Yesterday morning, the 4th - Independence Day - I set off to watch the Parade in Shawnee. It goes past Emmanuel, so I had a good view from a bench in the garden. However, it was a little disappointing, a lot of veterans went by on their motor bikes, and a police car and fire engine. I think I was expecting something more 'New York', with lots of floats representing different organisations in Shawnee, and people waving.
In the evening there is usually a Firework Display and Rosalyn and Bruce invited me to join them to see it, Rosalyn picked me up, but there was a bit of confusion and we'd got the wrong day. How absurd is that, wouldn't you expect a 4th July celebration to actually be on the 4th!! Anyway, they took me back to their house and we had a movie night, and a lovely red, white and blue dessert Rosalyn whipped up (blueberries, strawberries and Cool Whip) it was all very pleasant and loads better than fireworks.
Going to church this morning was a bit of a debacle. I should have just settled for the 9.30 at Emmanuel, but it is a bit early. I like my tea in bed and News fix - I'm a news addict.
Anyway, summer is a time for doing different things. I decided I'd go to the Presbyterian Church, it's the church nearest my own tradition, certainly more so than Emmanuel. and the one in which my paternal grandparents grew up,
So I set off there at 11 o'clock, the normal church going time (or so I thought) and found a note on the door that they were all at a Church of Christ (aren't all churches of Christ, anyway I digress) So although it was getting a bit late by then I went along, and it had started at ten, so I was only there five minutes (see what I mean by debacle) A lovely young woman followed me right out to the back of the car park to say something welcoming, so I told her my little story. I think I might go back there.
But I did get to church this evening, and that was a strange experience. I went along to Larry's chapel out by the lake, and on arriving he directed me to their gym (churches are more than churches in this country, they have all sorts of facilities). He said some martial arts missionaries were there. There were three black belt martial arts instructors, a father, son and daughter-in-law, all demonstrating their impressive techniques, telling us how to be safe, and throwing in a bit of gospel.
It was different, but how I'd love a bit of Anglican Evensong. I could venture to the Cathedral but I don't like taking my car too far, it's not as young as it was.
So that has been my Independence Day weekend.
Oh. While I was out I bumped into my friend Quick in the local pharmacy/drug store. He's the 7'6" Brazilian basket ball player who drives a local taxi cab. I've known him since I've first been here, when I was first visiting Larry, we usually see each other driving round town and wave. When I bump into him I move in for a hug, and reach his waist.
Larry's church. The gym is on the left.
This is across the road from the church. I thought, as I drove away, that they have spent years in the mission field working in the hardest and roughest of environments, I am so pleased for them that they have this wonderful rural spot for their retirement.
Anyway, summer is a time for doing different things. I decided I'd go to the Presbyterian Church, it's the church nearest my own tradition, certainly more so than Emmanuel. and the one in which my paternal grandparents grew up,
So I set off there at 11 o'clock, the normal church going time (or so I thought) and found a note on the door that they were all at a Church of Christ (aren't all churches of Christ, anyway I digress) So although it was getting a bit late by then I went along, and it had started at ten, so I was only there five minutes (see what I mean by debacle) A lovely young woman followed me right out to the back of the car park to say something welcoming, so I told her my little story. I think I might go back there.
But I did get to church this evening, and that was a strange experience. I went along to Larry's chapel out by the lake, and on arriving he directed me to their gym (churches are more than churches in this country, they have all sorts of facilities). He said some martial arts missionaries were there. There were three black belt martial arts instructors, a father, son and daughter-in-law, all demonstrating their impressive techniques, telling us how to be safe, and throwing in a bit of gospel.
It was different, but how I'd love a bit of Anglican Evensong. I could venture to the Cathedral but I don't like taking my car too far, it's not as young as it was.
So that has been my Independence Day weekend.
Oh. While I was out I bumped into my friend Quick in the local pharmacy/drug store. He's the 7'6" Brazilian basket ball player who drives a local taxi cab. I've known him since I've first been here, when I was first visiting Larry, we usually see each other driving round town and wave. When I bump into him I move in for a hug, and reach his waist.
Well, you certainly had busy time this weekend. I'm glad you and Rosalyn and Bruce got together.and that you explored the religious options out there.
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