit the east, centre and north of the island. Some 320,000 people have been forced to take refuge in makeshift camps in schools, temples and mosques. The floods have affected 1.25 million people. Officials say 11 people have been killed and three more are missing.
From THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
At least two people were killed and 19 others injured, including a police chief, in the triple car bombings in Iraq's northern city of Kirkuk on Wednesday morning. The coordinated car bomb attacks took place successively when two booby-trapped car struck police patrols in the city, some 250 km north of Baghdad, and a third hit a base of the local Kurdish security force in Kirkuk's southern neighborhood of al-Wasitti.
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.
We pray for our friend, Jane R, who corresponded with Marty up until just before his execution (see yesterday's Prayer List). We pray for Marty's defence team. We pray for those made less human by their part in his execution. We pray that Marty's claim that he was at peace with God is made real by God. We pray for all who suffered due to Marty's crimes, that they too may find some peace of mind. We pray for an end to judicial killing as God "desireth not the death of a sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live."
***
From THE BBC:
People in Sri Lanka are going hungry as a fresh wave of floods has hit the east, centre and north of the island. Some 320,000 people have been forced to take refuge in makeshift camps in schools, temples and mosques. The floods have affected 1.25 million people. Officials say 11 people have been killed and three more are missing.
From THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY:
At least two people were killed and 19 others injured, including a police chief, in the triple car bombings in Iraq's northern city of Kirkuk on Wednesday morning. The coordinated car bomb attacks took place successively when two booby-trapped car struck police patrols in the city, some 250 km north of Baghdad, and a third hit a base of the local Kurdish security force in Kirkuk's southern neighborhood of al-Wasitti.
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, 8 February 2011
CAPITALISM IS EVIL
SOCIALISM IS GODLY
The reason why ideological capitalism completely defeated ideological communism in the twentieth century was not because communists are evil but because capitalists accept that capitalists are evil. The only argument for capitalism is that it works. The reason why it works is because the vast majority of people are only greedy for that which benefits themselves. Greed is not evil but greed that hurts others is. In theory it is possible for humankind to embrace a Godly greed and, therefore, a Godly capitalism. Such a thing would be based on people being greedy for the other and in profit being pursued only so that it can be passed on to the other. There is a name for this idea - socialism.
Socialism is the using of human will to harness human greed for the benefit of the other.
Capitalism is the ignoring of human will and embracing greed for the benefit of the self.
The system is the same. The motivation is different.
Motivation can be Godly or evil.
Socialism is based on Godly motivation and is, therefore, a Christian ideal.
Capitalism is entirely evil in its motivation.
There can be no such thing as a Christian capitalist as the motivation for capitalism, the satisfying of self, is exactly that which Christ preached against. Though he did so, not so much by condemning selfishness, but by showing that our duty to others is so great that it leaves no opportunity for us to be selfish.
Socialism is the using of human will to harness human greed for the benefit of the other.
Capitalism is the ignoring of human will and embracing greed for the benefit of the self.
The system is the same. The motivation is different.
Motivation can be Godly or evil.
Socialism is based on Godly motivation and is, therefore, a Christian ideal.
Capitalism is entirely evil in its motivation.
There can be no such thing as a Christian capitalist as the motivation for capitalism, the satisfying of self, is exactly that which Christ preached against. Though he did so, not so much by condemning selfishness, but by showing that our duty to others is so great that it leaves no opportunity for us to be selfish.
TWITFACE CHIT CHAT (4)
If the number of comments on any one TwitFace post gets to fifty, all those who have commented will receive 500 days off purgatory. Should the comments ever reach one hundred I will grant all the participants a general plenary. Now, you don't get offers like that on Facebook!
Your subject for discussion today is:
MY WICKED SIDE
Off you go then!
ELSEWHERE ON THE OCICBW... EXPERIENCE
THE ANCHORHOLD: "Songful Living"
ST. LAIKA'S: Daily Prayer with music (including a song performed by Nick Cave), Saints of the Day (including the fascinating story of Josephine Bakhita) and The Prayer List.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: The latest podcast and possibly the best so far.
ST. LAIKA'S: Daily Prayer with music (including a song performed by Nick Cave), Saints of the Day (including the fascinating story of Josephine Bakhita) and The Prayer List.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: The latest podcast and possibly the best so far.
SURELY WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS
On The Prayer List today is a request from our good friend,
Jane R, that we should pray for Marty Link who is scheduled to be executed in the next twenty four hours. Marty's crime was the worst imaginable. He kidnapped, raped and murdered a young girl.
