Well, this is not my experience as an ordained minister in the United States. A large part of me fears that this disinterest in the UK church is due to faith communities that have lost their vision to welcome all for whatever reason brings them to the church’s door. I also fear that the UK… Continue reading
In what I consider to be a rather revealing article in UK’s Daily Mirror, Prince Harry speaks of his “paranoia about women”. I am not quite sure what this phrase means even after some reflection but here’s what I suggest thus far… Before speaking of his particular paranoia, the red-headed Prince speaks of the challenges… Continue reading
At 10am I was foolish enough to sing the Peter Cook/Dudley Moore song; it received applause maybe out of sympathy. Strangely (?) the 10am sermon did not record properly… so be thankful. Alan The audio is above. Sermon Preached at Trinity Church, Newport, Sunday May 8th 2016 The Reverend Alan Neale, “Now is the time… Continue reading
Yes, all good humor has a critical function; critical in the sense of offering analysis and calling for reflection. In sermons all the time, I use humor to allow people to breathe between discussion of ‘eternal verities’. And I use humor to make sharp commentary on the human condition, indiscriminately. I hold dear these two… Continue reading
A prayer for today – “O God, I recognize and offer to you the places of wilderness in my life right now. Come with creative power and generous charity to set a table of nourishment in the wilderness. Amen.” Whenever I read the Psalms in Hebrew Scripture I recognize the same delights and disappointments, the… Continue reading
Next March Wendy and I will be celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary; both of us were married before but sadly you cannot carry “credits” into the subsequent marriage – ah well. A young bride recently exploded with surprise that I had been married some 42 years altogether; I was touched by her kindness and immediately… Continue reading
Common to all faiths, to all spiritual journeys is the concept and experience of “the divine spirit”. Yesterday at Trinity Church, Newport I began a three-part study series on “Divine Dynamite – The Holy Spirit”. The first session was named “Energy”; the next two sessions “Expression” and “Experience” take place May 8 and May 15… Continue reading
I do my best to ensure that there is a vital connection between me and the couple that I am about to marry. The connection should not be enlarged unrealistically suggesting that we all have been good friends for years – this is disrespectful to the couple and their guests. But it is so essential… Continue reading
Here are the rather extensive notes I shared with the Adult Class this morning on “Doubt”. Trinity Church Newport, Rhode Island Doubt Sunday April 3rd 2016 “When they saw Him, they worshiped but some were doubtful” Matthew 28:17 “They” – the community “Worshiped” – the value of worship “Some were doubtful” – the interplay/commingling of… Continue reading
What a joy to worship in the community of faith today, a community that offers a safe and restorative place for those who doubt and question. Below is the audio and text of the sermon “The Doubt Welcoming Community” Sermon Preached at Trinity Church, Newport Rhode, Island Sunday April 3 2016, The Reverend Alan Neale… Continue reading