"Winter Wonderland" or "Kindergarten 101"

A wreath made from cutouts of all our hands.

As I said last evening, calls to the help desk are few this time of year.

Please note: no calls were neglected and we provided our own supplies for the following decorations. All this has been done between calls over the past two weeks.

A rare item not made by hand: the door Santa. Snowflakes and the three-dimensional star, however, were hand made.


By day's end our stockings were hung on the fireplace with care.


It is like working in a slow motion snow storm. The air currents make the snowflakes move gently. It is actually rather magical and is basically what got us going on this major kick.


The snow scene in the window. It started when I drew a snowman. Then a snowwoman. Then the snowchildren. Then the brick house and the walkway thereto. And I could not rest until the whole scene was sketched in. One deer is on the window wearing a pilgrim hat left over from Thanksgiving. Click to see detail. And then their are the reinducks (see below).


Small rubber ducks are handed out in the department as prizes for this and that. One of our coworkers used pipe cleaners to make antlers for nine of the ducks and put a red nose on one. Voilà: reinducks! Another colleague, realizing that ducks fly in V formations, arranged them thus and they now fly over our snow scene. On, Dasher! On, Dancer!


A gift-wrapped door. Yes, lots of paper chains were made also.


Although premature, we are ready for Kwanzaa.


And we have been keeping Chanukkah after our fashion. Every large flame has been put in place with the blessing in Hebrew recited aloud.


Over my desk, of course, is the Virgin of Guadalupe. Each rose drawn and colored and cut out.


Our corner of this three-section suite was looking a bit naked. Today three of us collaborated on this three-dimensional tree made of green wrapping paper. Notice the presents under the tree.


There is more to come but most of it is done now. Judging is next Tuesday. May I say this? We had better win!

I would also say this. We work well together and have had an enormous amount of fun doing this.

The Senate bill, as it stands, is just wrong

"Is it a bailout for the insurance industries?" "It certainly is, it contains everything the industry wants, and it's been stripped of things that the industry didn't like, so it absolutely is a big gift, a big bailout to the industry."
--Wendell Potter, former CIGNA executive, speaking of the Senate HCR bill

Adventures in a mock winter wonderland

Starched shirts picked up at the cleaners? Check.
Antihistamine supply renewed (inexpensively)? Check.
Fridge restocked with large blocks of sharp cheese (a staple)? Check.
And another four pounds of butter (it's the holidays)? Check.
Supper of chicken salad on awesome multi-grain bread? Check.
Artificial Christmas tree purchased? Check.
More decorating materials for the office? Check.
One hundred pounds of playground sand? Check.
One hundred brown paper bags? Check.
Ninety-six votive lights? Check.

All in all, a productive trip home from work.

The last three items on the list are for luminarias (or farolitos if you're from Santa Fe instead of Albuquerque). We want to line the walkway to the church on Christmas Eve. I have half that many bags and candles for my own house on Christmas Day, to welcome guests for dinner.

The last few weeks of the year are a very slow time at work. If historical patterns prevail, things will ramp up in January. So we have turned our slow moments into decorating the office. There is a major winter wonderland theme going. I don't know how many paper snowflakes the ten of us have cut out in the past couple of weeks but a host of them hang from the ceiling, slowly moving in the air currents and thus evocative of a slow motion snowfall. I cut out eighteen of them yesterday afternoon alone.

Today I finished a snow scene in the window. It began with four snow people. Then a brick house. Then the walkway to the house. Then more snow and trees and bushes. Finally mini-snowflakes in the sky. I am taking the camera in to work, so you will see the result.

Each day we add a paper flame to the paper menorah in the glass doorway.

Today I also drew, colored, cut out, and applied twenty small roses to a print of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Tomorrow I will prepare a kinara for Kwanzaa. I am thinking a little Stonehenge for the Solstice.

Any ideas of graphics for Ramadan?

Finally I will put together a small Nativity scene. I don't believe in mixing church and work but we are being as equal-opportunity as we can here.

There were See's foil-wrapped chocolate balls today. Heaven. One thing I miss about California is See's candies. Anyone who wants to ship me a box of See's Nuts and Chews, I will give you my address.

On the down side, there was secular Christmas music in the background, but more softly than yesterday, thank goodness. And when I left Home Depot this evening, blaring into the night was Jingle Bell Rock, on the top of my loathed music list. I could not get in the car and drive away fast enough.

