felix hominum

Christ and the Early Christians - Holy Land Pilgrimage 2009

2008-08-13T20:29:00-06:00

Here are the basic details of the next Holy Land pilgrimage. I'll have more stuff to download for those who are interested - registration forms, fuller itinerary, etc. I'm away for a couple of days, so you can just email me if you think this might be something you would like to join us for:

Following Christ and the First Christians: A Pilgrimage Through the Holy Land and Egypt in the Footsteps of our Lord and the Desert Fathers

Our pilgrimage will begin in Israel, in the Holy City of Jerusalem. There, we will stand where Jesus stood 2000 years ago, we will visit the sites of his life, his death, and his resurrection. As we journey, we will come to new understandings of our faith, our scriptures, and our traditions.

The trip will be led by the Reverend Sally French and the Reverend Joseph Walker, both Anglican clergy with experience leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land. We will be journeying through Israel and Egypt, following the bible stories from Bethlehem to Nazareth, the Galilee, and, of course, Jerusalem. In Egypt, we begin with the Sinai Desert, the wilderness of the Exodus. We will then explore the landscapes of the Desert Fathers and the early Christians, the monastic centers of the ancient world, the great city of Alexandria, the monuments of Pharaoh’s Egypt, and the modern-day metropolis of Cairo.If you have already visited the Holy Land, then this pilgrimage is an opportunity to revisit the holy sites, to acquaint yourself with new places, and to continue your pilgrim journey through this ancient land. Our pilgrimage is designed for both newcomers and returning pilgrims

Monday, February 2, 2009:Depart Edmonton for Israel.

Tuesday, Feb 3, 2009:Arrive in Tel Aviv. Bus to Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight at our hotel within the Old City walls.

Wednesday, Feb 4, 2009:Jerusalem at the time of Jesus: An overview of the city, its history and geography.

Thursday, Feb 5, 2009:Ancient Jerusalem: Following the Roman Cardo (the ‘heart’ of the Roman city), we will look at the archaeological remains of the ancient kings, tracing the biblical story through the sites and references of the Jewish and Armenian Quarters. In the afternoon, we explore the birth of the Messiah with a journey to Bethlehem to visit the Basilica of the Nativity and the Shepherds’ Fields. Dinner in Bethlehem with some of the Palestinian Christians who live ‘behind the wall’.

Friday, Feb 6, 2009:Jerusalem in decline: as Jewish rebels struggled with Roman occupation at the end of the first century, the geography of the Holy City was forever changed. We will examine the history of the city, looking at key events and features of the decades immediately following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Visit the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion, stopping to reflect on the sites of Christ’s ministry there, including the ancient Pater Noster Church and the site where Jesus wept over Jerusalem

Saturday, Feb 7, 2009:The Wilderness of Jesus: the Judean Wilderness, the Dead Sea, Masada and Qumran. Our pilgrimage takes us into the deserts around Jerusalem, to the Wadi Quelt in the Judean Wilderness, to the ancient city of Jericho, then on to Masada. We will have the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea, to visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and to explore the Negev desert.

Sunday, Feb 8, 2009 - worship with the local Christian communities, at St George’s Anglican Cathedral, at Christ Church Anglican in the Old City, and other local churches. After lunch, we will be meeting to tour the Church of the Resurrection, on the site of the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Monday, Feb 9, 2009:The Galilee region: Early departure for the north, via the Jordan River Valley. Stops at Bet Shean and Bet Alpha, Mount Tabor, and on to Tiberias for the night

Tuesday, Feb 10, 2009:The Sea of Galilee and beyond - move up into the heights of the Galilee region, exploring the Golan, and continuing as far as Caesarea Philippi in the northernmost region of Israel.

Wednesday, Feb 11, 2009:The heart of the Galilee: We will begin with a visit to Sepphoris, the ancient center of the region. From there, we will travel through Cana to Nazareth, visiting the sites of Christ’s childhood home. Dinner and overnight with the Sisters of Nazareth, including private tour of their excavations.

