Sunday

Working backwards, here is a picture of the delicious leftovers we were given after today’s church potluck.  The Frankenthal Mennonite Church is always invited to join LU on MWC World Fellowship Sunday.  So the building was full.  Jack says there were a lot of dishes.  It was great to see all the men enjoying their kitchen time.

 

The tables were covered with super white tablecloths and, of course, none of the dishes were plastic or paper.  And no one brought their own plate or cutlery.  They helped themselves in courses.  I almost made a comment when a large man at our table only had lettuce and a piece of bread.  Thank goodness I didn’t!  Then he went back for soup.  After that he filled his plate with the many different foods that were displayed.  I think he might have even gotten some trifle for dessert.

Continuing backwards, the church service was lovely.  Our pastor  (center with black blazer) has a very pleasant enthusiastic way of addressing the congregation.  Jack says she is easy to follow.  She had power-point pictures of Mennonite church work from various African countries.  Her sermon and then various interspersed readings by congregants was excellent.  We sang 6-7 hymns, of which we knew three. In keeping with European tradition, the hymnal is small (6x5 inches and 2 inches thick).  

At the start of the service Jack and I introduced ourselves, also with pictures.  We both spoke and I think it went well, although there were no comments at all afterwards.  We brought greetings from SMC.

After all the dishes, a meeting about our registration challenges at the courthouse, and just visiting, some of our new friends came to see our apartment and at 4 p.m. we waved them goodbye.  A great first Sunday in LU.