SLANE HILL

Twenty-First Century Excommunication

2011-10-07T12:18:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I blogged, but I think this merits it.

Twenty-First Century Excommunication
You're not Anglican, says the Episcopal Church to congregations that split over its liberal doctrinal and political stances.

By MOLLIE ZIEGLER HEMINGWAY

When the Church of the Good Shepherd in Binghamton, N.Y., left the Episcopal Church over disagreements about what the Bible says about sexuality, the congregation offered to pay for the building in which it worshiped. In return the Episcopal Church sued to seize the building, then sold it for a fraction of the price to someone who turned it into a mosque.

The congregation is one of hundreds that split or altogether left the Episcopal Church—a member of the Anglican Communion found mostly in the United States—after a decades-long dispute over adherence to scripture erupted with the consecration of a partnered gay bishop in 2003. But negotiating who gets church buildings hasn't been easy. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said she'd rather have these properties become Baptist churches or even saloons than continue as sanctuaries for fellow Anglicans.

The Episcopalian congregations that want to break away are part of a larger movement of Anglicans world-wide who are concerned by the liberalism of the official New York-based Episcopal Church on sexuality and certain basic tenets such as Jesus' resurrection. Of the 38 provinces in the global Anglican Communion, 22 have declared themselves in "broken" or "impaired" fellowship with the more liberal American church.

In 2009, breakaway Episcopalians in the U.S. and Canada formed the Anglican Church in North America, which now reports 100,000 members in nearly 1,000 congregations. This group has been formally recognized by some Anglican primates outside of the United States.

Bishop Jefferts Schori says this new Anglican group is encroaching on her church's jurisdiction, and she has authorized dozens of lawsuits "to protect the assets of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the Episcopal Church." The Episcopal Church has dedicated $22 million to legal actions against departing clergy, congregations and dioceses, according to Allan Haley, a canon lawyer who has represented a diocese in one such case.

Now the Episcopal Church has upped the ante: It has declared that if congregations break away and buy their sanctuaries, they must disaffiliate from any group that professes to be Anglican.

Rather than agree to this demand to disaffiliate from Anglicanism, Pittsburgh's All Saints Episcopal Anglican Church last month walked away from the building it had inhabited since 1928. The congregation called the Episcopal Church's demand "mean-spirited" and an attempt to deny "the freedom of religious affiliation."

Some other Episcopalians have opted to disaffiliate rather than lose their buildings or spend years in expensive litigation. Two breakaway congregations in Pennsylvania and two in Virginia have promised they will not affiliate with other Anglicans for five years.

For Anglicans, affiliation with a bishop is essential to their identity and to being part of a church. A disaffiliation clause means that bishops can't make their annual congregational visits to perform baptisms, confirmations and other rites integral to the life of the church, and they can't encourage or discipline priests. The congregation meanwhile can't work with local and national church bodies on disaster relief, youth retreats or educational seminars. Clergy members' insurance and pensions are uncertain. And congregations can't advertise that they are Anglican or contribute the traditional 10% tithe to the local branch of their denomination.

"It's unconscionable for a Christian to impose such a condition on a fellow Christian, telling them who they can and can't worship with and who they can and can't affiliate with. That violates every Christian precept I know of," said Mr. Haley, citing St. Paul's admonition against Christians suing each other in secular courts.

"We can't sell to an organization that wants to put us out of business," said Bishop Jefferts Schori, who added that her job is to ensure that "no competing branch of the Anglican Communion impose on the mission strategy" of the Episcopal Church. Indeed she has no complaint with Muslims, Baptists or barkeepers buying Episcopal properties—only fellow Anglicans.

Lives of the Monster Dogs......

2011-05-26T13:46:00.001-04:00

Truly bizarre...Lives of the Monster Dogs is a fun piece of fiction, but according to TIME, it looks like the Nazis wanted to create real talking dogs:
How Nazi Scientists Tried to Create an Army of Talking Dogs

Seriously? Is this a joke?

2011-04-04T12:18:00.000-04:00

Obama announces Reelection Bid

Pretty much....

2011-03-25T07:36:00.000-04:00

In honor of St. Jospeh-- When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano

2011-03-19T16:54:00.000-04:00

The Story of St. Patrick

2011-03-17T11:54:00.000-04:00

3rd Annual St. Patrick's Music Fest

2011-03-17T11:50:00.000-04:00

In honor of this blog's Patron Saint.

St. Patrick

2011-03-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

Almighty God, who in your providence chose your servant Patrick to be the apostle of the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of you: Grant us so to walk in that light, that we may come at last to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. Amen.

St. Gregory the Great

2011-03-12T17:26:00.000-05:00

Blessings to my son on his Name Day.

Almighty and merciful God, who raised up Gregory of Rome to be a servant of the servants of God, and inspired him to send missionaries to preach the Gospel to the English people: Preserve in your Church the catholic and apostolic faith they taught, that your people, being fruitful in every good work, may receive the crown of glory that never fades away; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Pray for Japan

2011-03-12T17:20:00.000-05:00

Please pray for the people of Japan.

Can imagine the greeting cards for this.......

2011-03-11T10:33:00.000-05:00

Wonder why we didn't get bulletin inserts from the National Church?

Thanks to The Reformed Pastor for the link.

Lenten Letter from Bishop Bill Love of Albany

2011-03-10T07:22:00.000-05:00

A Pastoral Letter from the Episcopal Bishop of Albany for Lent 2011

Posted by Kendall Harmon

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The holy season of Lent is soon upon us. The invitation to its devout observance as set forth in the Ash Wednesday liturgy gives prominence to “reading and meditating on God's holy Word.” I am convinced that all other spiritual practices and observances find their surest foundation in the plain words of Holy Scripture.

One of the main goals of the English reformers was to make the Bible in the English language accessible to every person. A cornerstone of Anglican Spirituality for the past four and a half centuries has been the provision for ordinary people to read the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament in the Daily Offices of Morning and Evening Prayer. Those who pray the Daily Office regularly know what a gift it is and how the Lord can speak to us through this invaluable spiritual discipline.

During the recent Diocesan Parish Leadership Conferences, Whitney Kuniholm, President of Scripture Union U.S.A., introduced to the clergy and people attending the PLC's another means of being fed and nourished by God’s Word through the E-100 initiative. It's a simple method of reading and meditating on 100 of the most important or essential passages of the Old and New Testament (50 from each) which help provide the 'big picture' of the story of salvation. God's love and our neglect is a repeating cycle. The E-100 passages help open the door for God through Holy Scripture to directly enter into our minds, our memories and our hearts, reminding us of His love and commitment to our welfare and salvation.

As Ash Wednesday approaches, ushering in the season of Lent, I encourage you to take part in your parish Lenten programs, to attend church every Sunday, to engage in Lenten devotions such as the Stations of the Cross, to fast and to pray. I especially encourage you to begin the E-100 on Ash Wednesday, and to faithfully follow it as a family or individually. Copies have been given to every Parish in the Diocese. If you begin now, you will complete the E-100 by Pentecost. It takes only a few minutes a day- far less than the news, the soaps, facebook a telephone chat or a nap. Many of our parishes are taking the E-100 Challenge as a parish family. Please give it a try. In so doing, may the Lord bless you richly as you grow ever closer to Him through His holy Word.

The Letter to the Hebrews (4:12-13) reminds us that "The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account."

My prayer for each of us this Lent is that the Word of God will actively penetrate our heart and mind, that we might be transformed, and that God can then use us to transform His world.

Your brother in Christ this holy Lent,

--(The Rt. Rev.) Bill Love is Bishop of Albany

Ash Wednesday

2011-03-09T09:14:00.002-05:00

Michael Nazir-Ali Announced to be new Assisting Bishop in South Carolina

2010-10-15T12:31:00.000-04:00

All I can say is "Wow".

And the sexualizaton of children continues....

2010-09-26T18:43:00.000-04:00

My 11 year-old daughter wants a Halloween costume. (Let's not go into the whole "Halloween" thing right now...). She found a website with "really cool costumes, Mom!"

Yeah.

Really cool for pre-teen hookers. Remember, these are for "tweens" - that is PRE-TEEN girls.

Will he be deposed for border crossing?

2010-09-20T06:53:00.000-04:00

++Anis of Jerusalem and the Middle East Preaches at St. Vincent's Cathedral

I can't help wonder if KJS will depose ++ Archbishop Mouneer Anis for daring to set foot in Fort Worth.

RED STICK RANT: Inaction Speaks Louder Than Words. (UPDATED AGAIN)

2010-09-10T09:57:00.000-04:00

RED STICK RANT: Inaction Speaks Louder Than Words. (UPDATED AGAIN)

Pray for Jos

2010-09-10T09:54:00.001-04:00

This happened back in March, but the Diocese of Jos and all Christians in Muslim dominated countries need our continual prayers. Please pray for Bishop Ben and family and all his people.
(WARNING - very graphic content)

Thank you,Red Stick Rant for this information.

Using children as human shields in the cultural wars

2010-08-24T15:01:00.000-04:00

Nice set of "parents":

A child has been denied entrance into an Episcopal school in Bedford because her parents are married lesbians.

Jill and Tracy Harrison, lesbians married in 2006 in Canada, applied to enroll their daughter into St. Vincent's School, in June.

Jill gave birth to Olivia, thanks to a sperm donor. On the application, they crossed out the word father on the application and wrote mother and put Tracy's name on that line. Jill was written on the mother line.

They attended the school's parent night on Tuesday, and now, just a few days before school starts Monday, the school is denying their daughter Olivia enrollment into the school because her parents are lesbians, the women said.

And an update:

(CNN) — A private religious school in Texas has denied admission to the daughter of a lesbian couple who wanted to enroll the child in preschool, citing its “clear teaching of the Christian faith” for the refusal.

In a statement e-mailed to CNN sister network HLN, the dean of St. Vincent’s Cathedral School in the Dallas suburb of Bedford, Texas, said the school is standing on its principles “in matters of marriage and sex outside of marriage” by refusing to seat 4-year-old Olivia Harrison.

“St. Vincent’s School as a ministry of St. Vincent’s Cathedral upholds the clear teaching of the Christian faith, the Holy Bible, and the Anglican Church in North America,” the Rev. Ryan Reed said.

“We based our decisions about enrollment on what is best for the children of St. Vincent’s as a whole and in conformity with the above standards,” he said. “We regret the disappointment the mother feels, but also do not understand why she would want to enroll her child in a school that would undercut her own personal values at home.”

Olivia’s mother, Jill Harrison, told HLN’s “Prime News” that was fine with her.

“I absolutely would not want her to partake in a school where they did not believe or condone the relationship that we have together,” she said.

St. Vincent’s is part of a conservative movement that broke away from the U.S. Episcopal Church in 2008, in part over the Episcopal church’s positions on gay and lesbian rights. The Anglican Church in North America claims about 100,000 adherents.

In a follow-up e-mail, Reed said that the school had no problem with a single mother, “lesbian or not, living chaste” — but said St. Vincent’s has taken a hard line in other cases. He said it has rejected an earlier preschool applicant who came from a gay household, fired an unmarried teacher who became pregnant and removed a man “from leadership roles in the school” after he left his wife for another woman.

This is the money quote for me: Olivia’s mother, Jill Harrison, told HLN’s “Prime News” that was fine with her.

“I absolutely would not want her to partake in a school where they did not believe or condone the relationship that we have together,” she said.

