Found a bargain in the supermarket today - a CD of The Number One Mus1cals Album : original hit songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables... etc.

Now I do like a good musical to sing along to when I am doing housework. Yeh right. Unfortunately I couldnt read all the tracks on the cover because they were in tiny wee writing in a gold colour which made them pretty much illegible. But it was in the sale, so what can I say?

However, I have been conned. There is no track from Les Mis that I can see with my giant magnifying glass now that I am home. But there is Nessun Dorma from Turandot. Is Turandot a musical? And where are those Angry Men that Mother Pamela used to sing on a daily basis when we shared a flat?

Tonight is the Vestry party at the Rectory. (Vestry = PCC for you southerners) So yesterday passed in a whirl of dusting and polishing and hiding. And I just know that some of those hidden things will remain so until I move house again.

The nibbles have been purchased, the wine rack is groaning with the weight (you know how thirsty those Vestry members can get) and I've just remembered I haven't done the icecubes for those G&Ts.

They are coming with their spouses (or should it be spice?) so it will be fun to meet those folk who wouldn't darken the doors of the church.

I wonder if I should have organised some games to keep the atmosphere fun. Any ideas?

Well, we massacred the children this morning at the Feast of the Holy Innocents. However, it did feel strange when we haven't had the wise men arrive yet. But Canon David has explained it all to me on his blog. See the comments at: http://limpingtowardsthesunrise.blogspot.com/2006/12/holy-innocents.html

Well, I have just finished listening to Tom Waits new triple album 'Orphans'. I loved Brawlers and Bawlers and will have to work at Bastards for a while, I think. The track 'road to peace' was well worth it. If you like Tom Waits you'll love this.

It all began at 8.30am with lower numbers than usual because so many folk had gone away for Christmas. I was a bit concerned, thinking we might have a very quiet Christmas.

However, I needn't have worried because there was a great turn out at 10.30am for our Family Eucharist. The children did their first performance of the Nativity Play and guess who was Mary and Joseph? Well, if you know the Provincial Youth Network then you might recognise the guitar-playing Joseph.

We also did the Christingle thing but was a little disappointed that some worried granny blew the candle out straight away in case the pyromaniacs ran riot.

Then after the service some faithful souls stayed behind to transform the church from Advent to Christmas. The tree was assembled (no mean feat) and ecorated, the crib was given centre stage (see previous blog), the windows were decorated with candles and poinsettia (?sp), and the champagne was chilled. Then we had about an hour at home to rest before back again for the Crib Service, which was packed out with more visitors than regulars.

The second performance of the Nativity Play was much improved and the angels stole the show. Sorry I can't show photos of that because of the Child Protection rules, but they were seriously cute. Then we played the Sweetie game amidst much hilarity. the grown-ups really threw themsleves into it. All followed by mulled wine and mince pies and they didn't want to leave. So we were left with that dilemma of hanging around trying not to look like grumpy barmaids who just wanted to shout, "Have you not got homes to go to?"

Finally the last one left and we got the hoovers out - how did that straw manage to cover the whole church? Back home for a few hours this time to rest our weary limbs before heading back out again for the Midnight glories. I was a little bit anxious that something might go wrong. (Some of you may remember the Christmas of 2004 when I fell down the altar steps and split my head open requiring 8 staples.) We started in darkness with just the crib twinkling in the sanctuary. The Advent Wreath candle was lit and then horror of horrors... the acolytes' candles wouldnt light. The wick had been burned down and they kept flooding. 3 verses in to the first hymn and they were still trying, bless them, when they should have been lighting all the congregation's candles. So I set off and did it with my little candle, and soon they caught up.

There was one more disaster averted when I spotting a poster falling off the wall onto a host of tealights, but apart from that it all went swimmingly well. We had no organist for any of the services but the CDs worked very well and finally we got to sing some Christmas carols. Next time I think we should have someone sit at the organ and pretend to play!

What a high it was. Champagne followed and visitors were greeted with joy. I finally got home at after 2pm and couldn't have slept if you had paid me. All in all we had over 200 people cross our threshold on Sunday which is no mean feat for our little church. The servers put their all in to it and I can't thank them enough for all the hours they put in.

Christmas Day at 10.30am saw four faithfuls, and that included the pianist. I think we might review that in future! But we made a joyful noise. It is interesting how some churches have a great turnout on Christmas Eve but few on Christmas Day, while in other churches it is the other way round.

So, all in all, I think it was a great success. And I even managed to sleep through the Vicar of Dibley. Caught up with it last night and laughed like a drain. Now, if only a handsome man would turn up in our parish...? Och, on second thoughts, who's got the time?!

