Great Scot
Today was Scot’s Sunday - and my last Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Muskegon. Well, at least the last while I’m still an associate member. I’ll probably drag Todd back up there to visit sometime, and if he doesn’t want to go, I’ll go by myself.
The service was really neat we had a processional with bagpipes and the Christian flag and a flag with the Scottish Church’s shield on it and the choir’s stoles were plaid (kind of funny if you ask me). There was plaid everywhere. It was kind of humorous, but actually mostly had a strong sense of heritage. The Presbyterian Church owes a lot of its strength and traditions to our churches in Scotland long ago. Pastor Fred’s sermon spoke a lot on the influence of Celtic tradition on how we worship now. He emphasized how we, today, sometimes have problems thinking of God as the Trinity instead of addressing one part of the Trinity at a time, but the Celts embraced the Trinity with little trouble. He talked about the meaning of the Celtic cross, and how it means that God in is the world, because they believed that God is in everything, so they valued every bit of life and creation. He talked about how God was not compartmentalized and how they had a blessing for every part of life, including the triumphant times, the difficult times, and even just the mundane. I started feeling Scottish when I was sitting there today. I am part Scottish, but it was neat to hear the similarities in the Celtic way of thinking and mine and what it has come to be.
I was slightly embarrassed at the beginning of the service, but also honored. Pastor Fred had me come away from our line-up for the processional to stand in the sanctuary while he talked about what I’d done in the church and how I was leaving and I would be missed. I felt loved and embarrassed all in one.
I spent a good deal of Friendship time talking to those I hadn’t gotten to catch up with or wasn’t going to get to catch up throughout the events of the coming week. Kyle Anderson’s father, Tom, came up to say goodbye. Along the course of the conversation, he mentioned how he was glad that Kyle had gotten to have a friend like me (to which I blushed) and asked me what my plans were. I explained to him my plans, which included the fact that I have two more years of school before I get my degree in Chemical Engineering. He asked me what my interest was, and I confessed it lies mostly in pharmaceuticals. Turns out, he works with Johnson&Johnson, and he’d love to help me get on board when the time comes! AWESOME! I need to check out locations and such, but that would be so wonderful! He gave me his business card and told me to make sure I turn in my change of address so he can have lunch with me if he’s in my area during his travels. It’s just so exciting! I mean, it’s not like I’m anywhere near having a job at J&J, but it’s nice to know I at least have connections who would like to see me in!
After church, I stopped in Historic Muskegon on my way home to take some pictures of my favorite buildings and gardens and such. Steeple bells were playing “How Firm a Foundation” as I walked a long. It’s amazing how much more I appreciate my surroundings now that I’m leaving. Silly me. Oh well.
I figured out a little tidbit about myself as I was walking and enjoying the cool spring air. I’ve always known that I prefer spring and autumn out of the four seasons. Part of that is because of the temperature and another part is because of the beautiful colors. I learned today that it’s also because of the fact that, even though I need some steadiness for comfort, I feel most alive when things are changing. Spring and autumn are the change seasons for me, so that adds another element to why I like them! Yay for inner reflection.
Well, I better grab a bite to eat and head back in to work. Gotta get stuff done!!!
The service was really neat we had a processional with bagpipes and the Christian flag and a flag with the Scottish Church’s shield on it and the choir’s stoles were plaid (kind of funny if you ask me). There was plaid everywhere. It was kind of humorous, but actually mostly had a strong sense of heritage. The Presbyterian Church owes a lot of its strength and traditions to our churches in Scotland long ago. Pastor Fred’s sermon spoke a lot on the influence of Celtic tradition on how we worship now. He emphasized how we, today, sometimes have problems thinking of God as the Trinity instead of addressing one part of the Trinity at a time, but the Celts embraced the Trinity with little trouble. He talked about the meaning of the Celtic cross, and how it means that God in is the world, because they believed that God is in everything, so they valued every bit of life and creation. He talked about how God was not compartmentalized and how they had a blessing for every part of life, including the triumphant times, the difficult times, and even just the mundane. I started feeling Scottish when I was sitting there today. I am part Scottish, but it was neat to hear the similarities in the Celtic way of thinking and mine and what it has come to be.
I was slightly embarrassed at the beginning of the service, but also honored. Pastor Fred had me come away from our line-up for the processional to stand in the sanctuary while he talked about what I’d done in the church and how I was leaving and I would be missed. I felt loved and embarrassed all in one.
I spent a good deal of Friendship time talking to those I hadn’t gotten to catch up with or wasn’t going to get to catch up throughout the events of the coming week. Kyle Anderson’s father, Tom, came up to say goodbye. Along the course of the conversation, he mentioned how he was glad that Kyle had gotten to have a friend like me (to which I blushed) and asked me what my plans were. I explained to him my plans, which included the fact that I have two more years of school before I get my degree in Chemical Engineering. He asked me what my interest was, and I confessed it lies mostly in pharmaceuticals. Turns out, he works with Johnson&Johnson, and he’d love to help me get on board when the time comes! AWESOME! I need to check out locations and such, but that would be so wonderful! He gave me his business card and told me to make sure I turn in my change of address so he can have lunch with me if he’s in my area during his travels. It’s just so exciting! I mean, it’s not like I’m anywhere near having a job at J&J, but it’s nice to know I at least have connections who would like to see me in!
After church, I stopped in Historic Muskegon on my way home to take some pictures of my favorite buildings and gardens and such. Steeple bells were playing “How Firm a Foundation” as I walked a long. It’s amazing how much more I appreciate my surroundings now that I’m leaving. Silly me. Oh well.
I figured out a little tidbit about myself as I was walking and enjoying the cool spring air. I’ve always known that I prefer spring and autumn out of the four seasons. Part of that is because of the temperature and another part is because of the beautiful colors. I learned today that it’s also because of the fact that, even though I need some steadiness for comfort, I feel most alive when things are changing. Spring and autumn are the change seasons for me, so that adds another element to why I like them! Yay for inner reflection.
Well, I better grab a bite to eat and head back in to work. Gotta get stuff done!!!