29th August 2013
A series of days reflecting what it’s like to be a minister.
Last week I heard that an elderly church member was now very frail. She’d moved to a care home not long after Easter and I’d visited her about 10 days before I left for the USA. She’d still had some of her spark then. But when I went to see her last week she was barely conscious. She had no direct family and her nearest relative (a niece) had told me that they thought the end was near.
This is always something I find difficult. I am comfortable being with someone who is dying but then again how do you know? The Prayers for the Dying service in the Methodist Worship Book is very sensitive but I can’t help but think what if the person recovers? How would they feel knowing I’ve prayed for them as if they were dying?
One thing the Prayers for the dying service doesn’t include is anointing with oil. And yet this is something I have learned to include with someone who is dying.
3 years ago I was visiting a member of one of my churches who was in the last stages of dying of cancer. She lived a few doors down from a Baptist church and the minister of that church called in to see her one day when I was there. I knew the minister well and we get on well. He asked the lady – I’ll call her Pauline – if she would like us to pray with her and anoint her with oil. Pauline said she’d like this. So that is what we did.
My colleague must have seen me looking sceptical as when we left he explained how in his experience people valued the ancient symbolism of the anointing. I took on board his advice. (To be honest my scepticism was more surprise that a Baptist would use anointing in this way.)
Anyway, late on Sunday evening my dear friend died. I will remember her for years to come because she always read Bible passages in church so beautifully with so much feeling and with a lovely Wiltshire burr.
Otherwise it has been a case of visiting a few people in hospital and being informed about people who have a series of illnesses or other issues. One or two really need long term support and one in particular could do with the kind of support that a Stephen minister could offer.
There is a real need for Stephen ministers. Some people need more time than I can hope to give and equally their needs are more than pastoral visitors can offer.
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Sunday, 25 August 2013
Uproot and tear down, destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant
25th August 2013
I got into a few discussions about American politics and politicians during our visit. And believe me if we have a low opinion of politicians here it is nothing compared to how things are over there. Everything over there is so polarised. So you either like Obama or you don’t. There is no “I don’t really like Obama but I do think he is trying his best on so and so.”
There is a great deal of cynicism about politicians and the feeling that they are only in politics for themselves. (And I suppose that’s true here too.) And one comment caught my attention because it sums up much of what is felt I think.
“Whoever wishes to be elected President should be disqualified out of hand.”
I think what this comment meant was that if someone runs for President, they must be so power hungry and must be so deluded to think they have the skills for the job, that they should be stopped.
Of course if we turn this logic on its head, anyone who refuses the nomination to be President should be elected because they won’t let the power corrupt them.
In the first chapter of the Book of the Prophet of Jeremiah, Jeremiah refuses the nomination to become a servant of God, a prophet.
God says to Jeremiah:
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
And in reply Jeremiah says:
6 “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
And this isn’t false modesty on behalf of Jeremiah. Jeremiah really doesn’t think he has what it takes to be a prophet. Hence why he initially refuses God’s summons.
Actually this is often the way with prophets in the Old Testament. They are shown either as reluctant to take up their calling as prophets or otherwise they are shown as hesitant to take on a ministry God has given them. I suppose a good example is that of Jonah.
This reluctance is not false modesty. It always seems to be a sign of someone who genuinely feels they are not up to the task or that there is someone more worthy than them. But it is almost as if this initial or on-going reluctance to embrace the appointed task or speak the divine word, is there to prove God’s summons. In other words, if a prophet comes forward eagerly then they may well be false prophets or at least a prophet or a servant who treats God’s call too lightly.
Last Sunday I went to a service at Fairview UMC in Mooresville. The service was being led by an American Methodist minister called Ed Kilborn. Ed told a wonderful story.
A powerful matriarch at his home church was a woman called Willybelle. When young people reached 18 Willybelle told people what plans God had for new. She did this by laying hands on them. She told Ed he’d be a missionary. Ed comes from a long line of missionaries. His parents had been missionaries in China, Japan and Korea. He grandfather had been a missionary in northern China. So being a missionary meant entering the family business. Ed denied he’d be a missionary. Today he travels the US telling stories, performing songs. Not a missionary in the classical sense but a missionary all the same.
When Ed told that story I was reminded of my own reluctance to enter ministry despite all the calls from God over many years. At least 4 times over a 15 year period God had spoken to me through other people saying they thought I should be a minister. And each time I always had an excuse. I certainly didn’t see myself as a minister. I certainly didn’t think I was a good enough theologian. I wasn’t sure I’d make a good pastor. In fact even now I sometimes wonder whether I have got what it takes to be a minister yet here I am.
But God knew. God prompted those various people over the years to speak to me. To pass on what God knew.
The words God spoke to Jeremiah
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
are words for each of us too. They are words to remind us that God knows us from the very start of our lives and knows what he would like us to be – though whether or not we follow that path of course is another matter. That must always be a dilemma for God; seeing his children doing their own thing and ignoring his paths.
But my reluctance is nothing when compared to why Jeremiah was reluctant. He was reluctant for God was calling him to a hugely challenging task. And the nature of Jeremiah’s call is set out in v10 of chapter 1:
10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
God was calling Jeremiah to challenge his own people and nation. Jeremiah will be God’s mouth piece during the last decades of the Judean monarchy before the country is crushed and its people enslaved. The reason Jeremiah has been born at this point in history is in order for God’s message to be given – no matter how unpalatable the message is.
God may as well have said to Jeremiah:
“I appoint you to go out and make yourself really unpopular in my name. In my name you are to say things no one will want to hear.”
No wonder Jeremiah was reluctant to answer God’s call.
There is so much to take in from the exchange. But one thing I know, I have felt affirmed in my ministry. And as always God has spoken to me through other people. On the day we left we were presented with a book about Lake Norman – which is a huge reservoir near Mooresville. Inside the book was the following inscription:
“David, Jesus called the disciples while they were fishing at the water. He preached from the Sea of Galilee. He even walked on water. You came to us from over the water. May the waves you see in the days and years to come serve as a reminder of our Christian love and prayers coming your way. Thank you for being YOU”
That was a wonderful affirmation of my calling. Not that I had doubts. But it is was nice to know.
And yet when I was away I had a sense that God has other things in mind for me. I had a sense that God is moving me, nudging me in to a different phase of my ministry. I do not know what that is yet and I do not know what God wants me to say or do. But my time in America means I am open to God’s bidding. That said I felt assured that part of my ministry is to be a Jeremiah and speak out to
“ … uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
As an ordained minister I have been called to something specific. To be first and foremost a minister of word and sacrament. But I want to go back to what I was telling you a moment ago about Ed Kilburn. For God calls each of us as his missionaries. God calls each one of us as his servants. Jesus uses each of us to be Christ like in this world. Yes we may put up excuses:
6 “Alas, Sovereign LORD,I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” or
“Alas, Sovereign LORD I am too busy” or
“Alas, Sovereign LORD, I am too old.”
And yet deep down in our hearts we hear God’s call. And believe me he keeps calling until we answer. He has known us since before he formed us in the womb and has set us apart. And because he knows us so intimately he knows what we are capable of in his name and with the strength given to us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I got into a few discussions about American politics and politicians during our visit. And believe me if we have a low opinion of politicians here it is nothing compared to how things are over there. Everything over there is so polarised. So you either like Obama or you don’t. There is no “I don’t really like Obama but I do think he is trying his best on so and so.”
There is a great deal of cynicism about politicians and the feeling that they are only in politics for themselves. (And I suppose that’s true here too.) And one comment caught my attention because it sums up much of what is felt I think.
“Whoever wishes to be elected President should be disqualified out of hand.”
I think what this comment meant was that if someone runs for President, they must be so power hungry and must be so deluded to think they have the skills for the job, that they should be stopped.
Of course if we turn this logic on its head, anyone who refuses the nomination to be President should be elected because they won’t let the power corrupt them.
In the first chapter of the Book of the Prophet of Jeremiah, Jeremiah refuses the nomination to become a servant of God, a prophet.
God says to Jeremiah:
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
And in reply Jeremiah says:
6 “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
And this isn’t false modesty on behalf of Jeremiah. Jeremiah really doesn’t think he has what it takes to be a prophet. Hence why he initially refuses God’s summons.
Actually this is often the way with prophets in the Old Testament. They are shown either as reluctant to take up their calling as prophets or otherwise they are shown as hesitant to take on a ministry God has given them. I suppose a good example is that of Jonah.
This reluctance is not false modesty. It always seems to be a sign of someone who genuinely feels they are not up to the task or that there is someone more worthy than them. But it is almost as if this initial or on-going reluctance to embrace the appointed task or speak the divine word, is there to prove God’s summons. In other words, if a prophet comes forward eagerly then they may well be false prophets or at least a prophet or a servant who treats God’s call too lightly.
Last Sunday I went to a service at Fairview UMC in Mooresville. The service was being led by an American Methodist minister called Ed Kilborn. Ed told a wonderful story.
A powerful matriarch at his home church was a woman called Willybelle. When young people reached 18 Willybelle told people what plans God had for new. She did this by laying hands on them. She told Ed he’d be a missionary. Ed comes from a long line of missionaries. His parents had been missionaries in China, Japan and Korea. He grandfather had been a missionary in northern China. So being a missionary meant entering the family business. Ed denied he’d be a missionary. Today he travels the US telling stories, performing songs. Not a missionary in the classical sense but a missionary all the same.
When Ed told that story I was reminded of my own reluctance to enter ministry despite all the calls from God over many years. At least 4 times over a 15 year period God had spoken to me through other people saying they thought I should be a minister. And each time I always had an excuse. I certainly didn’t see myself as a minister. I certainly didn’t think I was a good enough theologian. I wasn’t sure I’d make a good pastor. In fact even now I sometimes wonder whether I have got what it takes to be a minister yet here I am.
But God knew. God prompted those various people over the years to speak to me. To pass on what God knew.
The words God spoke to Jeremiah
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
are words for each of us too. They are words to remind us that God knows us from the very start of our lives and knows what he would like us to be – though whether or not we follow that path of course is another matter. That must always be a dilemma for God; seeing his children doing their own thing and ignoring his paths.
But my reluctance is nothing when compared to why Jeremiah was reluctant. He was reluctant for God was calling him to a hugely challenging task. And the nature of Jeremiah’s call is set out in v10 of chapter 1:
10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
God was calling Jeremiah to challenge his own people and nation. Jeremiah will be God’s mouth piece during the last decades of the Judean monarchy before the country is crushed and its people enslaved. The reason Jeremiah has been born at this point in history is in order for God’s message to be given – no matter how unpalatable the message is.
God may as well have said to Jeremiah:
“I appoint you to go out and make yourself really unpopular in my name. In my name you are to say things no one will want to hear.”
No wonder Jeremiah was reluctant to answer God’s call.
There is so much to take in from the exchange. But one thing I know, I have felt affirmed in my ministry. And as always God has spoken to me through other people. On the day we left we were presented with a book about Lake Norman – which is a huge reservoir near Mooresville. Inside the book was the following inscription:
“David, Jesus called the disciples while they were fishing at the water. He preached from the Sea of Galilee. He even walked on water. You came to us from over the water. May the waves you see in the days and years to come serve as a reminder of our Christian love and prayers coming your way. Thank you for being YOU”
That was a wonderful affirmation of my calling. Not that I had doubts. But it is was nice to know.
And yet when I was away I had a sense that God has other things in mind for me. I had a sense that God is moving me, nudging me in to a different phase of my ministry. I do not know what that is yet and I do not know what God wants me to say or do. But my time in America means I am open to God’s bidding. That said I felt assured that part of my ministry is to be a Jeremiah and speak out to
“ … uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
As an ordained minister I have been called to something specific. To be first and foremost a minister of word and sacrament. But I want to go back to what I was telling you a moment ago about Ed Kilburn. For God calls each of us as his missionaries. God calls each one of us as his servants. Jesus uses each of us to be Christ like in this world. Yes we may put up excuses:
6 “Alas, Sovereign LORD,I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” or
“Alas, Sovereign LORD I am too busy” or
“Alas, Sovereign LORD, I am too old.”
And yet deep down in our hearts we hear God’s call. And believe me he keeps calling until we answer. He has known us since before he formed us in the womb and has set us apart. And because he knows us so intimately he knows what we are capable of in his name and with the strength given to us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Saturday, 24 August 2013
This voice isn't mine
This voice isn’t mine
Someone from one of my churches forwarded me a link to a blog from “Christian Voice”. Christian Voice claims to be:
“ … a ministry for those Christians who are fed up with the way things are, who have had enough of secularist politicians imposing wickedness on the rest of us and who are not satisfied with trying to get ‘Christian influence in a secular world’ because they know ‘The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein’ (Psalm 24:1).”
In the email Christian Voice lets rip at the Greenbelt festival (that is taking place this weekend.) http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/ And the reason Christian Voice is criticising Greenbelt is because Greenbelt is picking on Israel.
The blog (written by Stephen Green) implies that criticism of Israel is incompatible with being a Christian and in particular Green suggests that Greenbelt’s stance is incompatible with the stance advocated by Christians for Zion http://www.christiansforzion.com/about/. That organisation states:
“Christians for Zion UK was founded in 2005 honouring the commands in Scripture to Bless the Jewish people and support their return to the land which God gave them as an everlasting possession. We want to be a voice for Israel within the Christian community.”
I freely admit that I don’t know fully understand (actually I don’t understand full stop) what the logic is and Biblical basis for Christians feeling the need for Jewish people to be in residence in Israel in perpetuity. And neither Christian Voice or Christians for Zion explain this.