Although, philosophically, I disagree with the death penalty in all cases, I can understand why some people believe it to be a just punishment for crimes such as the one Marty committed. However, I think it is obscene to lock someone up for twenty years (as in this case) and then execute them. That is torture and torture should have no place in any nation's legal system.
Jane R, that we should pray for Marty Link who is scheduled to be executed in the next twenty four hours. Marty's crime was the worst imaginable. He kidnapped, raped and murdered a young girl.
Although, philosophically, I disagree with the death penalty in all cases, I can understand why some people believe it to be a just punishment for crimes such as the one Marty committed. However, I think it is obscene to lock someone up for twenty years (as in this case) and then execute them. That is torture and torture should have no place in any nation's legal system.
THE PRAYER LIST - 8TH. FEBRUARY 2011
From Jane R:
As many of you know, I have had a pen pal for about a year through Project Link of People of Faith Against the Death Penalty. His name is Martin Link and he goes by Marty. Marty has been on Death Row in Missouri for some years and recently received an execution date of February 9. That's Wednesday. If Missouri is like California (I am not sure if it is), the killers will put Marty to death not long after midnight on Tuesday.
It is possible that Marty will receive a stay of execution. His lawyers are working on this. There is, however, no way of knowing this till very close to the last minute.
My stated commitment has been to write once a month. Since Marty wrote me about his execution date, I have been trying to write him every day. It's possible he will be around for a lot longer than Wednesday - there is no way of knowing at this point - but I wanted him to have a lot of company after his move to the new prison: he has been there since around the time he wrote me last month and I have been writing with the knowledge that these might be his last days.
I know several of you have already joined me in remembering Marty in prayer and I am writing to ask you to continue holding Marty in your hearts and in the prayers of your communities of faith and practice. He has committed crimes. He is also a child of God, as all of us are. Please pray for Marty, child of God.
These quotes are from Marty's letter to me:
" ... I am doing well given the circumstances."
"I am being treated very well here at the Bonne Terre prison."
"Nobody knows how all this is going to play out except for God himself."
"I can tell you that since I've received my execution date God has been really working in my life and answering prayers. For instance, after 21 years I finally was able to talk to my daughter. That was one of my prayers."
"Should I receive [a stay of execution], it won't come until the last day or so. My lawyers have some issues they plan to use in hopes to get me a STAY."
"Please know that I am at peace with whatever may come my way. ..."
***
From HAARETZ.COM:
Several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah will be evicted to pave way for two new buildings meant to comprise 13 apartments. The Jerusalem Municipal Committee for Planning and Building is expected to approve Monday the construction of two buildings that will include 13 apartments for Jewish residents in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem.
***
Posted by J. Michael Povey at POVEY PRATTLE:
My English friend Winifred Bees died at her home in Bristol, U.K. on 4th Feb 2011. She leaves her husband Tom, and their only child Lesley (who is married with one child). Winifred was a noble person - the very best of Englishwomen.
***
Posted by janinsanfran at CAN IT HAPPEN HERE?:
I have the flu. Regular blogging will resume when the shivering, chills, feverish spikes and sweating stop.
***
THANKSGIVING
From ALJAZEERA:
Egyptian anti-government protesters have welcomed the release of a Google executive who disappeared in Cairo last month after playing a key role in helping demonstrators organise. Wael Ghonim was released on Monday by Egyptian authorities.
***
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
With the announcement of final voting results, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan said Monday that his government would accept the choice of the long-embattled region of southern Sudan to separate from the north, setting the stage for the creation of the world’s newest country this summer.
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.
As many of you know, I have had a pen pal for about a year through Project Link of People of Faith Against the Death Penalty. His name is Martin Link and he goes by Marty. Marty has been on Death Row in Missouri for some years and recently received an execution date of February 9. That's Wednesday. If Missouri is like California (I am not sure if it is), the killers will put Marty to death not long after midnight on Tuesday.
It is possible that Marty will receive a stay of execution. His lawyers are working on this. There is, however, no way of knowing this till very close to the last minute.
My stated commitment has been to write once a month. Since Marty wrote me about his execution date, I have been trying to write him every day. It's possible he will be around for a lot longer than Wednesday - there is no way of knowing at this point - but I wanted him to have a lot of company after his move to the new prison: he has been there since around the time he wrote me last month and I have been writing with the knowledge that these might be his last days.
I know several of you have already joined me in remembering Marty in prayer and I am writing to ask you to continue holding Marty in your hearts and in the prayers of your communities of faith and practice. He has committed crimes. He is also a child of God, as all of us are. Please pray for Marty, child of God.
