As I write this, Russia has invaded Georgia,
and tragically it hardly makes a small article
in the front page of the Seattle PI. Instead
we are treated to pictures of troglodytes
beating each other as a right of passage to join a gang. Yep, front page
stuff that the participants can hang up as proof of their manhood.
That whole series never did classify the gang activities as inhuman
and just plain stupid.

Other news? According to one local source over 120 families are
homeless in Kitsap County. Of course, we are still embroiled in Iraq
and Afghanistan, and families are, from day to day, worried about
their deployed loved ones. They pray that no official car pulls up in
their driveway. I know, I have been one of those who made those
visits - my first was to a “very” pregnant mother on a Christmas night
during a blizzard in Minnesota.
In our own church. there are several good people suffering from
cancer, its treatment or from other debilitating maladies. There is a
lot of “stuff” around us.
So what’s my point? Well, the Bishop’s Committee is moving on an
issue which is meant to help us meet a mandate that was passed and
reaffirmed by the participants at several Annual Meetings. We want
to be financially self-sufficient and not have to draw on funds from
the diocese. These funds would be, therefore, freed up for others.
This is part of the overall desire to move into God’s blessing of
growth. We are working hard to provide for this community at St.
Bede.
Part of providing for the growth has to do with seating. Admittedly,
there is a bit of anxiety about this whole process especially when the
subject of replacing the pews with chairs pokes its head up. However,
I would ask everyone to keep this in perspective. The options afforded
by the flexibility in seating are exciting, especially when we consider
other worship and event opportunities. But when proposals start
floating around to move or change things, especially in a worship
space, it can be felt very personally.
As we investigate options, we have to consult with the fire marshal as
well. What we discover could be surprising.
The BC is truly seeking to provide for this congregation and has the
health of the whole community in mind. There are major decisions to
be made, and they are well qualified to do so. They

that there will be opportunities for folks to have conversations about
how we are facing the future.
Also, please remember that a previous Tidings provided everyone a
contact person who is serving on the BC . If you don’t know who
that person is, please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Blessings,
Fr. Mike+
PS. As I can not respond to unsigned notes, they are not read and are immediately
disposed of.