Thursday, Feb 12, 2009:From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth: We return to the Holy City along the via maris, following the Mediterranean coast. We will explore Caesarea Maritima, Herod’s great seaside fortress, and the seat of the Roman governors of Judea, also famous as the site of the Apostle Paul’s captivity.

Friday, Feb 13, 2009:Free day in Jerusalem

Saturday, Feb 14, 2009:Early departure from Jerusalem to the Sinai desert via the Negev, with stops in the wilderness, including Ein Gedi, the spring where King David hid from Saul and his army. Arrive in Egypt (Taba/Eilat border crossing) in time for a packed lunch. Drive into the desert for wilderness stops. Overnight either in the Sinai Wilderness (sleeping bags provided) or in a hotel on the Red Sea shore.

Sunday, Feb 15, 2009:The ‘Wilderness of Sin’ – the desert of the Exodus, ancient monuments, and the Silence of the desert. Eucharist in the wilderness. Including stops at the Feiran Oasis Convent, and on to Overnight at Saint Katherine’s Monastery/ Mount Sinai. Evening “Camel Orientation”

Monday, Feb 16, 2009:Our Sinai experience continues with a pre-dawn climb up Mount Sinai via camel or on foot. Sunrise Eucharist up Mount Sinai, option for pilgrims to climb to the summit. Tour of the Monastery, including museum and the Church.

Tuesday, Feb 17, 2009:The First Christians: we will be visiting the Monastery of Saint Anthony of the Desert, the oldest active Christian monastery in the world and an ancient center for the Desert Fathers. There, we will encounter modern-day Coptic Christian monastic life and learn about the traditions of the Desert Fathers.

Wednesday, Feb 18, 2009:The Land of Pharaoh: We will be visiting the monuments of ancient and modern Egypt, with a special focus on the Christian and Jewish quarter, and on the bustling ancient market, the Khan el-Khalili. On this day, we will be able to contrast the silence of the desert with the chaos of Egyptian city life, giving us new insights into the lives of the first Christians.

Thursday, Feb 19, 2009:The Early Christian Community and the Alexandrian Traditions: We depart early, driving north through the Nile Delta on our way to Alexandria, the city founded by Alexander the Great and once a major centre for philosophy and learning. After our tour of the ancient city, we will return to Cairo via the Wadi Natrun Oasis, home to a number of active and ancient Coptic monasteries with many ties to the first Christians

Friday, Feb 20, 2009:Our final day begins in the company of our fellow Anglicans from Africa as we join with them in the Eucharist at All Saints Cathedral, Cairo. We will spend the afternoon exploring the hidden treasures of the Egyptian Museum and the City of the Dead

Saturday, Feb 21, 2009:Out of Egypt: Depart from Cairo for North America.

jobs which are better than yours...

2008-08-13T07:02:04-06:00

my aunt, single malt taste tester

Charles Inglis, First Anglican Bishop of Canada

2008-08-12T15:17:09-06:00

"The state of religion in this province," as Inglis was to write, "is truly deplorable ... Ignorance and lukewarmness on the one hand, fanaticism and irreligion on the other. ... The inhabitants divided into many sects, and carried away by a variety of Enthusiasts that under take to preach to them."

quoted in "Charles Inglis, Missionary, Loyalist, Bishop" by Reginald V. Harris
(Toronto: General Board of Religious Education, 1937)

Today is the commemoration of the consecration of Charles Inglis. He was consecrated on August 12, 1787 at Lambeth Palace. Inglis was, apparently, the only one available for the job. His life and loyalties spanned the rise of an independent America and the war of 1812. His jurisdiction included what was then called Canada - the Maritime provinces, Quebec and part of present day Ontario.

He came from a family of Scots Episcopalians, and set out to America. He worked as a schoolteacher for while, and then was ordained. He eventually settled in as Rector of Trinity Church New York. He and Thomas Paine had a bit of a pamphlet war during the lead up to the American war of independence. Inglis was a fierce Loyalist. According to one legend, Charles Inglis led prayers for George III while George Washington was in the congregation. A militia soon surrounded the church.

