Moore College to move to St Philip's York St (after the deaths of the Principal and a Bishop)

Not now. But in 1935. 

Oh yes. 1935.

(For the record, John Woodhouse is very much alive, as are all the Bishops.)

There is an historian working at St Philip's at the moment. It's an historic church (Australia's first parish), and it is in many ways responsible for the evangelical nature of the Sydney Diocese. The historian is trawling through the Parish Council Minutes and writing down whatever looks interesting. She showed me the Minutes of a meeting on August 24, 1935. If you care to take the time to read the minutes below, you will find some remarkable things. Some preliminary remarks:

• The Archbishop was the newly appointed Howard Mowll.
• The Parish of St Philip automatically had (up until 1935) as its rector the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese.
• The Bishop/Rector, whose death if referred to, was Bishop Kirby, who died on 12 July, 1935. This meeting happened 6 weeks later.
• The Principal of Moore College who died was Principal Davies. 
• His successor was T.C. Hammond (who become the Rector of St Philip's as well as the Principal).
  
• The Harbour Bridge was opened in March, 1932.
• This meeting (to ask St Philip's it's views on a potential move) was over in one hour!

I love this stuff. 

So, take a few minutes, if this interests you! (I've included the headings, to make it readable):

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PARISHIONERS OF ST PHILIP'S CHURCH HELD IN THE SCHOOL HALL ON SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST, 1935 AT 4.30PM

The Archbishop was in the Chair. Those present were: Mesdames Mares, Levick, Murphy, D'Arcy-Irvine (M), Hancock, Broadley and Gray. The Misses E. Mares, E. Mannix, P. Mannix, Conway, Harvey, Rowe, Davis. Messrs. A. Mares, Levick, Banks, Cowper, Blissett, Archdeacon Charlton, Rev. Newby-Fraser and Rev. Broadley. Rev. H. Broadley acted as secretary.

The Meeting opened with prayer a little after the half-hour owing to the Archbishop being delayed.

-- Archbishop late

The Archbishop apologised for his lateness and then went on to say that he had summoned the meeting because he wanted to discuss with them an important matter, namely the question of the future of St Philip's. He had invited others than those legally entitled to come because he wanted to know the feeling of a gathering of those interested in St Philip's.

-- Should the Assistant Bishop be automatically Rector of York St?

The appointment of a new Rector was more than merely a parish matter. Some years ago it was decided that the Bishop-coadjutor was to be the Rector of the parish. The load of work was such that he had discussed the position with Bishop Kirkby who had agreed that the two positions ought to be separated. Before making any appointments the Archbishop wants to gain more light on the subject.

-- Is there 'leading' in the coincidental deaths of the Principal and the Bishop?

He remarked on the coincidence of the deaths of the Principal of Moore College and of the Bishop, and wondered if there was a leading for him in those events. It had suggested to him the possibility of linking up Moore College with St Philip's. If that was to be brought about, it was desirable that action be taken by Ordinance at Synod. Such a proposal must be acceptable to the Standing Committee which is due to meet on Monday 26th inst. Before going before Standing Committee the Archbishop wanted to test the feelings of the representatives of St Philip's.

-- Architects and feasibility plans done in four days

The subject had been mentioned to Moore College Council which after a meeting last Tuesday the 20th said that a decision hinged on the question as to whether there was enough land at St Philip's to rebuild the College there. Architects had been consulted on Wednesday 21st and the reply was to the effect that the plan was feasible. Plans drawn up had been brought along by the Archbishop.

-- St Philip's not as big as it should be (and not enough money to get a 'first class man' in the Pulpit!)

The next matter was to get the situation defined from St Philip's point of view, which was also that of the Archbishop. The church is a city church, the population has greatly decreased in the parish, and the congregation is not as big as it should be. The next Coadjutor-Bishop may not be connected with St Philip's and the problem of financing a really first class man in St Philip's pulpit has to be faced. If the stipend of the Bishop-Coadjutor is taken away there is not enough left to get a first-class man.

-- The Harbour Bridge just opened, making St Philip's conspicuous

A big change has been made by the Bridge, the site is now very conspicuous. It is unfortunate that the hoardings had to be allowed on the property to raise funds; they make a bad impression on passers-by as to the attitude of the Church of England in the Diocese. In due course the hoardings will be taken away and the question will then be as to where the finances are to come from. Therefore the building of a new Parish Hall is of more than parochial interest.