What I do feel though is that Christian Voice and Christians for Zion are very selective in their choice of theology and Bible verses. How about then thinking about what Jesus said (rather than some Old Testament prophets. For example:
Matthew 5:43-44
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
And then the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37
To me Christians have a duty to speak out against oppression and Israel oppresses Palestinians. Equally Christians have a duty to speak peace and Palestinians (or at least some of them) know nothing of peace.
If you feel so inclined you can read the gem from Christian Voice here.
http://www.christianvoice.org.uk/index.php/2013aug24gbelt/
PS And why do the likes of Christian Voice and Christians for Zion always quote Bible verses from the Kings James Version?
Someone from one of my churches forwarded me a link to a blog from “Christian Voice”. Christian Voice claims to be:
“ … a ministry for those Christians who are fed up with the way things are, who have had enough of secularist politicians imposing wickedness on the rest of us and who are not satisfied with trying to get ‘Christian influence in a secular world’ because they know ‘The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein’ (Psalm 24:1).”
In the email Christian Voice lets rip at the Greenbelt festival (that is taking place this weekend.) http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/ And the reason Christian Voice is criticising Greenbelt is because Greenbelt is picking on Israel.
The blog (written by Stephen Green) implies that criticism of Israel is incompatible with being a Christian and in particular Green suggests that Greenbelt’s stance is incompatible with the stance advocated by Christians for Zion http://www.christiansforzion.com/about/. That organisation states:
“Christians for Zion UK was founded in 2005 honouring the commands in Scripture to Bless the Jewish people and support their return to the land which God gave them as an everlasting possession. We want to be a voice for Israel within the Christian community.”
I freely admit that I don’t know fully understand (actually I don’t understand full stop) what the logic is and Biblical basis for Christians feeling the need for Jewish people to be in residence in Israel in perpetuity. And neither Christian Voice or Christians for Zion explain this.
What I do feel though is that Christian Voice and Christians for Zion are very selective in their choice of theology and Bible verses. How about then thinking about what Jesus said (rather than some Old Testament prophets. For example:
Matthew 5:43-44
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
And then the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37
To me Christians have a duty to speak out against oppression and Israel oppresses Palestinians. Equally Christians have a duty to speak peace and Palestinians (or at least some of them) know nothing of peace.
If you feel so inclined you can read the gem from Christian Voice here.
http://www.christianvoice.org.uk/index.php/2013aug24gbelt/
PS And why do the likes of Christian Voice and Christians for Zion always quote Bible verses from the Kings James Version?
Friday, 23 August 2013
A quart into a pint pot
23rd August 2013
Trying to settle back in to some sort of routine after the last 2 months and all I have experienced.
In theory I had allowed myself Tuesday to settle back, go through the post and emails (though I’d dealt with most when I was in Mooresville and on holiday.) But church members had other ideas no sooner than I’d sat at my desk than I received phone calls from members of church updating me on some pastoral issues. Both important. One was dealt with over the phone but the next needed a visit.
The jet lag hasn’t been too bad for me. I’ve managed to sleep through the night every night. That said I have felt slightly spaced out all week. Though today I’m feeling close to what passes for normal.
Then I managed to have a meeting (Oh joy a meeting) with one set of church stewards. Useful meeting. But coming back and thinking about the cycle of meetings that will unfold over the next few weeks makes me depressed. I know that in September and October I will spend the equivalent of a couple of days in various meetings.
The stewards meeting included a debrief of how the exchange had gone on this i.e. of the pond. All very positive. One steward commented on how Rev Calhoun had quoted Wesley on quite a few times. And the steward said “It made me realise that I don’t have that much knowledge about John Wesley. It would be really good to have a series of classes about Wesley and what he believed.” I agreed but pointed that teaching that kind of class means I need time to prepare. It took me 3 or 4 days research to put together the John’s Gospel series at Fairview. And the only way I’d managed to prepare it was by having several days away from emails, phone calls etc.
Being in Mooresville made me realise how much I enjoyed the teaching that I did. But the reality is that in order to reach a subject I have to prepare it and research it. And that takes time. What do I give up or park to enable me to do that? And more importantly will the people of my churches allow me that space?
And it seems to me this is the constant problem. The expectation that I can fit a quart in to a pint pot.
Trying to settle back in to some sort of routine after the last 2 months and all I have experienced.
In theory I had allowed myself Tuesday to settle back, go through the post and emails (though I’d dealt with most when I was in Mooresville and on holiday.) But church members had other ideas no sooner than I’d sat at my desk than I received phone calls from members of church updating me on some pastoral issues. Both important. One was dealt with over the phone but the next needed a visit.
The jet lag hasn’t been too bad for me. I’ve managed to sleep through the night every night. That said I have felt slightly spaced out all week. Though today I’m feeling close to what passes for normal.
Then I managed to have a meeting (Oh joy a meeting) with one set of church stewards. Useful meeting. But coming back and thinking about the cycle of meetings that will unfold over the next few weeks makes me depressed. I know that in September and October I will spend the equivalent of a couple of days in various meetings.
The stewards meeting included a debrief of how the exchange had gone on this i.e. of the pond. All very positive. One steward commented on how Rev Calhoun had quoted Wesley on quite a few times. And the steward said “It made me realise that I don’t have that much knowledge about John Wesley. It would be really good to have a series of classes about Wesley and what he believed.” I agreed but pointed that teaching that kind of class means I need time to prepare. It took me 3 or 4 days research to put together the John’s Gospel series at Fairview. And the only way I’d managed to prepare it was by having several days away from emails, phone calls etc.
Being in Mooresville made me realise how much I enjoyed the teaching that I did. But the reality is that in order to reach a subject I have to prepare it and research it. And that takes time. What do I give up or park to enable me to do that? And more importantly will the people of my churches allow me that space?
And it seems to me this is the constant problem. The expectation that I can fit a quart in to a pint pot.
Monday, 19 August 2013
We're home
18th / 19th August 2013
Although we weren’t due to fly out of Charlotte until 5pm on Sunday, I was awake bright and early. So this meant I had time to go to the 9am service at Fairview. Rev Calhoun was there and was given a warm welcome back. But the service was led by Ed Kilburn.
I don’t know much about him – though he and David Calhoun clearly go back a long time. I liked the way he spoke to the young people and taught them (and us) to “sing” a song using sign language. His sermon was very thought provoking. He related how (as an ordained minister) he had hands laid on him at ordination. And emphasised how Jesus laid hands on children. He then said it was not hard to imagine that the children who Jesus blessed grew up and at age 50 blessed children themselves. And those children grew into adults who blessed children etc etc. On this basis each of us are only 40 people away from Jesus.
It was good to be there and see some of the people we’ve grown close to. But as I drove back to the parsonage I felt a real sense of loss.
So around midday we left the parsonage and started the process of returning home.
We had a bit of a panic as the flight from Charlotte to JFK New York was late leaving. Due to Delta changing flight times after we’d booked, the original 2 ½ hour layover had become a 1 hour change over. So we were panicking – especially as we had to change terminals. But we made it.
Needless to say an overnight flight is never good – especially as there were several screaming babies. But we survived and were back home by 11.00
A wonderful chapter closes.
Although we weren’t due to fly out of Charlotte until 5pm on Sunday, I was awake bright and early. So this meant I had time to go to the 9am service at Fairview. Rev Calhoun was there and was given a warm welcome back. But the service was led by Ed Kilburn.
I don’t know much about him – though he and David Calhoun clearly go back a long time. I liked the way he spoke to the young people and taught them (and us) to “sing” a song using sign language. His sermon was very thought provoking. He related how (as an ordained minister) he had hands laid on him at ordination. And emphasised how Jesus laid hands on children. He then said it was not hard to imagine that the children who Jesus blessed grew up and at age 50 blessed children themselves. And those children grew into adults who blessed children etc etc. On this basis each of us are only 40 people away from Jesus.
It was good to be there and see some of the people we’ve grown close to. But as I drove back to the parsonage I felt a real sense of loss.
So around midday we left the parsonage and started the process of returning home.
We had a bit of a panic as the flight from Charlotte to JFK New York was late leaving. Due to Delta changing flight times after we’d booked, the original 2 ½ hour layover had become a 1 hour change over. So we were panicking – especially as we had to change terminals. But we made it.
Needless to say an overnight flight is never good – especially as there were several screaming babies. But we survived and were back home by 11.00
A wonderful chapter closes.
Saturday, 17 August 2013
And now the end is near
17th August 2013
“And now, the end is near”
Writing this at 20.45 local time in Mooresville knowing that this time tomorrow evening we’ll be in the air flying home to UK.
What a wonderful experience this has been. We have met so many great people and I have gained so much for my ministry. It has been like being on sabbatical – even though I was “working” if you can call it working playing Sir Wally at VBS, or singing with the church choir, or experiencing the great choir of St Pauls Charlotte, and so on and so on.
The last couple of days have involved a lot of driving. On Thursday we drove from Washington DC down to The Outer banks - an area of the North Carolina Coast. (Referred to locally as OBX) The drive was over 300 miles but for the most part the roads behaved themselves and it took 6 hours.
We were sad to leave Washington DC as it is a terrific city and we had such a god time exploring with Cousin Tom. Bless him as we left he gave us 3 beautiful picture books about DC. It was great to spend so much time with him. We first met in 1977 then not again until 1996. We saw each other for an afternoon in 2001 so now was the first time to spend any length of time together.
Sadly our time in DC was all too brief. We barely scratched the surface. For example we didn’t visit Arlington or the Holocaust Museum both of which had been on the list for me before our visit. Next time.
The place we were staying at OBX was called Nags Head and the motel we stayed in was right on the beach. A lovely location. And it goes to show that first impressions shouldn’t count. As we drove in to Nags Head we followed about 5 miles of strip malls with lots of places selling T shirts, beach accoutrements, fishing tackle and so on. But once we got on to the road running between the strip malls and the each all changed.
On Friday we’d arranged to meet up with a friend made via Rotary. Rachel visited the UK in February / March this year as part of a group on what is referred to as a Group Study Exchange. Rachel stayed with us for 3 or 4 nights and we hit it off. So Rachel and her family came to meet us at Nags Head.
It was so good to see her again and to meet the family. They live further down the coast. But not being familiar with the geography of North Carolina’s coast we were humbled to find they had driven 200 miles to see us. They bought us dinner then drove back. That’s North Carolinians for you.
Today we set off for Mooresville – about a 400 mile journey. It rained for most of the way and including some breaks it took us 8 hours. We were briefly able to catch up with some Fairview friends who had the key to the parsonage before we met Pastor Calhoun and his wife for dinner. We compared notes and I was pleased that they’d had as good a time as we had. In fact David said (quite seriously) that he intends to write to Mayor of Swindon and tell him that Swindon is a great place with great people. It just needs to work on its PR.
So now Anne & I are in the Parsonage. (Tom is out with his Fairview friends.) I suppose I should be looking forward to going home and in a way I am. But it will be hard to leave behind this wonderful experience. Something I will never forget.
I am just so pleased that a number of people are promising to stay in touch and there is a real plan for a youth group from Fairview to come over to the UK in 2015. I so hope it happens.
So, the American adventure comes to an end. I have been so blessed by God and by so many people. When can I do it again?
“And now, the end is near”
Writing this at 20.45 local time in Mooresville knowing that this time tomorrow evening we’ll be in the air flying home to UK.
What a wonderful experience this has been. We have met so many great people and I have gained so much for my ministry. It has been like being on sabbatical – even though I was “working” if you can call it working playing Sir Wally at VBS, or singing with the church choir, or experiencing the great choir of St Pauls Charlotte, and so on and so on.
The last couple of days have involved a lot of driving. On Thursday we drove from Washington DC down to The Outer banks - an area of the North Carolina Coast. (Referred to locally as OBX) The drive was over 300 miles but for the most part the roads behaved themselves and it took 6 hours.
We were sad to leave Washington DC as it is a terrific city and we had such a god time exploring with Cousin Tom. Bless him as we left he gave us 3 beautiful picture books about DC. It was great to spend so much time with him. We first met in 1977 then not again until 1996. We saw each other for an afternoon in 2001 so now was the first time to spend any length of time together.
Sadly our time in DC was all too brief. We barely scratched the surface. For example we didn’t visit Arlington or the Holocaust Museum both of which had been on the list for me before our visit. Next time.
The place we were staying at OBX was called Nags Head and the motel we stayed in was right on the beach. A lovely location. And it goes to show that first impressions shouldn’t count. As we drove in to Nags Head we followed about 5 miles of strip malls with lots of places selling T shirts, beach accoutrements, fishing tackle and so on. But once we got on to the road running between the strip malls and the each all changed.
On Friday we’d arranged to meet up with a friend made via Rotary. Rachel visited the UK in February / March this year as part of a group on what is referred to as a Group Study Exchange. Rachel stayed with us for 3 or 4 nights and we hit it off. So Rachel and her family came to meet us at Nags Head.
It was so good to see her again and to meet the family. They live further down the coast. But not being familiar with the geography of North Carolina’s coast we were humbled to find they had driven 200 miles to see us. They bought us dinner then drove back. That’s North Carolinians for you.
Today we set off for Mooresville – about a 400 mile journey. It rained for most of the way and including some breaks it took us 8 hours. We were briefly able to catch up with some Fairview friends who had the key to the parsonage before we met Pastor Calhoun and his wife for dinner. We compared notes and I was pleased that they’d had as good a time as we had. In fact David said (quite seriously) that he intends to write to Mayor of Swindon and tell him that Swindon is a great place with great people. It just needs to work on its PR.
So now Anne & I are in the Parsonage. (Tom is out with his Fairview friends.) I suppose I should be looking forward to going home and in a way I am. But it will be hard to leave behind this wonderful experience. Something I will never forget.
I am just so pleased that a number of people are promising to stay in touch and there is a real plan for a youth group from Fairview to come over to the UK in 2015. I so hope it happens.
