The Keiskamma triptych, a renowned altarpiece created by the people of Hamburg, South Africa, is on exhibit at Washington National Cathedral until mid-March. Using a medieval altarpiece as inspiration, they created a three-part display depicting the effects of HIV in their communities. The themes are Crucifixion showing the mourners and orphans; Resurrection showing hope, redemption and restoration; and Reality showing grandmothers caring for orphaned grandchildren.

Peter Bocock was a remarkable man and we were fortunate at St. Thomas' Parish to share his life for a little while. Peter, an economist, was influential in shaping the World Bank's poverty reduction strategy in the seventies and helped prepare the bank's policies to advance the Middle East peace process in the 90's. Please read more about Peter's accomplishments in his Times Obituary available online.

» Read Sermon from Memorial Service

The 113th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington is set for January 25-26, 2008 at Washington National Cathedral. Volunteers are needed for registration packet collators, hospitality, election tellers, registration assistants, cashier, floor tellers, marshals, ballot collators and pages. Sign up online or contact Ann Talty, 202/537-6548. Register by Jan. 11.

Our assistant rector, Rev. John F. Dwyer, has published a book! The work, titled Those 7 References, is a detailed study of seven passages in the Bible that have been interpreted over the course of centuries as referring to homosexuality. The book provides the foundation upon which one may articulate a different way to understand these passages with a resulting Anglican view that the Bible can be understood in diverse ways and yet still be the inspired word of God. Those 7 References is available on Amazon.com at a cost of $15.99.