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

Mount Calvary Burns

The building pictured to the left, is no more! Mount Calvary Retreat House in Santa Barbara, a spiritual home to many members of the Diocese of California, has been destroyed by the Tea Fire buring in Montecito. Horrible news! There is a bright side - all the brother are safe.

The Order of the Holy Cross, which runs Mount Calvary, had a priory up here in Berkeley until earlier this year. Many of the brothers moved to Mount Calvary when the priory closed.

Please pray for the Order of the Holy Cross, especially for Brother Roberts their Superior and for Brother Tom, former chaplain to clergy of the Diocese of California and a friend to many in my parish.

On Being A Second Class Citizen

Leaders of the campaign against Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage herenin California, raised nearly $40 million and ran a careful, disciplined campaign with messages tested by focus groups and with only a few people authorized to speak to the media. The No campaign lost. In the days since, California has seen an outpouring of demonstrations ranging from quiet vigils to noisy street protests against Proposition 8, including rallies outside churches and Mormon temples, as well as boycotts of some businesses that contributed to the Yes on 8 campaign. Many of those activities have been organized not by political professionals and established leaders in the gay community, but by young activists working independently on Facebook. (I love facebook. It seems everyone is on there these days! And that's my point. It is so easy to spread the word there). A majority of the people in California who voted, say that I am (and all gay people are) a second class citizen. Now I am hearing people say we should stop whining and let the vote stand - "the people have spoken," after all. Well it doesn't work like that, or at least it shouldn't. If people were allowed to vote yes on discrimination, it (sadly) would happen more often. That's where the courts need to get involved. Sometimes they need to save us from ourselves.

I'm not nuts about being a second class citizen. I don't think anyone sould be treated that way. Equal rights is not just an lgbt issue. Women are still discriminated against. So are blacks. In some places there is racial discrimination against other groups. Why? Why does this have to happen? I have talked here about love and respect, and I really believe in that, not just as a Christian, although that is part of it, but also as a fair-minded person. We all deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity. Why is this such a difficult concept for some?

Please don't make me or anyone else continue to be a second class citizen.

Is this not cute?

Well I count rant and rave some more about Prop 8 or the economy or my own personal lack of funds (I am getting so very close to homelessness), or I could post a very cute picture -

Aren't you glad I went with the picture? (Thanks Paul for sending it to me)!

Paul had sent me an email not only with this picture but with about a dozen others and some wonderful lines about dogs. Makes me wish I had a puppy myself.

Ok - what do you expect?

Have you been here before? Have you read previous entries of my blog? Do you read it often? Do you actually know me? What do you expect here? Why do you read it? Will I ever know that you have been here? Will you ever comment?

I just thought about how odd it is to be leaving personal messages every single day here in cyberspace. I'm not alone either - there are probably thousands of bloggers. Why do we write? Why do you read?

Any thoughts???

Saluting Our Veterans

For the past week I have been talking about the election - mostly about Prop 8. Today I will talk about something different. Today is Veteran's Day, and it isn't just a day off from school or an excuse for stores to have special sales!

November 11th was declared Armistice Day back in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to honor the soldiers who fought in World War I. The name was changed to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954 to honor all those who served. It is all of our country's military that we honor today, including those in active duty. It is NOT a celebration of war. It is recognition of men and women who bravely served our country (sometimes being in harm's way, but not always) over the years.

Take a moment and be thankful for those who give so generously.

Love Is The Answer

Someone must have read my blog entry from yesterday. I found this sign held high at one of the numerous protests. There is so much activity though - perhaps there should have been a bit more before the election, but it is wonderful to see so many folks coming together. My favorite quote was from last Wednesday when I heard "I have never been so proud to be an American and so ashamed to me a Californian." (I think is was said by our Senior Senator, Dianne Feinstein).

Anyway, more than a third of California's lawmakers are adding their voices to the chorus calling on the state's highest court to overturn the prohibition on same-sex marriage. Forty-four members of the California Legislature will file a friend-of-the-court brief today in support of a lawsuit seeking to invalidate Proposition 8 on the grounds that voters did not have the authority to make such a dramatic change in state law. The brief argues that the gay marriage ban improperly usurped the state Supreme Court's duty to protect minority groups from discrimination. (Proposition 8 of course overturned the court's May decision that legalized same-sex marriage).

