Sometime in the next year I will begin a major overhaul of the subversivepreacher website, which includes a redirection of writing focus. What I know in advance, is that the weekly newspaper column, Denim Spirit, will continue while Sunday sermons will become more infrequent as my time in parish ministry winds down. I will be continuing to write poetry, short essays, and perhaps a novel or two. What I am wondering, and only you can answer, is this:
- Would you be interested in participating in occasional zoom discussions around a specific piece of writing?
- Would you be interested in attending an occasional zoom reading of poetry, or even work in-progress?
- For sermons, do you prefer a video format or written text?
I would love to know your thoughts, your interests, and about your willingness to participate in “live” events. You can let me know by commenting on this, and if you wish your comment to remain confidential, just indicate as much. Thank you in advance, for offering your feedback.
In peace,
Cameron
I prefer reading the sermons/homilies
Thank you, Janet! Somehow I sensed that with you, and while I am more oriented to written text, I know some people prefer seeing or listening. Thanks again.
Late to the party but Yes, Yes, and I prefer to watch the sermons. I’ve been wanting to become more involved and this is just the thing to get me in there. Thanks!
Good to know.
Having, indeed, wound down from active, paid participation / coordination of small-city local government at the end of 2019, I now wonder why I didn’t do so a smidge earlier*; so,
A: congratulations on your interpretation of the tea leaves (or perhaps Rilke’s portrayal of leaves, descending) re career and calling; and,
B:
1. Sure!
2. You bet.
3. Actually, text. I appreciate the dimension, too, that visual conveyance of a sermon provides, but being of a certain post-WWII era, I think I’ve seen enough video of things since Groucho was on television.
*Because now there appears to be time to read and absorb Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Piketty on Capital, Motorcycle Diaries by that Guevara character, Crouch on the Life We’re Seeking, J.B. MccKinnon on the Day the World Stops Shopping, and anything by Wendell Berry. Oh, and that Miller fellow, who stirs the pot on a regular basis, and pretty well.
Thank you, Tim! I am just trying to catch up with you!
Would you be interested in participating in occasional zoom discussions around a specific piece of writing?
sure!
Would you be interested in attending an occasional zoom reading of poetry, or even work in-progress?
Yes, but scheduling is always a challenge, isn’t it?
For sermons, do you prefer a video format or written text?
I’m dealing with my feeling of being bummed out that your sermons might become more infrequent, but I’m happy for you that you will get to pursue other joyous activities. I tend to go with the written text more than the video format, but I have to fool around to get the readings if I do that.
I dealing with my being self-conscious that my production values would not be even close to what you’ve produced! As to sermons, when I retire from my pulpit here I am feeling inclined to find ways to keep preaching in the years ahead. In trying to figure out if I am a preacher who writes or a writer that preaches, it turns out to be both and so I tremble to give either one up completely!
I will follow you in whatever format you present. I find a kindred spirit and solace in your interpretation and perspective. Thank you for all you do. I truly believe THIS is ministry. ❤️
Whoa! That is a wonderful affirmation and I’ll hold onto it! Thank you, Bethany. You’re not “following” though, we’re in this together.
1) Yes
2) Yes
3) Writen
Thank you Mel, I am getting excited about the possibilities!
I prefer written sermons. Count me in for any zoom discussion.i’m also up to offer editorial feedback from longer pieces, e.g., novels.
Excellent. Thank you, Steve! Hope the mountains are cooler than FLX today.
Yes, maybe, written.
I’m so grateful you joined this motley community! Thanks.
1. Perhaps.
2. Yes.
3. Written.
I spend a lot of time at the lake and enjoy your observations and reflections of the park.
Tim Long: I just finished rereading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I am thinking about rereading Lila when the stack of books that I want to reread gets a bit caught up.
Thank you for this feedback, and I love knowing there is a kindred spirit at lakeside somewhere (where or what lake, if you’re willing to say). Thanks again.
Thanks, Alan, for the acknowledgement. While I “got”, on that early reading, the Zen notion that beer can aluminum was as good as a $3.00 shim with a BMW part number for loose handlebar clamps, it’s only in this reading, nearly 50 years later, that I’m “getting” the point Pirsig was making about the artificial tension between Classic and Romantic views of this Creation in which we get to live…. And how the current crop of “bad pharisees” use those -isms to keep “control”. I’ve now expended my daily allotment of “words in quotes”, and the old Triumph’s new chain needs a little adjusting :). Heading through Geneva on it late next May, would look forward to a coffee.
Dear Cam.. yes to participating, on occasion, in discussions. Regarding sermons I would urge you to consider the role your unique delivery style plays in effectively conveying your perspective and struggles. As someone who has experienced you as priest and pastor and pal (the 3 P’s 😎) I would miss that aspect of your preaching. 🙏
Brother Joe, pleased to be your PPP! Thanks for the feedback.
