Week One of 2022

I do not understand how chemo week takes such a long time to pass and the chemo-less weeks fly by. It seems like just yesterday that I was writing about the new year and now it’s a week old, already. ¶ Last Sunday in church was a new experience. The Cathedral congregation is used to having what I refer to as “open mic” time. The celebrant asks if there are any other announcements and people pop up to make their entreaties, announcements, greetings, etc. I’m used to this from the Sudanese congregation. Anyone who has anything to say is allowed the time to speak at length or briefly. In one sense the liturgy is a community meeting. The liturgy focuses on the reason we are there. Excessive talking on the part of the congregation does interrupt the flow of things, and at times lengthens the time in church. ¶ Back to last Sunday. We had a substitute celebrant because of the dean’s recovery from COVID. At the “open mic” time a gentleman who is not a regular attendee at the 10:00 service took the opportunity to go on about his own particular peeves, wishes, whatever else. I couldn’t hear most of it because he was not on a mic. It took quite a while before he simmered down and we could get on with things. He obviously was disturbed and this disturbed the congregation as well. One of the deacons is a trained mental health counselor and was able to deal with the situation.

¶ Tomorrow I will not be at the console but at the altar and in the pulpit instead. The dean is still suffering the after effects of COVID. With a little more rest he will be able to return. It is frightening because he has had three shots of vaccine. It’s the Omicron variant that got him. ¶ Our county is still leading the numbers in the state for reported infections. I’ve noticed a few more people wearing masks in the shops. All staff and volunteers are required to mask at the Pavilion. We are required to wear masks in church, by the church. It is a good thing, especially when this variant spreads so easily. There are still vast numbers who seem to think they are immune. ¶ The highlight of the week was January 6. I’m speaking of the highlight of the church week. January sixth is the feast of the Epiphany, the day when the arrival of the mysterious visitors from the east appeared to the young Jesus. The wise men took their place at the manger in the crèche.

¶ January 6, is known for another event, the insurrection at the seat of our government. The event of last year was such a shameful, disgusting and frightening thing. It’s literally beyond belief that many in the congress think it meant nothing. The investigation continues and some of the findings of the committee are cause for even more concern. ¶ Sophia has been very busy with the livestock on the porch. The squirrels have their new feeder. One of the squirrels is quite adept at operat

ing the thing. Another seems to be baffled by it. Just like people, I guess. Some get it, and some don’t! When the birds move in at feeding time it’s quite a sight. I find it interesting that they all seem to be hungry at the same time. Someone in the flocks must be in charge of announcing that it is time to eat. ¶ I’ve felt fine and have enjoyed some leisure time this week. It felt good after the busy-ness of the last two. ¶ Thank you for your prayers, your thoughts, your kindness. Next week is the Gamma Knife procedure. I’ll try to get a picture of “the mask.” MRI will be on Tuesday morning. I’m hoping no more spots have shown up. If so, the team will deal with them.