These quotes are from Marty's letter to me:
" ... I am doing well given the circumstances."
"I am being treated very well here at the Bonne Terre prison."
"Nobody knows how all this is going to play out except for God himself."
"I can tell you that since I've received my execution date God has been really working in my life and answering prayers. For instance, after 21 years I finally was able to talk to my daughter. That was one of my prayers."
"Should I receive [a stay of execution], it won't come until the last day or so. My lawyers have some issues they plan to use in hopes to get me a STAY."
"Please know that I am at peace with whatever may come my way. ..."
***
From HAARETZ.COM:
Several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah will be evicted to pave way for two new buildings meant to comprise 13 apartments. The Jerusalem Municipal Committee for Planning and Building is expected to approve Monday the construction of two buildings that will include 13 apartments for Jewish residents in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem.
***
Posted by J. Michael Povey at POVEY PRATTLE:
My English friend Winifred Bees died at her home in Bristol, U.K. on 4th Feb 2011. She leaves her husband Tom, and their only child Lesley (who is married with one child). Winifred was a noble person - the very best of Englishwomen.
***
Posted by janinsanfran at CAN IT HAPPEN HERE?:
I have the flu. Regular blogging will resume when the shivering, chills, feverish spikes and sweating stop.
***
THANKSGIVING
From ALJAZEERA:
Egyptian anti-government protesters have welcomed the release of a Google executive who disappeared in Cairo last month after playing a key role in helping demonstrators organise. Wael Ghonim was released on Monday by Egyptian authorities.
***
From THE NEW YORK TIMES:
With the announcement of final voting results, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan said Monday that his government would accept the choice of the long-embattled region of southern Sudan to separate from the north, setting the stage for the creation of the world’s newest country this summer.
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.
Monday, 7 February 2011
A CATHOLIC, A WICCAN
AND A PAGAN WALK INTO A PUB
From BELIEFNET:
The Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, worried about the growing influence of Harry Potter and his team of young wizards, has published a guide aimed at helping teenagers deal with 21st century witchcraft.
Elizabeth Dodd, the book's author and herself a former Wiccan who became a Catholic said the booklet is intended to help Catholics assess the history and beliefs of Wicca, and also how to talk to Wiccans they might meet in a pub.
COMMENT: MadPriest suggests that if she is a cute Wiccan, you should buy her a pint of Pendle Witches Brew and compliment her on "her many charms."
The Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, worried about the growing influence of Harry Potter and his team of young wizards, has published a guide aimed at helping teenagers deal with 21st century witchcraft.
Elizabeth Dodd, the book's author and herself a former Wiccan who became a Catholic said the booklet is intended to help Catholics assess the history and beliefs of Wicca, and also how to talk to Wiccans they might meet in a pub.
COMMENT: MadPriest suggests that if she is a cute Wiccan, you should buy her a pint of Pendle Witches Brew and compliment her on "her many charms."
ELSEWHERE ON THE OCICBW... EXPERIENCE
THE ANCHORHOLD: "Ten Thousand Opportunities!"
and "A Prayer; A Wonderful Prayer."
ST. LAIKA'S: Compline with lots of music, which today has an American roots feel about much of it.
CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...: Lots of stuff (and very likely some nonsense, as well). Check out the right hand sidebar for details of how to access Chin Wag.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: The latest podcast and possibly the best so far.
And don't forget The OCICBW... Experience's
OFFICIAL HOME on facebook.
and "A Prayer; A Wonderful Prayer."
ST. LAIKA'S: Compline with lots of music, which today has an American roots feel about much of it.
CHIN WAG @ OCICBW...: Lots of stuff (and very likely some nonsense, as well). Check out the right hand sidebar for details of how to access Chin Wag.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL: The latest podcast and possibly the best so far.
And don't forget The OCICBW... Experience's
OFFICIAL HOME on facebook.
MADPRIEST ON THE PRIMATES' MEETING IN DUBLIN
There seems to be a growing acknowledgement in the Anglican blogosphere that the Dublin meeting went well insomuch as there were no huge fights. If peace is the benchmark of success for a meeting of primates then I must concur. Furthermore, for once, I think that the Grand Tufti has been politically very astute in deed. The last thing he needed was for this meeting to go wrong and so he worked out the best way of making sure that all his colleagues remained happy. He designed the meeting so that most of it was concerned with the role of primates in the church and, from the beginning, he personally emphasised the uniqueness of primacy in the church, telling the other primates that they were very special, they were "first amongst equals" with the emphasis very much on "first." Faced with such flattery the delegates sunk into a blissed out state of self-importance and, like a classroom of children who have been told by their teacher that they have ALL done very well, they stopped fighting each other for the seat at the right hand of their messiah.
