Michael Badger at the Live Nativity. I know it’s blurry, but I like the way it captures his sense of humor, accompanied by an angel looking over his shoulder. Paul Goldfinger photo. 2021.
Setting: 8:30 am, 8/21/22, in front of our home on Mt.Hermon Way*. Our house used to be owned by Rev. Beagle, an early CMA official. I was unloading some groceries from the trunk.
There was plenty of parking this morning because the summer season is now winding down. Even Wegmans is now out of Jersey beefsteak tomatoes.
The CMA sent us an email yesterday to announce that they will continue enlarging their religious presence in the Grove and they intend to have year-round programming.
As I was enjoying the parking space in front of our house, a bicyclist came by and stopped.
It was a familiar face: Michael Badger, the President of the CMA. As expected, he had a smile on his face. He was carrying his clothes for the service later this morning in the Great Auditorium.
MB: Good morning. I’ve been reading your posts.
PG: Good morning. How’s that leg? (Mr.Badger had a horrible injury a couple of years ago when, while riding his bike in town, a door opened as he passed, and he wound up with an awful fracture.)
MB: It’s fine.
PG: How about responding to what is being said on the blog?
MB: It’s not how I want to do that. Maybe if I could have a “dialogue” in advance and review it before it gets posted. (I am paraphrasing)
PG: We don’t do that, but it would be good if you could respond to the residents in some way.
MB. (still smiling): Have a great day.
PG: Have a good service.
Then a siren rang out and hung in the air as he rode off. I thought it would be fitting if the church bells would start ringing, but that would be too good to hope for.
“A GAELIC BLESSING:”
A piece of Christian music which I love by John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers, but no-one in town has to hear it now unless they come to Blogfinger and even then they can turn off the audio.
Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Deep peace of Christ the light of the world to you
Deep peace of Christ to you.
* I wrote about the Beagle House, and here is a link:
Michael Badger, what a hypocrite. Only if you knew his true self.
What the hey?
I had to leave out much of the piece..I cannot copy all of it, and I will not allow a link because in fairness for every interested party, it is better if they all read the article in its entirety at NJ.com.
As you may know, Blogfinger rejects personal attacks, discussions of religious theology, national politics, and national topics, especially if they are about conspiracy theories. I try to stay focused on local concerns and I try to be accurate. If I get somethings wrong (as Mr Badger has alleged) a reader can send us a correction which I will post if it meets our rules (see above)
I laughed at the Townie sobriquet but after reading his letter
and realizing his vast knowledge of Ocean Grove, the OGCMA, Neptune Township and their relationship I realized he is deserving of that self appointed title. We haven’t had anyone
holding the position of OG Grand Poobah since Bob Boos and Elmer Slocum but if it appeared again Townie would get my vote. I like the cut of his jib.
Doc, if this is just one of your invented
letter writers he is wonderful. A character out
an Elmore Leonard novel.
Keep fighting the nonexistent fight!
Saw this article this morning in NJ.com. My question is SAYS WHO? Who says it’s a “deeply religious town”? I live here. I’m not religious.
AUGUST 22, 2022
Right Now in NJ.com: A.M. Edition
Jersey Shore pier in shape of cross in deeply religious town raises concerns
The Ocean Grove pier is being rebuilt by a local religious organization into a shape that some say closely resembles a cross.
thank for sharing
Fall is in the air and so is a recall for MB.
If I find out 1 cent of my insane property taxes are going towards Faith and Weirdness sorry I meant Fitness!! —–I’m demanding a refund and filing suit.
Incredible….but not surprising at all.