tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32352855808314964662012-01-19T17:49:23.896-05:00"Faith sustains us in the hour when reason tells us we cannot continue, that the whole of our lives is without meaning"<br> - quote from <i>Brother Alwyn</i> in the Babylon 5 episode <i>The Deconstruction of Falling Stars</i>Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.comBlogger1571100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-61523809926355852742012-01-11T11:48:00.005-05:002012-01-11T13:26:38.593-05:00

I've not posted in a while, about 4 months or so. Its not because there hasn't been things to comment on, just that others were doing it so much better than I.However, next week the Fellowship of Presbyterians is having their Convocation Gathering in Orlando. I'll be there, along with 2,000 or so others. Some to hear what is going on, some to make a decision to affiliate/join/whatever with

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-68490762327803670772011-09-03T18:47:00.003-04:002011-09-03T18:58:53.886-04:00

Lets contrast the welcoming, inclusive & liberal More Light Presbyterian gathering being held in Rochester NY, with the evangelical Fellowship of Presbyterians gathering in Minneapolis. Fellowship: Access for all ?? - check! All included in table conversations? - check! Access to any and all seminars, breakouts? - check! More Light: Access for all? - no All included in table conversations

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-86928357608520148832011-09-03T12:09:00.007-04:002011-09-03T12:37:33.661-04:00

Its been a week since the Fellowship of Presbyterians gathering in Minneapolis. There was a lot of information to try to digest via tweets, so I waited for some attendees to put their thoughts together. Here is a overview of the gathering from an attendee. The Fellowship gathering was defined by its worship. The first worship, the night before the conference began, had more than a thousand.

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-6793979561192956042011-08-25T19:21:00.002-04:002011-08-25T20:02:27.623-04:00

This week, the Fellowship of Presbyterians are holding their August conference. Many evangelical Presbyterians are trying to follow the meeting by using Twitter. A hashtag was created for the meeting to make it very easy to follow the conversation: #MN2011. There are some at the conference who are giving a fairly good play by play of the proposals. Very informative, and very exciting

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-13675769865284942192011-08-19T21:19:00.007-04:002011-08-20T15:20:10.422-04:00

The Presbyterian Outlook today posted an article about the Mexican Presbyterian Church's (INPM) voting to end its partnership with the PC(USA) after 139 years. It seems that, along with evangelical Presbyterian in the PC(USA), the INPM is upset with the recent change to the ordination standards in the Book of Order. The Outlook reported "The PC(USA) representatives asked their Mexican

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-49043660108840305982011-08-17T10:51:00.008-04:002011-08-17T12:19:25.919-04:00

OK ... the title looks interesting, and it does have some background behind it. It is the title of a Babylon 5 episode where the commander of the Babylon 5 station declares its independence from Earthgov. Earthgov, directed by its power hungry president, has brutally suppressed any dissent from what the president, and his allies (both on Earth and in space) have decided. Capt. John

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-36103767899431240282011-08-06T17:02:00.003-04:002011-08-06T17:46:16.889-04:00

gobsmackedWorld English Dictionarygobsmacked (ˈɡɒbˌsmækt) — adj slang ( Brit ) astounded; astonished My initial reaction to the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission decisions this week not to make any decisions, was that of stunned silence. Having been to Scotland a few times, and a frequent viewer of BBC America, the British slang word gobsmacked came

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-46408807438802221622011-07-21T08:59:00.005-04:002011-07-23T12:04:45.685-04:00

I've not written much in the past month or so, even though there's so much that I could write about. The PC(USA) is in the midst of an upheaval that has not been seen since the days before the 'reunion' of the PCUS and UPCUSA. However, that's not why I decided to write this post today .... As many of you know, the PC(USA) finished voting on the amendments that were submitted to the

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-51025656440087110852011-06-08T13:13:00.003-04:002011-06-08T13:50:19.813-04:00

As a Reformed Catholic in the PC(USA), I've tried to conform to the teachings of Scripture and the Book of Confessions. Yet, I've just skimmed most of the Westminster Confession of Faith, and read some of the shorter Confessions.However, with the recent votes on adding Belhar to the list of Confessions in the BOC, I thought it a good idea to think about holding a Bible study on some of them. I

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-2129907897573489002011-06-08T04:24:00.002-04:002011-06-08T05:18:17.266-04:00

The Presbyterian Outlook yesterday (June 7th) came out with an online article proclaiming the passage of the New Form of Government by a majority of Presbyteries. It also announced that the Belhar Confession, written for a specific time and place (apartheid and separate churches in South Africa) was voted down by over 1/3 of Presbyteries. The way they phrased it, "the Belhar Confession has been

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-57171662879403737972011-04-27T15:47:00.004-04:002011-04-27T16:13:00.814-04:00

I was having a conversation with SWMBO about life after 10A. Her response is that while the PC(USA) slowly abandons the teaching about not conforming to the world, she's going to continue to preach about Christ, His death and resurrection to redeem us, and His teaching to Go and sin no more. That said, if our state decided to OK same-sex weddings, she'd give up any right to certify civil

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-220962458184957852011-04-14T07:56:00.004-04:002011-04-14T08:05:10.358-04:00

