Sunday, 4 October 2009

Much Neglected Practice

Recently my thoughts have been pondering the practice of Private Confession and Absolution. A much neglected practice in many of our Lutheran Churches (LCC) today. Yesterday Pastor Mike Keith posted a link to his Facebook wall and I would like to bring it to the attention of those who read my ramblings here at 'Where to Start'.

http://hope4thehapless.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/too-much-so-what/

Which in turn is the blog of Pastor Ken Maher, who was the previous Pastor here at Redeemer, Prince Albert. I pray, like me, it has you pondering and reflecting on the need to personally hear words of forgiveness spoken directly to you, rather than corporately during the Divine Service.

Friday, 2 October 2009

Telemarketers!

I believe most people hate those calls that come during meal times or evenings. They used to try and sell you something or offer you a product but always with strings attached, or a survey that won't take very long. We were tired of telephone marketers so Richard and I decided to opt out of receiving such calls. We signed up for our phone number not to be called, so no longer would we get those annoying calls.

Little did we know things would get worse. That's right, worse. At least every other day, or so it appears we get a call which goes something like this:

"Can I speak to Veronica?" Ah; the first hint, only my mother and the government calls me Veronica.
The second hint: "You probably remember me as I phone you each year..." ummm! just a minute I've only been at this number for a few months (nine now).
The Third hint: : "I'm calling to tell you about a program... " aha! money is needed.
I very politely explain I cannot help.
"but this is for children, deaf people..." Do they not listen! I had politely told the party on the other end "No!" They continue on and do not apologize for bothering you or lying or disturbing you but carry on until you end up having to hang-up on them.

So what went wrong? We had signed up to NOT receive such calls, the catch, this sign up does not apply to charitable organizations or your own bank. That's correct. Now the regular telemarketers can no longer phone you the charitable organizations have filled that niche; just in case you were missing having those annoying calls.