Preface
The
Reverend Ralph and his wife Jean Carmichael have been
very special friends and wonderful teachers to
many vacationers and permanent residents during summers for more than
thirty-nine years.
Father Ralph was Priest-in-Charge of the Church of the
Transfiguration. Jean's diligent behind-the-scenes work on the altar,
coffee
hours following the services, and suggestions regarding outreach
to
the Adirondack community - and the world at large - helped us to
grow
in Christian Responsibility.
Ralph's
insights and teachings challenged us to think critical
about our beliefs and to respond
constructively to situations near and far.
His own life's journey from scientist,
engineer, theological seminarian,
Presbyterian minister, and Episcopal Priest,
with a full measure of
musical talent, is indicative of his growth as a person. A
philosopher,
scholar, and student of the world around him, he coupled his talents
with a
loving and kind concern for all with whom he came in contact. It has
been
a blessing for us all. We were challenged and grew as a result.
This
publication reflects our gratitude and interest in making his
teachings
through his sermons available to a wider audience. It will
serve as a resource for our own
continuing reflections and meditations.
"Understandings,"
at
the conclusion, is the summary of his religious
convictions. The last two sermons in this
collection were delivered in
August of 1995. At his request, this publication was
delayed, for he had
several things that he wanted included as the result of
his further thought
during the period of his final illness.
"Christianity
and Other
Religions"
he delivered on Sunday, August 20, 1995. He died at his
Island
on Saturday evening, August 26. The final sermon, "How Shall
We
Understand God"
was taken from his computer that night and read
at
the Sunday service at the Church Of The Transfiguration by Deacon
Nancy
Rosenblum, who had grown up in his Parish, St. Andrew's, in
Albany, New York.
With thanks to Ralph and Jean, we set his thoughts, delivered at Blue
Mountain Lake and at Chapala, Mexico – and their life’s example – into
print.
Harriet Barlow Tess Clark Virginia
Lawrence
Jan Bartlett
Hall Kirkham
Al Lowe
~~~~~~
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Paul Carmichael, Jane
Bissell, Russell Barrowman,
Kabby Lowe and the special congregation at Blue Mountain
Lake for their
guidance, participation, encouragement, and help.
Thanks
also to Connie Blair for her editorial input, and to Ned
Landon for preparing the material for
printing. Both Connie and Ned
are from Niskayuna, New York, and are members of the
First Reformed
Church of Schenectady.
The
Reverend James Brooks-McDonald, Rector of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church,
Schenectady, reviewed the contents and assisted with
its preparation.
