Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Friday, 25 March 2011
Taking a Break
I'm taking a break from blogging for a while. Facebook and Twitter seem to be the way to go these days, and good honest blogging is better left in the hands of those who do it best!
Bits and bobs will still appear on http://www.staugustinesdumbarton.co.uk/news-events/
Bits and bobs will still appear on http://www.staugustinesdumbarton.co.uk/news-events/
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Not Good
The past couple of days have been pretty dreadful! A bad case of the "runs" and the central heating breaking down have not done much for the demeanor! It's not a pleasant subject, but I can't be far away from a loo at the moment, and although there's now a bit of heat in the house, the prospect of a frozen loo is not the best!
With so much good reflection and Lenten goodies going around, I suppose it had to be me that would bring everyone down to earth!
Apologies for meetings missed, but these things can't be helped!
With so much good reflection and Lenten goodies going around, I suppose it had to be me that would bring everyone down to earth!
Apologies for meetings missed, but these things can't be helped!
Friday, 11 March 2011
Fight the Good Fight?
Was talking to a friend from the east today, a Church of Scotland minister, who just so happens to be gay and in a same-sex relationship. He and I know each other well, and speak often, although at the moment there is a lot of angst about the forthcoming General Assembly and the position he may find himself in shortly. A Church that is rejecting him and his ministry, however beautiful and effective that ministry might be.
We had a laugh about the recent blog stuff over gender issues, he agrees with where I stand and what I'm saying, after all it's only my opinion, but then we got serious. I think we got serious because we love the Church and share a common concern about the way things are at the moment.
There are so many individuals, loud people, opinionated people who know they are right, people with a sword in hand, people, sometimes with great chips on their shoulders, who want to fight the fight. LGBT issues? Bring them on! Gender equality, bring it on! Let's fight to the death for the freedom, or the crucifixion, of brothers and sisters in Christ. (Whether it is to be freedom or crucifixion depends on your standpoint). The Church today is being seen as a Church which has big issues. Issues over sexuality and gender imbalance. We are getting so upset by this that our Churches, our Communions are falling apart.
Meanwhile, the outside world looks on and thinks, "What the hell is that stuff all about?" "This Church is getting so screwed up with issues that don't bother us ordinary folk at all. We have already dealt with this stuff and it's not the most important thing in our wee lives"
Why is the Church not getting its knickers in a twist about cuts to services, unemployment, abandonment of the poor, the indifference towards the folk on the edges of our communities, those in debt, those in the throes of addiction and their kids? Why are we not angry about poverty and starvation in Africa or elsewhere? Why are we not campaigning that bankers are being allowed to do it all again?
Why are we not angry that our town centres are being decimated, that the rich are getting richer and we are NOT all in this together? Why are we not fizzin' about kids stuck on metadone programmes with little chance of getting into treatment centres?
Because we're too busy arguing about how many women Bishops or Canons we have, or who somebody goes to bed with.
And Jesus wept.
We had a laugh about the recent blog stuff over gender issues, he agrees with where I stand and what I'm saying, after all it's only my opinion, but then we got serious. I think we got serious because we love the Church and share a common concern about the way things are at the moment.
There are so many individuals, loud people, opinionated people who know they are right, people with a sword in hand, people, sometimes with great chips on their shoulders, who want to fight the fight. LGBT issues? Bring them on! Gender equality, bring it on! Let's fight to the death for the freedom, or the crucifixion, of brothers and sisters in Christ. (Whether it is to be freedom or crucifixion depends on your standpoint). The Church today is being seen as a Church which has big issues. Issues over sexuality and gender imbalance. We are getting so upset by this that our Churches, our Communions are falling apart.
Meanwhile, the outside world looks on and thinks, "What the hell is that stuff all about?" "This Church is getting so screwed up with issues that don't bother us ordinary folk at all. We have already dealt with this stuff and it's not the most important thing in our wee lives"
Why is the Church not getting its knickers in a twist about cuts to services, unemployment, abandonment of the poor, the indifference towards the folk on the edges of our communities, those in debt, those in the throes of addiction and their kids? Why are we not angry about poverty and starvation in Africa or elsewhere? Why are we not campaigning that bankers are being allowed to do it all again?
Why are we not angry that our town centres are being decimated, that the rich are getting richer and we are NOT all in this together? Why are we not fizzin' about kids stuck on metadone programmes with little chance of getting into treatment centres?
Because we're too busy arguing about how many women Bishops or Canons we have, or who somebody goes to bed with.
And Jesus wept.
Numpty Vicars..
Just realised I'm probably one of them... but as one of my little flock once said, "You might be a numpty, Kenny, but you're our numpty!"