I did an unspeakable thing this year in St M's. I moved the crib. Yes, I know this is an unspoken sin of great magnitude but I was prepared to take the risk of offending all my little flock - again. You see, in my defence I had this great idea when I saw tree lights in a shop in the form of a sheet and not on a string. I think folk put them in windows but I thought they could look good on the altar making it look like stars. So, yet another sin was committed when I kept the violet altar frontal on for Christmas. Thus, having to move the Crib from a wee corner of the church to centre stage in front of the starry starry night.

But it worked really quite well, I think. And I was forgiven my sins by the little flock when they came in and all had an "ahhh" moment. When the church was in darkness for our Midnight service it really did look quite glorious, although I do say so myself.

Is it Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas? I reckon it's Merry cos then you can say 'and a Happy New Year'. And you wouldn't say 'and a Merry New Year' although that would be closer to the truth in some cases.

Anyway, whatever is your preference, I hope you are having a good one. Lots to report on the many and varied services over the past few days but they will have to wait until I have slept, fed and watered.

The wisdom of the wonderful counsellor guide you,
the angels of the Lord of hosts guard you,
the strength of the mighty God uphold you,
the joy of the Prince of Peace be yours,
this Christmasstide and for ever,
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit,
be among you and those whom you love
for ever and ever. Amen.

Yesterday my sister and I, along with a son each, went out to visit mum's grave. I took a mini Christmas tree to plant and sis took a home-made wreath in purple - and gorgeous it was too. It was pretty in Penicuik but the sun was shining and the view of the Pentlands was glorious. We spent a while telling the boys stories of olden days.

This will be our first Christmas without mum. She always came to stay on Christmas eve with me and could be relied on to get up early on Christmas day to write down all the presents for our thank-you letters. It won't be the same without her and if you don't get a thank you letter you'll know why, but I'll do my best.

This is the best Christmas song ever. Don't miss it!
http://revjph.blogspot.com/2006/12/dvant-disco-presents-big-question.html

They've not done Christingles here at St M's for a while so I thought we would resurrect them this year. I even remembered to announce it, and ask for helpers tomorrow morning to make them up. What I did not remember to do was to buy the stuff.

Today was not the day for trekking round shops trying to find large oranges - millions of satsumas and clementines but very few big ones. Nor was it a day to find Dolly Mixtures - Haribo seems to have cornered that market with much more exciting shapes. Nor was it a day to find cocktail sticks - you'd think they were with the cake things but no, they are with the napkins. Nor was it a day to find little candles despite many emails to local clergy (none of whom replied) - but I did find some in the good old Cornerstone which involved a hike across town and trying to find a parking space near Princes Street. (Not to be recommended.) Corer and red tape was easy to find in our local hardware shop.

Now, is there anything I've forgotten?

At blog.co.uk the old designs are going and the new ones about to begin so I've had to change my blog appearance. Still pink but not quite so in-yer-face. and this time there is a hint of lilac.

I just wish I could learn how to do my own. One of these days...

Just found this website of Gaelic psalm singing...
http://www.gaelicpsalmsinging.com/salm/page2.php

Listening to the sounds made me think I was back in Turkey listening to the call from the tower in the morning. Imam or Precentor? Sounds the same to me.

I think I still prefer a good ol' hymn sing. (But not Carols yet.)

I shall be hearing Confession this morning as it is the tradition in our Church to make our Confession especially during Advent and Lent and before the great feasts. In my last charge I advertised when I would be in church to hear confession but they didn't exactly beat a path to the door. It just wasn't their tradition. So eventually I gave up and I am ashamed to say I didn't remember when I came here. However one new member of my little flock asked on Sunday if I would be hearing Confession so I was delighted to say yes.

It has made me remember my first Confession at St Michael and All Saints all those years ago. It was all very new to me and I was more than a little apprehensive. But Fr K guided me gently through the process, whilst managing to pick up the really tricky one in a long list of sins. It was the most glorious feeling of release when he pronounced the absolution and then added the words "...and pray for me, a sinner too." That was the bit that really blew my mind.

Well, I have been on the Elimination Diet now for over a week and what a difference it has made. No Immodium needed at all. I have had one or two wee upsets which I have put down to the brussel sprouts which are meant to be okay, and a sneaky roll and jam which I scoffed on Sunday morning. But tomorrow I get to introduce new foods and have a list from which to choose. The dietician says I can do them in no particular order so I think I'll go for chocolate first!

Check out Dave Walker's CArtoon Blog for a v funny cartoon about the Evangelical 'covenant'.
http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/

I have just found the 50 second-class Christmas stamps that I bought a while ago. And yes, most of the cards are done and posted.

