tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472926527297400382012-02-10T09:01:35.575-08:00looking for jesus in silverdale, washingtonBill Fultonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-41504473402693716582012-01-20T11:01:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:01:18.139-08:00

January 19, 2012 Hi, all! Yesterday and today I stayed at home because the roads are too slick to travel. It's cozy at home, with plenty to do and no need to rush. Sometimes we have to be forced to slow down, and when we do, we find that life at a slower pace is rich and good. I've been able to catch up on some reading, do some painting, and work from home. This morning I saw my

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-31304235956441162202012-01-18T09:17:00.000-08:002012-01-18T09:19:02.408-08:00

January 13, 2012 Hi, all! Yesterday I finally mailed the last of the Christmas letter we usually send to our far-flung family and friends. And even though Epiphany has blown by us, we still haven't taken our Christmas tree down.      The Christmas season seems to wrap me up in a big wind and send me hurling headlong through the days. Now, finally, I think I'm emerging from the frenzy

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-67403823668690190582011-12-24T09:54:00.000-08:002011-12-24T09:54:00.636-08:00

Hi, all! I'm not sure I'm quite ready for Christmas. This time of year is hectic, because there are so many things to do. Parties, presents, house guests, travel, decorations...and on and on. It's a wonderful time of year, but it seems like it's impossible to do everything we want. I'm not sure I'm ready for Christmas Eve, either. The sermon is done, the bulletins are printed, the music is

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-38645649099548845142011-11-24T08:59:00.001-08:002011-11-24T09:07:32.880-08:00

Hi, all! Today is Thanksgiving Day, and our house has extra guests...our older son and his friend, our younger son and his girlfriend. As I sat in my chair saying my prayers this morning, I felt a sense of wholeness and warmth. We're all here together. We'll have a big dinner this afternoon with all the trimmings, including non-gluten and vegetarian options, and afterwards we'll take a walk

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-28810640719604525252011-11-12T09:17:00.000-08:002011-11-12T09:17:37.389-08:00

Hi, all! This week I'm visiting my family in Colorado. I've been going through old photo albums at my mother's house, scanning some of the photos into the computer so I can have access to them online. As I leaf through those old albums, memories from years ago come rushing back. There are fading color photos from my childhood and old black-and-white photos from generations past. I peer

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-789507507828830872011-11-03T10:42:00.000-07:002011-11-12T09:17:25.835-08:00

Hi, all! Tomorrow is the Children's Eucharist at the 10:00 service. I'm looking forward to seeing our young people serving as ushers, greeters, Eucharistic Minister (Chelsea Reeder), and even preacher (Bonnie Foley)! We have such wonderful young people in our church, and they bring such energy, optimism, and joy to all of us. I feel truly blessed to have them in our parish. Tomorrow they

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-43589958824959000802011-10-22T21:30:00.000-07:002011-10-22T21:35:16.295-07:00

Hi, all! I just got back from Diocesan Convention, held at the Lynnwood Convention Center in North Seattle. It was a well-run convention, and the business of the Diocese was duly attended to. The part I like best about Convention is seeing friends from other parishes. Having been involved in the clergy association and various diocesan events, I've made friends throughout the diocese

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-64552855624760051652011-10-15T18:57:00.000-07:002011-10-22T21:35:27.638-07:00

Hi, all! Columbus Day landed on Wednesday this week, and Bishop Greg asked us to reflect on the "Doctrine of Discovery". The doctrine of discovery was the policy of European nations to claim full ownership of the lands occupied by their settlers in the Americas. It was used to justify the removal and genocide of the people who already lived there, namely Native Americans. I think most

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-542115745068416222011-10-07T22:34:00.000-07:002011-10-07T22:36:58.232-07:00

Hi, all! I spent some time last week searching for the ghosts of my past. My grandmother's family on my father's side were plantation owners in Louisiana in the 1800's, and since I was in the area for my CREDO conference, I took an extra day to rent a car and drive to the site of the old plantation. I've always been fascinated by this part of my family history. The Bowman family came

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-68249411708750077902011-10-05T15:47:00.000-07:002011-10-05T15:48:20.726-07:00

September 30, 2011 Hi, all! I'm spending this week at an Episcopal conference center near Jackson, Mississippi. It's located in rural Mississippi surrounded by oak and pine forests and lush meadows. And yes, it's hot and muggy in the daytime -- although I have to admit the evenings have been quite pleasant. The cooks at the conference center have served up some real southern cookin'. We've

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-3369294252455100322011-08-27T09:12:00.000-07:002011-08-27T09:12:54.790-07:00

Hi, all! Last week I enjoyed a week of vacation in Bend, Oregon, with my family. We returned home Saturday and since Sunday was still a vacation day, Katy and I attended Grace Episcopal Church in Bainbridge Island for Holy Eucharist. It's rare for me to be able to attend church and receive Communion, because I'm usually the one up front, leading worship, preaching, and celebrating the

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-62090174386923223052011-08-13T11:06:00.000-07:002011-08-13T18:32:48.938-07:00

