Thursday, 27 May 2010
Toastie (2003-2010)
Well done, good and faithful servant! We fitted each other perfectly. Rest in Peace.
85 and Not Out!
Dad celebrated his 85th Birthday this week, and got a new watch to celebrate it with. He also got a new bigger room in Frank Downie House, with a nicer view, so he's happy as a sandboy. When I look back at where we were this time last year, I'm extremely grateful for all the love and prayers which have upheld me!
Man Cold Blues
It's been a pretty horrific week health-wise with an infected arm, and now a man-cold to top any cold ever known to, well, man. Will I suffer is silence God forbid! A cold is a cold, and this is a HUGE BIG one!
However, my own plight fades against that of Toastie's, (my beloved 7-year-old King Charles Cavalier). He has heart disease, and his wee lungs are just filling up with fluid. As the days go on he is becoming more and more distressed, and I'm terrified that tonight the vet is going to suggest we have a "decision" to make. He has been with me through thick and thin, and I probably love him more than all the others, but I get really distressed when he's distressed, and I've spent most of the morning with him in my arms, both of us having a good cough together. Fortunately I can do something about mine and it will be gone in a few days. For Toastie, that's not an option, and the wee man's chest is heaving as he tries to get in some air between his coughing fits. (He's now sleeping fitfully at my feet)
To the vet tonight and we'll see what can be done, but my prediction is that the Boss doesn't have many days left among us. I couldn't see him suffer. He just wouldn't deserve it, but it's like all things pertaining to life and death, as we hold out some hope that tomorrow all will be magically better, and our loved ones, our dying ones, will be restored to health and stay among us a bit longer. Maybe it's fairer and better sometimes just to say "thanks and farewell", and let them go. Perhaps with dogs it's easier done, but it's still not easy to say it.
However, my own plight fades against that of Toastie's, (my beloved 7-year-old King Charles Cavalier). He has heart disease, and his wee lungs are just filling up with fluid. As the days go on he is becoming more and more distressed, and I'm terrified that tonight the vet is going to suggest we have a "decision" to make. He has been with me through thick and thin, and I probably love him more than all the others, but I get really distressed when he's distressed, and I've spent most of the morning with him in my arms, both of us having a good cough together. Fortunately I can do something about mine and it will be gone in a few days. For Toastie, that's not an option, and the wee man's chest is heaving as he tries to get in some air between his coughing fits. (He's now sleeping fitfully at my feet)
To the vet tonight and we'll see what can be done, but my prediction is that the Boss doesn't have many days left among us. I couldn't see him suffer. He just wouldn't deserve it, but it's like all things pertaining to life and death, as we hold out some hope that tomorrow all will be magically better, and our loved ones, our dying ones, will be restored to health and stay among us a bit longer. Maybe it's fairer and better sometimes just to say "thanks and farewell", and let them go. Perhaps with dogs it's easier done, but it's still not easy to say it.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Unjust Government Cuts - from Ekklesia
Campaigners for an international tax on financial institutions have said that the £6 billion programme of spending cuts announced by the Coalition Government yesterday, are a sign of "profound injustice".
The Chancellor, George Osborne, and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Laws, outlined the immediate spending cuts aimed at reducing Britain's £156 billion fiscal deficit, which is now the highest in the EU.
The plans included scrapping child trust funds and freezing civil service recruitment and will lead to £6.243 billion of cuts this year. £500 million of that will be reinvested in apprenticeships, further education and social housing, which means that around £5.7 billion will be directed towards paying down the fiscal deficit this year.
The main cuts are:
• Scrapping government contributions to the Child Trust Fund.
• A civil service recruitment freeze across all government departments and agencies.
• Full first-class travel, which cost £45 million in 2008-09, "should be avoided by public servants wherever possible".
• Quangos will have their budgets cut by £600 million. Others will be scrapped completely leading to job losses.
• Efficiency savings in discretionary areas like consultancy and travel costs; £95 million through savings in IT spending; and £1.7 billion from delaying and stopping contracts and projects with the 70 major suppliers to government.
• £1.165 billion savings from local government which will be achieved by reducing grants to local authorities.
Owen Tudor, a spokesperson from the Robin Hood Tax campaign, said: “The spending cuts spelled out by George Osborne represent a profound sign of injustice. Those who bear no responsibility for the global recession will have to pay the price, while the financial sector, whose reckless behaviour has largely contributed to the mess which we are in, can continue business as usual.
“Cuts will not only affect a significant portion of public sector workers who will lose their jobs or see their pay frozen, but also the general public who will no longer be able to rely on essential public services.
“One way of avoiding these large-scale cuts would be to introduce a Robin Hood Tax on the financial sector, which would raise at least £20 billion a year in the UK alone. Such a tax would be fair as it would target a sector that played a pivotal role in the economic crisis and that has the financial resources to cope with a levy.”
Robin Hood Tax campaigners say that the revenue raised would help reduce the public deficit, protect public service jobs, tackle poverty at home and abroad, as well as fight climate change.
108 organisations including Ekklesia currently support the Robin Hood Tax campaign in the UK.
The Chancellor, George Osborne, and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, David Laws, outlined the immediate spending cuts aimed at reducing Britain's £156 billion fiscal deficit, which is now the highest in the EU.
The plans included scrapping child trust funds and freezing civil service recruitment and will lead to £6.243 billion of cuts this year. £500 million of that will be reinvested in apprenticeships, further education and social housing, which means that around £5.7 billion will be directed towards paying down the fiscal deficit this year.
The main cuts are:
• Scrapping government contributions to the Child Trust Fund.
• A civil service recruitment freeze across all government departments and agencies.
• Full first-class travel, which cost £45 million in 2008-09, "should be avoided by public servants wherever possible".
