Anyone up for a chat thread?

[The Liturgist]

His time in Canterbury has left a mixed legacy, but every writing of his that I've read has been very, very good.

Indeed, I have several of his books in my library.

 

[Margaret3110]

His time in Canterbury has left a mixed legacy, but every writing of his that I've read has been very, very good.

I'm a huge fan of Rowan Williams' writing.

 

[Shane R]

I had a bit of a clunker by him sitting around: the overly long book on the spirituality of Dostoevsky's works. It was a gift and I was appreciative of that. And I gifted it to one of the Deacons -even covered the $4 in postage. Hopefully it serves him better than me.

 

[Shane R]

I've been doing home visits for the Lutheran parish I'm serving on a long-term supply basis. They have an old-timer who is feeble minded. I don't mean in the Alzheimer's/dementia manner but rather low IQ -not hardly mentally retarded but not a smart person. Some of the other old-timers went to school with her and tell me she went to the special ed classes, such as they were in the 1960s and 70s. Conversation is hard and mostly limited to yes or no and maybe 3 word answers unless you ask about her brother, who was quite recently a prominent US Army General, or her father. And yet she always asks for the Holy Communion, which I give her. And she reads the Bible daily, though she might not always realize what the passage was about. I cannot help but think of the faith of the child commended by Jesus himself when I visit her. This person is teaching me something, some skill I have not yet fully apprehended.

 

[Paidiske]

I had a bit of a clunker by him sitting around: the overly long book on the spirituality of Dostoevsky's works. It was a gift and I was appreciative of that. And I gifted it to one of the Deacons -even covered the $4 in postage. Hopefully it serves him better than me.

I haven't read that one, but from what little I know of Dostoevsky, I can imagine it wasn't light reading!

I am so often blown away by the depth of faith, and love, and grace, I encounter from "ordinary" people in the congregation. They are really such a profound inspiration.

 

[The Liturgist]

I've been doing home visits for the Lutheran parish I'm serving on a long-term supply basis. They have an old-timer who is feeble minded. I don't mean in the Alzheimer's/dementia manner but rather low IQ -not hardly mentally retarded but not a smart person. Some of the other old-timers went to school with her and tell me she went to the special ed classes, such as they were in the 1960s and 70s. Conversation is hard and mostly limited to yes or no and maybe 3 word answers unless you ask about her brother, who was quite recently a prominent US Army General, or her father. And yet she always asks for the Holy Communion, which I give her. And she reads the Bible daily, though she might not always realize what the passage was about. I cannot help but think of the faith of the child commended by Jesus himself when I visit her. This person is teaching me something, some skill I have not yet fully apprehended.

What a lovely lady. Some people I meet erroneously assume I have no use for persons other than intellectuals, but this is not the case. What I am drawn to is loving-kindness and virtue.

 

[Shane R]

Today is my older daughter's birthday (she is 9). It is also the day that clergy meetings commence at the pro-Cathedral in Myrtle Beach. It didn't make my parents too happy, but I decided I would just take her and her sister with me to Myrtle Beach. It's a fairly popular vacation spot in the US, though it is still a bit early for beach season. We can still eat a good pot of seafood boil, have a walk on the beach, buy the T-shirts, and visit the aquarium.

First night is always a kick-off Holy Communion service, which I will miss since our flight does not depart until 7 p.m. Archbishop is not upset about that as long as I'm there for the main sessions.

 

[Paidiske]

Are your parents unhappy because they won't see your daughter for her birthday? I'm sure you can find some other time to catch up (although it's lovely that they want to be there for her).

Navigating family expectations around ministry expectations is sometimes hard. I'd be glad right now if ministry expectations would stop claiming my day off!

 

[RileyG]

I'm a huge fan of Rowan Williams' writing.

I wonder what I should read first? I have hundreds of books on my TBR list! I wish I had more free time and time for reading.

 

[Paidiske]

I wonder what I should read first? I have hundreds of books on my TBR list! I wish I had more free time and time for reading.

It depends on your interests, I suppose. I often recommend his book Tokens of Trust to people exploring faith or preparing for confirmation. For more mature believers Silence and Honey Cakes is well worth a look.

 

[RileyG]

It depends on your interests, I suppose. I often recommend his book Tokens of Trust to people exploring faith or preparing for confirmation. For more mature believers Silence and Honey Cakes is well worth a look.

Thank you! I will definitely look into it

 

[Margaret3110]

I wonder what I should read first? I have hundreds of books on my TBR list! I wish I had more free time and time for reading.

If you can find it - last time I checked it was out of print - The Dwelling of the Light: Praying with Icons of Christ is a lovely little book.

But it really depends on what you're looking for. Some of his books are very accessible, some are quite theological, and everything in between.

 

[Shane R]

Are your parents unhappy because they won't see your daughter for her birthday? I'm sure you can find some other time to catch up (although it's lovely that they want to be there for her.

Yes. They are coming to our house next week. My mother is at a stage of mental deterioration where she is becoming less agreeable and more surly.

My daughter's are having so much fun here they want to return next year. Very expensive place though.

 

[RileyG]

I ordered all three of those books my Rowan Williams. Hopefully, I'll find more time for reading

 

[Paidiske]

My "to be read" pile grows faster than I get through it. I suppose I could be more disciplined, but... real life, and all that.

 

[RileyG]

My "to be read" pile grows faster than I get through it. I suppose I could be more disciplined, but... real life, and all that.

Same! I've been so busy I only read 3 books this month! Oh well. That's life.

 

[Shane R]

Mine seems to stay about 5 deep. Not always because of books I bought. I do book reviews for North American Anglican and sometimes I am passed books some interested party (Archbishop, clergy colleagues, parishioners) want me to read and usually comment on.

 

[Philip_B]

I have just had a digital detox cruise (due to the exorbitant cost of wifi on the ship) and I manager to read three worthwhile books, and take some photos.

 

[Paidiske]

Dare we ask what you read, Philip?

 

[Philip_B]

What is History

Sapiens

The hundred Years war against Palestine.