Lessons from the Anglican Church-Part 2

I did not know what to expect when I arrived at the house of the Reverend Graham Whiting, Vicar of All Saints Anglican Church. I hadn't realized until this trip how much the media has tainted my picture of an Anglican Vicar. British comedians such as Benny Hill, Mr. Bean, and Monty Python have been merciless in their parodies of the Church of England. Who can forget Mr. Bean's attempts to stay awake in church as an impersonal, unintelligible voice drones on. And in the American film, "The Princess Bride", a clueless vicar oversees Princess Buttercup's "almost" wedding with the famous words, "Marriage. Marriage is what brings us together today."

Any false picture that I had was destroyed in a moment when a very intelligent, personable man pulled up in front of the Worthing train station and introduced himself as Graham. As we drove to their house, Graham showed me the town, the shops, and where his parish boundaries were. Quickly after meeting Graham and his family, I knew that we would be good friends. I found myself wishing that my family was here with me to meet them. The conversations that we had about life and ministry were very encouraging to me. Their dedication to service in a small church was inspiring and we were able to talk about the frustrations of ministry together.

The Whitings agreed that we need to do everything possible to get our 16 year old Amy and their 16 year old Alison together sometime. At the end of three days together, I felt I had a new family. (See below for how I am actually related.) From watching TV and eating meals together, helping set up the church for services, walking the family dog, and hearing the laughing and talking of the girls' sleepover (or NOT sleep over), I got to know the family quite well in a short time.

Here are some highlights:

A Favorite Trip: Arundel is a town near the sea with a castle, a cathedral, boats, and a quaint shops along winding roads. Coffee at the Tudor Rose was especially good.

A Favorite Conversation: Talking with 16 year old Ali about the JUMP service for kids and their grownups and seeing how she is an integral part of the ministry at All Saints (along with sister Lisa: choir, JUMP, etc.)

Moment of Most Laughter: Watching "Top Gear" on television with Charie and 13 year old Lisa, who said, "it is a very British television show" and that I must watch it. It is crazy funny.

How I am related to the Whiting family: After Dora's father passed away, my mother in-law re-married. Her new husband had 4 children. One was a Charie, who married a British Vicar. so Graham is my step brother in-law (I think...anyone have a more precise designation?)

Favorite white, fur shedding, food scrounging, well-loved family dog: Cari

The answer to the question, "Tom, did you eat fish and chips and drink ale at a British pub off Trafalgar Square while you were in London?": Yes