During Advent we have been holding a little service of Compline on Sunday evenings. I thought it would give some time out during the pre-Christmas madness, and provide an alternative to a Carols service which cannot - that is canNOT - be held this year in Advent because it is so short.

On Advent I we had about 10 folk which was very gratifying. On Advent II we only had 2 but we were up against the local Christian Aid Carol Service (yes, I know!). But last night we had 12 and although I say so myself, it was so peaceful and perfect. Well, it worked for me and the feedback was good.

The only problem with Compline by candlelight is that you can't see to read. I really could do with a torch attached to my head. Lord knows what I'll do at Midnight Mass. I see Gadgetvicar has sourced an LED Ear light but I think it's too late to order one in time.

Have you got them?
They are all purple and in a box marked 'Purple Xmas'. I thought they were in the flooded garage but no joy. They might have been in the attic but no joy. So who's hidden the decorations?

From the SEC website...

"Today’s meeting of the Electoral Synod of the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney was unable to achieve a majority vote for a new Bishop to succeed the Rt Rev Bruce Cameron, who retired in July.

The Electoral Synod of the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney comprises clergy within the Diocese and lay representatives from each congregation. A simple majority vote for the same candidate must be carried by both the clergy and the lay members voting. This was not achieved at today’s meeting and now means that the process to elect a new Bishop for the Diocese must start again. The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Most Rev Dr Idris Jones, will shortly issue a new Mandate to re-commence this process.

Commenting on today’s meeting the Primus said “while this is disappointing, not least for the three candidates who were short-listed, the electoral process must ensure that the Bishop elected will have the full support of the Diocese. We now require to follow the same process with a new Preparatory Committee being formed to whom names for election may be suggested. Should an election fail to be made this time then the appointment will be made by the College of Bishops.”

This is a sad day indeed. This means the process must begin all over again. And if they can't agree the next time, then I think the Canons say that the College of Bishops get to choose. That should sharpen the minds!

...when we find out who the next Bishop of Aberdeen is. A lot of us are very keen to know who will be the new addition to the College of Bishops for lots of reasons. Prayers have been said, candles lit, and conversations have taken place on the merits (or not) of each candidate. I hope the Holy Spirit had a hand in it too.

Last night we hosted the Cursillo Christmas Party. Now you should all know by now that I am a strict believer in Christmas beginning after sundown on 24th December. So we had the dilemma of how to decorate the church for the party when we have no flowers, purple fittings and no decorations... yet. We managed with some Christmassy napkins on the tables and some candles. Tt looked quite pretty really.

We had a bring and share supper which I couldnt share in but that was fine. I sipped on my organic pear juice and had a packet of plain crisps. Then we had some entertainment which was wonderful. Jill's rendition of Joyce Grenfell's Nursery Nativity was glorious (and all off by heart). Fr Alex and Ann did their hilarious version of Big Panty Woman, and then Santa came and we got to sit on his knee. We sang Christmas songs but I instructed my little flock that they were not to sing the carols until Christmas - and they obeyed! I was so proud of them!

And in true party style it ended with someone being sick in the toilet. A lovely end to a perfect night!

The dietician has put me on an Elimination Diet. For a week I have to eat lamb, rice, potatoes, peaches and pears, broccoli, brussel sprouts and carrots. These are all food that nobody is allergic or intolerant to. After I have eaten this for a week I then am to introduce different good groups to see which ones make me ill. (I won't go into the details of how they might do that, but you can guess!)

Great time of year to be doing this, but the pounds are falling off. Getting a wee bit fed up of it all, mind you. And lamb used to be my favourite too but I am wearying of it.

Will keep you posted when I start to introduce the next foodstuffs. Will it be dairy products (and chocolate) that is the culprit, or will it be wheat (and crusty bread)? I'm kind of hoping its tomatoes or something like that, but suspect not.

Graveside burial yesterday amidst driving torrential rain and gales to boot. The family had asked me to keep it brief which was tricky. How do you make it short and meaningful? But at the same time you don't want to be the cause of several elderly folk getting pneumonia.

You know, we clergy sometimes do funerals and nobody speaks to you afterwards. Not a peep. Sometimes we get a 'thank you' or 'that was very meaningful' or 'that was true what you said about so-and-so'. But often we just get nothing. Yesterday was one of those cases. Actually, that is not strictly true. Three women came up to me to say they loved my cloak! And boy was I glad I had it on. Thank you J&M for my gorgeous full length wool cloak with purple lining and hood. Scottish Widow eat your heart out.