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie?
This is a pic sent to me by one of my friends. I know the dog, and the baby, well. They are truly in love with each other, and he's a big softie, although he looks like a half-chewed caramel.
The pic has caused a lot of comment, though, about trusting sleeping dogs with weans! I know that the vast majority of my readers are "doggy" people, so I thought a wee straw poll would be interesting. Would you trust your dog in this situation? Whether you would, or not, a nice wee caption competition might also be in order!
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Shrove Tuesday
It's a strange day for me. Pancakes are certainly off the agenda when the RW is on Weightwatcher meals, but it's still a significant day. Eyebrows are singed as palm crosses are burned to make the required amount of ashes I'll need tomorrow. I've been know to use a wee accelerant to hasten things along, and hope that the little chrism I use ensures that my ashes smell ok in the end!
In my first Charge, there was an incredibly sweet old lady called Nellie who was in her eighties. On my first Shrove Tuesday she pulled me aside and said, "Father, you do not know this, but I am the biggest sinner in this parish, and I will be wanting a significantly large black cross on my forehead tomorrow! Next day, in all it's solemnity, Nellie appeared at the altar, with her sparkling blue eyes and the widest grin I've ever seen. "Go for it!", she whispered. I certainly did, but it took me quite some while to regain my composure afterwards!
In the same parish, the Roman Catholic priest borrowed a van and parked in the local supermarket car park, dispensing ashes to the shoppers who had failed to attend mass. One year a young lad came up and said, "I'm a Proddie, mister, so can ah git ashed tae?" He replied, "You'll get ashed because you're a Proddie, son. C'mere!"
Speaking to a retired headmaster last night, he was reminiscing about another priest in another parish who walked the corridors of his school on Ash Wednesday, ashing every pupil he could get his hands on between class periods!
Ah! For the old days, eh?
In my first Charge, there was an incredibly sweet old lady called Nellie who was in her eighties. On my first Shrove Tuesday she pulled me aside and said, "Father, you do not know this, but I am the biggest sinner in this parish, and I will be wanting a significantly large black cross on my forehead tomorrow! Next day, in all it's solemnity, Nellie appeared at the altar, with her sparkling blue eyes and the widest grin I've ever seen. "Go for it!", she whispered. I certainly did, but it took me quite some while to regain my composure afterwards!
In the same parish, the Roman Catholic priest borrowed a van and parked in the local supermarket car park, dispensing ashes to the shoppers who had failed to attend mass. One year a young lad came up and said, "I'm a Proddie, mister, so can ah git ashed tae?" He replied, "You'll get ashed because you're a Proddie, son. C'mere!"
Speaking to a retired headmaster last night, he was reminiscing about another priest in another parish who walked the corridors of his school on Ash Wednesday, ashing every pupil he could get his hands on between class periods!
Ah! For the old days, eh?
Monday, 7 March 2011
Gender (cont)
It was strange to discover that my comments on Gender Issues has been partially cut and pasted on to Ruth's Blog and my words have caused a great stushie over there!
Again, I'm being set up as the "baddie", the "anti-women guy", and various other things too! I'm feeling uncomfortable about the way things are going in the SEC, but to suggest that I'm in any way non-supportive of women being appointed to the upper echelons of Church life and work is simply nonsense.
I was part of the selection committee in our Diocese when we were electing our current Bishop, and there were three candidates put before our electoral synod. One of these was a woman without much parish experience, but someone who I believed to have all the gifts and talents required to be an excellent bishop and leader in mission. So, let's get that one out of the way. I am pro women bishops and hope we have one soon. Ruth herself has all the credentials for being an excellent bishop, and this time next year may well be Bishop of Edinburgh. I would applaud that appointment.
It has to be said that, in my opinion, we have in our Diocese , the most gifted clergyperson I have had the delight to encounter. She has a senior position through merit.
Perhaps my concerns have been misunderstood. I'll try again.
The Gender Audit needed to be done and I have no problems with that. However, there now seems to be an almighty rush to put things right. If what I was hearing at Diocesan Synod was wrong, then I apologise, but basically we were being told that in future, those responsible for making appointments to senior positions within the Church, had to always consider the imbalance we have at the moment. That sounds like positive discrimination towards women however you put it. It sounds like, "We must try to appoint a woman here, to be seen to be aware of the terrible imbalance we have."
I think positive discrimination demeans women who I think are perfectly capable of being appointed on their own merits, whether to Dean, Cathedral Chapters, or whatever you care to name.
Now that we seem to be in a dreadful hurry to redress the imbalance, many capable and gifted men will be overlooked, simply because we must be seen to be appointing women as often as we can.
