Inevitable Independence Day Friday Five

In the U.S., we're heading into a holiday weekend as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day. Although the topic of this meme may be inevitable, independence never is, so it couldn't hurt to stop and think for a minute about independence in a general way and holidays in a more trivial way.

1) Do you celebrate 4th of July (or some other holiday representing independence?)

2) When was the first time you felt independent, if ever?

3) If you're hosting a cookout, what's on the grill?

4) Strawberry Shortcake -- biscuit or sponge cake? Discuss.

5) Fireworks -- best and worst experience

And a bonus 1776 category for the Broadway fans among us:

1) Favorite Patriot

2) Favorite Tory

3) Favorite Wife

4) Favorite Song

5) Favorite Line

As always, let us know in the comments if you play!

New RevGalBlogPals Blog Schedule

Whereas we are now a WebRing of 163 blogs, and whereas the round-up duties have therefore become increasingly demanding, and whereas we are entering the summer vacation timeslot, your Matriarchs have conceived a new weekly schedule for the RevGalBlogPals blog.

Sunday – Sue will continue to post her prayer. reverendmother will be her back-up person.

Monday – Monday Mission Moment – Quotidian Grace and PureChristianIThink will host on Mondays. Check in on Monday for their first post and an explanation of how to share your mission project stories!

Tuesday – Tuesday Lectionary Leanings will continue under Cheesehead's leadership, with Sally as her back-up person.

Wednesday – We will present the Wednesday Festival, our version of a blog carnival. Each week you may nominate one post, yours or someone else's, to be featured in the Wednesday Festival. These posts must come from a blogger who is a member of the Ring. Send a link to the post, along with a brief description by midnight Eastern Time on the preceding Monday, to wednesdayfestival@gmail.com. The hosts will be Mary Beth, Pink Shoes, net, RevAbi, LutheranChik, Mark, Sally and Gallycat.

First Wednesday: Ministry, Music, Sermons and Other Writing (this can
be anything you have written!)
Second Wednesday: Blogfun! Memes, quizzes, dog-blogging,
bloom-blogging, recipe blogging...
Third Wednesday: Life and All That: Family, Friends, and Crises and
Rejoicings Large and Small
Fourth Wednesday: Potluck!
Fifth Wednesday if it happens: Lagniappe Potluck! (that's "a little
something extra!")

Thursday – Meet the RevGalBlogPals! In this slot, will smama and reverend mommy will host blogger profiles and new blogger introductions.

Friday – The Friday Five will continue, hosted by reverendmother and Songbird.

Saturday – Songbird and Rev. Stacey will host the Eleventh Hour Preachers' Party. Come for ideas, encouragement and support!

The new schedule begins this Saturday, July 1 and will run through August. Feedback will be welcome. RevGalBlogPals has a new e-mail, with a link in the sidebar, and that is the best place to send concerns or celebrations about the new format.

Thanks to all who have offered to help!!!

Your Faithful Matriarchs (plus Mark!)

Round Up: The Swan Song (A thru M)

Tune in to this spot tomorrow for an explanation of the above title...

Ordinary Time is marking time until the Big Day.
Does ministry fuel addictive behavior?
You gotta show your SAT English score before you take this quiz.
Katherine is experiencing the familiar.
Mindy is thankful.
Brother Terry is being corny... in a good way.
aBhantiarna Solas has had a glimpse of the Kingdom.
Re-Joyce!!!
A boy's best friend.
Of true partnership.
Check out Chelley's cult.
Is any one else nervously counting down the days until she comes home?
Catherine+ posts on LGBT Episcopalians and the stained glass ceiling.
Welcome back Tripp.
Get well soon!
Contemplative Chaplain has serious plans!!!
Apparantly we have overwhelmed deep thought (be sure to check out her url.)
Speaking of deep thoughts... here are some from Eternal Echoes.
Gord gives us some Good News from his/your side of the border/ocean (depending on where you are).
Check out Leslee's tips... of trivia AND the bat cave.
Gallycat is looking for community.
Happy Birthday!
She made it home safely... that really makes us feel good in parts.
Grandma Jean, you go girl!
HeavyRevvy is back but sleepy.
Things that make you go hmmmm. No really you have got to go check it out.
Jesus to the rescue!
Jane Ellen is home from camp.
Sophia and Co. are downsizing.
Carmen posts on God and Culture.
Check out what Amy has been up to... and where she is.
Jo(e) posts of longtime friends.
Here is a bumper sticker not to be missed. It's here too and a t-shirt.
A. Lin has two articles to recommend.
It's VBS time... I am sure this won't be the last post we see on that particular rite of summer.
Lutheran Chik has posted the best essay on Aunt Flo ever. A snippet: Oh, the boys may have framed the issue in terms of their disgust -- but we women knew, down in our bones, that they were actually scared witless by Aunt Flo's feminine mojo. Yeah, yeah, yeah -- we'll sequester ourselves over in the red tent so we don't adulterate your masculine purity [nudge-wink] with our polluting [nudge-wink] "unclean" [nudge-wink] presence. [Whoo-hoo! The red tent!]
Have you said hello to Maggi Dawn?
Susan Rose has to wait until September 8th to find out what her daily life will look like.
Miranda asks us a morality question.


We are humbled that Bad Alice and Inner Dorothy have given us windows into their souls. Thank you both for your courage.

Tuesday Lectionary Leanings: Better Late Than Never Edition

Dear Friends, with one congregant's death upon my arrival back home, and the decedent's widow hovering at the threshold herself, I'm a little distracted with determining if I will have one memorial Friday or two. (Actually one service, two caskets.) So, I ask your indugence if my hermeneutic suffers this week. All shall be well by Saturday, but I'm struggling today.

I'm concentrating on the Markan story of the hemorrhaging woman. I'm wondering about the intersection of the woman's suffering with the little girl's. My initial working title to this sermon is "You Go, Girl!

I spent some time at GA in the presence of some remarkable women, including the first woman ordained to Ministry of Word and Sacrament in what later became our denomination. I have a special place in my heart for her because she used to serve at St. Stoic--in fact her retirement was from St Stoic. Hearing the stories of her struggle and rejection--how she was treated as a second-class citizen at the beginning of her ministry, and encouraged to sit out certain meetings with the "Pastor's wives", how she got numerous marriage proposals from men who worried for her salvation (these men assumed she would not go through with ordination if she got married).

I'm contrasting this with the straightforward way Jesus treated women in the Bible.

I'm sure hoping that this jumble of thoughts will be much more formed later in the week. How about y'all?

Welcome, New Bloggers!