Machiavelli move over! There's a new man in town.
Machiavelli move over! There's a new man in town.
MADPRIEST ON BISHOPS
The function of a bishop is to celebrate the eucharist. All other functions presently owned by bishops can be carried out by the laity. It is the same for priests. But priests can only celebrate the eucharist if they are given permission to by their diocesan bishop. This is because a priest "vicariously" presides at the eucharist on behalf of the bishop. A local priest's mass is always the bishop's mass.
Therefore, the primary pastoral duty of a bishop is to care for the priests in his diocese. The priest is related to the bishop organically in the same way that all Christians are organically related to Christ. The metaphor of the vine applies to the connection between priest and bishop as much as it applies to the connection between Christians and Christ. Christians are part of the body of Christ and priests are part of the body of their bishop.
Jesus stated over and over again that he cared for those who were part of his body above all else. A bishop should care for his priests above all else. For a bishop to cut off one of his priests should be as rare as the True Vine shedding one of its branches.
If a bishop is served by priests throughout his jurisdiction then his duty of care towards the laity of the diocese should, in most circumstances, be carried out through his priests. Along with the teaching task of the bishop, pastoral care of the laity is at a distance, once removed. But the pastoral care of the priesthood must be the direct responsibility of the bishop because there are no "vicars" between the bishop and his priests.
Therefore, I stick by my statement the other day that bishops should be chosen by priests and priests should be chosen by the laity and endorsed by the diocesan bishop. For the laity to insist on an equal interest in the bishop with the priesthood is unfair as this gives the laity two provisions for pastoral care and denies priests real pastoral care due to the conflict of interest the present understanding of the episcopacy seems to always give rise to.
Of course, priests may choose their bishops unwisely but bad bishops are sometimes elected in provinces where the laity are part of the electoral college. In any case, the proof is in the pudding and I have not come across any province where the priesthood is, on the whole, as close to their bishops as in Scotland. Now, Scottish people often claim they are superior to everyone else, but, in reality, they are not. It is my opinion that if it can work in Scotland it can work anywhere, but only if we copy that other Scottish tradition of keeping their bishops' feet planted firmly on the ground.
Therefore, the primary pastoral duty of a bishop is to care for the priests in his diocese. The priest is related to the bishop organically in the same way that all Christians are organically related to Christ. The metaphor of the vine applies to the connection between priest and bishop as much as it applies to the connection between Christians and Christ. Christians are part of the body of Christ and priests are part of the body of their bishop.
Jesus stated over and over again that he cared for those who were part of his body above all else. A bishop should care for his priests above all else. For a bishop to cut off one of his priests should be as rare as the True Vine shedding one of its branches.
If a bishop is served by priests throughout his jurisdiction then his duty of care towards the laity of the diocese should, in most circumstances, be carried out through his priests. Along with the teaching task of the bishop, pastoral care of the laity is at a distance, once removed. But the pastoral care of the priesthood must be the direct responsibility of the bishop because there are no "vicars" between the bishop and his priests.
Therefore, I stick by my statement the other day that bishops should be chosen by priests and priests should be chosen by the laity and endorsed by the diocesan bishop. For the laity to insist on an equal interest in the bishop with the priesthood is unfair as this gives the laity two provisions for pastoral care and denies priests real pastoral care due to the conflict of interest the present understanding of the episcopacy seems to always give rise to.
Of course, priests may choose their bishops unwisely but bad bishops are sometimes elected in provinces where the laity are part of the electoral college. In any case, the proof is in the pudding and I have not come across any province where the priesthood is, on the whole, as close to their bishops as in Scotland. Now, Scottish people often claim they are superior to everyone else, but, in reality, they are not. It is my opinion that if it can work in Scotland it can work anywhere, but only if we copy that other Scottish tradition of keeping their bishops' feet planted firmly on the ground.
FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE CHURCH
Here's a sad but beautiful song, written and performed by Danny Schmidt, from his album, "Enjoying The Fall."
Quite a few years ago, now, I sent some of Danny's music to local promoters and sent Danny details of an agent in the UK. I nagged him to visit England because I believed the roots music lovers here would love him. He did visit and they did love him and he now regularly pops over here to perform gigs. He is a really lovely man.