I do not have any real senior position in the Church and a look at my ministry career will testify that I've never been a career priest in search of glory or titles. After Saturday, however, I almost felt like apologising for being Convenor of the Diocesan Church in Society Action Network, knowing, as I do, many women, ordained and lay, who could adequately fill that post. When a man has to consider apologising for being a man, then we are in a pretty pickle.
I suggested that we give time time, and eventually, especially in the SEC, things will work out.
Again, it would be nice to discuss this issue on my own blog where the full text appears, but I enjoy reading Ruth's Blog anyway, so to visit often is no chore on my part!
Comments from my post Synod may be read as they are part of this debate
Again, I'm being set up as the "baddie", the "anti-women guy", and various other things too! I'm feeling uncomfortable about the way things are going in the SEC, but to suggest that I'm in any way non-supportive of women being appointed to the upper echelons of Church life and work is simply nonsense.
I was part of the selection committee in our Diocese when we were electing our current Bishop, and there were three candidates put before our electoral synod. One of these was a woman without much parish experience, but someone who I believed to have all the gifts and talents required to be an excellent bishop and leader in mission. So, let's get that one out of the way. I am pro women bishops and hope we have one soon. Ruth herself has all the credentials for being an excellent bishop, and this time next year may well be Bishop of Edinburgh. I would applaud that appointment.
It has to be said that, in my opinion, we have in our Diocese , the most gifted clergyperson I have had the delight to encounter. She has a senior position through merit.
Perhaps my concerns have been misunderstood. I'll try again.
The Gender Audit needed to be done and I have no problems with that. However, there now seems to be an almighty rush to put things right. If what I was hearing at Diocesan Synod was wrong, then I apologise, but basically we were being told that in future, those responsible for making appointments to senior positions within the Church, had to always consider the imbalance we have at the moment. That sounds like positive discrimination towards women however you put it. It sounds like, "We must try to appoint a woman here, to be seen to be aware of the terrible imbalance we have."
I think positive discrimination demeans women who I think are perfectly capable of being appointed on their own merits, whether to Dean, Cathedral Chapters, or whatever you care to name.
Now that we seem to be in a dreadful hurry to redress the imbalance, many capable and gifted men will be overlooked, simply because we must be seen to be appointing women as often as we can.
I do not have any real senior position in the Church and a look at my ministry career will testify that I've never been a career priest in search of glory or titles. After Saturday, however, I almost felt like apologising for being Convenor of the Diocesan Church in Society Action Network, knowing, as I do, many women, ordained and lay, who could adequately fill that post. When a man has to consider apologising for being a man, then we are in a pretty pickle.
I suggested that we give time time, and eventually, especially in the SEC, things will work out.
Again, it would be nice to discuss this issue on my own blog where the full text appears, but I enjoy reading Ruth's Blog anyway, so to visit often is no chore on my part!
Comments from my post Synod may be read as they are part of this debate
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Gender Issues
Gender Issues being discussed within the Scottish Episcopal Church make me feel uncomfortable. We already have our Canons in place to accept women bishops, and I feel that as a Province we are more sensitive than others about making sure that women are treated equally and fairly.
I am about to start worrying about a movement that seems to want positive discrimination for women. When appointments are made, in this Diocese at least, I know that the best person available is appointed. Because of years and years of discrimination, sometimes the posts require experience and acquired talents which mean that women are sometimes not appointed.
Males in this Diocese begin to apologise for being male! But I believe I belong to a Diocese and Province where the best people are appointed, regardless of gender.
In a few years time, the imbalance will be redressed because of time rather than positive discrimination.
Can I pray for a bit of patience here? I'm sorry I'm male, but I do have talents and experience of parish life and lots more!
I am about to start worrying about a movement that seems to want positive discrimination for women. When appointments are made, in this Diocese at least, I know that the best person available is appointed. Because of years and years of discrimination, sometimes the posts require experience and acquired talents which mean that women are sometimes not appointed.
Males in this Diocese begin to apologise for being male! But I believe I belong to a Diocese and Province where the best people are appointed, regardless of gender.
In a few years time, the imbalance will be redressed because of time rather than positive discrimination.
Can I pray for a bit of patience here? I'm sorry I'm male, but I do have talents and experience of parish life and lots more!
All Round Mistake?
At Synod today, I noticed that Holy Trinity/St Barnabas Paisley had bought big round tables for their new hall complex. At St Augustine's we did the same, for, I'm sure the same reasons. However, they do not work! Conversation is limited to those on either side of you, and cross-table banter is impossible. Not good for Synod!
In St Aug's we have started buying long tables again. Communication is so much better over meals!
I was a great believer that round tables would work better, but in a big hall they don't!