No Advent meditations here. But fun.

--the BB

Straight to the frigid realm of Lake Cocytus

The United States Senate has produced enough bullshit in 2009 to fertilize crops across the nation for the next several decades.

Wouldn't it be refreshing if they just admitted that they all work for the health insurance companies? We the People have never mattered in their calculus. We kid ourselves if we think otherwise.

I am not too happy with Article I. Section 3 of the Constitution tonight. Which is to say: emotionally I want to jettison the Senate altogether. Now that's an emotional response, not a reasoned argument, but I think y'all can see where my gut is coming from right now.

Put another way, I feel about Lieberman, Snowe, Baucus, Reid, and the Rahmster right now the way I feel about "Jingle Bell Rock" (which I had to listen to three thousand times today at work). Toss them in Lucifer's mouth in lowest ring of the Inferno with Judas, Brutus, and Cassius.


Oh, wait, those three betrayed their benefactors. The Senators have served theirs very well. They just have not served the American People.

Ship them to hell anyway.

My theology is better than this. Politically, however, I am eager to see these people voted out (in Rahm's case, fired).

And no latkes for Lieberman this year!


--the BB

A Christmas prayer from Bishop Marc

Dear God, the troubles of our world have left many of us speechless. We don’t know how, in the numbness around jobs lost, illnesses we don’t have the resources to cure, a planet imperiled by the accumulated effects of our greed, and the seemingly endless presence of war and violence, to say our prayers. We are lighting candles, though – in our Advent wreaths, quietly, in side chapels of our churches, in our rooms where no one else but You can see. The candle flame is our prayer, wordless but filled with meaning, with petition, hope, and faith. And the candle flame is your answer to our prayer. You lighten our darkness, O Lord. Amen.
--+Marc Californiae

Distressing reports from Uganda

All my enemies whisper together about me *
and devise evil against me.
Psalm 41:7 (BCP)

Andy Towle reports:

An article appearing in The Guardian over the weekend reports that the death penalty and life imprisonment provisions in Uganda's "kill the gays" bill as it has come to be known, have not been dropped, as Bloomberg reported last week.

The President and Senators Grassley, Coburn, and Feingold have spoken against this bill. Even the Vatican chimes in, not mentioning Uganda but the timing is suggestive:

"As stated during the debate of the General Assembly last year, the Holy See continues to oppose all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons, such as the use of the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. The Holy See also opposes all forms of violence and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons, including discriminatory penal legislation which undermines the inherent dignity of the human person. As raised by some of the panelists today, the murder and abuse of homosexual persons are to be confronted on all levels, especially when such violence is perpetrated by the State. While the Holy See’s position on the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity remains well known, we continue to call on all States and individuals to respect the rights of all persons and to work to promote their inherent dignity and worth."

Genocide is genocide and the ignorance, deceit, and cruelty behind this proposed legislation is staggering.

Must the road to Uganda be purchased once more with blood?

The martyrdom of Bishop James Hannington

--the BB

Don't get me started

Rahm To Reid: Give Lieberman What He Wants
--headline at TPM

Wake up, people!

...the fact is that climate change is going to affect large numbers of people in a fairly short period of time. And those people are going to move somewhere and cause dislocations and wrenching social change all across the planet. It's not just about driving a Chevy Tahoe or the price of gasoline. It's about starvation, migration and war.
--Digby

There is a reason the Pentagon pays attention to climate change.

--the BB

An update on Mother Sandra

Word from Mother Sandra:

Dear friends,

Just to let you know I have just returned home from a hospital stay from this past Saturday to today. I was tested from stem to stern and even though it was as first thought I had pneumonia after complete testing I was given a clean bill of heath along with an Rx for an antibiotic that was begun when it was thought I had pneumonia.

So I am writing from home and I feel good and I feel even stronger that before. So, thank you for your ongoing prayers as I continue to heal.

Vaya con Dios,
Sandra

Prayers for her continuing recovery, without mishaps or setbacks, and a return of strength and energy.

--the BB

Jesus has a few things to say

Woe to you American Christians! You say I'm the "son of God" and yet you bully the defenseless in my name.

Frank Schaeffer has posted an awesome "Open Letter from Jesus to 'Christian' America." I commend the whole thing to you.