This woman obviously knew what the school taught and believed. This couple is from Bedford, home of the school. St. Vincent's school is part of St. Vincent's Cathedral. No one who lives around there, especially a lesbian couple, can be unaware of the fact that this is Bishop Iker's Cathedral and that the entire diocese has left the Episcopal Church over just such issues as the blessing of homosexual relationships and the rejection of clear Biblical teachings. If the woman wanted her child to receive a "religious" education that condoned mommy's lifestyle, all she had to do was find an Episcopal school, not an Anglican one. She intentionally created this uproar as a way to further her own agenda. Using your own kid as a human shield. Nice and classy, lady.

2010-08-24T09:54:00.000-04:00

Come join us in the Park!

Have you ever wanted to read the Bible from cover to cover like a novel?

Well, The Susquehanna Valley Association of Evangelicals is inviting the public to gather under a big tent in Oneonta to learn how to do it in 90 days.

The association is a loose collection of more than a dozen area churches, and the group is hosting "The Bible in 90 Days" at 5 p.m. Sept. 12 in Neahwa Park.

2 Farms, 380 Million eggs

2010-08-24T09:15:00.000-04:00

Maybe they should be investigating factory farming? How can 2 farms produce over 380 million eggs in humane or sanitary conditions? Obviously, they can't.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has
added 40 illnesses to the estimated 1,300 that have
occurred already in the salmonella enteritidis
outbreak that forced the recall of half a billion eggs.
Meanwhile, the more than 20 Food and Drug
Administration staffers on site at the two implicated
farms — Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms,
both in Iowa— have completed their initial
investigations, says Jeff Farrar, the agency's
associate commissioner for food protection.

A New Terry Prachett Movie!!!!!

2010-08-18T18:05:00.000-04:00

There are some days I just miss living in Wisconsin....

2010-08-14T10:33:00.000-04:00

Dozens of cows float away in Western Wisconsin flooding

MARTELL, Wisc. -- The Rush River at Martell is known for its trout fishing. But Wednesday's catch of the day was cows.

"We should have put floaties on them or something," said Pierce County farmer Tim Wiff.

(read the rest here.)

Thanks, Dean Munday, for this story!

Do you believe that?

2010-08-03T13:54:00.000-04:00

Hee, Hee. Love it!

H/T Stand Firm

Top Eleven Reasons the Reformed Theologian Didn't Cross the Road

2010-07-29T07:28:00.001-04:00

Oh, too, too funny. I especially like #11.

11. A woman already crossed. We don’t follow women.
10. We don’t believe the road is safe. It wasn’t built between 1500-1700 A.D.
9. We believe that “road crossing” ceased with the death of the last Apostle or the completion of the New Testament.
8. The crossing guard was only helping people cross from one side to the other, so we are suspicious. Is this a denial of double pre-destination?
7. Neither Romans 9 or John 6 say anything about crossing roads. Therefore, it is unbiblical.
6. The “Walk” sign was gender neutral. It made us mad.
5. The road was called Tiber Ave.
4. John Wesley said that God’s prevenient grace would pave the way, but we have to take the steps ourselves. What a load!
3. We were not elected to cross before the foundation of the road.
2. Piper said that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied on our side of the road.
1. The pub is on this side of the road.

Tip well - especially if you pray over your meal

2010-07-25T17:03:00.003-04:00

For my daughter the waitress:

Preach the Gospel of Grace!!!

For my daughter at Summer Camp

2010-07-20T14:52:00.000-04:00

I'll be expecting my lanyard on Friday, my sweet, awesome daughter!

The Menaissance

2010-07-09T07:22:00.002-04:00

For the men in my family.....

"I told you so....."

2010-06-10T10:05:00.000-04:00

In day 78 of Reading the Bible in 90 Days. I had forgotten this delightful passage.

²¹After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: "Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. ²²But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. ²³Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me ²⁴and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' ²⁵So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. ²⁶Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island."

Acts 27:21-25
Next time my family complains about me saying "I told you so", I'm going to claim I am just following the example of the Apostle Paul.

SAMS Missionary in the Family

2010-05-31T07:58:00.000-04:00

My daughter Becka has been accepted as an Intern with SAMS (Society of Anglican Missionaries & Senders). She will be spending three months in Bolivia, working with children at a safe house. All SAMS missionaries are required to raise their own support. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Donations should be marked for "Rebecca Hunter, Bolivia".

Coming to an Episcopal Church near you . . . .

2010-05-03T12:36:00.000-04:00

Any day now....
German man 'marries' his dying cat
Possendorf

A German man has unofficially married his cat after the animal fell ill and vets told him it might not live much longer, Bild newspaper reports.

It says Uwe Mitzscherlich, 39, paid an actress 300 euros (£260,$395) to officiate at the ceremony, as marrying an animal is illegal in Germany.

Mr Mitzscherlich said he had wanted to tie the knot before his asthmatic cat Cecilia died.

The cat and groom have lived together for 10 years.

"Cecilia is such a trusting creature. We cuddle all the time and she has always slept in my bed," Mr Mitzscherlich, a postman from the eastern town of Possendorf, told Bild.

Actress Christin-Maria Lohri, who officiated the ceremony, was quoted as saying: "At first I thought it was a joke. But for Mr Mitzscherlich it's a dream come true".

Piobaireachd

2010-04-30T08:46:00.000-04:00

Just 'cause I'm in the mood for pipes.....

Bishop of Albany's Holy Week and Easter Letter

2010-03-28T12:23:00.000-04:00

Received via email:

Holy Week and Easter, 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the world teeters from one crisis to the next, you and I as Christians can go forward facing the uncertainties and trials of life in confidence, a confidence not from human optimism, but from the salvation and victory won by Jesus Christ against all the forces of evil, hell and death itself.

With the coming of Holy Week, we have the great honor and privilege to join in celebrating the events of our redemption. We begin with Palm Sunday, whereupon we remember and celebrate how our Lord rode into Jerusalem on a young donkey (as had been prophesied about the coming of the Messiah) and how many greeted Him, singing, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” On Maundy Thursday, we come together to remember and celebrate the Last Supper Jesus and the Disciples were to have together before His arrest, at which time He instituted what we now know as Holy Communion or the Eucharist. In addition, it was then that the Lord stated, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Jesus would demonstrate the fullness of His love the next day on Good Friday, when He went to the cross, offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all the world—dying in order that we might live. Three days later, on Easter Sunday, we join with all the Heavenly Hosts in singing “Alleluia. Christ is risen!” in celebration of our Lord’s glorious resurrection, wherein He conquered sin and death.

As we enter into Holy Week, we not only commemorate the historical markers of those eight days, but rather we are invited to enter in to a deeper relationship with the crucified and Risen Lord. Each of us brings to this Holy Week our own needs and problems and fears, indeed our own wounds. We can do this because we are confident that the Wounds of Jesus are the source of our forgiveness and healing. We especially bring to Christ what we can take to no one else, our sins. In exchange we receive new life and the promise of the resurrection we all hope for.

But beyond our personal needs and our family needs, the Lord calls us to help others in their own spiritual need. We are surrounded by folks who not only are in need of, but open to experiencing the transforming love of God. I encourage you to invite a friend, a neighbor or a co-worker to come with you this Holy Week. Reach out to someone you care about, and welcome that person to join you on Good Friday to hear the good news of the Savior’s love, and on Easter Day to hear the joyous praise that rings out the Resurrection victory.

As your bishop, I invite you to join the priests and deacons of the diocese at the Chrism Mass in any of three locations across the Diocese, as they renew their commitment to the Lord and to His ministry.*

May the Risen Lord who offered Himself for us upon the Cross fill you with a renewed faith. And may your family and loved ones be filled with the peace that surpasses all human understanding throughout Holy Week and the whole of the Easter Season.

In Christ our Risen Savior,

The Right Reverend William H. Love
Bishop of Albany

* Monday, 6pm the Cathedral; Tuesday 6pm St James, Oneonta; Wed, 12N, St Thomas Tupper Lake

A new Episcopal Congregation In Central New York? NOT!

2010-03-24T18:47:00.001-04:00

No, wait. My mistake. I would have thought that the obligation to safeguard the legacy of previous generations of Episcopalians would lead the Diocese of Central New York to ensure that the building previously occupied by Good Shepherd, Binghamton would remain an Episcopal church or at least a Christian church. But, not so......

Instead, the Bishop and/or Standing Committee has opted to sell, not for the assessed value (which the former congregation of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, now the Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd was willing to pay) but for 1/3 that value to a.... oh, take a guess. Will it be a night club? A grocery store? A restaurant? Some sort of non-profit group? NO.

Well, actually, I guess it IS a non-profit group after all, because the Diocese has sold the building to an Islamic group. The Islamic Awareness Center, to be exact.

This is the best comment regarding the Diocese that I have read:

Think about that for a minute - The Episcopal Church (tm) put an active Christian parish out of their traditional home because that parish believes homosexual practice is a sin... and instead sold it to a faith that believes homosexual practice deserves death.

Above there is a "before" shot of the building. And now, here's what it looks like:

Veggie Tales explains St. Patrick!

2010-03-17T12:39:00.000-04:00

St. Patrick's Day Bagpipes

2010-03-17T12:12:00.001-04:00

Third Annual St. Patrick's Extravaganza!!!!

2010-03-17T12:04:00.000-04:00

The Blood of Cu Chulainn

The Bishop of TEC hath no juridiction in this realm

2010-03-10T07:35:00.000-05:00

Resolutions before the South Carolina Diocesan Convention:

Proposed Resolution R-2 2010 Convention

Offered by: The Standing Committee

Subject: Response to Ecclesiastical Intrusions by the Presiding Bishop

RESOLVED, That this 219th Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina affirms its legal and ecclesiastical authority as a sovereign diocese within the Episcopal Church, and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Convention declares the Presiding Bishop has no authority to retain attorneys in this Diocese that present themselves as the legal counsel for the Episcopal Church in South Carolina, and be it finally

RESOLVED, That the Diocese of South Carolina demands that the Presiding Bishop drop the retainer of all such legal counsel in South Carolina as has been obtained contrary to the express will of this Diocese, which is The Episcopal Church within its borders.

(Hat tip to Chris Johnson)

Good Stewardship or Money Laundering?

2010-03-09T15:48:00.000-05:00

If a "Diocese" has a $420,000 grant from The Episcopal Church (DFMS - The Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, line 64 in the budget), is it just a coincidence that the "Diocese's" legal fees are nearly the same amount as the grant? (lines 72 & 73) Is this not just a way for TEC to sue parishes and individuals in the actual, legitimate Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin while pretending this is an internal argument in the Diocese of San Joaquin? The Episcopal "Diocese" looks very much like a puppet regime.

As usual, the Anglican Curmudgeon has an excellent analysis of the whole sorry mess.

Moses and Miriam sing again

2010-03-02T01:14:00.001-05:00

JERUSALEM – Two parts of an ancient biblical manuscript separated across centuries and continents were reunited for the first time in a joint display Friday, thanks to an accidental discovery that is helping illuminate a dark period in the history of the Hebrew Bible.

The 1,300-year-old fragments, which are among only a handful ofHebrew biblical manuscripts known to have survived the era in which they were written, existed separately and with their relationship unknown, until a news photograph of one's public unveiling in 2007 caught the attention of the scholars who would eventually link them.

Together, they make up the text of the Song of the Sea, sung by jubilant Israelites after fleeing slavery in Egypt and witnessing the destruction of the pharaoh's armies in theRed Sea.

"The enemy said: 'I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil. My lust shall be satisfied upon them, I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them,'" reads the song, which appears in the Book of Exodus. "Thou didst blow thy wind, the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters."

An exhibit at Israel's national museum dedicated to the Song of the Sea is now bringing together the two long-separated pieces.

Read the rest...