-- Bringing Moore to York St to solve two problems

The two difficulties of the appointment of a suitable Principal of Moore College and of a Rector of St Philip's would be met if the Principal was to be made Rector of the parish and the Vice-Principal was to be the Curate. The Archbishop hopes that a strong Evangelical is going to be Principal of the College and likewise the Vice-Principal. Such a combination of Principal as a Rector is already at work in Oxford.

-- Use the students to do the Parish Work

In reference to the duties to the College interfering with the duties to the parish, the Archbishop said that in the College would be a team of young ordinands to do the work in the neighbourhood. If St Philip's is not linked with Moore College and not connected with the Bishop-Coadjutor, then the best man could not be got for St Philip's.

-- Newtown to be sold and the money given to York St Building!

If the College is to be brought to St Philip's, then instead of spending more money on the present site in Newtown, the property could be sold and the money gained by such a sale, together with the funds in the hands of St Philip's Trustees, could be used to put up really worthy buildings.

-- Objections by students (too noisy and no tennis courts!)

Various objections were that it was an advantage to have the College near the University, that it would be too noisy at St Philip's, that there would be too much distraction for the students, that tennis courts were not on the property, could be answered satisfactorily.

-- Some legal matters

If the Synod approves the scheme, the Principal of the College will be required to sign a document agreeing to cease to be Rector when he ceases to be the Principal. The Principal would live at Moore College for the time being. The Vice-principal would live at St Philip's. The Rectory would be left standing as the Principal's house until it was pulled down at some future time to make way for a residence in keeping with the rest of the buildings.

-- The plans shown

The plans were then shown and the meeting thrown open for questions. In answer to a question, the Archbishop said that the parish organisation would still go on, with the advantage of having an increased parochial staff.

-- Some questions from the Parish

In answer to another, it was stated that the Rector would have to be available for people who wanted him. There would be accommodation for 40 students.

In answer it was said that the parish nominators would still function just as they do when the Bishop is Rector.

-- The Archdeacon asks the Parish to support the Archbishop

Archdeacon Charlton suggested that support be given to the scheme; it commended itself to him and would create a centre of influence throughout the Diocese.

Mr. Levick moved that the Archbishop be supported by the congregation. Mr. Seatree seconded the motion and it was carried. The Archbishop said that the matter was not finalised by any means yet. It would have to go before Standing Committee and again before St Philip's and Moore College Council and again to Standing Committee. Archdeacon Charlton expressed the appreciation of the congregation at the interest and frankness shown by the Archbishop.

-- St Philip's York St's 'evangelical tradition' and 'strategic position'

The Archbishop replied that the matter was one of great importance to him owing to the Evangelical tradition of the parish and to it having been put in a position of such strategic importance.

The meeting closed with the Benediction at 5.50pm.

So, what happened?? T.C. Hammond certainly became Rector, but the College never moved. Does anyone want to trawl through Standing Committee and Moore College Council minutes?

Staggering.

Thoughts? What's changed? What has stayed the same?

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Hello Fiona from Scotland...

I wrote some Lent Bible Studies a few years back. You can download them by Clicking HERE. They are just Bible Studies on Mark 10-16. A person I don't know called Fiona from Scotland sent me this email yesterday:

Dear Justin,

Just letting you know as requested that I downloaded your Bible Studies and Daily Readings for Lent on Mark from the internet. I really wanted to do a committed focus on Christ this year between Lent and Easter but much of the stuff I found on the web was quite Catholic in style (I love Catholics, though!) and I didn't understand the liturgies, etc. Your study is so good. I've only done one night so far with a friend but it really released the power of the Holy Spirit to us and we were hugely blessed. I have forwarded the material to a few other friends, too.

I live in Scotland with my husband and family.

We hope it will encourage you to know that you are blessing and helping the body of Christ to know more of Him worldwide! We send you every blessing in Christ Jesus for a precious and blessed Easter time.

Kindest regards,
Fiona

Good to be of service!

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Pic on Flickr by igd.

