Povey Prattle

Last night (March 13/14) I had a dream with the theme that has been a frequent part of my dream world. The consistent theme is that I am one course, one class, or one exam away from a Bachelor's degree, but that sundry events conspire to prevent my taking that last class, course, or exam. I frequently have that dream, although the details are never the same. In last night's dream I was within inches of obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree (with a specialty in Engineering).  I was looking forward to telling my Mum that I now had two degrees, one in Theology, the other in Science. But I could not get to the place where I had to take that final class, course or exam. First I was in Pill, Somerset, U.K.  (a real place on the banks of the Bristol Avon river), and was trying to take a ferry across the River Avon to a suburb of Bristol, U.K. called Sea Mills.  There was at one time a ferry from Pill to Sea Mills, though I do not know if that ferry still opera...

Flushed with the joy of a good week I decided to treat myself to a good lunch by defrosting a treasured Rib-Eye steak which I had hoarded in the freezer. Trouble was that what I defrosted was not a Rib-Eye steak, but it was a Pork chop. Not to be daunted,  I grilled the chop,  and enjoyed it for lunch alongside corn, lima beans, and sweet potato. Rib-eye steak would have been exciting .  But since I have  had such a great week the "Fates" decided that a Pork chop would bring me down to earth! The "Fates"were correct.  Pork chops are humble and fine.  I enjoyed one today. The Rib-Eye steak can wait for the next dull and boring day. (Of course my story is true,  so that I had to LMAO  when  I mistook a Pork Chop for a Rib-Eye steak).

Nine of us, (priests and spouses),  who have deep connections with St. Boniface Church, Siesta Key, FL  met today for lunch  at "Kacey's Seafood and More"  on Fruitville Rd.  here in SRQ http://www.kaceysseafood.com/ Kacey's is the place to be for delicious sea-food at reasonable prices.  It was "hopping" today, so we had to wait about half an hour for a table.  (The restaurant does not take reservations -  they do not need to do so as their business is booming).  That was no hardship,  because we enjoyed each others' company outside in  the warm sun, and because we especially wanted a table for nine. We especially valued the gracious service of the "wait-staff" for whom it was no hardship to push two tables together, and to deal with a party of nine who needed four separate checks (bills). The staff, in turn, appreciated our patience, and told me so. THAT BEING SAID  -  it was such a joyful blessing for ...

Today saw me up at "Dayspring", the Camp and Conference Centre for the Episcopal Church Diocese of South West Florida. I was there for the annual Diocesan event for retired clerics and their spouses, a gift to us from our local Bishop, Dabney Smith. These events usually fill me with the expectation that I will be utterly bored. This one was an exception. In the morning the former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church (U.S.A.), the Most Revd. Frank Griswold, talked about his experience of life in retirement. His talk was "over the top".  He drew from the wisdom of Holy Scripture, and from the wisdom of various church leaders through the centuries, to help us understand that retirement is not a cessation from work, but that it is indeed  a grand adventure in which we can grow and learn to grow closer to God in preparation for the gift of eternal life when we die. I represent his words so poorly, but I got a renewed sense that retirement need no...

In colloquial "English" English the word  " magic " is used to describe something which was good, or great, or enjoyable. With that in mind, I tell you  my day has been "magic". I was down at St. B's for the regular Tuesday morning service of Holy Communion. I knew that the two salaried staff Clerics at St. B's would not be there:  summonsed as they had been to a Diocese of  South West Florida "Clergy Day" at the Diocesan Camp and Conference Centre called "Dayspring",  up in Ellenton, MA. I was a bit surprised that none of the many St. B's "retired Clerics" were present today, as is their usual practice. It was my duty to be the "Priest du jour" at today's service. Thus it was my pleasure to lead a service with the three  "lay" Christians who showed up.  I "preached" a bit about the exciting  Christian Doctrine of the   Trinity. (Church rats will know that Monday 9th ...

See yesterday's blog and Facebook posting

It was probably in 1978 or 1979  that I first got to know the Tienhaara family of Fitchburg, MA.  At that time I was the Rector at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Fitchburg, MA. It's a long and complicated story, save to say that I have stayed in  touch with the T's, (thanks chiefly to Facebook) even 'though they were never Episcopalians.   Our lives touched in a tender and gracious way. The oldest Tienhaara son is Richard.    He is a dear man of God. Last Thanksgiving  he sent me this e-mail: Michael:  thank you for your thoughtful words ..I do feel very blessed . I'm thankful that you took the time during my teenage years to introduce me to the love of Christ . I'm not sure where I would be if you hadn't !! My life is richer knowing you. Those words made me want to cry. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back in 1984  I participated in the solemnization of ...