Many evangelicals in the PC(USA) have thrown in the towel over the news that South Louisiana flipped their vote from supporting biblical ordination standards, to against this past weekend.One blogger notes that since 2008 when the last go round happened and biblical standards were supported in S.L.P, about 7 or so churches left the denomination for a more biblically faithful denomination. He

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-21006660167823746822011-02-04T16:05:00.005-05:002011-02-04T16:50:00.214-05:00

A few weeks ago, a group of tall steeple pastors met in Scottdale, AZ to discuss the state of the PCUSA. All of these pastors are firmly in the moderate to conservative branch of the denomination.A letter introducing the White Paper, along with the White Paper itself was published on the Presbyterian Outlook websiteAs expected there are a few responses, some for, most against. There is much

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-12163454729861480522011-02-03T20:50:00.004-05:002011-02-03T21:16:32.058-05:00

As I approach my sixth decade (good grief, did I actually write that), I've been realizing that there are things I wanted to do but never got around, or had the patience to do.One of which was to get my Amateur (ham) Radio License. I was really into shortwave (SWR) radio listening when I was younger, even bought and built a Heathkit receiver for use when I was stationed in Greece to listen to

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-37442500740054674302011-01-16T07:37:00.004-05:002011-01-16T07:48:10.847-05:00

Its been snowing here in Cannoli, PA for the past week. Not heavy amounts, but enough that I need to head out at least once a day and clear the back door and walk. The good news is that that's the only area I have to do, the front of the manse is handled by the church. My wife does the area from the manse to her office. The joke is, her office is on the other side of the connecting door

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-53612251098882679462010-12-25T04:47:00.003-05:002010-12-25T04:52:42.454-05:00

This year my wife, the Pastor, asked if I'd like to assist as one of the readers in our Christmas Eve, Lessons, Carols and Candlelight service. I said, sure, as long as I get to read Luke 2:8-18 from the KJV.Now I didn't have a blanket, but with a missing front tooth, I did sound somewhat like Linus. Have a safe, Merry and Holy Christmas.

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-87849970991224358872010-12-16T00:25:00.002-05:002010-12-16T00:43:42.170-05:00

Saw this movie the day it came out, on an IMAX screen. Loved the movie, but didn't write about it. Went to see it again last week on a smaller screen, and I must say, my reaction is the same. Its almost like reading the book !! Steve Kloves, who's adapted the books for most of the movies was right when he convinced the producer David Heyman to spread the last book into two movies. You

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-23200620976199242042010-12-14T18:53:00.003-05:002010-12-14T19:05:00.089-05:00

Caught this on Church and World (Presbyweb) today: Presbyterians sued over alleged sex abuse. Now normally I wouldn't worry about this, as the denomination does not have a central authority. However; with all the litigation by churches trying to separate the PCUSA to another denomination while keeping their property; the PCUSA has been arguing with with provided legal assistance, or friend of

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-29572228054021253072010-12-07T14:56:00.003-05:002010-12-07T15:34:24.766-05:00

Its been an interesting month here in Cannoli PA. My wife, the Pastor has been preparing for Advent and Christmas. The local minister's group planned a Live Nativity, and I've been putting up the Christmas decorations.Now we've never done the Santa, sleigh, reindeer, and elves thing in front of our house at any time. The first year we were married, we went out to buy some outdoor lights

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-83752328609337013752010-11-08T20:48:00.003-05:002010-11-08T21:15:40.822-05:00

Its been a great few weeks away from semi-retirement. I do have a business which I've talked about here BTW .. I will send a small check for referrals !!As I mentioned in my previous post, we hit Montreat, then headed further south to see my in-laws, my sisters, and the Mouse. I had a good time with the in-laws and the sisters, but I had FUN in Orlando.Every time I hit Walt Disney World I'm

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-10081824890389434332010-10-21T06:26:00.003-04:002010-10-21T07:27:52.954-04:00

I've just returned from the Wee Kirk conference at Montreat. Over 280 Presbyterian ministers, CLPs, elders and deacons spent a few days in worship, in workshops, and just enjoying the time at Montreat. Montreat in October is gorgeous, and the temperatures are comfortable during the day, and nicely cool at night. All in all, a great place for a gathering of small steeple leaders to connect

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-6733572976494212682010-09-14T05:01:00.007-04:002010-09-14T05:55:01.189-04:00

Have you been to the PCUSA website since they unveiled the remodel ??The site looks great, although the proclamation on the main page I'm proud to be a Presbyterian because we are God-centered is a bit a farcical at this point in time, and shows a bit of hubris. There are other denominations who are Presbyterian also, but that's neither here nor there.My main problem with the new PCUSA website

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-82440635364995243902010-09-01T22:13:00.003-04:002010-09-01T22:36:18.195-04:00

The General Assembly PJC just released a decision on a case where a session approved ordination of a elder-elect in a committed same-sex relationship. In the course of the Session's examination of the candidate for elder, he stated that he was fully compliant with the requirements of the BOO paragraph G-6.0106b, commonly known as the Fidelity and Chastity requirement.In this case the Session

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-89420651980872815582010-08-27T17:57:00.004-04:002010-08-27T18:45:19.477-04:00