--the BB

Nefesh B'Nefesh Hanukkah Flash Mob

h/t to Padre Mickey who highlights that "Oy" is just "Yo" spelled backwards.

--the BB

La Virgen de Tepeyac

[Responses to the following prayers may be given in either Spanish or English.]

Deacon:
As the Virgin Mary, Saint Juan Diego, and Bishop Don Fray Juan de Zumárraga give us examples of humility, let us humbly pray to the Lord, saying: Señor, ten piedad/Lord, have mercy.

Intercessor:
When it was still night, Juan Diego was going in search of the things of God and of God's messages. That we may seek God by night and day, let us pray to the Lord.
Señor, ten piedad / Lord, have mercy.

As Juan Diego dared to go where he was being called, his heart was undisturbed and he experienced no fear. That we may answer God's call without fear, let us pray to the Lord.
Señor, ten piedad / Lord, have mercy.

Mary saw Juan as her most abandoned son, yet dignified. That may we see the dignity of the poor, the suffering, and the powerless, let us pray to the Lord.
Señor, ten piedad / Lord, have mercy.

Mary revealed herself as one of the people of the land. That we may embody the Gospel in our own time and place, let us pray to the Lord.
Señor, ten piedad / Lord, have mercy.

Mary promised to hear the laments of all who suffer miseries, misfortune, and sorrows. That our hearts and hands may attend to those in need, and that we may have faith to offer our own needs to God, let us pray to the Lord.
Señor, ten piedad / Lord, have mercy.

The Virgin of Guadalupe showed the children of both the Old and New Worlds a way forward, turning them from violence toward a path of embracing love and compassion. That we may constantly seek repentance and conversion from all the ways of death unto the ways of the Prince of peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Señor, ten piedad / Lord, have mercy.

A new creation flourishes where the message of Guadalupe is embraced. That we may learn to proclaim God's Good News with all the beauty of flower and song and lives that radiate the Light of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.
Señor, ten piedad / Lord, have mercy.

Please offer your own intercessions and thanksgivings.

The Officiant continues:
Collect for Our Lady of Guadalupe
God of power and mercy, you blessed the Americas at Tepeyac with the presence of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. May her prayers help all men and women to accept each other as brothers and sisters. Through your justice present in our hearts may your peace reign in the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

--the BB

The Affirmation Declaration

This is a response to the un-Christlike Manhattan Declaration.

You may read the full text of the Affirmation Declaration here.

From there you may follow a link to sign if you are so inclined.

--the BB

Hannukah Sameach

This Hanukkah song is in Ladino, the language of Sephardic Jews, a variant of old Castilian with Hebrew, Arabic, and other influences. Easy to sing along (and understand if you speak Spanish).

OK, who's making the latkes and when should I be there? (I suppose latkes are more Ashkenazic but without them it ain't Hanukkah.)

h/t to Jane R who put this song up on FB.

--the BB

What you didn't read in your papers yesterday

Today 56 newspapers in 45 countries [and 18 languages] take the unprecedented step of speaking with one voice through a common editorial. We do so because humanity faces a profound emergency.

Unless we combine to take decisive action, climate change will ravage our planet, and with it our prosperity and security. The dangers have been becoming apparent for a generation. Now the facts have started to speak: 11 of the past 14 years have been the warmest on record, the Arctic ice-cap is melting and last year's inflamed oil and food prices provide a foretaste of future havoc. In scientific journals the question is no longer whether humans are to blame, but how little time we have got left to limit the damage. Yet so far the world's response has been feeble and half-hearted.

...

Few believe that Copenhagen can any longer produce a fully polished treaty; real progress towards one could only begin with the arrival of President Obama in the White House and the reversal of years of US obstructionism. Even now the world finds itself at the mercy of American domestic politics, for the president cannot fully commit to the action required until the US Congress has done so.

[snip]

--The Guardian and 53 other newspapers.

[Emphasis mine]

The Miami Herald was the only U.S. newspaper to carry it. Our oligarchic media afraid to let the American people read the truth?

We have troglodytes like Inhofe obstructing at every opportunity. What an embarrassment.

I used to believe that having a Senate that could deliberate and help keep the House from being over-hasty might be a good thing. Now I am inclined to wish it were abolished. Or would at least change its rules to operate more like a representative body and less like an old boys' club.

Sigh.

--the BB

Maha on Knowledge vs. Ignorance

Maha has a fascinating post up, a long and pondering one.