GOD’S LOVE OF MAN
Hey, the sun’s sinking,
Overhead the skies are grey
All’s still but folks thinking
On the words the preacher prays
“Lay thee down in heaven’s sunlight
And smile down upon the days gone by
- By and By -
His soul was taken
and don’t ask the good lord why”
“He was a good and was a kind man
Kept his garden free of weeds
Fed the sick and led the blind man
To the light where souls are freed
He left behind his ma and sisters
And ours is not to ask what’s fair
- what’s fair is fair -
So lend some kindness
for their loss is ours to bear”
He went to church and looked on Jesus
And how they stretched him ‘cross the post
With all our sins washed down his body
‘Cross naked flesh when eyes were closed
And at night he shared the burden
Of his brother lying close at hand
- hand in hand -
And just like Jesus
from eyes of love dropped tears of sin
Thou shalt not steal thy neighbor’s money
Nor take thy neighbor’s life
And thou shalt have but for desire
Not thy neighbor, but for his wife
They sheathed their swords inside their bibles
And when they come, they come to beat him straight
But it’s the bible that takes a beating
When you preach a love of hate
Now listen good though I’m no preacher
They killed a man for how he loved
If you believe that shit you’re teaching
You best take shelter from above
Cause it’s our words which built the heavens
And it’s our words which hold the mighty
- All and All -
Might come down crashing
if our word for Angel falls
Copyright 2001. Words and music by Danny Schmidt
DANNY'S WEBSITE
Buy Danny Schmidt downloads
VIA MADPRIEST'S AMAZON STORE
Buy Danny Schmidt CDs direct from Danny's website
(as they are considerably cheaper there
than what Amazon are charging for them).
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If the Anglican Communion was a movie
the audience would know who the baddies are.
the audience would know who the baddies are.
ADVERTISEMENT
Over, Price and Associates, the church supply company based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, has added a new range of candles to their catalogue that have been designed specifically for Forward in Faith and ACNA congregations. Managing director of the company, Mr. M. P. Snark, said he believed they would be very popular as they reflected visually the masculinity ontologically inherent in the priesthood of such churches. He also told OCICBW... that his company would be launching the new product at the end of February through a series of full page adverts on the "Stand Firm" website where most of the potential customers for these candles hang out.
Further details can be found at THE MACARTHUR CHRONICLE.
Further details can be found at THE MACARTHUR CHRONICLE.
THE BODY OF CHRIST IS SICK
Thanks to D. Gregory Smith for posting this story on his blog, FROM ETERNITY TO HERE.
CAPTION COMPETITION
Here is a photo of Our Ruth, of REVRUTH'S RANTINGS, at the consecration of Bishop Kevin. She looks far too at home among all those bishops so, please be as creatively scathing as you like in your suggestions.
THE PRAYER LIST - 7TH. FEBRUARY 2011
From UKPA:
Floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka have forced 320,000 people to flee their homes and killed at least 11. The Disaster Management Centre said the evacuees are being housed in 759 temporary camps after heavy rains last week forced them to flee. In addition to the 11 deaths, three people are missing.
From SKY NEWS:
More than 55 homes have been destroyed by bushfires that have swept through neighbourhoods of the western Australian city of Perth.
Posted by janinsanfran at CAN IT HAPPEN HERE?:
An Afghan prisoner held at the United State's prison camp at Guantanamo died this week after exercising. Awal Gul had been held nearly nine years without a trial. Although no court had ever found that he had committed any crime, he was in the category of prisoner that our government apparently intends to hold forever, without any legal process.
***
Posted by Lesley at LESLEY'S BLOG:
Dad has been unwell for years, but in particular two years ago he was diagnosed with an aggressive lymphoma. A tumour was removed and we were told that he was too frail for chemotherapy and so it would stay in the blood and reappear perhaps in three months, perhaps in two years, probably in his spine. Since then he has been in and out of hospital, he keeps falling and breaking bones. Most recently he had a hip replacement and he got out of hospital about ten days ago.
Yesterday, my brother phoned to say that mum wasn't coping with dad at home and that was the trigger. I have been in tears on and off since. Today dad was readmitted to hospital with many crushed vertebrae and the suspicion is that the lymphoma is indeed back.
Two things have occurred to me:
1. Dad is going to die fairly soon
2. I love him and I don't want him to die.
***
Posted at WOUNDED BIRD:
From Paul (A.)'s wife Catherine:
Paul in hospital, 4 broken ribs, 1 punctured lung slipping down ice-glazed front steps this am. Other than that, he's fine.