There is much more legal action too. I won't mention it all here, but there is a lot. The thing I really would like to see is education - REAL education. Let's show everyone the true facts. Let's put everyone's fears to rest. I'll say it again. Love is the answer!

Unconditional Love

Unconditional love is is when someone loves us regardless of our actions or beliefs. It is probably most often used to describe God's love for humankind. I am also fortunate enough to have a mother who gives me unconditional love. Why did I put a picture of me here when I post something about love? Well I also love myself. I wish that we all loved ourselves and that we all unconditionally loved each other. Isn't it possible?

I'm wondering why we don't seem to be finding love in our churches too. OK, not all of them. There are some great churches, full of love. Back in the 80s, at the height of the AIDS epidemic, the Dean of Grace Cathedral here in San Francisco was asked whether they tolerated gay people at Grace Cathedral. The dean gave a strong “No!” for an answer, and then went on to say “We don’t tolerate gay people. Gay people are us! We are all together here, friends and colleagues – straight and gay.” Go to Grace sometime - you can feel the love. You can feel it too at the Episcopal Church of Saint John the Evengelist. Actually there slogan is "More Love." I'm thinking though that since God's love is unconditional, we should also find unconditional love in His churches!

Prop 8 is about love. It's not about sex or about special considerations or extra rights. At the heart of it, is just love, and the right to express it. Why should that be so difficult? How come some people get to vote on whether or not I can get married?

I really wish we could all just find love - real unconditional love, and then help to spread it around!

Bits and Pieces

You probably think I will go on and on about Prop 8. Well there is certainly much more to say and last night's protest march is worth mentioning, but I previewed it yesterday and you can read more about it in your newspapers, and I'll just say one thing. I was there and I was moved. I was also very proud to be part of this great city of San Francisco!

Other things? What else does Michael Fullam have on his mind? A lot. My money problems are eating me alive, but I am trying to get past that. I know the economy is bad for everyone.

There are happy things. The weekend is here! The weather isn't too bad. God loves me. My mom loves me. I am healthy. (Hey! These are in no particular order).

I just realized how many blog entries I have made. Am I the only one who actually puts something down every single day?

Tonight We March

This is a poster I quickly made for the protest march that is taking place tonight here in San Francisco. The pictures are from last night's candlelight vigil at City Hall here. If you are in San Francisco, come and join us. We will gather at dusk (around 5:30pm) and then will march up Market Street to The Castro and will wind our way around to Dolores Park where we will end. If you cannot be with us - light a candle anyway. Wherever you are, say a prayer that God will give us all the strength to endure and that the Holy Spirit will open the minds and the hearts of all those who are filled with hate.

We need equality NOW! We shall overcome . . . someday!

A Vigil of Hope

Yesterday was a sad day. I was in tears or near tears many times. I made comments like "chickens have more rights than I do now," a reference to the passing of Prop 2. I was feeling very low, even though I am not in a relationship and don't even see one in the near future. It wasn't about me though - it's about justice. It's about fairness. It's about being treated equally instead of as a second class citizen. I ended the day outside San Francisco City Hall with a candle in my hand and some 2,000 people surrounding me. We got together with very little notice and very little planning, but it was what needed to be done. We gathered to cry together with our sisters and brothers in the struggle. We gathered to vow that the fight for equality will continue until ALL are treated equally. We gather to buoy the spirits of those who had married in the past few months and also those who had worked so hard to defeat Proposition 8.

We lost this battle, but the news is not all bad. There were about five million ballots cast opposing Proposition 8. There are a lot of folks on our side!

Kate Kendall, Executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights spoke. So did State Senator Carole Migden and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. There were other elected officials and lots of grassroots lgbt activists. I bumped into some friends from church and I saw many familiar faces. Even though in the midst of those I had never met, I felt loved. I felt like I was with family. It felt good.

At the candlelight vigil we also learned that The American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, and NCLR had filed a writ petition with the State Supreme Court urging the court to invalidate Prop 8. There was a petition campaign (I have already signed and told many friends). Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred (representing Robin Tyler and Diane Olson) is filing a lawsuit with the state Supreme Court and would contain "a new and controversial legal argument as to why Prop 8 is unconstitutional." Also, City Attorney Dennis Herrera has joined Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo and Santa Clara County Counsel Anne Ravel in filing a petition for a writ of mandate with the California Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8. The legal battle goes on.