Hi, all! This week I'm leading the music at Vacation Bible School with my guitar. We're singing fun songs about being thankful, praising God, and the joy of God's creation. It's so much fun to see the children sing out and dance to the music. Last Saturday at the Barnival I provided face painting for the little kids that came. They chose a design and sat quietly while I carefully dabbed paint

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-1735674859141174682011-07-27T16:01:00.000-07:002011-07-27T16:01:02.216-07:00

July 23, 2011 To my friends, Today the whole world is grieving with Norway as they deal with the shock from an explosion and many shooting deaths. Apparently one man set off powerful explosives near the Prime Minister's office and then shot dozens of young people who were camping on an island in a lake. It's hard to comprehend such violence. How could any human being do these things? The trauma

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-71094054833997159152011-07-27T15:59:00.001-07:002011-07-27T15:59:56.750-07:00

July 16, 2011Hi, all!  On Thursday night, my son, Guy, and I went backpacking in the Olympic Mountains. We hiked a few miles up the lower Quilcene River trail and camped at Bark Shanty camp. It was a short overnight trip, but refreshing to the soul and body. We got tired, sweaty and smoky and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. There's something about hiking in the mountains that renews me. Maybe it's

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-41233542990911800112011-07-09T11:44:00.000-07:002011-07-09T11:44:00.713-07:00

Hi, all!  I was struck by the news that former first lady Betty Ford died yesterday at the age of 93. She's remembered fondly for her candor and honesty, especially during times of difficulty.  When she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy, she allowed herself to be photographed in her robe at the hospital. Her candor and openness helped bring breast cancer out into the

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-51537596560248289792011-07-02T10:10:00.001-07:002011-07-02T10:10:40.510-07:00

Hi, all!  On Thursday night my son, Guy, and I kayaked to Blake Island and camped overnight. We launched our kayaks right next to the Southworth ferry terminal, just at high tide. There was a light wind and a brisk chop as we paddled across the bay, about two miles, to Blake Island. It gave my shoulders a good workout.  We arrived to find a beautiful grassy campsite right on the beach with views

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-14917519117406276572011-06-25T11:27:00.000-07:002011-06-25T11:27:52.451-07:00

Hi, all! As a priest in the church, I use the word "God" a lot. I pray in the name of God, preach about God, and bring God up in conversations. I'm expected to talk about God, and I love to talk about God. God this, God that, God all over the place. God, God, God. But sometimes I wonder if I don't use the word too much. Sometimes it seems like we in the church treat God as a commodity we're

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-53279667579255012662011-06-20T10:08:00.000-07:002011-06-20T10:08:20.132-07:00

Hi, all! After a long, cold spring season that seemed to last forever, summer has finally come. School is out (mostly), gardens are planted, and people are making plans for summer vacations. I think I hear a collective sigh of relief. Summer is a sabbath season for many of us. We slow our activities down, find time to spend with family and friends, do outside things, and generally adopt a slower

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-74481419091560083012011-06-10T22:12:00.000-07:002011-06-13T16:17:14.536-07:00

I'm a dreamer.  I guess I always have been. As a child I sat in my school desk and dreamed of great adventures in faraway places. In ninth grade I dreamed in Mr. McLain's Civics class while looking out the window at the squirrels in the treetops. I find it easy to just take off on a daydream of how things might be, could be, should be. All this dreaming gets me in trouble, of course. How many

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-8086499579727978892011-06-10T22:10:00.001-07:002011-06-10T22:10:54.602-07:00

Our children and young people at St. Antony's were inspirational last Sunday as they led us in worship at the 10:00 Eucharist! Our young ones served as ushers and greeters, read the lessons and the prayers, and served at the altar. What wonderful young people we have! When I hear the lessons read by a young person, they sound completely new. The freshness of a child's voice awakens something in

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-19199563714208247222011-06-10T22:09:00.001-07:002011-06-10T22:09:33.882-07:00

This week I'm on vacation, visiting my family in Colorado. I attended the high school graduation of Ben, my brother's son, in Broomfield, and David, my sister's son, in Boulder. Then I drove to southeast Colorado to spend a few days with my mother, and to visit my younger sister who lives nearby. It feels good to be immersed in my family and catch up on everyone's lives since my last trip. I'm

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-16254493416334858182011-05-01T20:50:00.000-07:002011-05-01T20:50:34.707-07:00

I was asked to put this morning's sermon online. SERMON2 Easter A, May 1, 2011 – “Thomas, Faith and Doubt” It’s interesting that the Gospels have stories of belief, but also stories of doubt. Whenever there is a story of faith, there’s always the possibility of doubt. It’s as if doubt is the twin of belief.  Today’s Gospel is about Thomas who is known as the Twin. The Gospel never identifies

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-75965514263152795232011-04-24T13:31:00.001-07:002011-04-24T13:32:32.881-07:00

Hi, all! I wrote this Easter blessing for you: On this day, may Easter light break in on you;brighten your soul and make your face shine. May the risen Christ make an appearance in your kitchenor when walking out the door of your houseor at the touch of someone's hand. May you see the love of God in every flower,your child's heart filled with wonder.May God's hidden beauty burst into your

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-15146207505007071452011-04-16T17:49:00.000-07:002011-04-16T17:49:02.943-07:00