So, the American adventure comes to an end. I have been so blessed by God and by so many people. When can I do it again?
Friday, 16 August 2013
Kermit & Lincoln all in one day
14th August
Our last day in Washington DC. So little time in a wonderful city.
In the morning we went to one of the many Smithsonian Museums on The Mall. We chose to go to the American History Museum. It is undergoing renovation so only about half of it is open – but what a half!
The thing I liked about it is that it tells the story of America through everyday objects. From the wagons used by people settling out West, through early steam locomotives and then cars.
But then there are cultural icons such as the telephone Hollywood mogul Jack Warner had on his desk and his personal address book open at the page for Walt Disney, Salvador Dali and Olivia De Havilland. There are the red slippers worn by Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and then in a glass case Kermit the Frog.
There was an excellent section on US Presidents and on the First Ladies. Again told through everyday objects and clothes.
Finally, in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech given on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on 28th August 1963, a section looking at that day. Really well done.
A very good museum.
In the evening we headed back down to the Potomac to an area called the Wharf to a riverside bar and restaurant. It was a great place to spend our last evening – though it was slightly marred by a snotty waiter. We’d tipped him and just as we were leaving cousin Tom called the waiter over and politely asked if he would take a photo of us all. “After the tip you left I don’t think so!” We were shocked and Tom and I both complained to the manager. So the manager of Nick’s Bar & Grille I suggest you work on your staff’s people skills! (Needless to say comments have been placed on Tripadvisor.)
(By the way, before my editor tries to correct me it is Grille. There is a tendency for random “E” to be added to words we’ve noticed. Hence “Shoppes” and “Towne” both of which we’ve seen numerous times.)
After dinner, we took a taxi to see the Lincoln Memorial. By now it had gone 9pm and so it was dark and the Lincoln Memorial (and the distant Washington Memorial) were both beautifully lit.
We must have spent an hour at the Lincoln Memorial. It is such a famous landmark and we were captivated. If you don’t know, inside on either side of the statue are two of Lincoln’s speeches. The famous Gettysburg address is one. The other speech is his second inaugural speech given on 4th March 1865.
I was not familiar with the inaugural speech but it is very powerful. It was given as the Civil War was still being fought (though would soon end) and its tone is about reconciliation and forgiveness. This is the last paragraph:
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
Sadly within 6 weeks this great man would be dead.
We walked through the park up towards the Washington Monument and in doing so we passed the Memorials to the Vietnam, Korean and Second World Wars. The Vietnam Memorial I was familiar with (the wall of black granite containing the names of over 50,000 men Americans killed in Vietnam.) But I was not familiar with the other two.
Very impressive.
The Second World Monument is very large with obelisks representing each state and a fountain in the middle.
But the most moving was that for Korea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War_Veterans_Memorial This portrays a number of soldiers walking through scrubland. They all have a haunted, scared, look on their faces. And at night they looked ghostlike.
On a small wall are the names of all the nations who took part in the Korean War under the United Nations flag.
As we walked across The Mall for the final time we caught up with a couple (a black guy and a white woman). We got talking to them and the guy said “Are we OK to walk with you? I’ve seen a fox up ahead and I’m a bit frightened.” She laughed as did we but it was a fun way to end a great visit to the capital.
It has been so good to spend time with my cousin Tom. He’s a great guy. He has a lot on his plate at present and he needed this break. It’s been good to have him in the family.
Our last day in Washington DC. So little time in a wonderful city.
In the morning we went to one of the many Smithsonian Museums on The Mall. We chose to go to the American History Museum. It is undergoing renovation so only about half of it is open – but what a half!
The thing I liked about it is that it tells the story of America through everyday objects. From the wagons used by people settling out West, through early steam locomotives and then cars.
There was an excellent section on US Presidents and on the First Ladies. Again told through everyday objects and clothes.
Finally, in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech given on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on 28th August 1963, a section looking at that day. Really well done.
A very good museum.
In the evening we headed back down to the Potomac to an area called the Wharf to a riverside bar and restaurant. It was a great place to spend our last evening – though it was slightly marred by a snotty waiter. We’d tipped him and just as we were leaving cousin Tom called the waiter over and politely asked if he would take a photo of us all. “After the tip you left I don’t think so!” We were shocked and Tom and I both complained to the manager. So the manager of Nick’s Bar & Grille I suggest you work on your staff’s people skills! (Needless to say comments have been placed on Tripadvisor.)
(By the way, before my editor tries to correct me it is Grille. There is a tendency for random “E” to be added to words we’ve noticed. Hence “Shoppes” and “Towne” both of which we’ve seen numerous times.)
After dinner, we took a taxi to see the Lincoln Memorial. By now it had gone 9pm and so it was dark and the Lincoln Memorial (and the distant Washington Memorial) were both beautifully lit.
We must have spent an hour at the Lincoln Memorial. It is such a famous landmark and we were captivated. If you don’t know, inside on either side of the statue are two of Lincoln’s speeches. The famous Gettysburg address is one. The other speech is his second inaugural speech given on 4th March 1865.
I was not familiar with the inaugural speech but it is very powerful. It was given as the Civil War was still being fought (though would soon end) and its tone is about reconciliation and forgiveness. This is the last paragraph:
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
Sadly within 6 weeks this great man would be dead.
We walked through the park up towards the Washington Monument and in doing so we passed the Memorials to the Vietnam, Korean and Second World Wars. The Vietnam Memorial I was familiar with (the wall of black granite containing the names of over 50,000 men Americans killed in Vietnam.) But I was not familiar with the other two.
Very impressive.
The Second World Monument is very large with obelisks representing each state and a fountain in the middle.
But the most moving was that for Korea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War_Veterans_Memorial This portrays a number of soldiers walking through scrubland. They all have a haunted, scared, look on their faces. And at night they looked ghostlike.
As we walked across The Mall for the final time we caught up with a couple (a black guy and a white woman). We got talking to them and the guy said “Are we OK to walk with you? I’ve seen a fox up ahead and I’m a bit frightened.” She laughed as did we but it was a fun way to end a great visit to the capital.
It has been so good to spend time with my cousin Tom. He’s a great guy. He has a lot on his plate at present and he needed this break. It’s been good to have him in the family.
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
I spy Ford's Theatre
13th August 2013
A slower paced day today.
Anne took herself off to do some shopping so I went with the two Toms to visit some boys stuff. Mainly the International Spy Museum more of which in a moment.
Once again got the efficient Metro into the centre. As we walked towards the Spy Museum, Cousin Tom pointed out Ford’s Theatre where Lincoln was shot. I’d seen this on maps but had assumed it would be a case of a plaque on the wall of the building. But no, the theatre (and a house opposite where the dying Lincoln was taken) are owned by the National Parks Service.
So we went in and had a very interesting visit.
In the theatre itself one of the NPS rangers explained the events of the night of 14th April 1865. He really brought the story alive and it was strange to be seated in the Circle of the theatre looking across at the box, decked out as it would have been with flags and bunting.
In fact the theatre is a reconstruction as, following Lincoln’s death, the building fell into disuse before becoming government offices and government storage. It reopened as a historical site in 1968.
Across the street is the Peterson House. This was a boarding house at the time and Lincoln was taken here after he was shot as doctors felt he would not survive a carriage ride back to the White House. In the backroom of the house Lincoln died at 7.22am on 15th April 1865.
The NPS have set up an excellent museum next door to the Peterson House. And in the centre of the museum is a massive tower of books all written about Lincoln. Apparently there are over 15,000 books about him.
One slight jarring note. One display as you walk down the staircase past the tower of books shows people of influence since the time of Lincoln who were said to be inspired by him. These include Nelson Mandela, Churchill, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King. But amongst these is Charles DeGaulle. Really? Can’t think why he is thought to rank in the same league as those.
So on to the International Spy Museum. Tom and I had both read up about this and thought it sounded interesting. But it was very disappointing. It was trying to be a cool place for kids and at the same time informative. I’m not a kid so can’t speak authoritatively from that perspective, but it seemed to fail on both counts. Tom and I agreed the best part was included in a display on spying in the Civil War - An abridged version of Buster Keaton’s film The General.
A slower paced day today.
Anne took herself off to do some shopping so I went with the two Toms to visit some boys stuff. Mainly the International Spy Museum more of which in a moment.
Once again got the efficient Metro into the centre. As we walked towards the Spy Museum, Cousin Tom pointed out Ford’s Theatre where Lincoln was shot. I’d seen this on maps but had assumed it would be a case of a plaque on the wall of the building. But no, the theatre (and a house opposite where the dying Lincoln was taken) are owned by the National Parks Service.
So we went in and had a very interesting visit.
In the theatre itself one of the NPS rangers explained the events of the night of 14th April 1865. He really brought the story alive and it was strange to be seated in the Circle of the theatre looking across at the box, decked out as it would have been with flags and bunting.
In fact the theatre is a reconstruction as, following Lincoln’s death, the building fell into disuse before becoming government offices and government storage. It reopened as a historical site in 1968.
Across the street is the Peterson House. This was a boarding house at the time and Lincoln was taken here after he was shot as doctors felt he would not survive a carriage ride back to the White House. In the backroom of the house Lincoln died at 7.22am on 15th April 1865.
One slight jarring note. One display as you walk down the staircase past the tower of books shows people of influence since the time of Lincoln who were said to be inspired by him. These include Nelson Mandela, Churchill, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King. But amongst these is Charles DeGaulle. Really? Can’t think why he is thought to rank in the same league as those.
So on to the International Spy Museum. Tom and I had both read up about this and thought it sounded interesting. But it was very disappointing. It was trying to be a cool place for kids and at the same time informative. I’m not a kid so can’t speak authoritatively from that perspective, but it seemed to fail on both counts. Tom and I agreed the best part was included in a display on spying in the Civil War - An abridged version of Buster Keaton’s film The General.
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
A Capital visit
12th August 2013
Our first proper day in Washington DC.
Through a Fairview contact we had tours of the Library of Congress, the Capital and the Supreme Court arranged. This busy day meant an early start and we were on the Metro just after 8am to head off to Capitol Hill.
Very impressed with the Metro. Nowhere near as busy as the London Underground and cheap; $3.00 for a peak time ticket. We had a 10 minute walk from the hotel to the nearest station – Foggy Bottom – and a 15 minute journey to Capital South the station that brought us right to our destination.
The Library of Congress is very impressive. The building itself is striking.
But on hearing about all that is housed there (and at various storage sites) and hearing about the huge ongoing digitisation process, we could not fail to be impressed. Among the millions of books, documents, audio and films, the LOC has other things in the collection such as the contents of Abraham Lincoln’s coat on the night he died!
As its name suggests, the Library of Congress was set up to be the Library of Congress! And it was originally housed in the Congressional building – The Capital. But at the end of the 19th century it was moved into its current, purpose built home. However, a team of LOC employees are on call day and night to provide information and research for members of Congress.
Our guide round LOC told us that when a proposal was made to build the LOC, the politicians moaned about the cost. However, the building opened under budget and ahead of schedule.
It was fitting therefore that our next stop was The Capital home of Congress. The LOC is linked to The Capital by an underground walkway. This brings you to an impressive Visitor Centre. (We learned later that it had cost $300 million, it had opened late and over budget.) This houses some of the wonderful statues each state gives to The Capital. (Each state can give 2 statues of people from the State no longer living.) These were my favourites:
King Kamehameha of Hawaii
Chief Washakee
Jack Swiggert
(Swiggert was one of the Apollo 13 crew. He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives but died of cancer before he could take office.)
Visitors enter a large lecture theatre and are shown a film about Congress and its history before being taken on a tour.
The tour was interesting but also disappointing as in essence we were not shown much more than the large circular hall under the dome. (We’d hoped to see inside the chambers.) That said, the Capital is an impressive building.
After lunch (in the Capital’s restaurant – it wold rate 3 to 4 on Tripadvisor!) we headed for the Supreme Court.
In essence our half hour there was sitting in the chamber of the court staring at the nine empty seats of the justices. And a court room is a court room. But the gentleman telling us all about it made everything come alive. He pointed out that the building had opened in the early 1930s at the time of the Great Depression. It was under budget and ahead of time. “Unlike the $300 million Capitol Visitor Center” he said. An unexpectedly very interesting visit indeed.
So with these three done what next? A walk down the Mall towards the Washington Memorial and then to see the White House. (Note to self – the Washington Memorial is very large, so when you think it is near it isn’t, far it is!) Quite a long walk on a hot day but well worth it. Thank goodness the hotel is only about a 20 minute walk from the White House.
While we’d been doing tourist stuff Cousin Tom had been catching up with friends from George Town University. So we met Tom B for dinner and his local knowledge came to the fore once again. He took us down to a riverside bar on the Potomac and then for dinner in the M Street area. Places we might not have found ourselves.
Tom B also regaled us with a few hilarious tales of his various foreign postings with the USAF over the years. Though not for public consumption.
Our first proper day in Washington DC.
Through a Fairview contact we had tours of the Library of Congress, the Capital and the Supreme Court arranged. This busy day meant an early start and we were on the Metro just after 8am to head off to Capitol Hill.
Very impressed with the Metro. Nowhere near as busy as the London Underground and cheap; $3.00 for a peak time ticket. We had a 10 minute walk from the hotel to the nearest station – Foggy Bottom – and a 15 minute journey to Capital South the station that brought us right to our destination.
The Library of Congress is very impressive. The building itself is striking.
But on hearing about all that is housed there (and at various storage sites) and hearing about the huge ongoing digitisation process, we could not fail to be impressed. Among the millions of books, documents, audio and films, the LOC has other things in the collection such as the contents of Abraham Lincoln’s coat on the night he died!
