Potpourri III

Yet again, there is an embarrassment of riches to be reported.

Fr. Daniel delivered another excellent homily today, On Fasting. He introduced it with his typical humility: "I am not the world's greatest 'faster' so this homily is aimed at me -- but you all can listen in." He noted that Anglicans are expected to fast, as any other catholic Christian, and noted the oft-forgotten "A TABLE OF FASTS" in the (1928) Book of Common Prayer, p. li, following the better-remembered "A TABLE OF FEASTS" p. l. Among the things he noted was that fasts should be done "simply, safely and appropriately": not ostentatiously, in ways that could harm one directly or indirectly (interference with employment, for example -- a helpful comment to the hypoglycemic), and really should not be "self-improvement projects" (such as quitting smoking), however laudable the goal.

In terms of returning to the rubrics, today's service included The Exhortation (BCP p. 85), which had disappeared from our parish's practice so long ago I do not recall it at all. (I did note that today we did not read the Decalogue, our recent reintroduction per the rubrics, usually the first Sunday of the month; likely this will be done next Sunday?)

For "Parish Notices" we have been asked to assemble another Care Package for our province's seminarians in Ber(ser)keley, CA, much as we did last autumn -- they are giving up much in order to pursue their studies at the seminary; we should be providing them with support. We at St. Bartholomew's are requested to fill the box the next couple of Sundays with items including Seattle-related products. (Salmon and coffee are two obvious items.)

Fr. Daniel noted that this coming Wednesday, March 8th, will be the first of the Lenten Series of classes. 5:30 Evensong, 6:00 Supper (please let Fr. Daniel know if you are planning to attend so he can gauge the amount of food necessary), followed by discussion on Thomas Cranmer on Regeneration.