Update:
He was able to sit up, feed himself, and then pass out from (we think) dehydration-related low blood pressure. Life is never dull with Paul (A.)!
Catherine (Mrs. Paul (A.)
***
THANKSGIVING
The Reverend Kevin Pearson was consecrated Bishop of Argyll & The Isles (Scottish Episcopal Church) over the weekend.
Posted at JESUS IN LOVE BLOG:
Rev. Nancy Wilson was appointed yesterday by President Barack Obama to the White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. She is lesbian minister and moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches.
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.
Floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka have forced 320,000 people to flee their homes and killed at least 11. The Disaster Management Centre said the evacuees are being housed in 759 temporary camps after heavy rains last week forced them to flee. In addition to the 11 deaths, three people are missing.
From SKY NEWS:
More than 55 homes have been destroyed by bushfires that have swept through neighbourhoods of the western Australian city of Perth.
Posted by janinsanfran at CAN IT HAPPEN HERE?:
An Afghan prisoner held at the United State's prison camp at Guantanamo died this week after exercising. Awal Gul had been held nearly nine years without a trial. Although no court had ever found that he had committed any crime, he was in the category of prisoner that our government apparently intends to hold forever, without any legal process.
***
Posted by Lesley at LESLEY'S BLOG:
Dad has been unwell for years, but in particular two years ago he was diagnosed with an aggressive lymphoma. A tumour was removed and we were told that he was too frail for chemotherapy and so it would stay in the blood and reappear perhaps in three months, perhaps in two years, probably in his spine. Since then he has been in and out of hospital, he keeps falling and breaking bones. Most recently he had a hip replacement and he got out of hospital about ten days ago.
Yesterday, my brother phoned to say that mum wasn't coping with dad at home and that was the trigger. I have been in tears on and off since. Today dad was readmitted to hospital with many crushed vertebrae and the suspicion is that the lymphoma is indeed back.
Two things have occurred to me:
1. Dad is going to die fairly soon
2. I love him and I don't want him to die.
***
Posted at WOUNDED BIRD:
From Paul (A.)'s wife Catherine:
Paul in hospital, 4 broken ribs, 1 punctured lung slipping down ice-glazed front steps this am. Other than that, he's fine.
Update:
He was able to sit up, feed himself, and then pass out from (we think) dehydration-related low blood pressure. Life is never dull with Paul (A.)!
Catherine (Mrs. Paul (A.)
***
THANKSGIVING
The Reverend Kevin Pearson was consecrated Bishop of Argyll & The Isles (Scottish Episcopal Church) over the weekend.
Posted at JESUS IN LOVE BLOG:
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.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
THE MIRACLE OF THE JESUS
WITH THE GLOWING MAN BOOBS
From MLIVE.COM:
In what is called “Eucharist adoration,” a large wafer — unleavened bread — about 3 or 4 inches in diameter was blessed by a priest and set on a gold stand, called a luna, in the school chapel of at Jackson Catholic Middle School on Friday. During the day, as adult volunteers sat near it, a student claimed to see the image of Jesus on the wafer.
Dave Krajewski, a psychotherapist with Crossroads Psychotherapy in Jackson and a Catholic, said he got a call from a friend about 4 p.m. Friday. He went to JCMS, 915 Cooper St., and was among 10 or 20 people squeezed into the chapel to observe the wafer. The outline of the male figure, Krajewski said, was a red or orange vibrant color. He had long brown hair and looked like he was wearing a robe.
“I left the school not knowing if I had seen a miracle or not,” Krajewski said. “But I’m not ruling it out.”
The Rev. Cecilio Reyna of St. Mary Catholic Church, 120 E. Wesley St., wrote on his blog about being called and driving over to see the wafer.
“I did see what appeared to be the outline of a man's face with some bright spots toward the bottom of the luna. One of the spots where it was glowing,” he blogged.
“It reminded me of an image of Jesus taken from the Shroud of Turin. What is also interesting is the subtle rose colored tint in the area of the face, which is not visible anywhere else,” he added.
They are now waiting for Bishop Earl Boyea of the Lansing Catholic Diocese to visit. That is the beginning of a very long process to determine if this is actually declared a miracle by the Catholic church.
In what is called “Eucharist adoration,” a large wafer — unleavened bread — about 3 or 4 inches in diameter was blessed by a priest and set on a gold stand, called a luna, in the school chapel of at Jackson Catholic Middle School on Friday. During the day, as adult volunteers sat near it, a student claimed to see the image of Jesus on the wafer.