At the Guardian, Sue Blackmore writes about the often-noted correlation between high levels of religiosity and societal dysfunction — the “strong positive correlations between nations’ religious belief and levels of murder, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and other indicators of dysfunction.”

The concluding paragraphs:

In some parts of the country a culture of personal crisis has taken hold in which people imagine themselves besieged by powerful evil forces, when in fact they’re mostly causing their own problems. But because they are unwilling to be honest with themselves about what’s really causing their problems, the more stressed they are the more self-destructive they become.

I remember reading that when the Black Plague started to spread in Europe, people blamed witches and went around killing cats, thinking the cats were associated with witchcraft. The scarcity of cats allowed rodent populations to explode, thereby spreading the plague. A lot of conservative reaction to today’s problems hasn’t evolved much from witch scares. (Energy crisis? Global warming? Lie, deny, and drill baby drill.)

So climate change denial might be seen as symptomatic of a deep social and cultural pathology. But I have no idea what’s to be done about it.

You may read it all here.

--the BB

Heart thread - 12/09/2009

Let us pray for Mother Rhonda's friend who will be having major surgery today.

For Mark (Марко Фризия) who reports:

I was back in hospital, still very weak.

--the BB

Yoo defends himself... sloppily (updated)

John Yoo (why is this man teaching law at Boalt in Berkeley instead of serving time behind bars?) publishes a self-serving article. In addition to being a war criminal, it appears he is a really crappy lawyer (or a very mendacious one, or both).

Mary addresses his assertion that law is largely irrelevant.

Update: Göran pointed out that the link was not working. I have returned to the original page and cannot get the link to work after several attempts. Here is the full URL:

http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2009/12/08/yoo-to-opr-law-is-“largely-irrelevant”/

Maybe this will work if you cut and paste. Sorry about that.

--the BB

Lost generation

AARP impresses with this.

h/t to Maha

--the BB

Fresh protests in Iran

h/t Juan Cole

Pray for the People of Iran.

--the BB

Whoa!

The EPA must have been listening to John the Baptist this Advent because it has repented, it has TURNED AROUND!

They are going to be, you know, the Environmental PROTECTION Agency again.

Amazing.

A small emergence from newspeak back towards coherent meaning.

Imagine, PROTECTING the environment.

Science.

Rationality.

Responsibility toward the earth and all that lives upon it.

About flipping time.

--the BB

Pink glove dance--Promoting breast cancer awareness

Friend Bruce got this from another friend and I pass it to y'all with love for all women and their health!

Our daughter-in-law, Emily (MacInnes) Somers, created, directed and choreographed this in Portland last week for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. This was all her idea to help promote their new pink gloves. I don't know how she got so many employees, doctors and patients to participate, but it started to really catch on and they all had a lot of fun doing it.

When the video gets 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution to the hospital, as well as offering free mammograms for the community. Please check it out. It's an easy and great way to donate to a wonderful cause, and who hasn't been touched by breast cancer?

Ann Somers

According to Snopes the above paragraph is not true. The statement below is true:

Medline donates a portion of its sales of its Generation Pink gloves to the National Breast Cancer Foundation

[Thanks to Ann and Mimi for the Snope update. I loves me some Snopes and slipped up on checking this time.]
Hit it, dance to life!

--the BB

Heart thread - 12/08/2009

Let us give thanks: Mother Sandra is in her own home again.

Dear friends and prayer partners,

A week short of 3 months I joyfully walked into my home, Thursday, Dec 5. I am still using a walker but I am getting up w/o assistance and can walk about 50 feet before I rest.

...

I will be always grateful to all of you for your many kindnesses. I am convinced that your constant prayers allowed me to remain calm and patient over the weeks so my body could heal. I ask that you please continue your prayers for a healthy closure of the wound.

Blessings to each of you as you explore in faith during this Advent Season.

Vaya con Dios,
Sandra

Continuing prayers for her healing!

Nineteen years ago today I was ordained a priest by the Rt Rev William E Swing in Grace Cathedral, San Francisco. It was possibly the calmest day of my life with lots that needed to happen but utter peace.

--the BB

Death and more death

Coordinated Bombings in Baghdad Kill at Least 121
New York Times - Steven Lee Myers, Marc Santora - ‎22 minutes ago‎
BAGHDAD - A series of devastating car bombings rocked Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least 121 people and wounding hundreds more, according to preliminary accounts by witnesses, the police and hospital officials.


