Today is Ash Wednesday; sermon audio is followed by sermon text. Sermon Preached at Trinity Church, Newport RI; Ash Wednesday March 1st 2017 The Reverend Alan Neale; “Remembering Dust” Psalm 103:14 “He remembers that we are but dust” or Message Translation “He keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.” By the glorious wonders of… Continue reading
I post this article from the London Daily Mirror not to spread despondency and gloom but to emphasize that the very beautiful and precious nature of close, long-term relationships requires nurture and care… and honesty… and sometimes forgiveness. Generally the process of forgiveness is best achieved with the help of a trusted, respected, experienced facilitator…. Continue reading
When I was at Oxford University, eons ago, I was faced with the prospect of writing many essays to subjects given by tutors and professors. I confess that generally I had already decided the conclusion and so carefully selected (and discarded) concepts, arguments that would bolster my pre-selected conclusion. Only once did this process signally… Continue reading
All Bible passages today speak in some measure about “mountain-top experiences”; it is common currency amongst many spiritual paths to long for such an experience. On the mountain-top we hope to see with perspective and clarity; and maybe most important, to review ourselves with such perspective and clarity. Once again Peter, the common man and… Continue reading
Trinity Church Newport, RI Is God Funny? February 19th 2017 #3 Humor a Serious Business and a Tonic for Health “A bold challenge to the traditional stereotype of a somber gloomy Christ” – Elton Trueblood “The reason why there are not more people in going into church may well be the faces of those people… Continue reading
It seems clear to me that Christians and Churches should ever be re-committing themselves to the path of truth and truthfulness, especially urgent in times when phrases like “fake news” and “alternate facts” are becoming common currency. Perfection is not the goal but a passionate intent is required. And when “economy with the truth” has… Continue reading
(A series of profound and not so profound studies about God, us and humor. February Sundays at 9am, Trinity Church, Newport RI. trinitynewport.org) This morning was a labor of love and laughter. It was not an easy task to gather so much material into a relatively coherent whole. Have to say, it was a lot… Continue reading
[The laughing baby is grandson Colin.] By popular demand (well, one person asked) I am presenting a series I first shared in early 1991. It’s all about humor and the divine/human condition. Amazing to me the manila files of notes survived relatively extant through six moves, indestructible like… Marmite? I’m more than overwhelmed … Continue reading
MAKING DECISIONS #3 – The Progress (Helping Others Make Decisions) Sunday January 29 2017 Review from Class #1 – in one word? “Perspective” – ourselves, others, circumstances and the God with whom we deal. Faith! Review from Class #2 – in one word? “Humility” – readiness to learn, to listen and… to change a decision… Continue reading
So we continue with part two of “Making Decisions”, reflections on human wisdom illustrated in our lives and in Scripture. Session #1 could be summarized by one word “perspective.” The importance of making decisions in the light of our experiences (good, bad and indifferent) and our abilities, in the light of the wisdom of others… Continue reading