Tonight's A-L (or really lack thereof) is brought to you by the letter T as in Tired, and the adjective Very. The letter F as in Family in town and upcoming Funerals, and the number 2.

It is my sincere belief that you've all written something brilliant and that you will share that brilliance with us in the comments.

As Songbird said, we'll soon be unveiling a new strategy for keeping us all connected... Until then, I'd like to introduce you to two new bloggers in the A-L section.

Calacirian joins us from Virginia and shares her thoughts most recently on eating and farming. Welcome!

Deep Thought joins us from High Wycombe, UK and is a youth worker with some 80s nostalgia (Pssst... She's also a new bride! Gorgeous pictures!) Welcome to you, too!

Stop on over and greet these folks -- you know, make 'em feel welcome and stuff!

Peace to you all --
Pink Shoes

Monday, Monday -- M - Z

maggi dawn received the best present ever, while Scott had a fantastic weekend. And Rev. Dr. Mom? We are still waiting to see the pictures of the Best.Wedding.Ever! On the other hand, OTRgirl shares advice after indulging in some Home Improvement.

St. Casserole celebrates the 28th anniversary of her ordination! Susan Rose prepares to open a new chapter, while Miranda finds new hope in her process. And congratulations to Tara and RevAbi on their installations! Mark attended as many ordinations as he could, but not as many as he would have liked!

Lorna is all at sea. The Psalmist wonders where we would turn if all Bibles disappeared? Sacred Art of Living shares a favorite poem.

Chicago Rev recalls the lifetime of a departed saint. Susie wants you to know Aslan is on the move. And go to Rebel Without a Pew for a lesson in Biblical geography. And stop by Smallest Angel for lessons on being a big brother.

We're still contemplating the events of last week's denominational meetings, particularly questions of inclusivity. PamBG considers life on the margins, while Mary Beth models the latest t-shirt commentary. After a suspenseful delay, yodabeth shares her thoughts about the new PB! Michelle at Pearlbear wonders why we feel the need to monster-ize our enemies? But Quotidian Grace really needs to move on to ordering wedding garb. Seriously.

swandive feels happy pride. Stacey is taking good care of herself! Rachel wonders where to find prayer time when the kids are home on summer vacation! The Polar Bear is back from camp!

Jeff makes me feel old because I've never heard of any of the music clubbing him to death. will smama complains that the local paper just keeps missing the point. And reverendmother asks the dramatic question: to blog or not to blog? Being Shielded would like to, but I hear her computer is not cooperating. Hurry back!

Friends, your faithful blog team is preparing to unveil a new schedule to be trialed during July and August. It is my prayer it will not drive anyone out of the "Communion!"

Yours,
Songbird

Sunday Prayer

Holy and Wondrous Creator, you know my thoughts before I do, and you alone can truly comprehend the intricate workings of the human heart. Only you can know with certainty which parts of the worship will make me a bit anxious and which will make my spirit soar. Surprise me, God! Enliven my spirit and grant me the unpredictable gust that sweeps in with the Holy Spirit and nudges the heart to new faith.

Tonight as I ponder tomorrow morning's worship, I am aware and thankful for all of the other people I know who are doing the same kind of early preparation. Lay and clergy alike are tonight opening the doors of their hearts in anticipation of hearing a word that will inspire, or speaking a word that will comfort, or receiving the silent and powerful gift of your Presence.

It is all so good, God. May I be fully present to every moment of our worship, and alive to the blessings you bring, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday A-L

Friday Five Ice Cream .... mmmmmm, ice cream. I didn't play, but I'm hungry now!
A.Lin
Hipstrzwif2b
Emily
Alice
Cathy
Kristin
Gord
RarGonia

Beth has discovered a kingdom-quiz -- check it out! Sue plays the bumper sticker quiz and provides some silliness... marble drop players, check out that score!! LutheranChik shares some flowers! I love those! These are the affirmations that keep us moving forward!

Lots of ponderings happening for Chaplain Mom. Chelley's Teapot reflects on life as a blogger -- and some statistics!

Tripp's doing a wedding -- lovely thoughts! Check out Sally's blog for some sermon blogging...

Kathryn has a book recommendation for us! Jean shares her thoughts on the DVC... not so much of a recommendation!

Gavo points us to some other conversations that are happening. Sophia wonders why she bothers. Carmen thinks about community and the church's role.

Jo(e)'s With-a-Why has made a breakthrough -- oh, how I remember that process of sticking something in my eye.

PreacherMom has had a week worth singing about. James is back, too -- looking forward to the pictures that you'll post! Net has been home alone with the daughter -- sounds like a good time! Erin's back from vacation and has caught up on the news and blogs! 'Tis the season for family reunions -- have fun, Jan!

That's the round-up from your Saturday Sub -- Cheers!

If I missed you, or you post later, or you want to say, "Hi," leave a comment!

IScream YouScream -- M to Z

It's great to return from a week of blogging events at the PCUSA General Assembly (otherwise known as PresbyFest) and catch up with my RevGalPals friends. No, I didn't attend, but watched via the miracle of streaming video and got a lot of information from commissioner bloggers as well.

Without further ado: the Saturday M to Z roundup of the blogs.

Reverendmother had lots of players for her Friday Five meme. Check the comments for the players and posts. It reminded me of a rhyme my grandmother used to say whenever ice cream was served: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

GENERAL CONVENTION AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY:

For many RevGals and Pals, the week was dominated by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA. Anyone reading the blogs knows that feelings were running high. Swandive posted a letter from her Bishop about the week's actions. RevMibi and Sister Mary Alternative each posted the open letter from African Bishop Akinola to the ECUSA, with comments. Ann posted her thoughts on the ECUSA GC. Poor St. Cassarole ran out of clothes at the Presbyterian GA in Birmingham, where she roomed with Cheesehead, but is now glad to be home, writing her sermon. Wendy still has enough energy after attending GA to host a "not-goodbye" party this evening!

Posts on the Christian Life:

Came from Mark who is closing in on a call to ministry, Christine Valters Painter (happy birthday, by the way!) who is exploring the inner rooms in her soul and urges you to do the same; PamBG who is out of college; Stacey who is noticing the imprints others leave on our lives; Psalmist who posts results of her favorite hymn/worship song survey; Jeff who explains his return to the blogosphere; Rebel who is seeking blogging buddies at a preaching conference in Sedona: and congratulations and best wishes for happiness to RevDrMom's daughter who is being married today...by RevDrMom herself!

Alternative Friday Five: posted by Rainbow Pastor who asks you to name 5 things you are glad you learned or wished you learned in seminary or ministry training.

