Speaker/Writer

Now, I understand

For over thirty years Alan Neale has spoken with passion, relevance, authenticity and humor of themes that are profound and pressing; the profound he makes simple and accessible, the pressing he makes immediate and welcoming. All these years past have provided little time for Alan to write extensively and so now he begins a long-postponed desire and there are many themes waiting to be translated into books; the task is daunting and enthralling and he longs to begin in 2015

Anglicans speak out on sexual and gender-based violence

February 17, 2015

Click Link – Anglicans resolutely and bold lead the way; again I am proud

Sermon “Oh forget the script… for a moment” – Alan Neale

February 15, 2015

Truly, truly… it was a stunning, invigorating performance of the Messiah. The performance was at Ursinus College last Sunday and the conductor was our very own redoubtable G.F. Handel… aka John French. It was a profound joy to hear the music played with fresh and attentive vigor, and because much of it was enhanced by… Continue reading →

Sermon “Well you know now” – Alan Neale

February 14, 2015

“MAUD Muller, on a summer’s day, Raked the meadow sweet with hay. Beneath her torn hat glowed the wealth Of simple beauty and rustic health” So begins the poem Maud Muller written by John Greenleaf Whittier in 1856. The poem tells the story of a servant girl Maud Miller and an unnamed Judge. They meet… Continue reading →

Actor or Director

February 14, 2015

So on the way to this week’s silent retreat, driving a most fun Fiat smart car, I was listening to “Fresh Air” (?) on PBS. The director of the new film “Nebraska” was being interviewed – can’t remember his name. The conversation was just great, honest questions posed and some really fun and stark honest… Continue reading →

Oh they stray so often!

February 14, 2015

As I think about writing this post, I sense some fear that yet again here is the rambling frenetic rants of an old man. I dispense with those fears pretty quickly because it’s better for these rants to be written here in the land of almost total emptiness rather than intrude them upon another real… Continue reading →

The PTWB Syndrone

February 14, 2015

Oh this syndrome is prevalent, so very prevalent. It affects the lives of many and tends to ruin relationships as well as clothing. Its symptoms are dirty hands, scattered detritus and often psychic conflict within the individual soul and between two otherwise well-disposed hearts. Sorry, I need to unpack the acronym – Pesistently Tamped Waste… Continue reading →

Is this insanity or what?

February 14, 2015

It is all too common a scene throughout Center City – bicycles (forgive the archaism) locked to a signpost or similar, in the blink of an eye, the bike is rapidly and efficiently denuded. I should, but will not, restrain from commenting that all to often these bikes are locked illegally in certain places; but… Continue reading →

Facade Maintenance is so very Exhausting

February 13, 2015

The picture is so very eloquent – keeping up facade is exhausting, requires so many resources and behind the facade is simply nothing, all air! No wonder Jesus once said, “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”.

Sanctity of the Slog

February 9, 2015

Yesterday’s sermon was all about the importance, the value of the daily slog, plod, schelp. We hope that there will be moments of soaring when we are touched embraced by the divinely unexpected. We expect there to be moments when relationships with partners, colleagues, ourselves just are running so very smoothly. But a lot of… Continue reading →