Mullen: US 'losing war in Afghanistan'
Jerusalem Post - ‎3 hours ago‎
including some bound for Afghanistan - that "we are not winning, which means we are losing and as we are losing, the message traffic out there to insurgency ...

Logistical nightmares may doom US surge in Afghanistan Baltimore Sun

Pentagon was on defensive in Afghanistan review Los Angeles Times

No Deadline for US Exit From Afghanistan
The New American - Steven J. DuBord - ‎1 hour ago‎
Obama administration officials on December 6 made it perfectly clear that American military forces will remain in Afghanistan for a long time, playing down ...

Senator McCain keeps harping on the need to "win" in Afghanistan. Can "winning" be described, quantified, and achieved? Seems to me as though he's spouting nonsense.

Let us pray for the peoples of the Middle East and Central Asia.

--the BB

Information on the health care bills

This comes courtesy of MoveOn.org:

Here's where we are:

The House of Representatives passed their bill last month. The Senate is aiming to pass its version before Christmas.

Overall, both pieces of legislation would do four major things:

Create a "Health Insurance Exchange." The bills create a one-stop marketplace where people can choose from various insurance plans, including the public option. The details aren't set yet, but initially the Exchange would likely be open to the self-employed, people without insurance at work, and small businesses.1 The key with the Exchange is that it brings "the bargaining power and scale that's generally accessible only to large employers" to individuals—and with that, lower costs and better options.

Provide insurance to over 30 million more people. The House bill would expand coverage to 36 million people by 2019. The Senate bill extends coverage to 31 million.

Outlaw discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and gender. Insurance companies will have to stop denying coverage to people with "pre-existing conditions." And they won't be allowed to charge women more than men for the same coverage.

Eliminate coverage limits and price-gouging. The bills differ on some details, but in general would place limits on how much people have to pay for health care beyond their premiums. They both cap out-of-pocket costs and ban insurance companies from setting limits on how much health care they'll cover for a person each year.

Of course, the devil is in the details, and much in these bills still needs work.

Here's what still needs to be fixed:

Both bills leave millions uninsured. The House bill leaves 18 million without insurance in 2019; the Senate bill, 24 million. Neither comes close to the vision for universal coverage so many of us fought for for years. We'll all need to fight to continue to expand coverage in the bills this year, and in the years to come.

The Senate public option is weak, and conservatives are pushing to make it weaker. The public option is a core piece of reform that will create real accountability and competition for private insurance—and that's why it's at the center of such a huge fight. While the House bill creates a national public option, the Senate lets states opt out, denying their residents access to it. Plus, conservatives are working to weaken it even more. We're all going to have to fight hard for the strongest version possible.

Many reforms don't start quickly enough. While some pieces of reform go into effect right away, the larger structural changes are not scheduled to go into effect until 2013 (House bill) or 2014 (Senate bill). This includes the Exchange, the public option, and subsidies—the major ways coverage will be expanded.

Required insurance could still be too expensive for many. Both bills require virtually all Americans to have insurance. But the caps on how much we're expected to pay are way too high, and the subsidies are way too low. Many progressives are working to fix this, but it's going to be a significant fight.

Reproductive rights are severely restricted in the House bill. An egregious anti-choice amendment in the bill virtually prohibits anyone purchasing insurance in the Exchange from buying a plan that covers abortion—even if paid for with their own money. We need to make sure the final bill doesn't include this rollback of reproductive rights.

The Senate bill could discriminate against lower income workers. The current Senate legislation retains a version of what's called the "free rider" provision, which essentially penalizes employers for hiring lower income workers. This provision needs to be fixed before the bill is finalized.

I thought this might be helpful for folks who don't have time to read the bills.

--the BB

Nothing spectacular to report

In my own life, that is.

This weekend included two loads of laundry, one church meeting, one worship service, hiring young people to clean up my back yard, and sharing a plum pudding with friends at a nice potluck supper last night. The yard looks great (for this bare time of year). They yanked up my summer annuals and vegetables, all long since dead. They did some light pruning. They cleaned up lots of leaf detritus. They prepped soil and planted the rest of my tulips and daffodils. This afternoon I watered everything and did some minor pruning of the fruit trees. Lots of down time today, for which I utter "huzzah!"