Day by Day:

Pink Shoes posts beautiful scenes from an evening ride. Poor Reverendmother is suffering the torments of the damned in Teething Hell. (((hugs))) Well, someone can walk and chew gum at the same time--or is it walk and knit at the same time, Songbird? Maggie Dawn's son proves to be very clever in his pursuit of playmobiles. That's Lorna yachting around the islands, enjoying midsummer! Pearlbear discusses the recent study showing Americans are more isolated from each other than ever before. Revem shares a random collection of experiences while Amy is involved in a Treasure Hunt. Has Mary Beth found her cellphone yet? I rejoice in my return to real life from GA-land.

Newest BlogThing--spotted at Susan Rose's--your bumper sticker. Hers is: Jesus is Coming, Everyone Look Busy.

Many of our bloggers are off, enjoying summer vacations or attending camps and conferences. Traveling mercies to all of you on the road. If I missed you along the way this morning, please update us in the comments.

it's late, but it's still Friday! Five

We had thunderstorms, three inches of rain and winds of 60+ mph. R shut down and unplugged our computers and network, but we're back online now. Sorry for the delay--I even had the questions done ahead of time! Ah well...

Summer is here with a vengeance. We took the family out to Baskin-Robbins to celebrate. I have a special affection for B-R because it was my first job during high school. People told me I'd get sick of ice cream working there. Puh-leeze.

Without further ado:

1. Ice cream: for warm weather only or a year-round food?

2. Favorite flavor(s)

3. Cake cone, sugar cone, waffle cone, cup?

4. Childhood ice-cream memory

5. Banana splits: discuss.

(Feel free to answer the above based on your favorite frozen yogurt, sorbet, lactose-free, you name it.)

Bonus: Baskin-Robbins used to make ice-cream sodas. During the 18 months I worked there, I think I made about 3 tops. They're no longer on the menu, but you can still order them. Question: What are the ingredients/steps for making an ice cream soda?

As always, let us know if you play. Even better--include a link to your post!

Salutations on a Thursday

As reverend mommy is taken up with CPE for the time being, I'm filling in for her today and want to introduce two new bloggers to the Ring.

maggi dawn is a familiar name in the blogosphere, "an anglican priest thinking out loud about theology, life and faith." In a recent post, she wonders about the value of being authentic in describing our own faith struggles.

Jannine Maire blogs at Desert Faith, where she writes: "I'm practicing faith as well as I know how, learning all the time, within the Episcopal Church. I love Catholic social teaching and virtue ethics as well. Married to Ben and also devoted to a houseful of quadrupeds." Her recent posts discuss the actions of the General Convention and the source of her hope.

Please surf on over and greet our new members!

These additions, after our recent Spring Cleaning, bring us to a total of 160 blogs in the Webring. At this point, round-ups have become an enormous task, and your Matriarchs are engaged in a discussion of some different ways to use this blog space, with a vision of continuing to create community and to enable connections. The best way to do the latter is to visit other people's blogs and leave comments. Soon they will find their way back to yours, and the next thing you know you'll be rooming together at events and visiting each other on summer vacation!!

Wednesday Roundup (Or Not) From N-Z

Sorry Gang!

As is usually the case when I "take" (involuntarily) a "couple of days" (four days) "off" (for Annual Conference - as if it were a choice!), my plate is full and the gravy runneth over and onto the table. No end-of-the-alphabet Wednesday Round-up this week.

Please give me grace and do me a favor: Add your own round-up to the comments. And I thank you.

Non-Divisive Round Up: A thru M

Well, I guess it is a bit divisive towards N thru Z but I am sure the PCUSA will address that along with the other 390+ items of business I have been listening to over the internet...

PCUSA POSTS
A Church for Starving Artists
Cheesehead
My Backyard

EPISCOPAL POSTS
barefoot and laughing
Catherine +
Dash Goes to Church
Dylan's Grace Notes
Hazlenut Reflections (sort of)
Hit the Back Button to Move Fwd
Kinesis
Lutheran Chik

THE CHURCH
Eternal Echoes
Following Frodo

Personal Updates
Another Country
Mindy, Princess of Everything
Brother Terry
Chaplain Mom
Clever Title Here
navel gazing by Tripp
Fresh Cut Flowers
hipchickmamma
In the Open Space
jo(e)
A. Lin
Love During Wartime
Julie
Susan Rose
micah girl
Miranda

I know that wasn't pretty but the 'to do' list on this side of the computer screen is long.
{A sentence was here that included the word 'surly' but it sounded 'surly' and like it had an attitude problem so the author deleted it}

As always please feel free to comment....

If It's Tuesday...

this must be Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Hijacked Edition.

Cheesehead is away at General Assembly (PCUSA), and I am leaping in to share a thought that came from a colleague in my lectionary study group this morning.

We have two great stories this week, David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17, various verses) and Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41). The latter gives us this wonderful verse --

And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. (Mark 4:36a, NRSV)

Those are my italics. So, just how was Jesus that night?

My friend shared the story of a couple in her church who offered her a cabin for the middle weekend of her vacation, having noticed that she was all in, but not telling her so bluntly. She imagined Jesus so tired that the disciples had to bundle him into the boat, the way we might a child who has had a long day. Mark's gospel repeatedly refers to Jesus' withdrawing for prayer and rest. Just as he was, he rested in the back of the boat, asleep on a cushion, so drained he is not wakened by the storm.

But just as he was, he retained the power to calm the storm, to the amazement of his disciples. And they began to get a sense of who he really was.

David approached Goliath, too, just as he was, saying "no, thank you" to Saul's armor and picking up those five smooth stones from the wadi to use in his shepherd boy slingshot.

When I hear those words "just as" I am reminded of the old hymn, "Just As I Am," a sinner's song of approach to God. That's one aspect of our faith, recognizing that we don't deserve salvation based on the merits, any of us. But what if we turn that image around and find a different kind of encouragement in it? What is "just as I am" or "just as you are" is what we need to acknowledge in order to draw on the gifts and talents given to us by God in the first place?

What are you thinking about this week, lectionarily speaking?

Monday A-L

Your Monday guest rounder-upper Terrapin Station here, while she of the Pink Shoes is away at confirmation camp. She has left you some random thoughts to consider over at her place.

Howdy and Welcome to In The Open Space, who is musing on eternal life.


Let's have a Word of Prayer
Blessings to Jennifer/Claire as she works through her first weeks of CPE and thinks about death and dying. (How is that renaming going, BTW? Should we call you one or the other, or both?) HipChickMamma's been sick. BrickWall has been camping, but not fishing...too tired. She's also preparing for a meeting with her attorney. Hang in there, baby!