As its name suggests, the Library of Congress was set up to be the Library of Congress! And it was originally housed in the Congressional building – The Capital. But at the end of the 19th century it was moved into its current, purpose built home. However, a team of LOC employees are on call day and night to provide information and research for members of Congress.
Our guide round LOC told us that when a proposal was made to build the LOC, the politicians moaned about the cost. However, the building opened under budget and ahead of schedule.
It was fitting therefore that our next stop was The Capital home of Congress. The LOC is linked to The Capital by an underground walkway. This brings you to an impressive Visitor Centre. (We learned later that it had cost $300 million, it had opened late and over budget.) This houses some of the wonderful statues each state gives to The Capital. (Each state can give 2 statues of people from the State no longer living.) These were my favourites:
King Kamehameha of Hawaii
Jack Swiggert
(Swiggert was one of the Apollo 13 crew. He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives but died of cancer before he could take office.)
Visitors enter a large lecture theatre and are shown a film about Congress and its history before being taken on a tour.
The tour was interesting but also disappointing as in essence we were not shown much more than the large circular hall under the dome. (We’d hoped to see inside the chambers.) That said, the Capital is an impressive building.
After lunch (in the Capital’s restaurant – it wold rate 3 to 4 on Tripadvisor!) we headed for the Supreme Court.
In essence our half hour there was sitting in the chamber of the court staring at the nine empty seats of the justices. And a court room is a court room. But the gentleman telling us all about it made everything come alive. He pointed out that the building had opened in the early 1930s at the time of the Great Depression. It was under budget and ahead of time. “Unlike the $300 million Capitol Visitor Center” he said. An unexpectedly very interesting visit indeed.
So with these three done what next? A walk down the Mall towards the Washington Memorial and then to see the White House. (Note to self – the Washington Memorial is very large, so when you think it is near it isn’t, far it is!) Quite a long walk on a hot day but well worth it. Thank goodness the hotel is only about a 20 minute walk from the White House.
While we’d been doing tourist stuff Cousin Tom had been catching up with friends from George Town University. So we met Tom B for dinner and his local knowledge came to the fore once again. He took us down to a riverside bar on the Potomac and then for dinner in the M Street area. Places we might not have found ourselves.
Tom B also regaled us with a few hilarious tales of his various foreign postings with the USAF over the years. Though not for public consumption.
Monday, 12 August 2013
I feel the need. The need for speed!
11th August 2013
I suppose I start late yesterday. My cousin Tom from Ohio has come to join us and he arrived in the evening. He did an MBA at Georgetown University so knows the Washington DC area well.
He suggested we go to Alexandria for dinner and what a great place.
We had dinner at a fish restaurant on Kings Street called The Wharf. And we had some delicious meals. Kings Street (and Alexandria in general) has a good collection of restaurants, shops and bars. And when we left the restaurant about 10.30pm the area was buzzing. (A great place for Street Pastors?)
Cousin Tom is an aeronautical engineer, so when Tom G and I suggested we visit the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia (a very large museum devoted entirely to planes and rockets) Tom B’s face lit up.
Once again this was a serious day for the boys. But Anne bravely stuck it out. The highlight for me was seeing the Space Shuttle Discovery. Though there are many interesting exhibits including an SR 71 Blackbird spy plane, and F14 Tomcat (seen Top Gun – that’s the kind of plane Tom Cruise “flies”). I could go on but most of you are already glazing over.
Tom B was able to give us some very interesting personal stories about some of the planes in the collection. But perhaps the most fascinating was that one of his lecturers at university had been a student of Werner Von Braun in World War 2 Germany. (Von Braun joined NASA after the war in developing the Apollo rockets.) Tom saw a picture of his professor with Von Braun.
Tom B lent us a spare Garmin Sat Nav he had. (He’d decided to upgrade yesterday.) And that was so helpful getting into DC. So we found our hotel without too much difficulty and it is in a great spot. About 25 minutes’ walk from the White House.
We took a stroll around the area and ended up just off DuPont Circle which is quite a “hip” area apparently. We found a great little diner for dinner.
First impressions – we like DC a lot.
I suppose I start late yesterday. My cousin Tom from Ohio has come to join us and he arrived in the evening. He did an MBA at Georgetown University so knows the Washington DC area well.
He suggested we go to Alexandria for dinner and what a great place.
We had dinner at a fish restaurant on Kings Street called The Wharf. And we had some delicious meals. Kings Street (and Alexandria in general) has a good collection of restaurants, shops and bars. And when we left the restaurant about 10.30pm the area was buzzing. (A great place for Street Pastors?)
Cousin Tom is an aeronautical engineer, so when Tom G and I suggested we visit the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia (a very large museum devoted entirely to planes and rockets) Tom B’s face lit up.
Once again this was a serious day for the boys. But Anne bravely stuck it out. The highlight for me was seeing the Space Shuttle Discovery. Though there are many interesting exhibits including an SR 71 Blackbird spy plane, and F14 Tomcat (seen Top Gun – that’s the kind of plane Tom Cruise “flies”). I could go on but most of you are already glazing over.
Tom B was able to give us some very interesting personal stories about some of the planes in the collection. But perhaps the most fascinating was that one of his lecturers at university had been a student of Werner Von Braun in World War 2 Germany. (Von Braun joined NASA after the war in developing the Apollo rockets.) Tom saw a picture of his professor with Von Braun.
Tom B lent us a spare Garmin Sat Nav he had. (He’d decided to upgrade yesterday.) And that was so helpful getting into DC. So we found our hotel without too much difficulty and it is in a great spot. About 25 minutes’ walk from the White House.
We took a stroll around the area and ended up just off DuPont Circle which is quite a “hip” area apparently. We found a great little diner for dinner.
First impressions – we like DC a lot.
Saturday, 10 August 2013
3 out of 5 ain't bad
9th & 10th August 2013
The last two days have been spent visiting the homes of three of the first five US Presidents. All very different, all interesting but only one a World Heritage site. But more of that later.
Firstly, yesterday started with me in a panic as I’d lost my wallet. I checked the room, the suitcase, the car and no sign. As ever in these situations Anne keeps the cool head and remembered how the previous evening I’d got my wallet out to leave the tip for the waiter at the restaurant where we went for dinner. So she felt sure I must have left it on the table or dropped it as we left. So at 8.30am I phoned the restaurant. Not surprisingly no one was there so I left a message.
We had to pass the restaurant on our travels so about 9.30am I called in. Kitchen staff were there but the first two were South American and spoke very little English. (That said the only Spanish I know is “Dos cervezas por favour”) Eventually a third man came along who was American. I explained what I was after and he said if anything was found it would have been locked in the manager’s safe. The manager wasn’t in, though the American chef said he’d seen an email mentioning a wallet.
So still feeling worried we set off.
(By the way, we called in later and the wallet, with all contents was there.)
We started off our day of President bagging yesterday travelling up from Richmond to Charlottesville Virginia to go to the home of Thomas Jefferson called Monticello. This is a World Heritage site and we could see why. The house itself is beautiful and the location is stunning. http://www.monticello.org/
Although I knew of Jefferson I didn’t know a great deal about him but in the time we were there I learned a great deal. Firstly from the friendly tour guide who took us around the house and later from another guide who told us about slavery on the estate.
You can go and find out about Jefferson for yourselves http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson But to have helped draft the Declaration of Independence, be ambassador to France, serve in George Washington’s cabinet, be governor of Virginia and President is quite something. More than that he was a polymath and a man of the Enlightenment and this is reflected in his home.
I quite liked the sound of him. But as in so much US history of the 18th and 19th century slavery had a part in his story too. As the owner of a large estate Jefferson had a large number of slaves. Some he bought, some he inherited and some were the children of existing slaves. In fact during the talk about slavery at Monticello it was made quite clear that a female slave who could produce children was a very valuable asset.
Jefferson’s attitude to slavery shows him in a mixed light. He was opposed to slavery and, in the original drafts of the Declaration he had made it clear that salves should be freed. However, to appease some of the states this was withdrawn. But for a man who opposed slavery he certainly benefited from keeping slaves. And whilst he seemed a fairly paternalistic slave owner, he was still a slave owner.
On his death he did free a number of slaves – though as we learned this could be a mixed blessing unless the freed slave was able to buy the freedom of his family as well. For a freed slave had a year to move from the state of Virginia and there was a danger of their family being left behind.
There had always been rumours – even widely known when he was alive – that Jefferson had fathered children with a slave on the estate, following his wife’s death. In the mid-1990s DNA evidence showed pretty conclusively that this was true – at least in one instance.
Well worth visiting.
Nearby was the home of President James Monroe – fifth President of the USA. I must admit that I’d not heard of Monroe – so what I learned was very interesting indeed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Monroe
He had been a soldier in the War of Independence, had then served as a diplomat in France and Great Britain. He held a number of cabinet posts before serving as President.
An interesting fact was that he had arranged for his daughters to be educated for a while in France. There they became friends with the children of Josephine Bonaparte, Hortense and Eugene. Consequently when one of the daughters had a daughter herself Hortense and Eugene were Godparents.
(The USA was much closer to France then than now it seems. Mind you Britain did have a habit of burning Washington DC down and capturing US ships for a long time after the War ended.)
Monroe’s house is far less grand than Montecello and he came from humbler stock than Jefferson (or Washington for that matter.) And perhaps he just didn’t have the money his counterparts did to build large houses on large estates?
Today, we travelled up through Virginia to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s house. The traffic was really heavy and it looked like we’d miss our booked time to go round the house. But we needn't have worried. By the way, part of the delay was the usual inadequate sign posts. As we came off the Intestate we followed a series of signs for Mount Vernon. But as we got close to the place, the signs disappeared. Eventually we saw a sign for “George Washington’s grist mill and distillery” though no sign for Mount Vernon. We followed the sign post and enquired at the Distillery where Mount Vernon was. “3 miles along this road” So why the dickens don’t they signpost it then?
After the beauty and splendour of Montecello, and (in contrast to Munroe) knowing a bit about Washington, Mount Vernon was a bit of a disappointment. We were sausage factoried through the parts of the house that were open and the guides merely pointed out what rooms were (often needlessl,y as a bed in a room signifies – a bedroom!) The grounds however were beautiful and the setting, on the edge of the River Potomac, is spectacular.
Washington was a fairly wealthy man but, unlike Jefferson, Washington clearly was careful with his money. So Mount Vernon was built from wood – though the front is constructed in such a way that it looks like stone. Inside, George’s spendthrift ways are illustrated by the pine “cleverly painted to look like mahogany” Who are you fooling George?
In common with visits to such places here and in the UK, you can’t take photos inside. And at Mount Vernon it was clearly stated that “Photographing Washington’s dentures is not permitted.” If you really wish to see them look here http://www.mountvernon.org/educational-resources/encyclopedia/false-teeth
Of the three Montecello was my favourite and, I think, Jefferson was the most interesting. But what do I know - I’m British!
The last two days have been spent visiting the homes of three of the first five US Presidents. All very different, all interesting but only one a World Heritage site. But more of that later.
Firstly, yesterday started with me in a panic as I’d lost my wallet. I checked the room, the suitcase, the car and no sign. As ever in these situations Anne keeps the cool head and remembered how the previous evening I’d got my wallet out to leave the tip for the waiter at the restaurant where we went for dinner. So she felt sure I must have left it on the table or dropped it as we left. So at 8.30am I phoned the restaurant. Not surprisingly no one was there so I left a message.
We had to pass the restaurant on our travels so about 9.30am I called in. Kitchen staff were there but the first two were South American and spoke very little English. (That said the only Spanish I know is “Dos cervezas por favour”) Eventually a third man came along who was American. I explained what I was after and he said if anything was found it would have been locked in the manager’s safe. The manager wasn’t in, though the American chef said he’d seen an email mentioning a wallet.
So still feeling worried we set off.
(By the way, we called in later and the wallet, with all contents was there.)
We started off our day of President bagging yesterday travelling up from Richmond to Charlottesville Virginia to go to the home of Thomas Jefferson called Monticello. This is a World Heritage site and we could see why. The house itself is beautiful and the location is stunning. http://www.monticello.org/
Although I knew of Jefferson I didn’t know a great deal about him but in the time we were there I learned a great deal. Firstly from the friendly tour guide who took us around the house and later from another guide who told us about slavery on the estate.
You can go and find out about Jefferson for yourselves http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson But to have helped draft the Declaration of Independence, be ambassador to France, serve in George Washington’s cabinet, be governor of Virginia and President is quite something. More than that he was a polymath and a man of the Enlightenment and this is reflected in his home.
I quite liked the sound of him. But as in so much US history of the 18th and 19th century slavery had a part in his story too. As the owner of a large estate Jefferson had a large number of slaves. Some he bought, some he inherited and some were the children of existing slaves. In fact during the talk about slavery at Monticello it was made quite clear that a female slave who could produce children was a very valuable asset.
Jefferson’s attitude to slavery shows him in a mixed light. He was opposed to slavery and, in the original drafts of the Declaration he had made it clear that salves should be freed. However, to appease some of the states this was withdrawn. But for a man who opposed slavery he certainly benefited from keeping slaves. And whilst he seemed a fairly paternalistic slave owner, he was still a slave owner.
On his death he did free a number of slaves – though as we learned this could be a mixed blessing unless the freed slave was able to buy the freedom of his family as well. For a freed slave had a year to move from the state of Virginia and there was a danger of their family being left behind.
There had always been rumours – even widely known when he was alive – that Jefferson had fathered children with a slave on the estate, following his wife’s death. In the mid-1990s DNA evidence showed pretty conclusively that this was true – at least in one instance.
Well worth visiting.