Dave Krajewski, a psychotherapist with Crossroads Psychotherapy in Jackson and a Catholic, said he got a call from a friend about 4 p.m. Friday. He went to JCMS, 915 Cooper St., and was among 10 or 20 people squeezed into the chapel to observe the wafer. The outline of the male figure, Krajewski said, was a red or orange vibrant color. He had long brown hair and looked like he was wearing a robe.
“I left the school not knowing if I had seen a miracle or not,” Krajewski said. “But I’m not ruling it out.”
The Rev. Cecilio Reyna of St. Mary Catholic Church, 120 E. Wesley St., wrote on his blog about being called and driving over to see the wafer.
“I did see what appeared to be the outline of a man's face with some bright spots toward the bottom of the luna. One of the spots where it was glowing,” he blogged.
“It reminded me of an image of Jesus taken from the Shroud of Turin. What is also interesting is the subtle rose colored tint in the area of the face, which is not visible anywhere else,” he added.
They are now waiting for Bishop Earl Boyea of the Lansing Catholic Diocese to visit. That is the beginning of a very long process to determine if this is actually declared a miracle by the Catholic church.
PRIEST GETS INTO TROUBLE WITH HIS
BISHOP FOR NOT BREAKING THE LAW
From THE TELEGRAPH:
Waiting for the bride at the altar, Fr Tim Codling began to realise that something wasn't quite right when he saw her at the back of the church pulling her wedding dress out of a black bin-liner. In full view of everyone present, she proceeded to change into the dress. It became clear it was twice her size as she walked down the aisle, struggling not to trip over it and with the sleeves hanging down to her knees. As she stood next to the groom, there was not only an obvious lack of affection, but more alarmingly a complete lack of recognition.
"It was as if they'd never met each other before," says Fr Codling, rector of St John the Baptist in Tilbury, Essex. "Looking back now, I realise that they probably hadn't."
The wedding was one of dozens of marriages at his church that he believes were part of a scam designed to allow immigrants to gain British citizenship.
Concerned that he was being asked to perform bogus marriages, the rector informed Chelmsford's diocesan registrar of his fears. He repeatedly called to advise he would not recommend applicants be given common licences – a requirement for foreign nationals wanting to marry in church. Often, applicants could not prove the necessary "qualifying connection" with the parish and the vicar suspected that neither partner was a genuine resident. Addresses given by "couples" married at St John the Baptist, obtained from the church's marriage register, proved to be false when visited by The Sunday Telegraph.
Yet despite Fr Codling's warnings about the validity of the applicants, they returned from the registrar with the common licence, leaving him little option but to take their weddings.
In 2009, Fr Codling refused to conduct a wedding involving a Ghanian bride whose visa had expired. He told officials that any marriage would potentially be illegal as she did not have a legal right to remain in the country. However, the Rt Rev John Gladwin, then the Bishop of Chelmsford, rejected his advice and sent his chaplain, the Rev Chris Newlands, to take the ceremony.
Fr Codling says he felt that they thought he was being difficult.
Faced with having to officiate at weddings he suspected to be sham, he began to interrupt ceremonies and escort couples from the building when he was convinced they were bogus. He was verbally abused as a result and on one occasion Nigerians broke into his house and confronted his wife. She had a rape alarm installed by their front door. He called his local bishop, the Rt Rev Laurie Green, the Bishop of Bradwell, but was dismayed by the response.
"I was given the impression they were thoroughly disinterested in what I was saying. I expected a lot of support considering what we were going through, but he said he didn't have time to listen to my stories."
Instead of receiving backing from the diocese, when he finally did receive a personal visit from the Ven David Lowman, the archdeacon of Southend, he says he was threatened with disciplinary action if he continued to refuse to conduct marriages.
"It left me in a really terrible position because it meant that I had to stand in front of these couples in church conducting marriages I knew were unlikely to be genuine," he said.
Despairing at the lack of support from the Church and growing increasingly anxious that he could be arrested like other clergy caught conducting sham marriages, he turned to the UK Border Agency. In August, staff from the agency arrested a couple. Since the raid there has been a noticeable drop in applications to marry at the church.
COMMENT: I wonder how much the bishops and archdeacons would have bent over backwards to get these foreign nationals their welfare payouts if the diocese didn't take a pile of cash every time a couple gets married in one of their churches. And, I would point out, the parish priest gets nothing for conducting weddings.
