Archbishop Desmond Tutu...to participate in Sermon @ Grace Cathedral! San Francisco!





As a rule, it is rare to land a scoop, when attending Church.

But, shortly after a "Contemplative Eucharist" was underway at Grace Cathedral last evening on Nob Hill, it was announced that Archbishop Desmond Tutu would be participating in a Sermon next Sunday (March 6th) at 11 a.m.

After noting that the Nobel Peace Prize-winner would be attending a closed-door session on Thursday night, the Reverend was quick to warn the parishioners about the potential pitfalls of trotting in late next week.

"Arrive early!  The pews will probably be filled at Grace Cathedral," she urged with a broad smile on her cherubic face.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was born in 1931 in Klerksdorp (Transvaal).

The Holy Man's father was a teacher.

Not surprisingly, Tutu first trained as a teacher at Pretoria Bantu Normal College.

After graduating from the University of South Africa in 1954, Desmond toiled as a high school teacher, before his studies on theology commenced.

The charismatic leader was ordained as a priest in 1960.

From 1967 to 1972 - Tutu taught theology in South Africa - before returning to England for three years as the assistant director of a theological institute in London (England).

In 1975, the highly spiritual soul was appointed the Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral in Johannesburg (the first black to hold the position).

Tutu later became General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches - where he formulated his opinions on the importance of  observing "democratic just societies without racial division" - which touted:

1. equal civil rights for all
2. the abolition of South Africa's passport laws
3. a common system of education
4. the cessation of forced deportation from South Africa to the so-called "homelands"

The South African Council of Churches is a contact organization for the churches of South Africa and functions as a National Committee for the World Council of Churches.

By the way, if you've never attended an evening service at Grace Cathedral, give it the old college try!

Last night's scripture-reading was particularly uplifting.

In particular, I found that the "sounding" of the bell" - which chimed periodically throughout the service - resonated to the core of my being.

The "Alleluia" refrain - sung to perfection by the choir and parishioners - caused hearts, minds, and spirits to soar joyously!

The Contemplative Eucharist is calendared for Sundays @ 6 p.m.

Background Feature

Post: 01/20/2008

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/01/grace-cathedralsan-francisco-house-of.html

See 'ya there!
(God Willing)

LOCATION

Grace Cathedral
1100 California Street
San Francisco, CA
94108

415.749.6300

info@gracecathedral.org



Fault line in Mew Zealand

Grace accepting donations for New Zealand Earthquake Victims!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Tom Cruise...Scientology sh** hits fan; top gun threatens lawsuits over video!

Well, the old **it hit the fan for Tom Cruise this week.



Yesterday morning, a news outlet featured a videotape of the megastar, engaging in secret ceremonies behind closed doors at Scientology headquarters.



If the disgruntled former member of the cult, who released it, intended to "embarrass" Mr. Cruise, they accomplished that feat hands down!



In one shot, Tom enters an "S" meeting, stops to salute a fuzzy blow-up photo of the creator of the organization - Ron L. Hubbard - then proceeds onstage to acknowledge one of the upper echelon of the odd-ball group that raises eyebrows daily.



I surmise the curious elbow-lift infers that all Scientology enthusiasts are "foot soldiers" in the war against, what? Ignorance? Prejudice against the Church's "personality tests"? Overzealous critics harping about the fact that Scientology is not a religion?



Heh, in the inner recesses of my mind, I do seem to recall that Mr. Hubbard was a former Science Fiction writer. Isn't Scientology just a surreal fantasy, conjured up by a very active, demented imagination?



Worse yet, Tom was caught in the flesh, talking Scientologese!



Yup, he babbled with gushing enthusiasm about SP, and KSG, and all manner of things, hidden in a secret code. SP? "Suppress the people", is what it stands for, according to insiders.



And KSG? "Keep Scientology Going" apparently.



Well, if you have a deranged mind, to.



Do you suppose they have a secret handshake too?



I must say, I was a bit envious of that Gold Medallion swinging lavishly around Tom's squeaky-clean neck a few months ago...an award, you say, for his worthwhile contributions to the sect - um - Church?



To be fair to the star, and in a bold-faced effort to gain a different perspective on 'em, I inputted the word Scientology into the online dictionary at Webster's web site. The word isn't even listed, let alone mentioned in a possible list of suspects.



As I was preparing this post, a 20/20 promo for a segment on the "cruiser", sprang across the screen...so, I was inclined to tune in.



Clips catching Tom demonizing psychiatry were downright scary - especially in view of the fact - he alleges that scientologists have the “the authority".



On what?



If this revelation (no connection to the scriptures) wasn't enough to hurl Cruise fanatics over the brink, they hit bullion when Andrew Morton - who released an unauthorized biography this week on the diminutive actor - was on hand to toss in his two cents worth.



"Tom thinks they are super beings," he actually opined with a straight face.



Ironically, the interviewer, added,



"After observing Mr. Cruise the past few months, it appears to me that he needs some psychiatric therapy."



Ouch!



If asked, maybe Dr. Phil will step in and lend a hand.



On a morning show, the reporter noted that word from Cruise's camp is that any individuals posting the video on their web site, will face litigation.



Why don't you just zap 'em with your super powers, Tom?



Andrew Morton's timely tome apparently focuses on the childhood years, as well. The insightful writer uncovered gems like...the fact that Tom collected model airplanes (Top Gun, right?) and played the "sun" in a 5th grade pageant.



As to the quirky, early stint on stage, a former teacher noted that,



"Even 30 years later, it still gives me goose bumps (thinking about it)."



When it was also revealed that Tom Cruise once impersonated Woody Woodpecker, a Bay Area Reporter quipped,



"We'd bet his Woody is memorable."



My money says Cruise suffers from a Napoleon (small man's) complex.









Tom, psychiatrists usually prefer a horizontal position on the couch...