Now, to bed at a reasonable hour and off to work tomorrow.

--the BB

NY State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson

h/t to Fran

--the BB

Terrorist attack in Rawalpindi

The Taliban Movement of Pakistan, headquartered in South Waziristan, struck at Rawalpindi again on Friday. Two militants scaled a ladder to drop into a mosque in the city's military residential area and then to shoot worshipers before detonating their belt bombs. They killed 40 and wounded nearly 100. Among the injured were former high-ranking military officers, now retired.

--Juan Cole

Let us pray for all victims of violence and for all who work for justice and peace.

In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

--the BB

This is most unfortunate

WASHINGTON - The United States does not know where al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden is hiding and has not had any good intelligence on his whereabouts in “years,” Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Saturday.

Speaking in an interview to be aired on Sunday on ABC's "This Week" program, Gates also said he could not confirm reports this week that a detainee might have seen bin Laden in Afghanistan earlier this year.

"We don't know for a fact where Osama bin Laden is. If we did, we'd go and get him," Gates said in excerpts released by ABC.
--MSNBC

Tota Bora was bungled from the top.

--the BB

Moral authority squandered

I have written extensively about genocide in the past years because for me it is personal. I grew up among survivors of the Armenian genocide during WWI. I lived among survivors of the Holocaust. I pastored Cambodians who survived Pol Pot. I cannot be silent about the threat of a new law in Uganda that would execute LGBT people and cast in prison those who do not denounce them. Rowan Williams thinks it is his duty to remain silent about this, at least in public. It is strange how quickly he jumps in to threaten some folks and remains silent about others.

Public silence on impending genocidal legislation in Uganda where human lives are at stake and not only silence but pressure for others to remain silent. Immediate public response to the election of a bishop suffragan in Los Angeles. +Rowan Cantuar has interesting priorities and they seem to be institutional.

I like Lois Keen's comment:

"...if our bonds of affection are to hold."

I must speak out. I can stand it no longer. Affection is not affection at all if it is conditional on anything. Affection has no prerequisites. It is not qualified.

Most of all, affection carries no thinly veiled threats of breaking affection.

Rowan has no affection for TEC, except we throw our LGBT brothers and sisters under the bus. Others in the Anglican Communion, for whom we still have affection, have no affection for us except we declare our LGBT brothers and sisters intransigent, disordered, unhealthy sinners. Subsequently, there is no bond of affection in the Anglican Communion.

But worst of all, to base communion on "bonds of affection" is a fallacy, if not a category mistake.

Communion is in and through Christ Jesus, and him alone. In him and through him our paltry, meager affections toward one another are unnecessary. We can never feel our way to loving one another. We can only do our way to loving one another, and that's hard work, because it holds up to judgment our refusals to work with another because in our judgment the other has "broken the bonds of affection".

Thank you, Lois. No human bond is sufficient; the Spirit's bond transcends our brokenness and, yes, our hatred (as you wrote elsewhere).

Jim Naughton added:

Lambeth Palace says it would be counterproducrive to speak out against a law that legalizes the murder of gays people and the imprisonment of their confidants, but thinks that inserting itself into the middle of the consent process of a duly elected Episcopal bishop is a good use of the Archbishop's moral authority. Do the clergy and people of the Church of England feel comfortable with this?

Look with pity, O heavenly Father, upon the people in every land who live with injustice, terror, disease and death as their constant companions. Have mercy upon us. Help us to eliminate our cruelty to these our neighbors. Strengthen those who spend their lives establishing equal protection of the law and equal opportunities for all. And grant that every one of us may enjoy a fair portion of the riches of this world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

--the BB

And for the diocese in which I was confirmed - Updated: Bruce and Glasspool elected

Pray for the Episcopal
Diocese of Los Angeles

From Associated Press:

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles elected the first female bishop in its 114-year history Friday but ended voting for the day with one of two openly gay candidates still vying for the second bishop's position.

Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce, rector of St. Clement's-By-The-Sea Episcopal Church in San Clemente, was elected Friday at the diocese's annual convention to replace one of two retiring assistant bishops.

You may track it all here.