On 11 August 1787, George III created the Diocese of Nova Scotia by Letters Patent, and Inglis was consecrated the next day.

From a sermon of Charles Inglis, Trinity church

The Duty of Honouring the King, explained in s sermon

Preached On Sunday, January 30, 1780;

Being the Anniversary of the Martyrdom of
King CHARLES I.

By CHARLES INGLIS, D.D.
RECTOR OF TRINITY CHURCH, NEW-YORK.

INFLUENCED by those Motives, let us, in the Name of God, and in his Strength, resolutely set about this Conduct: Cheared with the pleasing hope which results from it, when pursued, let us look forward to that happy Period---not very distant now, I trust---when we shall return into the soft Bosom of Peace; when the Remembrance of past Sufferings shall serve to enhance its Value, and inspire us with the more Zeal to praise, and thank, and fear God, and to honour the King; when our misguided Brethren, cured of their Delusion, shall be brought back to their Duty, and partake once more of the Benefits which, hitherto, they have too lightly regarded. Let each of us then, Òput on Bowels of Mercy, Kindness, Meekness, long Suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any Man have a Quarrel against any; even as CHrist forgave youÓ; and let us resolve to imitate the Example of Christ's Subjects in that blessed State, foretold by Isaiah, when all Envy shall be extinguished, and brotherly Love shall abound--- Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim.

THAT each of us may cultivate this divine Temper---that each of us, as a Follower of the meek Jesus, may adorn that Profession, and manifest a deep Sense of our Obligation to imitate, and love, and serve him---that each of us may improve by the Chastisements of Heaven, and rise, purified from the Dross of Sin, more bright and shining out of the Furnace of Affliction---that each of us may attain that Amendment, with all its consequent Blessings, which are designed and aimed at by the Dispensations of our merciful God----May He of his infinite Goodness grant, for the Sake and Merits of his dear Son, Jesus Christ; to whom, with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, three Persons, but one eternal God, be ascribed immortal Praise, Glory, and Dominion, henceforth, for evermore.

In 1816, Bishop Inglis died; his remains were buried under the chancel of St. Paul's at Halifax.

Well, there you have it. Raise a glass to Inglis.

add'l sources:

Hein, David; Gardiner H. Shattuck, Jr. (2004). "The Episcopalians. New York"

"God made me this way" - smokers

2008-08-09T22:54:53-06:00

Nicotine Gene Linked to Addiction

American researchers studied data from 435 volunteers to probe the link between forms of a nicotine-receptor gene called CHRNA5, how people recalled their first smoking experience, and how they smoke now.

They compared three groups: those who never smoked; those who never got hooked after trying at least one cigarette but not more than 100; and regular smokers who lit up at least five cigarettes a day for at least five years.

Regular smokers were far more likely to have the less common form of the gene compared with those who never smoked, the researchers said.

"It appears that for people who have a certain genetic makeup, the initial physical reaction to smoking can play a significant role in determining what happens next," said Ovide Pomerleau, the study's senior author and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School.

story at the CBC

I'm going to get me a pouch of something at Burlington's

Ten things you never hear in church

2008-08-09T22:45:29-06:00

From Ian's Messy Desk, in his humour files:

1. Hey! It’s MY turn to sit in the front pew!

2. I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon went 25 minutes over time.

3. Personally, I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.

4. I’ve decided to give our church the $500.00 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.

5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.

6. Forget the denominational minimum salary: let’s pay our pastor so he can live like we do.

7. I love it when we sing hymns I’ve never heard before!

8. Since we’re all here, let’s start the worship service early!

9. Pastor, we’d like to send you to this Bible seminar in the Bahamas.

10. Nothing inspires me and strengthens my commitment like our annual stewardship campaign!

Have Temple, will travel

2008-08-08T10:54:08-06:00

From the ancient synagogue at Capernaum:
(photo felix hominum, 2007)

A temple on wheels, with some classical overtone in the architecture? a travelling ark? the mobility of Judaism after the destruction of the Temple?