• Quangos will have their budgets cut by £600 million. Others will be scrapped completely leading to job losses.
• Efficiency savings in discretionary areas like consultancy and travel costs; £95 million through savings in IT spending; and £1.7 billion from delaying and stopping contracts and projects with the 70 major suppliers to government.
• £1.165 billion savings from local government which will be achieved by reducing grants to local authorities.
Owen Tudor, a spokesperson from the Robin Hood Tax campaign, said: “The spending cuts spelled out by George Osborne represent a profound sign of injustice. Those who bear no responsibility for the global recession will have to pay the price, while the financial sector, whose reckless behaviour has largely contributed to the mess which we are in, can continue business as usual.
“Cuts will not only affect a significant portion of public sector workers who will lose their jobs or see their pay frozen, but also the general public who will no longer be able to rely on essential public services.
“One way of avoiding these large-scale cuts would be to introduce a Robin Hood Tax on the financial sector, which would raise at least £20 billion a year in the UK alone. Such a tax would be fair as it would target a sector that played a pivotal role in the economic crisis and that has the financial resources to cope with a levy.”
Robin Hood Tax campaigners say that the revenue raised would help reduce the public deficit, protect public service jobs, tackle poverty at home and abroad, as well as fight climate change.
108 organisations including Ekklesia currently support the Robin Hood Tax campaign in the UK.
Monday, 24 May 2010
Missed Opportunity
Today I was supposed to be attending a Ministry Development Day, entitled "Edges & Endings", which I was really looking forward to. It related to pastoral situations, real ones, where our judgement is often tested and having the experience to know how to handle more difficult encounters.
Physically, this morning, I could hardly make myself coffee, never mind making it to Glasgow and providing any sort of positive input. I feel somewhat "robbed" of a day that I would have got a lot from, apart from the clergy togetherness which I just soak up on these occasions.
Maybe it will be repeated at some point, or maybe I'll just go to the doctor for antibiotics that little bit quicker next time I'm bitten!
Physically, this morning, I could hardly make myself coffee, never mind making it to Glasgow and providing any sort of positive input. I feel somewhat "robbed" of a day that I would have got a lot from, apart from the clergy togetherness which I just soak up on these occasions.
Maybe it will be repeated at some point, or maybe I'll just go to the doctor for antibiotics that little bit quicker next time I'm bitten!
Irony
Pic of Amy Jean's baptism yesterday. I was the one in agony, and she was the one who did all the crying!
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Eventually..
Well I caved in at the end and ended up at the hospital today. The mega-bite I got from Archie had obviously badly infected my arm. It was all scarlet and swollen this morning, and I had trouble moving it.
The groundswell of opinion among the congregation fuelled the RW's terrible anxiety and I was wheeched off to the Minor Injuries Unit in The Vale before I could even drink my coffee after the 11am baptism. Opinions varied from the possibility of me losing my arm because the infection was heading for my lymph mode (!!!!), to the informed opinion that I definitely needed a tetanus jag at once, or my life would end sooner than you could say "holiday", never mind go on one!
It had been a lovely Pentecost celebration with Amy Jean being on her worst possible behaviour. She screamed throughout ...... a first for me in 32 years of ministry. I'm usually the one who stops the bairn crying, but not today :-( As I made my way into the centre of the large congregation with Amy in one hand and a Baptismal candle in the other I heard one of the older ones whisper, "Don't stop nipping her"!
Anyway a dose of giant antibiotics and some strong painkillers to see me through until I see my own doc tomorrow. Today, having taken a couple of the painkillers already, I'm heading for bed Zebedee. No need for tetanus as I'm all up to date anyway, but it seems that it's no longer policy to give a tetanus jag for a dog bite as most of us have had at least five shots throughout our lives.
Time to give in to the fuzzy head, and despite warnings, I should wake up to a left arm still being intact.
The groundswell of opinion among the congregation fuelled the RW's terrible anxiety and I was wheeched off to the Minor Injuries Unit in The Vale before I could even drink my coffee after the 11am baptism. Opinions varied from the possibility of me losing my arm because the infection was heading for my lymph mode (!!!!), to the informed opinion that I definitely needed a tetanus jag at once, or my life would end sooner than you could say "holiday", never mind go on one!
It had been a lovely Pentecost celebration with Amy Jean being on her worst possible behaviour. She screamed throughout ...... a first for me in 32 years of ministry. I'm usually the one who stops the bairn crying, but not today :-( As I made my way into the centre of the large congregation with Amy in one hand and a Baptismal candle in the other I heard one of the older ones whisper, "Don't stop nipping her"!
Anyway a dose of giant antibiotics and some strong painkillers to see me through until I see my own doc tomorrow. Today, having taken a couple of the painkillers already, I'm heading for bed Zebedee. No need for tetanus as I'm all up to date anyway, but it seems that it's no longer policy to give a tetanus jag for a dog bite as most of us have had at least five shots throughout our lives.
Time to give in to the fuzzy head, and despite warnings, I should wake up to a left arm still being intact.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Apps of the Apostles
Tired of online churches, twittering vicars, blogging bishops and all the other appurtenances of religion on the Internet?
Welcome to the wonderful world of iPhone apps, where Bibles, blessings, rosaries and religious radio – not to mention chakra tuning and aura reading – are all now available at the tap of a screen. We've sifted through the hundreds of religious apps available and chosen just 10 which seem to be most in tune with the spirit of the iPhone: quirky, inventive, interactive and, above all, entertaining.
See it all here!
Welcome to the wonderful world of iPhone apps, where Bibles, blessings, rosaries and religious radio – not to mention chakra tuning and aura reading – are all now available at the tap of a screen. We've sifted through the hundreds of religious apps available and chosen just 10 which seem to be most in tune with the spirit of the iPhone: quirky, inventive, interactive and, above all, entertaining.
