Herons

Friday shuffle

1. Windy - The Association
2. Walton: Set Me as a Seal - Trinity Choir
3. Gimme Some Lovin' - Spencer Davis Group
4. Black Sheep - Concordia Choir
5. Strauss: Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche - Berlin Phil
6. Power of Love - Joe Simon
7. Poetry in Motion - Johnny Tillotson
8. Brahms: Gesand der Parzen - Shaw, Atlanta
9. Dobbin's Flowery Veil - Rajaton
10. Magic Moments - Perry Como

The plain meaning of scripture

Some people who use the Bible to judge, criticize, exclude or punish others often appeal to the "plain meaning of scripture". That certainly makes life easier. Nothing like the security of knowing the truth of God to eliminate the need for pesky questions, undeserved compassion or civil justice.

What I don't understand is how anyone can discern the "plain meaning of scripture". All too often they mean what they see in their favorite version of the Bible, usually the KJV. I have great difficulty with the concept of the Bible being the actual literal "Word of God". Which version? Which translation?

Islam demands that the Quran be read in the original language in order to really understand what is being taught. That makes sense to me even if the religion itself doesn't sit comfortably at all.

Where are the Bible's source documents? Has every person who is said to have written, translated, edited, copied, financed or made decisions about what is included in the Bible been directly inspired by God? Without this knowledge, how can anyone say what the "plain meaning of scripture" is?

People who demand adherence to their prejudices as supported by their preferred version of the Bible don't get much respect from me. Their ignorance may make their lives easier but it often hurts others. The Bible didn't exist when Jesus taught. Would Jesus approve of all that book has been used for?

Friday cat blogging

Poor Tim has had no peace for months. Jellico follows her everywhere. Here she sits while he waits in the driveway and Dudie watches the drama.

I snapped this out the kitchen window which is above the sink. PuddyTat is usually waiting for me in the annex or below on a large pillow. Dude stood up when I opened the window.

Tommie.

Politics

The Democrats' Convention is always entertaining, much more so than the Republicans' gathering. Of course Obama can't possibly deliver even a small percentage of what he promises. Anyone who thinks he can is living in lala land. Nevertheless it is fun to listen to the hopefulness that has been lacking in the US for the last 8 years.

I'm sick of the nastiness of politics. I've been turning off the sound and sometimes the TV when political ads and news are on. I've saved quite a bit of electricity lately.

Assistance needed!

Anybody know where I can get one of these? It is a little wallet with a separate pocket for each denomination of euro. Thanks.

A nugget from our favorite GAFCON

"Real family members don’t boast about how they’ll be walking out any day now. Especially not ones who’ve been called into the family by God.

I’m Father Christian and I teach the Bible."

Our favorite Troll tells it like it is. Well, at least at Stop it. Now. Good on him to remind some that we can't choose our relatives (tho Sylvia may disagree) and we need to choose to remain family despite our differences.

Guess what I feed the birds

St Agnes in St Mary's

On the road at sunrise to attend St Agnes Episcopal Church in St Mary's, PA. Only 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Plus almost 45 minutes getting lost in the town.

After directions from several people which I wasn't able to follow for some reason, a nice walker offered to lead me there with her car. I was a little late but I got there.

The priest is a friend who used to sing in our choir. It was nice to see her, hear her preach (she's good), receive the eucharist and chat with her.

Of course I would recommend the parish to anyone in the (somewhat remote) area who is looking for a friendly church family.

Bobby and Cammy at 5 weeks

Wasn't home yesterday and haven't seen the cats today so here are my favorite pups.

Friday shuffle

1. On the street Where You Live - Vic Damone
2. Mozart: Requiem, Hostias - Bach Choir of Pittsburgh
3. Sooner or Later - The Grass Roots
4. Foggy Mountain Chimes - Here Today
5. Tic-Tac Polka
6. Walton: Missa Brevis, I. Kyrie - Trinity Choir
7. Britten: A Boy Was Born: Theme - The Sixteen
8. Holiday in Poland Polka
9. Windy - The Association
10. Come Softly to Me - Fleetwoods

Five questions from Fr T

On his blog Father T. listens to the world, Terry Martin invites answers to 5 questions. Go read the post and especially the comments. They are very interesting.

