St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

Today I did a memorial service for the parents of two friends and parishioners at their summer house in Franklin, NY. They were atheists, fun-loving, British. And I have a lot of fun with the family.

As I was leaving, the brother of one of the deceased said, "I want you to know that I'm an atheist, but I appreciated what you said. I think he would have as well. But both of us, you know, we got the stick, and religion never held. We both got the stick. Perhaps if we hadn't gotten it... both of us got the stick a lot... but we both didn't find religion." He shook my hand.

I'm not sure what my new year's resolutions will be. I'm not much for them. Not that I fail - but I think resolutions rarely happen out of resolve. They happen out of necessity. Or when a context changes.

But I think a rational one is that I will post on this blog 5 times a week - Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday I will take off. We'll see what happens. I'll provide one link, at least. But my posts will not always be theological. They might be about art, wine, movies or the future of the church.

Russ and I removed the back four pews on each row. I'm glad we've done it, although the reaction has been mixed - tentatively hopeful.

I hope that we can make the space look beautiful before Sunday. We do need to wash the floor, and perhaps fill the empty space. I might put a small altar back there. I definitely need to put up a "pardon our appearance" sign.

Wonderful service yesterday. Bob Arthur's band was phenomenal. The baby is not condemned to limbo for eternity: Catherine Flora Leon. She was saved to New Orleans Jazz.

Who do you prefer: Sibelius or Stravinsky?

What would have happened if Tchaikovsky had studied Jazz?

A very good wine: the guilty

A not so good wine: Les Heretiques. Actually a very rustic, traditional wine from France.

Today at 7:30am - a meeting with several religious leaders about the county's program for dealing with the homeless: take away their places to sleep and replace them with folding chairs. Ridiculous. There are 140 hard cases in Westchester. With some attention and resources, they could all be off the streets. Instead, they are made invisible.

9:30 - discussion with a consultant about the after school program and connecting it with the library. Brainstormed some ideas. Will probably offer a one day program on a day where schools are off and parents aren't on November 6th.

Some days are unproductive. Still, the afterschool program continues. Refrigerator installed, and my brother brought all of my parent's stuff to the house. Tomorrow a run and preparation for the retreat on Saturday. Tomorrow I may just go into the city for the bishop's conversation with the priests about New Orleans.

Today was productive. A series of interviews for the assistant director, one press release, and some good conversations. Delegated some.

The most challenging work is property management. Since we don't really have a property manager, when I get a call to fix a leak, I have to figure out a plan. I don't know how we would do if we didn't have the endowment to fix what needs to be done immediately. Last Sunday I was on my knees lighting the pilot light in the tenant's house.

I'm back from Chicago. I really enjoyed Seabury and learned much about the role of the priest and how churches can become stronger parishes.

We've moved the altar a bit forward for the summer, but this may be a permanent change. We will be having discussions about the altar and pews twice in July and once in August. When we set these times, I invite you to come and participate in a discussion about how we experience space.

At Seabury, where we are discussing "mission" and liturgy.

Mission is about how Christians get sent forth to make a more just and fair world.

This first week we are examining the work of the Industrial Area Foundation, which was instrumental in reinvigorating the public life of churches. Saul Alinsky, the founder, sought to organize communities of the poor, especially as they might succumb to the influence of right-wing demagogues. He educated himself on the work of churches.

Tomorrow (Friday) I'm performing at Broadway Comedy Club at 10:00pm. It is $10+ a 2 drink minimum. I'm kind of psyched!