See it all here!
Struggling
I know the signs now, but the Black Dog of Depression is not far away. I'm struggling to keep it at bay and not let it find a way in. Searching for that "turning point" where all seems positive again. In bewilderment, I cannot understand why this happens, but it does and I feel the shadows approaching. I can't even begin to pray properly that it will end. Will recede.Will disappear!
So a wee prayer from you might help me get through today and the next few days to come. Thanks Blogland!
So a wee prayer from you might help me get through today and the next few days to come. Thanks Blogland!
Will coalition ConDem arms trading unit?
We will get a better idea of some of the detail regarding the new coalition government's approach to a range of issues today. But what will the new government do about its arms trading unit, the UKTI Defence & Security Organisation?
Campaign Againt Arms Trade (CAAT) are urging people to email Vince Cable in the hope that the LibDems might be able to bring some positive influence to bear.
Last year, the Conservatives said they wanted to increase the support given to arms exports, and use arms sales as a "foreign policy tool" - a prospect which campaigners say is truly alarming.
But in the past many senior Liberal Democrats have supported the campaign to end government support for arms exports, including Vince Cable, now the Minister responsible for UKTI. Add to this the financial pressures around deficit reduction and substantial investment in underwriting the commercial arms trade might not seem such an attractive prospect after all.
(From Ekklesia)
Campaign Againt Arms Trade (CAAT) are urging people to email Vince Cable in the hope that the LibDems might be able to bring some positive influence to bear.
Last year, the Conservatives said they wanted to increase the support given to arms exports, and use arms sales as a "foreign policy tool" - a prospect which campaigners say is truly alarming.
But in the past many senior Liberal Democrats have supported the campaign to end government support for arms exports, including Vince Cable, now the Minister responsible for UKTI. Add to this the financial pressures around deficit reduction and substantial investment in underwriting the commercial arms trade might not seem such an attractive prospect after all.
(From Ekklesia)
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Circle
It was the start of a new partnership yesterday, as Circle worker, Janet Rae, moved into the St Auggie’s office to share the space with me. Hopefully this can be a really positive partnership between St Augustine’s and Circle.
Those who want to know more can follow this link: http://www.circlescotland.org/
Those who want to know more can follow this link: http://www.circlescotland.org/
Quilting Exhibition
For the next few days there is a Quilting Exhibition in our church building, and some extremely colourful and magnificent examples are on show. This morning our Eucharist had to be in the Community Hall as the church was buzzing with visitors. As I collected books and chalice etc etc from the church I met with 3 American Episcopalians, and another four folk from Episcopalian Churches in the Diocese! In the end, there were more Episcopalians at the quilting than in the Community Hall for the Eucharist.
If it hadn't been for a smattering of Presbyterians wanting to look at the quilting, we could all have joined together in a wonderful celebration in church, surrounded by the talents and gifts that God gives us!
If it hadn't been for a smattering of Presbyterians wanting to look at the quilting, we could all have joined together in a wonderful celebration in church, surrounded by the talents and gifts that God gives us!
Ouch!
Well, I guess it was inevitable! Archie, The Special One, had finished his dinner last night and after escaping from the kitchen, he pushed the other two canines aside and started wolfing down their share too. Although I have perpetually warned others not to try to separate a dog from its food, I feel sufficient trust in the SO, and took hold of his collar to pull him away.
Ever regret anything? He got hold of my arm and drew blood in four places. One cut is rather deep, and today I'm feeling sorry for myself as my arm is badly swollen and I'm wondering if he's damaged a bone too.
He knows he's not the most popular dog in town at present, and is spending most of his time, voluntarily, out in the back garden, looking rather pathetic. The thing is that he's such a biddable big soft lump! Next time, though, I'll heed my own advice and the spaniels can just go hungry!
Ever regret anything? He got hold of my arm and drew blood in four places. One cut is rather deep, and today I'm feeling sorry for myself as my arm is badly swollen and I'm wondering if he's damaged a bone too.
He knows he's not the most popular dog in town at present, and is spending most of his time, voluntarily, out in the back garden, looking rather pathetic. The thing is that he's such a biddable big soft lump! Next time, though, I'll heed my own advice and the spaniels can just go hungry!
Monday, 17 May 2010
Just Reflecting
I'm in the middle of a relaunch of the St Augustine's Dumbarton Website, and I wonder how much I want to save or delete! Hopefully something fresh and exciting on the horizon. Who knows?
The Waiting Time
The Ascension has come and gone for 2010, and here we are, waiting for Pentecost. There is this great pregnant pause for the disciples as they wait. Some may have already given up and gone to the Jerusalem Job Centre. Others had faith that something, and something significant would happen soon.
In our churches, we often experience this "waiting time". Projects are launched, and if they don't bring instant results they are often abandoned through lack of interest or we deem them to have failed. Much like the first apostles, in the waiting time, we can lose heart easily.
However, often, a bit more perseverance, and a bit more patience wouldn't go amiss. Set up projects, set up new initiatives, and let God take all the time God needs to bring them to positive fruition. How easily and how tempting it is to give up just because we don't have immediate results.
Let God be God, and give God all the time God needs, and put aside the temptation of impatience!
In our churches, we often experience this "waiting time". Projects are launched, and if they don't bring instant results they are often abandoned through lack of interest or we deem them to have failed. Much like the first apostles, in the waiting time, we can lose heart easily.
However, often, a bit more perseverance, and a bit more patience wouldn't go amiss. Set up projects, set up new initiatives, and let God take all the time God needs to bring them to positive fruition. How easily and how tempting it is to give up just because we don't have immediate results.