You say you want to read a redemption-type story? Go see Contemplative Chaplain. She's got a good'un.


Updates on Folks
StarvingArtists is taking the week off from church and ALL the kids are getting out of school! Kristin shares an introductory piece she wrote for her church newsletter, and I enjoyed it too.
More gorgeous photos from Peter, especially of the handmade Father's Day gift. HeavyRevvy writes about Father's Day, too, and her TWO dads. Love during Wartime has another of those snazzy self portraits. Sally is wildly in love with God, and Cats is HOT! and in New England, yet!


Churchy News
Presbyterian Flavor: BadAlice is headed to work at Big Denominational Assembly. Watch the M&M's! Cheesehead is in Birmingham giving exceptionally good advice and fashion tips. HipPastor'sWife2B is missing her husband, who is there too.

Episcopal Flavor: Catherine's reporting on the General Convention. Dash is among many of us welcoming newly elected Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, our first EVER female PB. Others include Dylan and Marie (both writing from Convention), Emily, Sophia, & Kinesis (who has a great idea for those fussy Fort Worthers, too!)

Methodist Flavor: Net reports that the Annual Convention was one of the BEST EVER! and they were dancing in the aisles.


Just For Fun!
Mindy is playing in a flip-flop exchange! Hurry on over if you want to play! Brother Terry's telling great stories. Leslee's Peanut, too. Joe's got a great beach meme - I'm off to do that one, next! Gord's had a panic as Blogger ate his work (NOT FUN) but he got it back, and luckily now "it looks less like a wanted poster.") (This reminds me to save early and often as I work here! Thanks, Gord!)


Vacation and Travel Tales
Cathy's looking for her lost suitcase - it may still be crusing the high seas. :( Kathryn's headed off on retreat (in a perfectly beautiful place!) and has left something for our reading pleasure in the meantime. GrandmaJean is at an assembly but it's a family type and sounds like great fun! JaneEllen is finishing packing, preparing to move, and working Diocesan youth camp.


Hope you all have had a blessed Monday! Please let us know in the comments if I've overlooked you, told an outright lie about what you said, or mistakenly assigned you to the wrong denomination in my report on all the big shindigs!

Monday M-Z

Please welcome new blogger, St. Inuksuk, at Signs Along the Way!

Zinnhead brings you on the spot reporting, while from further away, Jean celebrates the election of the ECUSA's new Presiding Bishop! As do Susie and Rev. Dr. Mom and swandive and willow and Mary Beth and mibi. And even the non-Episcopalians, like Mark, are getting in on the act!

Quotidian Grace has many links to bloggers at the PCUSA General Assembly.

Sister Christer and her chapter are engaged in a meeting, too.

And Michelle at Pearlbear considers what is going on in several denominations.

Amy has the best story I've read in the past two days.

Julie gives some thought to the different world of hospitals--
and Susan pays a visit to one with her mom; I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers. Rachel of thesamesky asks for your prayers, too, as she takes off for a week. And Natty is really "illin'".

Susan Rose explores the readings for today and the contrast between holding on and giving away. Christine considers Kauai and the Solace of Ancient Things.

one foot contemplates the body of Christ on Corpus Christi Sunday. Mike celebrates the light and the Light. Rachel of The Big Dunk continues thinking about the Real Presence; how many priests *does* it take to make it happen, Rachel? :-)

And why would spiritual formation be under attack, wonders the Psalmist?

ScoG Blog had an important interview.

Juniper68 just can't get enough summer vacation. Lorna has been working hard at Church Camp. Just reading the schedule makes me tired! And Tara rejoices about last summer's work at a Special Olympics camp. And because it is that special season of the year, Rev. Stacey has some Rules for Wedding Photographers.

will smama lives in her own special time zone.

RevHRod brings us the beauty of God via Gerard Manley Hopkins.

reverendmother updates us on the divine Miss M. Not a babysitting crisis?!?!! Ack!!! Ginger brings us into the workplace.

revabi is settling in to her new home.

And at my house, we're celebrating a birthday. That's my reason for the early round-up; I hope you'll leap into the comments if you post later!

Sunday Prayer and a Song

Holy One, Source of Life, Source of Peace, my prayer tonight is for peace. Not the kind of peace that is found in tension-filled cease-fires, but the real peace of forgiveness and grace between people that causes them to lay down their weapons.

God, I find myself wondering how many prayers for peace you have heard, no doubt in every language in every time through history. Human beings have long turned to you for the answer to our warring madness. You sent one such answer -- Jesus. He told us that peace would come if we loved you and loved each other the way he loved us. I believe he was right. We haven't yet been able to do these things that he asked of us, but we are trying.

God, we pray for you to bring us peace as if you could snap your fingers and make it happen. But it seems that we need to find it first within ourselves in order to make it real for us and those around us. So if there is any way you can guide our way and nudge us in just the right direction, well, that would be great. Amen.


"I Hope" is a great song by the Dixie Chicks. It's on their new CD "The Long Way Around" which is simply amazing. Here are the lyrics. They feel like an extension of the prayer....

Sunday morning, heard the preacher say
Thou shall not kill
I don't wanna, hear nothin' else, about killin'
And that is God's will
Cuz our children are watching us
They put their trust in us
They're gonna be like us
So let's learn from our history
And do it differently

CHORUS:
I hope
For more love, more joy and laughter
I hope
We'll have more than we'll ever need
I hope
We'll have more happy ever afters
I hope
We can all live more fearlessly
And we can lose all the pain and misery
I hope, I hope

Oh Rosie, her man he gets too rough
That's all she can say, is he's a good man
He don't mean no harm
He was just brought up that way
But our children are watching us
They put their trust in us
They're gonna be like us
It's okay for us to disagree
We can work it out lovingly

For I hope
For more love, more joy and laughter
I hope
You'll have more than you'll ever need
I hope
You'll have more happy ever afters
I hope
And you can all live more fearlessly
And you can lose all your pain and misery
I hope, I hope


There must be a way to change what's going on
No, I don't have all the answers

For I hope
For more love, more joy and laughter
I hope
You'll have more than you'll ever need
I hope
You'll have more happy ever afters
I hope
And you can all live more fearlessly
And you can lose all your pain and misery
I hope, I hope

I hope
I hope
I hope

Saturday From M to Z

Are we a sleep deprived bunch or what? Reverendmother's drew over 30 players to her Friday Five meme about sleep. Hit the sack, friends, and catch a few zzzz's.