When shall we overcome? Someday . . .

More on yesterday's election

First it was tv and then radio and the computer and then I just went out into the midst of it all. WOW! What a day and what a night! I am amazed that I am awake and getting ready to actually work. Seems I really didn't get that much sleep. Anyway, yesterday certainly was a history making election in the US (mostly for the good, but not in every respect - you can decide which is which).

As I write this it is very early on Wednesday, the day after American voted, and many races are still too close to call. You can see some results HERE and also HERE if you are interested in up to the minute returns. The thing that really bugs be right now is that farm animals now have more rights than I do with the passing of the Farm Animal's Rights Proposition (2) and the passing of Prop 8 banning Gay Marriage. (Some are still saying it's too close to call, but it is ahead and has been most of the night). Once again my faithful readers, I am legally considered a second class citizen.

Oh and in Massachusetts (the first state to allow gay marriage), which Independent Ralph Nader said was his best state, he won just 0.9 percent of the vote to Democrat Barack Obama's 61.6 percent and Republican John McCain's 36.7 percent. Libertarian Bob Barr won just 0.4 percent there. My point is that this really is just a two-party system and the "other" candidates really didn't impact this year's race.

So what do YOU think of yesterday's vote??


oh yes and a very happy birthday to my sister today!

The Vote and then The Wait

I'm used to waiting for results on Tuesdays. As you may recall, I have become a fan of the tv series Dancing With the Stars and every Tuesday I anxiously wait to see who gets booted from the show. Tonight there will be no results show (because of a much bigger vote) and last night they went crazy and did a ridiculous thing that put dancers on teams. The wonderful (and probably best dancer, Lance Bass, was saddled with the worst, Susan Lucci). Anyway, that's the television show. Tonight I wait for different results.

As early as I can today I will head to my polling place - just a block from where I live - to vote. It's not just about who will be the next US president. There are numerous other offices to be filled, plus state and local propositions. Probably the most important and most watched is Proposition 8. Folks from all over the country and around the world will have their eyes on this one. (Remember: Vote NO on 8).

Tonight I will begin watching the national returns as soon as the polls close on the east coast and continue watching for as long as I can before I have to go to sleep. It's going to be a long wait! It's going to be a long night! It is likely that results will not be known for some of the contests for days - maybe even weeks. I expect that Prop 8 may be very close and therefore the results will take longer.

Vote! Be a part of this. Then wait with me for the results.

Down to the wire

Today is the last day of campaigning as we go down to the wire on Election 2008. Who will make it to the White House and will California's Proposition 8 pass? The answer of course is up to YOU. Vote! It really does count!

In California I recommend NO on Propositions 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. I have spoken often about 8. Don't discriminate! Vote no on 8!

One more thing: tell your family and your friends. Got them to go out to vote too! We all need to have our voices heard!

Day of the Dead

Today is the Day of the Dead or Dia de la Muerta as it is called in some places. In catholic denominations we say All Souls Day or the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed. Many will celebrate it today and for some it is transferred to tomorrow. I just wanted this brief mention because I am certain to be talking about the election the rest of the week.

For All The Saints

If you read this regularly, you may recall two months ago when I asked "Any idea what it takes to be a saint?" I got no responses, so let me pose the question once more: any ideas at all?

My reason for asking this time is that today is All Saints' Day - a pretty big deal in the life of the Church. At my parish there will be a high mass tonight in Latin, with Gregorian chant. (If you're in the area, do come)!

The feast of All Saints, on its current date, is traced to the foundation by Pope Gregory III of an oratory in Saint Peter's for the relics "of the holy apostles and of all saints, martyrs and confessors, of all the just made perfect who are at rest throughout the world." Today is for all the saints, past present, and yet to come. Perhaps that can include you!

Damned if you don't and damned if you do

Looking straight at the camera, Senator Dianne Feinstein says: "Proposition 8 would be a terrible mistake for California. It's about discrimination and we must always say NO to that." Senator Feinstein joins the chorus of leaders across California who are calling on voters to reject this unfair initiative. Hers is one of the most effective ads I have yet seen. It speaks from the heart - or at least seems to, to me.

