Edinburgh, Day 2

We began our day with a delicious Scottish breakfast at the hotel, then attended the 10.00 am Communion Worship Service at St. Giles' Cathedral. The liturgy was an inspiring, beautiful, and uplifting service for us! The music of the magnificent organ and cathedral choir, along with beautiful prayers, preaching, and a powerful communion service was a perfect start to our day.

We drove out of Edinburgh and visited Scone Palace, the home of the Earl of Mansfield. This exquisite country estate is filled with history and priceless artifacts and furnishings. After that we visited St. Andrews, nestled on the North Sea coastline. We walked through the ruins of the ancient cathedral then made a stop at the world famous St. Andrew's golf course. Our duffers were thrilled to be there!

Tomorrow we perform our first concert at St. Giles' Cathedral at 12:15. We are excited for this first performance in the "Mother Church" of Presbyterianism!

Scroll down to see some photos from today!

Peace from Scotland,
Bill

Edinburgh

Our travel across the Atlantic was uneventful and quick! We arrived at Manchester airport this morning at 8:00 UK time. We then drove through the lake district of northern England (gorgeous country!) into Scotland. We stopped for lunch at Gretna Green, and arrived in Edinburgh at 4:00 this afternoon. We were all very happy to be on solid ground and be able to shower and rest!

The weather is cool and cloudy, but that has not dampened the spirit of our group. Everyone is so excited to be here, and after a quick walk up the Royal Mile to St. Giles' Cathedral, I saw our concert poster posted for all to see. Our performance is there on Monday at noon.

It's been a long couple of days, but will post some pictures of the group and will update tomorrow.

Blessings from Scotland,
Bill

Departure Day has arrived!

A Prayer for the Journey

O God of Heather and Field, Hearth and Home, Kirk and Cathedral, grant unto your pilgrims the safety of crossing the waters, the joy of lifting up melodies and musings in the beauty that awaits them. May their voices be as one in the lifting of souls and spirits so that the beauty and the grander of holy places will be as alive as the soul of the saints that dwell where they go. May they find peace in the stillness, laughter in folly, and awe in the stunning beauty of all that will envelop them.

“And May the strength of God pilot them.

            May the wisdom of God instruct them

                        May the hand of God protect them

                                    May the word of God direct them

                                                And May your salvation, O Lord, be always theirs

                                                            As they journey, and forevermore. *”        Amen

[Adapted from a Prayer of St. Patrick A.D. 373]

A Prayer Written by Rev. Dr. Paul T. Reiter on the occasion of the Choir Tour of the First presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, MO to Scotland and England

Dear friends,

After nearly two and half years of waiting, we leave today. 

My next post will be from Edinburgh!

Peace and Grace, Bill 

The Joy of Packing

Every time I prepare to pack for an overseas trip I tell myself this time I will not overdo it, will pack light, keep it simple, I don't need that extra shirt, but what if [insert scenario here], etc....

What makes this situation even more special is that two of us in this house are experiencing the above :-)

24 hours until we depart for the airport!
Bill

Looking Good

Edinburgh's weather forecast as of this morning:
   Saturday 10/9: partly cloudy and 58
   Sunday 10/10: mostly sunny and 56
   Monday 10/11: sunny and 55
   Tuesday 10/12: partly cloudy and 53

Of course, this forecast will hold true and not change until we've left Edinburgh and are heading south into England.

I am getting very excited!
Bill

The Finishing Touches

Last evening we had our final rehearsal before this Friday's departure. It was a good time of music practice, fine-tuning, and laughter. The sound put forth by these choristers is so lovely, and at times, pure bliss. The other element that was present last night was the spirit in this group of singers.

I spoke of connectedness to the Chancel Choir a few weeks ago. The members of a choir are connected by many things: notes, rhythms, breathing....this is the stuff of our "choral DNA." A choir is not a group of soloists, but an ensemble of sound. This only comes about through patient rehearsal and practice. I'm proud to say that the choir representing this congregation has achieved that beautiful ensemble, and will do us all proud!

3 days and counting.....

Peace be with you,
Bill

Blessed and (almost) Ready!

In worship yesterday, our pastor David commissioned and blessed the singers and travelers that will depart this Friday. This was especially appropriate as we were celebrating World Communion Sunday. For me, this made the trip so real and tangible, and feeling the prayers of blessing and safety was such a comfort. Thank you, David, and the entire congregation, for your support as we venture forth!

Tonight is our final rehearsal before departure this Friday. I am excited about our practice tonight and these final days of preparation. Stay tuned for more last minute details.

Peace,
Bill