Comments for Ed's Blog

Comment on The Tyranny of Theological Imagination by Wendy Padgett

Wendy Padgett — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:31:46 +0000

Interesting. Speaking of Tutu, he was very devoted to All Saints in Pasadena, who were certainly sure they knew better than the Bible. As we visited churches during the schism, I was appalled at how rigid some churches were in clinging to one old interpretation of one old translation. Martin Luther was adamant that studying languages, and keeping up with new translations, was essential for a Christian to know and follow Jesus.

Comment on How God Gave St. James Two Buildings by Monty Pitts

Monty Pitts — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:12:42 +0000

Incredible sign of God’s favor! Many blessings on the people and ministers of the Christian Assembly. Clearly, they have given in a genuine and heartfelt way. God bless them, each and every one.

Comment on A Brief and Incomplete History of the Praise Screen by Ed McNeill

Ed McNeill — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 20:34:45 +0000

Hi Wendy,

I wrote this post to show a bit of the history of how people worshiped and the connection between praise screens and our tradition. I am not suggesting we put monitors in the pews at St. James. We will soon be putting hymnals and Prayer books in the pews for the 9am service. The 10:30 service will continue with printed service booklets.

In worship we want every technology we use, whether it is a book or a screen, to facilitate worship for people.

Comment on A Brief and Incomplete History of the Praise Screen by Wendy Padgett

Wendy Padgett — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:42:10 +0000

Jan Hus and Count von Zinzindorf are rolling in their graves. The printing press was a big advance, not a step backward. It allowed a large increase in the number of those able to join in worship, instead of just being spectators of a priveleged few. I do not endorse the idea of going back to more exclusivity. St James does enough excluding as it is. Until I have cataract surgery, I would not be able to read from a stand gathered at the end of a pew. I would still be bringing my own hymnal.
Ed, don’t you care at all about those of us whose lives are a continuous battle to figure out work-arounds for their handicaps and disabilities? I am a trained musician; I received a Musician’s Union scholarship when I went to college; my ability to sight-read music is legendary. I cannot, and do not, and will not ever be able to, learn to sing by ear. Most people are either right-handed or left-handed, and have a horrible time trying to switch. Most people sing either by ear or by sight, and have a horrible time trying to switch. Are you going to exclude all of us from worship who are left-handed, too? I am both left-handed, and a sight-reader. I might as well keep looking for another church! I disagree heartily with the conclusion that screens worked well FOR EVERYONE. They may have worked for some, for many, or for the vast majority, but it’s one of several reasons I keep getting the feeling that I am not welcome at St James, and should be moving on to another church.
No one system works for everyone. Until the New Jerusalem and the New Heaven come down from above, any human system will always exclude someone. In this case, it is me. If you are going to insist that the outsiders, the pariahs, those who do not fit in, like me, either adapt to your system or leave, I will have to leave St James. God did not give me the ability to adapt to this system. I do not care what system you use, as long as you remember that no system you use will ever on this earth fit everyone. Remember that you always, always have to allow for those who must adapt the system to them, because God always, always creates someone who has no way to adapt themselves to your system. I do not care if I am in a system that fits me, or if I am one of those who do not fit the system and have to find a work-around for the system I’m in, as long as you do not keep treating me like someone who should just go away. Please be a little more charitable.

Comment on One Ring to Rule Them All by Kim Larsen

Kim Larsen — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:08:48 +0000

Excellent bit of thinking. Thank you for sharing this.
I am truly sorry for the revisionism and those subject to it.
But I am grateful that points of clarity like this emerge from that darkness.

Comment on Cabernet Morris Chair by Jack Lumanog

Jack Lumanog — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:05:44 +0000

This is a beautiful chair – for a wine geek like me, I guess!

Comment on How God Gave St. James Two Buildings by Bruce Horn

Bruce Horn — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:39:37 +0000

A wonderful example of God’s grace flowing in abundance. Congratulations on the acquisition of your new home!

Comment on How God Gave St. James Two Buildings by Mike Finney

Mike Finney — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:18:07 +0000

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Comment on How God Gave St. James Two Buildings by Fr. Howard

Fr. Howard — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:45:18 +0000

Fr. Ed,
St. James is in our prayers as you make this wonderful transition! God be praised!
Howard+

Comment on How God Gave St. James Two Buildings by steve gartman

steve gartman — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:06:05 +0000

What an inspiring story. At our last vestry meeting we all agreed that it was time to begin to pray for our own space. This is truly inspirational. Praise be to God!