Lent on York (A Series based in the Prodigal Son)

I'm not one for Church Calendars in particular. They've always seemed a little too religious and Church-y. And perhaps too Roman Catholic. And hollow. And in any case, I'm Gen-X.

But the more I think about it, the more I realise how evangelical and 'old school' (in the good sense) the calendar is. And perhaps even good for mission in a post-Christian age. We were freed from constraints (like the calendar) by the a baby-boomers. But maybe then, we where then left without roots and routines as a part of our lives.

The way I figure it, we celebrate Christmas which gives us a heightened opportunity to declare the wonder of the Incarnation. And we celebrate Easter, which gives us a heightened opportunity to declare Christ risen.

So why not remember Advent (before Christmas), which allows us to declare that Christ will come again? And why not Lent (before Easter), which gives us a sustained opportunity to rail against sin, and also reflect soberly on the ailments of the human heart. These are two things that evangelicals like me are big on: the second coming, and the reality of sin.

It just has to be real and authentic and from the Scriptures. That's all.

Lent is the season that is 40 Days from Ash Wednesday (last week). It concludes on Easter Sunday, where we declare that the answer to human sin is in the Resurrected Jesus.

With that in mind, I present here to you the LENT PREACHING SERIES at St Philips York St. I will preach a relevant sermon based in the Parable of the Prodigal Son on each of the following topics (Sundays at 8:30AM Holy Communion; and 10AM City Church), and we will interactively explore these issues at the Lunchtime Conferences we will host at 1:10PM on Thursdays. All at 3 York St.

It is a series about God, Honesty and Life, based on the Prodigal Son.

Sunday 1 March (Lent 1)
The Joy of the Father (Luke 15:1-12)
(With an exploration on Thursday 5 March at 1:10PM.)

Sunday 8 March (Lent 2)
The Lure of Distance (Luke 15:13-14)
(With an exploration on Thursday March 12 at 1:10PM.)

Sunday 15 March (Lent 3)
The Limits of Regret (Luke 15:14-17)
(With an exploration on Thursday March 19 at 1:10PM.)

Sunday 22 March (Lent 4) - Holy Communion at 10AM
The Power of a Moral Inventory (Luke 15:17-18)
(With an exploration on Thursday March 26 at 1:10PM.)

Sunday 29 March (Lent 5)
The Freedom in Confession (Luke 15:18-23)
(With an exploration on Thursday April 2 at 1:10PM.)

Sunday 5 April (Palm Sunday)
The Barriers to Joy (Luke 15:25-31)
(With an exploration on Thursday April 9 at 1:10PM.)

12 April Easter Sunday
The End of Decay (John 20:24-29)
(With an exploration on Thursday April 16 at 1:10PM.)

In case you were wondering, I haven't read Dr Tim Keller's The Prodigal God. But I am planning to buy it tomorrow. And if it is as good as I suspect it will be, then we will make it available for our people to buy, read, and give to their friends during Lent.

In the meantime, here is a sobering prayer to pray through Lent:

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Not bad, right?

Bring your friends if you live or work close the city. And I'll see if we can get the MP3s working properly.

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Sermon Blogged at 'What's The Deal With Stuff'

CLICK HERE for a review of my sermon last Sunday. Mark B must be a good listener. Mark's Blog is a must have on your Blog roll. Go now and make it a part of your life.

J.

Our First Task: A Space for Kids to learn.

Naturally, I've been swimming in new information. I'm full of desire to grow the ministry here in the city. And I've got many people to meet and listen to, and more wanting to bend my ear on certain issues and matters. All good.

But basically Task #1 was to create a clean and functioning space for our kids to be taught about Jesus. I've been told many times to prioritise your family in ministry.

However, there were no other regular kids in our church. Just our kids. So we are at First Base for the kid's ministry. We went to church on February 8th and The Little Man came into the North Porch, was a little taken aback, and said:

Where are the other kids?

My wife’s heart sank a little, but she responded wonderfully. She taught him to say:

We are work in progress.

Here is how I am looking at it: we have this special moment in their lives. They may never have this opportunity again. The opportunity to teach them to be welcoming, with no one their age to welcome them. It's square one with the kids.

So, we are saying to The Little Man and The Little Lady that as each new child comes, we’ve got to welcome them, and to love them and to share their space with them.

Just like us adults are supposed to be in church.

