What a nice day I’ve had. And it’s only half over.
Started out at the Prairie Kitchen & Bar at the Hyatt for breakfast. Found that it’s a bright, sunny (and thankfully cool) morning place.
I was immediately greeted by the friendly and efficient hostess who put me at ease and made me feel right at home with her smile and easy going demeanor. After seating me and asking if I’d like coffee, she introduced me to the waitress, who was very pleasant also. Then I had a chance to observe my surroundings that bring to mind a nautical motif as well as a theatrical flair with long curtains separating different parts of the space. Looking through the large windows you can see prairie grasses planted outside, and then Nicolet Mall, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Peavey Plaza. I had a very tasty waffle with bacon, orange juice and coffee. Since I had brought my I-pad I was hoping that there would be WIFI available. There is, but as you might imagine at a business hotel, there is a fee. Fortunately for me, I have connections at the establishment, and was provided with complimentary log in information. The hostess later introduced me to the manager and together they arranged to have my breakfast comped. Very gracious. J
After breakfast I went 4 blocks over to church at Central Lutheran. All in all a very nourishing service of Word and Sacrament. I needed it !! The theme was very summery and as the pastor commented, it was their 4th of July Service. The large pipe organ took second place today to the Stomp N’Dixie (land) band. Oddly enough I was up for this today and, after Confession and Absolution, found the rollicking New Orleans jazz to be apropos for the rest of the Service, in light of forgiveness. I love the soaring vertical space in the sanctuary. And I enjoyed the usual cross cultural assembly of people. Young and old, rich and poor, white/brown/black. At one point I looked around, noticed a young family, and the mom lifted the baby to smell the pants to see if a change was needed. That brought back memories. The Old Testament reading was David’s lamentation from 2 Samuel 1, “How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished ! The Gospel text for today was the story of the woman with an issue of blood receiving healing by reaching out and touching the robe of Christ, and the restoration to life of Jairus’ daughter. The sermon offered thanks that we have a God who is present in the “emergency rooms” of our lives, as well as in church and elsewhere. After the church service we were treated to Variations on “The Star Spangled Banner” by John Knowles Paine (1839-1906), a native of Maine, who studied in Germany and taught at Harvard. How enjoyable to sit in the back of the church, with the big doors wide open, listening to the postlude on the organ and the bells from the tower.
Hope you’re having a pleasant Sunday too !
