During recent weeks, I've become disturbed by mail from members of charismatic and evangelical parishes, clergy and lay, indicating they're about ready to give up on the Episcopal Church. In one parish, the vestry has begun an organized effort to get parishioners to move to the Charismatic Episcopal Church. In another congregation, the rector is trying to persuade the vestry to join him in pursuing independent status. Individuals in similar churches seem to be weighing their options.

When I covered the Executive Council meeting in February [TLC, March 3], I asked Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning what he might say to evangelical or charismatic Episcopalians who feel they can't remain:

"Stay with us. Hang in there," Bishop Browning said. "They have many gifts to offer to the church. Those gifts are needed for the total life of the church. It is with great sorrow that I learn of their need to leave."

As a service to technologically advancing parishes, here's a story submitted by the Rev. A. James N. MacKenzie, rector of Church of the Redeemer in Pendleton, Ore.:

It seems the former rector of an Oregon parish had a wireless microphone installed which was being used for the first time on Maundy Thursday. After the opening collect, the priest felt the need to slip out of the service and visit the restroom as the congregation began to recite the appointed psalm. Unfortunately, he forgot to turn off his transmitter, and as the people were saying "and the waters gushed out like rivers ..." everyone heard clearly the restroom "proceedings." While the rector maintained he was washing his hands, many folks in that parish cannot keep a straight face when they hear Psalm 78.

In the last presentation of "Useless Facts," it was reported that former Presiding Bishop John Hines had three sons, all of whom are priests named John. Actually, there are four sons named John, but one is not a priest.

And the Rev. Bruce Rahtjen, rector of St. Mary's, Kansas City, Mo., responded to the item about Bishop Peter Beckwith of Springfield being a rear admiral:

"Bishop Beckwith, shortly before his promotion to admiral, ordained as deacon his former commander, David Oliver Smart IV, a two-star admiral, USNR, retired," Fr. Rahtjen writes. "The ordination was at Christ Church, Overland Park, Kan. Bishop Beckwith was scheduled only as preacher for the service. He presided when Bishop Smalley became ill and could not attend."

The women of St. Timothy's Church, Athens, Ala., have published a cookbook with the wonderful title "Burnt Offerings."

To Bill in Longwood, Fla.: No, the Presiding Bishop did not reply to Bishop Howe's call for a response [TLC, Feb. 4].

David Kalvelage, editor