D-V's Desk

             Luke 6:37-38 from The Rhyming Gospels             Jesus is talking about love, judgment, and forgiveness.   The more we give away, the more we end up having.   But, as is often the case with Jesus, Jesus’ wisdom can also apply to how you and I give of our time, our talents, and treasure.               Monday, July 29 started out like any other day.   The liturgical calendar noted it was the Feast of Saints Mary and Martha.   Jesus’ two dear friends from Bethany.   A three hour service at The Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia would for ever change the course of history. Several hundred people gathered to witness the historic ordination of 11 brave women to the Episcopal priesthood.   The ordinands were Merrill Bittner ,  Alla Bozarth-Campbell ,  Alison Cheek ,  Emily Hewitt ,  Carter Heyward ,  Suzanne Hiatt ,  Marie Moorefield ,  Jeannette Piccard ,  Betty Bone Schiess ,  Katrina Swanson , and  Nancy Wittig . Three Bishops were on hand to ordain what has now

II Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 + Psalm 24 + Ephesians 1:3-14 + Mark 6:14-9             What gets you singing and dancing?   You know?   You get so caught up in the moment and let yourself get carried away?   Perhaps it is listening to music as you do laundry or housework.   Maybe it is when your favorite song comes on in the car.   Next thing you know, there you are, singing and beebopping.             My oldest nephew, Michael, loved to dance in his car seat when he was little.   There was one song especially that would get him going.   Michael knew one song in particular.   Just the first few notes would be enough.   He knew THE song was on.   And he’d start moving and beebopping.   " Middle of the Nigh!” he’d call from the back seat.             King David gets dancing and grooving in the Hebrew Scripture lesson this morning.   I mean, David is totally in the zone and cutting loose!   He is dancing like no one is watching!   This is the celebration of all celebrations.   The Ark

           The 81 st   General Convention’s theme was “Together in Love.”  This theme combines Presiding Bishop (PB) Curry’s call for us to follow “The Way of Love” and the President of the House of Deputies (PHoD) emphasis on togetherness.  The HoD considered a whopping 392 of 395 resolutions put before us.  And, for the most part, the discussions were civil and respectful.  Even when we disagreed or were tired. Resolution A160 changes the words of the catechism in the Prayer Book.  Under “What is Holy Matrimony?” the Answer will now read that Holy Matrimony is “a covenant between two persons.”  The updated wording reflects the current practice and laws that allow for same-sex marriages within the United States. Resolution A101 concerned health insurance parity.  Those in rural or indigenous areas pay more for health insurance.  Or they are left with the HIS, which is less than desirable.  A101 will help ensure that clergy and church serving laity will receive affordable health care c