Take comfort in rituals

Eagle-eyed shutterbug Claudia Ballheim caught this photo the other day.

Personally, I’ve been finding comfort in this very ritual. As the weather turns cooler, it feels great to stop by the coffee shop for a tall mocha on my way to work. It’s bad for my health, my bank account, and my self-discipline. But it sure is yummy having dessert for breakfast! And besides, God, at least I’m not like those other people who need to have a grande or a venti. Aren't I righteous?

 “Take comfort in rituals.” In what rituals do you take comfort? Why? And are there rituals that do more than merely comfort you? Are there rituals that actually challenge you to grow?

Rowan Williams, Mitregate, Anglican Covenant, ... how much do you care?

Diana Butler Bass writes a very thoughtful blog called "Christianity for the Rest of Us" on beliefnet.com. This particular article jumped out at me.

It's a very timely article, and there's a great history lesson in it besides.

But it got me wondering about something. If you're not as much of a "church junkie" as I am, do you care about this stuff? Does it matter to you that the Episcopal Church is losing membership at a rate equivalent to one diocese every year? Does it matter that the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. is in hot water with Britain, regardless of the fact that the Church of England has no authority over us?

As long as St. Thomas is healthy and doing good ministry, does all this worldwide stuff matter to you? Should it? Or is the local church where it's really at, regardless of any denominational politics? After all, there are plenty of "mega-churches" out there with no denominational affiliation at all.

Please share your thoughts!