Monday, October 15, 2007

Some of the Goat Roast pictures are on the St. Philip's website, and I encourage every reader to view them. Maybe you can grasp some sense of the fun and fellowship we enjoy at this event every fall. The second Sunday of October 2008 - reserve it on your calendar now and come join us.
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It was the first time for Jean and Pam to go and they thoroughly enjoyed it, even said they want the rest of their family there next year. Jean had the distinct privilege of entertaining our former Bishop Gray and Mrs. Gray while they ate together. I didn't hear the whole conversation, but from what I understand she settled an old grudge with him about some snide remark he made about the chicken salad at St. Paul's in Corinth over 40 years ago. After sharing beer and BBQ and reminiscing about mutual acquaintances, she came away with more admiration for him than she previously had. I'm glad they had the opportunity to have a more cordial encounter. He's the bishop who confirmed Pam and me, and hundreds of others. Wonder how many former Southern Baptists are in that number. There were several in my group, and I've heard there is at least one in every group.
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The Vernon Brothers Bluegrass Band provided musical accompaniment for congregational hymns which included "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," "I Saw the Light," "I'll Fly Away," and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," and David played old-timey Gospel Piano, which he does really well, didn't turn the organ on, at all. The band also played three arrangements before the service started and more during communion. Then afterwards, in the ampitheatre, they entertained while we enjoyed "dinner on the ground." For offertory, the choir did the Moses Hogan arrangement of the old Spiritual, "Ride on, King Jesus," with James Martin doing the solo.
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Goat Roast attracts as many people to St. Philip's as Christmas and Easter, so it is very effective community outreach. I'm glad, though, that it's only once a year. The rowdy, noisy atmosphere it creates in our normally quiet, peaceful sanctuary is very un-Episcopalian, and I, for one, am always relieved to come back in the next Sunday to find worshippers on their knees praying quietly, reverently, and our classical pipe organ and anthems.
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BUT this dignified bunch can have more fun than most, especially when there is bluegrass, BBQ and beer involved.
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These are a few of my favorite things, too, Tom.

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