Hi, all! It’s here. Holy Week. The holiest time of the year. It’s called “Holy Week” because these are the high holy days of the Christian year. The days we walk with Christ through his suffering, death and resurrection. Palm Sunday. Maundy Thursday. Good Friday. Easter Sunday. I have mixed feelings about Holy Week. On the one hand, it’s uncomfortable. Hearing the passion story on Palm Sunday

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-84854955723711467482011-04-11T23:23:00.000-07:002011-04-11T23:32:19.442-07:00

On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem seated on a donkey, to fulfill the prophecy that the king would come on a donkey. This sketch is a copy of an 1860 print by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-53719036852662404252011-04-11T23:19:00.000-07:002011-04-11T23:19:26.582-07:00

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-72600795083477859392011-04-10T16:48:00.000-07:002011-04-10T16:48:16.984-07:00

Hi, all! I spent the first part of this week at the annual clergy conference at Alderbrook Resort on Hood Canal near Belfair. You may be wondering, "What do clergy do at a three-day conference?" Well, we spent a day with our bishop, Greg, discussing the nature of ordination and doing some diocesan business. Then we had a day and a half retreat with Eugene Sutton, the bishop of Maryland. Bishop

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-11374549760625172122011-04-02T20:41:00.000-07:002011-04-02T20:43:07.033-07:00

This is the sketch of the day for tomorrow's Gospel lesson about the man born blind. Jesus made mud with his saliva, rubbed it on the man's eyes and told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. When he did, he received his sight. Later, when he saw Jesus and discovered it was he who had healed him, he worshiped him.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-47851226080441220322011-04-01T22:01:00.000-07:002011-04-01T22:01:30.233-07:00

Hi, all! Will it ever stop raining? It seems like it's been raining forever. I don't remember it being this wet in previous years, and I see that we're well above the average rainfall. When will spring come? When I get in a funk about all the rain, I remind myself that, after all, this is Puget Sound, and it rains here. The beautiful green forests depend on lots of rain, and so do the salmon

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-61919848375773225782011-04-01T17:02:00.000-07:002011-04-01T17:02:34.891-07:00

Jesus spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man's eyes. John 9:6

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-73246310550577896812011-03-28T21:55:00.000-07:002011-03-28T21:55:30.245-07:00

After Jesse called his youngest son, David, the Lord said to Samuel, "Rise and anoint him, for this is the one." And so David was anointed with oil by the prophet Samuel to become the greatest king Israel ever had.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-86306022373930024912011-03-27T22:30:00.000-07:002011-03-27T22:30:36.708-07:00

The Old Testament lesson next Sunday tells the story how the prophet Samuel was instructed by God to choose a new king from the sons of Jesse to replace Saul.  Jesse lined up his sons and they all passed by Samuel, but the Lord did not choose any of them. Samuel asked Jesse, "Do you have any more sons?" Jesse said, "Only one, the youngest, but he's watching the sheep. "Send him," said Samuel.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-16314016874652948682011-03-26T21:21:00.000-07:002011-03-26T21:21:36.343-07:00

Hi, all! I was brought up in a family of stoics. If we were hurting, we tried not to show it. So when I'm hurt or in need, it's hard for me to admit it. And it's hard for me to ask for others to pray for me, even though I totally believe in healing prayer. This week was different. I've had some pain in my shoulder, and an x-ray revealed that I broke my collarbone. So on Wednesday after Centering

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-70938753200635811832011-03-26T21:17:00.000-07:002011-03-26T21:18:15.830-07:00

The Gospel for Sunday is the story about Jesus and the woman at the well  (John 4:1-26). This is my attempt at a portrait of the woman at the well. At least, this is a portrait of an Arab woman, and the woman at the well might have looked like this. I think of her as mysterious, sensuous, and distant. But there are a lot of ways to imagine her. Perhaps she was older, worldy-wise, and cynical?

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-64250737871131033992011-03-24T13:42:00.000-07:002011-03-24T13:42:59.947-07:00

One of the strongest images in the Bible is the story of the Israelites complaining in the desert that they have no water. Moses prays to the LORD, who tells him to take his staff and strike the rock. Moses strikes the rock, and the water flows. Ever afterward, the story was remembered as a time of unfaithfulness at Massah and Meribah.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-16881097439850669712011-03-22T23:23:00.000-07:002011-03-22T23:23:50.003-07:00

The Gospel story for Sunday is about Jesus and the woman at the well. I imagine Jesus, all tired out from his journey, dozing by the well as the woman comes to draw water.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-27380415045291850572011-03-22T23:19:00.001-07:002011-03-22T23:19:45.850-07:00

Hi, all! I've been watching the news about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the heroic efforts to avert a meltdown at the nuclear power plants. Realizing that many thousands of people have died, that people are struggling to live without water or electricity in subfreezing temperatures, that millions live in fear of radiation poisoning -- it's overwhelming to me.   I want to turn away and

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-39188070802180795142011-03-16T22:47:00.000-07:002011-03-16T22:47:57.798-07:00

In John 3, Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. Did he come at night because he didn't want to be seen by others, or because he wanted a private interview? Either way, it seems like a furtive, daring mission by Nicodemus. He was a seeker who couldn't keep away from this Jesus who was so intriguing.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-17569647779464247912011-03-15T23:30:00.000-07:002011-03-15T23:30:05.271-07:00

I imagine Abraham travelling with all his flocks and herds and lots of people. Must have been a slow journey as they let the sheep and animals graze along the way.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-20356945253495677552011-03-14T23:18:00.000-07:002011-03-14T23:18:13.128-07:00

Yesterday I made a sketch of the wrong lesson. The Old Testament lesson for Sunday is about Abraham. God said to Abraham, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." (Genesis 12:1) My image of Abraham is that he had a strong face.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-86658362114941698382011-03-13T23:10:00.000-07:002011-03-13T23:10:07.592-07:00

In the Old Testament lesson for next Sunday, the people quarrel with Moses in the desert, saying, "Give us water to drink."