Let God be God, and give God all the time God needs, and put aside the temptation of impatience!
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Disgrace
Often folk look at our three dogs, all clean and prim and friendly, and respond,"Ahhhh".Like in a aren't they just perfect "Ahhhh". Below is the terrible truth of Archie, The Special One,after a walk in Balloch Park.
He is a Golden Retriever, by the way!
He is a Golden Retriever, by the way!
Dad
Dad has really settled into his new home now, thanks to the staff of Frank Downie House in Dalmuir. Yesterday was the happiest I've seen him for years, and although the old mind is going, he's still enjoying his pipe and dram. He even has a suntan that would grace the beaches of the Mediterranean!
Friday, 14 May 2010
Greens take the Mickey!
The Green Party have urged Liberal Democrat supporters who object to their party's coalition deal with the Conservatives to join the Greens to achieve real change.
In a deliberate parody of the language used by Tory leader David Cameron at the start of the coalition negotiations, the Greens have issued a "big, open, and comprehensive offer" to Liberal Democrats. They have urged them to "come and join the Greens and campaign for real democratic change, real action to tackle poverty, and real action on climate change".
The big problem is that only about half of Scotland would consider voting for any party that had "green" in their name.
In a deliberate parody of the language used by Tory leader David Cameron at the start of the coalition negotiations, the Greens have issued a "big, open, and comprehensive offer" to Liberal Democrats. They have urged them to "come and join the Greens and campaign for real democratic change, real action to tackle poverty, and real action on climate change".
The big problem is that only about half of Scotland would consider voting for any party that had "green" in their name.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Ascension Day
Wonderful Ascension Day service this evening incorporating the three local charges of Helensburgh, Alexandria and ourselves. Our wee music group were on top form!
Was waylaid by Scottish Lib Dems at the end who wanted to convert me from being a Christian into a Lib Conned, but they did it with a smile. Much in the same way as Darling Dave will do it to Old Nick as the months roll on!
Actually, I'm getting quite used to this compromise game. It has its plusses! On Sunday I'm preaching in the local URC Church, who have made a pact with the Episcopalians and the Methodists. It's called EMU for obvious reasons.
So, here I will be on Sunday, telling the URC guys that it will be of benefit for them to think ecumenically and pool our resources in the town. We'll even give them five seats on the Vestry Committee!
Was waylaid by Scottish Lib Dems at the end who wanted to convert me from being a Christian into a Lib Conned, but they did it with a smile. Much in the same way as Darling Dave will do it to Old Nick as the months roll on!
Actually, I'm getting quite used to this compromise game. It has its plusses! On Sunday I'm preaching in the local URC Church, who have made a pact with the Episcopalians and the Methodists. It's called EMU for obvious reasons.
So, here I will be on Sunday, telling the URC guys that it will be of benefit for them to think ecumenically and pool our resources in the town. We'll even give them five seats on the Vestry Committee!
Poppy
Well, as dear Toastie seems to be coming into the last stage of his wee life, it was brilliant today to get a photo of my son's pup who has obviously tons of attitude! She's taken to getting everyone up at 4am lately! Poppy is a wee cracker, and is coming to live with us when her owners are off to the States in the summer. Toastie, Peanut, The Special One and the Silent Assassin will soon lick her into shape! Or will they? Take a look at that face!
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Farewell Gordon Brown
The Press gave you an impossible time. You did more for this country than the people appreciate. Go. Enjoy family life now!
Holiday Bookings
As we are due to fly out to a beautiful Greek Island at the end of June, ash permitting, the emails have been tumbling in from Thomas Cook. Book your seats in advance.Choose extra leg-room,etc etc. As a man who loves that little bit of extra leg-room, it helps me to sleep and it's worth a few quid more, I was right on to their website where I'm constantly told that my booking reference is invalid.
So, let's phone instead. Five times now I've phoned and been given a long spiel about what I can upgrade and all about their cruises.A wee word about swine flu and off we go. "There is a high volume of calls at present.Please call back later!" I could have paid for the bl*** seats with the cost of the calls so far.
Why don't they just begin with, "There is a high volume of calls at present.Please call back later!" It would have saved me a fortune!
So, let's phone instead. Five times now I've phoned and been given a long spiel about what I can upgrade and all about their cruises.A wee word about swine flu and off we go. "There is a high volume of calls at present.Please call back later!" I could have paid for the bl*** seats with the cost of the calls so far.
Why don't they just begin with, "There is a high volume of calls at present.Please call back later!" It would have saved me a fortune!
Toastie
Toastie has been my constant companion for seven years now. An almost perfect King Charles Cavalier who could have won stuff at dog shows if I'd been inclined to do the necessary. I wasn't. Instead he became the parish pet and was spoiled rotten by the congregation! He came everywhere with me, and had a couple of adventures at gravesides which we won't go into! He sat in the passenger seat of my car, and slept with his head resting on his two front paws.
As the years passed he's had to put up with a puppy being introduced, another Cavalier,and a Golden Retriever and even a cat, but until recently still considered himself as leader of the pack.
Unfortunately, of late,he's been diagnosed as having heart disease,and his old lungs are filling up with fluid. He still tries to keep up with the pack, but alas, he suffers for it and coughs up lots of goo for hours afterwards. His days of long runs are over, and when the time comes we'll know what to do, however heartbreaking that will be.
He's started sleeping with his head resting on his front paws again, and today starts a new regime. Instead of long walks, he's getting to sit on the passenger seat again, with the opportunity to widdle as we go about our day. A return to his first two years as my pet. I only hope he gets long enough to appreciate the joys of parish ministry once again!
