Too Many Crowns

I got to hear "Crown Him with Many Crowns" five times this morning: twice in rehearsal and once during each of three Eucharists. Did anyone attend church today where that hymn was not sung?!

State Street Madness

We took the El down to Monroe Street yesterday, stood in front of the Art Institute's newly-wreathed lions, took Noah to Symphony Center, and hunted for a place for lunch. There, in front of us, were the lights of The Berghoff restaurant, which I was sure had closed its doors.

Though I'd last been to The Berghoff more than thirty years ago, not much looked different -- except perhaps the delicious, festive pumpkin ravioli on their menu. What a treat! We were seated right away, but within the hour, the line wound around the entrance.

We actually stepped into Macy's (having missed the Marshall Field's protesters) and got into the crush of people later reported in today's newspaper. The best part for me was hearing so many languages at once. I even closed my eyes to hear better.

Parents: here and gone within 3 hours, but had a great time.
Child: here for 3 nights. Miss him already!
Turkey: carved and eaten for 3 meals.
Pies: 2 slices remain.
Gerber daisies: Very droopy.
Seminarians: Same as the daisies.

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Morning Prayer in the chapel today surely helped frame the day by reminding us of the abundance with which we have been blessed, while also keeping us mindful of our need to ask forgiveness for the sin of racism, so easily forgotten in our culture.

I am grateful for the nine of us who gathered, grateful to be part of a praying community.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mutts

Spotted in this morning's newspaper (in a comic strip I don't usually read):
Meister Eckhart made the funnies!

Books, Books, Books!

Our Thanksgiving break begins today. I eagerly anticipate time to take deep breaths, see family, and claim the gift of time to read...and read...Yay books!

It's Official

We've returned from Iowa with a date for ordination to the transitional diaconate: Saturday, December 16 in Des Moines. God willing, and the People consenting, Bishop Scarfe will ordain us...on Beethoven's birthday.

Land of Corn

Off we go to Iowa's Diocesan Convention, stopping at our house on the way. We've been gone for over two months, so it will be good to reconnect with people that sent us off to Evanston in the first place. Our convention will feature a joint Bishops' Address by Bishops 8 and 9 as we celebrate thirty years of women in ordained ministry.

And, as if he won't have seen enough of us already, our Bishop will be with us next Monday and Tuesday, back here on the block.

In the meantime, you might see our large white dog walking our good friend, but hopefully not lifting her off the ground during a squirrel chase!

Prayers of the People, Form ?

At last evening's Eucharist following an all-day retreat, the intercessor led us to pray for "all those who have condemned themselves to our prayers." Oops.