Merry Christmas!

This is the day we have been waiting for! Midnight mass was lovely last night, as usual. Today I will go to church again for mass in the morning and then for Evensong in the afternoon, and then to a Russian Tea. Hope all of you also have a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Since I post less often these days, I thought I would share some pictures.

These are of the visitation by Bishop Marc Andrus to my parish last month.

Notice that I am in all of the pictures? How did that happen?

(I'm the person to the left in each shot)

Also, to day is my mom's birthday so Happy Birthday Mom!

Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord

In this Advent season, I would be writing every single day (as I used to do), but I no longer have daily internet access and can't afford to. In face I couldn't even afford to get my mother a nice present for her 83rd birthday on Saturday. But here I am now and I want to take just a second to remind all of you who may be reading that it isn't Christmas yet. The is Advent - a time of preparation.

Therefore, my dear readers, prepare yourselves!

What's on TV??

You may have noticed that I haven't posted in a week. If you look back you will see posts from me throughout August, September, October, and November, but suddenly now a gap. Well the reason is that I have been having some financial problems and I cancelled my ISP so no longer have internet access. I do go to the library several times a week t check email, but can't really maintain a blog that way. Anyway, I will find some way to check in from time to time, so stay with us!

No money? No problem! I seem to be watching more television instead of going to restaurants or movies (or anything). I don't have cable of course, but there is still a bit on TV to enjoy. Sadly, there is no more Dancing With The Stars. I'm not even sure I will be watching that again next year. How could Lance not come in first??

What's on TV tonight anyway? First, a day at work.

Today is World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day , established in 1988 by The World Health Organization, is observed every year on December 1st and provides governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.

In 2007, the estimated number of persons living with HIV worldwide was 33.2 million and there were 2.7 million people newly infected. It would seem to me that there should be MORE attention, but each year there seems to be less.

I don’t usually do commercials here, but in support of World AIDS Day. Starbucks is giving 5¢ to the Global Fund for every hand-crafted Starbucks beverage sold today at participating US and Canada locations. There are other businesses that are doing things too, it just seems there are not as many.

Get involved! Spread the word. AIDS still exists folks and there is more work to be done. Go to http://www.aids.gov or to http://blog.aids.gov to find out more.

STILL sick!

Thanksgiving weekend and can you believe it? I am still sick in bed! YUCK!

I want to be well enough to attend the Advent Liturgy at my church tonight.

Say a little prayer for me. Right now, more chicken soup!

Sick in bed

There is so much I want to do this weekend, but right now I just want to lay here in bed. I still feel yucky! Hot tea is great and whoever invented tissues is a genius! Still, I can't wait to get well!

Hopefully I will feel better by tonight (I have been invited to dinner at the home of friends) and also by tomorrow night (for the Advent Liturgy of Lessons and Carols at my church).

Say a prayer for me!

Feeling yucky?

And so what does Michael Fullam have to say on the day after Thanksgiving? What does Michael Fullam do when everyone is out shopping on what is generally the biggest shopping day of the year? (And by the way, I just heard on the news that there are already crowds at some stores and the sun isn't even up yet)!

Well when I went to bed last night I felt a cold coming on and right now it feels worse. I will probably call in sick. So it seems Michael Fullam will spend the day after Thanksgiving in bed - alone.

YUCK!

But hey folks, it could be worse.

Happy day after to all of you. Hope none of you are feeling yucky!

Happy Thanksgiving???

There will be those, there always are, who will utter this greeting with a question mark in their voices. Happy Thanksgiving? How can I be happy with all my debts? How can I be happy when I cannot even buy a new pair of shoes or pants and have to borrow to pay my rent? How can I be happy wondering if I will soon be homeless? Well the answer of course is that you CAN be happy if you trust in God and believe that He will provide. I have my health and I have a loving family and I know that God is on my side and that He will always be with me. So with no question in my voice (and hopefully with none in yours),

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Dewey Wins!

Wasn't the famous (incorrect) headline "Dewey Wins!"? Well yesterday I suggested that Lance Bass won Dancing With The Stars. Lance (and Lacey Schwimmer) displayed stage presence and technical skills each time out. Their choreography, balanced personality and adherence to the rules made them favorites. They did get votes! Not enough though. So I guess I should sing the praises here of Brooke. (She was good, don't get me wrong). I'm not going to sing her praises though.

I stand by my earlier posts. Lance Bass is a champ!

Lance the Champ!

This is it. Tonight is the night. He’s not the most technically proficient dancer on DWTS, but he gets better each time out and he is ALWAYS entertaining. I really cannot honestly say that about any others. Lance and Lacey always bring something new and fresh to the dance floor

and I will miss them. Tonight they dance for the last time and then the results will be announced.