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-22697489127284965522011-03-11T22:35:00.001-08:002011-03-11T22:35:03.522-08:00

Hi, all! Smudging the foreheads of my people with ashes is perplexing. As I say those words, "Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return," I often feel a twinge of pain. For those who are older, I'm reminded that I might preside at their funeral. And for those who are younger, especially children, the words come as a grim shock. How could we even think such a thing? Ash Wednesday is a

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-26633275260633854372011-03-11T22:19:00.000-08:002011-03-11T22:19:08.192-08:00

The Gospel for this Sunday is the story of the temptation of Jesus: "After Jesus was baptized, he was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished." (Matthew 4:1) When I think of fasting forty days, I think of being weak and spaced-out. Hardly fit for a struggle with the devil. But that was when Jesus

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-23429372489738539392011-03-10T22:34:00.000-08:002011-03-10T22:34:30.612-08:00

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made." Genesis 3:1

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-22160928730855254002011-03-10T18:25:00.000-08:002011-03-10T18:25:30.857-08:00

I've decided that during Lent my spiritual discipline will be to make a sketch every day of the scripture lessons coming up for the week. Today my sketch is for Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday, the Prayer Book says, "I invite you to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word."

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-36087691536983714622011-03-08T12:23:00.001-08:002011-03-08T12:23:48.713-08:00

Hi, all! Last week I pruned the forsythia bush in our front yard. Katy took some of the cuttings and put them in a vase on the table. The warmth of the house made the twigs think it was spring, and they burst out in glorious yellow flowers. It makes me think of what promises are in store for us, even when we think we're in a dead, cold winter season of our life. God promises good things for us,

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-91695926160312607532011-02-25T20:59:00.001-08:002011-02-25T20:59:28.928-08:00

Hi, all! This week I've been making steady visits to the ICU at Harrison Hospital to visit Eleanor Brook, who is recovering from open-heart surgery. I'm glad to say that despite some difficult setbacks, she's beginning to recover nicely. What I've noticed is how much support she's been given from her fellow parishioners. When I visit, I often notice that another parishioner has been there before

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-80750144044390720552011-02-19T15:51:00.000-08:002011-02-19T15:51:35.610-08:00

Hi, all! Often when I'm writing my sermon, I'll stop and take a break. I'll put on my coat and walk down the hill to the Tracyton boat ramp, then come back home a different way. As I'm walking, I often find that an idea or a story for the sermon will come to me. Maybe it's the fresh air, or maybe it's the stimulation of exercise, but somehow I find it helpful. It reminds me that the mind

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-38921018363118153202011-02-12T20:41:00.000-08:002011-02-12T20:41:39.620-08:00

Hi, all! In Egypt, unpredictable events are unfolding as massive crowds surge into Cairo's Tahrir Square to protest against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. Who knows how this will turn out? For over two weeks, we've seen images of ordinary Egyptians voicing their frustration over a corrupt and paternalistic government.   What impresses me is that Mubarak just doesn't get it. He doesn't

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-73943243436971814972011-02-05T10:28:00.000-08:002011-02-05T10:28:25.417-08:00

Hi, all! I grew up as a boy scout. My father was a field executive for the Boy Scouts and my mother was a den mother and girl scout leader for all four of us kids. We ate, slept, and breathed scouting. Due in large part to my father's insistence, I'm an Eagle Scout. Scouting was great for me. From scouts I got my love of the outdoors, my first experience of leadership, and values and ideals that

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-74988255597389454892011-02-01T17:45:00.001-08:002011-02-01T17:45:47.366-08:00

Hi, all! Like most of us males, I was raised to be independent. I learned to "get the job done", to "take the heat", to "be your own person." But I've also discovered that there are sometimes better ways to get something done. Like teamwork. Along the way I've learned that being part of a team is often not only a better way to accomplish a goal, it's more satisfying. There's nothing like raising

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-34348330860673992882011-01-22T13:39:00.000-08:002011-01-22T13:39:18.177-08:00

Hi, all! This week the Gospel story has got me thinking about "being called" -- the feeling that God has selected you and given you a task to do. We expect our clergy to have a "calling" from God, but we sometimes forget that all of us are called by God. Our calling is usually closely connected with our gifts. Each of us has gifts that are unique to us. I think God wants us to use our gifts in

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-82267342587780063062011-01-12T20:57:00.000-08:002011-01-22T13:39:48.928-08:00