Last Saturday, Dr Laurel and I (mostly Laurel) cleaned the North Porch, to create a new and safe space for kids. So that others can bring their kids, or grandkids.

On February 15th, there were 4 kids. And last Sunday, there were 6 toddlers in the room. And we had a kid's spot in the 10AM service. So we are slowly moving.

Lots more to happen, of course. Keep us in your prayers.

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Induction Reviews.

Thanks to all who came to the Induction Service last Thursday. If you want to download the order of service, you can do that HERE. And HERE is our website, in case you haven't seen it. It needs work, as everyone says, but it's a start.

• And HERE is a review of the night by Michael Kellahan with five highlights of the evening.
• And HERE is a a post from my new friend Dave Miers called: Moffatt now Ramblin' in Sydney Again.
• And HERE. Its always good to get some Blog love from Craig Schwarze.
  

• UPDATE: Shane writes a review too. HERE.
  

Of course, now the work begins...

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An invitation to Pray in the City (Thurs 1:10PM)

Laurel and I arrived into Sydney last week, into a country in the middle of a devastating firestorm: it is hard to imagine how it feels in rural Victoria right now.  I read today that there may be 300 dead.

I have the key to St Philip's Church Hill in the city. And I have time free tomorrow. Join me and others in prayer and quiet reflection at the church (3 York St, Sydney). If you work in the city, especially at the northern end of the city, then you are welcome to join us. This may also be something for your workmates, who struggle to understand. There will be ways to contribute to the victims at the service.

Details:

3 York St 

1:10PM-1:40PM. 

That evening at 7PM, I will be inducted as Rector (commissioned as Senior Minister) of St Philip's, Church Hill.  The Wardens are planning to take a collection for the victims (all money will be given to the Archbishop's Emergency Bushfire Appeal.)

If you are in the southern end of the city, you may prefer to pray at St Andrews at 1PM on Thursday lunchtime. Or 6PM tonight. The Cathedral's details are HERE.

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Photo by Craig Abraham at the SMH.

Help my American Friends...

[UPDATE: We board a Qantas flight to Sydney tonight. We've just spent a few days in San Francisco en route. Dr Laurel was able to spend quality time with her good friend, Marlene. We also got to hang out with Christ Church NYC friends Liz and Jim Churm, also Nick and Stacey Bell and I drove Lunch and Cathy Payne to the airport. Good times. We fly out tonight and arrive in Sydney on Wednesday AM. Pray for us, cos it ain't easy with 2 toddlers and an infant.]

While in flight, I have two questions for you.

I'm asking because a couple I know from Chicago are going to spent 6 weeks in Australia and New Zealand. They want to know what to visit. I told them that I'd type out some ideas on the flight. But better still, you can help them, and save me the typing.

All you shy people and lurkers can now comment. How hard is it to answer these two questions while we are incommunicado?

1. What are the classic places for 2 Americans to visit?
(Like Sydney Opera House, Rotorua etc)

2. What is your personal favourite place?
(Like a restaurant, a garden somewhere etc)

i.e. Where do you take your visitors?

If you can provide a link, that's even better. But not required.

Go on, you shy people, just comment.

I'll pick up your comments on the other side...

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Pic on FLickr by KyussQ.

Sermon Audio - Why you need the Prophets (Like John) in your life.

• The text is Mark 1:4-11. John the Baptist. Read before listening.
• Sermon can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE.

In the Bible, the Prophets were a very strange bunch. But you need them in your life. You really do. But you need more than the Prophets.

Frederick Buechner, Presbyterian minister and author once remarked:

There is no evidence to suggest that anyone ever asked a prophet home for supper more than once. The prophets were drunk on God, and in the presence of their terrible tipsiness, no one was ever comfortable. With a total lack of tact, they roared out against phoniness and corruption wherever they were found.

That is, the Prophets made a living out of unsettling the comfortable. They railed against the flab of spiritual arrogance. They railed against Full-blown Sin and Half-baked Faith.

They didn’t want friends. They wanted converts. They wanted people to swap sides. They often looked crazy, dressed crazy, and even ate crazy. And, as far as many were concerned, they spoke crazy.

But they were mesmerizing in many ways.