Prayer List: Micah Girl is struggling with anxiety and Polar Bear is hurt and angered by betrayals. Chaplain Lydia is battling a nasty upper respiratory virus. Stumbling to Divinity is very discouraged by the call process. Jeff is taking a blogging break to concentrate on the focus os his mission and ministry. The Episcopalian and Presbyterian members of RGBP covet your prayers this week for the ECUSA's General Convention in Columbus and the PCUSA's General Assembly in Birmingham.

What's Happening: Susan Rose is amused by outdated city ordinances. Congratulations to Jean who finished knitting her first purse! Can't imagine why Sister Steph would go on retreat right after Junior High Camp, can you? Rebel needs stylin' advice, sisters--Fashionistas, get thee hence to her place. Speaking of fashion, I'm betting that St. Cassarole and roomie Cheesehead are among the best-dressed at Presbyfest. Or at least they're not wrinkeld. CPE is causing Reverend Mommy to sink beneath the weight of unread blogs. Lorna is at Marcy's cabin on the shores of Lake Erie. Stacey is all about getting in shape. Ginger relates funny stories from customer service. Miranda is distracted by Britney Spears, the Dallas Mavericks, World Cup and General Assembly. Amy's son is reading a story that almost made him cry. And I'm collecting Daddyisms in honor of Father's Day.

Notes on Faith and Religion were posted by... Musings Out of the Fog who reviews the book Blood Done Sign My Name by Timothy Tyson. One Foot ponders the need for sacred space. Pam BG wonders if Christians should be asking " Have you fallen in love with God?" There's an interview of church musician Ken Medema that Psalmist wants you to read. The topic at The Art of Sacred Living is "what nourishes your soul?"

Welcome to Thesamesky, new RGBP blogger from the UK!

I hope you will have a great weekend. If I missed you, please let us know in the comments!

Saturday A-L

Glory Be!
LutheranChik got a good result from her extra mammograms. Not that they weren't painful. Kinesis is looking for a home and preparing for first worship with her new congregation. Sophia's house has SOLD! Hurray! Leslee's got some updated 10 Commandments.

Father's Day
Kathryn has a wonderful post about her Dad.

What's Up?
New self portrait at Love during Wartime. Contradictory Notions has a great recipe for us. Tripp's got some great videos of fiddlin'. Chaplain Mom is funeralizing. Lots of that going on. Brother Terry's heard a hard teaching...but a good one. Go see Blanket for some thoughts and info on bringing the troops home. Mindy's got a NEW cow in her collection! BethQuick is reading Brian McLaren. Kristin is settling in and listening. Katherine shares random thoughts.

Conventions, Conferences, and other Gatherings of Persons
Brash, Dramatic & Outspoken is among the group telling us about the ECUSA convention. I love what she wrote about the Integrity Eucharist. Emily points a little oopsie in one of the Convention headlines, and Dylan has another one. Catherine is reporting and writing, too. Cheesehead is writing from the Big Presbyterian Event, and I regret I do not know its exact name. She is working hard and rooming with St. Casserole, so fun will surely also be had.

Travel
PreacherMom is preparing for her week at Montreat. CamelDance is on her way to Ethiopia! Clever Title is going on retreat to Hurghada, and if you want to know more, go click her link. Cathy is on a cruise ship in the Atlantic!

Coolness
Sue has the coolest backpack ever, and some other good stuff too. JaneEllen is VERY VERY SMART, in fact a genius! Go to the site to see if you, too, are brilliant. Hit the Back Button writes about the effect of bloggers on the Baptists. Net has been so very busy, but God sent her to all the right places. Gord now knows what Shakespeare character he is. Cats is home! that is, back in her house and back on the net. Sally is AWESOME! Chelley has a photo essay in 2 parts - please read in order.

Generalities
Carmen gives a review of the new movie Nacho Libre, and HipChickMamma has a new show to recommend. Girl has been called down for dress code violations. Gee, I thought high school was the end of that!? SpiritMist is considering a tattoo...if want a vote, go see her. Peter's doing some great dog-blogging! Starving Artists considers control and relinquishment of it.

Animalia
Jo(e)'s houseguest is afraid of cats. Really afraid!

Please Pray
for HeavyRevvy's friends Larry & Linda (and celebrate that she won race tickets via radio!) Gallycat's considering job changes; give that a prayer, and also Brick Wall for peace, and for safe travel on her fishing trip!

Blessings, y'all!

friday fiveZzzzzzz....

Well, it's 9:00 p.m. on Thursday night, and I'm posting the Friday Five a little early, then going to bed. Yes, I'm really that tired. Which brings me to this week's Friday Five: sleep!

1. In what kind of environment do you sleep best? (e.g. amount of light and noise, temperature, number of pillows, breathe-right strip, sleeping in the buff, etc.)

2. How much sleep do you need to feel consistently well-rested?
How much can you get by on?
What are the consequences when you don't get enough?

3. Night owl or morning person?

4. Favorite cure for insomnia

5. To snooze or not to snooze? Why or why not?

G'night.

Do Over (A thru M)

Somewhere in cyberspace there is the beginning to this round-up. I shall not cry. I shall not pout. I shall not make all of you suffer with yet another excuse of why there is no Wednesday round-up.... but Mr. Blogger... I am watching you.

LIVING AND LEARNING
Jan is learning some valuable lessons from the extra men under her roof.
Barefoot and Laughing in Possible Water's House!
Will someone please go over and answer Mindy's questions.
Brother Terry is gardening... and not just for veggies.
Cheesehead is taking the road of communication - good call imho.
Of Meat and Men by Tripp.
Kathryn is learning how to handle conflict.
Hipchickmamma goes to mondo conference and fights off the urge to rebel.
Gavin invites us into some conversations.
Carmen introduces the Superman as Savior discussion to the webring.
Kinesis is back from Mexico.
Some quotes from micah girl.
A book review from musings.
Miranda gives us everything from the Princess Bride to poetry to the cat and the bear.


GETTING PERSONAL
Quiet! It will have to be a quiet raid on the inarticulate as she has a bit of a err, headache.
You must read about Blanket in the Grove's new print.
Chaplain Mom just got busy with Nancy Reagan... you heard me.
Spiritmists needs some artistic guidance.
Cats is back.
James has found his inner European.
Hazlenut reports in.
Of books and cute quotes that can only be found in real life.
Got logic?
I Will Sing has got five things.
Jo(e) has got a video on her site... no worries though - all clothes are on.
Kim has got more than one thing going bump in the night.
Is she brash,dramatic and outspoken or loud, brash and dramatic? Either way she is Episcopalian and hanging out at the General Convention. Jean also has the Episcopalian Church on her mind.
Minnesota preacher woman has two father's day cards.
Susan Rose needs some dream analysis.