Last Sunday I preached on the shootings in Tucson, when 19 were shot and six died, including nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green. In my sermon, I said I'm concerned for the soul of our nation, and I hope that as a nation we will strive for a more civil discourse and less blaming, name-calling and demonization. Today President Obama spoke at the memorial service for the victims of the shooting.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-54330281473876443992011-01-11T08:24:00.000-08:002011-01-11T08:24:54.812-08:00

Hi all! Last night we celebrated the Epiphany - the revealing of Jesus to the nations by means of a star. And of course we had a visit by the three "Wise Men " just before we sat down to delicious potluck dinner:   Epiphany means revealing or showing. I think of a sculptor sweeping away the sheet to unveil her long-anticipated sculpture. Or maybe a light coming on to reveal something beautiful

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-60721405681528512292011-01-01T11:56:00.000-08:002011-01-01T11:58:14.886-08:00

This is a copy of my weekly "Hello from the Vicar" e-mail: Hi all! This week I'm taking some time off, and I've been thinking about changes I want to make in the coming year. My goal for next year is to simplify my life and do more of the things I enjoy and I'm good at. Maybe you're thinking about changes for the new year, too. A New Year's Blessing I'm thankful to be the priest at St.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-17459725803603807052010-12-23T11:05:00.000-08:002010-12-23T11:05:48.158-08:00

This is a copy of my weekly "Hello from the Vicar" e-mail: Hi, all! At our house, we're in the middle of buying presents, hanging decorations, pinning up Christmas cards, and buying supplies for Christmas dinner. It's a busy week for all of us, I'm sure. A popular Christmas song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." It can also be the most hectic, crazy, stressed-out time of the

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-53211380051594862662010-12-23T11:04:00.000-08:002010-12-23T11:04:22.304-08:00

This is a copy of my weekly "Hello from the Vicar" e-mail to the parish: Hi, all! Last Sunday morning I was glad our church is on a hill so we didn't get inundated! That was some heavy rain. Thanks to all who braved the downpours to come to the Eucharist. Today I heard a report on NPR about a "Secret Santa" program that fills children's requests for Christmas presents. The spokesperson said

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-60277483258355230382010-12-10T17:52:00.001-08:002010-12-10T18:06:57.380-08:00

This is a copy of my "Hello From the Vicar" e-mail for this week. Hi, all! This week I've been rehearsing with the Bremerton Symphony Chorale for our Christmas concert this Saturday. I keep hearing in my head the glorious "Amen" in "Worthy is the Lamb" of Handel's Messiah, especially the sopranos as they loft their high 'A' just before the entire symphony comes to a breathtaking halt... and

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-23002504069058607972010-12-04T19:56:00.000-08:002010-12-04T19:56:14.413-08:00

Today volunteers from St. Antony's helped cook and serve the first meal at the Lord's Neighborhood Diner. The Lord's Diner is located in the basement of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bremerton, and it's a natural partnership for us. Several of our volunteers today have worked at the Lord's Diner for many years. Barbara Berglind prepares the buns Today was the first day of the re-start of the

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-45597075264867196262010-12-04T13:01:00.001-08:002010-12-06T10:27:01.619-08:00

Hi, all! This is the first edition of a weekly e-mail newsletter I'm sending to my friends at St. Antony's. I hope you like the format: a brief, informal, weekly update on what's happening at St. Antony's. They'll be easy to read -- personal, informative, and lively. I'm using the Constant Contact e-mail program, which allows for recipients to opt out if they choose. If you want to unsubscribe,

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-59899881661404795332010-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:002010-12-04T13:00:42.443-08:00

At their meeting on Wednesday, the Bishop's Committee voted to make an offer on the property at Half Mile Road and Clear Creek Road. We've had a substantial parish discussion about this piece of property, and we've provided quite a bit of information to everyone. During the discussion at the BC meeting, we gave some time to listening to reactions from people in the parish. All the members said

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-81485472620294338922010-11-30T12:18:00.000-08:002010-11-30T12:21:32.510-08:00

How can we meaningfully observe the season of Advent? I've been looking for new ideas, and I came upon a website with an interesting approach. Advent Conspiracy offers a new way to celebrate to Advent and Christmas. Basically they're trying to de-commercialize Christmas and make it more meaningful by helping us think about how we observe this season. You can find ithem at

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-30808530639227930912010-11-29T10:27:00.000-08:002010-12-06T10:27:40.542-08:00

Last Saturday I sent an e-mail to our parish list as a friendly hello and update for the parish. I'd like to start doing this weekly as a way of staying in touch with the parish. I've read other parish weekly letters and I've found them warm, personal and rich. I'd like to use the email software Constant Contact because it's easy to use and it looks good in all browsers. I hope that these letters

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-6338688023347820122010-11-21T17:52:00.000-08:002010-11-21T17:52:24.676-08:00

Today we celebrated the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the founding of St. Antony's. We had a combined service at 9:00, with good participation from people both the 8:00 and 10:00 Eucharists. It was fun to hear a few memories by people who had been present from the beginning of St. Antony's. Afterwards we had a big potluck brunch. The modular building was packed with every seat taken. The food was

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-42033416431083554242010-11-21T00:56:00.000-08:002010-11-21T00:56:37.411-08:00