A prayer from Susan Russell's blog:

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose new bishops for this Diocese,that we may receive faithful pastors, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

It was in the Diocese of Los Angeles that I first attended an Episcopal Church - Holy Trinity, Covina - in fall 1971 and I have been a communicant of the Episcopal Church ever since. (Yes, I was in Baptist seminary at the time.) During my time at UCLA I attended St Alban's, Westwood, and through that parish I was confirmed by the Rt Rev Cedric Mills, Virgin Islands (ret'd), in a service at All Saints, Beverly Hills. I was called to the Cathedral Church of St Paul, the old one downtown, to lead adult formation. I have a great fondness for that diocese where my early Anglican formation took place.

May God grant them truly wonderful new suffragan bishops.

UPDATE from The Lead:

In a seven ballot election The Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool has been elected a suffragan bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles pending the required consents. The second woman elected bishop bishop in the diocese in as many days, she is also a partnered lesbian.

The Diocese of Los Angeles elected the Rev. Canon Diane Jardine Bruce suffragan bishop of the diocese in the first of two elections taking place in that diocese this weekend. Bruce is the first woman elected a bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles pending the required consents.

Today's election was long and close with The Rev. Irineo Martir Vasquez (Martir) drawing considerable support from clergy and lay.

--the BB

This is not just for Mimi - updated: Thompson elected

Pray for the Episcopal
Diocese of Louisiana

UPDATE (from the diocesan website):

The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana elected The Very Rev. Morris Thompson, as the 11th Bishop of Louisiana today at Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans. Thompson was one of six final candidates voted on by clergy and lay representatives from every congregation in the diocese. Thompson succeeds the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Jenkins who has served since 1997 and announced his retirement effective January 2010.

Thompson said, "I am honored and humbled to serve you as the 11th Bishop of Louisiana. Your rich tradition, your attention to the survival of your diocese, and the possibilities are what attracted me when I first read your profile. Under God's grace and with our shared ministry, I look forward to being among you as your pastor."

From Mimi's blog:

The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana will hold its Electing Convention tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 5). Please pray that the Holy Spirit may fill the minds and hearts of the delegates as they gather at Christ Church Cathedral to choose our next bishop.

From the diocesan website:

Mission Statement

The Diocese of Louisiana is, by grace, a vital community, reborn in the wake of tragedy, forging a new and prophetic environment of healing, trust and empowerment as servants of Jesus Christ

Vision Statement

The Diocese of Louisiana is one church, faithful to our Lord Jesus, united in mission, reaching out through service and proclamation to all for whom Christ died. We live in joyous expectation of God's transforming power, compassion, and mercy in our lives

A Prayer for the Diocese

We give you thanks, Gracious God, for your goodness in bestowing upon this Church the gift of the episcopate, and its heritage in this Diocese. Grant that in our search for the Eleventh Bishop of Louisiana we may be open to your will, receptive of your guidance, and ready in obedience. By your abundant grace may we lay aside any shallow self-interest so that in seeking to elect your servant we may serve you, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Amen and amen.

May the Holy Spirit guide the hearts of the electors, and may those who cast votes listen to the Spirit, for the good of the people, the glory of God, and the life of the world.

--the BB

Saturday is the funeral for Joseph Montoya who worked in the same department I do. He was on another floor and I did not know him but he was only in his 20s. His father works in the same section as Joseph. They were best friends and shared a love of working on cars. It was an unfortunate accident. I ask your prayers for the repose of Joseph and for his parents and all who love him.

Mimi has numerous prayer requests listed, as does MadPriest.

Prayers offered for all.



--the BB

Fanfares are in order - updated with photo

Good news for Juan today. Margaret writes:

Family Court postponed their asylum decision until September --which means even if Deportation Court decides to deport (we'll know that on Monday) he doesn't have to leave until Family Court finishes... which might change the Deportation.... round and round! Worse case scenario --September --which give the miracle gift of time!

and

I am a mom --for at least ten months --to the most beautiful and unexpected young man, who is laughing more tonight than he has in a month!

I wrote: "Cue the Hallelujah Chorus!"

It is a gift of time and a blessed one. Let us continue to pray for Juan and for Joel and Margaret.

And while we rejoice:

Robert Whalley is a Deacon!

Rob and I were in CPE together back in 1989. He's waited a long time. Many blessings upon his continuing ministry, now in a new role as a transitional deacon in Australia.



--the BB

54% of Americans Support Torture

SuperBowlXX reports on a new Pew Research Center poll:

54% of Americans believe that torture is either often (19%) or sometimes (35%) justified to gain information from terrorism suspects, compared to 41% who say it's rarely (16%) or never (25%) justified.