DID YOU KNOW THERE IS A RETRO PICTURE TREND?
Poor Mad Peter
Any Day a Beautiful Change
And a retro memory trend.
Here too.

LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER...
Against a Brick Wall.
The humaness of our churches.
Eternal Echoes' leadership team.
Our tortured environment.
Thanks God, Net needed that.
Larry.
Amy and the Ethiopian Team.
LutheranChik!
Wendy and family as they enter another part of the journey.

G'Nite.... and as always please feel free to comment.

Wednesday Round-up From N-Z

Wow! Life is surely busy these days. Daughter #2 is rock-climbing somewhere over the Potomac River this week and I'm trying to tie up loose ends before John and I head off to our Annual Conference tomorrow. Also trying to make sure John has what he needs to start packing for a mission trip to Mexico on Monday. Phew!

On to the Round-up:

From the Road-Tripping File: NotShyChiRev sends greetings from Birmingham. pearlbear is on her way east via Salt Lake City. (Welcome, pb!) OTR is blogging from Ireland, while zinnhead and swandive are reporting in from the Episcopal General Convention. Future road-tripping for Stumbling Toward Divinity who's off to San Antonio for the ELCA Youth Gathering the first weeks of July.

For Vicar of Dibley Fans: Ruth has the COMPLETE set of the Vicar of Dibley on DVD. I'm jealous! And Rev Em recommends "Beneath the Cassock: The Real Life Vicar of Dibley" by Joy Caroll, the inspiration behind our favorite series.

Quizzes: There's a bunch of quizzes showing up this week. Possible Water asks "What Musical are You?" Sister Christer invites us to find out "Which Shakespeare Play Are You?" And guess which Princess Bride Character will smama is? Hint: She'll be mah-vel-ous!

Theology to Ponder: Mike is thinking about the Sacred Feminine and not in a gnostic sort of way. Christine over at the Sacred Art of Living is blogging about "Contemplative Living (T. Merton) as Justice-Making." Good stuff!

Welcome: And speaking of Christine and Pearlbear - Welcome! Also, Hellos!, Howareyas? and "Gladyerheres" to Rachel From the Same Sky who shares a poignant blog about a family member with Alzheimers. Prayers for you, love! Praying on the Prairie and her Perkins fix. And the Psalmist who shares with us her pet grammar peeves. Are you sure we're not related? Daughter #2 is forever correcting our grammar. We tell her she is doing good!

This and That: Scott over at Nachfolge invites us to west central Minnesota to watch the Prairie Wind Players. PamBG gives us "10 Commandments for the Internet Age" and is looking forward to the new BBC reality series "The Convent." Scog Blog wants to write ... but not a 2000 word essay on St. Benedict. Happy Anniversary to Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Philosophy Over Coffee. Caroline has a wonderful Father's Day tribute to her earthly and Heavenly fathers.

Chaplain Lydia posts her Sunday sermon. Rebel Without a Pew asks, "Now that you are an adult What's your favorite Bible story?" Quotidian Grace (who missed her calling as a country-and- western songwriter) offers us "Giant Rabbit Fu-Fu, Part 2" and asks for our prayers for the PCUSA General Assembly. You got it! Reverend Mommy blogs about her experiences in CPE Land. Reverend Mother is pleased to report a tooth for Miss M! Songbird can't find her birth certificate because she put it away in a "safe" place. Being Shielded has a really cool 5-in-Various-Places Meme. Lorna is volunteering at a work camp and talks about Bookcrossing (Booksharing). Good read!

Stacey is recovering from her best friend's wedding (Didn't they make that into a movie?) Rachel at The Big Dunk confesses that she likes confession. PeripateticPolarBear is having a heckuva bad day. Pastor Amy shares a joyous baptism in the river. Check out the petunias and posies at Singing Owl's place. Natty is doing a bit of fund-raising to add to her "Get Me to the Convent" Fund. Ever thought of setting up a PayPal on your blog, Natty? And Yoda Beth says the job is going well, considering she's been left to her own devices. Good deal!

Help, please: Sister Steph is till looking for assistance and Pink Shoes wants recommendations for expansion of her musical repertoire.

Prayers: We're sending up prayers for Scog Blog who will be doing her denominational candidate interviews on Saturday. Mibi asks for prayers for her daughter undergoing outpatient surgery today. To Chickpastor - condolences on the death of her grandfather and praises to God on the baptism of her son. Carol is less than ten weeks away from delivering her baby son. We pray for God's comfort for Mary Beth and her husband on the unexpected passing of a dear family friend. And, with Willow and QG, we all offer our prayers on behalf of the Episcopal General Convention, the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly and the Southern Baptist Convention.

Until next week ... adios. Please leave a comment if you wish.

Cheesehead's "Please Lean On Each Other, Y'all" edition of Lectionary Leanings

I am getting ready to travel to our denomination's General Assembly. I have a guest preacher lined up. Can you guess how much interest I have in the lectionary texts this week?

Please talk amongst yourselves...

Monday A-L

Welcome to Valentine Spirit who is pondering the idea of blogging as spiritual practice. Head on over to share your experiences.

Katherine shares some things she's been liking lately... Abiding does so in joy and dancing... really lovely. Anna explores being visual.

Everytime I read Peter, I find something poignant and well-written. Scroll through and there are some great pictures, too. Beth shares some thoughts from the assembly.

Mindy's son is home and has her asking an interesting question ... one I'm not qualified to answer! JWD has an HBO recommendation. Carolyn has had a rare morning off -- aren't those fabulous?

Canticles has been handed some lemons -- rats! Sally's hair should be orange... taken in combination with the post on the 12th... hmmmm...

Cute picture alert. New blog template, which I have to say is adorable and fabulous, over at Girl's place. Well done!!

It's summer time at Leslee's... mmmm... summertime. Contemplative Chaplain is on vacation, and if Coon Hollar accepts reservations... i'll be the first in line!

Kathryn has been busy! Net is tired -- and I can't say I blame her. Kirstin does a quick check in. Hope you feel settled soon! Nothing like moving chaos into order... these pictures even inspired me...!

Jean is finally reading it... It's ok, I, um, haven't yet. I have, however, stopped by Jo(e)'s blog... If you haven't stopped by Jo(e), well, you just don't know what you're missing!

Emily and Lutheranchik share their thoughts on the Trinity. Help Kim turn an experience into a sermon. Jan wants to hear from the men... That would be you, o Pals of the RevGals...

Jane Ellen brings prayers for those whose church bodies face divisive decisions this week. May God be with you all.

If I've missed you, as always, please let us know in the comments. I did this round-up in two parts and in between had a margarita with a friend! Cheers, dear ones, cheers!

