An Anniversary of 45 years

It seems hard to believe but 45 years ago on this day, June 10, 1973 I was ordained at my home congregation (Epiphany Lutheran) in Brooklyn, New York. I posted the anniversary on my Facebook page and there were a number of comments. Certainly more than I expected. In ministry, Word and Sacrament or Word and Service, there are always ups and downs, but the ups outweigh the down times. I have been blessed by family, congregants, students and colleagues who inspired and supported me over the years.

Prior to this 45th year, I had two significant events that occurred in April. On April 29th my portrait was unveiled in the Wentz library. I was the first African American to be tenured at Gettysburg...I must also say I will be the last since Gettysburg Seminary no longer exits. It is now the Gettysburg campus of United Lutheran Seminary. On April 18, I was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for service in ministry but the Alumni Association. My classmate, Bob Musser nominated me. I was certainly humbled by these two events. When I arrived in Gettysburg as a student in September 1969, I never imagined that Gettysburg would play such an important part in my life. I am thankful.

Catching Up

The past couple of months have been hectic but exhilarating at the same time.

Time abroad. On March 20 I left for Paris. It was an experiment. I started home dialysis (PD) in September and wanted to see how I might travel abroad with the cycler unit and ancillary equipment. It worked out better than I imagined. The Baxter company had the solution boxes delivered to Hotel du Lion a day or two before my arrival. When I connected in the evening, everything functioned as programmed. That lessened one part of my anxiety on the trip. My other objective on the trip was to continue my "Americans in Paris" project. I had read some of the literature and now wanted to interview Americans living in Paris. I was able to do three in-person interviews.

I interviewed Patricia who has lived in Paris for about 28 years. We had our conversation at St. Victor on a Friday evening. A few days later, on Sunday, I interviewed July who has lived in Paris for 48 years. We had our discussion at Miss Marple's, an English restaurant. On the following Tuesday, March 27, I talked with Catherine who moved to Paris in 2016. She is 80 years old. This is an exciting  beginning to this project. I hope to continue the interview process in Paris, in the fall.

On Sunday, 25 March, I presented my interest and research on the topic at the Paris Soiree gathering. They offered good comments for me to consider in my research. I was thankful for the opportunity discuss the project.

On Palm Sunday I worshiped at Eglise des Billettes, the Lutheran Church where Daniel Payne attended in the 19th century. I usually worship there when in Paris. Pastor Joly is no longer there. The new pastor is a good preacher, but the liturgy lacked something and there were no palms. The only indication that it was Palm Sunday was the gospel reading. I would have gone to Notre Dame afterward but I had lunch scheduled with a Judy.

In addition to the project, I did get to see the Mary Cassatt (American expressionist who lived in Paris) exhibition at the Musée Jacquemart-André. The last time I saw here work was in Washington, DC when I was in seminary.

I must say that I found  the trip to be a great relief. I was able to travel without trouble. I can travel as a dialysis patient! I am thankful to God for letting me see that life continues even in illness. Now, I can plan my next trip across the Atlantic pond.