I remember a line from an old Kingston Trio Song, THE MTA...."These are the times that try men's souls." I have been tuned in to you and the other folks finding their way out of the corner for about 3 years now. (Brian, Nadia, Richard, Tripp and others) All of you have given my soul a time to breath, to know I am not completely out of my mind and that there is a way to follow Jesus, and still love the neighbor, welcome the stranger, make the tent bigger and on a good day, understand how the Christian community got to this place. It is not only Evangelicals that go through reconstruction. I am a life long Lutheran, 10 years youth director, 40 year pastor and 12 years on a synod staff. YIKES! Mainline orthodoxy also needs a redo. Well, I really just meant to say thanks for your words, your encouragements, your courage, your humor, your fortitude, your wisdom, your stories, your partnerships, faithfulness and more. Thanks for getting JC out of the Cathedral. Along the way, Niels Nielsen
One of the first verses had lines about the end of a year, and ring in the new. So this is my ringing in a new year. Over the past year (or a little more) that I have been a paying subscriber there have been times when I thought of a comment, and then put it off, to the point of irrelevance. No more.
Therefore, here is my comment on this verse
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
I live in, Brookings, a small town on the southern coast of Oregon. False pride in place (outsiders vs. natives) is is a significant part of the current cycle of civic slander and spite. In spite of the fact that at least 40+ percent of the homeless population here have some prior connection to this town, the city council is trying to shut down St Timothy's Episcopal church ,which has programs to help the homeless. City Council efforts to limit feeding and other services have been featured in national media. While I serve as an interim in a city over 100 miles away, it has still been a difficult Christmas to keep some sense of vocation. Thanks for reading.
I did so love the poem you posted. It is new to me. It is a wonder that way back then, the world must have been viewed much as we view it now. Of course, Tennyson did not have the same access to information that we do today and no doubt he had quite different views of his own nation's role in the world of the time. Thank you, diana, for posting this and may you and your family enjoy a happy new year!
To all the Cottage community I send greetings of gratitude for all the we have shared and gratitude the Diana and Richard for making it happen. As we approach 2024, we will need Hope and the courage to do what is needed to know how to best promote peace and good will to all.
Merry Christmas to Diana, Richard, and Paddy, Paddy looking as the camera like he is being so serious, but look closely his eyes are sparkling
Merry Christmas to your Diana, Richard and Paddy. Wonderful picture. Paddy looks so serious but his eyes are sparkling! And also Best to rest of family. and our cottage community.
We greet Christmas and the coming of the light, visually and in our hearts, bolstered by all you have done to build this thoughtful and caring global community. May you have some rest before the new year starts.
Indeed.
...and a Merry Christmas and Happy '24 (which is gonna be a doozie of a year!) to you both.
Love the photo of your Happy Family!
I remember a line from an old Kingston Trio Song, THE MTA...."These are the times that try men's souls." I have been tuned in to you and the other folks finding their way out of the corner for about 3 years now. (Brian, Nadia, Richard, Tripp and others) All of you have given my soul a time to breath, to know I am not completely out of my mind and that there is a way to follow Jesus, and still love the neighbor, welcome the stranger, make the tent bigger and on a good day, understand how the Christian community got to this place. It is not only Evangelicals that go through reconstruction. I am a life long Lutheran, 10 years youth director, 40 year pastor and 12 years on a synod staff. YIKES! Mainline orthodoxy also needs a redo. Well, I really just meant to say thanks for your words, your encouragements, your courage, your humor, your fortitude, your wisdom, your stories, your partnerships, faithfulness and more. Thanks for getting JC out of the Cathedral. Along the way, Niels Nielsen
Thanks so much, Diana Butler Bass for the insights and inspiration this year. May you find inspiration and joy in this new year! Rev. Wanda B. Olive
First Presbyterian Church
Winchester, Kentucky
One of the first verses had lines about the end of a year, and ring in the new. So this is my ringing in a new year. Over the past year (or a little more) that I have been a paying subscriber there have been times when I thought of a comment, and then put it off, to the point of irrelevance. No more.
Therefore, here is my comment on this verse
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
I live in, Brookings, a small town on the southern coast of Oregon. False pride in place (outsiders vs. natives) is is a significant part of the current cycle of civic slander and spite. In spite of the fact that at least 40+ percent of the homeless population here have some prior connection to this town, the city council is trying to shut down St Timothy's Episcopal church ,which has programs to help the homeless. City Council efforts to limit feeding and other services have been featured in national media. While I serve as an interim in a city over 100 miles away, it has still been a difficult Christmas to keep some sense of vocation. Thanks for reading.
I did so love the poem you posted. It is new to me. It is a wonder that way back then, the world must have been viewed much as we view it now. Of course, Tennyson did not have the same access to information that we do today and no doubt he had quite different views of his own nation's role in the world of the time. Thank you, diana, for posting this and may you and your family enjoy a happy new year!
Merry Christmas to all - thanks for your insights! they mean more than you can go!
Would that I could hear in person the change bell ringing in England.
Merry Christmas, friends!
I love your writing thank you
To all the Cottage community I send greetings of gratitude for all the we have shared and gratitude the Diana and Richard for making it happen. As we approach 2024, we will need Hope and the courage to do what is needed to know how to best promote peace and good will to all.
Have Happy New Year is my prayer to God. Join me!
Merry Christmas to Diana, Richard, and Paddy, Paddy looking as the camera like he is being so serious, but look closely his eyes are sparkling
Merry Christmas to your Diana, Richard and Paddy. Wonderful picture. Paddy looks so serious but his eyes are sparkling! And also Best to rest of family. and our cottage community.
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My screen jumped on me Oh well tech will continue to be tech
Peace and joy to you and your family this Christmastide
Merry Christmas, Diana!
We wish you a merry and blessed Christmas. Evie and Bob
We greet Christmas and the coming of the light, visually and in our hearts, bolstered by all you have done to build this thoughtful and caring global community. May you have some rest before the new year starts.