Waiting for the bride at the altar, Fr Tim Codling began to realise that something wasn't quite right when he saw her at the back of the church pulling her wedding dress out of a black bin-liner. In full view of everyone present, she proceeded to change into the dress. It became clear it was twice her size as she walked down the aisle, struggling not to trip over it and with the sleeves hanging down to her knees. As she stood next to the groom, there was not only an obvious lack of affection, but more alarmingly a complete lack of recognition.
"It was as if they'd never met each other before," says Fr Codling, rector of St John the Baptist in Tilbury, Essex. "Looking back now, I realise that they probably hadn't."
The wedding was one of dozens of marriages at his church that he believes were part of a scam designed to allow immigrants to gain British citizenship.
Concerned that he was being asked to perform bogus marriages, the rector informed Chelmsford's diocesan registrar of his fears. He repeatedly called to advise he would not recommend applicants be given common licences – a requirement for foreign nationals wanting to marry in church. Often, applicants could not prove the necessary "qualifying connection" with the parish and the vicar suspected that neither partner was a genuine resident. Addresses given by "couples" married at St John the Baptist, obtained from the church's marriage register, proved to be false when visited by The Sunday Telegraph.
Yet despite Fr Codling's warnings about the validity of the applicants, they returned from the registrar with the common licence, leaving him little option but to take their weddings.
In 2009, Fr Codling refused to conduct a wedding involving a Ghanian bride whose visa had expired. He told officials that any marriage would potentially be illegal as she did not have a legal right to remain in the country. However, the Rt Rev John Gladwin, then the Bishop of Chelmsford, rejected his advice and sent his chaplain, the Rev Chris Newlands, to take the ceremony.
Fr Codling says he felt that they thought he was being difficult.
Faced with having to officiate at weddings he suspected to be sham, he began to interrupt ceremonies and escort couples from the building when he was convinced they were bogus. He was verbally abused as a result and on one occasion Nigerians broke into his house and confronted his wife. She had a rape alarm installed by their front door. He called his local bishop, the Rt Rev Laurie Green, the Bishop of Bradwell, but was dismayed by the response.
"I was given the impression they were thoroughly disinterested in what I was saying. I expected a lot of support considering what we were going through, but he said he didn't have time to listen to my stories."
Instead of receiving backing from the diocese, when he finally did receive a personal visit from the Ven David Lowman, the archdeacon of Southend, he says he was threatened with disciplinary action if he continued to refuse to conduct marriages.
"It left me in a really terrible position because it meant that I had to stand in front of these couples in church conducting marriages I knew were unlikely to be genuine," he said.
Despairing at the lack of support from the Church and growing increasingly anxious that he could be arrested like other clergy caught conducting sham marriages, he turned to the UK Border Agency. In August, staff from the agency arrested a couple. Since the raid there has been a noticeable drop in applications to marry at the church.
COMMENT: I wonder how much the bishops and archdeacons would have bent over backwards to get these foreign nationals their welfare payouts if the diocese didn't take a pile of cash every time a couple gets married in one of their churches. And, I would point out, the parish priest gets nothing for conducting weddings.
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL - THE PODCAST (6)
You know, even though I say so myself,
it's a mighty fine podcast this week.
Double click, or whatever, on MP3 File above to download audio file or click on the play arrow to stream.
This podacst can be downloaded from iTunes by clicking HERE and then clicking on "View In iTunes."
MP3 File
When You're Young And In Love - The Marvelettes
Seven Days Too Long - Chuck Wood
Night Owl - Bobby Paris
You Threw A Lucky Punch - Fay Jones
Beaver - Clarence Armstrong
Banana Peels - Johnny Otis
I Got You - Dw3 Featuring Gerald Albright
You - The Styles
My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me) - Kiki Dee
L'Amore Verra - The Supremes
Do What You Gotta Do - The Four Tops
All I Need Is You - David Sanborn
Let It Flow - Grover Washington Jr.
Miracles - Levon Solo
Will You Be Ready? - Maxayn
Stay For A While - Loralee Christensen
A Shell Of A Woman - Doris Allen
The Dark End Of The Street - James Carr
Don't It Make You Feel Funky - Joe Hicks
Manifesto - Case Of Tyme
Purple Haze - Johnny Jones And The King Casuals
It's Summer In New York! - Alvin Alexander
Jazzman - The Counts
Central-Funk Park - L.e.d Collective
It's A Man's World - Mary Ann Fisher
Your Key Don't Fit It Anymore - Marie ''Queenie'' Lyons
It's A Man's Man's Man's World - Leela James
Lets Party - Alex Williams
Bababa - WUPA
You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat It Too - Brenda Taylor
Stay With Me - Lorraine Ellison
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