I cannot ask you to vote - too late for that. It is down to the judges and a hope that enough viewers voted for the Lance/Lacey team (I certainly did). It all happens on abc-tv tonight.

Regardless of what happens, Lance Bass is a champ. I mean that. I have posted about him numerous times here (and no, I am not a stalker, but I would say I am more than a fan). To me Lance is not just a good performer, he is a good person - the kind of guy you would want as a role model.

Love never fails

Blessed Paul the Apostle writes in his letter to the Romans ‘Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.’

Saint Paul speaks of love more than once. In his letter to the Galatians, he says ‘The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."’ In his first letter to the Corinthians he says ‘Love never fails.’

Throughout Scripture we hear of the importance of love. Jesus tells us to love one another. How can any church then preach hate? How can any church exclude people? Yes I am talking again about lgbt people, but it really doesn’t matter what the group is. Hate is not an appropriate of a Christian life.

In Saint Paul's words again, it is the "love of Christ" that "urges us on."

Christ the King

Christ the King is a title of Jesus based on several passages of Scripture and used by all Christians, especially Roman Catholics and Anglicans/Episcopalians. I was just reading this passage from Saint Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians:

In fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For "God has put all things in subjection under his feet." But when it says, "All things are put in subjection," it is plain that this does not include the one who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who put all things in subjection under him, so that God may be all in all.

As I read this over I thought about how we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, which happens to be today. (The Catholic calendar of pre-Vatican II had this feast on the last Sunday of October, but that’s another matter altogether).

As I mentioned this past week, my bishop will be at my church today and then tonight I will be at another parish with their bishop celebrating their Patronal Feast which is Christ the King.

To God be thanks and glory!

Thanksgiving Trivia

Did you know that the word “Eucharist” literally means “giving thanks?” Why must we only have Thanksgiving once a year? For those who believe, Thanksgiving occurs in every celebration of the Mass. That’s why people who regularly go to church are statistically happier than people who don’t have faith or practice their religion irregularly.

And speaking of Thanksgiving, here are a few cool Thanksgiving facts:

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States and on the second Monday in October in Canada.

President George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving Day Proclamation in the year 1789 and again in 1795.

The state of New York officially made Thanksgiving Day an annual custom in 1817.

The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920's.

Congress passed an official proclamation in 1941 and declared that now onwards Thanksgiving will be observed as a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States.

There are regional differences as to the "stuffing" (or "dressing") traditionally served with the turkey. Southerners generally make theirs from cornbread, while in other parts of the country white bread is the base. One or several of the following may be added: oysters, apples, chestnuts, raisins, celery and/or other vegetables, sausage or the turkey's giblets.

Yes I realize it is still a few days off, but it's my favorite holiday!

A little song - a little dance

You may be wondering about the ballerina - well, I'll get to that in a second. First, I just realized I never commented on the DWTS results. Yes, Lance came in first, so he still can make it. It comes down to the fans though. Tune in to abc on Monday night and watch the three couples, and then vote.
Vote of course for LANCE BASS! (I keep hearing people say he is a dancer and should not be eligible. He is actually a singer).

Tomorrow at my church we will have a dance class - well sort of. Actually we are being trained in posture and the proper way to sit stand and walk. All of this leading up to Sunday's visit by our bishop. (Not the bishop I spoke of earlier in the week - this week I will be seeing two bishops at two different churches on the same day, but that's another post entirely).

Yummy Recipe

Introduction: How about a nice recipe? I've never none that here! Besides, next Thursday is Thanksgiving and this really is yummy!

Ingredients: (serves 4-6)
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
1 cup potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons fresh oregano
¾ - 1 quart chicken stock
1 tablespoon salt
½ tablespoon black pepper

Instruction:
Melt butter in a large pot. Add all vegetables and allow to sauté. Stir to make sure all ingredients are sautéing evenly. After a few minutes, add chicken stock so that it barely covers vegetables. Season with oregano. Allow this to cook until vegetables start to breakdown when being stirred. Use a hand blender or a counter top blender to puree the ingredients until a nice, smooth consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and crusty bread for a satisfying and very civil soup.

Church where everyone is welcome!

It seems I talk about many things here, but today I want to talk about something very dear to me Saint Savior's Church, a small local congregation that serves as the Cathedral Community for the Inclusive Celtic Church. (Oh and by the way, I did not ask them if I might post this here, but I really felt called to do so).