Today was a Cleanup Day at St. Antony's as well a a day to prepare for our Twenty-Fifth Anniversary celebration tomorrow. An energetic group of about 15 people scrubbed, raked, cleaned and set up for tomorrow's St. Antony Day brunch. My thanks to all who joined this effort and accomplished so much!Bob Hoag blows leaves off the grass Ken Stephens sweeps up Loretta McGinley and Mary Zabinsky sweep

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-69435391479168853552010-11-10T10:41:00.000-08:002010-11-10T10:41:30.863-08:00

On October 29 and 30, I attended Diocesan Convention at the Sea-Tac Hilton, along with our delegates Bill and Elisabeth Demmon, Maggie Scott, and Tovi Andrews. Here are my impressions: It was fun seeing old friends and making new friends. This is always the best part of convention for me. The convention was shortened this year in the interest of saving time and money. The result was that we

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-37069180998242973602010-11-09T12:02:00.000-08:002010-11-09T12:02:55.624-08:00

Last night we held a parish meeting to discuss purchasing a piece of property for a future church building. I thought it was a good meeting, with about 40 people attending. John Stockwell gave an informative presentation on the property in question and many people asked questions for clarification. I think everyone got a lot of information. In the comment portion of the meeting, we had many

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-55298765773202587282010-11-08T10:58:00.000-08:002010-11-08T10:58:48.942-08:00

RADM Greg Horn Last Friday evening I attended the Naval Chaplains Anniversary Banquet at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. I was invited by Capt. James Puttler, Navy Region Northwest Region Chaplain. It was an impressive formal dinner with a Marine color guard, a Navy jazz ensemble, and lots of brass present in formal dress. The speaker was Rear Admiral Greg Horn, Deputy Chief of Chaplains for Reserve

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-22184778154256021262010-11-07T09:44:00.000-08:002010-11-07T09:44:13.036-08:00

I haven't posted much on this blog lately because my daily schedule has changed, and I haven't found time in my schedule for writing. I'm now doing my centering prayer at home early in the morning, and then coming to church for Morning Prayer in the chancel at 9:00. I like this schedule because it allows me to say my prayers in our worship space, and it makes it possible for others to join me.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-38385162750467228372010-09-27T19:28:00.000-07:002010-09-27T19:28:28.301-07:00

The last few weeks have been very busy for me...as you can see by the scarcity of posts on this blog! The reason is that we've started up our fall programming and all the sudden I have a lot more things on my plate. I spend two to three hours a week preparing for my weekly Bible studies, and a couple more hours leading them, plus I have the Wednesday night program which pretty much takes up all

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-49447923077332264692010-09-25T17:44:00.000-07:002010-09-25T17:44:01.432-07:00

Today eight of us attended the Freedom 5K Walk/run in Bainbridge Island. The event was an awareness raiser and fundraiser for the issue of human slavery. Yes, amazingly enough, human slavery exists today, even in our own communities. The most vulnerable of society -- often homeless kids on the street - are recruited or forced into situations they can't get out of, and end up as prostitutes or

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-68131768382102239222010-09-13T23:13:00.000-07:002010-09-13T23:13:01.870-07:00

Today we had a meeting to review the Barnival held the weekend before last. It was a good meeting, with nine people present and a lot of energy. We all agreed that the Barnival had been a success and we'd like to do it again next year. Having said that, we then launched into an energetic discussion of how we could improve things next year. We covered all the major areas of the Barnival planning

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-67769236857123566972010-09-08T08:47:00.000-07:002010-09-08T08:47:13.737-07:00

I've taken on a new role at Bremerton Chorale, that of social chair. Here's how it came about: I've truly enjoyed singing with the Chorale for two years, but I haven't felt like I've gotten to know the other singers very well. We rehearse intensely, but we haven't had much social time together. So I volunteered to help us become more connected personally. Last night, our second rehearsal of the

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-53887913143491713932010-09-07T10:57:00.000-07:002010-09-07T10:57:55.931-07:00

At the Barnival last Saturday, we had lots of kids activities, and the children loved them! We had face painting, puppet theater, beanbag toss, bubbles, an Apostle scavenger hunt, thumbpainting, and more. Here are some photos. A flower girl in front of the "Country Capers" duo. The beanbag toss - fun for children of all ages! Sarah with happy kids A rosy-cheeked girl Some of the masks we made

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-54308092367793084652010-09-04T19:33:00.000-07:002010-09-04T19:33:10.930-07:00

Today we held the Barnival! And despite drizzly weather in the morning, we had a good turnout of people all day long and had a successful event. It was especially fun to have music from "Bill and Friends" group and the duo, "Country Capers". With people coming and going, lots of conversations, and music in the background, it felt like a good old country fair. Here are some photos to show what it

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-51567015592193290632010-09-02T20:14:00.000-07:002010-09-02T20:26:09.546-07:00

Today I visited a parishioner in a care facility. I've visited her many times over the last two years, beginning with the elegant apartment where she took Katy and me to lunch, then, as she declined cognitively, into more and more intensive care facilities. Now she's in a dementia unit. Today I found her parked in her wheelchair in the main room where a volunteer was singing and playing old

