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Japan Adventures

Since our last blog, we stayed in Miyajima for a few nights, which is a lovely and sacred island in the Japanese Shinto religion. I am including photos of the picturesque Shinto Shrine that is built over a tidal basin and is marked by perhaps the most famous Torii gate in Japan.

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Our next week was a remarkable and rare opportunity as we were granted the privilege of staying in a 120-year-old farmhouse. It is high in a hidden mountain valley, home to a former community of Buddhist monks 1600 years ago. Of course there was no cell phone and internet access. The farmhouse was surrounded by rice patty fields, and just behind our house was an ancient Shinto shrine, shaded by 600-year-old pine trees and resplendent in velvety moss. It was our own personal space for peace and quiet and harmony with God and creation. I have some photos that attempt to capture the essence of that place.

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One day we went to Okayama to visit Kenrokuen Gardens, one of the three loveliest in Japan, and to visit Okayama Castle, known as the "Black Crow." I am including photos of Sam and Mary in traditional outfits of the court, Mary as a princess and Sam as a samurai. Tricia is pictured as the queen traveling in the royal carriage.

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Now we are in Kyoto and enjoying the wealth of history and culture in the ancient capital city. We are here during Gion Matsuri, the top festival in Japan, and all the ladies dress in kimonos for the street fairs in the evening. I will include a few Kyoto photos.

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We love and miss you all, and we give thanks for this fantastic experience for the whole family

Church Construction Progress

Here is a slideshow of the progress of the construction of our new building:

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More from Japan!

Slideshow from Pastor Steve and Tricia:

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Greetings from Japan!

Dear Loved Ones of Faith!

Apologies for the absence of news and photos. Because we are staying at traditional Japanese Ryokans there has been no internet access for us.

This trip is like a dream. Japan is everything I remember as a child and more. We have been treated with the utmost kindness and respect by the Lutherans here, even to an incredible degree. The acts of humble service are already to numerous to fully declare.

At church on Sunday we attended Tokyo Lutheran and the service was a familiar setting. Even around the world, there is comfort in the familiar words and music. We people of God can feel at home anywhere!

The trains are fast and the baths are hot and the food is delicious.

It is the rainy season.

I have been writing Haiku and here is one for you.

God makes the world’s music
Almighty Percussionist
Rain drops and leaves rustle

Best Wishes, Pastor Steve!

Pastor Steve begins his sabbatical on June 1, and today was his last day of Sunday services until his return in the fall. How perfect the scripture readings were today, focusing on God's abiding presence in our lives, and his abundant providence in meeting our needs. Pastor Steve will be away from us for a time of rest and renewal, but God has provided for our care in the meantime. Pastor Robert Mursch will be with us as Interim Pastor during Pastor Steve's sabbatical.

Rev. Mursch, retired Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mineola, NY, currently lives in Venice, and is very active in the Habitat for Humanity program, Lutheran Social Services, and supporting Latvian orphans.

Welcome Pastor Mursch, and best wishes to Pastor Steve, Tricia, Sam, and Mary on their upcoming adventure to Japan!

The Holy Trinity

It is said that St. Patrick evangelized in Ireland, explaining the Holy Trinity in the context of a clover. Each of the three leaves represents one of the persons...the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Yet it is one clover, one God.

Another analogy is the state of an element...H2O. In a solid state (ice), H2O is still H2O. It is still H2O in liquid form (water), or as a vapor (steam). It is one element, in three different forms.

It may be impossible to explain the Holy Trinity, but as Christians we accept the concept as a matter of faith. God provides us with an abundance of faith as a gift, so embracing the Holy Trinity becomes an easy, if unexplainable, brass ring we can grasp.