Thanks to Kendall Harmon

Just how Christian is Brian McLaren?

2010-02-22T07:39:00.002-05:00

Hey, Brian, I don't have a seminary education either, but I can tell what you are teaching is cr*p.

Diocese of South Carolina changes date of Diocese Convention

2010-02-10T17:30:00.001-05:00

Please pray for Bp. Lawrence and the Diocese of South Carolina.

Farewell to a family pet

2010-02-03T07:17:00.000-05:00

Rest in peace, Mr. Dangerous Beans.

For my husband! You know why....

2010-02-02T09:51:00.002-05:00

Invitation to Grace

2010-01-17T12:12:00.000-05:00

The sermon preached this morning at my parish:

“Invitation to Grace”
2nd Epiphany
January 17, 2010
Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 96:1-9, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11

What’s your idea of heaven? Are you all prepared to sit around on a cloud, playing a harp? Do you know how to play a harp? Will everyone be dressed in white robes, like the ones we’re wearing, and speak quietly like they are in church all the time?

Did you know that the Bible actually tells us something very different about what heaven and being in the presence of God will be like?

Heaven is going to be a party, and not just any party, but a great big wedding party. In this morning’s Gospel, we are given a tiny glimpse of that party.

We’ve probably all been to weddings or wedding receptions, especially all the adults here. Some of the weddings were probably small, quiet events and some of them were no doubt large, elaborate and very expensive affairs. But I’ll bet none of us has ever been to a wedding as elaborate as the one Jesus attended in Cana.

In ancient Israel a wedding feast wasn’t just a ceremony in the church, or the synagogue and then a reception that lasted a few hours. A wedding feast lasted at least a week, with guests coming and going, people going home to get some work done, take care of their livestock, and then coming back again to the party. The whole village would be invited and probably people from surrounding towns as well. The wealthier the groom’s family was, the bigger the party would be. We don’t know whose wedding this was in Cana, but we can tell the host was a wealthy man. He had stone water jars, stone jars being something that a wealthier household would have. Poorer people would have clay jars. And these were huge water jars, six of them, each holding 20 to 30 gallons of water. If you don’t feel like doing math this early in the morning, I’ve already done it for you. That came out to 120 to 180 gallons of water. The guest list must have been pretty large, to need jars that size to accommodate everyone’s need for ritual hand washings.

Now, the wedding feast would begin with the groom and his friends starting to party a day or so before the actual wedding, kind of an extended bachelor party, then in the middle of the night, they would parade through the village with torches to the bride’s home, where she would be having a more subdued party. The bridesmaids’ job would be to wait at the door with lamps to greet the groom’s party whenever they decided to arrive. Then, with groomsmen’s torches and the bridesmaids’ lamps, the whole party would dance back through the village to the groom’s house, where the wedding ceremony and the week long party would begin. Jesus even told a parable about this, when he told the story of the five wise virgins who had oil for their lamps and the five foolish virgins who feel asleep and let their lamps go out.

Jesus told a lot of parables about weddings. The image of a wedding feast to describe heaven and the relationship between God and his people is probably the most common image used in both the Old and New Testaments.

Weddings are a joyous time. Weddings, like the birth of a child, are always new beginnings, the start of a new life and full of hope. And weddings in ancient times, and usually now, always included wine to celebrate. The Bible calls wine “the oil of gladness”. It symbolized a joyous celebration.

In Cana of Galilee, someone was getting married and Jesus and his disciples and his mother Mary had been invited. The party was well under way but nowhere close to being over when the wine ran out. This was a social disaster. Hospitality was very, very important. It wasn’t just that the host of the party would face embarrassment, probably for years to come. He would always be remembered as that guy who ran out of wine, who invited everyone from town and then couldn’t entertain them. It would be brought up every time there was another wedding in the town for years to come. But worse than embarrassment, the host could have actually faced a lawsuit. He could be sued by the party goers who would have felt cheated out of the good time they had been promised. Can you imagine that? If you threw a party and your guests where able to sue you because they didn’t think you had spent enough money on them? It would make me pretty leery of throwing any parties at all! But then, I would be offending against hospitality and still be liable to be sued!

So, here is this big party and there’s no more wine. Jesus’ mother comes to him and says, “They have no wine.” We don’t know why she was concerned. Maybe this was a relative’s wedding. And we don’t know why she thought Jesus could do anything about it. The text tells us Jesus hadn’t preformed any miracles or signs yet. And he sure couldn’t do what anyone would do now; make a run down to the local liquor store! But Mary is confident that Jesus will do something to fix the problem. Even when Jesus challenges her, the way he challenges so many people in the Gospels, and he says “what concern is that to you and me?” Mary is still so confident that her son will fix the problem, she just turns to the servants and says “Do whatever he tells you.” I love that. This is one of my favorite Bible stories, because that statement right there sums up the Christian life – Just do whatever Jesus tells you!

And the servants do exactly what they are told. Jesus has them fill the water jars not just kinda full, but all the way up to the brim so they will overflow when the ladle is dipped in. And then he does it, the first of the signs he ever performed. He turned the ordinary water used for washing into the finest of wines. Not ordinary wine, not cheap wine, but the finest wine.

Jesus, God with us, chooses to reveal his glory in a lavish, overflowing manner in the context of a wedding. Jesus turns 180 gallons of water in 180 gallons of fine wine. Think of it. Out of the vessels used for ritual cleansing, once filled with water to wash away impurities, flowed wine to make the heart glad. Jesus could have just filled one of the jars, just enough to save the host from embarrassment. But he chose offer this spectacular sign of his glory and his love and grace.

Jesus is never stingy with his grace. He always offers more than enough, abundant and overflowing. He offers us that grace every day, if we will just accept it. That’s really the only requirement. We don’t have to come before him perfect and washed and tidied up already. He has replaced the ritual cleansings and our attempts to make ourselves fit to stand before God under our own power. He offers us the wine of gladness and invites us to the party. He is offering it right now, in the sacrament of His body and the wine of his blood, come to the table and receive the grace of his love and mercy. However you may feel right now, the grace of God invites you to come to him. He invites you not to be drunk with the old, inferior wine of the world, but to be filled and overflowing with the new wine of the Spirit of God. He offers to replace the 180 gallons of guilt and recriminations we hold against ourselves with his grace.

St. John doesn’t call this event a miracle, he calls it a sign. What is a sign? A sign points to something beyond itself, a message. A stop sign isn’t just an octagonal piece of metal, painted red and white. When you see that stop sign in the street, you don’t try to figure out what type of paint was used on it, you stop your car. It means more than its physical shape. Its message is stop what you are doing, look, listen, and don’t go on until its safe.

When you hear of the sign of Cana, don’t try to determine what vintage the wine was or how many guests were there or why there were six stone jars instead of five or seven. Look beyond the sign to what it points to, to what it means. Stop, look, listen and turn to Jesus for his abundant grace and love.
When you follow the sign of Cana, you will find yourself part of the joyous celebration of the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. As the prophet Isaiah says, you shall be called by a new name, you shall no longer be termed Forsaken or Desolate, but the Lord will delight in you, you will be like a royal diadem in the hand of your God. The Lord rejoices over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. Come to the altar of Christ and receive the sign of his love and grace.

Amen.

Lean postings

2010-01-16T10:43:00.000-05:00

Blog postings have been a little lean, in fact non-existant for awhile. Real life family has been much more important and in the forefront.

My mother-in-law, Della, passed away on January 5th and we, especially my husband, have been not only dealing with our grief and all the missed times we had with her, but the difficulties of coordinating air travel, funeral arrangements and trying to settle an estate. Our lives leave so many loose ends and missed opportunities.

I thank all my friends who have been praying for us.

A modest proposal

2009-12-28T17:04:00.003-05:00

This is brilliant. But it probably won't be satire for long, it will become prophesy. And no doubt the Episcopal Church will lead the way.....

(hat tip to Transfigurations):

Temple Prostitution: A Modest Proposal
Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 5:38 AM
Rev. Paul T. McCain
Last summer, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to accept actively homosexual persons as members of their clergy and to condone gays and lesbians living in “lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships.” This has caused a firestorm of controversy in that church body. In response, the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, an independent pan-Lutheran organization that produces a magazine called Lutheran Forum, and a newsletter Forum Letter, published an article titled “Temple Prostitution: A Modest Proposal” by the Associate Editor of Forum Letter, Pastor Peter Speckhard, nephew of the late Father Richard John Neuhaus. I asked for permission to share this brilliant piece of satire here and they kindly granted it. And so, here is the article printed in the December 2009 issue of Forum Letter. Copyright 2009 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau. All rights reserved. For further information about Forum Letter, visit www.alpb.org. [Editorial warning: May be unsuitable except for mature readers]

Temple prostitution: a modest proposal
by Peter Speckhard, associate editor

November 2009 Forum Letter

Every now and then a new way of looking at things not only solves a problem but opens up unexpected opportunities for that one solution to lead to a whole host of related solutions. The recent decisions of the ELCA regarding homosexuality solved the problem faced by gay couples seeking church weddings. But even better, the new way of looking at the issue could solve several more perennial problems in the church with one grand innovation.

Facing our problems

What are the biggest problems, practical and theological, that Lutheran churches in America face today? I would submit the following:
—Inability to retain or reach out to young, single people, especially men. Think about it—on a typical Sunday in a typical Lutheran church, how many 28-year-old single men are sitting in the pews? How might we draw them in? What are their felt needs?

Read the rest at First Things

Personal prayer request

2009-12-27T07:22:00.000-05:00

Please pray for my mother-in-law, Della Jones.

(From my husband):
Date: Sat, 26 Dec 2009

From: Fr. Kenneth Hunter

Subject: Intercessory Prayer Request

Please pray for my mother, Della Jones, who has been diagnosed with leukemia. Hospice arrangements have been advised. We ask for her healing. If God has a better plan for her, we ask for the grace of assurance for her and for all of us who love her.

Home for Christmas!

2009-12-21T18:58:00.000-05:00

Fr. Nigel Update 12:35 PM

Update on Fr. Nigel 12:35 PM

Monday 12/21/09

Fr. Nigel has been given the green flag by his doctor to go home on Wednesday 12/23. He will have to return to the hospital after the holidays for some minor surgery concerning the bedsore, but then home for good, God willing. He is still experiencing a good deal of pain from the bedsore. He had his trach capped and is receiving a very small amount of oxygen from a small tube that goes under his nose. THANK YOU LORD!!! With his trach capped, he is able to speak in full sentences again, but he still gets a bit winded trying to talk at any length. His lungs need to continue to build up and heal. He has been walking more and more every day, but he is still experiencing some slight dizziness off and on.

Please Pray For:

Healing of the bedsore and relief from the pain that it is causing

Strength for all of his muscles, especially for his leg muscles

Healing and rejuvenation of his lungs

Healing of the dizziness when he stands

Strength, stamina and peace for Lynn as she prepares for Fr. Nigel’s homecoming

Please give PRAISE and THANKS to our Lord for the healing that has taken place and for the healing to come. Our God listens to our prayers and as He did for St. Thomas, He relieves us of any doubts that we may have.

The following message has been sent by Fr. Nigel’s family in England to all the wonderful prayer warriors throughout the world:

Dear Beth and All, This is to greet you at the beginning of Christmas Week and then into the Blessed Day. David and I send you all Greetings for a very God-filled and therefore Joyous Season. We particularly thank you Beth and the Bissells and all the faithful "Prayers" who have stood by our son Nigel and dear Lynn through all these long and difficult weeks. What incredible fruit the prayers have brought forth - how our Lord has Blessed them - we are very mindful of His Love and Blessing. Ups and downs there have been - and may continue -- BUT GOD IS IN CHARGE and that is our great comfort and strength. THANK YOU ALL. With our most sincere Love. David and Jean Mumford and Family.