Several different sources have been critical of Senator Feinstein this week so not doing more. It seems to me like a case of damned if you don't and damned if you do. The former San Francisco mayor has done a lot for lgbt people, but we seem to always forget that. She did one thing that I will never forget. She didn't out Michael Huffington who was running against her in 1994. The conservative Huffington would surely have lost if his fan base knew he was gay. (He lost anyway, but only by a slight margin). A Feinstein staffer wanted to leak the information of his sexuality, but the Senator said no. She doesn't play dirty.

Anyway, I'm glad she did the No on 8 tv spot and I'm glad she is supportive, even if some think that isn't enough. (By the way, speaking of enough, where are the gay celebs and their funds)?

Remember, on Tuesday Vote No On Proposition 8! Find out more at http://noonprop8.com/


oh yeah and Happy Halloween!

Happy Birthday Dick!

Today is the birthday of America's Oldest Teenager, Dick Clark. (He was often called that until he suffered a stroke late in 2004). I remember fondly American Bandstand and Where the Action Is and his later game shows and entertainment specials. A true American icon! We love Dick!

Sun Sets on the Election

I really can hardly wait for the sun to set on this year's election. Of all the races though, the one I am watching the most closely, is the hate proposition - the one that would eliminate rights for a whole group of people. The fight over California's Proposition 8 has become one of the most expensive campaigns in the country, by the way and it is second only to the presidential race!

Groups on both sides of the issue have thrown millions into the race. Supporters include Focus on the Family, the Knights of Columbus and members of the Mormon church. Opponents include Hollywood celebrity donors like Brad Pitt, Stephen Spielberg and Ellen DeGeneres. At least one prominent evangelical has been quoted as saying that the Proposition 8 campaign is more important than the presidential race. Indeed that may be true, but not for the reason he is probably thinking.

Many Christians believe that Scripture prohibits homosexuality (it does not). If gay marriage is allowed to stand, some evangelicals suggest, it would force churches to marry gays, force schools to teach gay marriage, settling off a snowball effect and opening the door to pedophilia and bestiality. Is this some kind of dream world they are in? What does one have to do with the other? pedophilia and bestiality are more likely to be committed by heterosexuals! There are statistics to back this up.

The important thing here though is what does Prop 8 do? The answer is that it does one thing only - it takes away the right of Californianas to marry others of the same sex. It does nothing else! Do you really think an entire group of people should have a right taken away?

Hit me up online

Hey you already read my blog (or at least you are reading it right now), so why not let me know you are out there? Post a comment here or better yet, request to be my friend on facebook. You're not on facebook? WHAT???? Where have you been?

Of course you can just keep on lurking here and never let me know. Or, you can email me or post a comment or do the facebook thing - or otherwise stalk me. YIKES! Just what am I inviting?

Oh well! Say hi if you want.

Visit to a very warm church

Yesterday I had the pleasant opportunity to visit a very warm and friendly church where a friend of mine went to preach. Her sermon was very nice, but that was no surprise. I already knew she preaches well. The really nice thing was seeing how alive this parish is. (By the way, the stained glass window to the left here is over their high altar).

They have daily services - Morning Prayer each weekday morning and Evening Prayer every weekday night. They have two Sunday eucharists and an additional one midweek. Worship is not all they do though. I was delight to see they are busy disbursing donated food, holding blood drives, contributing funds, undertaking a thirty-hour famine, sewing or knitting clothing for overseas missions, holding fundraisers like their upcoming bazear, and providing opportunities for youth to sing, to learn and to participate in their church and their community. They have tons of organizations within the parish.

I enjoyed the service and I really liked the friendliness at coffee hour afterward. If it was closer, I would even consider making it my regular parish. (That folks is a really big compliment).

Different Churches

If you live in Northern California, you have no doubt heard of Glide Memorial Church here in San Francisco. They do some many wonderful things there! This Saturday they will play host to an interfaith service that I will be attending. It's “Standing on the Side of Love: An Interfaith No On 8 Celebration" It is so very important that as people of faith we stand together in support of marriage equality. Join us for this interfaith service next Saturday, All Saints’ Day and together let us pray for justice and for the defeat of Proposition 8. Music, speeches, prayers, and readings from Scripture will be part of this celebration. A reception will follow. All are invited! It's coming up on Saturday, November 1st at 11am at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church which is at 330 Ellis Street here in San Francisco.

Glide is one of the many different churches that are doing so many marvelous things. Today I won't be at my own church, but rather I will be heading off to Lodi in just a few minutes to hear a dear friend preach and another dear friend celebrate mass at a church there. I am really looking forward to today!