In a decision that follows the letter of the PCUSA Constitution, but not the Spirit of the Constitution; the PJC of the Redwoods Presbytery has convicted Rev. Jane Spahr of representing a same sex wedding as a ceremony of Christian Marriage, and signing the Certificate of Marriage as the person solemnizing the marriage. This during the period such weddings were legal in California.However, these

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-21343210179304566042010-08-06T14:24:00.005-04:002010-08-06T14:45:15.618-04:00

My last post dealt with why I maintain my identity behind my pseudonym. Then I was asked by Church and World if they could link to that post. I was surprised, and flattered that something I wrote would actually have made that compilation of Presbyterian news and opinion.What I wasn't surprised about was that only two people actually commented on that post. It appears that either people don't

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-42516537779448804802010-07-31T07:39:00.006-04:002010-07-31T11:05:23.313-04:00

Recently I was asked why I maintain my anonymity on this blog. After all, it's not as if I'm a widely read blogger! This may sound trite, but I stay anonymous to protect my friends.I often speak of people I know who are (or were) in the process of becoming a Minister of the Word and Sacrament. As many Presbyterians know, this is not an easy process. Every step of the way you are

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-19564795261266920942010-07-27T22:49:00.003-04:002010-07-27T22:59:36.149-04:00

I've been notified by a reader that since I've gone to the new template, they've been unable to cut and paste from my blog.This tended to astonish me, as I was amazed that I blogged about anything that someone would WANT to copy ;)That said, I just tested the copy function in IE8, Firefox and Opera, and it does work in all the browsers. That said, IE8 does tend to be somewhat strange both in

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-91222677064577598082010-07-27T07:44:00.004-04:002010-07-27T08:29:28.198-04:00

Thanks to Church and World, I was able to read the comments of our new Vice Moderator of the General Assembly on Bill Tammeus' blog about how Sola Scriptura is dead in most places ... so where do we lodge the authority of our faith?. Coming to the Reformed faith late in life, after growing up Catholic, my knowledge of the Bible was sorely lacking. Oh sure, we got a dose of the OT and the NT at

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-38918762338848056502010-07-09T23:00:00.005-04:002010-07-09T23:05:01.322-04:00

Once you get past the stuff about the flowers, it does get very interesting. See how an ecumenical advisory delegate perceives the PCUSA's GA deliberations.

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-60908723875222646242010-07-08T17:51:00.004-04:002010-07-09T07:52:13.336-04:00

At this weeks Christian Life Conference, the morning inspiration speaker talked about Lamentations, and how in Lamentations there was an underlying theme of hope. At that conference, there were prayers offered up for the commissioners at the GA, prayers that those attending would have the Holy Spirit move them to preserve the traditional teachings of the church.Today, the GA voted on the

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-40782890632763366312010-07-08T03:38:00.004-04:002010-07-10T15:15:33.553-04:00

As to emphasize the point I made in two previous posts, as I was watching the video feed from the 219th GA tonight I saw something that should make every Christian who believes John 14:6, whether liberal, moderate or conservative weep.As I watched the nFOG floor debate, one Teaching Elder who was speaking in opposition to the nFOG brought up that the Foundations part of the nFog does not clearly

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-56461953496259715862010-07-07T17:25:00.005-04:002010-07-07T18:03:31.578-04:00

As I try to follow what is going on at the GA, while trying to enjoy a brief R&R away from home, I keep seeing what appears to be the major disconnect between what the average PCUSA member believes, and what the GA votes on.What I find interesting is that while a majority of presbyteries defeated the last overture trying to amend the Fidelity and Chastity amendment, a majority of members in the

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-37880958571561712932010-07-02T13:18:00.002-04:002010-07-02T13:40:15.208-04:00

The General Assembly will be starting tomorrow about 24 hours from when I finish this post. I'm not one to mince words, so I really don't think that much is going to surprise me as I also believe the fix is in.[Rant Mode ON]What's that, you say ?? Well, when you have as many overtures and issues being discussed as the PCUSA has presbyteries, you can't expect each and every commissioner to

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-4693114973091167492010-07-02T13:16:00.001-04:002010-07-02T13:17:56.228-04:00

Every so often I'll come over here and decide to change the look of the blog. Blogger has introduced a new 'template designer' feature, so I used it to select this template, and to do some tweaks.It'll last about six months before I get tired of it again ... ;)

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-34386984125854756672010-06-12T07:36:00.004-04:002010-06-12T08:37:47.812-04:00

The other day I received my copy of Presbyterians Today, the magazine of the PCUSA. I understand that the mag is designed to present information about the PCUSA in as best a light as possible. However, I always believed, based on previous articles that were not so flattering, that it was fairly independent.I've lost all respect for that idea after this edition.As many Presbyterians who take

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-13614339706960171482010-05-31T10:40:00.000-04:002010-05-31T10:41:41.906-04:00

Memorial Day is not for boosting our armed forces, or thanking a vet. That's what Armed Forces Day and Veteran's Day are for. Memorial Day is for remembering those who have gone before, volunteering and giving their lives to keep freedom alive in whatever part of the world it may have been threatened. To absent friends, long remembered !!!