From Elizabeth Strickland

Thanksgiving for continued healing

2009-12-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

From Albany Intercessor:
Update on Fr. Nigel 9:53 AM
Friday 12/18/09

Today there is some wonderful news. Fr. Nigel has been told that the work that he is doing in PT and OT is being done well enough for him to plan to go home on the 23rd! THANK YOU LORD – AND THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS! He has walked far enough and long enough, he has been climbing stairs, and he has been working out his hands, arms and legs to meet the criteria for release. His drive to get better and get home has been extraordinary and he says that he can feel and is uplifted by your prayers. He has experienced a recurrence of dizziness when he is walking, which had disappeared for a few days. The only element that could be "a fly in the ointment" to his release is the condition of his bedsore – whether it is healed enough.

Please keep up your prayers for:
      Immediate healing of the bedsore – the tissues, the capillaries and whatever else is involved
      Continued healing of his lungs so that the oxygen level can be decreased even further and the trach can be removed
      Healing of whatever is causing him to experience dizziness when he walks
      Strengthening of his leg muscles to help with his walking and all of his muscles
      Patience for Fr. Nigel as he continues to heal
      Strength and peace for Lynn as she continues to walk this path with Fr. Nigel

Praise and Glory be given to our Lord who has answered all of our prayers in so many ways. Thanks be to God!

From Beth Strickland

Update on Fr. Nigel

2009-12-14T07:42:00.000-05:00

From Albany Intercessor:

***** Date: Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:22 PM
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Monday 12/14/09

      Fr. Nigel continues to mend. He is walking, with the help of a walker, the length of the hall outside of his room, which is about 80 feet. He is doing about 3 hours of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy per day, which is exhausting him. He has sustained work-outs for his arms and legs. His mind wants to do more than his body is able to do at this point. When he walked down the hall Saturday, the nausea and the dizziness had subsided somewhat, so keep those prayers coming because that issue is showing signs of healing. Fortunately he has Sundays to recover and rest.
      His bed sore continues to be a source of pain and discomfort, but the new bed is a help.
      Fr. Nigel said that he has had some "remarkable prayer time". He has also been able to pray with some of the nurses that are attending to him. They have come up to him and said that they are Christians, and then they have prayed together.
      Fr. Nigel has asked for prayer for his concern over a couple of procedures which may take place this week -- removal of a port and a procedure on the bed sore.
Please pray for:

*      Healing of his lungs so that he can be weaned from the oxygen

*      Building up strength in his arms and legs so that he can increase his walking

*      Patience and endurance for his PT and OT and for the long road to recovery ahead

*      Elimination of the dizziness and nausea

*      God's Peace for his mind and spirit as he faces some challenges this week both physically and emotionally

*      Strength, endurance and peace for Lynn as she faces the marathon ahead

      Please give Thanks and Praise to our God who is so awesome. He listens to your prayers and is answering them. Fr. Nigel is getting a little better every day. God's will be done! Thank you Lord Jesus!

Book Review: The Liturgical Year

2009-12-11T10:41:00.001-05:00

This is my first review as part of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers program. I signed up and received a free copy of this book.

Part historical study, part devotional, The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister, is part of Thomas Nelson Publishers “Ancient Practices” series. The historical background of the liturgical year is woven throughout the devotional reflections and this book is in no way an academic treatment. Actually, I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t a bit more academic, but it probably fulfills what seems to be the main purpose of the book: to introduce and meditate upon the practice of following the Church year corporately and privately.

It’s probably unreasonable to object to the heavily Roman Catholic slant of the book. After all, Sister Joan Chittister is a Roman Catholic Benedictine nun. I was just expecting something a little more generic, a kind of “mere liturgical year” treatment. As an Anglican, I have never celebrated a number of the feast days she describes, especially the Marian Feasts. With the exception of the Annunciation, most Marian Feast days are not observed in my tradition. I have never been in a parish which even knew what the Octave of Mary was, let alone celebrated it. Nor was the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Queenship of Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, Feast of the Immaculate Conception or any other of the many specifically Roman Catholic days she describes.

There are many branches of Christianity which are liturgical besides the Roman Catholic tradition. Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran and others all follow a Church calendar. I even know of one local Baptist church that observes Lent. So the almost exclusive emphasis on the Roman Church’s celebration and interpretation of the calendar detracts from the value of this book. It is not the book I would give to any non-liturgical or non-denominational Christian to commend the use of either liturgy or the Church year.

Fr. Nigel update

2009-12-09T07:23:00.000-05:00

Date: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 9:52 PM
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Tuesday 12/8/09
Fr. Nigel Mumford is in excellent spirits. Although he is still not able to stand without being dizzy or nauseous, he was able yesterday to do 15 minutes on a "bicycle" of sorts, exercising his arms. He was also able to do 6 minutes of workout on his legs, but had to stop because of the dizziness. He was disappointed in the brevity of that exercise, but he was reminded that a week ago he was barely able to lift his arm. Now he can raise it with confidence. He is now also able to push himself up in bed.
He continues to deal with the bed sore that is causing a lot of pain, and he has been told that it will take about 3 months to heal. But he will be getting a new bed specially made to aid in the healing of bed sores. So please continue to pray for the healing of this and thank God for the new bed.
The oxygen supply to Fr. Nigel's trach has been reduced a bit as the weaning process continues, so our Lord is hearing your prayers for the healing of his lungs. But he has a cough that persists.
Fr. Nigel said that his prayer life has returned, and he feels a great peace envelope him. He said that he knows that it is your prayers. He thanks God for your prayers and the gift of life.
Please pray for:

Immediate healing of the bed sore

Complete rejuvenation and healing of his lungs, and elimination of his cough

Healing of whatever is causing the dizziness and nausea when he tries to stand

Peace and strength for Lynn as she continues to support and care for Fr. Nigel

Please give Thanks and Praise to Our Lord - for the healing that has taken place- known and unknown - for the strengthening of his muscles, for the clarity of his mind, for the healing of his lungs, for the regular heartbeat, for the normal temperature, for the Lord's healing touch in so many ways.

Thank you all for your prayers. Our God is awesome and He hears your crying out to Him. God Bless You.

Albany Intercessor

A Message from Fr. Nigel

2009-12-05T18:06:00.000-05:00

A message from Fr. Nigel

"A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have been praying for me. There was a night when the doctors told Lynn [Torre: probably October 19th] that they couldn't do anything more for me. That was the night the special request for prayer went out. There was a huge Tsunami wave of prayer that washed over me and that is why I am here today."

Fr. Nigel also reported that he was able to put on his own socks by himself for the first time today.

Please continue to pray for:
Immediate healing of the bedsore that is still causing him great discomfort
Healing of whatever is causing the dizziness and nausea
Complete healing and restoration of his lungs
Regaining strength and use of his muscles
Peace and stamina for Lynn

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel - Friday, December 4th

2009-12-04T17:12:00.002-05:00

Fr. Nigel Update 9:14 AM

Friday 12/4/09
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues to improve, bit by bit. Yesterday was an orientation day for him in his new surroundings, so he was meeting new doctors, nurses and staff. He continues to receive some help with oxygen as his lungs are not able to manage on their own just yet. He said that his brief time on his feet attempting to walk is much like Tim Conway on the 70s television show "Laugh In" – he shuffles along with his walker. Although he would like to be gaining more strength and time on his feet, his dizziness and nausea are continuing to plague him. The doctors are trying to discover what is causing this.

Fr. Nigel is in wonderful spirits and his sense of humor is ever evident. If you know Fr. Nigel, you will know that he is keen on humor in the healing process. He is anxious to build up his strength so that he can be home by Christmas, which would be a wonderful gift.

Please pray for:
Immediate healing of the bedsore that is still causing him great discomfort
Healing of whatever is causing the dizziness and nausea
Complete healing and restoration of his lungs
Regaining strength and use of his muscles
Peace and stamina for Lynn

Please give Praise and Thanksgiving to our God who has answered our prayers.
Because Fr. Nigel is still susceptible to infection, there is still a No Visitor policy. Fr. Nigel knows how many people are praying for him and he knows how God has listened to your prayers. If he were able, Fr. Nigel would thank each of you personally for your prayers for him and for others. May God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and your faithfulness to Him.

From Beth Strickland

Update on Fr. Nigel- 12/3

2009-12-03T17:33:00.000-05:00

Fr. Nigel Update 9:58 AM

Thursday 12/3/09

Fr. Nigel Mumford has been moved from Saratoga Hospital to a Rehab Center for physical rehabilitation. His move went very well and although he doesn’t have the intensive attention that he had at the ICU at Saratoga Hospital, this is a huge step forward in his recovery. He will be very busy at the Rehab Center strengthening his muscles so that he can do the most simple things that you and I take for granted. As an example, he lifted his arm over his head by himself for the first time yesterday. Thank You Lord for your healing touch!

He is continuing to experience very intense nausea and dizziness as he tries to stand. His legs aren’t strong enough to support him for very long yet, but he is trying so hard. Relief from the nausea and dizziness would help tremendously in his efforts to stand and strengthen his muscles.

Fr. Nigel is also still experiencing severe pain from his bed sore, so prayer for healing of this is important.
Fr. Nigel is continuing to receive some oxygen at a low level as he is still not able to breathe on his own yet. His lungs are working but not to their full capacity yet.

Let us pray for:
Immediate and complete healing of Fr. Nigel’s bed sore
Complete healing of Fr. Nigel’s lungs
Immediate relief from the dizziness and nausea
Peace to Lynn as she aids in Fr. Nigel’s recovery

Thanks and Praise to our Lord for the mustard seeds of improvement that are seen day by day. We Glorify you Lord. You are an Awesome God.
Thank you to all you prayer warriors for your continuing prayers and steadfastness to prayer for Fr. Nigel.

Fr. Nigel’s parents have sent the following message:
We realize there is a load of hard slog for Nigel - but he is so determined to get back into life again. David and I so want to thank everyone of those who have and are continuing in prayer for him and Lynn. It's a long time now and their commitment is so heartwarming ----- and LOOK what prayer is achieving. God is faithful and He is doing such great things We do want also to send our appreciation to Torre & Jean Bissell who have obviously had a big part in all this. THANK YOU - THANK YOU. So hope to meet you all in due course. With Our Father God's Love, in the Name of His Son our Saviour and in the Joy and power of His Holy Spirit........Bless you all. David and Jean Mumford .

Perfomance enchancing drugs & Cricket fighting???

2009-12-02T07:09:00.000-05:00

We live in a seriously strange world, where people give Ecstasy to BUGS and such a thing as the "Shanghai Folk Cricket Canister Art Association" exist.

SHANGHAI -- Like the baseball calendar in the U.S., China's cricket-fighting season is getting longer and longer. Purists fret that the pastime is being threatened by a money culture.

Helping lead the effort to upend thousands of years of Chinese tradition is Xu Moxiao, a man determined to lengthen the customary autumn fighting season. He thinks year-round bug fights are better for fans and for the people who make money off the sport.

"What I'm doing is trying to expand the good things," says Mr. Xu.

Cricket fighting has long followed the rhythms of nature. Around late summer, the inch-long blackish-brown insects are plucked out of farm fields and sold as cheap entertainment. Spectators gather to watch heated matches in which two crickets battle it out, gladiator style, until one turns tail and runs.. . .

Check out the video and slideshow, too.

Final day in ICU! Thanks be to God!