Yes and yes to zoom. Prefer text for sermons. Cam, you are such a gifted preacher. Please find a way to continue to use that gift. Your ability to get at the nugget of truth in the readings, then apply that to our lives is a wonder to behold. I’ve heard a lot of preachers over the years, none better=than you. And that includes Michael Curry!
That is high praise, Mary. I know you have endure a bunch of us! Thank you for your feedback.
Absolutely on the zoom thing.
And I think you should preach out loud. I have always said that your physical presence is so much a part of your sermons. You fill the space with charisma and insight. You think Elmer Gantry could bring down a room with only his pen. Make both available. I know we are old now but your sermons should still be made available to the young set. With social media going in the direction of video, you could grow a new flock for your written word as well. Get some ring lights. You should be doing readings as well.
But of course I just like to be in the room with you. Video is the next best thing
Lesa
Come back and be in the room with us again sometime soon. Geneva is a great writer’s retreat, yes? Thanks for the feedback and affirmation!
yes to 1 and 2; written sermons/homilies. But an occasional live view of yourself would be great since there is definitely a difference in reading the sermon and hearing you emphasize points and points of view. Perhaps a pod cast. We would look forward to hearing you read your poems
Got it, and you’re not the only one to say so. Wish I had a production crew! Thanks W-W.
Yes, to all of the above. Just keep making me think and challenging me to know what God knows.
Thanks, Terri. I have my doubts that I know what God knows, but I’ll keep trying!
Where are you retiring to and prefer sermons not that anything else you do isn’t stupendous!
In place, brother, right here in Geneva. Probably do interim work in the area if there is a need. But the retirement is 1.5-2 years away, just planning for the transition ahead of time. Hope all the Chase’s are well!
Yes, yes and written – easier to absorb
Thank you for this feedback, I truly appreciate it. Be well!
1) Yes!
2) Yes!
3) Written
Hey! Thank you, really glad to get your feedback and know you’re reading.
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Video
Thank you, CK! Looking forward to seeing you.
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. written
Such an honor to know you are out there tuning in. Thanks for your feedback, and hope all is well with you and yours.
Hello Cam! Yes, to all three. I gravitate to text, though I’m a ready zoomer.
Brother, it will be good to have you in the room, so to speak, if and when I get some of those zoom-formats going. Thanks for your feedback. And thanks for all the fantastic nature photos – love them!
well, first I got startled by something coming on Tuesday, not Thursday! Had to check my calendar! being old, 83, I’m more comfortable with print, but if you are aiming at a younger demographic – which is fine with me – I know things go better with zoom. Blessings on whichever route you follow. Jane.
I was wondering when old was, thanks for giving me a start date! Thank you too, for your feedback and blessing.
Yes, yes, and what the “talkingiguana” said about physical presence. Podcast is intriguing!
Thanks Molly, you and a talking iguana are now forever linked in my mind. I am looking for podcasting training in the area, FLCC maybe.
1. I’m in
2. I’m in
3. Written
See ya round the hood and thank you
Thank you! I’m biking the lake today!
Cam, I doubt I’d participate in a zoom session, as I’m overwhelmed with the things to which I’ve already said “yes’, but I treasure readings what you generate and hope there will still be opportunities for that. It was such a gift to get to know you a second time in Vermont!
Stew, it is an honor and humbling for me to know you read along with this ministry of writing. Thank you — Vermont was and is a treasure to me too.
Cam, you’re a breath of fresh air for so many of us. Retirement has been a gift to me in lots of ways, and it sounds like you’re preparing for that to be the case for you. Blessings.
It’s going to be awhile yet but you’re right, I getting ready.
Does this mean that you will not be conducting services at Trinity Place? Even though I will no longer be able to look skyward and count the angels in pink dresses at the apex of the rafters of Trinity Church, does this mean that I will no longer be able to even harbor the remnants of the blessed sacraments and the the beautiful langage that echoed through those walls for so many years?
Oh no, I am just setting the stage for my retirement from Trinity Place — but probably not until 2024. By that time 520 S. Main may well be fully renovated and you will be able to wander about in the sanctuary and see those angels. Whether there will be weekly worship there, which we will be able to do by contract of the sale, is yet to be determined. Trinity Place is now well loved by the congregation, too.
Oh my, Cam: over the course of two measly days you’ve had fans emerge from the (proverbial) woodwork. That must feel rather amazing. Anyway, I’m going with #1 one #2 – a big feat yessiree. #3 is negotiable (just kidding) – what right would I have “negotiating” anyone’s decision? But I like the convenience of written: I print your other pieces and stick them under Mary’s nose, regardless of her current activities, with an enthusiastic: “You’ve got to read this; it’s from Cam !!”
Thank you! Tell Mary I didn’t mean to be rude but am pleased to know your both part of this weird community.
Hi Cam – I’d be interested in zoom events to discuss your essays; and I would love to participate in the poetry readings.
Katie Simmons
Wonderful! I would love for you to be in on it. Look forward to “seeing” you.
Hi Cam,
For your semons, I prefer a written format.
Peace, Andy
Thank you, Andrew! Hope you are well and the music is flowing.