Here are mine.

1. How do you feel about the term "born again"?
Negative. IMNSHO the Bible isn't about saving me. It is about living together successfully in community. If we loved each other, there would be no judgment or hell to worry about or be saved from. But there would be no need for church either. hmmmm. So far the religions in the tradition of Abraham have been remarkably unsuccessful.

2. Has anyone ever tried to save you?
Probably but I turn them off by asking what I'm being saved from, for, to, etc. The conversation always deteriorates after that. I don't believe in a man-created God with human prejudices and desires. Many can't deal with that.

By the way, I had a dozen wonderful conversations with two young Mormon missionaries awhile back. I don't exactly put that in the context of "save" but I guess it was in their sense.

3. Is there a difference between spirituality and religion?
Religion was created by men trying to explain the world around them. In that pursuit it certainly has spent a lot of money and killed lots of people over the centuries. It seems to have deteriorated to a mechanism for control and fundraising in many circles.
I dislike the term spirituality because it is often used in a derogatory sense. My rural neighbors would think lala stuff like crystals or nastiness like cults. I have no suitable replacement.
How a person thinks about their relationship to others, the earth and the afterlife can be radically different from what they consider their religion. I don't find many people "spiritual" regarding their religion or lack of it. I suspect many accept what their church tells them or reject what churches try to tell them without giving the matter much thought beyond the basics. It is too unsettling, even threatening and it takes a lot of work to find one's own way. What some religions try to impose is even scarier to me.

4. Which spiritual person do you most admire?
Desmond Tutu, Jimmie Carter, Dalai Lama, Gene Robinson, Carol Gallagher, Louie Crew, Susan Russell, Elizabeth Kaeton, Lee Allison Crawford, Terry Martin, Mark Harris, MadPriest and many other bloggers plus some folks I actually see fairly regularly. I'm a bit too into present reality to think much about the past. And I tend to not single people out as being "better" or "most". I admired Dad too but he's gone to the other side and has to witness some of the fun parts of my life invisible but present.

5. What would you say to Christians if they would listen?
What part of love God, love your neighbor as yourself, leave judgment to God, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, etc. don't you understand?

Contemplating changes

If I were to transfer my church membership from my home Lutheran church to an Episcopal parish, I'd have to change my blog author name from PseudoPiskie to something else. I'd no longer be a pseudo Episcopalian. I'd be a real one.
Suggestions?

Notice to the Episcopal dioceses of NWPA and WV

Pittsburgh Bishop Bob Duncan has issued a letter regarding the requested moratorium on border crossings in the Anglican Communion. He believes that TEC's support of the equality of all people in God's church forces those who judge some unacceptable to separate themselves from the parent church. You can read the letter at The Lead or Telling Secrets.

Perhaps it is time to do some border crossing and support Pittsburgh parishes who do not wish to follow Duncan into oblivion? I seem to remember PB Katharine suggesting something like linking with parishes in Pittsburgh. When do we start?

Hope it is contagious like some consider LGBT cooties

Today the following from ABC News:
"The California Supreme Court today ruled unanimously that doctors cannot cite their religious beliefs as grounds to deny gay and lesbian patients medical care."

Christianity that promotes exclusion of anyone inspires unhelpful behavior from people who have no sense of responsibility. Christians need to read the Gospels for themselves, not rely on a preacher to interpret for them. What part of love God, love your neighbor as yourself, leave judgment to God, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc. do the exclusionists not understand? Where did Jesus mention the sin of two people loving each other and pledging life long loyalty?

The California Supreme Court is defying the prejudice and money of the religious anti-LGBTs and upholding constitutional law. If only Pennsylvania and the Feds would do likewise!

A friendly parish

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross seems to be a compatible parish that I would enjoy being part of on a regular basis. The real disadvantage is distance. An hour and twenty minutes - 70 miles - each way and the gas required to drive it make it a bit expensive. sigh.

Friendly people. Good preaching. I've never seen evidence of anyone in the North East, PA (and yes, that is the name of the town) area reading my blog but I recommend the parish to anyone seeking a church home.

Three weeks

Another gathering of the OCICBW clan?