2009-12-01T13:09:00.000-05:00

From the Diocese website:
Tuesday 12/1/09

Today will be the last day that Fr. Nigel Mumford will be in the ICU. We Praise You Lord and we thank You for all of the healing that is taking place! He will be moving to “Rehab” for his physical rehabilitation. He will be strengthening his muscles, especially his legs. He is fighting severe dizziness and nausea when he tries to stand, which is understandable after all of this time on his back. This is his 53 rd day in the hospital! He said that his head is spinning as though he were on a merry-go-round. As a result of all of this time in the hospital, he has developed a bedsore that is causing him serious pain and discomfort.

As Fr. Nigel has taught us to pray, we will pray as accurately as possible. Please pray for:

Relief from the nausea and dizziness as he tries to stand

Healing of the bed sore

Strengthening of all of his muscles, but especially for his legs, so that he can “walk out of the darkness”, as he put it

Continued healing of his lungs

Strength for Lynn as she ministers to Fr. Nigel

Glory to God for the miracle that He has worked through Fr. Nigel. “Glory to You, Lord God of our fathers; You are worthy of praise: Glory to You.” BCP 90

As it turns out, the 300+ E-cards that Fr. Nigel received at Saratoga Hospital, although they were a bit of an inconvenience, they were actually also a gift. Fr. Nigel told me that the volunteers that were printing the messages were reading them as they were printing them, and your messages were ministering to the volunteers and the staff. God works in wondrous ways. Today will be the last day that you will be able to send Fr. Nigel an E-card. If you have already sent one, then please don’t send another, but if you haven’t - today is your day. http://www.saratogacare.org/

Blessings to all of you for your continued prayer for Fr. Nigel and your Praise of our Lord, who is our healer and redeemer.

Sunday Update on Fr. Nigel

2009-11-29T23:03:00.000-05:00

Posted on Albany Intercessor:
Date: Sun, 29 N
ov 2009 08:01 AM
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Saturday 11/28/09

Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in ICU. He is completely off the ventilator, even at nighttime! Thank you, Lord Jesus.

In the determined manner of a Royal Marine, he is building his strength and has used a walker to get from his bed to his chair – a short distance but a huge accomplishment. He is very dizzy when he stands up.

As a result of letting you know about the E-cards at Saratoga Hospital, Fr. Nigel received over 300 e-cards the first day. Needless to say, it caused a bit of disruption to their system. On the bright side of that, Fr. Nigel was very touched. Perhaps it would be wise to hold off on sending any more cards until the hospital can recover from the massive response.

Please pray for:

* Complete and immediate healing of Fr. Nigel’s bedsores

* Complete healing and strengthening of Fr. Nigel’s lungs

* Building up of Fr. Nigel’s muscles – all of his muscles – so that he can regain his strength

* Elimination of the dizziness Fr. Nigel feels when he stands

* Peace and endurance for Lynn

Please give Praise and Thanksgiving to our Lord for the continued healing of Fr. Nigel. Our God is so awesome. He cares so much for each one of us -- He listens to our prayers. Bless you all for your continued and dedicated prayers.

For my missionary daughter

2009-11-28T08:57:00.000-05:00

Off the Ventilator!

2009-11-25T06:16:00.002-05:00

Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:53 p.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Tuesday 11/24/09
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in the ICU but his progress has been remarkable. There is cause for celebration – ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA! Fr. Nigel is off the ventilator! Thank you Lord God for prayers answered. He continues to receive some extra air at night in the amount very similar to what a C-PAP machine would provide (those are the machines that lots of people are wearing to bed now that provide relief from sleep deprivation/apnea). So that is a huge step forward in his road to recovery. He is talking a bit more now that he is off of the ventilator, and for the first time yesterday he was able to eat some pureed food.
Fr. Nigel is also spending a good deal of his day out of his bed and in a chair. He is also doing PT two times a day so that he can build his muscles back up so that he can regain use of his body. He is making real strides here as well. Your prayers are working wonders! As you may imagine, this is exhausting to him and he is worn out very quickly. But he had the strength to say “My life is coming back bit by bit.”
Please pray for:
* relief from some pain that he is experiencing from bed sores
* continued healing of his lungs
* continued strengthening of all of his muscles
* peace for Fr. Nigel in those anxious moments
* peace and strength for Lynn and the whole Mumford family

Please give Praise and Thanksgiving to our Lord for the healing that has taken place and that will continue to take place in Fr. Nigel. Our God listens to our prayers and answers them according to His will. You are all fantastic prayer warriors.
Lynn asks for no visitors until Fr. Nigel regains his strength and is out of ICU. You can send an e-card card to Fr. Nigel from the Saratoga Hospital website http://www.saratogacare.org/

Thank you for your faithfulness during Fr. Nigel’s illness, and I ask you to continue your prayers. This will be the last update until Monday November 30. Have a blessed Thanksgiving. I am thankful for Fr. Nigel’s illness because it has brought all of us closer to our Lord.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prayer vigil for Fr. Nigel and Lynn: During the 48 hours of next Friday and Saturday (the two days after Thanksgiving Day, November 27 and 28 ) I would like each of us to commit to a half-hour of concentrated prayer and thanksgiving for Fr. Nigel and Lynn. Choose any half-hour of the day or night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel - Monday 11/23

2009-11-23T13:37:00.000-05:00

Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford 12:00 PM
Monday 11/23/09

Fr. Nigel Mumford continues to be in the ICU in critical condition but he is stable. The fantastic news is that he briefly had his ventilator tube detached yesterday and he was able to speak for a short period of time before it was reattached. As I walked into the room, he said "Hello friend" - it was wonderful to see the joy in his face like a child who had just accomplished something brilliant. If all goes as planned, the hospital will wean him off of the ventilator within the next week.

Lynn said that he was out of his bed and sitting in a chair in his hospital room for several hours yesterday. This was exhausting for him but part of his PT program. He did not get there under his own power - the hospital used some sort of a lift to get him from his bed to the chair and back. But the fact that he was out of bed is significant and a gift from God.

Do you see how your prayers are working? Fr. Nigel is working hard to get better and your prayers are giving him the strength and the will. Surely our Lord is working a wonderful miracle here.

Please continue to pray for:
Complete healing and rejuvenation of Fr. Nigel’s lungs so that the ventilator can be removed for good
Strengthening of his muscles so that he can regain use of his body
Peace for his mind and spirit so that he can use this time to renew and refresh and not be anxious about the future
Comfort and peace for Lynn and the entire Mumford family

May God bless you all for your continuous prayer. All this news is CONFIRMATION that our Lord hears your prayers and your crying out, and that His will be done.

From: Elizabeth Strickland

The Bible in 4 Minutes

2009-11-23T07:48:00.000-05:00

Oh, wow!

Call for Prayer Vigil

2009-11-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

Prayer vigil for Fr. Nigel and Lynn: During the 48 hours of next Friday and Saturday (the two days after Thanksgiving Day, November 27 and 28 ) I would like each of us to commit to a half-hour of concentrated prayer and thanksgiving for Fr. Nigel and Lynn. Choose any half-hour of the day or night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please pray for Fr. Nigel's Administrative Secretary,Sandra Lester as well.

Sunday 11/22 Update - Fr. Nigel

2009-11-22T14:45:00.000-05:00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prayer vigil for Fr. Nigel and Lynn: During the 48 hours of next Friday and Saturday (the two days after Thanksgiving Day, November 27 and 28 ) I would like each of us to commit to a half-hour of concentrated prayer and thanksgiving for Fr. Nigel and Lynn. Choose any half-hour of the day or night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:19 a.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Sunday 11/22/09
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in critical condition but he remains stable and he is improving every day. As an example, he was able to reach up and scratch his nose by himself with no help from Lynn. His muscles are gaining strength a little more each day, so our Lord is hearing your prayers. Even though he is still on the ventilator, his air pressure is being reduced as his lungs continue to strengthen. As that happens he is able to start to make vocal sounds. He has been able to say a couple of words, the first ones being “I love you” to Lynn – how appropriate! Each day contains new challenges and new accomplishments. Thank you Lord for your healing touch and that you are ever present.

Your prayers are having such an impact. Please keep them coming. As Fr. Nigel is able to understand more and more, he has been emotionally and spiritually overwhelmed by the knowledge of the extent of your prayers. Let us pray for:
* Healing of his lungs so that the ventilator can be removed
* Strengthening of his muscles so that he can regain his mobility
* Peace for Fr. Nigel as he re-enters His kingdom here on earth
* Peace for Lynn and the entire Mumford family
PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING to our Father who always hears our prayers, for Jesus who is always at our side, and for the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.

Sunday: 118; Isaiah 19:19-25; Romans 15:5-13; Luke 19:11-27
Monday: 106:1-18; Joel 3:1-2,9-17; 1 Peter 1:1-12; Matthew 19:1-12

Notes from the Front Line

Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009
From: Noel Dawes
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford
Dear Sandra, Lynn and Nigel,
This is MOST encouraging news! Praise God!
With Jesus' love and blessings, Noel
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Canon Andrew P B White
Date: Sat, Nov 21, 2009
Subject: Re: Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford and Linda Dunlap as at Sat 21 Nov 09
Dear Noel,
Thank you so much for this good news. Our people here in Baghdad are taking this very seriously and are having three prayer meetings a week for Nigel. Today in church they were all asking about Nigel. One lady came up to me and assured me he would be alright. She said "Our prayers always work".
Blessings from Baghdad, Andrew
---------------------------------------
Dear Prayer Warriors,
Nigel's health continues to improve daily, little step by little step. It is clear he will have to have a great deal of physical therapy to get his muscles, joints and sinews working as well and as strongly as before. Communication continues to be frustrating for him, but there have been tiny steps forward with that too - mainly non-verbal methods of communication. It has been suggested that a prayer vigil for Nigel and Lynn should take place next weekend, Friday and Saturday (November 27 and 28 ), so, during that 48 hours can you prayerfully consider committing to a half-hour of *concentrated prayer and thanksgiving*. Include Nigel's administrative secretary, Sandra, in your prayers too as she has been the main person keeping Lynn going these past few weeks. And don't forget Nigel's step daughter, Meagan. Choose any half-hour of the day or night.
Pray for the next Welcome Home Initiative Retreat. We had a prayer, planning and discussion meeting about it last Tuesday and decided to shift the dates to 25-27 Jan 10 from 11-14 Jan 10. The Lord made the decision very clear. We rejoice that we already have our first two guests registered and we pray that Father Nigel will be well and strong enough to make at least one brief appearance at it - hopefully more than this - no expectations, only lots of hope - our expectation is that we will see the Lord continuing to work in him and through him most powerfully! With Jesus' love and blessings, Noel

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel - Friday, November 20, 2009

2009-11-20T15:21:00.001-05:00

Received via email:
Friday 11/20/09
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in critical condition and will be considered critical until he is off the ventilator and is out of ICU, but he is stable which is very important. He is more alert every day and his sense of humor is evident even though he is hardly able to communicate. Lynn has become more adept at reading lips and although he doesn't try to speak too often, when he does it is usually to express some pain that he is in or a physical need that he has, such as being cold or having an itch, etc. It's hard to imagine, but he is still unable to reach up and scratch an itch on his nose, etc. He will be able to do that once he has regained his strength and the use of his muscles. I was told by a nurse that your muscles atrophy after one week of lying in bed without moving, and Fr. Nigel was lying there for 3 weeks without moving, so he has some real work to do to get his muscles back in shape.

All of his vital signs are normal, his fever is gone completely, and all of his organs are working well, with the exception of course of his lungs. Our Lord has certainly answered your prayers.

