St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

I came into work early today - finished up the newsletter. Since the computers were stolen, I've let a lot of work pile up. That and finishing the thesis.

Speaking of which, the readers gave the green light. I'll be Father Dr. Gawain de Leeuw as of May 14th.

Yesterday the church was robbed. Only three computers. It looks like they came through the kitchen, after which they broke the office pane. The cops came, and we called the insurance company.

It's more frustrating and violating than anything else. But we've uploaded most of what we currently work on. We're going to take steps to increase our security.

A lot of planning for Lent. It's not a community that has tons of time for education - Sunday mornigns are the best. Best to do two things together: eating and studying. I'm going to try to do a few bible studies, one intro to Christian basics, and perhaps a few after church studies.

The phone calls don't stop.

I finished the rough draft from my thesis, but have been working from home, otherwise. I've been less available while I help a friend get a new car.

I'm trying out a new "productivity" software program called "Things." We'll see if I'm able to clear my desk off yet.

Last week we sent out the newsletter - we had some trouble with printing out the labels from the Church Management Software, but debbie eventually figured it out. Kathryn bought the church a new Epson Workhorse Printer, but apparently the previous assistant changed the password and forgot the password. So we can't update the new computer.

We got out the bulletins until January 3rd.

We had a very successful budget meeting. The vestry hopes that the diocese will help. Laura baked a fairly decadent cake which is why I'm not losing any weight. She makes phenomenal cakes and pastries. The church could probably start a catering company with its talent.

Still, there is confusion about what the diocese can pay for.

Missed a couple meetings - preoccupied with various events coming up: our planning breakfast, sending out a newsletter, and our December 5th party. I'm putting up the link to our invite today.

Saw a very interesting video on social media being passed around the deanery list.

My desk is littered with pistachio shells.

Busy day today.

Stewardship letter approved. worked on bulletin for Gregg's funeral. We made 200 copies. The amusing thing is that there were 200 people there, but they didn't take the bulletins. So nobody sang. Rule: get ushers.

About eight people spoke. One had five pages. I probably didn't need to preach a homily, because everyone was eloquent.

M has developed some beautiful invitations for our Dec. 5th Bash. The vestry decided to make it manageable. That's a good idea.

I did have a chance to exercise.

Today was spent arranging the installment of the water heater. We received another gift of $1000. I wrote a long letter explaining the importance of making sure money gets appointed in the right place.

Spoke to the diocesan CFO about getting our books in order. He sent me a form to fill out.

Been dealing with small fires all day - general complaints, and some administrative details. Webpage updated a bit, and enewsletter sent out. Tonight a wake - and an invitation to a networking event. Also a conference call with the vestry. Then, drinks with a friend.

Gregg Edelmann died today. Went to be with the family in the morning. He is survived by Two sons, Max and Chris, a wife, Irene, his mother Barbara, a brother and a sister. He was a serene soul, having looked at mortality square in the face for almost 50 years.

Our waterheater broke today. Now must try to fix it. My plumbing skills are mediocre.

Last Sunday's concert at St. Matthews was attended by nearly 100 people. The music was ambitious, but the amateur choirs did quite well. I loved the John Rutter anthem "Peace be with You" and would like the choir to sing it on a regular basis.

Today: write the enewsletter, have lunch with someone who wants to offer a presentation on long term care insurance, and two community cable shows. But I also have to prepare for the leadership retreat on Saturday - we're going to St. Paul's Norwalk.

I also spoke with Pastor Eric, the Lutheran pastor, about the Thanksgiving eve service. He had some funny words about bishops. We've been switching it off - I preached last year at St. Matthew's; he'll come here to St. Barts where we'll be doing the service.

We've been getting a lot of "stuff." It's time for me, this evening, to go through closets to divest myself from all the things I've accumulated.

From all the gym equipment, we could compete with the Y. A neighbor has even promised us an unused Bowflex.

I remember the Bowflex. I thought about purchasing one myself. But I also knew I'd probably use it infrequently. We've got two workout bikes. One works.

A funder - from Heineken - is coming to visit us today, looking at the kitchen. We do need new cabinets. And a new floor. And a new freezer. Only the stove is new.

Today a fast mass at 6:30 with Bishop Herbert Donovan, and a barbecue afterwards.

Here's a little bit about St. Bart from Catholic online...

St. Bartholomew, 1st. century, one of the 12.

Finally finished the newsletter: both the paper and the electronic one. The electronic one goes out pretty regularly. I've been finding a nice "flow" with this more recently. Did some reading on the book of Kings for this Sunday's sermon.

Obama gave his speech in Germany. Inspired, but a little fluffy. Appropriate, enough that it conveyed a sense of being presidential.