For real buffs on ancient synaguges, you can read:

Ancient Synagogues: Historical Analysis and Archaeological Discovery
By Dan Urman, Paul Virgil McCracken Flesher
Contributor Dan Urman, Paul Virgil McCracken Flesher
Published by BRILL, 1998

Thoughts on the Feast of the Transfiguration

2008-08-06T11:24:10-06:00

Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration. It is a feast which is, I have read, more widely celebrated in the Eastern churches than in the West.

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" -- not knowing what he said.

While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. (Luke)

The Feast of the Transfiguration is a wonderful thing. Moses and Elijah (the law and the prophets) bearing witness to Jesus. Transfiguration taking place in the context of prayer (he went up to the mountain to pray). Seeing Jesus for who He really is. Each of the Gospels which record the event has a slightly different detail added here or there.

There are two significant mountains in Scripture where God speaks. In the southern part of the Sinai penninsula rises a mountain which has been known to the local Bedouin tribe for centuries as “Jebel Musa” – the mountain of Moses. The landscape, like all of the Sinai, is harsh. Ancient red granite rock greets the visitor to Sinai. What is not rock is sand, and what is not sand is dust. There are 2 main paths up to top. There is the main route which is used by the Bedouin, a series of switchbacks wide enough for a camel to walk upon. There is another, rather less trodden path – it is comprised of hundreds of steps carved into the rock by monks many centuries ago. The second path is appropriately named “The steps of repentance”. It was designed as a form of penance for the monks of the Monastery of St Catherine, which has been part of the mountain for almost 1700 years.

When you finally get to the top of Sinai, there is a spectacular view of the desert landscape for miles around. It is a jagged and rough place – a fitting spot for human beings to experience the majesty and, yes, even the terror of coming into the presence of God. It is the mountain of the giving of the Law – the commands which Moses gave to the people of Israel.

9 KM west of Nazareth rises another mountain – Mount Tabor. It commands a view of fertile valleys, the villages around the sea of Galilee, and it’s slopes are covered with lush greenery and gardens. It is the traditional site of the Transfiguration. There is only one route up to the summit: and though it is steep it is worth the climb. As opposed to camel, you can take a Mercedes Benz stretch limo for about 30 shekels. By the way, like the camel handlers in the Sinai, the taxi drivers are also Bedouin tribesmen. When you get to the top you see the variety of greenery – Mount Tabor receives that rare commodity – “rain”. Just as God spoke one set of words on the top of Mount Sinai, so he also spoke another set of words on the top of Mount Tabor.

If Sinai is the mountain of the Law, then let us think of Tabor – the mount of Transfiguration - as the mountain of grace. Law can only restrain us – but grace transfigures us. We are invited in the Transfiguration into a new vision of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you are still living on Mount Sinai – thinking that faith is only about following the laws – seeing God merely as the one who rewards or punishes. Or you are thinking that keeping yourself “good” in God’s eyes is impossible.

And maybe like Peter our first reaction to being invited into a new vision of God in Jesus is to turn our attention elsewhere. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Peter represents here an all too common experience in the 'church'. When God is doing something spiritual, we turn our attention elsewhere. In this case it seems that Peter thinks what is required is a building project, as if walls and wood could contain God.

It doesn't of course have to be a building project, but when God in Jesus makes his presence known, that is what we should pay attention to. If God is at work, don't get bogged down in other things. We can be like Peter when we spend our time and energy only on the "externals" - the mere trappings of church - and then we can miss out on the presence of Jesus in our midst. Or we get so caught up in the institution of 'church' that we can't see the Kingdom of God.

While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"

When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid."