Check out Allie's photo page and, hopefully eventually, OCICBINY. It is pretty short notice but why not? I'll be flying out of Newark the afternoon of Saturday, September 13. Perhaps we can just gather somewhere in the neighborhood for supper or lunch? I can get to NJ any time after 3 or so on Friday - it's a 7 1/2 hour drive if all goes well and Fridays are a bit iffy.

Four weeks and strolling

Looks to me like their little topknots are developing.

Encounter

This is the large dog that raids the catfood. He had just picked up Jellico's dish and carried it off but put it down and retreated slowly past Tim when I appeared with the camera. Apparently the gals aren't afraid of him as you can see Tim lying there watching me.

Friday cat blogging

PuddyTat watches Tim.

While Tim watches something else.

The big news for today is peculiar, not exactly tasteful. I have had a cat box in the new cathouse since it was closed off. I've never seen any evidence that anyone has used it tho I don't check it very often. After being away for a week, I checked the cathouse for anything unusual and was surprised to see the box surface disturbed. Lo and behold, somebody is using it. I suspect Dude. I think the cats take turns sleeping in the cathouse. I should get a camera and snoop on them?

Friday shuffle

1. Stardust - Benny Goodman
2. Mozart: Requiem, Agnus Dei - Bach Choir of Pittsburgh
3. Einhorn: Voices of Light, Illness - Anonymous 4
4. Recuerdos de la Alhambra - Pepe Romero
5. Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Lang Lang
6. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida - Iron Butterfly
7. Handel: Israel in Egypt, And believed the Lord... - Parrott
8. Weary in Well-Doing - Rajaton
9. Spanish Eyes - Zamfir
10. Ives: Circus Band - Westminster Choir

Two sunsets

From Alioto's on Fisherman's Wharf

Up the road a piece at home

Control

A bunch of Episcopal/Anglican male clergy are unable to accept female clergy, lately especially female bishops. Many seem to be the same men who are unable to accept the idea that most LGBTQs are ordinary people with ordinary lives, loved by God and entitled to the same rights and privileges as everyone else. Why are so many males afflicted with control issues?

I find it easy to worship with these men, difficult to discuss religion with them and almost impossible to respect them. Why are they and their followers so afraid of change? Of questions? Of difference? Of God? They seem to have all the beliefs and none of the faith. The clergy types control the message as if the slightest variation will cause rebellion, rejection of their control. They know God personally and none of the rest of us do or can without their guidance.

Altho I can love a person and will do what I can in a given situation, I have trouble respecting someone who has unquestioned "faith" and insists that only their religion/church has the "Truth". Religion and church were created by men. The documents of the followers of Abraham were written by men who believed they were divinely inspired yet the later two disagree significantly even in each internally. The idea that any one of the belief systems is closest to God seems to me to be just plain silly. Presumptuous. Heretical?

So where do the Episcopal/Anglican clergy who reject segments of society as unworthy of responding to God's call get their authority? Not from the Gospels. Not from Jesus. Definitely not from the Holy Spirit whom they claim to include but restrict to those who wrote, translated, edited or otherwise affected their versions of the Bible.

The men who seek to exclude and divide seem to feel threatened by those they can't control. For good reason? God help them! And us!

Baker Beach

And more food

The wedding reception was catered by The Slanted Door. In case you're curious, here is the menu:
Croatian and Hungarian wines
frisse salad with orange, candied pecans and crispy shallots - very good
poached local halibut with tomato, ginger and thai basil - could not eat it. waaaaay too hot
braised duck leg with chinese red dates, bamboo leaf and shiitake mushroom - excellent
grilled Niman Ranch lamb rack with lemongrass, garlic and thai chilis - to die for
organic corn stir-fry with chanterelles mushroom - ok
wedding cake that was much better than the night before

And Friday's Chinese dinner was at Canton Dim Sum and Seafood Restaurant. It was a ten or so course meal. I'll try to remember what all when I get home.

And wedded again

Wedding families

Nobody looks happy but all were a bit more cheerful than this photo shows.

Friday cat blogging

A selection of cats today - none anywhere near me in San Francisco. The first is a Himalayan with summer haircut.

The next two cats belong to friends near Chautauqua.