And thank you to the person who once taught me to get a wee poly-pocket folder to put the funeral words in. It kept them all dry and legible if I kept sweeping off the rain every now and again.

Of course the rain stopped as we reached the gates on the way out. And there was a magnificant rainbow. Wonderful!

If you took all the people who fell asleep in church and laid them end to end, they would be a whole lot more comfortable. (Mark Twain)

Two lit candles
Burning slow
Advent weeks of waiting
Two to go.

(to be sung to the tune of Frere Jacques!)

Lots of visitors in church this morning, wonderful organist, and the baby Jesus slept on the piano last week next to the Advent candle in N & A's house. There was a real sense of anticipation in the air. I love Advent.

Who else gets to sit and listen to a family tell the story of their loved one? AND gets to ask questions about all aspects of their life? AND nobody calls you nosy or interfering. It's great.

I love funerals.

Thank you for asking. Well as I did not get much work done on Thursday (see previous entry) I thought I had better catch up with some work. Popped out to get some red card to make Christmas cards with service times and failed to find any round here. Got back home to a phone call from the girls asking if I was indeed meeting them for lunch. I had completely forgotten. This is the problem when you have a Parson's Pocketbook (still crisp and new) diary and a diary in Outlook and you haven't quite married them together.

So I lept in a taxi and hot-footed it to Petit Paris for lunch (one course behind everyone else). Then we wandered off to look round the German market on Princes Street and enjoyed a mug of Gluwein (sp?). Was persuaded to go on the Big Wheel and what a treat that was. The view from up there was absolutely incredible - across to the Castle and the lights on the trees, and above Jenners to Fife. They had to close it earlier this week because of the gales but it was still a little breezy up there. Pity I didn't have my camera with me. But if you are in Edinburgh over the next few weeks do take some time out of fighting your way through the crowds and go up in a pod and see the lights of Auld Reekie. You won't regret it. Unless you have a fear of heights of course.

At the Eye Pavilion this morning for my assessment and what fun it was too. I had things squirted in which nipped like I'd just peeled a pile of onions. I had bright lights shone in my eyes until I went blind, albeit temporarily. I had more stuff squuezed in to enlarge my pupils so that I couldn't see very well. I had blood pressure taken, blood given (reluctantly and I have the bruises to prove it) and my whole medical history investigated.

At the end of it all I have been told that I would be better to have a general anaesthetic because the cataract in my right eye is so deep. So I am very happy about that! And the date I have is Monday 22 January. However, if someone goes down with the lurgy I am on the cancellation list for this Monday coming. So, not too long to wait and I am delighted.

And there is a good chance that I will only need glasses for reading after. But obviously that is a way down the line because the left eye will have to be done at some point too.

For those of you who use Outlook (not the Express version) you might be interested to know that Fr Simon has produced his fabulous Liturgical Calendar again which can be downloaded easily into your calendar. It has the names of days, feasts, readings, collects. Very handy.

http://www.ipriest.org.uk/calendar/

I was in Tesco's car park the other day trying to park in a small space. In and out I went just trying to get myself equidistant between the two cars badly parked on either side. This is not easy when you don't have power steering but I was determined to be able to get my door open without knocking off the wing mirror of the car on my right whilst still allowing space for the driver of the car on my left to get in to his car. See! That's the kind of priest I am - always thinking of others. In and out, in and out... you get the message.

Finally I managed to get precisely where I wanted and jumped out with a small amount of pride. Then a man shouted at me. He'd been sitting in his car watching me going in and out and I think had come to the conclusion that I was the worst woman driver he'd ever seen. Anyway he informed me that one of my brake lights wasn't working, which was pretty kind of him really.

Now, I know you can go to a car shop and buy these bulbs and fit them yourself, but I like to keep the local wee garage in business so I hot-footed it to the wee man down the lane. "Do you have brake lights?" I said, "And could you fit one for me please?" "No problem," he said.

As I moved the car into the small place he indicated he said to me that my exhaust sounded dodgy and he'd put it up on the ramp to check it. Turns out that it had rusted away in two places and was about to fall off. That will be £70 please. So, this must be the most expensive brake light ever. And why did it happen just before Christmass when I need every penny for stocks of Croft Original?

I've tried explaining to my little flock why we shouldn't be singing Christmas Carols until Christmass (and that would be from sundown on Christmass eve).

MadPriest has put it beautifully...
http://revjph.blogspot.com/2006/12/lets-get-this-straight.html

Friday - arrive home to find card through letterbox to say that a parcel is awaiting me at the Sorting Office and I should leave 3 hours before collection.

Monday - go to Sorting Office to collect parcel. Arrive home to find anoth