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-302378359755019462010-05-19T06:25:00.003-04:002010-05-19T06:47:37.315-04:00

Again, as the time for GA comes near, we're going to see a lot of advocacy for and against some overtures and proposals coming up. Commissioners will be getting hit from all sides, and hopefully they will do more than just accept the advocacy at face value.However, while one can avoid the advocacy by avoiding some breakfasts, lunches and dinners, voting commissioners cannot avoid the advocacy

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-79914175978678397572010-05-17T17:11:00.002-04:002010-05-17T17:28:49.386-04:00

Normally in May, we think of new growth, trees turning green, flowers blooming, and the fullness of Spring appearing on the Earth.However, to Presbyterians (at least since 1998 when I joined a PCUSA congregation) I've found that May in the years of a General Assembly (annually at the beginning, biannual now) we see the birth of Sniping Season.The left snipes at the right, and the right snipes at

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-88409346162089851292010-04-30T23:34:00.002-04:002010-04-30T23:40:40.359-04:00

Some of you may know that I'm a computer geek, yeah I know, big surprise. Well, I've been doing computer support through my own home-based business for a while. I've also done a few websites for other companies.Well, as a friend told me when she was looking at churches who were looking for pastors, some churches really have lousy looking websites. She thought that they really did not want to

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-81784652291820058602010-04-03T23:00:00.001-04:002010-04-03T23:00:01.879-04:00

From Don Francisco:

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-48209962725246807282010-04-02T07:31:00.003-04:002010-04-02T07:46:35.241-04:00

There are ministers in the PCUSA who do not believe that Jesus Christ died and rose on the third day. They say its a fairy tale created by the first century writers of the Gospels. There are those who hide behind their collar (if they wear one) with these apostate beliefs and keep them hidden, or who proclaim them openly but their presbytery does nothing.There are others who claim that the

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-51858774025790486672010-03-29T20:16:00.005-04:002010-03-29T20:30:43.723-04:00

We put my cat Delenn down today. As I mentioned in this post she was diagnosed with cancer. At the time her chest filled with fluid, it was drained, but they did say it would happen again, and would we like to do chemo.Sure, who would we be doing the chemo for, us or Delenn. We decided to make sure she was comfortable for the time she had left, and for another 6 or 7 weeks she was her

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-55283619813405040482010-03-23T08:16:00.002-04:002010-03-23T08:48:28.915-04:00

... on that historic bill that will provide health care for all according to those on the left, or the bill that will take this country into socialism according to the histrionics of those on the right.As I've said before, a pox on both their houses. Neither side has been honest with the electorate: there are costs that will raise the deficit, but there are good areas that will lower some

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-88168701091679300182010-02-25T13:18:00.003-05:002010-02-25T13:42:53.901-05:00

I spent 23 years in the military. From the very first day you were trained that there was a regulation that covers everything you do. While it may not have been true that everything was covered, it sure seemed like it to this basic trainee at the time.If you did not follow the rules, well lets just say that there were specific corrective measures that were spelled out. However, in basic

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-2639200058324089422010-02-23T09:47:00.003-05:002010-02-23T09:51:55.081-05:00

For those of the Frozen Chosen who can chuckle ta themselves, Joseph at A Higher Orthodoxy blog has posted You Might Be A Presbyterian if .... Some of these have been around before, but some are new, and all are funny, but they do tend to hit close to home! A Tip of the Hat to Steve Salyards at the Ga Junkie.

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-79723122162707871972010-02-19T17:17:00.002-05:002010-02-19T17:30:33.866-05:00

Back in 1997/98 we had to put our cat Niniane to sleep. It was a painful time for me, I was a 'dog' person you see, and would never grow close to a cat. That was until I married SWMBO, who had two. Ninny adopted me, made sure I understood cat routine, as well as cat hierarchy, which is "Feline first, human second". I willingly adapted to that paradigm, which made it all the harder when

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-74417174151401302542010-02-13T19:02:00.006-05:002010-02-13T19:29:38.920-05:00

Julia Duin of the Washington Times was linked to by Church and World.com (the old Presbyweb) on Saturday. On her Belief Blog she talks about the 2010 yearbook from the National Council of Churches. In it, the NCC lists all the different denominations in the US and Canada, and their membership totals for 2009.Its no surprise that the PCUSA again dropped 3.28% of its members, however we also

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-39684649664716531612010-02-06T08:30:00.004-05:002010-02-06T08:38:17.307-05:00

When you get to a certain age, it seems like your warranty expires and everything starts to go south. I've already talked about my thumb joint problems (which is better BTW), but then something else decided to cause an issue. I have these pains that feel like someone is clamping on my esophagus. The pain sometimes radiates to my jaw, and that triggered a response by my GP to get a stress

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-75154288574809608102010-01-23T20:41:00.003-05:002010-01-23T20:52:25.849-05:00

OK ... I happen to have liked Ren and Stimpy, it was mindless entertainment, and that song of Happy Happy Joy Joy was the most mindless of all.That said, when I got the news that Crimson-Rock Presbytery examined and passed my friend from PTS, that tune just popped up in my head. Happy Happy Joy Joy!!.... and so it goes!!

