It Gets Better... when we make it better, with God's Help

SERMON (delivered Oct 18, 2010 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Manhattan, KS): Keep faithfully praying... and working together for justice in charitable love, with God's help.

Where, or where, are all the believers going?

Although this article is focused on membership trends in the Roman Catholic church specifically, it highlights for me the peril we all face if we isolate into idolatrous institutionalism or digress into demanding denominationalism... but, then, of course I identify as an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church.   Jesus, really, c’mon, you can tell us… just how far off course are we in pursuit of your kingdom here-n-now?

The 'had it' Catholics

A study released in 2008 by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life appears to support that common wisdom. It reported that while Americans in general “change religious affiliation early and often,” Catholicism has especially suffered from the trend, experiencing “the greatest net loss” of any major religious group. The picture, it turns out, is more complex than the bare figures might indicate. But the figures, however they are viewed, are alarming:…

http://ncronline.org/news/faith-parish/had-it-catholics

L.A. Bishops agree, it gets better...

there's welcome and room for everyone at Christ's table. where else do we find such grace, peace, and hope for healing together?

what are we told that Jesus did as a crowd lifted stones to cast at another child of God in their midst?

thank you, +Jon, +Diane, and +Mary

The Los Angeles Bishops, in a mutual message to bullied teenagers and those looking for support during difficult times: "The Episcopal Church is a safe place for you."

p.s., and here's a pretty direct message from Bishop Robinson on the same subject.  Thank you, +Gene.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPZ5eUrNF24

no alternative way so far discovered (Friedman's view of capitalism)

something to nosh on over lunch today... A relative recently sent me this 30+ year-old clip of Milton Friedman on the Phil Donahue show. Still timely, no? Two phrases that echo for me from Friedman's lips are, "...no alternative way so far discovered..." and "...where in the world do you find these angels who are going to organize society for us...." It'd be great if we could find a forum in which Friedman, said to be an agnostic, discussed his take on the economic implications of the Gospel, particular the relationship between freedom, choice, and justice.


(See also:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1lWk4TCe4U&feature=related)
(See also: http://www.theamericanview.com/index.php?id=736)

INTERNSHIP: 2yr Youth Ministry opportunity in Diocese of Arizona

(an offering from the Episcopal Diocese of AZ): "A 2-year youth ministry training program in which the apprentice deepens character, develops competency and discerns calling.The program is ideal for recent university graduates or those in their twenties, who are exploring or pursuing a career in youth ministry."