I am appalled.

You can read the whole thing here.

--the BB

That had not been the case when her mother committed her to the keeping of foreign prisoners....

The nineteen steps were engraved in R. and N's memory and this night they took them slowly, blindly, alert to any noise. They made it to the landing and paused until all were assembled with weapons at the ready.

Slow progress today, yet a few more paragraphs. The tale advances.

O Lord, open our eyes and ears

...when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did, and heard the children crying out in the temple, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’, they became angry....

Are we not all chief priests and scribes, upset by what troubles our settled world, distressed when we see God working in ways we had not anticipated, planned for, approved?

O God, help us to hear your praise when it is proclaimed, even in the most unlikely places. And, attentive to your praise, turn our hearts to you.

--the BB

Heart thread - 12/01/2009

Let us begin with World AIDS Day, recalling all those who have died, those who live with HIV/AIDS, those who love them, those who toil to prevent and cure this disease, and the eradication of stigma.

A new site has been launched at www.aids.gov and you are encouraged to check it out.

For Ozzie's family.

For Lindy in China.

For Eileen's mother having a second hip replacement done.

Jacque Sue's cat Dexter who has gone missing.

For Rob Whalley at his pre-ordination retreat.

For the four slain Washington State police officers and their loved ones. For all those who put their lives in danger to protect others.

For Fran's reflections at Evening Prayer tonight.

For Dan, Sandra, and Mark and all who are going through extended healing periods.

For Mimi who asks:

For a good outcome and healing for surgical procedures on Tuesday...

...for my niece, Donna, who will have a hysterectomy

...for Ann's friend, Kay Rohde, who will have spinal surgery

For Frank and Carol, Jim and Ruthie, Myron and others dealing with major health problems.

For John and his mother.

For myself and those who take counsel for mission and ministry.

For Kirstin who has returned to blogging and for Jane R who has been busy beyond belief and also returned to blogging after a hectic few months.

For the LGBT citizens of Uganda.

For Juan and his hearing on Thursday and for Margaret and Joel who have taken him into their home.

We conclude with Margaret's prayer this morning:

Hey, God --it's margaret here --I pray that when I think I see disaster looming, I may have the strength to stand and lift up my head with joy and without shame --my Advent discipline.... I pray that when I think I see judgment, I remember judgment has already happened, and the gates of hell have been shattered and strewn about --just like the tables in your Temple... and I don't much like figs anyway, so there... you blew it with too many little seeds. Just sayin' --and God, thank you. Thank you. For all of it. Amen.

--the BB

Snippet from the Office

The Prophet Amos
from Wikipedia Commons

they sell the righteous for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals
--Amos 2:6b

Pikers. They could take lessons from the investment bankers.

--the BB

Good advice from a sister

Thanks, dear heart. What I needed to hear when I need to hear it.

--the BB

Heart thread - 11/29/2009

Susankay asks our prayers for John, her co-convenor at Integrity of the Four Corners, and his mother. He just wrote:

I'm in California with a fractured sternum--mom is in ICU in San Jose with multiple thoracic injuries, two broken legs,a fractured vertebra, dislocated hip, and had a heart attack during the accident. Her prognosis isn't great. Would you please pass this along to Integrity and church and anyone else. Medicated, I'm mainly only communicating on Facebook. But my phone and computer will be back on line tomorrow when I get the cords out of the car.

On 152 near the top of Hecker pass, between Watsonville and Gilroy, during the return trip to the airport in Merced, a van crossed into our lane on a hairpin turn and hit us head on.

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants John and his mother, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Finally

Flush with victory and vengeance for their father’s death, they listened eagerly as Mordal laid out his new plan.

After being stuck for two months, I finally finished yesterday the chapter I had begun so long ago. Whew. Also began the next chapter. I feel ready to engage the tale again and just hope I have time and focus to go forward. Way too much on my plate of late.

To my delight, the princess has continued to come into her own. In the first two books she was mostly a victim; now she emerges as a strong protagonist and I'm loving it.

This is the sort of thing I don't know when I begin a tale and learning it makes story-telling such a satisfying adventure.

“Is it ever really over? Do dreams stop and memories disappear? Does our past drop away never to haunt us again? If it were only so, but I do not think so."

--the BB