If I had the time, I'd have done the same, Kennedy. Well done to you! What disturbs me is these people playing on vulnerable people and fear.

Result - I got tickets, so GV's Bro and I will be there!

Beat, Don't think Google has upgraded their side of things to do this, but best google it to find out?

Not sure what happened there, Jim, but thanks for pointing it out!

Yes, it seems that is my calling......

They did 'All I ever wanted' as their first song, and they also did 'Goodbye Horses'!

Oh, I thought I was allowed a day off? My mistake! Sorry to disappoint you by not doing some eisegesis on the Ruth/Naomi story........

Cassock alb, red stole and pointy boots! He'll always be "a vicarage".......

Yes.

Thanks for the counsel and prayers, Susan. Just so as you know...I'm only being treated for cellulitis, not cancer, but had been posting blogs for my friend Alan Ervine, who is being treated for cancer of the oesophagus. Sorry for the confusion.

All the time!

I really liked it. An action movie that you need to think about. A lot of folk watching it were very confused.

David, Your prayers are treasured.

Cathy, I'm exercised about this because it's real world stuff and real people who are crossing my path. Not projects in any way. Clearly, it's impossible to do anything on an organised basis because of the necessary restrictions placed on such offenders and the care with which we'd need to approach the needs of everyone in the church. In many ways it's not something I'd want to get involved in, yet I'm wondering if it's something we might be called to do, if only for one person? And oh yes, there may well be unconvicted sex offenders around that we know nothing about. I've had people come and tell me about past crimes for which they've done time, and even one who denied their guilt(only to hear from their victim about his crimes). If we know about it, we have to put protection in place and restrict individual's involvement. We are very careful and clear about that. I know that this whole area is a minefield.....and I certainly would not want anyone to be hurt by our involvement.

Yes. You are, by virtue of your involvement with us, an 'evangementalist', self-described or not! Or maybe you only half-subscribe to that title?

It's what we are! Behave!

Thanks for your concern, Ryan. Woke up this am with the rectory reeking of gas. Called the emergency number and an engineer quickly arrived. The gas in the basement drove his sensor crazy, so it seems to have been a bit of a narrow escape. Gas is now off, and workers should arrive tomorrow to dig up the garden, replace the pipe and reconnect the system. There's a small internal leak too but that can't get fixed until the supply is repaired. No hot water for now, but we've a microwave for cooking!

Your kind words bring encouragement. I think it's a combination of having my specs off, water, sunlight and quite possibly Photoshop!

It could be a lot worse - they could be throwing sponges at me while I preach. Er....that's not happening, is it?

Ouch! Still, acceptably Anglican though, at least in these parts.

'The Conservative Evangelical churches in England are the last places anyone would discover any kind of traditional Christian liturgy'. I'm not so sure of this. I think there are many other churches whose experience will mirror ours: A few years ago, we reintroduced a 1662 morning prayer service at 9am, in part because we recognise the value and depth of traditional liturgy. Up to thirty people attend this, (a decent congregation for the SEC). We believe such liturgies still have a place, though not as our main service - people grow into it and we are able to offer a range of liturgical styles.

'Taking a pop at the bishops' - I really don't think so, Ryan. The Primus at the time thanked me for being polite and not taking a pop. Firm, but gracious as ever....

You might not like it, Fr Mark, but there are many evangelical Anglicans all over the world who don't use vestments at every service. I hope you'll be kind enough to include us in the fold as a wonderful part of Anglican diversity. I know that I don't spend all my time attacking others. Could you be over-reacting?

I wouldn't expect to have won a vote on whether to invite the PB to speak. It would have provided an opportunity to voice disagreement with the leadership's decision. It certainly would have started Synod with a bad taste. We are a polite bunch and we really don't want to cause embarrassment or trouble. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to stand up. This was one of those occasions. We choose when and where to fight, sometimes knowing we can't win in the short term, but believing that it's important to resist. You, Ryan, are in the majority, so enjoy your dominance of poor little dinosaurs like me!

Rob, Strong representations were made before the visit to the Primus and Standing Committee of the SEC stating that this visit was inappropriate. Polite replies were received: the PB is in the country, she was in our Primus' group at Lambeth and we need to be fair to all sides in the debates. We'll wait to see which GAFCON primate is asked to address next year's Synod. The powers-that-be were well aware that this visit would be ill-received by some, but they went ahead regardless. Perhaps a sign of the trajectory the SEC is now on, and a moment for us to 'wake up, and smell the coffee'? We missed a trick on the first day of Synod when members were asked if it was ok for the PB to speak. Several said 'No', but were not heard above the noise. If we'd realised that was coming, we would have been better prepared. It's largely politics at work now, and TEC is lining itself up for realignment. The PB seems to have gotten into the habit of making it clear when she introduces herself abroad, that she has some responsibility for various national churches outside of the continental United States. I wonder why? To give the impression that the beginnings of a new communion are already in place?