Nearby was the home of President James Monroe – fifth President of the USA. I must admit that I’d not heard of Monroe – so what I learned was very interesting indeed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Monroe
He had been a soldier in the War of Independence, had then served as a diplomat in France and Great Britain. He held a number of cabinet posts before serving as President.
An interesting fact was that he had arranged for his daughters to be educated for a while in France. There they became friends with the children of Josephine Bonaparte, Hortense and Eugene. Consequently when one of the daughters had a daughter herself Hortense and Eugene were Godparents.
(The USA was much closer to France then than now it seems. Mind you Britain did have a habit of burning Washington DC down and capturing US ships for a long time after the War ended.)
Today, we travelled up through Virginia to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s house. The traffic was really heavy and it looked like we’d miss our booked time to go round the house. But we needn't have worried. By the way, part of the delay was the usual inadequate sign posts. As we came off the Intestate we followed a series of signs for Mount Vernon. But as we got close to the place, the signs disappeared. Eventually we saw a sign for “George Washington’s grist mill and distillery” though no sign for Mount Vernon. We followed the sign post and enquired at the Distillery where Mount Vernon was. “3 miles along this road” So why the dickens don’t they signpost it then?
After the beauty and splendour of Montecello, and (in contrast to Munroe) knowing a bit about Washington, Mount Vernon was a bit of a disappointment. We were sausage factoried through the parts of the house that were open and the guides merely pointed out what rooms were (often needlessl,y as a bed in a room signifies – a bedroom!) The grounds however were beautiful and the setting, on the edge of the River Potomac, is spectacular.
Washington was a fairly wealthy man but, unlike Jefferson, Washington clearly was careful with his money. So Mount Vernon was built from wood – though the front is constructed in such a way that it looks like stone. Inside, George’s spendthrift ways are illustrated by the pine “cleverly painted to look like mahogany” Who are you fooling George?
In common with visits to such places here and in the UK, you can’t take photos inside. And at Mount Vernon it was clearly stated that “Photographing Washington’s dentures is not permitted.” If you really wish to see them look here http://www.mountvernon.org/educational-resources/encyclopedia/false-teeth
Of the three Montecello was my favourite and, I think, Jefferson was the most interesting. But what do I know - I’m British!
Thursday, 8 August 2013
"The butter's gone soft Cap'n" "Right turn Jim lad!"
8th August 2013
We left Norfolk first thing and headed for Colonial Williamsburg. (I’ll spare the details of getting lost again. All because we chose to enter the place from a slightly different direction having gone to a supermarket to get lunch first.)
So Colonial Williamsburg. What to say? Really tricky to comment as it is greatly loved by many Americans (and rightly so as it has some beautiful buildings.) But I suppose coming from a country of many old buildings a collection of 18th century buildings (or reproduction 18th century buildings in some cases) meant for me there was a lack of wow factor.
That’s not to say that some of the buildings aren’t impressive – notably the Governor’s mansion and the Capitol. But there was a bit of “been there and done that” about it for me. Sorry for those who love it.
One aspect of visiting that frustrated and proved to be a joy in equal measure was the insistence of having to have a guided tour round a number of the buildings. Frustration because most tours take 30 minutes and in a tight day lots of 30 minutes add up. On the other hand when we did join a tour they were worth it. The guide showing us round George Wythe’s house was brilliant. (The guides tell the story of the house (and its occupants) through a certain day in history.) The day isn’t relevant really to our visit to Mr Wythe’s house. The guide emphasised how Mr. Wythe was a man of the enlightenment and there was a hint that some of his ideas were rather strange. The guide was really in character all the way through and made some wonderful witty remarks.
The guide had worked out we were British and afterwards (still in character) he asked where we were from as “I originally come from Gloucestershire.” After everyone else had left he spoke to us and said his grandfather had come from Gloucestershire (from the Forest of Dean no less.) So he knew where Wiltshire and Swindon were.
One noticeable absence from much of the tour is slavery. One or two black enactors appear throughout the day but there are not noticeable slaves. As an example, where we started the Mr. Wythe tour was in a small square building at the side of the house. I asked what it would be for. “This is Mr, Wythe’s second office – though sometime slaves stay here. Though Mr. Wythe has some strong views opposing slavery.” And that was it. Nothing on how the slaves might have lived. It is almost as if slavery is an embarrassment and should be hidden away.
As were were walking back to the car park, we passed an African American family. We said good afternoon and the gentleman said "That's a British accent if ever I heard one. Where you from? I'm half Welsh my mother comes from Cardiff. Tiger Bay." A small world. He hadn't been to see his relatives since 1994 and I told him he'd see some changes in Cardiff now especially near Tiger Bay.
Later in the afternoon we returned to Jamestown to look around the museum there. Very good giving a view of how the Native Americans, British and slaves started to interact.
The story of Jamestown is told chronologically starting with the Native Americans. It is told through displays and some films. One film (telling the story of the settlers setting sail for Virginia) was very good indeed. I liked how (apparently) they navigated. “We sail south until the butter goes soft and then turn right.” The spirit of those first settlers and their navigation is still here in the USA today whenever you try to find a road or tourist attraction!
We left Norfolk first thing and headed for Colonial Williamsburg. (I’ll spare the details of getting lost again. All because we chose to enter the place from a slightly different direction having gone to a supermarket to get lunch first.)
So Colonial Williamsburg. What to say? Really tricky to comment as it is greatly loved by many Americans (and rightly so as it has some beautiful buildings.) But I suppose coming from a country of many old buildings a collection of 18th century buildings (or reproduction 18th century buildings in some cases) meant for me there was a lack of wow factor.
That’s not to say that some of the buildings aren’t impressive – notably the Governor’s mansion and the Capitol. But there was a bit of “been there and done that” about it for me. Sorry for those who love it.
One aspect of visiting that frustrated and proved to be a joy in equal measure was the insistence of having to have a guided tour round a number of the buildings. Frustration because most tours take 30 minutes and in a tight day lots of 30 minutes add up. On the other hand when we did join a tour they were worth it. The guide showing us round George Wythe’s house was brilliant. (The guides tell the story of the house (and its occupants) through a certain day in history.) The day isn’t relevant really to our visit to Mr Wythe’s house. The guide emphasised how Mr. Wythe was a man of the enlightenment and there was a hint that some of his ideas were rather strange. The guide was really in character all the way through and made some wonderful witty remarks.
The guide had worked out we were British and afterwards (still in character) he asked where we were from as “I originally come from Gloucestershire.” After everyone else had left he spoke to us and said his grandfather had come from Gloucestershire (from the Forest of Dean no less.) So he knew where Wiltshire and Swindon were.
One noticeable absence from much of the tour is slavery. One or two black enactors appear throughout the day but there are not noticeable slaves. As an example, where we started the Mr. Wythe tour was in a small square building at the side of the house. I asked what it would be for. “This is Mr, Wythe’s second office – though sometime slaves stay here. Though Mr. Wythe has some strong views opposing slavery.” And that was it. Nothing on how the slaves might have lived. It is almost as if slavery is an embarrassment and should be hidden away.
As were were walking back to the car park, we passed an African American family. We said good afternoon and the gentleman said "That's a British accent if ever I heard one. Where you from? I'm half Welsh my mother comes from Cardiff. Tiger Bay." A small world. He hadn't been to see his relatives since 1994 and I told him he'd see some changes in Cardiff now especially near Tiger Bay.
Later in the afternoon we returned to Jamestown to look around the museum there. Very good giving a view of how the Native Americans, British and slaves started to interact.
The story of Jamestown is told chronologically starting with the Native Americans. It is told through displays and some films. One film (telling the story of the settlers setting sail for Virginia) was very good indeed. I liked how (apparently) they navigated. “We sail south until the butter goes soft and then turn right.” The spirit of those first settlers and their navigation is still here in the USA today whenever you try to find a road or tourist attraction!
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
The Tide is out
7th August 2013
A very interesting day.
This morning we drove from Norfolk to Richmond to visit the Tredegar Ironworks. This was the main producer of armaments for the Confederate Army during the civil war. And now it houses a very informative Civil War Museum. Given that the Gray family hail from Tredegar in South Wales it was a must see.
I had wondered what connection (if any) there was with the real Tredegar and the guide informed me that the original owner of the ironworks had recruited a number of men from Tredegar and named the works after their home town. They had in fact heard of the real Tredegar and produced a couple of books about the town (including one with the town clock on the front) to prove it. That said Tredegar Virginia is pronounced “Tread dig gar” as opposed to “Tread Dee Gar” as it is supposed to be pronounced.
We then headed back towards Norfolk to visit the Jamestown settlement. We were really impressed with the museum and living history exhibits (replicas of the original boats, a reconstruction of the fort and village and the Native American village).
The settlement includes a replica of the church and guess who couldn’t resist the pulpit?
When we were there it was time for a demonstration of the firing of muskets and artillery. Loads of loud bangs!
We barely scratched the surface so will go back tomorrow when we are due to visit Williamsburg as well. We were really impressed with Jamestown.
Heading back to Norfolk we hit serious traffic and spent about 2 hours in a traffic jam. This meant we were late getting to the Norfolk Tides baseball game we had tickets for. In fact it didn’t matter as it was a very boring game. We left at the end of the 7th inning with the score 0 – 0. (I think we’ve been spoilt by watching major league baseball in the past.) The Tides were playing a team from Gwinnett. Where? (In Georgia apparently.)
Now, something that has been bothering us for a while came to a head today. The signposting of roads in the USA. Quite frankly it is woeful. Often there is no prior warning that a junction is coming up ad this seems especially true of Interstate junctions. And major attractions (such as the Tredegar Ironworks Civil War Museum) aren’t clearly signposted. We’ve noticed this in the past but maybe now the attitude is people have Sat Navs so don’t need signs. Well we haven’t got a Sat Nav here so would like some decent signposts please. Rant over.
A very interesting day.
This morning we drove from Norfolk to Richmond to visit the Tredegar Ironworks. This was the main producer of armaments for the Confederate Army during the civil war. And now it houses a very informative Civil War Museum. Given that the Gray family hail from Tredegar in South Wales it was a must see.
I had wondered what connection (if any) there was with the real Tredegar and the guide informed me that the original owner of the ironworks had recruited a number of men from Tredegar and named the works after their home town. They had in fact heard of the real Tredegar and produced a couple of books about the town (including one with the town clock on the front) to prove it. That said Tredegar Virginia is pronounced “Tread dig gar” as opposed to “Tread Dee Gar” as it is supposed to be pronounced.
We then headed back towards Norfolk to visit the Jamestown settlement. We were really impressed with the museum and living history exhibits (replicas of the original boats, a reconstruction of the fort and village and the Native American village).
The settlement includes a replica of the church and guess who couldn’t resist the pulpit?
We barely scratched the surface so will go back tomorrow when we are due to visit Williamsburg as well. We were really impressed with Jamestown.
Heading back to Norfolk we hit serious traffic and spent about 2 hours in a traffic jam. This meant we were late getting to the Norfolk Tides baseball game we had tickets for. In fact it didn’t matter as it was a very boring game. We left at the end of the 7th inning with the score 0 – 0. (I think we’ve been spoilt by watching major league baseball in the past.) The Tides were playing a team from Gwinnett. Where? (In Georgia apparently.)
Now, something that has been bothering us for a while came to a head today. The signposting of roads in the USA. Quite frankly it is woeful. Often there is no prior warning that a junction is coming up ad this seems especially true of Interstate junctions. And major attractions (such as the Tredegar Ironworks Civil War Museum) aren’t clearly signposted. We’ve noticed this in the past but maybe now the attitude is people have Sat Navs so don’t need signs. Well we haven’t got a Sat Nav here so would like some decent signposts please. Rant over.
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
A life on the ocean wave
6th August 2013
OK so a blog covering two days – though in actual fact yesterday was pretty much a non-event other than driving over 300 miles from Mooresville to Norfolk Virginia.
That said there is always something to see on the road in the USA and yesterday was no exception. The highlight was probably seeing a truck (pickup to those in the UK) on the Interstate with two men sat in the back as the truck barrelled along at 70mph.
We had an uneventful journey but perhaps that was due to our friends in Mooresville praying for us when we dropped off the keys to the parsonage with them.
Today we did some sight seeing. Firstly, we went in to the centre of Norfolk to visit the Nauticus centre. This houses a US Navy museum and, moored alongside, the USS Wisconsin – a World War 2 battle ship. A really interesting place – though our visit to the Wisconsin was curtailed a bit by heavy rain. We got very wet wandering around the decks.
One of the guides in the Navy Museum was very interesting. He had captained an ocean going tug for a while and consequently had worked around the coast of the UK putting oil rigs in to position. He showed us a model of USS Texas and told us an interesting tale about it.
When the Texas was commissioned before the First World War, children of Texas were encouraged to give one day’s lunch money to help “buy” the ship on behalf of the state. One young boy called Archie Ludlow did so giving 25 cents. Shortly afterwards Archie moved to Britain with his family where he remained.
Subsequently Archie joined the Royal Navy and on D Day was captaining a minesweeper off the Normandy beaches. Archie’s ship came under attack from shore batteries but a battleship fired on the batteries saving Archie and his vessel. Later Archie found out that the battleship was USS Texas. He later remarked to a journalist “that quarter had to be the best investment I ever made in my life.”
http://www.texasescapes.com/CFEckhardt/King-s-Texan-and-USS-Texas.htm
The guide also had a link to the USS Texas. After World War 2 the Texas was brought to Texas and he remembered as a boy being able to visit the ship.
After lunch we had a drive around Norfolk visiting one or two historic sights before we went for a drive over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_Bay_Bridge%E2%80%93Tunnel
This is quite incredible. Especially as a third of the way over its 23 mile length you can stop at a view point and look out at the Bay on one side and the Atlantic on the other. And see mighty ships (navy and commercial) coming and going from Norfolk. (In fact on our return journey we saw a submarine on the surface as well as a sea eagle perched on a lamp post.)