Your Monday M-Z Round-up

Monday again? Why are the weeks whipping 'round so relentlessly? Here are some highlights for this Monday, M-Z, with a few from the latter part of Sunday, too.

Willow posts about the Feminist of the Day, who happens to be one of my favorite writers, Dorothy L. Sayers. Jean wonders if we'll ever be able to see.

Rebel Without a Pew seeks your input on a matter of judgment. And Sister Steph is clever enough to put a fold in her post, but she still needs your thoughts about youth ministry!

Zinnhead checks in from the General Convention. RuthRE shares what she learned on her su...well, somewhere. Carol reports on her Annual Conference. And swandive has lots to say about the Young Adult Festival.

Mark attended another sort of gathering.

ChiRev tells us what it's like to be on the No Fly list and how sometimes it's better not to take off at all. Musings Out of the Fog appreciates the kindness of friends. New RGBP member one foot shares her vision of Purgatory.

PamBG is in the home stretch! Pink Shoes is all about the acronymns. Juniper68 gets quizzed by her blog.

will smama enjoyed a visit to the Cute Dentist. (And we are glad you are blogging again!)

mibi has some mighty sweet grandchildren. revem attends a seminar on practical theology, led by her 6-year-old.

Lorna feels she has had a taste of paradise, and so does Rachel, but in a different way. Singing Owl explores how we feel welcomed, or not, in worship. And Psalmist is holding a survey of favorite hymns or worship songs.

peripatetic polar bear gives us the weekend highlights. The Vicar of Wadley contemplates a name change to go along with her change of address. And I escaped to a quiet place this afternoon.

Well Met on a Monday Morning

Friends, I would like to introduce to you three new members of our WebRing and encourage you to go and say hello!

Meet The Psalmist, who says, "I'm a middle-aged Christian musician who thinks the two Great Commandments, the Golden Rule, and the Great Commission pretty much cover how human beings ought to live together." You will find her at The Psaltery.

And now say hello to one foot, who writes, "Having one foot in the boat and one foot still on shore is precarious but it keeps things interesting. One Foot is also about putting one foot in front of the other, the only way I know to work your way through uncertainty." You will find her at One foot in the boat.

And last but not least, welcome Tara at Praying on the Prairie, who says, "I am just a down-to-earth girl who has taken the call to follow God in Word and Service...Pondering God's Call in the wide-open spaces and prairies of ND."

If you are reading this and have clicked on the "join" button for the ring but don't see your blog on the list yet, it's because you haven't successfully added some html code to your blog. If you need help figuring out what that is or how to do it, please e-mail me at revsongbird@gmail.com.

And if you are a longer-time member and don't have the code on your blog, beware that this is the week for Blogroll Spring Cleaning. If you need help to re-install code after doing some template renovation, or if you let the code go because you really don't want to be in the Ring after all, let me know that, too. Thanks!

Don't Forget

To go by the Ordinary Time website to read the daily devotional. After all, you all wrote them!

Saturday M to Z on Sunday

It's summertime, and the living is...really rainy for a lot of you. Songbird inspired lots of players in her Friday Five questions about rain. Check the comments in her post to link to the players. My sympathies to you whose spirits are dragging in the dreary weather. You can send some down here to Texas where it's been sunny, hot and too dry.

On the Road Again! Rev. Mibi sold her house--congratulations--as she prepares for the move to seminaryland. Revem is also making plans for a move to a new house. The new space is completed and Amy Butler posts pictures to show the move to her church's expanded and renovated area. New Webring member Michelle Murrain of Pearlbear's Blog is looking forward to a road trip. OTR Girl finds Anam Cara ( a "soul friend") while traveling in Ireland. Speaking of Ireland, MikeF waxes lyrical about the Old Sod, Dorset and God's Creation. Lorna is still cycling after all these years. Steph wonders if she is REALLY on vacation. Poor Polar Bear's car is smoking with indignation over the heinous commutes to summer school. Want the latest from the Episcopal General Convention in Columbus? Check out Zinnhead's on the spot reports.

Assorted Weekend Topics: Jeff has a thoughtful review of Mark Driscoll's book Confessions of a Reformission Rev. Pink Shoes is up early and submits her own Friday Five on the subject of coping with sleeplessness. Rebel seeks advice about a tough judgment call. You'll want to read Reverendmother's letter on baptism, part 1. Reverendmommy posts the lyrics to the "song that always makes me cry." Me, too. Please welcome Christine V. Paintner, of The Sacred Art of Living, another new webring member. Her blog is " a place for conversation around the intersectiojn of spirituality, creativity and the arts." I know a lot of you will be interested in visiting it. Finally, I have an updated report on the case of the atheist church member.

Summer Fun: Rev Scott is playing the guitar in the pit band for a community theatre musical. Rock on! Mark can't wait to see Jimmy Buffet's concert. Rachel met a fellow RevGal at a kitchen party. There will be a gorgeous duet in worship this morning at Mary Beth's church. Susan Rose finally saw Audrey Hepburn's movie The Nun's Story and loved it. Miranda is tickled by pictures of the cat that treed a bear. Willow is knitting up a storm. And Yodabeth has discovered summer clothing!

Weather Woes, Continued: Our own Songbird is trying to find light behind the clouds with her yarn collection, 2 great movies, 1 great book, and planning a trip to the UK later in the summer (among other things), so she's doing alright. Rev Dr Mom confesses to weather-related anxiety anticipating her daughter's OUTDOOR wedding in a couple of weeks. As a mother-of-the-bride-to-be, I feel your pain!

Wet or dry, I hope your weekend leaves you refreshed and ready to tackle the new week. If I missed you, please leave a comment.

Sunday Prayer

Holy One, Creator and Author of life, bless us as we worship this day. Thank you for the power and potential of the day before us, and guide our steps as we navigate our way through it.

On this Trinity Sunday, we are so bold as to explore the nature of your Being. Of course, our images cannot contain you, but they can help us to know you in different ways. Forgive us the limits of our imagination and open our hearts and minds to your mysterious presence in our midst.

Let the wind of the Spirit stir up holy chaos in those human spirits that need some freshness and renewed faith. Where there is hurt, may the Spirit bring comfort. Where there is war, may she bring true peace. Where there is complacency, may the Spirit's mighty fire ignite a call to justice. Help us to recognize where the wind of the Spirit is blowing into our own lives, that we might better love and serve you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Saturday M to Z Is ALSO coming Sunday...probably

Since Mary Beth posted her notice about the weekend update, I also need to let you know that I probably will not be posting the M to Z review until Sunday, either. Tomorrow I am hosting a baby shower Chez Grace and then have plans for the rest of the day. So look for the update sometime Sunday afternoon or evening.

