Doing dishes after a wonderful dinner prepared by Kellie and Hannah. Preparing the meals together, and clean up afterward helped the kids build strong relationships.
Walking the labyrinth outside of Grace Cathedral, after the contemporary service on the labyrinth inside the Cathedral.
Linda loved looking around at the dancing saints on the walls of St Gregory of Nyssa.
The outside of St Gregory. We arrived with only a few minutes to spare! Thank you to Bob and his GPS!
Dancing Jesus and other dancing saints!
Our pilgrims, after a lively service at St Gregory of Nyssa.
Dancing Jesus!Sunday, July 18, 2010 Max’s Prayer/Activity Day
Theme: Seeking God in Play and Prayer
7:30 am Wake up
8:00 am Breakfast (continental breakfast included) Morning prayer
10:45 am Holy Eucharist (St. Gregory of Nyssa)
12:00 pm Afternoon Activities (California Academy of Sciences, Botanical Gardens) – noon prayer sack lunch
4:30 pm dinner out – dinner prayer
6:00 pm Grace Cathedral (Contemplative Eucharist on the Labyrinth)
8:00 pm Evening Activity
8:30 pm Evening Gathering (prayer/reflection)
9:00 pm Personal Time
10:00 pm Lights Out
Sunday, July 18, 2010
We finally found where we could purchase our City Passes with a credit card, and caught the bus to St Gregory of Nyssa. We arrived just in time for the beginning of the service. The sights and sounds were fantastic. The liveliness of the service was enjoyed by all. Some found it was harder to worship, and found it easier to simply observe, instead. The congregation welcomed us with open arms, and lots of instructions on how to actively participate in the ceremony. After church, we made a trip back to the hostel, grabbed a sandwich and off to the California Academy of Sciences. Then it was off to Grace Cathedral for a contemporary service on the labyrinth. Some found this service more enjoyable, more calming and peaceful. Afterwards, we walked the outdoor labyrinth. This was interesting, as there were several younger children coming through the labyrinth, going different directions.
Our first ride on the cable car! Lots of fun on our way back to the hostel.
Daily Questions: · We find God in moments of fun and delight. Identify some of those moments for you during this day. Where were you? Who was with you? Describe the moment.
Cooking with Kellie in the kitchen.
Walking in the water with Stephanie.
Rapping! (Drew and Max)
Sitting with Drew, Max, and Dani, talking.
Being at St. Gregory.
Sitting on the bus with Drew.
Laughing late last night with Stephanie, Dani, & Kellie.
· What was the highlight in the service at the Cathedral? St. Gregory of Nyssa? Did it help you experience God? How?
At Grace Cathedral:
Peacefulness, calming.
Holy
The sound, echoing.
Small group
Felt like we were in the temple of the Lord
Being in a large space and being such a small group, there was so much space for God to fill up.
It felt like we were in a very Holy place
It was the first place outside the National Parks that my confession of sin was heard. (more private)
It was like an attraction, a museum. It bothered us while we were in the service, that people were looking around.
St Gregory of Nyssa:
Dancing.
Always smiling, having a good time
Procession in was amazing
Genuine kindness of everyone.
Felt like you belonged there
They explained and talked to us.
A lot of times you have to be serious, but here it was more free spirited.
Able to see God in a different light
It was interesting to see the colorful Mediterranean style.
Very personal - no one was detached.
I liked how they accepted gay people.