The bridge leads from Norfolk to Delmarva Peninsula's Eastern Shore of the state of Virginia. We drove up the peninsula for a while until we found the small town of Cape Charles. As today was Tom’s 21st birthday – when he could legally drink here – he said he fancied a beer. So we found a little pub in Cape Charles and he was happy. (A very friendly place called Kelly’s Gingernut Pub.)
On getting back we went out for dinner to a microbrewery so all in all a good day.
Tom also got a phone call this morning from his grandmother in Wales and several texts from Mooresville friends. So I think he’s enjoyed his birthday – especially when we told him we’ve got tickets to see the Manic Street Preachers in September.
OK so a blog covering two days – though in actual fact yesterday was pretty much a non-event other than driving over 300 miles from Mooresville to Norfolk Virginia.
That said there is always something to see on the road in the USA and yesterday was no exception. The highlight was probably seeing a truck (pickup to those in the UK) on the Interstate with two men sat in the back as the truck barrelled along at 70mph.
We had an uneventful journey but perhaps that was due to our friends in Mooresville praying for us when we dropped off the keys to the parsonage with them.
Today we did some sight seeing. Firstly, we went in to the centre of Norfolk to visit the Nauticus centre. This houses a US Navy museum and, moored alongside, the USS Wisconsin – a World War 2 battle ship. A really interesting place – though our visit to the Wisconsin was curtailed a bit by heavy rain. We got very wet wandering around the decks.
One of the guides in the Navy Museum was very interesting. He had captained an ocean going tug for a while and consequently had worked around the coast of the UK putting oil rigs in to position. He showed us a model of USS Texas and told us an interesting tale about it.
When the Texas was commissioned before the First World War, children of Texas were encouraged to give one day’s lunch money to help “buy” the ship on behalf of the state. One young boy called Archie Ludlow did so giving 25 cents. Shortly afterwards Archie moved to Britain with his family where he remained.
Subsequently Archie joined the Royal Navy and on D Day was captaining a minesweeper off the Normandy beaches. Archie’s ship came under attack from shore batteries but a battleship fired on the batteries saving Archie and his vessel. Later Archie found out that the battleship was USS Texas. He later remarked to a journalist “that quarter had to be the best investment I ever made in my life.”
http://www.texasescapes.com/CFEckhardt/King-s-Texan-and-USS-Texas.htm
The guide also had a link to the USS Texas. After World War 2 the Texas was brought to Texas and he remembered as a boy being able to visit the ship.
After lunch we had a drive around Norfolk visiting one or two historic sights before we went for a drive over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_Bay_Bridge%E2%80%93Tunnel
This is quite incredible. Especially as a third of the way over its 23 mile length you can stop at a view point and look out at the Bay on one side and the Atlantic on the other. And see mighty ships (navy and commercial) coming and going from Norfolk. (In fact on our return journey we saw a submarine on the surface as well as a sea eagle perched on a lamp post.)
The bridge leads from Norfolk to Delmarva Peninsula's Eastern Shore of the state of Virginia. We drove up the peninsula for a while until we found the small town of Cape Charles. As today was Tom’s 21st birthday – when he could legally drink here – he said he fancied a beer. So we found a little pub in Cape Charles and he was happy. (A very friendly place called Kelly’s Gingernut Pub.)
On getting back we went out for dinner to a microbrewery so all in all a good day.
Tom also got a phone call this morning from his grandmother in Wales and several texts from Mooresville friends. So I think he’s enjoyed his birthday – especially when we told him we’ve got tickets to see the Manic Street Preachers in September.
Monday, 5 August 2013
Bullhorn Preachers and Bullhorn Truckers
God is still speaking
This is an abridged version of a sermon preached at Fairview UMC on Sunday 4th August.
We recently visited the Biltmore. What a wonderful place that is. And then on Saturday we visited Asheville. We found it a really interesting place and it had the Bele Chere arts and music festival taking place.
Now I gather that Asheville has a bit of a reputation in the state as a kind of hippy, bohemian place. Well maybe deep down Anne & I are hippy bohemians, as we loved it. It reminded us of a town on the south coast of England called Brighton and we love visiting Brighton.
But one thing that fascinated me and appalled me in equal measure were the street preachers. I assumed they were there for the festival but I’ve since been told they are there most Saturdays.
One of them was preaching in front of a banner
Needless to say he had quite a crowd around him. Some fully supporting him but many not so. Those in opposition were holding up pieces of cardboard with scrawled messages on them. But a quick glance at those showed some of the messages talked about Jesus and love and forgiveness rather than sin. And in fact just round the corner an Episcopalian church has a banner on its stall saying “God loves you. No exceptions”
But the message the street preacher was proclaiming was full on damnation.
And I came away wondering what that preacher thought he had achieved in helping build God’s kingdom. No doubt that preacher thinks building God’s kingdom is about damning people for eternity. Well, this preacher thinks differently. This preacher firmly subscribes to John Wesley’s 4 Alls
All need to be saved, All can be saved, All can know they are saved, All can be saved to the uttermost.
We have to talk about sin and wrongful behaviours. We have to challenge sin. But more important is talking about God’s love and Jesus’ salvation for all. And how all can be saved from sin not damned for eternity!
I know some of you have come across a series of DVDs called Nooma. They are produced by a minister called Rob Bell who is based in Michigan. We use them a lot with our young people’s group and one we saw about 6 months ago was called “Bullhorn”
In the film Rob Bell tells the story of how he was waiting in a queue – sorry waiting in line – to enter a concert. And a man with a bullhorn comes along and starts to preach to the crowd. And the message was the same as those bullhorn guys in Asheville. A message of sin and damnation.
In the film Rob Bell says
“As he got closer, I hear the words ‘sin’ and ‘burn’ and ‘hell’ and ‘repent.’ And then I hear the word ‘Jesus.’ And he’s got all these pamphlets, and he’s quoting these Bible verses about the anger and wrath of God,
and how if I don’t repent, I’m going to pay for it for eternity, and how I might die, I might die tonight! This might be my only chance!”
Bell goes on to say:
“Bullhorn guy, I don’t think it’s working. All the yelling and the judgment and the condemnation, I don’t think it’s working. I actually think it’s making things worse. I don’t think it’s what Jesus had in mind.”
I agree. There is too much use of the Bullhorn by some Christians both here and back at home.
And I for one am fed up with the Bullhorn Christians who constantly preach hellfire and damnation and rely on selected verses in the Bible, usually in the Old Testament, to prove their point.
I really struggle with those strands of the Church who seem so sure about everything. Who believe they are infallible. Who know their stand point to be true. You know the type. Attempts to discuss with them differences of theology and biblical interpretation and biblical and church authority, can often result in comments like:
“Hey, you’re not arguing with me, you’re arguing with the Word of God.”
I struggle with those strands of the Church for they seem to think that God has only ever spoken through the Bible. And by the way he only ever spoke in the language of 17th century England found in the King James Bible. And they believe God stopped speaking when the Bible was compiled. Well that is not what I believe. That is not what John Wesley thought either. It’s clear that he felt that whilst the Bible must always be the starting point of our faith, we need to consider other things to hear God’s voice. We sometimes sum up this by the phrase the Wesleyan Quadrilateral
Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
For British Methodists and United Methodists, Scripture is considered the primary source and standard for Christian doctrine.
Tradition is experience and the witness of development and growth of the faith through the past centuries and in many nations and cultures.
Experience is the individual's understanding of the faith in the light of his or her own life.
Finally through Reason the individual Christian brings to bear on the Christian faith discerning and cogent thought.
These four elements taken together bring the individual Christian to a mature and fulfilling understanding of the Christian faith and the required response of worship and service.
Unfortunately Bullhorn Christians don’t seem to have heard of this and many of them certainly seem to lack “discerning and cogent thought” – in my opinion!
The United Church of Christ denomination here in the USA has as its slogan “God is still speaking.” Apparently this is taken from something the comedienne Gracie Allen wrote to George Burns “Don’t put a full stop where God has put a comma. God is still speaking”
I really like that. “God is still speaking.” In other words, God is still leading us on to understand more of him and of his truth.
In John’s Gospel (John 16:12-13) Jesus says:
12 ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, the Spirit will guide you into all the truth;
In other words, we don’t know the whole of the Gospel – the Good News. It is constantly being revealed to us and the Holy Spirit helps us to understand God’s further revelations. Through the Bible, through Church tradition, through reason and experience the Holy Spirit helps us hear God speak today. For God is still speaking. So we should not assume that everything God said was in a book parts of which were written 4,000 years ago and that God has since shut up. Yet that is what the Bullhorn Christians would have us believe.
The point is God is still speaking. But are we listening? And how does he speak to us?
From time to time I meet Christians who God speaks to directly. They literally hear his voice. I’m not one of those Christians – though I know if God did speak to me I’m sure he’d sound something like James Earl Jones! So God speaks to me through thing I see in the media, things I read in books, through films and music and television shows. Theology is in all of these if we look and listen. And God often speaks to me through other people.
Over this last six weeks God has spoken to me a lot through you the people at Fairview UMC. Through how they act towards one another. And through things they have said to me. Perhaps after a service, perhaps during the Bible class I’ve led. Even when we’ve sat at table together and shared a meal. And God was certainly speaking in the silence of the mime communion last Monday.
Fairview has been a blessing to me and the family. And I leave to return home affirmed in my ministry. Refreshed. Invigorated. I leave with memories of happy times and with many new friendships made. But most of all I leave knowing that God is speaking to me and speaking to Fairview. And the word he speaks to each one of us is LOVE.
Post Script
After this sermon a member of the church came to me and shared a story. The man – Phil – is a long distance lorry driver. And he said a few months ago another truck driver came on the CB radio and started to berate fellow truckers in much the same as bullhorn guy. Phil, and others, started arguing with the bullhorn trucker and telling him he’d got it wrong.
This is an abridged version of a sermon preached at Fairview UMC on Sunday 4th August.
We recently visited the Biltmore. What a wonderful place that is. And then on Saturday we visited Asheville. We found it a really interesting place and it had the Bele Chere arts and music festival taking place.
Now I gather that Asheville has a bit of a reputation in the state as a kind of hippy, bohemian place. Well maybe deep down Anne & I are hippy bohemians, as we loved it. It reminded us of a town on the south coast of England called Brighton and we love visiting Brighton.
But one thing that fascinated me and appalled me in equal measure were the street preachers. I assumed they were there for the festival but I’ve since been told they are there most Saturdays.
One of them was preaching in front of a banner
Needless to say he had quite a crowd around him. Some fully supporting him but many not so. Those in opposition were holding up pieces of cardboard with scrawled messages on them. But a quick glance at those showed some of the messages talked about Jesus and love and forgiveness rather than sin. And in fact just round the corner an Episcopalian church has a banner on its stall saying “God loves you. No exceptions”
But the message the street preacher was proclaiming was full on damnation.
And I came away wondering what that preacher thought he had achieved in helping build God’s kingdom. No doubt that preacher thinks building God’s kingdom is about damning people for eternity. Well, this preacher thinks differently. This preacher firmly subscribes to John Wesley’s 4 Alls
All need to be saved, All can be saved, All can know they are saved, All can be saved to the uttermost.
We have to talk about sin and wrongful behaviours. We have to challenge sin. But more important is talking about God’s love and Jesus’ salvation for all. And how all can be saved from sin not damned for eternity!
I know some of you have come across a series of DVDs called Nooma. They are produced by a minister called Rob Bell who is based in Michigan. We use them a lot with our young people’s group and one we saw about 6 months ago was called “Bullhorn”
In the film Rob Bell tells the story of how he was waiting in a queue – sorry waiting in line – to enter a concert. And a man with a bullhorn comes along and starts to preach to the crowd. And the message was the same as those bullhorn guys in Asheville. A message of sin and damnation.
In the film Rob Bell says
“As he got closer, I hear the words ‘sin’ and ‘burn’ and ‘hell’ and ‘repent.’ And then I hear the word ‘Jesus.’ And he’s got all these pamphlets, and he’s quoting these Bible verses about the anger and wrath of God,
and how if I don’t repent, I’m going to pay for it for eternity, and how I might die, I might die tonight! This might be my only chance!”
Bell goes on to say:
“Bullhorn guy, I don’t think it’s working. All the yelling and the judgment and the condemnation, I don’t think it’s working. I actually think it’s making things worse. I don’t think it’s what Jesus had in mind.”
I agree. There is too much use of the Bullhorn by some Christians both here and back at home.
And I for one am fed up with the Bullhorn Christians who constantly preach hellfire and damnation and rely on selected verses in the Bible, usually in the Old Testament, to prove their point.
I really struggle with those strands of the Church who seem so sure about everything. Who believe they are infallible. Who know their stand point to be true. You know the type. Attempts to discuss with them differences of theology and biblical interpretation and biblical and church authority, can often result in comments like:
“Hey, you’re not arguing with me, you’re arguing with the Word of God.”
I struggle with those strands of the Church for they seem to think that God has only ever spoken through the Bible. And by the way he only ever spoke in the language of 17th century England found in the King James Bible. And they believe God stopped speaking when the Bible was compiled. Well that is not what I believe. That is not what John Wesley thought either. It’s clear that he felt that whilst the Bible must always be the starting point of our faith, we need to consider other things to hear God’s voice. We sometimes sum up this by the phrase the Wesleyan Quadrilateral
Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
For British Methodists and United Methodists, Scripture is considered the primary source and standard for Christian doctrine.
Tradition is experience and the witness of development and growth of the faith through the past centuries and in many nations and cultures.