As the years passed he's had to put up with a puppy being introduced, another Cavalier,and a Golden Retriever and even a cat, but until recently still considered himself as leader of the pack.
Unfortunately, of late,he's been diagnosed as having heart disease,and his old lungs are filling up with fluid. He still tries to keep up with the pack, but alas, he suffers for it and coughs up lots of goo for hours afterwards. His days of long runs are over, and when the time comes we'll know what to do, however heartbreaking that will be.
He's started sleeping with his head resting on his front paws again, and today starts a new regime. Instead of long walks, he's getting to sit on the passenger seat again, with the opportunity to widdle as we go about our day. A return to his first two years as my pet. I only hope he gets long enough to appreciate the joys of parish ministry once again!
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Gay Paris
Back from a first-time visit to Paris to celebrate the RW's 60th Birthday. Apart from the fact it was freezin', I loved the place, but especially Montmartre. Could have stayed there forever!
It was good, in the end, to escape the last days of the political nonsense that was going on. We got back in time to register our vote, but what Scotland votes is largely ignored anyway.
What happens now is perhaps unknown,but I wish I was back in Paris.We are back to deals being done behind closed doors and that is depressing. The indecent haste of Clegg to jump into bed with the Tories is astonishing.Who would have thought that a Lib Dem vote could end up a Tory vote? Nick... you will never get PR from Dodgy Dave!!! If I were a Lib Dem voter I'd be feeling really let down this weekend.
the Take Back Parliament initiative (http://www.takebackparliament.com/hope) may be worth a look!
It was good, in the end, to escape the last days of the political nonsense that was going on. We got back in time to register our vote, but what Scotland votes is largely ignored anyway.
What happens now is perhaps unknown,but I wish I was back in Paris.We are back to deals being done behind closed doors and that is depressing. The indecent haste of Clegg to jump into bed with the Tories is astonishing.Who would have thought that a Lib Dem vote could end up a Tory vote? Nick... you will never get PR from Dodgy Dave!!! If I were a Lib Dem voter I'd be feeling really let down this weekend.
the Take Back Parliament initiative (http://www.takebackparliament.com/hope) may be worth a look!
Saturday, 1 May 2010
By popular Demand - More From the Gossip Column:
THE NEW BISHOP’S BIG ‘DO’ - PUNTER'S VERSION.
‘You can’t go on the 23rd - that’s only for Kenny and Tim! But everybody’s welcome on the Sunday night.’
That was how Bishop Gregor’s consecration celebrations were sold to me. So, knowing our place in the great autocracy of the Scottish Episcopal Church a few of us ventured forth to the Cathedral on Sunday 25th sacrificing a Dorothy sing off for the occasion.
We arrived half an hour early - we were in Kenny’s car - but only restricted viewing seats were available. Indeed, some were not occupied but being reserved in spite of the service leaflet’s assurance that
the Cathedral was open, inclusive and welcoming!
The clergy were all arriving clutching zipped garment bags containing their vestments. Kenny travelled in his cassock and carried his surplice and borrowed preaching scarf in a poly bag - at least itwas an M&S 5p poly bag!
When we read the programme we discovered that we were at a Diocesan Choral Evensong with the installation of the new Dean thrown in as a supporting act and, in small print at the end, the new Bishop’s first sermon to the diocese.
Memories flooded back to me of Evensong at St.Auggie’s in the fifties and sixties. It always preceded the AYPA (youth club) meetings and it was almost mandatory to attend. Failure to do so meant a nagging from the righteous so it was easier to go. Why? We had confessed to our sins at the morning service, after all, and what could we possibly have got up to on the afternoon of a Scottish Sabbath to make repeating the process so important?
I recalled my least favourite service -Morning Prayer with ‘the Te Deum is on Page 8’. Oh no - it’s not! I now fear that if I ever make it to the Pearly Gates all those Cherubim and Seraphim would confront me for quietly removing the two pages of this dreary canticle!
Meanwhile back at the Cathedral the massed choirs and robed clergy were processing up the aisle. What a crowd! But where were all the women? Oh, some were hitting the high notes in the choir but there was not a female voice raised in prayer, in reading or even officiating. No, they weren’t making the tea! This was Kelvinside - famed for ‘you’ll have had your tea’ . Just as well TBag O’Neill had declined the invitation or she wouldn’t have lasted past the introit hymn!
Maggie moaned that she knew all the music and wasn’t getting the chance to sing. Linda said she felt like a spectator and Margaret Hardie devoted her time to guessing what the hordes of clergy were up to at the back. Well, Kenny was punctuating the service booklet - can we have both our hearts? -perhaps some of the others were praying! Bishop Gregor, totally at ease in his new role showed the new Dean where to sit and we could then see him better. The sermon followed -short and to the point. He even raised a few laughs.
Well done, Gregor! He told us how the disciples, after Easter, were ‘all over the place.’ And here we were in this magnificent Cathedral with nothing and no one in the wrong place.
The Choral Evensong had been an organisational triumph and many left enthusing about this wonderful traditional service. Why then was I missing our argumentative Music Group, our predominance of women, our congregational participation and even the Partick Thistle scores?
Happily the Church survives our plethora of tastes in worship - indeed it is enhanced by them and long may this continue.
Footnote: So enthusiastic was the singing of the closing hymn that the gentleman in front of me who had been blocking my view for most of the evening sat down with aplomb and jammed my fingers between his body and the back of the pew. (Don’t ask why they were there.) But mindful of the place and occasion, I refrained from yelling out and simply beseeched him ‘please can I have my hand back?’ I needed it to write my gossip column!"
‘You can’t go on the 23rd - that’s only for Kenny and Tim! But everybody’s welcome on the Sunday night.’
