Post 10/2024/Cornwall UK. We had a sunny, light breeze Tuesday when using sunscreen would have been wise. I was too late wise, though really okay with the consequences. Lovely day for an extended time out-of-doors.

We hung laundry on the line, walked to Birdies Bistro (I had Bubble & Squeak with smoked salmon; Marty had Fish Fingers on a Ciabatta bun), and for dinner Marty made Souper Spaghetti.

Boots on

Out and about

On Thursday we took the bus to Penzance for a visit to Penlee House Gallery & Museum, a favourite. Had lunch at The Dolphin Tavern on Quay Street.

From the menu: “As long ago as 1585, Sir John Hawkins used the pub as his headquarters when recruiting Cornishmen to fight against the Armada, and Sir Walter Raleigh himself is reputed to have smoked the first pipe of tobacco in England.”

Smoke-free, fine menu, we were glad for a delicious seafood repast in a setting where today’s proprietors say, “we prefer to be well known for our hospitality, our good Cornish food, and a customer friendly atmosphere.”

On Friday we joined a walk with the West Cornwall Footpaths Preservation Society, starting from St Anta Church the group of 15 went through a field, Steeple Woods and other paths to St Ives. It was good to see a few people we knew and also new members of the group. Dry day, gusty winds, fairly cold, some muddy spots, good walk. Thank you John and Clare, walk leaders.

Godolphin Estate, National Trust

A week ago we visited the ancient estate, Godolphin, with Steve and Marilyn. Besides touring the house, gardens and outbuildings, we climbed Godolphin Hill, a part of the UNESCO Mining World Heritage Site. It was a challenging climb marked with muddy stretches. Good to stretch our legs and have spectacular views. The Piggery tea room and used book shop proved properly refreshing and browse-worthy.

Sunday at St Uny

Last Sunday’s worship service was held at St Uny in Lelant. Six ringers called us to worship. The monthly Fellowship Walk took us in and around Penzance and Newlyn.

Boots off

Among boots off activities I download and edit photos, read news online, watch BBC Breakfast and BBC Evening news, sometimes buy a newspaper and follow the news aggregator SmartNews. I help with normal household chores, read, in the evening watch favourite programs, and, of course, keep tabs on the weather. Normal stuff. Also visits with friends.

Lent

Mennonite Education Agency published a Lent At Home Worship Guide, Christ Among Us, for use in Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA congregations. The guide was written by Talashia Keim Yoder, one of our pastors at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana.

Table of Contents: What is Lent?, Ash Wednesday At Home, Daily Ritual Calendar, Coloring pages, Maundy Thursday Rituals, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday Ritual. The Guide supplements worshiping God in Sunday and other communal services.

Ash Wednesday was observed on February 14. Since rain and snow have figured so prominently across North America, and elsewhere, I’m pulling out a small part of the activity at home for Ash Wednesday, based on Isaiah 58:11: “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

Reflection and Action

Pour yourself a glass of water. Watch as the clear, clean water fills your cup.
Drink the water, paying attention as it washes through your mouth, down your throat, through your chest and to your stomach.
Imagine it making your bones strong, washing through you to renew and refresh you.
Say a prayer of thanks for God's provision and renewal.
For young children: "Jesus gives me what I need," Drink some water. 

Today, Saturday, we're off to Coffee Morning at St Anta. We've had early sun, showers, overcast sky, sun reappearance at 9:30. Glad for raincoats, sturdy umbrellas and waterproof shoes. Plenty more sunshine welcome.

Be well, out and in.

-John