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-13539859552241413292010-08-31T18:37:00.000-07:002010-08-31T18:37:49.640-07:00

Last Saturday I attended the Ray Berglind Memorial Mini-Golf Tournament. This is my third tournament, and this time I actually won!! I was so relaxed after a good vacation, I could putt perfectly. Ray died about 7 years ago, and his family hosts this tournament each year in memory of Ray. The proceed go to Communitas, the non-profit organization that runs several homes for the disabled. Ray's

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-65053215541401470242010-08-28T15:00:00.000-07:002010-08-29T11:48:18.013-07:00

My sons and I on Cape Mountain on the Oregon Coast I just returned from a week of vacation. What a blessing it was! I traveled down the Oregon coast, had time with my family, saw good friends, enjoyed nature's beauty, and made some sketches. There's something about getting away from home that is good for the soul. When I get about two hours down the highway, I begin to feel the weight of

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-60294749709542322162010-08-19T22:00:00.000-07:002010-08-19T22:00:46.724-07:00

Katy, Kathleen, and me Tonight Katy and I attended the Celebration of New Ministry for Kathleen Kingslight, the new rector of St. Paul's, Bremerton. It was a wonderful service with much celebration, joy and good music as Bishop Greg welcomed her. The people of St. Paul's are obviously delighted to have Kathleen as their rector -- and it showed! I'm very pleased to have an Episcopal clergy

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-40750568026847563872010-08-19T18:34:00.000-07:002010-08-19T18:34:39.731-07:00

Vintage Apartments Yesterday I led my third Bible study at Vintage apartments. We're studying "blessings" in the Bible, starting with the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:25-26, looking at the many blessings given in the story of Ruth, and continuing with the blessing of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. We've had 5-8 people join us each time, and we've had some good conversations. As always with a Bible

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-53625430150620583682010-08-17T19:33:00.000-07:002010-08-17T19:33:04.908-07:00

Today was the last day to turn in a ballot for the Washington primary. I got mine in! I was taught that voting is the responsibility of every citizen. Of course, it's a great privilege, too, but primarily it's the duty of every person in a democracy. Our freedom is precious, and if we don't participate in the democratic process, eventually we as a country will suffer. So...Vote!

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-52659293432733204802010-08-11T18:52:00.000-07:002010-08-11T18:53:53.851-07:00

Today, as every Wednesday, we had Centering Prayer at St. Antony's. We have a small but faithful group that gathers weekly to sit in a contemplative silence for twenty minutes. These weekly sessions are a wonderful way to rest, recharge, and renew. Although I do twenty minutes of Centering Prayer every morning, I still find these group sessions to be helpful. There's something especially

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-23618744127652839892010-08-09T21:28:00.000-07:002010-08-09T21:28:30.542-07:00

Today we had another planning meeting for the Barnival, our barn carnival on September 4. One of our supporters made this poster which we'll be distributing around town. We had a good meeting of ten people with lots of details worked out about products, pricing, locations, etc. We're on our way!

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-85813905586896034582010-08-08T22:49:00.000-07:002010-08-08T22:49:07.855-07:00

Today we held our annual picnic at Wildcat Lake. Unfortunately the sun failed to show up, and a mild drizzle discouraged many people from coming. Those of us who did come had a wonderful Eucharist in the new barn and a very pleasant time eating good potluck food together. Not to mention a rousing game of croquet on the lawn afterward!

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-14860362490395702272010-08-05T21:33:00.000-07:002010-08-05T21:33:06.647-07:00

VBS gamesToday was Day 4 of Vacation Bible School.  I can tell I'm running out of steam.  Doing a drama of a Bible story every day is pretty taxing, and the kids are naturally very rambunctious. I think I'm getting too old for this. One more day! One of the stations, where the kids learn something about God's creation using science. We've got some great scientists. On of the kids favorite

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-56505849764605360652010-08-04T19:00:00.000-07:002010-08-04T19:00:37.330-07:00

Today I told the children the story of the woman at the well in John 4.  Yesterday afternoon I spent hours making the mural that you see behind the kids. The "well" is on the right. Last night I fussed over my costume to make me look like the woman at the well. I told the kids to use a lot of imagination!  Today was "hump day" for VBS.  Only two more days...

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-8422238823970983302010-08-03T20:58:00.000-07:002010-08-03T20:58:22.877-07:00

Today I led the first session of a Bible study at Vintage Apartments in Silverdale. This is a large complex of senior apartments not far from our church. One of our members lives at Vintage Apartments and asked me to lead a Bible Study. Six women showed up, and we made introductions and got started on a class on "Blessings in the Bible." We talked about how we've received blessings in our

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-85086653356277637072010-08-03T20:47:00.000-07:002010-08-04T19:01:01.819-07:00

Today I was Elijah at Vacation Bible School. You can see the "mountain" behind me with the cave where I pouted before God called me to stand before him on the mountain. It was a lot of fun, and I think the kids enjoyed having a prophet to tell them about God, but I wonder if I'm getting too old for this. I was exhausted afterward! Maybe that's why we have children when we're young. Today

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-60180349619500270282010-08-02T14:23:00.000-07:002010-08-02T14:23:16.430-07:00

Today was the first day of Vacation Bible School at St. Antony's. We're using the "Galactic Blast" curriculum from Cokesbury, which focuses on God's creation. There was a last-minute flurry to prepare for the event, but everything seemed to come together for the opening morning. Peter Stockwell (above) opened with a dialogue with Galileo, the stuffed gorilla astronaut. The kids loved it. Kathy

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-81552198573430759552010-08-02T14:15:00.000-07:002010-08-02T14:15:38.602-07:00

On Thursday I took the ferry to Seattle for a meeting of the Clergy Association of the Diocese of Olympia. I serve as the webmaster for the group, so I try to attend the monthly meetings. It's quite enjoyable to be part of this group, but it takes nearly the whole day to go to the meeting and come back.

