Feeling somewhat better now. Still not completely well, but progressing none the less. Thought I would try to catch up on posting here. Firstly, the Choral Evensong was beautiful. I lost it when +Katharine passed by my pew in the procession. Of course, the remainder of the clergy in procession with her looked as though they were less than enthused to be there. Its been reported on the SC Episcopalians webiste that the Presiding Bishop was even advised before she arrived that she did not have to vest since she was not participating in the service. The link to that can be found here: http://www.dioceseofsc.com/Home_Page.php Also at the same link you can read about how the Rev. Steve Wood of St. Andrew's Episcopal in Mt. Pleasant made a complete horses a** out of himself in front of the PB and all the guest clergy on that Monday, Feb. 25. On a cheerful note, the youth choir of St. Philip's was really good. They sang evensong beautifully. Afterwards, following the service, there was a reception for the PB in St. Philip's Parish House. Yours truly was able to meet her, engage in a brief conversation with her and have my photo taken with her, too. It was such an emotional experience for me. As I was introduced to her, she took my hand. I lost it! Here I am, big ole boy, standing in front of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church crying like a baby. I told her how grateful I was that God had elevated her to the position she now held and that through hearing her speak today, she had given me hope to remain an Episcopalian in the Diocese of SC. Her words to me we simple but profound...."Keep the faith" she said. Keep the faith. What does that entail? I would imagine that it means, seeking to serve Christ in all persons, just as the Prayer Book instructs us to do. Serve Christ in ALL persons, even those who do not agree that "we" are viable channels of God's mercy and grace. I know that I have a ways to go. I have good days when I practice this and some not so good days when I would rather turn and walk away. Thankfully God is merciful.

Later