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-31000660140911370242010-01-23T20:24:00.002-05:002010-01-23T20:40:19.315-05:00

The nFOG that is. Most of those who track Presbyterian polity and what comes out our the PCUSA GA's will know that the nFOG is the acronym for New Form Of Government. This is the revision of our current FOG that is supposedly going to make the PCUSA more missional and foster our connectivity, but will probably cause more dissension, lack of trust and member losses.Most of the dislike of the

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-91045478680908706202010-01-14T22:05:00.003-05:002010-01-14T22:16:00.799-05:00

In my last post, I mentioned that a friend was being called to her first pulpit. Evidently the PNC was very enamored and made her feel very welcomed. While not all felt the same way, most of those she met before the congregational meeting were happy to have her come to shepherd their church. I pray that the PNC reflected what the rest of the church thinks.I regularly read the blog Kopp

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-82382453573424745042010-01-12T20:25:00.003-05:002010-01-12T20:40:03.197-05:00

The readers of this screed (and you know who you are, all three of you) know that I have a few friends who attended Plodding Theological Seminary. I mentioned that one of them was in the middle of the call process, and was going to do her candidate sermon before the congregational meeting to vote whether to call her as the Pastor at Cannoli P.C.The meeting and vote happened this past Sunday,

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-55189283139979189282010-01-08T22:55:00.005-05:002010-01-12T20:25:45.396-05:00

For the past 15 days (except for Dec 30th) Plodding PA has had snow. It may have been a flurry, it may have come down in a steady fall, but we had snow. Along with the rest of the country, we've also had the arctic cold coming in from the lands of our neighbor to the north. The past day we had 4 inches come down, primarily due to the storm front and low pressure area that sailed across the

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-3998754095828214982010-01-02T18:52:00.004-05:002010-01-02T19:15:33.887-05:00

Its now the year 2-thousand and ten, or as some would have us say, twenty-ten. In either case its the beginning of another year.While most people say its the end of the decade, geeks like me say we have one more year to go. After all, we don't start counting from the year zero do we !!Now that I have that off my chest, its time to look forward to the new year. There will be changes coming

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-11379882946002102712009-12-24T18:00:00.001-05:002009-12-24T18:00:00.399-05:00

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-23790623879466855912009-12-21T23:43:00.003-05:002009-12-21T23:56:35.199-05:00

Well, the results are in. While I didn't win the grand prize, I got an honorable mention as most prolific. I guess what that means is that I 'talk' a lot !!Well, not really. I've been creating alternate lyrics to songs for as long as I can remember. Trying to come up with lyrics that will match the cadence of the original ones and still be logical can be very hard.I do very well when I

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-15290655714757561332009-12-19T16:19:00.002-05:002009-12-19T16:22:51.084-05:00

As many people on the mid-Atlantic and northeast coasts know, we're in the middle of a fairly big winter storm.Where we used to live in NoVA, they're getting dumped on, we're not getting as much here in Plodding PA, but what we are getting has turned our backyard view into a Winter Wonderland.

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-22904868690261609952009-12-18T11:28:00.004-05:002009-12-18T11:52:20.219-05:00

As the longtime readers of this blog know (all 2 or 3 of you), I'm friends with a few people at Plodding Theological Seminary, or as I like to rib Rev. Kim, the better PTS.Anyway, I heard from one of those friends who graduated this past June. It seems that she is going to preach her candidating sermon next month just before the Congregational Meeting to see if the Presbyterian Church in

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-63029819976834741902009-12-10T07:24:00.002-05:002009-12-10T07:27:44.343-05:00

For the past three years, blogger Quotidian Grace has sponsored the Sappy Christmas Song Contest. I have been privileged the past year or two to add a stanza or two to the song, which gets sappier and funnier as it goes along.For those gentle readers of this blog who have not visited QG's blog this year, please do so, its getting good: Sappy Christmas Song .

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-13812616764688939312009-12-08T11:19:00.004-05:002009-12-08T11:31:00.679-05:00

As we left my thumb about two weeks ago, it had just been prodded, xray-ed and put back in a cast. Yesterday, it was finally freed from the last hard cast. For the past six weeks, my left hand always looked like it was giving a thumbs up anytime I turned my hand sideways. Today, I can actually have the thumb move around a bit.Which brings me to this thought. I want the hard cast back !!!

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-67914639714786204802009-12-07T12:55:00.004-05:002009-12-07T13:03:33.624-05:00

Well, Luke has realized that he's not going to be cast out into the cold, but he does get a bit anxious when we close the door to the room he's being kept in as we exit.We're doing this for two reasons: 1. He has worms, as do most kittens. So we want to keep the 'old ladies' away from the litter box until everything is, um, cleaned out.2. We need to have the 'old ladies' grow accustomed to

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-68061384447817612682009-12-04T18:58:00.003-05:002009-12-04T19:07:03.324-05:00

Well, my wife was heading out to choir practice last night, when she heard some meowing. As a cat person, she realized that it was of the I'm in distress kind, not the usually I'm here, I'm here kind.She picked up the poor little thing, and brought it inside. We isolated it in a room away from our two 'old ladies', and gave it something to eat and drink. It gobbled that down so fast I was

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-45882636567575297662009-11-23T08:32:00.005-05:002009-11-23T09:03:35.992-05:00