However, if there is a parish who wants to use big round tables that seat at least 10, please get in touch!
In St Aug's we have started buying long tables again. Communication is so much better over meals!
I was a great believer that round tables would work better, but in a big hall they don't!
However, if there is a parish who wants to use big round tables that seat at least 10, please get in touch!
Synod
I'm not a great lover of Diocesan Synod. People who know me are aware of this, and know that I go simply because I have to. The agenda today was far from dramatic, and there was little chance of anyone falling out dramatically.
My attention today was fixated by "Mercy Ships", and the presentation on their work, mostly in West Africa. I have witnessed their work in Banjul, The Gambia, and know what sort of effect they have, first hand, on the people of that country. The Bishop has made Mercy Ships the recipient of his Diocesan Lent Appeal, and I applaud his decision.
However, today, something was not quite right. We had seen the most horrific images from West Africa then retired quite unperturbed to lunch which was extremely beautiful and probably cost the Diocese an arm and a leg. I know the money we spent today on lunch would go a long way on a Mercy Ship!
We could easily have put on soup and bread, and nobody would have starved. It would have been even more apt if we had been given a bowl of rice and a little sauce, possibly peanut, to keep us alive during the afternoon session.
This is unlikely to happen as we seem keen to lavish money on Diocesan events. And I'll be wrong again and get flack.
The Dean, eruditely reminded us of the whole Eco problem and how we could cut down on our waste of energy and show an example to the world.
When I take photos of Gambians living in mudhuts without a proper water supply, I wonder when the western church is going to wake up to showing an example. Perhaps for the next year or so we should budget for the norm, take the cheapest option, and give the balance to Mercy Ships? I'm sure many would approve!
My attention today was fixated by "Mercy Ships", and the presentation on their work, mostly in West Africa. I have witnessed their work in Banjul, The Gambia, and know what sort of effect they have, first hand, on the people of that country. The Bishop has made Mercy Ships the recipient of his Diocesan Lent Appeal, and I applaud his decision.
However, today, something was not quite right. We had seen the most horrific images from West Africa then retired quite unperturbed to lunch which was extremely beautiful and probably cost the Diocese an arm and a leg. I know the money we spent today on lunch would go a long way on a Mercy Ship!
We could easily have put on soup and bread, and nobody would have starved. It would have been even more apt if we had been given a bowl of rice and a little sauce, possibly peanut, to keep us alive during the afternoon session.
This is unlikely to happen as we seem keen to lavish money on Diocesan events. And I'll be wrong again and get flack.
The Dean, eruditely reminded us of the whole Eco problem and how we could cut down on our waste of energy and show an example to the world.
When I take photos of Gambians living in mudhuts without a proper water supply, I wonder when the western church is going to wake up to showing an example. Perhaps for the next year or so we should budget for the norm, take the cheapest option, and give the balance to Mercy Ships? I'm sure many would approve!
Friday, 25 February 2011
Holy Cats, Batman!
The new cat, Sushi, or the WC as she is known, (Wee Cat, or Wild Cat depending), is settling into the Rectory just fine, and is finding her place in the hierarchy here. You always hurt the ones you love most, and so although Archie has become her "best friend", his nose is rather scratched at the moment! Everyone is getting along.
However, this wee one seems to be rather protective about the cat food on offer. After all she has to share it with the Silent Assassin. The RW keeps her palm cross on the kitchen windowsill, but it's now being dragged out to cover the bowl after the WC has eaten! It keeps the vampires at bay, I suppose, but the WC just seems to either want things kept fresh, or is warning the SA that it's her food!
Anyone else have other uses for their palm crosses?
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Monday, 31 January 2011
What's Worse?
The "new cat", whose name has been subtly changed from Simba to Sushi over the past week, (well she is oriental), is beginning to take over the asylum, aka The Rectory. She's certainly a lively wee thing who is best friends with the Special One, has come to the point that she reckons the Puppy might be worth playing with, and is now able to sit on the window ledge with the Silent Assassin without them having to hiss at each other!
Sushi, has decided to be the "Disrupter"! Vases are knocked over to inspect the contents, the USB magic stick is hidden under furniture if it's not kept in my pocket, and I get the life frightened out of me when this black and white blur suddenly appears on my back and claws its way on to my shoulder.
However, I'm struggling with what's worse.......
a) A cat that leaps onto the keyboard when your typing something important which suddenly gets terribly disfigured as a result or
b) The dreadful man-cold that I'm suffering from at present.
The man-cold wins. Blocked nose, ears, cough, sore throat and sore head, worse than any of you could possibly imagine, really is the utter pits. The upside of it is that the sneezing frightens the cat, and I get peace to use my computer!
