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!

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San Francisco...Vampire Tour of Nob Hill! Fright Night throughout year!



If you're going to San Francisco, you  may want to skip a couple of the lame tourist attractions and go for an attraction with some bite to it!

Uh-huh.

Slip on some frightful fangs (unless you have your own which push through age-old gums on a full moon after a midnight howl) and take a trek up to Taylor & California Streets on a weekend night to mingle with the madding crowds as they tour Vampire haunts.

Although folks around the country are familiar with the tony environs of San Francisco's Nob Hill  (which has been an exclusive playground for the rich and famous for over a century) few are keen to the fact that beneath all the staid old wealth and opulence blood-sucking creatures of the eerie restless dawn reside in tunnels below the bustling city streets.

Mina Harker - an alleged 127-year-old vampire - swears to the fact.

In fact, Ms. Harker is a driving force behind the macabre tours which were created by quirky playwright (don't let that get your goat!) Kitty Burns, and which are all the rage!

Each week, without fail, Mina guides visitors on a two-hour nighttime adventure that combines Nob Hill history with vampire fantasy.

During stops at the - Nob Hill Cafe, Huntington Park, Pacific Union Club, Fairmont and Mark Hopkins hotels - tour members learn about San Francisco's intriguing history and vampire lore.

Locals have rated the Vampire Tour a dramatic 4 star event worth catching if you're in the Bay area.

RESERVATIONS

Telephone

650.279.1840 or
866-4-BITTEN
(866-424-8836)

Web Bookings

Viator.com

Tour Hours

Friday and Saturday nights
(@ 8:00 p.m.)

Reservations:
Highly recommended

Cost:
Admission charged

Location:
Nob Hill.
(Starts at the corner of California & Taylor Streets)

Tour Length
2 Hours
(approximate)



Gothic Style sought out by Vampire Lovers!

San Francisco...memories of Robert Shields in Union Square! European influences...

When I was crossing Union Square earlier today, the quick jaunt through the park triggered old memories of Robert Shields outfitted in ubiquitous tuxedo and white-painted face - a mime along the lines of legendary performer Marcel Marceau - who used to delight tourists with his hilarious spontaneous antics daily back in the seventies.

I met the handsome talented performer (allegedly straight) through friends I was staying with on Nob Hill on California Street many moons ago when I participated in a group Exhibition of Canadian Artists showcased at the San Francisco Arts Festival (1972).

Shortly after that, I often spied Shields on local and National TV shows, hamming up a storm as he began to build a solid career stemming from those humble days as a street clown.

When he wisely teamed with his girlfriend, the dynamic duo became known as Shields & Yarnell.

Actually, it is difficult not to encounter “ghosts” from the past whenever I cruise into the city by the Bay - after all - experiences with cherished friends here have been plentiful and filled with joy over the years.

I often wonder, for example, whatever became of a H.J. Weeks - who I corresponded with for years (he once resided on Vallejo Street) after we initially struck up a friendship one night on the Festival grounds at Civic the Center in downtown Frisco.

Tom Friertag - an intelligent handsome fellow who took me in as a grateful guest during that brief jaunt to the city by the bay - relocated to Hawaii from what I understand to pursue a career in teaching (according to friends in the grapevine) though I haven’t seen hide-nor-tail of him since.

For the first time - in a long spell - the face of Kevin Gagne floated out of my deep cluttered consciousness, too.

I literally met the charismatic French Canadian on a cable car, when he stopped in to San Francisco for a few days, before heading home to Montreal (Canada).

We also stayed in touch for a few years.

In fact, on a move to New York in the fall of 1973, I spent a few days in Quebec at his well-appointed apartment in downtown Montreal.

Since our first meeting, Kevin’s career as a hair stylist flourished immesaureably in the ultra chic Cosmopolitan city - and soon - his every waking hour was consumed by their excessive demands.

Unfortunately, Kevin and I lost touch.

Some days I fantasize that I’ll hop on a cable car and run smack dab into him unexpectedly out-of-the-blue.

Is he alive and well, I wonder now and then.

Occasionally, my thoughts also drift to a talented local artist - Roger Reyes - who I also struck up a bond with a couples of decades ago at the bustling San Francisco Arts Festival.

Again, a lively spirit from the past, that slipped away for some inexplicable reason.
 
For me, part of the attraction of San Francisco is its old-world charm.
 
There is a sense of history here that you don't encounter elsewhere around the country.
 
Cecil Beaton said it best:
 
"San Francisco is perhaps the most European of all American cities."
 
 

Palace of Fine Arts

 

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San Francisco...art in Union Square today! Hand-picked fruit @ market a great treat...

Out for a morning stroll, I stumbled across an art show in full swing at Union Square.

While the bulk of the creative renderings on stretched canvas tended to focus on familiar local terrain - such as bird's eye views of the quaint cable cars on Nob Hill and breath-taking panoramas of picturesque San Francisco Bay - a few artists had gone their own way.

One painter I struck up a conversation with was exhibiting striking highly-stylized landscapes of quaint Chinese villages for instance.

Another gentleman's canvases of stick figures were quite light and whimsical - well-crafted - too.

Included in the mix, was an eye-catching array of slick black & white photographs, elegant examples of sculpture in-the-round portable enough to tow around, and one-of-a-kind original works of art that may be investment-worthy for the astute collector.

I spied one couple scouring the exhibition for just the right piece for their new digs.

"I'd like to go with natural colors," I overhead the petite art-lover whisper to her mate nearby.

Just betcha, they'll find what they're looking for here.

After a quick gander at the remainder of the paintings, I headed off down the street to an open market off Grant Street in the heart of Chinatown.

Fortunately, the comfortable (out-of-the-way) economical Hotel I am firmly ensconced in, has provided a microwave and mini-fridge.

So, I intend to take a cue from Kirstie Alley (star of "The Big Life") this week, and stock up on delicious nutritious fruits and fresh vegetables - which I can prepare myself - with the ultimate aim of slimming down a pound or two.

The three flights of stairs I have to climb up daily may help!

And, since there is unlimited Wifi access in my Hotel suite, I'll be able to hunker down  - and pen a few posts - as I channel surf and catch up on the scuttlebutt on TMZ, Inside Edition, 360, and so forth and so on.

What a charmed life I lead, eh?

Lively Union Square uplifts spirits!

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