OK ... a bit of venting time.I'm eclectic in my blog reading. I like to read blogs of all types, and have an affinity for blogs of those who are female pastors, as I have a few close female friends who are or were in seminary. In all cases, I wish those who write their blogs well, and pray for their ministry.Well, this past Sunday, someone who I follow on a semi-regular basis was fired by the

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-14142089207762219482009-11-23T08:26:00.002-05:002009-11-23T08:30:17.152-05:00

For the past two weeks, my left hand has looked like I've been giving a thumbs up 24/7.Today, we get this first cast off for another x-ray and exam by the surgeon. I've been off any OTC pain drugs for the surgery pain for a while, now I'm just taking some for the muscle aches I talked about in a previous post.So, he'll look, and gently prod, and ask how it feels, then put be back into a cast

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-83818368768868950012009-11-19T16:06:00.004-05:002009-11-19T16:12:53.045-05:00

Will you be governed by our church’s polity, and will you abide by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God’s Word and Spirit?This is one of the ordination vows that one takes when one is ordained as a Deacon, Elder (Ruling Elder) or Minister of the Word and Sacrament (Teaching Elder) in the PCUSA.It seems that a

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-44300867813262453562009-11-17T07:37:00.004-05:002009-11-23T08:31:05.282-05:00

Over the past week, I've found that 3 or 4 pounds of hard cast makes your upper arm muscles very sore. I tend to push the envelope a bit when it comes to pain. I try to ignore twinges and sore muscles as I feel they are signs of aging. Yeah, I know, typical male ;)This past week, I was doing some website work for a customer and, as a touch typist, tried to use the four fingers of my left

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-12343011014071451712009-11-03T22:37:00.003-05:002009-11-23T08:31:28.138-05:00

So far, so good. The thumb is currently encased in gauze, cotton batting, thumb brace and ace bandage. Its braced at an angle so it doesn't move, this is to keep the bones and the spacer aligned until everything heals.The next step happens Monday, when they take this soft cast off, and replace it with something much harder, and heavier.And so it goes .....

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-85870532114061778362009-10-29T09:39:00.003-04:002009-11-23T08:32:24.887-05:00

I've not talked about this previously, as I've always been able to work around it, however, now I have no choice.I had arthritis in my left thumb, I say had as last Tuesday I had surgery to correct my lack of cartilage there. I am now walking around with 5 pounds of gauze,ace bandage and splints to keep the thumb and wrist from moving and tearing up the repair.The liberal use of Percodan helps

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-22962936842419584032009-10-08T17:28:00.004-04:002009-10-08T17:35:40.502-04:00

In my last blog post, I listed a blurb that was put in our monthly newsletter by our Stewardship Commission. I asked if anyone could figure out exactly what my wife saw as a problem.Quotidian Grace saw one issue, no one was asked to bring their pledge cards to worship. That was part of it, but the other was more subtle.Notice that the members are being asked to demonstrate our support to

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-82382773827250739852009-10-04T20:08:00.003-04:002009-10-04T20:12:36.408-04:00

SPC's stewardship education leaves a lot to be desired. Frankly, its practically non-existant. Here is a sample, this was printed in our monthly newsletter:October 18th is designated Stewardship Sunday. It is important that we all demonstrate our support to Stodgy Presbyterian Church through our annual pledges. Please return your pledge card to the Church as soon as possible. They are

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-67229082433037392502009-09-10T13:38:00.004-04:002009-09-10T13:56:40.537-04:00

Back when SWMBO and I had money, about ten years ago or so, we were living in the Land of Lincoln, and taking off every other weekend to go camping. At that time we were avid tent campers, with a very large dome tent, and all the accessories. Occasionally it would rain, but we were very good at setting up the tent on the high ground, and trenching around the tent. Then came one night, it

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-13187295866634291522009-09-02T02:17:00.006-04:002009-09-02T20:37:14.516-04:00

Was reading Presbyweb (or as its now known Church and World - PCUSA Edition) today, and saw a blurb about an article John Ortberg wrote for the Leadership Journal.Clicked on the link to the article, and started reading. A very good article by the way, but what struck me was this thought:I was looking at church websites not long ago and noticed a fascinating dynamic. Many new churches have been

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-65854573353180246312009-08-31T22:32:00.004-04:002009-08-31T22:53:55.583-04:00

For the past four days I've had what I call, The Creeping Crud. Its basically an upper respiratory illness that creeps over me like the Blob of movie lore.It starts out with a slight scratchiness to the throat with a dry cough when I talk too much. It then moves to a full blown sore throat, which accompanying chest congestion, and nose running the marathon.Invariably I'm too sick to get out of

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-2611345658639832732009-08-18T01:30:00.004-04:002009-10-04T20:08:29.934-04:00

We've been doing a short Praise and Worship time before our traditional service this summer. We don't have a flashy worship team, its just myself, SWMBO, an acoustic guitarist, and our Minister of Music on piano. Obviously, that's not us on the right!!We don't sound all that bad, in fact one of our older saints says she thinks I have a fantastic voice. Of course, I'm not so sure how good

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-46611999177033235462009-08-13T11:05:00.004-04:002009-08-13T11:43:02.896-04:00