Tonight, another church and another kind of service. Back here in San Francisco I will see two men get married in the church where they service, in the presence of God of of their congregation. Praise God from whom all blessing flow!

Scary Things

It's just a few days until Halloween - not a big holiday for me. This year I will be working until 10pm and since it is a Friday, I will want to head right home, so no celebrating. There are scarier things that are occupying my time (like the possibility of Prop 8 passing - get out and help me defeat it)!

And speaking of scary, have you seen some of the candidates? How do we get some of these people running for public office? Yikes! Anyway, as scary as some of them are, it is still important that we all get out and VOTE!

Tomorrow I will go where I have never gone before - to Lodi, California. I'm not saying that is scary, but it should be an adeventure!

NO ON 8 - help in the fight to save same-sex marriage and end the hate

Yesterday, a San Diego business leader against Proposition 8 announced he received a letter from the Proposition 8 Executive Committee requesting funding and revoking his endorsement of the NO on Prop 8 campaign.

Also yesterday, the NO on Prop 8 campaign released a tough new television ad featuring California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, who voiced his strong opposition to Prop 8 and the lies about the public education system. The anti-same-sex marriage folks are not just trying to pass Prop 8 - they are spreading lies.

How can you help? VOTE! Tell your friends! Volunteer to work a phone bank or send out mailings. Donate money! Pray. There are tons of things we all can do. It is important that we ALL get involved though and that we not give in to the hate of Prop 8.

VOTE NO ON 8 and give fairness a chance!

Lance and Prop 8

Lance Bass, a former member 'N Sync, is one of the breakout stars in the current season of Dancing With the Stars, and I have certainly mentioned him here several times. Last night he was kept in the running once again (and by the way folks, VOTE FOR HIM! he's good!). Anyway, in an interview in today's San Francisco Chronicle, he is asked if he has been campaigning against Proposition 8 (which I have also mentioned here several times. Here is his answer:

Yes, I have. It's a major step in our lives. I think it's so important to get the word out and vote no on Proposition 8. I have been hosting local barbecues for the community and that kind of stuff, putting up the signs and talking about it online. If that gets overturned it's going to be the start of something really bad.

You can do your part too! Help Lance and help me and help all who want fairness and justice. VOTE NO ON 8 - and spread the word!

The innocense of children!

One Sunday morning, the rector noticed little Donny standing in the narthex of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it.The seven-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the rector walked up, stood beside the little boy.. and said quietly, “Good morning Donny.” “Good morning Father” he replied, still focused intently on the plaque. “Father, what is this?” The rector said, “Well Donny, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Donny's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked,
“Which service, the 9am or the 11?”

Ah! The innocense of children!

Grace Before Meals

Since I started this week by endorsing another website yesterday, I would like to continue the trend by telling you about Grace Before Meals, an incredible online presence founded by Father Leo Patalinghug (pictured to the left) back in 2003.

Grace Before Meals is an online source for families looking to strengthen their relationships through shared mealtime experiences. You can find it by clicking HERE. The website is chock full of recipes, conversation starters, prayers (including some in Latin), and web cooking episodes. Watching Father Leo cook, is worth going to the website!

You can can even signup for a weekly email from Father Leo, and I look forward to those each time. The family that eats together, prays together, but there is more! Go check out Grace Before Meals for yourself and see what I mean!

All Things Anglican

I have a few links here on my blog, and occasionally I mention a website that caught my eye. Today I want to devote everything I write to someone else’s site: Rev. Rebecca's Explanation & Guide to All Things Anglican. (The picture at the right by the way I stole from her too).

I just wrote something for my parish newsletter, and wish I had found this site before I began writing! It’s great! If you are a newcomer to church it answers a lot of questions. If you are an old pro, it will still probably teach you a thing or two! Click HERE to experience her site.

Here are some of the topics discussed: the Altar, The use of Anointing Oil, The use of Bells, The Act of Blessing People and Objects, The Use of the Creeds, The Use of Holy Water, The Use of Images, and Membership: Confirmation & Reception. Also The Use of Incense, Ordination, The Passing of the Peace , Processions, Saints, and Making the Sign of the Cross.

It is very interesting! Again, that’s http://franciscan-anglican.com/Anglican.htm