John the Baptist -- from our gospel reading today -- is just like that. He is the last of the Old Testament Prophets. If you saw him in the subway, you might be tempted to give him a dollar. Until you heard him speak, then you might take it back...

Here is the question I have in this sermon:

Do I want a John the Baptist in my world? Do I want the prophets in my world? Or in my church? Or in my city?

I’d say: "Well, I do and I don’t"

A part of me does not want the Prophets to come near to my life, for I might have to change. But another part of me does want the Prophets to draw near because I want to change. And I know that the repentance he calls for liberates and frees.

There are at least two reasons I don’t want him in my world, and at least two reasons I do.

This sermon explores those two reasons. Click HERE.

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Pic on Flickr by LJ.

An Invitation to my friends (February 12 at 7PM)

Join Dr Laurel, the kiddos and me for a commissioning at York St. We begin our new ministry to the city of Sydney with prayer. The Invitation comes from the Wardens of St Philips' York St. And Bishop Rob Forsyth will be present and preaching.

• February 12, 2009 7PM
  
• Service at St Philips' Church Hill. 3 York St, Sydney, Australia.
• RSVP by Feb 9 to Doreen by emailing her HERE. Or by calling: +612 9247 1071.

Supper and Jazz at 1 York Street foyer after the service.

Here is what we are doing:

We are moving from über-urban to urban. From the city of Manhattan, to the city of Sydney. We are swapping the Lower East Side for Downtown Sydney. From New York to York St.

Leaving Manhattan has not dampened our enthusiasm for the city. Sydney and New York are different, but the city is still where extraordinary things happen. It is where people live and come to work and play, day and night. The city is where the homeless find anonymity and perhaps shelter. The city is where government sits and art is displayed. There are 38,000 people who live near St Philips. There are more men living there than women, and the average age is 29. From this central place, there could be a central faith.

This will be neither church planting, nor missionary service, but at times it may feel like both.

So we value your prayers and support.

Don't forget to RSVP.

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Jessica Simpson on God

I know that this is a cheap shot, but I read this quote in a Marie Clare article called '40 Things You Don't Know About Jessica Simpson'. Says Jessica Simpson:

I've been contemplating taking a college course in religion. I love religion. I remember whenever the book The Da Vinci Code came out, the Discovery Channel did this three-night piece on it that I Tivoed and then watched eight times.

What?

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H/T Christianity Today.

E.B. Reames: Art on Friday (#11)

UPDATE: We have just now moved from NYC to Atlanta, where we are finally catching our breath. We are spending time with Dr Laurel's family, before flying en route to Sydney via San Francisco next week for a weekend break. Then we arrive into Sydney, God willing, on February 4th. In the meantime, this is E.B. Reames Art on Friday Number 11, for your viewing pleasure.

This one is called: "Aspen Autumn."

Email Beth if you wish to ask any questions, or buy her art: HERE.
See all the other posts: HERE.
Or visit the E.B.Reames website: HERE.

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E.B. Reames: Art on Friday (#10)

This is E.B. Reames Art on Friday Number 10, for your viewing pleasure.

This one is called: "Hon Fleur."

Email Beth if you wish to ask any questions, or buy her art: HERE.
See all the other posts HERE.
Or visit the E.B.Reames website: HERE.

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An update on our Move to Sydney

So many people have asked, so I thought I'd provide an update on our comings and goings. We are, as you know, moving to the Antipodes. You can read the Sydney Anglican Media article as well.

This Sunday (Jan 11) is our official farewell from Christ Church NYC. We will be farewelled in the morning and evening services. I am preaching my last sermon at Christ Church at Evening Prayer. The topic will be Jesus. Nice. (From Mark 1:4-11). I can't think of anyone better to talk about in my final sermon in NYC. Better than talking about yourself on your last week!

It's John the Baptist pointing away from himself, and onto Jesus his Lord, 'the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie'. And calling for repentance.

Then we begin the process of moving. It may take some weeks. So I may be at Christ Church for a couple of Sundays after that. But we hope to be in Sydney in the last week of January. But there are no guarantees as yet. As James says, this is only if the Lord wills it.

(People have asked about the lease on our apartment: we are still looking for someone to take over our lease. This is something that is easier to resolve if we are still in NYC, rather than in Sydney. But we trust God. You can pray about that!)

I'll keep posting 200 Words when I can...