Its been a very slow summer, what with vacation, and heat waves, and the summertime blahs. I'm not complaining, mind you. I'd rather have the heat than the cold and snow of winter, its just that after spending five weeks on the grand tour in June and the beginning of July, the rest of the summer is just an anticlimax.There are a few things that need doing, and I'll get to them sometime

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-33988245110819948322009-07-22T11:07:00.004-04:002009-07-22T11:23:03.830-04:00

In reading yesterday's (July 21) Presbyweb, there was a link to an article on Dr. Joseph Small's talk at the Calvin Jubilee held in Montreat. One thing in the article struck this Reformed Catholic as in error, and I admit I'm not as well versed in Calvin as some. I quote: Small focused on three aspects of Calvin’s thoughts on the church that remain relevant today: word and sacrament as

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-43812116264785666522009-07-20T11:49:00.002-04:002009-07-20T11:50:37.916-04:00

OK, I'm a geek ... found this on the Harry Potter website, and thought, what the heck, for a few weeks, it won't hurt.I'll have to rebuild the old template gadgets, but for the fun of having a Harry Potter skin on the blog, its worth it ;)

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-27172068547139609042009-07-15T03:27:00.003-04:002009-07-15T03:47:46.127-04:00

Just got back from the midnight show of Harry Potter and the HBP. Okay, so I'm a geek. I think I was the oldest person there without kids. So be it, however, SWMBO was along to enjoy the movie, and I have to say, I enjoyed the movie.However, much as the novels got darker in 5, 6 and 7, so the movie starts out dark, gets a bit lighter, then dives back into the darkness. The writer, Steve

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-33070104895102448802009-07-14T18:59:00.003-04:002009-07-14T20:09:26.514-04:00

Well, after five weeks on the road, coming back home is somehow bittersweet. Yes we both had time to relax and renew, but the reality that playtime is over is here. Sunday, we lead the praise time we have here each summer. The stodgy folks here at SPC; you know the types they've been here since the church went up and nothing changes in my church, would not hold to do something like that

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-89714570137537577472009-07-10T03:50:00.001-04:002009-07-10T03:50:00.309-04:00

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-32723095706077827692009-07-09T04:01:00.003-04:002009-07-09T04:36:02.165-04:00

Its been an interesting 4 or 5 weeks on the road. Visiting friends in Virginia, Big Tent in Atlanta, relaxing by the river in Florida, then winding up with the Christian Life Conference in Montreat. Yesterday was a travel day to Sutton WV, where we RON'd (Remained Over Night) after 6 hours of driving. We try to break it up, rather than rush to where we're going. Later today, its 3 or 4

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-72229805346139748972009-07-07T20:48:00.004-04:002009-07-08T19:43:27.823-04:00

This morning was the last session of the Christian Life Conference. Dr. Bailey again lead us in a walk through the parables of Jesus. Today's was the parable of the Good Shepherd. Again, he brought us from the Old Testament to the New, showing how Jesus took an OT theme, one well known to the Pharisees, and then turned it on its ear to show up those Pharisees in front of the rest of the

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-79293255174780740782009-07-06T14:26:00.003-04:002009-07-06T14:47:58.839-04:00

Last night ended with another great talk by Dr. Ridgill, who managed to get the assembled Presbyterians to witness when asked with a loud Amen. Today, started out with a great devotional, then a bible study wrap-up by Dr. Bailey on his insights into the parable of the Prodigal Son which, when viewed through Dr. Bailey's over 20 years in the Middle East, showed us that the usual take on this

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-22320220111657481622009-07-05T17:23:00.000-04:002009-07-05T17:24:29.668-04:00

Second day at Montreat, fantastic morning devotion, a bible study by Dr. Ken Bailey, worship with a Dr. Bailey sermon; and a concert by David Bailey (Dr. Bailey's son), could a Sunday be made better? Yes, another plenary session with sermon by Dr. Alice Ridgill.And so it goes ...

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-75511065661460052162009-07-05T04:15:00.005-04:002009-07-05T04:54:43.345-04:00

SWMBO and I are attending the Christian Life Conference held at Montreat every year by Presbyterians for Renewal (PFR). This first evening consisted of registration, and then the keynote speaker. This is our first time at the conference, but it has been going on since 1972.Our keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Alice Ridgell, is a very powerful speaker, coming from the African-American tradition

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-14722004245217785532009-07-05T03:40:00.006-04:002009-07-05T04:13:39.608-04:00

Hmm ... I occurred to me that I had a theme going there for the past few posts, then I missed a 4th of July post. So, having mentioned the river(s), and the mountains, I had to mention the prairies on what will be a 4th of July post.That said, I also missed any live fireworks (other than those being set off by individuals), as I was busy elsewhere last evening. More on that in the next

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-81413172562824297022009-07-02T16:40:00.003-04:002009-07-02T16:44:59.569-04:00

We're getting packed up and ready to head to the mountains of North Carolina and Montreat. The PFR's Christian Life Conference is being held there this weekend, so on the 4th we'll be enjoying some great worship, seminars, and fellowship.Hope to see some of you there.

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-17700566633549239202009-06-25T16:34:00.005-04:002009-06-25T16:36:39.066-04:00

We're taking some time off to recharge, sitting on a spring fed river in the state where the Mouse has a World. Was sitting on the dock, when she floated up the river right up to us.I love this place !!