Experience is the individual's understanding of the faith in the light of his or her own life.
Finally through Reason the individual Christian brings to bear on the Christian faith discerning and cogent thought.
These four elements taken together bring the individual Christian to a mature and fulfilling understanding of the Christian faith and the required response of worship and service.
Unfortunately Bullhorn Christians don’t seem to have heard of this and many of them certainly seem to lack “discerning and cogent thought” – in my opinion!
The United Church of Christ denomination here in the USA has as its slogan “God is still speaking.” Apparently this is taken from something the comedienne Gracie Allen wrote to George Burns “Don’t put a full stop where God has put a comma. God is still speaking”
I really like that. “God is still speaking.” In other words, God is still leading us on to understand more of him and of his truth.
In John’s Gospel (John 16:12-13) Jesus says:
12 ‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, the Spirit will guide you into all the truth;
In other words, we don’t know the whole of the Gospel – the Good News. It is constantly being revealed to us and the Holy Spirit helps us to understand God’s further revelations. Through the Bible, through Church tradition, through reason and experience the Holy Spirit helps us hear God speak today. For God is still speaking. So we should not assume that everything God said was in a book parts of which were written 4,000 years ago and that God has since shut up. Yet that is what the Bullhorn Christians would have us believe.
The point is God is still speaking. But are we listening? And how does he speak to us?
From time to time I meet Christians who God speaks to directly. They literally hear his voice. I’m not one of those Christians – though I know if God did speak to me I’m sure he’d sound something like James Earl Jones! So God speaks to me through thing I see in the media, things I read in books, through films and music and television shows. Theology is in all of these if we look and listen. And God often speaks to me through other people.
Over this last six weeks God has spoken to me a lot through you the people at Fairview UMC. Through how they act towards one another. And through things they have said to me. Perhaps after a service, perhaps during the Bible class I’ve led. Even when we’ve sat at table together and shared a meal. And God was certainly speaking in the silence of the mime communion last Monday.
Fairview has been a blessing to me and the family. And I leave to return home affirmed in my ministry. Refreshed. Invigorated. I leave with memories of happy times and with many new friendships made. But most of all I leave knowing that God is speaking to me and speaking to Fairview. And the word he speaks to each one of us is LOVE.
Post Script
After this sermon a member of the church came to me and shared a story. The man – Phil – is a long distance lorry driver. And he said a few months ago another truck driver came on the CB radio and started to berate fellow truckers in much the same as bullhorn guy. Phil, and others, started arguing with the bullhorn trucker and telling him he’d got it wrong.
Sunday, 4 August 2013
And so I face the final curtain
4th August 2013
So the day I’d been dreading dawned. The day of my farewell services at Fairview UMC.
I woke feeling very apprehensive and down cast. Not looking forward to being part of the services at all. But the show must go on!
Fortunately I managed to sneak into the church unnoticed and go into the Pastor’s Study and close the door in order to gather my thoughts.
The 9am service is Contemporary Worship. And before the service commenced I met with the worship band and we prayed together. My prayer was that the Holy Spirit would will us all today. And that the band would raise the roof. One band member said “I don’t think the 11 o’clock service members would be happy without a roof.” My reply “Tell them it’s my fault.”
Well the worship band did raise the roof and the worship was powerful. And our good friends the Worship Band leader and his wife were on fire.
The full band were there today and they are a great outfit. Two guitars (one electric and one acoustic) a bass player (who doubles on keyboards) two singers and a drummer. The drummer is a great guy. “Back in the day” he played with a number of bands and groups including Ike & Tina Turner. The first time I met him he said to me “I once worked with a Brit you might have heard of. John Lennon!”
Somehow I managed to preach and hold it together and then lead communion alongside the Associate Pastor. We used a liturgy I love, from the Iona Community.
I’d been told just before the Benedicition there be a presentation. And the chair of the Parish Committee came forward and presented me with a beautiful book about Lake Norman. Written inside the book were these words:
“David, Jesus called the disciples while they were fishing at the water. He preached from the Sea of Galilee. He even walked on water. You come to us from over the water. May the waves you see in the days and years to come serve as a reminder of our Christian love and prayers coming your way. Thank you for being YOU”
Anne was also presented with a lovely tea cosy made by the quilting group at the church. It is gorgeous.
After this I had to give the benediction. I used the closing verses of 2 Corinthians:
11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All God’s people here send their greetings.
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
I was then expecting the piece of music services usually end with. But the band had other ideas. And they struck up a version of The Beatles “She loves you” But this was “He loves you” (He being Jesus)
“He loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah, He loves you yeah, yeah yeah, He loves you yeah, yeah yeah,
You think you’ve lost His love, well I heard Him yesterday. It’s you he’s thinking of and He told me what to say
Because He loves you, And you know that can’t be bad, Yes He loves you and you know you should be glad.
“He loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah, He loves you yeah, yeah yeah, He loves you yeah, yeah yeah,
We know you have to go, We’ve almost lost our minds. But now the time is so, and you won’t be hard to find.
Because we love you, and you know that can't be bad
Yes we love you, And you know you should be glad.
We love you yeah, yeah, yeah
He loves you yeah, yeah, yeah
With a love like that you know you should be glad.
With a love like that you know you should be glad.
With a love like that you know you should be glad.”
It was sang to me and what a gift!
So round one over and a short intermission for cakes, coffee etc. and the meet people. The best part of an hour disappeared in minutes. Then round 2. The 11.00 traditional service.
The choir sang setting of “Guide me O thou great Jehovah” featuring guest vocalist, yours truly. (No solos were involved thankfully.) I preached again and at the end got a standing ovation! This was followed by communion. And then a second presentation. This time with a pretty print of a painting of downtown Mooresville and a “Love Offering” of a very generous amount.
My speech of thanks was something like this:
“ In the time I’ve been here you’ve tried various means to try and get me to leave – barbecue, taking me to a rodeo, taking me to Sims Country Barbecue and making me try clogging, throwing me in a swimming pool and now bribery. OK. I quit!” This brought the house down. (Fairview are a good audience for my jokes!)
Then, the moment I’d been dreading. Each week the service closes with the singing of the Irish Blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
I have had a lump in my throat every time we’ve sung it so today was going to be a killer. I was in floods of tears and Anne was sobbing next to me. And as we sang the song through our tears we realised that the background to the PowerPoint slide was a picture of Swindon. (For Swindon friends it was a view looking across the town probably take from Liddington I should imagine.)
After the service we were presented with various gifts including a framed print of the words of the Irish blessing, jars of pickles from a very sweet elderly lady, mugs and t shirts. Later on I was also given a holding cross carved by a local wood turner.
After all this love it was back to reality as we collected the hire car from Charlotte Airport, started packing and tidying the house.
Tom had gone out with the youth group this evening. So Anne and I went to get a Chinese Takeaway. We went to a place Tom and I had used once before during our first 10 days here called “Golden China”. The young man recognised me immediately and treated me like a long lost friend.
But that’s Mooresville and the South for you.
Y’all come on back real soon.
So the day I’d been dreading dawned. The day of my farewell services at Fairview UMC.
I woke feeling very apprehensive and down cast. Not looking forward to being part of the services at all. But the show must go on!
Fortunately I managed to sneak into the church unnoticed and go into the Pastor’s Study and close the door in order to gather my thoughts.
The 9am service is Contemporary Worship. And before the service commenced I met with the worship band and we prayed together. My prayer was that the Holy Spirit would will us all today. And that the band would raise the roof. One band member said “I don’t think the 11 o’clock service members would be happy without a roof.” My reply “Tell them it’s my fault.”
Well the worship band did raise the roof and the worship was powerful. And our good friends the Worship Band leader and his wife were on fire.
The full band were there today and they are a great outfit. Two guitars (one electric and one acoustic) a bass player (who doubles on keyboards) two singers and a drummer. The drummer is a great guy. “Back in the day” he played with a number of bands and groups including Ike & Tina Turner. The first time I met him he said to me “I once worked with a Brit you might have heard of. John Lennon!”
Somehow I managed to preach and hold it together and then lead communion alongside the Associate Pastor. We used a liturgy I love, from the Iona Community.
I’d been told just before the Benedicition there be a presentation. And the chair of the Parish Committee came forward and presented me with a beautiful book about Lake Norman. Written inside the book were these words:
“David, Jesus called the disciples while they were fishing at the water. He preached from the Sea of Galilee. He even walked on water. You come to us from over the water. May the waves you see in the days and years to come serve as a reminder of our Christian love and prayers coming your way. Thank you for being YOU”
Anne was also presented with a lovely tea cosy made by the quilting group at the church. It is gorgeous.
After this I had to give the benediction. I used the closing verses of 2 Corinthians:
11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All God’s people here send their greetings.
14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
I was then expecting the piece of music services usually end with. But the band had other ideas. And they struck up a version of The Beatles “She loves you” But this was “He loves you” (He being Jesus)
“He loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah, He loves you yeah, yeah yeah, He loves you yeah, yeah yeah,
You think you’ve lost His love, well I heard Him yesterday. It’s you he’s thinking of and He told me what to say
Because He loves you, And you know that can’t be bad, Yes He loves you and you know you should be glad.
“He loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah, He loves you yeah, yeah yeah, He loves you yeah, yeah yeah,
We know you have to go, We’ve almost lost our minds. But now the time is so, and you won’t be hard to find.
Because we love you, and you know that can't be bad
Yes we love you, And you know you should be glad.
We love you yeah, yeah, yeah
He loves you yeah, yeah, yeah
With a love like that you know you should be glad.
With a love like that you know you should be glad.
With a love like that you know you should be glad.”
It was sang to me and what a gift!
So round one over and a short intermission for cakes, coffee etc. and the meet people. The best part of an hour disappeared in minutes. Then round 2. The 11.00 traditional service.
The choir sang setting of “Guide me O thou great Jehovah” featuring guest vocalist, yours truly. (No solos were involved thankfully.) I preached again and at the end got a standing ovation! This was followed by communion. And then a second presentation. This time with a pretty print of a painting of downtown Mooresville and a “Love Offering” of a very generous amount.
My speech of thanks was something like this:
“ In the time I’ve been here you’ve tried various means to try and get me to leave – barbecue, taking me to a rodeo, taking me to Sims Country Barbecue and making me try clogging, throwing me in a swimming pool and now bribery. OK. I quit!” This brought the house down. (Fairview are a good audience for my jokes!)
Then, the moment I’d been dreading. Each week the service closes with the singing of the Irish Blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
I have had a lump in my throat every time we’ve sung it so today was going to be a killer. I was in floods of tears and Anne was sobbing next to me. And as we sang the song through our tears we realised that the background to the PowerPoint slide was a picture of Swindon. (For Swindon friends it was a view looking across the town probably take from Liddington I should imagine.)
After the service we were presented with various gifts including a framed print of the words of the Irish blessing, jars of pickles from a very sweet elderly lady, mugs and t shirts. Later on I was also given a holding cross carved by a local wood turner.
After all this love it was back to reality as we collected the hire car from Charlotte Airport, started packing and tidying the house.
Tom had gone out with the youth group this evening. So Anne and I went to get a Chinese Takeaway. We went to a place Tom and I had used once before during our first 10 days here called “Golden China”. The young man recognised me immediately and treated me like a long lost friend.
But that’s Mooresville and the South for you.
Y’all come on back real soon.
Saturday, 3 August 2013
Pool Party
3rd August 2013
Anne and I headed to Main Street and to our favourite diner – The Daily Grind – for a late breakfast. And as this was going to be our last breakfast I went for it – steak and eggs. After 6 weeks of being faced with multiple choice when ordering anything I had it off pat “Steak rare, eggs sunny side up and sour dough toast. And ice tea unsweet.” (The egg multiple choices are the worst for us Brits. Sunny side up I get but “Over easy”? And I believe “Easy over”. So much easier to have fried, poached or scrambled.)
After breakfast we had a stroll around the town as I wanted to take some final photos of this quintessential American small town. It is a lovely little town. And I really hope the main street keeps its shops and restaurants. Without them Mooresville will become just another collection of strip malls like so many other American town and cities. (Though so many British town and cities have headed the same way.)
Late this afternoon we headed off to the annual Methodist Men’s Pool Party held at a friend’s house. Anne, Tom and I had been invited over early for a quiet dip in the pool before everyone else arrived and on a hot day (high 80s F) it was most welcome.
We had a lovely fun time. Some nice food (no barbecue – just hot dogs, burgers and slow cooked beef brisket) and good company. It was a lovely way to start the process of saying good bye to our new friends who mean so much to us.
Late in the afternoon I was told that the men were going to gather poolside for a photo. When I was told to stand in the front in the centre of the group, and one friend patted me down to make sure I had nothing of value in my swim shorts pockets, I knew what was coming next.
And despite protesting that I was a Methodist not a Baptist I was well and truly dunked. The things they do to visiting pastors on Saturday evenings: either forcing them to dance or else trying to drown them.
This evening, one of the men responsible for the near drowning asked me what had been the biggest surprise. And I said the genuine hospitality of the people. Although I’d heard the South always claims to be welcoming I did wonder whether it would be true. Well in our experience it is true.
So tomorrow marks the end of the most amazing six weeks. I have had the most wonderful experience. I have learned so much and met such terrific people. Someone said to me earlier “I expect you’re missing home and looking forward to returning to England.” I suppose I should be feeling that way. But with my wife and son here with me I feel at home here. It will be good to be home of course but it’s going to be hard to leave this wonderful place and these wonderful people behind.
On the plus side, the youth director is already talking about bringing a group to the UK in 2015. And I so hope that comes off. I certainly don’t want to lose touch with these lovely people. And I like to think in 2 or 3 years’ time we’ll be able to visit. Who knows, maybe they’ll want a guest preacher for some occasion?