That was how Bishop Gregor’s consecration celebrations were sold to me. So, knowing our place in the great autocracy of the Scottish Episcopal Church a few of us ventured forth to the Cathedral on Sunday 25th sacrificing a Dorothy sing off for the occasion.
We arrived half an hour early - we were in Kenny’s car - but only restricted viewing seats were available. Indeed, some were not occupied but being reserved in spite of the service leaflet’s assurance that
the Cathedral was open, inclusive and welcoming!
The clergy were all arriving clutching zipped garment bags containing their vestments. Kenny travelled in his cassock and carried his surplice and borrowed preaching scarf in a poly bag - at least itwas an M&S 5p poly bag!
When we read the programme we discovered that we were at a Diocesan Choral Evensong with the installation of the new Dean thrown in as a supporting act and, in small print at the end, the new Bishop’s first sermon to the diocese.
Memories flooded back to me of Evensong at St.Auggie’s in the fifties and sixties. It always preceded the AYPA (youth club) meetings and it was almost mandatory to attend. Failure to do so meant a nagging from the righteous so it was easier to go. Why? We had confessed to our sins at the morning service, after all, and what could we possibly have got up to on the afternoon of a Scottish Sabbath to make repeating the process so important?
I recalled my least favourite service -Morning Prayer with ‘the Te Deum is on Page 8’. Oh no - it’s not! I now fear that if I ever make it to the Pearly Gates all those Cherubim and Seraphim would confront me for quietly removing the two pages of this dreary canticle!
Meanwhile back at the Cathedral the massed choirs and robed clergy were processing up the aisle. What a crowd! But where were all the women? Oh, some were hitting the high notes in the choir but there was not a female voice raised in prayer, in reading or even officiating. No, they weren’t making the tea! This was Kelvinside - famed for ‘you’ll have had your tea’ . Just as well TBag O’Neill had declined the invitation or she wouldn’t have lasted past the introit hymn!
Maggie moaned that she knew all the music and wasn’t getting the chance to sing. Linda said she felt like a spectator and Margaret Hardie devoted her time to guessing what the hordes of clergy were up to at the back. Well, Kenny was punctuating the service booklet - can we have both our hearts? -perhaps some of the others were praying! Bishop Gregor, totally at ease in his new role showed the new Dean where to sit and we could then see him better. The sermon followed -short and to the point. He even raised a few laughs.
Well done, Gregor! He told us how the disciples, after Easter, were ‘all over the place.’ And here we were in this magnificent Cathedral with nothing and no one in the wrong place.
The Choral Evensong had been an organisational triumph and many left enthusing about this wonderful traditional service. Why then was I missing our argumentative Music Group, our predominance of women, our congregational participation and even the Partick Thistle scores?
Happily the Church survives our plethora of tastes in worship - indeed it is enhanced by them and long may this continue.
Footnote: So enthusiastic was the singing of the closing hymn that the gentleman in front of me who had been blocking my view for most of the evening sat down with aplomb and jammed my fingers between his body and the back of the pew. (Don’t ask why they were there.) But mindful of the place and occasion, I refrained from yelling out and simply beseeched him ‘please can I have my hand back?’ I needed it to write my gossip column!"
Friday, 30 April 2010
Love one Another as I Have Loved You
Yep, that's the Gospel reading for Sunday. I happened upon a good lay person who was trying to get together something for a "sermon" on Sunday. My response was "Just preach what it says" "Do as yer telt!" It can't be any plainer! Start loving each other and it might just get different.
Is that so hard? It's a million miles from political propaganda and party politics at the moment. It's probably a million miles from policies too.
Poverty in our communities. Nobody is speaking about addiction and how we deal with that. Who wants these low paid jobs that the "immigrants" accept? They pay taxes no? Pay for our pensions, no? How do we motivate a youth culture that doesn't want to work? Who loves all these guys and gals? Especially the strangers who are flooding in and taking all our jobs?
Tell you what. They are not taking the banking jobs where millions of pounds of bonuses are still being paid. Very little is being said about the Robin Hood Tax which would tax bank profits at source.
Love one another? We don't seem to know how to begin to share our wealth with others. Higher taxes for the wealthy? God forbid!
Love one another? Is that why we pay billions for Trident, so we can blow our brothers and sisters to kingdom come? Deterrent? Who are we deterring? A wee suicide bomber on the London Underground? Let's nuke him, eh?
Love one another, and so the parties and the press smear fellow humans in a way that turns my stomach.
Love one another? Show me a party that is committed to eradicating world starvation. Or even one that puts it high on the agenda.
Love one another? No it's just a "me me me" election again and the selfish b******* in this country will get what they want. Much of a muchness and other people to blame for where they are.
I'm not the only priest who has committed his life to areas of poverty and affliction. I'm not brilliant and live in a big house with a comfy stipend. That is where I am and would like to have the courage to denounce it. I certainly have the courage to accept higher taxation if that's what's needed for the NHS and areas of extreme poverty. Politically, these days, I can find nobody who shares my passion. Perhaps Christianity has died, and Our Lord still cries in the wilderness, "Love one another as I have loved you". Who will keep love on the agenda?
I have just finished reading Son of Hamas. It's amazing how love can change our world, and a pity that the Christian message has become derided by those who seek power.
Is that so hard? It's a million miles from political propaganda and party politics at the moment. It's probably a million miles from policies too.
Poverty in our communities. Nobody is speaking about addiction and how we deal with that. Who wants these low paid jobs that the "immigrants" accept? They pay taxes no? Pay for our pensions, no? How do we motivate a youth culture that doesn't want to work? Who loves all these guys and gals? Especially the strangers who are flooding in and taking all our jobs?