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-72361018092734713252009-06-10T22:44:00.003-04:002009-06-10T22:50:43.313-04:00

We've been on the road for the past few days, and are now in Atlanta. We're doing some touring, and I'll be attending Friday's sessions of the Elder Conference. I hope to get some good info to bring back to SPC.We're then going to head down to SWMBO's hometown to relax and recharge. We've not done this in a while, and we both need it.I hope to have pictures later ;)

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-90056951778324872212009-06-03T20:02:00.002-04:002009-06-03T20:08:16.786-04:00

SWMBO and I are taking a trip down to the land of sun, surf, and Mickey Mouse. While I won't be visiting Mr. Mouse this trip, I will be stopping off in Atlanta to attend at least one day of the National Elder's Conference at the Big Tent Event in Atlanta. Hope to meet a few people there!!

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-74108134304194717342009-05-28T08:10:00.005-04:002009-05-29T05:35:54.142-04:00

Last night I attended a Baccalaureate service at Plodding Theological Seminary. A few friends of mine are graduating from PTS this year, and so I was invited to attend. Today is the graduation ceremony, but first there is an awards brunch, to which I was also invited.I have to say that I'm going to miss the friends who are graduating. While I didn't attend there, I got to know many of them

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-90325459623294863842009-05-20T10:48:00.004-04:002009-05-20T11:11:55.052-04:00

For those who have been reading my screeds over the past year, you'll need no introduction to this, for others, well, suffice it to say that the Session at Stodgy Presbyterian puts the fun in dysfunctional.This past Sunday we had our annual meeting to elect officers. Why they do it in May and not November has to do with reasons that are lost in time and history. However, as the head of the

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-51252241288113164342009-05-03T17:18:00.003-04:002009-05-03T17:58:31.537-04:00

On another blog, someone asked the question whether or not we in the PCUSA will get a rest from sexuality for at least the next two years. Some replied no, and in truth, it has started already as seen here; I replied that I felt that those on the side to keep the standard as it currently is would like to take some time discussing other things, such as how to keep this mainline denomination from

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-8584340056646048452009-04-26T17:30:00.003-04:002009-04-26T17:46:57.480-04:00

Today was Stodgy Presbyterian's annual Youth Sunday. I've attended a few of these, and they can vary from very good, to simply awful. This one wasn't all that bad, and had some areas of humor.First off the kids had a ball, they enjoyed singing the songs, and doing their parts in the skit. The use of music was good, using some good contemporary praise songs. However, the liturgical dance

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-86468778694480869552009-04-25T11:45:00.002-04:002009-04-25T12:01:52.690-04:00

Today is the first day I've felt good enough to go to work in about a week. Needless to say, I would have rather have gone to work the first few days of this week than spend it at home going through the fun chronicled in the previous post.However, the past week has not been all that bad. I heard from a friend at Plodding Theological Seminary that they were given permission to circulate their

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-23606817865483298682009-04-22T16:02:00.004-04:002009-04-22T16:23:52.086-04:00

This past weekend we went down to visit with friends in 'Nother State Completely. While there, on Friday they took us to have dinner at a restaurant we used to eat at when we were living in that state.I had the seafood with penne, something I usually had before. This time I was surprised to see mussels in shell, along with the usual shrimp and other seafood. I love mussels, and these looked

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-84165287504211610312009-04-08T17:12:00.003-04:002009-04-08T17:56:49.989-04:00

... since I last posted my thoughts or rants. Perhaps this is a good thing!! Perhaps I've been too busy, or just that I've not felt moved to write anything. So, some rambling, random thoughts. Lessee ... its Holy Week, there's a Communion Service on Maundy Thursday, and Tenebrae on Good Friday here at Stodgy Presbyterian. One I can attend, the other I have to be at work, which has

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-8007746064237757272009-03-18T21:22:00.004-04:002009-03-18T21:26:40.861-04:00

The Session of Stodgy Presbyterian met this Monday evening, and not much really happened besides the usual reports and stuff.Then I gave my report of the Saturday special called meeting of Presbytery. When I mentioned the vote on 08-B, one of the elders spoke up and asked, What, do they vote on this every year?I said, not really, its just that a certain faction will not take no for an

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-82624700034473594792009-03-14T13:18:00.003-04:002009-03-14T14:25:23.331-04:00

Today was the day of the Special Called Meeting of Presbytery to vote on the Amendments to the Constitution of the PCUSA.There are a few amendments, as well as some ecumenical statements that were sent down to Presbytery for a vote, but the main reason most people were there were for the Amendment 08-B, to change the paragraph that contains the 'fidelity and chastity' clause that bars

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3235285580831496466.post-44033982811566378312009-03-04T12:10:00.003-05:002009-03-04T12:28:08.290-05:00

No, I'm not trying to discern what to do about Amendment B. I'm solid on that, sin is sin. I need say no more on that ... No, my time of discernment is being used to decide what, if anything, I can do as Elder for Evangelism, and chair of the Nominating Committee. I've been getting ready for an Alpha Course after Easter, getting advertising setup for our Easter services, leading a Lenten

Reformed Catholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582319442292078422noreply@blogger.com4