Anne and I headed to Main Street and to our favourite diner – The Daily Grind – for a late breakfast. And as this was going to be our last breakfast I went for it – steak and eggs. After 6 weeks of being faced with multiple choice when ordering anything I had it off pat “Steak rare, eggs sunny side up and sour dough toast. And ice tea unsweet.” (The egg multiple choices are the worst for us Brits. Sunny side up I get but “Over easy”? And I believe “Easy over”. So much easier to have fried, poached or scrambled.)
After breakfast we had a stroll around the town as I wanted to take some final photos of this quintessential American small town. It is a lovely little town. And I really hope the main street keeps its shops and restaurants. Without them Mooresville will become just another collection of strip malls like so many other American town and cities. (Though so many British town and cities have headed the same way.)
Late this afternoon we headed off to the annual Methodist Men’s Pool Party held at a friend’s house. Anne, Tom and I had been invited over early for a quiet dip in the pool before everyone else arrived and on a hot day (high 80s F) it was most welcome.
We had a lovely fun time. Some nice food (no barbecue – just hot dogs, burgers and slow cooked beef brisket) and good company. It was a lovely way to start the process of saying good bye to our new friends who mean so much to us.
Late in the afternoon I was told that the men were going to gather poolside for a photo. When I was told to stand in the front in the centre of the group, and one friend patted me down to make sure I had nothing of value in my swim shorts pockets, I knew what was coming next.
This evening, one of the men responsible for the near drowning asked me what had been the biggest surprise. And I said the genuine hospitality of the people. Although I’d heard the South always claims to be welcoming I did wonder whether it would be true. Well in our experience it is true.
So tomorrow marks the end of the most amazing six weeks. I have had the most wonderful experience. I have learned so much and met such terrific people. Someone said to me earlier “I expect you’re missing home and looking forward to returning to England.” I suppose I should be feeling that way. But with my wife and son here with me I feel at home here. It will be good to be home of course but it’s going to be hard to leave this wonderful place and these wonderful people behind.
On the plus side, the youth director is already talking about bringing a group to the UK in 2015. And I so hope that comes off. I certainly don’t want to lose touch with these lovely people. And I like to think in 2 or 3 years’ time we’ll be able to visit. Who knows, maybe they’ll want a guest preacher for some occasion?
You're not my boss!
2nd August 2013
We decided we’d hold a small party to say thank you to the staff and the people specifically allocated to look after the minister and the parsonage. Fortunately everyone (except the Associate Pastor and her husband) were able to come at short notice.
It was the first time many had been in the parsonage. It is certainly an ideal party house as it flows so well. And it was lovely to see the entire house being used as for the most part we’ve confined ourselves to the kitchen, dining room and a room we call the family room.
We’d decided we’d try and put on a British summer diner party. So the menu consisted of Coronation Chicken, Delia Smith’s Marmalade Bread and Butter Pudding, Eton Mess and Mary Berry’s Lemon & Lime Cheesecake. (OK, maybe cheesecake isn’t British per se, but Mary Berry is. And if you’re going to be picky there was Greek salad – in honour of Prince Philip aka Phil the Greek.)
All the food was a big hit, with people wanting to know the recipes. So here are links American friends:
http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/sweet/chunky-marmalade-bread-and-butter-pudding.html
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/apr/28/cook-perfect-coronation-chicken-royal-wedding
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2335807/Mary-Berry-Special-Part-Two-Lemon-lime-cheesecake.html
One family brought along some games including a card game that I can only describe as Connect 4 but with cards. (And in fact you have to get 5 in a row.)
The game consists of a board with the cards from 2 packs of cards on it, expect for Jacks. The Jacks are played in specific ways. It was great fun.
As Anne and I were playing this game, two of the ladies whizzed round and tidied up the kitchen and dining room. You can tell they are chapel trained as my mum would say!
I think I’ve mentioned previously, but here people go out to dinner early and home early which we’ve found different to home. We’d followed the convention (especially as there were a few young children) and invited everyone over for 6.30pm. Sure enough come 9pm ish people started to leave. But as we were engrossed in the game with our friends they stayed on.
We progressed to playing Uno later. And at one point the Youth Director having helped me out with a specific card said “Well, you’re still my boss for 48 hours.” A couple of rounds later, her daughter played a card which meant I had to pick up four “You’re not my boss” she said. Bright kid!
A great evening. We always enjoy hosting parties but this one was special for the people gathered with us this evening have been so instrumental in making us welcome. It was good to show them hospitality in return.
We decided we’d hold a small party to say thank you to the staff and the people specifically allocated to look after the minister and the parsonage. Fortunately everyone (except the Associate Pastor and her husband) were able to come at short notice.
It was the first time many had been in the parsonage. It is certainly an ideal party house as it flows so well. And it was lovely to see the entire house being used as for the most part we’ve confined ourselves to the kitchen, dining room and a room we call the family room.
We’d decided we’d try and put on a British summer diner party. So the menu consisted of Coronation Chicken, Delia Smith’s Marmalade Bread and Butter Pudding, Eton Mess and Mary Berry’s Lemon & Lime Cheesecake. (OK, maybe cheesecake isn’t British per se, but Mary Berry is. And if you’re going to be picky there was Greek salad – in honour of Prince Philip aka Phil the Greek.)
All the food was a big hit, with people wanting to know the recipes. So here are links American friends:
http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/sweet/chunky-marmalade-bread-and-butter-pudding.html
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2011/apr/28/cook-perfect-coronation-chicken-royal-wedding
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2335807/Mary-Berry-Special-Part-Two-Lemon-lime-cheesecake.html
One family brought along some games including a card game that I can only describe as Connect 4 but with cards. (And in fact you have to get 5 in a row.)
As Anne and I were playing this game, two of the ladies whizzed round and tidied up the kitchen and dining room. You can tell they are chapel trained as my mum would say!
I think I’ve mentioned previously, but here people go out to dinner early and home early which we’ve found different to home. We’d followed the convention (especially as there were a few young children) and invited everyone over for 6.30pm. Sure enough come 9pm ish people started to leave. But as we were engrossed in the game with our friends they stayed on.
We progressed to playing Uno later. And at one point the Youth Director having helped me out with a specific card said “Well, you’re still my boss for 48 hours.” A couple of rounds later, her daughter played a card which meant I had to pick up four “You’re not my boss” she said. Bright kid!
A great evening. We always enjoy hosting parties but this one was special for the people gathered with us this evening have been so instrumental in making us welcome. It was good to show them hospitality in return.
Friday, 2 August 2013
The crime fighting Rev rides the range!
1st August 2013
So pretty much last day in the office. And it was a morning of emails, shredding, and clearing the desk. It felt really strange to be packing up what has been my home for the last 6 weeks. And as I write this I really do feel sad to be leaving. So different to times when I worked away and couldn’t wait to get back home.
Lunch at church with UMC Women. Spoke to a lady (whom I’d not met) before who is a real Anglophile. She visits Britain most years and has been to many places around the country but she told me how much she loves London. On her most recent visit she had tea at Claridges, managed to blag her way into front row seats for choral evensong at Westminster Abbey and again front row seats at St Paul's for a Sunday service where the Bishop of London preached. “He was the nice man who preached at poor Margaret Thatcher’s funeral.” Mmm! On both counts!
Afterwards Anne and I went down the road to the lovely Davidson to visit the UMC there. What a set up that is. Met quite a few of the clergy and other staff including the librarian who comes from Sussex originally. On wandering past the Music Director’s office I spied a harpsichord!
The church (although modern) was very beautiful and large. Some wonderful stained glass windows. Including a large round window that was paid for by a member of the congregation – who apparently later asked for her money back!
A serious font, complete with running water. And I told the person who took us about the font problems I’ve had at home and how I’d gone to the local dump to get the glass door from a washing machine so that could double as a bowl until our resident carpenter made a new stand to house a Pyrex bowl!
In the evening I went for a “ridealong” with Mooresville PD. I’d been told by one Captain I could turn up when I wanted and they’d sort it out. But initially the Captain on duty this evening said “We’ve already got a ride along tonight so sorry you can’t come.” I showed the email I’d been sent and dropped the Chief of Police’s name and “Oh. I’ll see what I can do”. Voila!
Spent an interesting evening with an officer who’d served with the Marines in Afghanistan and who was complimentary of the Royal Marines. “We think we’re crazy. They’re something else.” Apparently the Royal Marines were always scrounging equipment from the Americans and in return offered Royal Marine issue combat shorts which were highly regarded by the Americans for some reason.
A fairly routine night. One or two traffic stops and a general drive around. I told him of my reputation with Wiltshire Police – that it’s always “Q” when I’m around. (Q = Quiet – but it’s unlucky to say “Quiet”)
As an ex-Marine he got what chaplaincy was about and had valued it when in the service. In fact he regretted that due to cutbacks the chaplaincy service is being cut back in the military. (Mooresville PD does not have a chaplain as such.)
The conversation we had was very similar to those I have at home with officers – shift patterns, cars, etc. etc. (He was keen to find out what cars the UK police use.) We spent the night in a brand new Dodge charger. A step up from the Ford Focuses and Vauxhall Astras used by Wiltshire Police for Response but nowhere near as nice as a 5 series BMW used by RPU.
We had a long talk about drink driving. As I understand it here the drink drive limit is about double ours. The officer told me how during training they consume enough alcohol to put them over the limit so they appreciate the effects! When he did this he consumed a six pack beer in an hour and was just under the limit. He says it is a crazy situation.
He asked about drinking in the UK. I explained that in some ways the culture had changed and people were more responsible than years ago when driving. But drinking is a big part of the culture and we went on to talk about Street Pastors which he thought sounded a good idea.
(Though as Mooresville doesn’t have a specific area with bars and restaurants I’m not sure how it would work here. In a town or city with a specific night time quarter the story might be different.)
One difference is that officers are encouraged to take “their” car home to be a visible police presence in their area. And yes that means each officer has his or her own car. Can’t see that working at home - who would want the Mercedes Vito Van or worse still the large Mercedes van with riot shields, as their car!
A really interesting evening – though it made me realise that basic policing is very similar here and back home.
So pretty much last day in the office. And it was a morning of emails, shredding, and clearing the desk. It felt really strange to be packing up what has been my home for the last 6 weeks. And as I write this I really do feel sad to be leaving. So different to times when I worked away and couldn’t wait to get back home.
Lunch at church with UMC Women. Spoke to a lady (whom I’d not met) before who is a real Anglophile. She visits Britain most years and has been to many places around the country but she told me how much she loves London. On her most recent visit she had tea at Claridges, managed to blag her way into front row seats for choral evensong at Westminster Abbey and again front row seats at St Paul's for a Sunday service where the Bishop of London preached. “He was the nice man who preached at poor Margaret Thatcher’s funeral.” Mmm! On both counts!
Afterwards Anne and I went down the road to the lovely Davidson to visit the UMC there. What a set up that is. Met quite a few of the clergy and other staff including the librarian who comes from Sussex originally. On wandering past the Music Director’s office I spied a harpsichord!
The church (although modern) was very beautiful and large. Some wonderful stained glass windows. Including a large round window that was paid for by a member of the congregation – who apparently later asked for her money back!
A serious font, complete with running water. And I told the person who took us about the font problems I’ve had at home and how I’d gone to the local dump to get the glass door from a washing machine so that could double as a bowl until our resident carpenter made a new stand to house a Pyrex bowl!
In the evening I went for a “ridealong” with Mooresville PD. I’d been told by one Captain I could turn up when I wanted and they’d sort it out. But initially the Captain on duty this evening said “We’ve already got a ride along tonight so sorry you can’t come.” I showed the email I’d been sent and dropped the Chief of Police’s name and “Oh. I’ll see what I can do”. Voila!
Spent an interesting evening with an officer who’d served with the Marines in Afghanistan and who was complimentary of the Royal Marines. “We think we’re crazy. They’re something else.” Apparently the Royal Marines were always scrounging equipment from the Americans and in return offered Royal Marine issue combat shorts which were highly regarded by the Americans for some reason.
A fairly routine night. One or two traffic stops and a general drive around. I told him of my reputation with Wiltshire Police – that it’s always “Q” when I’m around. (Q = Quiet – but it’s unlucky to say “Quiet”)
As an ex-Marine he got what chaplaincy was about and had valued it when in the service. In fact he regretted that due to cutbacks the chaplaincy service is being cut back in the military. (Mooresville PD does not have a chaplain as such.)
The conversation we had was very similar to those I have at home with officers – shift patterns, cars, etc. etc. (He was keen to find out what cars the UK police use.) We spent the night in a brand new Dodge charger. A step up from the Ford Focuses and Vauxhall Astras used by Wiltshire Police for Response but nowhere near as nice as a 5 series BMW used by RPU.
We had a long talk about drink driving. As I understand it here the drink drive limit is about double ours. The officer told me how during training they consume enough alcohol to put them over the limit so they appreciate the effects! When he did this he consumed a six pack beer in an hour and was just under the limit. He says it is a crazy situation.
He asked about drinking in the UK. I explained that in some ways the culture had changed and people were more responsible than years ago when driving. But drinking is a big part of the culture and we went on to talk about Street Pastors which he thought sounded a good idea.
(Though as Mooresville doesn’t have a specific area with bars and restaurants I’m not sure how it would work here. In a town or city with a specific night time quarter the story might be different.)
One difference is that officers are encouraged to take “their” car home to be a visible police presence in their area. And yes that means each officer has his or her own car. Can’t see that working at home - who would want the Mercedes Vito Van or worse still the large Mercedes van with riot shields, as their car!
A really interesting evening – though it made me realise that basic policing is very similar here and back home.
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