Povey Prattle

It was a week ago today that I first stepped onto the island of North Haven in Maine's Penobscot Bay. In my memory it could have been years ago. Today is the 8th anniversary of my mother's death. It sometimes feels as though she died yesterday, but more often than not it seems like it was an age ago. I am not sure now if I have memories of my mother, or memories of my memories of her.

Sermon for August 23rd 2009. The Revd. J. Michael Povey at the Episcopal Congregation, North Haven, ME Ephesians 6:10-20 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Ta...

NORTH HAVEN CHURCH (where I preached) Last weekend (August 22 – 24, 2009) I spent a couple of days on North Haven, an Island in Penobscot Bay, Maine, USA. I was there to preach at the Island's year round Church. North Haven is 12 miles from the mainland, and is served three times a day by ferries from Rockland, ME As luck would have it the finest ferry boat (“The Burgess”) was out of commission, so I was transported by the old, and very inadequate ferry ( “The North Haven” ) I enjoyed my visit. But I would grow “stir crazy” if I had to live there. You can get a sense of the island, from the following ( taken from the Island’s website) ----------------------------- "North Haven is an island town proud of its traditions, its independence, its treasured natural beauty and its unique community of: twelfth generation natives, fourth (as well as first) generation seasonal residents, retired and pre-retired baby boomers, maverick spirits, new arrivals, young year-round families, o...

I am now at home again after five good days in Maine (with brief visits in New Hampshire and Massachusetts). Penne went wild with excitement when we saw each other at her pet-sitters' home. (She'd been at that home for five days - the sitters described her as "an angel", and wanted to keep her!) She also went "over the top" when we got back to my home and she was re-united with the cats. More soon -- I am now ready for bed after a day of travel.