They are an Independent and Inclusive Church that worships in adapted forms and contemporary expressions of the Celtic Traditions. Their liturgy is framed by the forms found in the Book of Common Prayer, The Iona Abbey Worship Book and the Celtic primer by Brendan O'Malley. They have combined these as well as other resources and now have their own Manual of Worship. They strive to use inclusive language in all their liturgies. They are not affiliated in any way with the ECUSA or the World-wide Anglican Communion, but rather are part of a movement often referred to as the Independent Sacramental Movement. They are warm and friendly and I have always been moved by their liturgies, their welcoming community, and the love they have shown to me and all who enter their doors. They meet for their services at Saint Francis Lutheran Church, 152 Church Street (across from the Market St. Safeway) in San Francisco.

I have been friends with Bishop Rusty Clyma and Archdeacon, George McCauslan for a number of years and could have written this just about any time, but this coming Sunday is an extra special day for them and so I decided that I really should say something now. Of course you are always welcome there and I know they would be happy to tell you more about their community of faith too.

Sunday, November 23rd, Saint Savior's Day (Christ the King Sunday) is their Patronal Feast and the sixth anniversary of Saint Savior's Parish. There will be a Festal Eucharist beginning at 5:30pm at Saint Francis Lutheran Church (where Saint Savior regularly meets) - 152 Church Street, San Francisco. I do hope you can come!

Back to the Lance Dance

It's been a while since I wrote about Dancing With the Stars. Last night was awsome. Lance Bass is going to make it (I hope)!

There were two great dances from him (even the judges agreed). In their second outing, Lance and Lacey, attired in sailor costumes, danced a faster, more gymnastic jitterbug. Early in the dance, Lacey’s shoe came off, and then Lance ditched a shoe as well. It was an excellent improvisation, one that showed true comfort on the stage. Bruno said it was brilliant and reminiscent of “On the Town.” Carrie Ann agreed and said that “magic happened on the dance floor.” Len said Lance had danced two fabulous dances. Score: 29 out of a possible 30. (For the night it was 57/60).

They are clearly ahead in the judges voting, but it comes down to what the viewers think too. Will America vote for an openly gay celeb? (That's one thing that has been in the back of my mind all season). Tonight will be revealed who makes it to the finals and then next week it happens - a new champion is crowned. Check it out!

When Christians Don't Get Along

I am sad to admit that we Christians, who claim to follow the Prince of Peace, are pretty pugnacious people when it comes to matters of faith. We fight with one another. For two thousand years we have argued and fought over the nature of God, the meaning of the sacrament, who may minister, the suitability of homosexuals, the gifts of women, and so many other things. In local congregations we argue and fight over any number of issues from the use of the endowment fund to when bells should be rung. We really can be idiots sometimes! Even Christ Himself locked horns on many occasions with the idiots of His day, so I am not saying we should never disagree and we should always go with whatever is presented, but there must be some guidelines.

A few nights ago I had words with someone at my church. It was not pleasant. He told me to “Get out!” I was stunned. Did I have it coming though? Was I acting inappropriately? I keep replaying the evening over and over in my mind. This morning, to help me understand it and other fighting we sometimes do at church, I turned to someone who always helps me in these matters: Blessed Paul the Apostle. I his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter thirteen, he helped me open my eyes. If you are not familiar with it, Saint Paul tells his audience that they may have all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but unless they first have love, these gifts mean nothing.
In John 13:35, Jesus instructed: "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for each other." There it is again - love. I have written here about that so many times. It keeps coming back to the same thing though. Love. Love for our God we all agree is necessary, but love for each other is important too! When we truly love each other we tend to not fight? Perhaps. At least if we disagree, we do it in a kindly way.

It is sad when Christians don't get along. I see this way too often. I have written this as though I am speaking of others. The truth is that I am more guilty of this than many. I have been unnecessarily critical of the priest's sermon or the choir's music or even the manner of decoration or content of the service sheet in church. Am I doing this out of love? Am I being petty? Would I not feel better if I made my comments with love always being formost in my thoughts?

What do you think?

A Tale of Two Churches

This could be a tale of two churches - maybe three! Last night I went to services at San Damiano Friary. This morning I was at two different churches, my own (Church of the Advent of Christ the King) and Saint Boniface (pictured is an altar at Saint Boniface). I had been there before, but went back today to hear the wonderful music. The place is filled with the Holy Spirit!

Praise the Lord!


I also want to update you on the displaced OHC brothers: Mount Calvary Retreat House was completely destroyed in the fire last week. All programs there have been temporarily suspended. The brothers have been welcomed to stay in residence with the Sisters of the Holy Nativity at Saint Mary's Retreat House in Santa Barbara. All of he brothers are safe and unharmed and can be reached at Saint Mary's, 505 E Los Olivos Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 (805) 682-4117