Oche Nash... - Whit Weinmann

"There is never a beginning, there is never an end to the inexplicable continuity of this web of God, but always circular power returning into itself. Therein resembles his own spirit, whose beginning, whose ending he never can find-- so entire, so boundless." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

 Something about music transcends our human constructs of division. Nevertheless, music alone does not do the trick or break down the walls. The real magic lies in the attempts at genuine human connections to form the "inexplicable continuity of this web of God." God lives in these connections. I feel so blessed to have stood in this web and felt the vibrations.

The "hike up the hill."

After a hike up a hill at Pamukkale, we stopped at St. Phillip's burial ground to celebrate the Eucharist. Just as we were concluding our service, a group of Russian pilgrims began to sing. They shared a bit of their traditions with us and ended our own service beautifully. As soon as they finished, we gave a resounding "Amen!" and walked over to mingle with our fellow believers. Even though a language barrier separated us, we communicated together as God's children.

As the last Russian pilgrims were walking away, I ran over, mentioned the words Oche Nasch (Our Father), and an old Russian lady proceeded to speak the entire Lord's Prayer in Russian! It is incredible the well of joy that a few words can open up. This past year in chorus, I learned Oche Nasch, the Lord's Prayer in Russian by Stravinsky. I began to sing the piece, the Russian pilgrims joined in the prayer, and we shared a few bars of off key but on heart singing.


A quick note from Tim: The group turned a real corner today. We worked and thought about how to be pilgrims and not just tourists. We discussed the difference between the two and were given a wonderful time all alone as a group up at the Temple of Artemis.

Our theme for today was labyrinths-- we started the day with Morning Prayer and Florence lead us in a great meditation on labyrinths. Everyone drew labyrinths during the day and then swapped them at the end of the day. Lots of great things happening hear. More and more we become keenly aware of God among us and with us.  I have posted some pics from today. More to follow later.

Artemis the Dog...

A  funny cultural tidbit:  In Turkey, they are really great to their stray dogs. Instead of having animal shelters, they capture the strays, give them shots and then put ear tags on them. The dogs trot around town and people feed them. They hang out with folks and are a part of the neighborhoods in which they live. When we meet stray dogs and cats, the group always names them. Today we met Artemis (pictured over there). Our guide, Cengis, always gets food from breakfast or lunch and feeds the stray animals we meet.The dogs are as tame as housepets. Most of them that we meet have big smiles on their faces and follow us around like guides.

Prayer... We are praying and having lots of quiet time every day. I know I will never forget sitting together with 16 other people and praying in the morning and evening.(Tonight, I even got them to sing in the hotel restaurant before we started Night Prayer). I have concluded, after this "hump day," that this pilgrimage thing really works for forming our young people. Thanks for sending us here and supporting us, All Saints'.  Keep praying for us- for energy, openness and for increased awareness of God's mercy and provision for us on the pilgrim trail.   Peace-- Tim

We wandered around the Temple of Artemis.

Berzika sold us handmade necklaces and earrings at the Temple of Artemis. We are enjoying buying handmade stuff from the locals.