revmusings

Now back in my study after a week at our flat in Devon. The weather could have been kinder - I like seeing the sun for more that a few seconds - but it didn't rain so it was not as bad as it could have been! Read some books, caught up with some old friends - one of whom is now a travel agent running uhis own business so if you wnat a reliable, trustworthy Christian Travel agent Phil's your man( he's planning trips to next BWA conference in Hawaii for those able to go): Thyme Travel@ http://www.thymetravel.co.uk/

We had been saving some tokens for our paper so we could have two 'fine dining' experiences whilst away.

The first place we tried was a nice fish restaurant: the food was tasty, the service was fine but we did notice that we were given different versions of the menu from normal customers (we knew we would have a restricted choice) and that every 'extra' olives and garlic bread was charged (we got two olives the others got 5/6) then they added a 10% service charge and 2% if you used a credit card. But we left happy.

A few days later we went to The Olive Tree in Exeter - what a different expereince. Again a restricted menu but we received the same food as full paying folk. The extras of olives and bread and a 'compliments of the chef' taster of an amazing soup all came free - the food was amazing and on a diferent level to our earlier experience. No service charge (they gopt a good tip) and no charge for credit cards. All in all a fantastic experience - we were treated wonderfully. food was amazing, and the same as other customers and the bill...£20 cheaper!  We know where we will save up to go again!

Sent to me by a male friend..

10. A man’s place is in the army.

9. The pastoral duties of men who have children might distract them from the responsibility of being a parent.

8. The physique of men indicates that they are more suited to such tasks as chopping down trees and wrestling mountain lions. It would be “unnatural” for them to do ministerial tasks.

7. Man was created before woman, obviously as a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment rather than the crowning achievement of creation.

6. Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors. Their conduct at football and rugby games demonstrates this.

5. Some men are handsome, and this will distract women worshipers.

4. Pastors need to nurture their congregations. But this is not a traditional male role. Throughout history, women have been recognized as not only more skilled than men at nurturing, but also more fervently attracted to it. This makes them the obvious choice for ordination.

3. Men are prone to violence. No really masculine man wants to settle disputes except by fighting about them. Thus they would be poor role models as well as dangerously unstable in positions of leadership.

2. The New Testament tells us that Jesus was betrayed by a man. His lack of faith and ensuing punishment remind us of the subordinated position that all men should take.

1. Men can still be involved in church activities, even without being ordained. They can sweep sidewalks, repair the church roof, and perhaps even lead the song service on Father’s Day. By confining themselves to such traditional male roles, they can still be vitally important in the life of the church. Oh Yesss!

off on a much needed break for a week.....