Cheers!

Here comes Saturday A-L (Late Edition)

Stories from CPE
Roundup starts with tears in my eyes at the amazing and wonderful experiences Jennifer/Claire has had in her first night of CPE on-call. Praying for her and ReverendMommy and everyone doing CPE this summer (did I miss anyone?)

Felicitations!
TammyJo celebrates marriage, engagement, young love, and willingness to commit. Mindy shares a gratitude list and calls for players for an ephemera swap. Blanket in the Grove has enjoyed a "fresh Saturday" and continues to explore her new 'hood. Bad Alice is reading Paste and has good news!


We Wonder as we Wander
The Travelers Together (Bible in 90 Days group) are in various places in the Old Testament. StarvingArtists is wondering what men want? So if you are a man, please go tell her. (Brother Terry is going to ask for directions...that's what HE wants!) Cheesehead wonders what will happen in her upcoming absence with...THE RUNAWAY PARISHIONER! Tripp considers the fate of the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Longing for Home is looking through her high school bible and pondering the changes in her life since then. LutheranChik is pondering Garrison Keillor's Lutheranism and the way the GK movie was reviewed on NPR.

Just Plain Funny
Go read about Sue's wordless conversation with a stranger at Overpriced Coffee Place. Jo(e) and DH have been travelling and ended up in the Honeymoon Suite! after 22 years of marriage, yet. Great story.

Updates and Other Blessings
Great to have an update from Mary - lots going on! We are praying for you!
Peter's Friday poetry has a Finnish theme. BethQuick's reflecting on the UMC Annual Conference. Katherine shares information on the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Against a Brick Wall has some particularly poignant lyrics for us. Canticles is back from her job interview and thinks it went well! HOORAY!
Cathy is buying a new house, going on a cruise, buying amazing daylilies, and MORE! CleverTitle is starting her goodbyes. Contradictory Notions is feeling evangelism catch fire! Speaking of which, go see photos of Dash's Pentecost paraments and and other fiery ornamentation! wonderful. Girl finally got that new template up and it rocks. Grandma Jean's giving a life update. HipPastorZWife considers...children in church (ie her own) and I think the important thing is, she is considering it!
Great to see Kim back and read about her Memorial Day travel-extravaganza! Singing at St. John the Divine, yet!

GavoWeb has sister photos and an update on an...erm...extraordinary & flawed tattoo. JaneEllen has a new cat to go with her new move, new ministry, new house!... she leaves for all of these in 3 weeks. Sophia has an official seminary assignment, and a house to sell!

Brash & Dramatic thinks about (eventually) eaving school teaching and the amazing kids that she loves as her own.

Love During Wartime provides photo-proof that planting at the new moon works! Great to hear from Luctor et Emergo who is busy and busy; please keep her dog Addie in your prayers.

Prayers
Catherine is praying and thinking about the upcoming General Convention of the ECUSA, and I bid you all to join.

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted...
Contemplative Chaplain is on vacation! Leslee's not on vacation, but has been embarked on a new and wonderful program of body consideration. It is a change and that's a great blessing. Gallycat, too, has been trying something new (a mini-vacation?) Good on ya! Kinesis is off to Zihuatanejo, Mexico for a week - one of my favorite places to go offline. Blessings to you! Anyone else heading off soon? Give us details in the comments!

Theology
Sally considers Atonement. Dylan's sharing thoughts about the Trinity. Emily shares her Trinity sermon, complete with visual aids! Goooood technique! Gold star!

Wow
Don't know where else to classify Kathryn's posts on her Mothers' Union talks: Answering God's Call. And also the poem that she shares (book reference given, Amazon here I come!)

Participation, please
The HeavyRevvy is wondering about your most recent crisis of faith and how that all worked out. If you'd like to share, go over and tell about it.

Have returned from Mertzon, TX and environs. Thanks for your patience with the late roundup and your good wishes for my trip, which was fast but fun. My sister's home is so peaceful. I find that to be true in every home where she lives...hmm...maybe it has something to do with her! :)

I'm so grateful this evening that I have the opportunity to revel in all of your amazing writing and thinking. Thanks to each of you for participating, and for letting me round up! Blessings to all.

Friday Five: Rain

In my little corner of the world, it has been a very, very, very rainy spring. It is hard to think of anything else. Today's Friday Five asks, then, five questions about rain, all intended to help us look on the bright side of life. Let a smile be your umbrella!!

1. Favorite way to spend a rainy day

2. Favorite song about rain

3. Favorite movie featuring rain

4. Favorite piece of raingear, past or present

5. Favorite word for rain

Let us know in the comments if you play!

Dear Blogger (A thru M)

Dear Blogger,

I realize that in the grand scheme of the internet universe I am merely a blip. However, I consider my time to be just as important as anyone else's so when I set aside not one time, not two times not three times but FOUR TIMES to fulfill my revgalblogpal responsibilities with a round-up (A thru M) then I except blogger to be working at least one of those four times.

Channeling my Jersey girl let me conclude by suggesting that if you do this to me again I shall hunt you down and pull off your posts one by one until you scream for mercy.

Truly Yours,
Will Smama

Sorry - No Wednesday Round-up N-Z on Thursday

Sorry about the Wednesday Round-up from N to Z! I spent yesterday with a dying parishoner and his family until Jesus came and took him home to heaven. What holy priviledges we are given!

Today will be spent doing yesterday's routine tasks ... like the bulletins, sermon prep, all that good stuff.

Let us know what on your heart and mind! Drop a comment and we'll stop in!

The "Sometimes Lectionary Leanings are a Procrastination Tool" Edition

I'm trying like heck to avoid writing two worship bulletins, so I guess I'd better muse homiletically instead.

As others have noted, this week is the celebration of Trinity Sunday, in my opinion a peculiar celebration, since it is all about an idea which does not appear in Scripture. Nevertheless, it appears on church calendars everywhere.

I will be concentrating on Paul's letter to the Church in Rome this week. This text to me sounds more like an Advent text than one to visit right before Ordinary Time. In the beginning of the carefree days of summer, who wants to think about the groaning of all creation? Many folk in our churches will have graduations, weddings, and family vacations on their minds, not Paul's "sufferings of the present time".

What is our responsibility to our church community at this time? I'm seriously considering switching to an every-other-year schedule for the Trinity. I wonder if anyone would even miss it. I keep thinking about a question that PCIT posed earlier this week. What will you do with this whole concept of Trinity Sunday? And if not Trinity Sunday, then what?

What are you musing this week?