Sushi, has decided to be the "Disrupter"! Vases are knocked over to inspect the contents, the USB magic stick is hidden under furniture if it's not kept in my pocket, and I get the life frightened out of me when this black and white blur suddenly appears on my back and claws its way on to my shoulder.
However, I'm struggling with what's worse.......
a) A cat that leaps onto the keyboard when your typing something important which suddenly gets terribly disfigured as a result or
b) The dreadful man-cold that I'm suffering from at present.
The man-cold wins. Blocked nose, ears, cough, sore throat and sore head, worse than any of you could possibly imagine, really is the utter pits. The upside of it is that the sneezing frightens the cat, and I get peace to use my computer!
Feedback
In Blogland, those of us who blog have many friends, people whose blogs we follow avidly. We perhaps meet with a few of these folk from time to time, but for me, in the most part, I know very few of those I follow personally. I guess I have a picture in my mind of what these folk are really like, and what it would be like to meet in real time, but I know from experience that I would possibly come away feeling either disappointed or extremely surprised that I had underestimated them!
My own blog is very different from when I started. I'm now much more careful about what I share and how I share it. That has come about after a couple of run-ins with organisations that were not the sort of people you take on! I was given a warning that there were some battles it was wise to avoid, and people it was be ill-advised to upset! A fairly wicked newspaper story has also had a profound effect on my life and my blogging.
However, the fairly dull and inane blog that I keep going keeps me amused and I know a fairly large number of people enjoy it enough to keep on reading! It's certainly not going to be winning many awards, that's for sure!
However, I was totally shocked at the weekend to receive some feedback from someone I'd met in "real-time", who had commented that after reading my blog they had been disappointed that I was not quite as lively or interesting as they had expected me to be! Jack, or Kenny, must be a rather dull boy indeed!
Looking at myself, then looking at the sort of stuff I'm blogging just now, I'm pretty unsure about what I need to "liven up" first! I guess it must be the "real me", so meantime let the inanity continue!
My own blog is very different from when I started. I'm now much more careful about what I share and how I share it. That has come about after a couple of run-ins with organisations that were not the sort of people you take on! I was given a warning that there were some battles it was wise to avoid, and people it was be ill-advised to upset! A fairly wicked newspaper story has also had a profound effect on my life and my blogging.
However, the fairly dull and inane blog that I keep going keeps me amused and I know a fairly large number of people enjoy it enough to keep on reading! It's certainly not going to be winning many awards, that's for sure!
However, I was totally shocked at the weekend to receive some feedback from someone I'd met in "real-time", who had commented that after reading my blog they had been disappointed that I was not quite as lively or interesting as they had expected me to be! Jack, or Kenny, must be a rather dull boy indeed!
Looking at myself, then looking at the sort of stuff I'm blogging just now, I'm pretty unsure about what I need to "liven up" first! I guess it must be the "real me", so meantime let the inanity continue!
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Good News Version of the Address to the Haggis!
How like a smiley-face, you
(pre-eminent among all forms of prepared meat,
though largely made of guts)
are worthy of a decent thanksgiving.
And not a short one either.
(with acknowledgement to Raspberry Rabbit)
(pre-eminent among all forms of prepared meat,
though largely made of guts)
are worthy of a decent thanksgiving.
And not a short one either.
(with acknowledgement to Raspberry Rabbit)
Gambia in Bristol
There is the opportunity to "go big" and join with an English charity in providing a more holistic educational experience in a complex some walking distance from our own rented accommodation. It all makes sense, but abandoning London Corner after so many years, and especially when things are going so well, will be a tough decision to make.
So, I ask you for your prayers tonight, for me and the ninety children who are educated daily in Serrekunda. It's going to be a tough call!
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Don't Blame Me - Blame Phillida!
Proposed cuts to the National Health Service.
The British Medical Association has weighed in on the new Prime Minister David Cameron's health care proposals.
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had a sort of a gut feeling about it, but the neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all labouring under a misconception.
Ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted..
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Paediatricians said, "Oh, Grow up!"
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.
The Surgeons were fed up with the cuts and decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.
The ENT specialists didn't swallow it, and just wouldn’t hear of it.
The Pharmacologists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter...."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were peed off at the whole idea.
The Anaesthetists thought the whole idea was a gas, but the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in London .
The British Medical Association has weighed in on the new Prime Minister David Cameron's health care proposals.
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had a sort of a gut feeling about it, but the neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all labouring under a misconception.
Ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted..
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Paediatricians said, "Oh, Grow up!"
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.
The Surgeons were fed up with the cuts and decided to wash their hands of the whole thing.