The doctor told Fr. Nigel yesterday that he had the Swine Flu and how close he was to death. After the shock of that, Fr. Nigel praised the Lord and thanked God for his recovery. He is more determined than ever to get better and get out of the hospital. Since yesterday was day 41, we likened his progress to his coming out of the desert. Fr. Nigel said that he realizes how "transforming" our God is. ( He actually mouthed that to Lynn!)

Please pray for:
The complete healing of Fr. Nigel's lungs so that he can be removed from the ventilator
Regaining strength in his muscles
Freedom from any pain that Fr. Nigel is experiencing
Peace for Fr. Nigel during this difficult time of limited communication
Peace and strength for Lynn and the entire Mumford family
Thanks and Praise to our Lord for the healing that has taken place and for the healing that will take place in Fr. Nigel's mind, body and soul. Thanks be to God for answering our prayers. Truly, our God is an awesome God!

Thursday update - Fr. Nigel

2009-11-19T16:43:00.000-05:00

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel Update 7:43 AM

Thursday 11/19/09

      Fr. Nigel Mumford continues to be in critical condition in the ICU but he is improving every day, and all of his vital signs are stable. Your prayers are having an incredible effect. Fr. Nigel is now breathing for himself more than the machine is breathing for him. He continues to need the machine to help build up his diaphragm and chest muscles, but his lungs are healing. His PT sessions are getting longer and he is doing a bit more every day. He can now do a "curl" on his own – while his arm is lying on the bed he can lift up his hand, bending his elbow. He can’t do many repetitions yet, but this is much better than just three days ago. He can also move his ankles and toes, and with help from the PT therapist, he can bend his knee.

      Fr. Nigel’s attitude is one of a true Marine and a soldier of our Lord. He is forging forward up the mountain. He has a very positive outlook and he is able to communicate minimally with Lynn. She has become very good at lip reading and interpreting his facial expressions. Fr. Nigel now realizes that he won’t be silenced forever, but that for the time being his communication with the world around him is limited. For now he has lots of time to talk with our Lord and listen. As I prayed with him yesterday, he soaked it all in.

Let us pray for:

      Continued healing of his lungs so that he may be taken off the ventilator

      Continued strengthening of all his muscles

      Continued peace for him as he struggles through this period of silence, and as he clears his mind of all the sedation drugs

      And please continue to keep Lynn and the Mumford family in your prayers

You are all so gracious to continue your prayers for Fr. Nigel. Our Lord is hearing your prayers and answering them in so many ways. God bless you all.

From Elizabeth Strickland

Hilda of Whitby

2009-11-18T19:07:00.000-05:00

PRAYERS (contemporary language)
O God of peace, by whose grace the abbess Hilda was endowed with gifts of justice, prudence, and strength to rule as a wise mother over the nuns and monks of her household, and to become a trusted and reconciling friend to leaders of the Church: Give us the grace to respect and love our fellow Christians with whom we disagree, that our common life may be enriched and your gracious will be done, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Fr. Nigel - Day 40

2009-11-18T18:56:00.000-05:00

Albany Intercessor:

Update on Fr. Nigel 3:33 PM

Wednesday 11/18/09

Fr. Nigel Mumford continues to be in the ICU and he continues to be stable. He is still on the ventilator but a part of the breathing is on his own now while the machine is doing some. That is a wonderful step forward – thank you Lord for answering our prayers.

He is having Physical Therapy (PT) each day and he is getting better in that area also – nothing major but still it’s progress in the right direction. The PT is extremely wearing on him and he gets exhausted from trying to lift his arms and legs, so prayer for that would be welcome. Fr. Nigel has been in the hospital for 40 days. That’s long enough. Let’s pray him out of there!

Please pray for:

Full healing of his lungs so that he can come off the ventilator [I can hardly wait to send out that email!]

Strength and stamina so that he can build up his muscles so that he can leave the hospital [I can’t wait to send that email also!]

Give Praise and Thanksgiving to our Lord for the healing and the protection of Fr. Nigel that has taken place so far, and that will take place

Strength and comfort for Lynn and for all the Mumford family

Your prayers are a comfort to Fr. Nigel and Lynn. Please keep them coming. Bless you all for your faithfulness to our Lord.

From : Elizabeth Strickland

Fr. Nigel update - 11/17

2009-11-17T17:49:00.001-05:00

Albany Intercessor ---

Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel 9:51 AM

Tuesday 11/17/09

Fr. Nigel Mumford continues to be in critical condition but he also continues to be stable. Although there are only a few of his family and clergy who are able to visit Fr. Nigel because he is still in ICU and he is “isolated” to prevent any further infection, he recognizes them readily.

His oxygen numbers are slowly being reduced (which means he is becoming less dependent on the machine) – Our God hears our prayers- Thank you God.

He is getting physical therapy (PT) each day to help initiate movement in his arms and legs, which of course have lost their muscle since he has been immobile for such a long period of time. This will take some time and a lot of PT to get him built up again. The PT takes a lot of energy and saps his strength. Since Fr. Nigel is still not able to talk because of the ventilator, he is quite frustrated when trying to get a point across. So please pray for his patience with that and with his inability to move his arms or legs on his own. I find that imagining what that must be like helps in my prayers.

Please pray for:

Immediate healing for his lungs so that he can be removed from the ventilator

Stamina and strength so that Fr. Nigel can start to rebuild his muscles

God’s Peace to ward off frustration

Fr. Nigel to focus on Christ and His healing touch

Blessings to you all for your perseverance in prayer! Our Lord is listening- Thanks and Praise to our Lord!

Elizabeth Strickland

Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln

2009-11-17T08:55:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrate Hugh of Lincoln (1140-1200). A pious and extremely learned man, he was a defender of the poor and outcast. He was not afraid to stand up to Kings.

Once, when King John of England showed him an amulet which John believed could protect him from all harm, Hugh is reported to have said,

"Do not put your trust in lifeless stone, but only in the living and heavenly stone, our Lord Jesus Christ."

(Not exactly the attitude towards statues, amulets, etc. that we are used to expecting from Medieval believers. Practically Protestant!)

Hugh was in many ways the English St. Francis of Assisi and the "real" Robin Hood. Like Francis, he had a great zeal for reforming and rebuilding the Church, defending it against the abuses of the wealthy and powerful, especially the Kings. And like Francis, he was renowned for his love and kindness, not only for children, the poor and outcast, but for animals. Reportedly the birds and squirrels ate from his hand and he had a tame swan which followed him around, slept near his bed and defended him from strangers. (Swans are large and mean birds!) Like Robin Hood, he was a champion of the poor. Hugh didn't rob the rich, so much as he refused to participate in the plundering of resources. He refused to fund Richard the Lion-Heart's foreign wars and would not consent to Henry II's appointment of a royal favorite to a meaningless but well-funded position. He even risked his life defending Jews when there were riots in England during the Third Crusade.

Hugh of Lincoln, one of my new favorite saints.

PRAYER (contemporary language)
Holy God, our greatest treasure, you blessed Hugh and Robert, Bishops of Lincoln, with wise and cheerful boldness for the proclamation of your Word to rich and poor alike: Grant that all who minister in your Name may serve with diligence, discipline and humility, fearing nothing but the loss of you and drawing all to you through Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you in the communion of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

links: Hugh of Lincoln
Mission St. Clare

Monday update

2009-11-16T16:45:00.000-05:00

Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:43 a.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford
Monday 11/16/09

Fr. Nigel Mumford is stable- thank you LORD! -- but he continues on the critical list because he is still on the ventilator. He is receiving brief sessions of physical therapy to help him regain use of his arms and legs and his general mobility. He is unable to communicate, so that is extremely frustrating for him, so please keep that in your prayers.

* Please pray for healing and rejuvenation of his lungs so that he can be removed from the ventilator.

* Please pray for the sedation to leave his muscles and tissues so that he can regain use of his body.

* Please pray for God's peace to be with Fr. Nigel as he struggles to understand his situation.

* Please pray for strength for Lynn as she travels this long road.

* We praise you and thank you Lord for the immense healing that has taken place and for the healing that will take place. May Your Will be done.

* The following is a message from Fr. Nigel's parents in England:

If somehow there is a chance of you saying an ENORMOUSE Thank you from David and me and our family and so many concerned friends over here for their devotion to prayer. We are absolutely sure that every word is used and put into action by The Father, through His Son Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. and that none of this suffering will be wasted, but when it is handed back to Him He will recycle it to His greater Glory... with very much love and thanks, David and Jean.

* Blessings on all of you for your continued prayers. Fr. Nigel continues to need them and will need them for the long recovery ahead.

Albany Intercessor

Sunday 11/15 - Fr. Nigel update

2009-11-15T13:20:00.000-05:00

Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:01 a.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford
Sunday 11/15/09
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues on the critical list but he is stable, which is a huge blessing. The ups and downs of the past 37 days have been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, so the stability of the past week or so is truly a blessing. His ventilator settings have been reduced a smidgeon, so that is heading in the right direction in order to get him off of the ventilator. Thank you Lord for the healing that is taking place.

* Please continue your prayers for a rejuvenation of his lungs that they may be healed so that he may be removed from the ventilator.

* Please give Praise and Thanksgiving to our Lord who hears our prayers and answers them and that His will may be done.

The Mumfords have sent a message that they would like to pass on to all of you faithful in your prayers:
“If somehow there is a chance of you saying an ENORMOUSE Thank you from David and I and our family and so many concerned friends over here for their devotion to prayer. We are absolutely sure that every word is used and put into action by The Father, through His Son Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. and that none of this suffering will be wasted, but when it is handed back to Him He will recycle it to His greater Glory... with very much love and thanks, David and Jean.”

# posted by ~~Albany Intercessor~~ @ 12:25 PM 0 comments

Fr. Nigel update - Saturday 11/14

2009-11-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

Fr. Nigel Update 11:28 AM
Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:23AM
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford

Saturday 11/14/09

Fr. Nigel continues on the critical list but he is stable and improving -- Thank you Lord! Although he is still on the ventilator, he is much more awake and recognizes his family and the different nurses and doctors. Even though he cannot talk, he has shown his sense of humor by making some very funny faces in response to questions. Although it is frustrating for him because he isn't able to communicate (he is such a huge communicator) he is able to express a lot through his facial expressions. He is beginning to move his fingers, feet and shoulders so your prayers for the cleansing of his body of the sedation are working so well -- please keep them coming. The difference of just one day is truly a result of your prayers and God's everlasting presence.

All of his other vital signs are normal. His temperature went up briefly but went back to normal. All of his organs are functioning properly.

Please pray for a rejuvenation of his lungs that they may heal and the ventilator can be removed.

Please continue to pray for the washing of the sedation from his body.

Praise be to our God who has healed Fr. Nigel and continues to heal him every day.

Praise be to our God for Lynn's continued strength -- may He continue to give her His peace.

Thanks be to God for all of you prayer warriors -- from your lips to God's ears!

# posted by Albany Intercessor @ 12:10 PM 0 comments

Apologizing for the sins of others

2009-11-14T08:33:00.001-05:00

I found this item over at Midwest Conservative Journal:

Traditional African rulers should apologise for the role they played in the slave trade, a Nigerian rights group has said in a letter to chiefs.

“We cannot continue to blame the white men, as Africans particularly the traditional rulers, are not blameless,” said the Civil Rights Congress

The comments and Chris Johnson's take on it are very interesting. I post this here, because for some reason I can never get that site to accept my comments.

