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Post by revmichael on Dec 25, 2007 9:06:56 GMT
Have a good and safe time. Every blessing and love to you all. Michael
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Post by revmichael on Dec 27, 2007 17:09:42 GMT
What would he make of it? Could he win back the hearts and minds of those who have gone over to the worship of materialism? I thought materialism was the new god - along with celebrity and selfishness.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 25, 2007 9:06:19 GMT
Thanks and a blessed time to you all too.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 24, 2007 9:18:28 GMT
I think Santa Claus is a woman.... I hate to be the one to defy sacred myth, but I believe he's a she.
Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized, warm, fuzzy, nurturing social deal, and I have a tough time believing a guy could possibly pull it all off!
For starters, the vast majority of men don't even think about selecting gifts until Christmas Eve. It's as if they are all frozen in some kind of Ebenezerian Time Warp until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24th, when they--with amazing calm--call other errant men and plan for a last-minute shopping spree.
Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products, socket wrench sets, and mood rings left on the shelves. (You might think this would send them into a fit of panic and guilt, but my husband tells me it's an enormous relief because it lessens the 11th hour decision-making burden.) On this count alone, I'm convinced Santa is a woman.
Surely, if he were a man, everyone in the universe would wake up Christmas morning to find a rotating musical Chia Pet under the tree, still in the bag.
Another problem for a he-Santa would be getting there. First of all, there would be no reindeer because they would all be dead, gutted, and strapped on to the rear bumper of the sleigh, amid wide-eyed, desperate claims that buck season had been extended. Blitzen's rack would already be on the way to the taxidermist.
Even if the male Santa DID have reindeer, he'd still have transportation problems because he would inevitably get lost up there in the snow and clouds and then refuse to stop and ask for directions.
Add to this the fact that there would be unavoidable delays in the chimney, where the Bob Vila-like Santa would stop to inspect and repoint bricks in the flue. He would also need to check for carbon monoxide fumes in every gas fireplace, and get under every Christmas tree that is crooked to straighten it to a perfectly upright 90-degree angle.
Other reasons why Santa can't possibly be a man: ~ Men can't pack a bag. ~ Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet. ~ Men would feel their masculinity is threatened, having to be seen with all those elves. ~ Men don't answer their mail. ~ Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described even in jest as anything remotely resembling a "bowlful of jelly." ~ Men aren't interested in stockings unless somebody's wearing them. ~ Finally, being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment.
I can buy the fact that other mythical holiday characters are men. Father Time shows up once a year unshaven and looking ominous. Definite guy. Cupid flies around carrying weapons. Uncle Sam is a politician who likes to point fingers. Any one of these individuals could pass the testosterone screening test. But not St. Nick.
Not a chance.
(Stolen from Pastor Tim's Canadian website)
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Post by revmichael on Dec 24, 2007 9:27:52 GMT
Thanks for sharing that moving memorial Joey. May those whom she left behind know peace and comfort through memories of her fortitude and courage. I pray that the Captain and her loved ones will be helped through this puzzling time of sorrow.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 26, 2007 19:49:33 GMT
Thanks for keeping us informed Glen. You have reminded me that because it was so crowded we had to go to the next to front row of the church. While sitting there a church warden came up and asked if I would read the gospel - John 1:1-14. Because it is the parish church and we had lots of visitor Brian, our Vicar, had his robes on - and his Ph.D hood. Because some traditional Anglican came we stood for the gospel (this doesn't normally happen. While I was reading it a lady near the front collapse in a heap on the floor and three people quickly crowded round. During the rest of my reading and the first part of Brian's sermon therre was wispering going on to find out if the lady was OK. There were several medical doctors present in the congregation. I gather he was just overcome by something.
Although I preached there (at both morning services on 2nd December), I had never read the scriptures in that ancient church.
I have been placed on the regular preaching list. I don't know whether the bishop approves of someone who is a Baptist Minister (now a member of an Anglican church) preaching there - but Brian asked me and arranged it.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 24, 2007 9:36:54 GMT
As I've mentioned before I worship in a very small church in Milton Keynes. Year-on-year our Family Carols have been growing - to the point last year where we had about twice as many people as the building holds! This year, now that we have electrickery available, we are going to attempt a PA and lighting set-up in the church-yard. At the moment, with under 15 hours to go, we're really worrying about how (or whether) it's going to work! Whilst I genuinely sympathise with an earlier comment that such services tend to exclude the regular churchgoers because they are swamped by the occasional visitors we do also see this service as being a major part of our community outreach. I'll report back how it goes, but in the mean time if you can keep us in your thoughts and prayers I would be very grateful! Many thanks Glen Nice to learn that Glen. At our church all of us regulars were asked if we would fill in all the chairs in the chancery or up in the small balcony (in front of the bell chamber) first so that the normal seating would be left for the visitors. Brian, our Vicar told us that it would be embarrassing for newcomers to have to walk right up to the front of the church and sit with their back to the altar, facing the rest of the congregation. Because there are so many chairs everywhere we have to take communion by walking past the servers and just stopping for the bread and wine and then go back to our seats. There is no room to kneel at the altar. This is because in our church people (and visitors particularly) matter more than traditions.
