For the Navy.

For me this evening began with Fr.McGrath's classic "Solemn Evensong." We didn't start quite on schedule at 5:30; for my part I was down in the Parish Hall helping to figure out the table layout that would accommodate all those who had RSVP'd for this evening's good-bye supper for The Rev. Dr. Daniel McGrath, Dr. Josephine McGrath, and the three future Dr. McGrath children. But I arrived upstairs Just In Time.

The service was familiar "Solemn Evensong," complete with incense and sung portions of the service. (I hope our next Rector likes incense, but he'll have to be aware that some of our congregation can't tolerate much of it.)

One surprise, though I guess it shouldn't have been since Fr. McGrath is to become a Navy Chaplain, was the prayer For the Navy:

O ETERNAL Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea; Vouchsafe to take into thy almighty and most gracious protection our country’s Navy, and all who serve therein. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea, and from the violence of the enemy; that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; that the inhabitants of our land may in peace and quietness serve thee our God, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

Afterwards we overwhelmed the space with the potluck supper, followed with an appropriate cake.

The evening stretched on long after most had left, with this or that discussion. Most folks still have Sunday's service ahead of them, after which the McGraths will wend their way southward to Synod, San Diego and their future.

I will be away on business Sunday when the McGraths leave the land of incessant drizzle (as per the text message 3-1/2 years ago upon their arrival in Seattle: "Where's the rain?"), and so I issue a heartfelt thank-you to the McGraths and wish you Godspeed on your journey forth. And may you find rain when you desire it.