Ash Wednesday 2013

Today is Ash Wednesday, the day on the church calendar that marks the beginning of Lent. Many churches celebrate with services, including the imposition of ashes.  I will participate in this at the Hospital.

The church of my membership, a Baptist church, has a special service tonight I wish I could go to.  Its a service of Contrition and Thanksgiving. we have ashes and Lord's Supper. I will be at work. 

The meaning of the ashes.  Its a symbol of sinfulness, but also healing because if you feel ashes in your fingers there is an oil substance to them.  Oil is a symbol of healing. Much can be said of this and the meaning of ashes.  In the past few years Ash Wednesday has been celebrated across denominations and in various ways.  I think this is a good thing. I will miss my churches service.

 

The Pope to Resign!

Yesterday's news, but I had to comment.  I am not Catholic, but as a Protestant who knows many who are Catholic, this is really big news.  The first time in 600 years a Pope who is resigning. It has taken the world by surprise!

 

 

My hope for the next Pope as a Protestant, gay man.

 

I hope the next Pope is more progressive than any there has been in decades.

I hope the next Pope is able to at least crack the door to making the Catholic church more open, accepting, and affirming of the LBGT community.

I hope the next Pope is open to discussing allowing Priests to marry.

I hope the next Pope is open to discussing Women as Priests. 

I hope the next Pope is from Canada or the U.S.A.

One can only HOPE!

 

Oh and apparently the picture above is indeed real! Ponder that one!

 

Monday Medley: Valentine Edition

Good Monday, What a weekend of weather for many of us.  Folks are still digging out, others are looking at tornado damage.  It seems no matter where you live, there is exposure to storm damage of some kind.  It seems weather interrupts life. 

This is a busy week, with Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and Valentines Day. Today I'm sharing some Valentines/love music. Hope you enjoy!


http://youtu.be/Wg9Urm2_7xQ Daylight Maroon 5

Top 20 loves songs: http://youtu.be/T4KS2JUrQCY

Top Valentines day Songs http://youtu.be/IiivCsCx4Lw

Gay in The News

Happy Friday! At least for those who are off the weekend.  I hope all those in the northeast can enjoy the snow without much trouble out of it...  Yeah right!  

There have been some gay issues mentioned in the news recently I want to highlight here. 

First, in Great Britain, Same Sex Marriage moved closer to approval! The bill passed 400 to 175, but has to pass the House of Lords where the fight continues.  The bill exempts the Church of England and other faith groups from being required to perform Same Sex union services so this is a Civil marriage bill. Legal marriage none the less.  A step forward, I pray it passes all the way to the PM's desk.

A stupid bill introduced in Tennessee" Don't Say Gay" would require teachers to report to parents any student  who confides they are gay. This law is meant to restrict sex education in schools.  Fortunately this bill is doomed. It keeps being reintroduced, so I hope it never passes.

The Boy Scouts, are at least discussing repealing their ban on gay members and leaders. I doubt it will lead real change. 

Lake County school District in Florida is considering cutting all student clubs in order to block the formation of a Gay Straight Alliance club at one of its middle schools.  The extreme measure taken to discriminate and perpetuate hate. Think of the positive impact a club like this could have on those involved. But I would think that way!

So we have the good, the bad and the just plain stupid  in the news