The ENT specialists didn't swallow it, and just wouldn’t hear of it.
The Pharmacologists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter...."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were peed off at the whole idea.
The Anaesthetists thought the whole idea was a gas, but the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in London .
Andy Gray
Sacked. For a bit of banter off-air about women not understanding the offside rule. Oh! And a couple of other things, again, off-air that have been dug up since.
The cry of "sexism" is being shouted loudly by his employers, who happen to publish the Sun and The News of the World, highly sought after reading for those with intellect, especially the Page Three girls who tittilate us all and are certainly not exploited for showing us what they have upfront! Andy is suing The News of the World at present, but that has nothing to do with his sacking, of course.
Any employer will tell you that a sexist comment deserves a warning rather than a sacking. But, there you go. Rupert Murdoch and his cronies can do what they like. Richard Keys will keep his job. Why? He's not suing the News of the World.
Banter in the workplace happens. The female in the workplace is as guilty as the male. Men are untidy, can't multi-task, leave their dirty socks, can't work the washing machine etc etc. We all laugh along. It's banter for goodness sake, and no harm is done or offence taken.
I grew up with Andy Gray. I played football with him in our BB team. He visited my family home, even after he was a professional at Dundee Utd. He was a nice guy, and totally harmless! His sense of humour and his knowledge of the beautiful game will be missed.
It's a sad day for common sense.
MadPriest pitches in with this....
The cry of "sexism" is being shouted loudly by his employers, who happen to publish the Sun and The News of the World, highly sought after reading for those with intellect, especially the Page Three girls who tittilate us all and are certainly not exploited for showing us what they have upfront! Andy is suing The News of the World at present, but that has nothing to do with his sacking, of course.
Any employer will tell you that a sexist comment deserves a warning rather than a sacking. But, there you go. Rupert Murdoch and his cronies can do what they like. Richard Keys will keep his job. Why? He's not suing the News of the World.
Banter in the workplace happens. The female in the workplace is as guilty as the male. Men are untidy, can't multi-task, leave their dirty socks, can't work the washing machine etc etc. We all laugh along. It's banter for goodness sake, and no harm is done or offence taken.
I grew up with Andy Gray. I played football with him in our BB team. He visited my family home, even after he was a professional at Dundee Utd. He was a nice guy, and totally harmless! His sense of humour and his knowledge of the beautiful game will be missed.
It's a sad day for common sense.
MadPriest pitches in with this....
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Holy Saturday
What does one do in the pit, in the desperation of hopelessness, despair, and worthlessness? Cry out with Jesus in that Godless day, Holy Saturday, in the darkness of the tomb, yet in the hope of Easter Morning.
For those in the pit today, can I assure you that Easter Day will come, just give it time!
For those in the pit today, can I assure you that Easter Day will come, just give it time!
Monday, 24 January 2011
What's Her Name?
Update on the new Rectory Cat...... not good! The Silent Assassin refuses to accept her, although the dogs are fine! An immediate cat fight seems close on the horizon.. we protect the vases!
Simba sounds so "Un-Rectory"! We've taken to call her Suki, although she responds to nothing! What's that Japanese raw fish thing? She may respond to that!
Simba sounds so "Un-Rectory"! We've taken to call her Suki, although she responds to nothing! What's that Japanese raw fish thing? She may respond to that!
Oh Yes!
Wonderful post on Lesley's Blog today! I know of so many clergy for whom this has been the case. I reckon honesty all round is the best way to do it!
Saturday, 22 January 2011
And Lessons Learned..
So................. the local locksmith came and sorted the door. He asked me to show him the advert in Yellow Pages, which had a local number attached. He does contract work for them, so we may have gotten the same man anyway. The "local number" goes through to a call centre in Englandshire.
The difference is that the local man charged £160. The other guys would have billed me for over £400, and he would have got, yes, £160 for doing the job.
You couldn't make it up!
The difference is that the local man charged £160. The other guys would have billed me for over £400, and he would have got, yes, £160 for doing the job.
You couldn't make it up!
Friday, 21 January 2011
Arghhhhh!
The Problems of Rectory Living, Part 154.
We've had big problems with the patio door lock for ages now. The darn thing's mechanism won't lock because the deadlocks won't engage, but with gentle persuasion, after about 10 or 15 minutes we have been managing to get it locked. However, last night and this morning it just will not work any longer. Archie was our burglar alarm last night, but obviously insurance companies don't accept big dogs as replacement locks!
So, off to Yellow Pages today to acquire a locksmith! After a long conversation with a very nice wee lassie from Manchester, she went off to book the job in and kept me "on hold" for the longest time.
Then:
Sorry Sir, but we can't do this job.