I used to think that apologizing for someone else's sins was ridiculous. And of course, in most cases, it is. It can be an elitist, pride issue - oh, look at me, I know so much better, I am so holy that I see the sin they didn't. And it is often tied up with current political agendas - such as take away money and property from some group I don't like because their great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather did something wrong. But there is a truth (often misused, but still a truth) that confessing the sins of others, whether of one's own ancestors or of ones' nation, etc. opens up the blessings of God. To speak and pray the truth of history into a situation clears not only the air but the spiritual forces surrounding a situation.

Fr. Nigel - Friday, November 13, 2009

2009-11-13T15:17:00.000-05:00

Friday, November 13, 2009

Fr.Nigel Update 11:06 AM
Friday 11/13/09
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in critical but stable condition. He continues to be on a ventilator and his oxygen levels are stable. As he is moved around by the nurses, oxygen is used so his numbers go up and down in relation to that, but generally his numbers are stable.
He is awake and responding to questions with a slight nod, although the sedative is still lingering in his system. He is aware that Lynn is there and he even smiles at her. As the sedative works its way out of his body he will be able to concentrate more and begin to move. So prayer for the sedative to be flushed out of his muscles and tissues would be great.
He had a slight fever yesterday, which is not uncommon for pneumonia, but for two previous days his fever had been normal. The rest of his vital signs are good.
So let’s pray for:
His lungs to be healed expeditiously by the Breath of our Lord so that he can be removed from the ventilator
The sedative be rinsed from his body by the Living Water of our Lord
We praise you Lord that Fr. Nigel’s vital signs are all stable and that his organs are all working through Your healing touch
We praise and thank you Lord for all your prayer warriors who continue to pray for Fr. Nigel and all your children who need healing
Please keep Lynn in your prayers for strength and stamina for the long road ahead.
Blessings to you all.
Elizabeth Strickland

# posted by Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel - 11/12

2009-11-12T21:08:00.000-05:00

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Fr. Nigel Update 8:38 AM

Thursday 11/12/09
Fr. Nigel continues to make progress in amounts equal to a “mustard seed”. He is awake off and on and recognizes Lynn and is able to nod when asked a question. Because the sedation is still in the muscles and tissues and organs of his body, he has limited movement of his body but is able to squeeze Lynn’s hand. The nurses are moving his arms and legs to stimulate his limbs and get the oxygen and blood moving. His vitals are all steady and his temperature is normal – Praise the Lord!!
Please continue to pray for:
Complete healing of his lungs so that the ventilator can be removed
Flushing out of the sedation from his body so that he can regain movement and clear-headedness
Strength for Fr. Nigel as he begins processing all that is happening around him
Peace and strength for Lynn as she tends to Fr. Nigel, and for all of the Mumford family

Thank you all so much for your ever present prayers. It is through God’s Grace as He listens to your prayers that Fr. Nigel is where he is today.

Elizabeth Strickland

# posted by Albany Intercessor @ 9:43 AM 0 comments

Fr. Nigel - 11/11

2009-11-11T12:46:00.002-05:00

Update on Fr. Nigel, Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:37 a.m.
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:37 a.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Wednesday 11/11/09
One quick note: I reported earlier that Fr. Nigel had H1V1 virus -- my typo error -- it was the H1N1 (Swine flu) virus that he had when he arrived at the hospital.
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in critical condition but he also remains stable. He continues on the ventilator as his lungs continue to heal. The REALLY GOOD NEWS is that your prayers once again have been answered -- his temperature is back to normal. Thank you Lord Jesus for your healing touch! He continues to recognize Lynn but as you can imagine, he is very tired and disoriented. He is no longer receiving sedation, but because he was on it for so long there are remnants of it in his muscles and tissues and all parts of his body. We need to pray the sedation medicine be cleared from his body so that he can start to regain some muscle movement.
Please pray for:
* Healing of his lungs so that he may be removed from the ventilator
* Clearing of his muscles and tissues and organs and all areas of his body from the sedation medication
* Peace and rest for Fr. Nigel as he slowly regains awareness of his surroundings
* Rest for Lynn and the entire Mumford family
Thank you Lord for listening to the crying out of your people and for the healing that is taking place.

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel Update 7:48 AM Tuesday 11/10

2009-11-10T09:36:00.001-05:00

Fr. Nigel Update 7:48 AM

Tuesday 11/10/09
Your prayers are reaching our Lord’s ears and He is blessing Fr. Nigel and Lynn. Thank you Lord God and we praise you! Although Fr. Nigel continues to be in critical condition, he is stable and is improving ever so slightly. Although he is still immobile, he is now making eye contact with Lynn and reacting with expression to her soft words. He continues to be on the ventilator but his oxygen numbers are steady while his lungs continue to heal. All of his vital signs are stable. This is truly wonderful news and an answer to all of your prayers.
Please continue to pray for healing of his lungs, protection for all of his organs, a clearing of all the sedation from his muscles and tissues, and an elimination of his fever and healing of whatever is causing it. Please also keep Lynn and all the Mumford family in your prayers.
Praise be to God, and thank you for your continuous prayers.

Beth Strickland

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel Updates & Praises! 11/9

2009-11-09T07:36:00.002-05:00

11/9/2009, #38, 4th Quarter 2009
Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:12 p.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel, Monday 11/09/09, 10:12 p.m.
Fr. Nigel Mumford remains in critical condition on his 31st day in the hospital, but the good news is that your prayers are working! Although he is critical, he has improved slightly. Since his sedative has been eliminated, he is starting to awaken very slowly and his eyes are opening. He has been able to focus on Lynn and has even given her a slight smile, but then drifts off again. He is aware of his surroundings but his body is extremely weak.
His fever has been up and down, but it is lower today so your prayers are working against whatever is causing it -- thank you Lord for this healing.
Please pray for:

* protection against blood clots

* his lungs that they may heal so that he can be removed from the ventilator

* that his fever be back to normal and that the cause of the fever be eliminated

* a clearing of the medications from his muscles and tissues so that he can start to move again

* rest and strength for Lynn and all the Mumford family

We praise God for the healing that has taken place thus far. Your prayers are working so please keep them coming. May God bless and reward you for your faithfulness.

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." (Matthew 18:19-20)

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel update - 11/7

2009-11-07T16:08:00.000-05:00

Fr. Nigel Update 10:18 AM

Saturday 11/7/09
Fr. Nigel continues to be in critical condition but he is stable. He is still on the ventilator but he is still improving on his “numbers” on the ventilator, which measure his oxygen intake and the ability of his lungs to take over for him. The doctors are working towards a day when he will be weaned from the machine. He continues to fight something that is causing a fever.
Fr. Nigel’s doctor advised Lynn late Friday afternoon that Fr. Nigel did have the H1V1 virus during his early time at the hospital. The Department of Health notified Fr. Nigel’s doctor that he had tested positive for the virus, even though initial testing had been negative for the virus. Although he tested negative at that time, he was medicated against the virus when he first came into the hospital 29 days ago and was recovering from that when he contracted the pneumonia.
Please continue to pray for Fr. Nigel’s recovery – for healing of his lungs, for protection of his organs, for a reduction of his temperature, and that his body can clear out the remainder of the medications. “In thy good time, restore him to health, and enable him to lead the residue of his life in thy fear and to thy glory;” (BCP 458)
Please also pray for Lynn that she may have the strength and stamina and protection for this long vigil.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. From your lips to our God’s ears.

Elizabeth Strickland

Update on Fr. Nigel- Friday afternoon 11/6

2009-11-06T17:29:00.000-05:00

Fr. Nigel Update 10:47 AM

Friday 11/6/09
Praise be to God! Fr. Nigel is slowly improving. He had a steady day yesterday and a good night last night. The doctors have taken him off his sedation so he is slowly, very slowly, “waking up”. The sedation that has been in his system for so many weeks now has to work its way out of his muscles and his system. He continues on the ventilator while his lungs are healing. Fr. Nigel continues to battle a fever, so as the doctors and nurses analyze that situation we will continue to pray for them. Let us pray:
For a reduction in the fever and whatever is causing it, and for knowledge, wisdom and skill to be bestowed upon the doctors and nurses as they tend to Fr. Nigel;
For protection for all of Fr. Nigel’s organs as his body recovers from all of the medications;
For complete healing of his lungs so that he can be removed from the ventilator and begin breathing on his own again;
For restoration of Fr. Nigel to full health.
For continued strength and rest for Lynn and the Mumford family.

Our God is an awesome God! He has heard your prayers. Although Fr. Nigel remains in critical condition, he is slowly improving. May God bless you in many ways for your constant prayers.

Beth Strickland
Deployment Officer
Diocese of Albany
518-692-3350 x504

Fr. Nigel update - 11/5

2009-11-05T08:34:00.001-05:00

Fr. Nigel Update 7:45 AM
Thursday 11/5/09 7:45 AM
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in critical but stable condition in ICU at Saratoga Hospital. Praise God for each one of you - your prayers are having a positive impact on Fr. Nigel’s healing. Although he is in critical condition, Lynn constantly sees “mustard seeds” of encouragement. The fact that his oxygen numbers are remaining the same or improving slightly is a true sign that your prayers are hitting their mark. The battle against this pneumonia is a difficult one and will only be won by long term vigilance and prayer.
Please continue to pray for :complete healing of his lungs; protection of all of his organs; elimination of his moderate fever and whatever pesky source is creating this fever;
Lynn to have rest and peace so that she may endure the long road of recovery ahead, and peace for all the Mumford family. Thank you for your determined prayers. God hears your prayers and is answering them. Praise be to God
Elizabeth Strickland

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel - Wednesday Nov. 4th

2009-11-04T08:22:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Fr. Nigel Update 7:37 AM

Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in critical condition but he is stable. He continues to tolerate more changes to his oxygen levels, which is a positive sign. He had a good night last night with all of his vital signs remaining constant. Alleluia – your prayers are working! Please keep praying Fr. Nigel up!

Please continue to pray for his lungs that they may be healed so that he may be weaned from the ventilator.
Please continue to pray for all of his organs that they may be protected from any damage, especially his kidneys.
Please continue to pray for his fever, that it may be eliminated and that whatever is causing it may be healed.
Please pray for protection from blood clots since he has been immobile for so long.

Lynn wants you to know that your prayers are having an effect on his condition. She recalled that Fr. Nigel has said “If you’re too sick to pray, you have healing ministers (prayer warriors) to take on your healing.” Thank you for taking on Fr. Nigel’s healing.

Please continue to pray for Lynn’s strength and calm in this storm, and for all of the Mumford family. It is particularly hard for Fr. Nigel’s family in England at this critical time, so extra prayers for them today. And please pray for the doctors and nurses as they care for Fr. Nigel.

Elizabeth Strickland

Albany Intercessor

Update on Fr. Nigel - Tuesday morning 11/3

2009-11-03T11:00:00.001-05:00

Fr. Nigel update 8:30 AM Tues.
Fr. Nigel update 8:30 AM

Tuesday 11/3/09 8:30 AM
Good morning to all and praise to God for all the prayers yesterday. Fr. Nigel had a slightly upward day yesterday. His oxygen pressure was mildly reduced with no side effects which makes that a baby step forward once more. He continues to be in critical condition in the ICU and continues to be sedated so please - No Visitors. With concerns of transmission of the flu, you can certainly understand that all precautions must be taken to keep Fr. Nigel isolated.

Lynn prays for the day when she will be able to spread the news that Fr. Nigel has improved and has been taken off of the critical list, but Fr. Nigel is not there yet. So please continue your wonderful prayers for:

Complete healing of his lungs so that he may be taken off of the oxygen;
Protection of his organs, especially his kidneys;
Elimination of his fever and whatever is causing the fever

You know that Fr. Nigel can feel your prayers from afar, so Stand Firm and cry out to our Lord. Also, please continue to pray for Lynn for protection from sickness as she handles day 25 of Fr. Nigel’s stay in the hospital.
Blessings to all of you for your steadfastness in prayer and thanksgiving.

