Beans with winter squash, tomatillos and peppers

This isn't particularly quick, but it's also not difficult... and more to the point, it provides a tastey base upon which all kinds of other dishes which are quick can be built.
( Read more... )

Clergy and Laity

In some of the reading I've been doing recently, I've run once again into the idea of ordained vs. lay practitioners. It seems that over the years this distinction is becoming less clear to my own mind. But even more, I know that a great number of friends of mine are some kind of clergy. (And probably some number think the whole thing is a bad idea, too ;-) ) Anyhow, I got kind of curious what it means to you.

1. What does "clergy" mean to you? What does "ordination" mean? What does "laity" mean? (Feel free to use other related terms if they are more relevant.)

2. Are you ordained, or clergy? Are you laity? Both? Neither? In what contexts?

3. What are the responsibilities of being clergy? What are the responsibilities of being laity? (Either in your tradition or in general.)

4. What are the benefits of being clergy, and the benefits of being laity?

5. Are there people two whom you are clergy? Are there people to whom you are laity? What are these relationships like?

6. Do you consider yourself to be on a spiritual or religious path? What kind of path?