Why?
You are classed as a business address.
It's my home!
But you don't own it.
No, but ....
It's a Vicarage, isn't it?
Yes......
So you don't own it.
No, but I'm chair of a committee that does own it, I'm one of the church trustees, and I sign the cheques.
But you don't own it, and we need authorisation from the owner.
How do you get that?
We can't, so we cannot do this job.
But why not?
Because it's a Vicarage and we can't change the locks, for legal reasons, unless we get the home-owner's approval.
But I have been given the authority to authorise this job.
But the house doesn't belong to you.
Well, it jointly belongs to me as one of three trustees...
But you don't pay the mortgage.
There is no mortgage!
So, since you didn't pay the mortgage the house doesn't belong to you. Vicarages are classed as businesses, and we don't do businesses.
But it's my hoose!
Sorry, sir, but maybe you can get a local locksmith who is prepared to take the risk.
But unless you are sending someone up from Manchester, you would be calling a local locksmith?
But we can't do that because you are a business.
Can I speak to your manager?
(Now go to the top of this conversation and repeat the explanations and questions with the same answers)
So, I phoned the local locksmith and he'll be round within the hour. Probably the same guy I'd have been getting anyway! Ah! The joys!
My problem is that I know too many guys who could get the door open in a twinkle, but not enough who can get it to lock up again!
We've had big problems with the patio door lock for ages now. The darn thing's mechanism won't lock because the deadlocks won't engage, but with gentle persuasion, after about 10 or 15 minutes we have been managing to get it locked. However, last night and this morning it just will not work any longer. Archie was our burglar alarm last night, but obviously insurance companies don't accept big dogs as replacement locks!
So, off to Yellow Pages today to acquire a locksmith! After a long conversation with a very nice wee lassie from Manchester, she went off to book the job in and kept me "on hold" for the longest time.
Then:
Sorry Sir, but we can't do this job.
Why?
You are classed as a business address.
It's my home!
But you don't own it.
No, but ....
It's a Vicarage, isn't it?
Yes......
So you don't own it.
No, but I'm chair of a committee that does own it, I'm one of the church trustees, and I sign the cheques.
But you don't own it, and we need authorisation from the owner.
How do you get that?
We can't, so we cannot do this job.
But why not?
Because it's a Vicarage and we can't change the locks, for legal reasons, unless we get the home-owner's approval.
But I have been given the authority to authorise this job.
But the house doesn't belong to you.
Well, it jointly belongs to me as one of three trustees...
But you don't pay the mortgage.
There is no mortgage!
So, since you didn't pay the mortgage the house doesn't belong to you. Vicarages are classed as businesses, and we don't do businesses.
But it's my hoose!
Sorry, sir, but maybe you can get a local locksmith who is prepared to take the risk.
But unless you are sending someone up from Manchester, you would be calling a local locksmith?
But we can't do that because you are a business.
Can I speak to your manager?
(Now go to the top of this conversation and repeat the explanations and questions with the same answers)
So, I phoned the local locksmith and he'll be round within the hour. Probably the same guy I'd have been getting anyway! Ah! The joys!
My problem is that I know too many guys who could get the door open in a twinkle, but not enough who can get it to lock up again!
New Addition
Always the sucker for the sad story, The Rectory acquired a new family member yesterday, who goes by the name of Simba. I know, I know, it's a dreadful name, from The Lion King I'm told, but wee Simba can't help what she was called. I'll have my own name for her when she settles in, no doubt!
Her life has not been easy, and she had to be be rescued from a house where she was being mistreated. She'd lived in a bathroom, and was going to be used simply to breed and make some money for the owners. (She's already had a litter and she's barely a year old) Enter Janet, who shares my office and spends her life trying to rescue children from dreadful situations. One day she'd rescued a cat instead. However, Janet is allergic to cats and lives on the tenth floor of a tower block. Enter Simba into The Rectory...
Her life has not been easy, and she had to be be rescued from a house where she was being mistreated. She'd lived in a bathroom, and was going to be used simply to breed and make some money for the owners. (She's already had a litter and she's barely a year old) Enter Janet, who shares my office and spends her life trying to rescue children from dreadful situations. One day she'd rescued a cat instead. However, Janet is allergic to cats and lives on the tenth floor of a tower block. Enter Simba into The Rectory...
The dogs have taken well to her, and want to be friends, but the Silent Assassin is not so sure and has gone in the huff with everyone. I think the term "hissy fit" would perhaps be appropriate to describe her behaviour. However, it's early days, and I'm sure the wee one will find her place in the pack. And "NO!" There will be no kittens! She's off to the vet ASAP!