Tell you what. They are not taking the banking jobs where millions of pounds of bonuses are still being paid. Very little is being said about the Robin Hood Tax which would tax bank profits at source.
Love one another? We don't seem to know how to begin to share our wealth with others. Higher taxes for the wealthy? God forbid!
Love one another? Is that why we pay billions for Trident, so we can blow our brothers and sisters to kingdom come? Deterrent? Who are we deterring? A wee suicide bomber on the London Underground? Let's nuke him, eh?
Love one another, and so the parties and the press smear fellow humans in a way that turns my stomach.
Love one another? Show me a party that is committed to eradicating world starvation. Or even one that puts it high on the agenda.
Love one another? No it's just a "me me me" election again and the selfish b******* in this country will get what they want. Much of a muchness and other people to blame for where they are.
I'm not the only priest who has committed his life to areas of poverty and affliction. I'm not brilliant and live in a big house with a comfy stipend. That is where I am and would like to have the courage to denounce it. I certainly have the courage to accept higher taxation if that's what's needed for the NHS and areas of extreme poverty. Politically, these days, I can find nobody who shares my passion. Perhaps Christianity has died, and Our Lord still cries in the wilderness, "Love one another as I have loved you". Who will keep love on the agenda?
I have just finished reading Son of Hamas. It's amazing how love can change our world, and a pity that the Christian message has become derided by those who seek power.
Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid
One thing that has popped out this week in the Gordon Brown "Bigot" Fiasco is that if I was an immigrant in this country I would be rather afraid of the public reaction. I certainly would feel very unwelcome and victimised, especially if I was working, (probably in a very low-paid job), paying taxes, and contributing towards a pension for these "bigots".
In many ways I would have loved to see Gordon Brown stick to his guns and face the immigration arguments head on. Unfortunately it would have made him even more unelectable, but we would maybe have got to some truths, rather than propping up tired old arguments that the BNP just love to hear aired.
In many ways I would have loved to see Gordon Brown stick to his guns and face the immigration arguments head on. Unfortunately it would have made him even more unelectable, but we would maybe have got to some truths, rather than propping up tired old arguments that the BNP just love to hear aired.
Voting in the Ways of Dog
From our Parish Magazine this month, I have no hesitation in recommending you read the following snippet from our "Gossip Column". To compare dogs you know with political parties, or individuals can be fun. In the parish we have five main players. This is how they fared...
WIN A SEAT - USE A DOG!
As a follower of ‘Over the Rainbow’s’ quest for a new Toto it occurred to me that the political parties were missing a terrific opportunity to accumulate votes. A caninedidate would help their candidate greatly in conveying the desirable qualities of honesty, loyalty and friendliness. Just look at how well St.Auggie’s doggies would fit the bill!
The Tory candidate could be photographed with Toastie a fully pedigreed member of the Kennel Club with royal associations. Yes, the Toastie Manifesto would be read in homes throughout the land.
The Labour Party would certainly prefer Nina, the Jack Russell. Not accepted by those snobby Crufts creatures, Nina is a basic dog given to much yelling and yapping for fairness and sharing as long as her share is bigger than anyone else’s and she gets it first!
Archie, the Golden Retriever, would surely find his home with the Greens. A friend of the earth who proves it by continually rolling in its muddier sections and removing any offending picnics from the grass.
Peanut, on the other hand doesn’t care about being a doggy aristocrat and would be an ideal soul mate for Nick Clegg with her attractive and pleasing personality combined with all the charisma of a right wee chancer.
Now the SNP is looking for a champion and our attractive West Highland terrier, Keira, is just the dog for the job. Keira can start a fight with bigger dogs then run off and say it’s not her fault!
So, forget kissing those babies and cuddle a canine. Every St. Auggie’s Doggie comes with its own WDC supply of Bio(Pooh)Bags with instructions for usage in seven different languages. Gaelic is not yet available but Alex is working on it. Get ahead - get a vote - get a hound!
WIN A SEAT - USE A DOG!
As a follower of ‘Over the Rainbow’s’ quest for a new Toto it occurred to me that the political parties were missing a terrific opportunity to accumulate votes. A caninedidate would help their candidate greatly in conveying the desirable qualities of honesty, loyalty and friendliness. Just look at how well St.Auggie’s doggies would fit the bill!
The Tory candidate could be photographed with Toastie a fully pedigreed member of the Kennel Club with royal associations. Yes, the Toastie Manifesto would be read in homes throughout the land.
The Labour Party would certainly prefer Nina, the Jack Russell. Not accepted by those snobby Crufts creatures, Nina is a basic dog given to much yelling and yapping for fairness and sharing as long as her share is bigger than anyone else’s and she gets it first!
Archie, the Golden Retriever, would surely find his home with the Greens. A friend of the earth who proves it by continually rolling in its muddier sections and removing any offending picnics from the grass.
Peanut, on the other hand doesn’t care about being a doggy aristocrat and would be an ideal soul mate for Nick Clegg with her attractive and pleasing personality combined with all the charisma of a right wee chancer.
Now the SNP is looking for a champion and our attractive West Highland terrier, Keira, is just the dog for the job. Keira can start a fight with bigger dogs then run off and say it’s not her fault!
So, forget kissing those babies and cuddle a canine. Every St. Auggie’s Doggie comes with its own WDC supply of Bio(Pooh)Bags with instructions for usage in seven different languages. Gaelic is not yet available but Alex is working on it. Get ahead - get a vote - get a hound!
Financial Realities
I'm no financial whizz-kid, but I understand how hard things can be in the current economic climate. Tonight we had a Vestry Meeting, and the hard truth is that all the parish assets are tied up in a house which we cannot sell. I'm convinced it's not because nobody wants to live there, but who is committing themselves to vast mortgages at the moment with the uncertainties surrounding our personal financial futures?