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-91737754761590038522010-08-02T14:13:00.000-07:002010-08-02T14:13:28.594-07:00

Last Wednesday I accompanied one of our families to the graveside at Tahoma National Cemetery where I said the Committal service and the deceased was given military honors for burial. I was impressed by the military honor guard. They performed the military ceremony with great dignity and solemnity. A three-shot volley was fired, followed by the ceremonial folding of the flag which was then

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-47662933137365365442010-07-31T17:40:00.000-07:002010-07-31T17:40:07.735-07:00

On September 4 we're having a Barnival!  A "barnival" is a carnival at our barn. We're starting the planning in earnest, and today I made a poster for signing people up. We hope to get good participation from everyone in the parish to make this a successful parish event. With vendors, barbecue, games, a flea market, desserts and a silent auction there should be something for everyone. And it's

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-58239538875732733282010-07-27T21:41:00.000-07:002010-07-27T21:41:30.459-07:00

Today several of us from this area went to the KING-TV studios in Seattle to be taped for "TV Eucharist." We celebrated the Eucharist in a TV production studio for broadcast at 5:00 AM (!) next Sunday, August 1, and the following Sunday, August 8. This program has been in existence for some 30 years, and an estimated 5,000 viewers tune in for the Eucharist. That makes the TV Eucharist the

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-34935826373140224812010-07-26T13:44:00.000-07:002010-07-26T13:45:05.610-07:00

At the front door on Sunday I'n trying to spend the fifteen minutes before worship each Sunday outside the front door of the church, welcoming all who come. Sometimes it's a bit difficult to pull myself away from the press of details before worship, but I think it's important for me to be a presence at the front door. I got this idea from Mike Morrisey, the priest at St. Bede's Episcopal Church

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-9866579923585705282010-07-24T20:00:00.000-07:002010-07-24T20:00:49.883-07:00

This weekend is "Whaling Days", the local Silverdale festival complete with parade, carnival, booths, vendors, and food. St. Antony's put up a booth again this year and I spent about five hours there today. Kathy Little did a wonderful job of creating the booth. You can't see it in this photo, but she brought plants, banners, brochures, and props for our booth. We offer water at our booth for

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-29115456036192002662010-07-22T12:16:00.000-07:002010-07-22T12:16:26.256-07:00

This week I've been privileged to be with a family at the time of death of a man who was a husband, father, and grandfather. Being with a family in times like these is difficult because of the loss and grief, but I find it to be a very rewarding ministry. I've visited this grand old man many times over the past couple of years in the Alzheimer's unit of a local care facility, although some of my

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-31898333342477467502010-07-19T09:58:00.000-07:002010-07-19T09:58:57.768-07:00

Yesterday I preached on "distractions". I said that we get so distracted that we have a hard time "being present" to God and the world around us. On Facebook, I read that one of my clergy friends in Kansas, Gar Demo, preached on the same subject, and to illustrate, he answered an e-mail on his laptop while in the pulpit! Someone commented on his post, "Was it an e-mail from God?" Gar is pretty

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-35951131070682419332010-07-17T15:11:00.000-07:002010-07-17T15:11:38.457-07:00

Well, not actually busted. But I was investigated by the security guards! I decided that today was the day to do something about the blackberry vines obscuring our "Episcopal Church Welcomes You" sign that's near the entrance to Bangor Naval Base. Here's the "before" photo: The blackberries were so tall, you couldn't even see the sign from the road. So I parked my car, took a couple of photos

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-51379504790740084182010-07-15T21:55:00.000-07:002010-07-17T10:31:18.936-07:00

Today I got fired as a wedding officiant. Well, not exactly fired. But everyone agreed a new arrangement would be best. Here's what happened. A month ago I received an e-mail from a couple asking if I might officiate at their wedding. This couple lives out of state, but they want to be married at the bride's family's cabin on Hood Canal. I allowed as to how I could do that if certain conditions

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447292652729740038.post-34998577890980528342010-07-14T09:31:00.000-07:002010-07-14T09:31:05.570-07:00

I once heard Barbara Brown Taylor at a preaching conference in Atlanta, GA. She carried herself with such poise and spoke so elegantly, we were all knocked out. Every preacher I know wants to preach like Barbara Brown Taylor, and all her books are wildly popular. To top it all off, Taylor has been named as one of the “Top Ten Preachers in the English language,” so her reputation is stellar. In

Bill Fultonnoreply@blogger.com0