From Elizabeth Strickland

Albany Intercessor

Intercessors for Nigel

2009-11-02T06:25:00.002-05:00

Lent and Beyond

Intercessors for Nigel

Dear Lord,
All who live in the earth are Yours. All the intercessors are Yours. We thank You for the intercessors for Nigel. We thank You for their clean hands and their pure hearts. We thank You for their desire to seek You, to see Your face. We thank You for the blessings You have bestowed upon them.
Lord, if any of the intercessors for Nigel have sins of idolatry or false oaths that You wish them to confess, then stir their memories and bring these sins to the surface. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
We lift up their prayers and the fasting. May they use Your Holy Scripture as a sharp sword to cut gates and ancient doors into the heavens over Nigel, portals for the King of glory to come in. O Lord Almighty, You are the King of glory. Amen.
Psalm 24

Fr. Nigel update - Friday afternoon

2009-10-30T17:41:00.001-04:00

Fr. Nigel update, 10/30/09, Friday afternoon, 3:27pm
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 2009 3:27pm
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Fr. Nigel update, 10/30/09, Friday afternoon, 3:27pm
Fr. Nigel continues in critical condition, but your prayers are bringing tiny changes for the better. His breathing is a little better today and is more level, although he remains on the ventilator. His x-rays show that his lungs are starting to clear, but please persevere in praying for continued healing of them. Thanks to your prayers and God’s healing touch, his temperature has come down a little, but Lynn asks that you persevere in praying for an elimination of his fever and whatever is causing his fever. Please also persevere in praying that all of his organs, especially his kidneys, continue functioning.
This marks the 20th day of Fr. Nigel’s time in the hospital and the 20th day of Lynn’s time in the hospital as well. Please continue to hold up Lynn in your prayers for protection and endurance, and for solid rest at night. May God bless you all for your persistent prayer.

Albany Intercessor

Evening Update

2009-10-29T21:23:00.001-04:00

Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 5:10 pm
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Fr. Nigel update
10/29/09 Thursday evening
Fr. Nigel continues to be critical, but there are miniscule improvements. Your constant prayers are having an impact. Please keep praying to our Lord for Fr. Nigel's healing! These prayers may seem repetitious but this is what his needs are and as we all know, our healing is on God's time -- not our time.
Fr. Nigel continues to need prayer for:
+ all organs that they continue to function, especially his kidneys
+ elimination of his fever and whatever is causing his fever
+ healing of his lungs so that he may be removed from the ventilator
Please pray for protection from sickness for Lynn. You can imagine how exhausted she is. Prayer for a restful evening for both of them.
Thank you for your faithfulness.

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel update - Thursday 8:45 am

2009-10-29T10:59:00.003-04:00

Fr Nigel update 8:45 AM
Fr Nigel update 8:45 AM

10/29/09 Thursday AM
Through your prayers, Fr. Nigel has taken another “mustard seed” step. He continues to be critical so your prayers are as necessary as ever but the doctors are cautiously hopeful. Lynne is encouraged by your prayers, so keep them coming.
Please continue to pray for:
 all organs that they continue to function, especially his kidneys
 elimination of his fever and whatever is causing his fever
 healing of his lungs so that he may be removed from the ventilator
Our Lord hears all our prayers. May God heartily bless all you prayer warriors.

Beth Strickland
Deployment Officer
Diocese of Albany
518-692-3350 x504

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel - afternoon update

2009-10-28T19:14:00.003-04:00

Fr. Nigel update, 10/28/09 4:00pm
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 4:04 pm
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Fr. Nigel update, 10/28/09 4:00pm
Fr. Nigel’s condition continues to be critical, but we are beginning to see “mustard seeds” of healing. Through your prayers and our Lord’s Grace and healing touch, Fr. Nigel is being carried through this crisis. The Mumfords heartily thank you and ask you to please continue your powerful prayers for:
* all organs that they continue to function
* elimination of his fever and whatever is causing his fever
* healing of his lungs so that he may be removed from the ventilator
Blessings to you all.
Beth Strickland
Deployment Officer
Diocese of Albany

Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel - Update 10/28/09

2009-10-28T13:28:00.004-04:00

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Fr Nigel update 10:32 AM

10/28/09 Wednesday
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in ICU in critical condition from the pneumonia. He is stable.
Please continue to pray for:
 all organs that they continue to function fully
 elimination of his fever and whatever is causing his fever
 complete healing of his lungs so that he may be removed from the ventilator
Please continue your prayers for Lynn and the family. Lynn is definitely strengthened by them.

Beth Strickland
Deployment Officer
Diocese of Albany
518-692-3350 x504
Albany Intercessor

Fr. Nigel - 9 PM Tuesday night

2009-10-28T06:22:00.002-04:00

Dear prayer warriors-

Beth Strickland tells me that Nigel has improved enough during the day so that at 9pm on Tuesday, 10/27, his condition can be described as critical and stable. Other than that, he is about the same as he was this morning which, at this point, is good.

-Bob

Albany Intercessor

Update on Fr. Nigel

2009-10-27T13:12:00.001-04:00

Fr Nigel update 10:28 AM 2009 10 27
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues to be in critical condition. He continues to battle a fever and we need special prayers today for his kidneys.
Please pray for:
 all organs that they continue to function, especially his kidneys
 elimination of his fever and whatever is causing his fever
 his lung capacity to improve so that he may be removed from the ventilator
Please continue to pray for strength for Lynn and Megan as they sit at his bedside.
God bless you all for your continued prayers. I know that Lynn is strengthened by them.
(From Fr. Haskell &Beth Strickland)

via Albany Intercessor

Happy Birthday to the G-Man!

2009-10-27T10:44:00.004-04:00

A day late, but we were busy celebrating with the new PS3 yesterday.

Watch over thy child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and
guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he
stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise
him up if he falls; and in his heart may thy peace which
passeth understanding abide all the days of his life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Continued Prayer for Fr. Nigel

2009-10-26T13:42:00.003-04:00

via Albany Intercessor:

Monday, October 26, 2009

Fr Nigel update
Fr Nigel 2009 10 26
Fr. Nigel continues in ICCU in critical condition. His fever is elevated again.
Please pray for:
 all organs that they continue to function
 expeditious healing of his lungs
 elimination of his fever
 his condition to improve so that he may be removed from the ventilator

Please continue to uphold Lynne, his wife, Megan, his daughter, and the rest of his family in your prayers.
Thank you and God bless you for all your prayers.

Please continue to pray for Fr. Nigel

2009-10-23T23:53:00.003-04:00

received via Diocesan email

Update of Fr Nigel. He remains in the ICU at Saratoga Hospital and his condition has worsened. His family requests your prayers for his healing. Please keep his family in your prayers as well as the doctors, nurses, technicians treating Fr Nigel.

Diocese of Albany endores Covenant

2009-10-20T21:54:00.001-04:00

via email:

Diocesan Update

October 20, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

During its regularly scheduled October 5th meeting, the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Albany passed a resolution endorsing the four sections of the Third (Ridley Cambridge) Draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant. In addition, the Standing Committee is recommending that the same or a similar endorsement be placed before the Diocesan Convention for adoption.

As the Bishop of Albany, I concur with the resolution passed by the Standing Committee and its recommendation that a similar resolution endorsing the Anglican Communion Covenant, (once it appears in its final form) come before the Diocesan Convention for approval. In preparation for that, in the coming months, we as a Diocese, will study and discuss the proposed Covenant in order that we can make an informed decision at Diocesan Convention. A copy of the Third (Ridley Cambridge) Draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant can be found on the Anglican Communion Official Website: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/commission/covenant/ridley_cambridge/draft_text.cfm Part four of the Ridley Cambridge Draft is currently under revision. By Thursday, we will have it posted on our website and any changes will be posted as we receive them.

The Reverend Paul Hartt, President of the Standing Committee, sent a letter to Archbishop Rowan Williams and The Reverend Canon Kenneth Kearon at The Anglican Communion Office, informing them of the Standing Committee’s endorsement of the Third (Ridley Cambridge) Draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant and their hope that it would be adopted by every province of the Anglican Communion. A copy of the letter was sent to Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori.

I conveyed my personal support of the Third (Ridley Cambridge) Draft of the Anglican Communion covenant, to Archbishop Rowan Williams and the Reverend Canon Kenneth Kearon when I and six other bishops of The Episcopal Church met with them seperately in London during a private meeting on September 1st.

Faithfully Yours in Christ,
+ Bill

Urgent Prayer Request for Fr. Nigel Mumford

2009-10-19T09:49:00.003-04:00

(Taken from Lent & Beyond)

Spiritual warfare for Nigel
October 19, 2009

Rev. Nigel Mumford is director of the healing ministries at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center in the diocese of Albany and a popular speaker on healing prayer.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (Young’s Literal Translation)
For walking in the flesh, not according to the flesh do we war, for the weapons of our warfare [are] not fleshly, but powerful to God for bringing down of strongholds, reasonings bringing down, and every high thing lifted up against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of the Christ.

St. Patrick’s breastplate (pronouns modified)

We bind unto Nigel today
the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One, and One in Three.

We bind this day to Nigel forever,
by power of faith, Christ’s Incarnation;
his baptism in the Jordan river;
his death on cross for Nigel’s salvation;
his bursting from the spiced tomb;
his riding up the heavenly way;
his coming at the day of doom:
We bind unto Nigel today.

We bind unto Nigel the power
of the great love of cherubim;
the sweet “Well done” in judgement hour;
the service of the seraphim;
confessors’ faith, apostles’ word,
the patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls;
all good deeds done unto the Lord,
and purity of virgin souls.

We bind unto Nigel today
the virtues of the starlit heaven,
the glorious sun’s life-giving ray,
the whiteness of the moon at even,
the flashing of the lightning free,
the whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
the stable earth, the deep salt sea,
around the old eternal rocks.

We bind unto Nigel today
the power of God to hold and lead,
God’s eye to watch, God’s might to stay,
God’s ear to hearken to Nigel’s need;
the wisdom of our God to teach,
God’s hand to guide, God’s shield to ward;
the word of God to give Nigel speech,
God’s heavenly host to be his guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
the vice that gives temptation force,
the natural lusts that war within,
the hostile men that mar Nigel’s course;
of few or many, far or nigh,
in every place, and in all hours
against their fierce hostility,
We bind to him these holy powers.

Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,
against false words of heresy,
against the knowledge that defiles
against the heart’s idolatry,
against the wizard’s evil craft,
against the death-wound and the burning
the choking wave and poisoned shaft,
protect him, Christ, till thy returning.

Christ be with him, Christ within him,
Christ behind him, Christ before him,
Christ beside him, Christ to win him,
Christ to comfort and restore him,
Christ beneath him, Christ above him,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love Nigel,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

We bind unto Nigel the Name,
the strong Name of the Trinity,
by invocation of the same,
the Three in One, and One in Three.
Of whom all nature hath creation,
eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
praise to the Lord of our salvation,
salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Just your typical Episcopal congregation

2009-10-15T08:18:00.003-04:00

Got this catalog from Church Publishing. Pictured is your typical TEC congregation - young, multi-ethnic and with small children. Yeah. That's been my experience. It created quite a bit of laughter around the breakfast table.

St. Francis Day

2009-10-04T13:19:00.006-04:00

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace gladly to renounce the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfect joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

One of the dogs blessed at this afternoon's service.