The political debate at the moment isn't helping, with so much scaremongering going on, with who will do what, and the disastrous consequences for all. Maybe folk are waiting in the hope of a magic wand appearing after next Thursday. I predict that next Friday things are going to be much of a muchness to today.
I am glad that I head a church which is sitting on unsold property. Things are grim, but we'll survive one way or another. I feel for individuals and families that are in a similar position. The ones who were told, like us, that our property would sell quickly and the purchase of a new home was going to be advantageous in the current climate. Estate Agents who promised us ten or fifteen thousand pounds more than the old property is actually now valued at!
We have five months before the parish is totally cash-strapped, that is five months before there will be no cash to pay me, but our property portfolio is excellent, on paper! As a church we will deal with that, somehow, but if I was a parent facing the same sort of difficulties, and with a family to feed and clothe, I would be at my wits end.
I listen to the guff that is being produced by the politicians just now, and cannot for the life of me see that anyone has any solutions to our problems, or any great ideas about kick-starting a house market which is what most of us have our life savings invested in.
In all the gobbledegook, the only sensible thing I'm hearing just now is from those who realise that we certainly don't need Trident, and it's a huge expense we could do without. As for the rest.. well, take your pick. I've got to the Orwellian stage where I look at them all and I cannot tell the difference. What we have is a group of chancers who care for nothing but their own re-election, by whatever means possible.
The political debate at the moment isn't helping, with so much scaremongering going on, with who will do what, and the disastrous consequences for all. Maybe folk are waiting in the hope of a magic wand appearing after next Thursday. I predict that next Friday things are going to be much of a muchness to today.
I am glad that I head a church which is sitting on unsold property. Things are grim, but we'll survive one way or another. I feel for individuals and families that are in a similar position. The ones who were told, like us, that our property would sell quickly and the purchase of a new home was going to be advantageous in the current climate. Estate Agents who promised us ten or fifteen thousand pounds more than the old property is actually now valued at!
We have five months before the parish is totally cash-strapped, that is five months before there will be no cash to pay me, but our property portfolio is excellent, on paper! As a church we will deal with that, somehow, but if I was a parent facing the same sort of difficulties, and with a family to feed and clothe, I would be at my wits end.
I listen to the guff that is being produced by the politicians just now, and cannot for the life of me see that anyone has any solutions to our problems, or any great ideas about kick-starting a house market which is what most of us have our life savings invested in.
In all the gobbledegook, the only sensible thing I'm hearing just now is from those who realise that we certainly don't need Trident, and it's a huge expense we could do without. As for the rest.. well, take your pick. I've got to the Orwellian stage where I look at them all and I cannot tell the difference. What we have is a group of chancers who care for nothing but their own re-election, by whatever means possible.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Monday, 26 April 2010
Bishoping
We've had quite a weekend in the Diocese, surrounding Good Shepherd Sunday, with the Consecration of our new Bishop, Gregor Duncan. I have no doubt that +Gregor will make an excellent shepherd to his priests and people, but it must be the hardest thing in the world to be a bishop in the modern world.
However, we packed the cathedral on Friday and Sunday evening, and did the stuff we Anglicans do best! The ceremony and liturgy excellently executed, and the only little regret for me was the number of bishops present. Due to the "ash problem", a few bishops were absent, two being stranded in the States, and another in Ireland, but nobody really noticed. This was a Diocesan Day, and we look forward to a new era with some excitement!
The new Dean, quickly appointed and installed by +Gregor is just a superstar, and exactly what we need as we march on into a new and relevant future.
I had a word with the Dean of Kentucky Diocese on Sunday night. The RW and I would love to do a "Parish Swap" for 4-6 weeks next year and see a little of the USA. WE offer a beautiful parish, close to Loch Lomond, and within easy reach of all the important tourist stuff. Sunday morning duty would be required. (Oh! A Golden Retriever might be thrown in with a car too). We would be looking for an American priest who would give us the same, American style, in return. Perhaps Kentucky is not the best option. I know not, but I haven't had any offers from elsewhere, yet! Anyone know an American priest who would like a swap in summer 2011?
See? A new bishop and I'm trying to escape already!
(Photos by Gordon Smith)
However, we packed the cathedral on Friday and Sunday evening, and did the stuff we Anglicans do best! The ceremony and liturgy excellently executed, and the only little regret for me was the number of bishops present. Due to the "ash problem", a few bishops were absent, two being stranded in the States, and another in Ireland, but nobody really noticed. This was a Diocesan Day, and we look forward to a new era with some excitement!
The new Dean, quickly appointed and installed by +Gregor is just a superstar, and exactly what we need as we march on into a new and relevant future.
I had a word with the Dean of Kentucky Diocese on Sunday night. The RW and I would love to do a "Parish Swap" for 4-6 weeks next year and see a little of the USA. WE offer a beautiful parish, close to Loch Lomond, and within easy reach of all the important tourist stuff. Sunday morning duty would be required. (Oh! A Golden Retriever might be thrown in with a car too). We would be looking for an American priest who would give us the same, American style, in return. Perhaps Kentucky is not the best option. I know not, but I haven't had any offers from elsewhere, yet! Anyone know an American priest who would like a swap in summer 2011?
See? A new bishop and I'm trying to escape already!
(Photos by Gordon Smith)
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Unbelievable!
Partick Thistle Nil go to Ross County, cup-finalists, and beat them 2-1 on their own patch. First goals in six games and they score them in Dingwall! It's a bit like the Chicago Bears winning in Alaska! Few will have travelled that far!
Friday, 23 April 2010
She Has an Excuse
The Silent Assassin is also asleep. At least she has an excuse, having been out all night clubbing!
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