And finally here is Tim keeping an eye on a feeder. There are too many rocks and old pieces of foundation to risk running the mower over it. All sorts of interesting plants have grown including a number of sunflowers and several errant daylilies.

Friday shuffle

1. Put Your Hand in the Hand - The Ocean
2. Bainton: And I Saw a New Heaven - Westminster Choir
3. We Walk in a Fog - Rajaton
4. Two Bucks Polka
5. Game of Love - Wayne Fontana and Mindbenders
6. Torelli: Concerto for Violin and Guitar - Karl Scheit
7. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - Reba McEntire
8. Persichetti: Celebrations, You Who Celebrate - Bach Choir of Pittsburgh
9. My True Story - Jive Five
10. Mendelssohn: Symphony 4 - London Symphony
A more mixed selection than the last couple of weeks. The Bainton is one of my alltime most favorites. I either cry or come close at "And God will wipe away all tears...". Sometimes that is hard to trust that but it is true if we allow it.

To Sausalito

A few photos. Too tired to fuss with more. It was foggy when we left on the ferry this morning. Fog? Duh. We are in San Francisco.

The fog cleared as we neared Sausalito.

A gorgeous red tree. No clue what variety of tree it was. Still a little fog in the background.

Alcatraz. Love the tees. For example - Island bed and breakfast - enjoy Alcatraz.

The bay bridge at night.

In San Francisco

My nephew is getting married on Saturday. The family flew in today. We'll have a family dinner tonight then go to Sausalito tomorrow. On Friday there is the Tea Ceremony and the wedding dinner. What my sister-in-law calls the white wedding will take place Saturday afternoon. We fly back on Monday and I hope I can pick up my wallet which I left in the airport. ARGH! The Lost and Found was closed when I called. This is becoming to bad habit!

My thoughts on Lambeth

ABC Rowan Williams had a good idea that built and renewed relationships which should be mutually advantageous despite differences. Very well done.

The GAFCON folks are probably already gone. That isn't all bad IMO. Those who remain seem to be the folks whose Bibles con/retain the Gospels, have actually read them and try to live as Jesus taught. Losing members can be healthy. When the dissension is gone, church is easier. That doesn't mean I think disagreement should be banished. But the destructive elements rarely decide to get along and are better off finding a more comfortable place.

Yes, LGBTs are once again told to wait till hell freezes over. I pray TEC and ACofC ignore the moratorium on sexual matters as the invaders will ignore the moratorium on stealing parishes and dioceses. Somebody has to lead. I don't see anything to lose by confirming that LGBTs are people too, entitled to the rights and privileges of all others. I don't believe the Anglican Communion is worth sacrificing each other in violation of Jesus's teaching to love all and judge none.

At the same time I believe the AC is a good idea which should be maintained. Perhaps a judicious self-pruning will return it to what it has always been - a home for many opinions of what the Bible actually says and a gracious willingness to share the eucharist with all who are trying to follow Jesus. That would be a positive result of Lambeth.

Of course who cares what this Lutheran thinks? Sunday I received a stern lecture about not transferring my membership already. I never seriously considered it until recently. If Christ Church gets some stability before I get discouraged, I will probably stay. If not, the next option is St. Clement's. If that is not a compatible match either, I will return to my home Lutheran parish which I still support. After all, church is a creation of men. I have no problem switching to find a comfortable home which usually means good music. bg

Berkshire Choral Festival

If you get here after not finding Mom said nobody cares, I'm sorry but I accidentally deleted the blog that has the BCF stuff on it. And Blogger has never replied to my request to have it reinstated. Sorry!

Envy green

MadPriest and TmTim hit the road at an ungodly hour and got lost in Glasgow but reached the cathedral in time to hear +Gene Robinson preach. That is a bit of a shock to those of us who "know" MP at all. We are all so proud of him/them!

And there is more from Chris at Blethers and Father Kelvin who invited +Gene.

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross

This is a photo of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in North East, PA taken in the rain several weeks ago.

This is the inside during this morning's service. The reader used to sing with us at Christ Church Meadville.

They were trying to figure out where to put the old church sign. I wonder if this is how they make many of their decisions.

It was a good experience for me. Unfortunately I don't want to drive an hour and 25 minutes each way to worship there.