The voice is like that which was heard at Jesus’ baptism. Only this time there is an addition: “Listen to Him.” But when the disciples hear this voice, they are afraid. And so are we. Because this also promises us something wonderful and terrifying at the same time. God calls us to be, well, not exactly transfigured, but rather transformed. He calls us to be his beloved, and he calls us to "share" in the transfiguration of Jesus. And that means change. God invites us to take a look at ourselves and see where we need to change: a habit, an action, an attitude. We are often afraid of change – but the change which God has in mind is to make us more fully into the beloved children he has called us to be. He calls us to be “Christ-like”. As we learn to see Jesus, we begin to see who God calls us to be.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn dies at 89

2008-08-03T15:39:15-06:00

Russian writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who exposed Stalin's prison system in his novels and spent 20 years in exile, has died at 89, Russian media say.
The author of One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich and the Gulag Archipelago, who returned to Russia in 1994, reportedly died of a stroke.

from the BBC

His Gulag Archipelago is a book to which I have returned several times since I first read it. Most notably, I have found it an indispensable guide to, well, many things in church life.

Biblical Studies blog carnival

2008-08-01T20:07:05-06:00

The XXXII Biblical Studies blog carnival is up at Ancient Hebrew Poetry. It is divided into 3 parts: Part 1 deals with primary texts and discoveries; Part 2: with controversies; and Part 3 with posts on individual texts.

Thanks to Tyler Williams (Codex) for keeping us informed. The carnival features posts by a variety of bloggers, and I have always found something in these carnivals which is informative and edifying.

Bishop Burton/ Kallistos Ware caption contest

2008-07-31T22:47:00-06:00

over at the Diocese of Saskatchewan blog. If you are Anglican (and even if you're not) take a break from the serious stuff check out the photo and offer your, errr, suggestion.

Do you believe in miracles?

2008-07-31T22:27:38-06:00

I was standing in front of the elevator doors this afternoon, when someone came up to me and told me about a miracle they had experienced.
"Father?" (sorry, I was wearing clericals, as I often do when hospital visiting)
Yes?
"Let me tell you about a miracle that happened to me 15 years ago - how God healed me."

The conversation went on and I listened to this person's story. It was (if true) a miracle story. But why should I doubt that it is true? I came away thinking it was, mainly because it seemed to be within the nature of God to have done such a thing.

Now the reason I am telling you all this is that I was going to post my general weekly sermon notes. This week we are looking at the story of Jacob wrestling at the Jabbok (Genesis 32:22-31) and the story of Jesus feeding the crowd in Matthew 14:13-21. Both of these stories involve the presence of God and the action of God in a rather more-than-ordinary way. I'll probably get around to posting those general sermon notes in a day or two, but what struck me as I was thinking about this encounter is the general question: do you believe in miracles?

Some people do, some don't, and some are not sure about the whole thing. In particular, within the church I have run across people who don't think that the Gospels truly report what we might call "physical" miracles - the action of God in an unmistakable fashion to accomplish that which is, from a purely human perspective and power, impossible.

While there are many approaches to this, I want just briefly to mention just one. We have forgotten all that philosophy has taught us in the past about what, well, what a God is.

Archbishop Henry Orombi in the Times

2008-07-31T22:05:20-06:00

I love the Lord Jesus Christ, and I love the Anglican Communion. So, why did the bishops of the Church of Uganda and I decide not to attend the present Lambeth Conference? Because we love the Lord Jesus Christ and because we love the Anglican Communion.

St Francis of Assisi said: “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary use words.” We believe that our absence at this Lambeth Conference is the only way that our voice will be heard. For more than ten years we have been speaking and have not been heard. So maybe our absence will speak louder than our words.

The crisis in the Communion is serious; our commitment to biblical and historic faith and mission are serious; and we want to be taken seriously.

From here

Orombi is one of the bishops "boycotting" the current Lambeth Conference.

UPDATE: just came across a bit of an interview sort of article with Archbishop Fred Hiltz at the Church Times blog

UPDATE # 2 And another interview with Fred Hiltz (by George Westhaver) published here