Some years back, Patty and I were in Manhattan when the worse snow storm to come there in many years paralyzed the city. Fortunately we were staying in our usual spot, the Essex House on Central Park South, so we were able to walk to restaurants, the museums, the opera and the theater district of Broadway.
While many of those businesses gave up and went home for the storm's duration, enough braved the weather and kept their doors open to those of us who bundled up and went there.
The most interesting day was Sunday. We got up and walked to a 5th Avenue Episcopal Church, Saint Thomas, a Gothic building that had to have been standing there for generations. Oddly, the place was packed with worshipers. We remarked that most of those in attendance didn't live nearby, yet they had come anyway. We wondered why.
And then the pastor, a fellow with a big brain accompanied by a bit of an English accent began the sermon. It was then we knew why there were so few empty places among the pews. His message was worth far more than the inconvenience of the snow, taxis not running, and in a city that could only walk.
Afterwards, we learned that his sermons were mailed to a subscription list of people all over the world, people who couldn't attend. Many were members of his church. And I thought to myself that was the answer to spreading The Word that few churches participated in.
With the advent of the technology of the blog, things have changed. I would like for each of you to click on the two sites I've listed below. And I would like for you to share these great adventures with your pastor or rabbi. This is how it ought to be done.
Fr. Ron Pogue is the Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston, one of the oldest churches in the Diocese of Texas. He and his wife Gay are our dear friends and he remains our spiritual advisor even though we now live in Dallas. You'll especially enjoy the videos of his messages.
Thank you Bill, I'll check the two links out as soon as I'm finished commenting and replying to comments this morning.....beautiful church and lovely story.
Jo