Today we had the pleasure of meeting the Reverend Patti Daley, who once served as the pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church. Pastor Patti brought over meatloaf (our first at a Vespers service), quinoa, asparagus, and brownies, which we devoured. Then we had a really good conversation on our experiences so far in Trenton and Pastor Patti’s work with UMIO (United Mercer Interfaith Organization), a faith-based community organizing group in Trenton. We talked about how we are using our hands in the city and read a litany titled “Hand in Hand,” by Sue Downing, which ends:
Lord, alone our hands are weak, but together, with yours, they are strong. Amen.
Monthly Archives: April 2012
Out and about in March
The highlight of March 2012 was the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 17. We had beautiful weather and excellent company – it was so nice to see so many people in good spirits in Trenton.
Our Vespers Services this month covered a lot of ground:
– The Convert (March 1)
– an excerpt from “Christianity and The Survival of Creation,” by Wendell Berry (March 15)
– the U.S. public education system and how to improve it (March 22)
On Thursday, March 29, we returned to The English School for the end of session banquet, which was a potluck of international food. Thanks very much to Pastor Nina and Jessica for inviting us!
In other news, we ate tomato pies at Papa’s on Chambers Street, played a competitive game of The Settlers of Catan, and used our slow cooker for the first time – Elizabeth made a delicious pot roast.
March 17, 2012 – St. Patrick’s Day
In the morning, we worked with Jacque and a new friend named Martha to clean out the garage and tidy up the backyard. We found some good gardening tools, as well as wheelbarrows with deflated wheels, and a large pile of bricks that we moved to the front yard to line our future flower beds. Then we waited for our guests to arrive and the parade to start, and Jamie got the barbecue grill (which we also found in the garage) ready.
We were very glad to welcome Jamie’s parents and relatives, Jacque’s neighbor Mary Linda, and others to Bethany House. We had platters of sandwiches and drinks from Halo Farm (thanks to Jacque) and hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips and dip (thanks to Jamie’s parents).
As for the parade – the “traditional route” came down Hamilton Avenue, which was decorated with a green stripe in the middle of the yellow stripes. The parade featured Irish and non-Irish groups (also Trenton and non-Trenton groups, such as string bands from Philadelphia) and ended at Chestnut Avenue by Columbus Park. We had a fantastic view and enjoyed the parade very much. Hopefully next year’s parade will be even better!
Bethany House of Hospitality 