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Post by revmichael on Jan 2, 2008 20:49:17 GMT
I used to teach (at comprehensive school) that there were twelve special disciples (whom Jesus chose) but we read about 120 disciples in the upper room in Acts 2. A disciple is a follower who is also a learner.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 23, 2007 9:07:18 GMT
Just to be pedantic, Blair didn't convert to catholic, he converted to being a Roman Catholic. Ministers in the Church of Scotland do say that they are catholic (meaning universal - I think). I don't see the surprise, as he converted the Labour party into the Tory party. I have no problem with the leader of any party having any or no faith, as long as it is clear how it affects their decision making. And now I'm (technically) an Anglican we sometimes say, 'I believe in the holy catholic Church.' Although Roman Catholic's say they are Catholic (meaning the one universal church) others churches and groups also claim to be catholic - because the word means 'universal' - i.e. Christians (not just RCs) can be found all over the world.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 22, 2007 17:50:02 GMT
The BBC news did something about religion and politics in America. I found it interesting (I nearly said 'heartening') that some evangelical Christians in the states are now saying that being a Christian and being a Republican are not necessarily the same thing. Nick's beliefs or non-beliefs ought not to affect his abiltiy as a party leader.
I did hear Sir Wogan read a letter which says that as Norman Clegg had been appointed leader of the Lib Dems they wondered whether Nora Batty would be on his front bench.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 24, 2007 9:29:01 GMT
I might have a go at strumming the banjo. And experiment with the mandolin. Anyone play the piano? I play the piano very movingly (at least everyone disappears out of the room when I sit down at it). I also play the trombone. Anyone fancy a tune?
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Post by revmichael on Dec 23, 2007 16:43:07 GMT
Fortunate am I not to have noticed the sound...now bagpipes love them... Sir Thomas Beecham (whom I once had the priviledge of meeting -[who ssaid, 'name dropper?'] said that the bagpipes is the only musical instrucment which sounds exactly the same when perfected as when played by the novice.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 23, 2007 9:10:32 GMT
Do you do that Tarquers while you're driving your 4X4 around your estate? Well, it comes in handy for beating the trespassers. That's interesting Tarquers because in our church we sometimes pray, 'Forgive us our trespasses.' We do that instead of blasting them banjo chords.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 22, 2007 17:51:27 GMT
In some circles, apparently. There's no accounting for folk! Well - some people think there's something funny about playing the banjo... Do you do that Tarquers while you're driving your 4X4 around your estate?
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Post by revmichael on Dec 22, 2007 9:08:08 GMT
Christmas is weird.
At what other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat sweets out of your socks?
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Post by revmichael on Dec 21, 2007 12:40:04 GMT
Zorry zhe beard is a bit patchy...so too is the head...chest still growing hair...now the back starts to grow hair...help... I have a fine batch under my arms - and in (well, we don't want to go into that, do we?)
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Post by revmichael on Dec 21, 2007 8:35:36 GMT
Four Stages of Life
1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.
(On this occasion that has been stolen from 'Good, Clean Funnies' website)
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Post by revmichael on Dec 20, 2007 8:57:40 GMT
Thanks for posting that Ivy.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 24, 2007 9:32:00 GMT
IM is spot on. Unfortunately, there are no farmers' markets in a reasonable distance from where we live. However, there are a couple of good private butchers and they can tell you, should you ask, which farm their meat has come from. That means I can go and check out the farms, if I wish. One other reason why I much prefer local butchers is that they hang the meat properly, which enhances the flavour enormously - when compared with the price of similar meat in supermarkets, my experience is that small butchers win hands down every time. I would never eat veal that has been crated - ie imprisoned in a stall designed to make sure the calf has no room to exercise any of it's muscles. Free range veal is admittedly not quite as tender, but I'd prefer to eat it, if I must, and keep my consience clear. If the treatment of farm animals worries you, it's worth looking at Compassion in World Farming's website where you will find plenty of good reasons to be choosy about what meat to eat. One of the many things that cheese me off wirh supermarkets who sell meat with a label that says something like 'animals raised to (supermarket name)'s standards. It could mean anything unless the customer has some idea of what those standards are. Trying to find the answer on their websites is fruitless, since the descriptions of the standards are vague and include numerous get out scenarios. If I do buy meat from a supermarket, I buy organic and free range - the former because a lot of meat comes from animals that have been stuffed with growth enhancing hormones, the latter (which mostly refers to pork and fowl) because I consider some of the factory farming methods, even if they are within the law, sufficiently cruel to make it acceptable to pay a higher price - I just buy less meat.
This has reminded me - we have a local butcher (one of the very, very few in the area) and Brian works his socks off. He knows almost every one of his customers by the first name and is very helpful. He will sell to anyone just one sausage if that is all they need. He will also come about and help elderly arthritic people with their money if they are having trouble. He gets all his meat locally. We don't want to lose him - but in the plan of our long-awaited and 'wonderful??? new town centre there is no room for a butcher.
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Post by revmichael on Dec 21, 2007 12:39:09 GMT
Thanks for your sermon MM. Well preached too. Yesterday the news media were emphasizing the value of buying locally produced products. Sadly we don't have a farmer's market near here (to my knowledge anyway).
As I understand it the Rectory has been designed to deal with Moral issues as well as 'spiritual' ones so I think this thread is quite in order. The Rectory is certainly not just for Christian views.
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