As we pack our bags and prepare to move on from this beautiful city (tomorrow), I thank God for the blessings bestowed through our hosts at Grace Cathedral.
Many thanks go to the Dean, the Revd Dr Jane Shaw and all the staff at Grace for their hospitality and welcome. Julia and I have been granted many gifts large and small in this beautiful place.
(Beautiful religious art-work in this apartment by Sadao Watanabe http://www.artelino.com/articles/sadao-watanabe.asp )
Yesterday Julia and I were privileged to meet the Revd Sally Bingham, the President of the “Regeneration Project” of Interfaith Power and Light. http://interfaithpower.org/ Sally has been working in the area of greenhouse gas and energy saving within the Episcopal Church (and now in an inter-faith capacity) for many years, and is a formidable force in my particular areas of interest.
Came across a great natural cafe chain here http://freshii.com/ also.
Also a great photographic gallery at Fisherman’s Wharf http://www.rodneyloughjr.com/
We also headed to St Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church http://www.saintgregorys.org/ and had a look at their food pantry program which is absolutely amazing! http://thefoodpantry.org/ Thanks to Rector Paul for his welcome. Julia and I head to St Gregory’s for the 10:45am service tomorrow (Advent 3).
Great links here between worship/theology and mission (social justice mission, that is). Much floating around in my head at present, and many ideas across the education, worship, justice fronts… the U.S. Episcopal Church definitely inspires hope — helping people and making a difference is possible — and on a big scale — met many people that have just had a passion for something and just gone with it — God has done the rest! (of course God does – why should we doubt, but we do!! :-S)
Please pray for all those living on the streets here in San Francisco – it is such a lovely city, but so much sadness, pain and grief of so many poor (but they have given me love and joy too!)
Such a country of contrasts — rich/poor is one which is especially evident here, more than back home… or maybe just more noticeable… I’m not sure.
Praise to the Trinity, the life giving and incarnate God. Peace to all this night. CG
Vegan Priest, Christopher Golding 