Jim’s Jottings - What a busy weekend! Last night we attended the annual Marine Corps Ball which commemorated the 238th birthday of the United States Marines. Marine embassy guards around the world sponsor a lovely ball each year to mark the occasion. Diane and I attended the same ball in Dar es Salaam in 1979. It is a very formal occasion – one of the most formal of the year in many diplomatic outposts – which is why you will notice I am wearing a cassock and Diane a long skirt. A cassock serves as formal wear for clergy on such occasions. For us, a good part of our reason for attending was to become more visible in the diplomatic community, especially among Americans (and I think we were – I was the only cassock-clad clergyman present). Nevertheless we had a marvelous time and met several new people. This morning at our regular worship hour we observed a traditional British “Remembrance Day” service to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day. The service is planned each year by the British and Canadian embassies and our church is the venue. A number of clergy participated including Lutheran, Methodist, Reformed and Russian Orthodox. Representatives of the Muslim and Jewish communities were also present. There was no sermon, but the British ambassador gave a short talk, and there were several lessons, prayers and poems (including “In Flanders Fields” read by the Canadian ambassador). A lively coffee hour followed. For the Brits this is more like our Memorial Day than our Veterans’ Day. In the picture you will notice a number of wreaths which were laid before the altar by various diplomatic missions, including the USA. Next Sunday will be our installation service at ICV. Bishop Mindaugas Sabutas of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lithuania will preside, and we have asked him to preach as well. This will also be an opportunity to invite others in the expatriate community to share in the life of our congregation. Perhaps some will want to return. We are looking forward to a great day!
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 17:06:26 +0000
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