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...the man exploded...

I ended up at Redeemer Presbyterian last Sunday night. The family was walking past Hunter College with our friends Nathan and Mira. Nathan and I stayed for half the service. Dr Laurel went home, and The Little Man was with me, so we couldn't be there until the end...

But there was enough time for this to take place:

The preacher mentioned Adam's song, from Genesis 2, in which Adam sang with joy when he was shown Eve ("This is now bone of my bones; flesh of my flesh etc").

Preacher (with The Little Man listening):
"And when Adam sees Eve, he explodes into song!"
The Little Man (after a minute):
"Daddy, can you tell me again why the man exploded?"

I hope he wasn't picturing someone like Mr Creosote...

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200 Words #6: Promote Preaching with Gravitas

DNA of a Maturing Church #6: Promote Preaching with Gravitas

Dear preacher,

Never start with a ‘little joke’, or a ‘little story’. Your message is too weighty. Learn from the Prophets, not Toastmasters; from the Apostles, not Self-Help; from Jesus, not your Top-5 downloads.

The world needs gravitas (like the Prophets), theology (like the Apostles), and truth-telling (like Jesus). We need truth and insight, not just grammar and information.

Yet, you must hug the text, like a 'bus hugs a road, or you will veer. Worse, you may crash the bus. Be expositional and exegetical. It’s not enough to cook the meal-- show your hearer’s the kitchen.

The Bible says little about assessing your 'skills'. Instead, it urges ‘doing’ (over merely listening) obeying (over appreciating); weighing-up truth (over down-loading giftedness).

We need more stethoscopes to our hearts, not MP3's to our ears.

Your task, says Buechner, is to "Tell the truth."

Preach Christ crucified and victorious. Trace the Narrative of Grace. Rail against sin and injustice. Preach a good God. The Spirit convicts sin and decants God’s love, not you. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Live deep in the world, speaking deeply to the world. Walk by grace: you struggle like us all.

Preach Jesus. He is never 'little'.

Discuss.

For further reading:
MPJ's 10 mistakes
JMM's Modus Operandi for Preaching.

___________________
For Scripture references, either click on the links, or see all of them by clicking HERE. (James 1:22, Ezekiel 33:30-33, 1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, Jeremiah 17:10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, 2 Timothy 2:8, Luke 24:25-27, James 4:8, James 5:1-6, John 16:7-11, Romans 5:5, 1 Timothy 4:16, 1 Timothy 1:15, Ephesians 3:8.)
Pic on Flickr by a.drain.

Kudos...

I'm out tonight to visit a couple, then back tonight to post '200 Words: Promote Preaching with Gravitas'.

But before I do:

A. You probably need to read Michael Jensen's two posts: Preaching like Peter Roebuck and The Ten Worst Habits of Preachers.

B. And Kudos to the RodeoClown who fixed up my yellow link issues. (If you using a reader, click through to my blog, and you'll see the yellow links as usual! And they change to orange after you've clicked on them). Tell me if this is better.

Kudos all around.

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Links in Yellow...

New 200 words coming soon.

But your advice first: As you know, I put my links in yellow. I do it, because I want people to follow through with some of the links, and I like it to be striking. But a good brother Face-booked me with this note:

I read your blog on google reader, but I normally don't end up reading your blogs because all your links are in a yellow font, making it really difficult to read. It hurts my eyes so I stop reading. I thought you may be interested to know, because maybe other people have the same issues, or maybe you would just like to change it on account of me ;-)

Are there any others who don't read my posts because the links are in Yellow? Get rid of the yellow? What color do I replace it with?

Thanks.

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Pic on Flickr by Katrina 2353.

York Street Logo

Suffering in Times Square

OK. I've been very busy lately. But my friend Michael Winram is in town, and he wants to do Times Square for New Years. I've told him that is snowing (which he knows), and that the temperatures are are guessed to be 21F (but with wind will feel like 5F). Now, if you are from the Antipodes, that's -6C (and feels like -15C).

The last time I did this was with Ed Spinger on December 31, 1997. That pic is 11 years old. And it was cooold then.

I'm going to join him. And Winram says he's committed to the end.

• Should I stand by him until the bitter end?
• And have you been to Times Square on NYE? Or anywhere colder?

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