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Work In Progress
Thanks to AT for the wonderful quotation, below from Martyn Percy.
The clerical role is one that embodies a necessary incompleteness. The idea of a full and total process of formation is central to the spirit of a calling. All clergy are ‘work in progress’; learning individuals within a learning church. The knowledge that informs the craft is not one that can be ‘banked’ and ultimately totalized. To be a clergyperson is to enter into a commitment that involves a continuous and open process of formation that involves each stage of life, each fresh encounter, each new prompting of the Spirit. There is a sense, therefore, in which the very ontology of clerical identity is a confirmation of both fulfilment and incompleteness. In the act of ordination, clergy are entering into a lifelong commitment to be transformed; not to control the trajectory of their development, but to enter into the mystery of God which may shape an individual in ways that they would prefer not to own. Unlike other professions, an entry into clerical life is not about the slow and steady construction of expertise (although this can be part of the shaping). It is rather, offering: material that is malleable in the hands of God. The heart of a vocation is being clay in the hands of the potter; surrendering to the sublime.
Clergy: The Origin of Species.
The End of the World
I had a chuckle yesterday, reading Terry Butcher's comments in The Herald. The Inverness manager was quoted as saying, "People say relegation is Armageddon, but I think it's worse than that." Eh?
However, I was not the only whose sensibilities were shaken by that statement! A reader questions in a letter today if indeed anything could be worse than Armageddon, then muses, "on the other hand, a trip to Cowdenbeath......."
Aye! Right enough!
However, I was not the only whose sensibilities were shaken by that statement! A reader questions in a letter today if indeed anything could be worse than Armageddon, then muses, "on the other hand, a trip to Cowdenbeath......."
Aye! Right enough!
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Partick Thistle One
Another great victory last night in the Scottish Cup over Falkirk! And I missed it - again! So while Dumbartonites glory over their own result last night, I smile inwardly! Still in the Cup and it's nearing the end of January, and with the Terrible Two facing each other in the next round, who is to say that this cannot be the Year of the Minnow! However, since Partick Thistle only win trophies every 50 years, we're not really due another one until 2021. I might even get into that final for half price, as an OAP, unless of course we'll all be working until we're 80 by that time!
Monday, 17 January 2011
Another Funeral
January comes, and with it the seemingly endless news of deaths. Deaths sometimes of elderly friends, neighbours, acquaintances or even the sister/brother/mum/dad of someone we know well. Crematoria are busy places and the graveyard usually wet, windy and unwelcoming.
Today we commend Una to Our Lord, an incredibly dignified, elegant old lady who in her time was as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside. Although the last years were blighted with dementia, the love and affection which belonged to Una amongst us all has not diminished within the St Aug's family. She will get an appropriate send-off!
In what I tend to call the "Death Month", in the midst of heavy dark grey clouds, teeming rain and inevitable darkness, I need always to remind myself that Easter is just around the corner, and the sure and certain hope of resurrection is with us at all times, even in the gloomiest of times of January!
Today we commend Una to Our Lord, an incredibly dignified, elegant old lady who in her time was as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside. Although the last years were blighted with dementia, the love and affection which belonged to Una amongst us all has not diminished within the St Aug's family. She will get an appropriate send-off!
In what I tend to call the "Death Month", in the midst of heavy dark grey clouds, teeming rain and inevitable darkness, I need always to remind myself that Easter is just around the corner, and the sure and certain hope of resurrection is with us at all times, even in the gloomiest of times of January!
Hit For Six
Well, it was bound to happen, eh? On Saturday the son and I had a long conversation. Well actually we were texting each other but you know what I mean! The heavens had opened and we were envisaging floods somewhat akin to Australia to be upon us soon. Whether or not to go into Glasgow to watch the beloved Partick Thistle Nil.
In the end, the son decided that he would save his dosh and attend the Scottish Cup replay against Falkirk on Tuesday. I agreed far too readily, and was punished for my lack of enthusiasm. Big time!
Partick Thistle Nil became Partick Thistle Six and I missed oot! So when my fellow fans ask in the future, "Were you at the Stirling Albion game?", I'll have to say, "Naw! It wis too wet."
What a woos! It never rains when you're scoring six!
In the end, the son decided that he would save his dosh and attend the Scottish Cup replay against Falkirk on Tuesday. I agreed far too readily, and was punished for my lack of enthusiasm. Big time!
Partick Thistle Nil became Partick Thistle Six and I missed oot! So when my fellow fans ask in the future, "Were you at the Stirling Albion game?", I'll have to say, "Naw! It wis too wet."
What a woos! It never rains when you're scoring six!
Thursday, 13 January 2011
Friday, 7 January 2011
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
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