So the morning dawns, the shadows flee and Sarah and I trek to see the ducks at the real Duck Hotel. And thanks to my trusty phone we found them. After a couple of snapshots, we said our hello/goodbyes and blessed them. Hunger led us to breakfast and showers and we packed it up for church at Gregory of Nyssa.
Unlike anything seen in our part of the known world, we were obviously meant to be there because we were led to a parking spot at the front door of the church. That NEVER happens! The first thing I noticed was just how urban this church is. Industrial neighborhood. This amazing building is such a surprise inside and out: from the incredible icons to just how open this church is to its neighborhood. Really impressive.
The second thing I noticed was a greeter outside on the steps. He saw our puzzled faces and ascertained we were newcomers. He gave each of us song books with a couple of printed sheets in them and sent us inside to name tags. I would have been drawn in anyway by the music that wafted outside to greet us. The choir was practicing and the bells for service hadn't yet rung. It was fairly chaotic, but in a friendly way. How hard could this be, there is a dog asleep in front of the choir.
Just as the worship team finished introducing themselves, an elderly woman passed out cold. Suddenly people were rushing toward her. The rector (in clericals but not part of the worship team) called the EMTs who arrived very quickly to whisk the woman to the hospital. Everyone else followed the worship team into the liturgy of the Word in another part of the building and the service went on.
It was all quite extraordinary: the singing, the sermon, the prayers offered extemporaneously and the dancing to the altar for communion. There was a joyful chaos to it all which made me feel really blessed. I am sure that the people in San Francisco think it's old hat, but I wouldn't have missed it.
After that, Sarah wanted to visit Berkeley. We crossed the Oakland Bay Bridge and headed for campus. Had some great sushi at Seasons of Japan near campus and walked around for awhile. Then we headed over to St. Clement's, Berkeley (a greater contrast to Gregory of Nyssa would be hard to find-they do 1928 BCP every Sunday at 8 and Wednesday's at 11:30 and Rite I at 10 except 4th Sunday's when they do Rite I Morning Prayer). Wow!
Yep. It was really dark in there. We shut the door properly when we left and then high-tailed it for Napa.
I have to say, I love St. Mary's in Napa. It was built in 1858. Beautiful old building. But the best part is the courtyard.
Trees and flowers and benches and a wonderful large statue of the BVM.
And a great tile cross made by the children of the parish.
Tomorrow: North!
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment