Jeune Federale, Youth Events, and More!

Greetings, family and friends!  Since I last posted, much has happened here, so here is an update:

This past weekend was the annual Jeune Federale recognition (there are many accents in the words "Jeune Federale" that my computer cannot type).  There was a decree in the Canton of Vaud (cantons are similar to states) in 1832 that the 18th of September would be a day of prayer and actions of grace for those living there.  The same decree also encourages pastors, deacons, priests, ministers and those in the Jewish community to involve their faith communities in whatever way they see fit.  This year, quite the service was organized!*

On Sunday the 18th, six churches in Lausanne came together to worship.  The Scots Kirk congregation met at 10am and at 10:30 walked from our parish to the German speaking congregation at Villamont.  We met also with the French speaking parish of St. Francois and St. Jacques, the Catholic parish of St. Redempteur, and the Italian speaking congregations of the Missione Cattolica and Chiesa Valdese.  The four languages were brought together in prayer and song as we gathered.  It was a truly wonderful experience to pray the Lord's prayer and hear four languages at once!

I had the opportunity to be part of the service during a prayer of intercession.  The english speaking congregation of the Scots Kirk was asked to pray for peace- specifically for those communities shaken by natural disaster and terrorism.  It was truly a blessing to pray together in this community!   

Also on the agenda for the weekend were two youth events...one on Friday night for the 'tweens (9-12yr olds) and another on Sunday after church for the teens.  Friday night we watched a movie and tried to make pizza at my flat.  I ended up rolling the dough into calzone-type things instead, which seemed to work out!  On Sunday the teen events was supposed to involve a trip to the Cinema...but thankfully they were quite forgiving when I broke the news that I'd read the wrong Cinema day/time.  Darn French- (I'm improving though!  I'm taking lessons!)  SO, we ended up buying snacks and watching not one but TWO movies at my flat...which was quite good.  I've already gotten requests that it be a repeat event!  Sometimes language barriers can open new doors, I suppose. 

Thanks to all who have been checking up on what is going on in my life over here...feel free to scan over some new photo albums I've put up- one of an afternoon I spent in Evian, France- and one of some of my 'tweens at our movie/ calzone night!  Thanks for the comments, too!

*(The information about the Jeune Federale service was adapted from the Scots Kirk bulletin, September 18th, 2005)

Comments

[Leslie]

I miss you Visco! Much love from the States.

[Kate]

Abby! So glad you're having such an amazing experience. These pictures are gorgeous! It's making me want to move to Europe. The scenery back in Valpo isn't nearly as pretty as it was in Virginia, but hey - the job is ten times better! Love you and miss you tons - being back at Valpo makes me think of everyone all the time. It's not nearly the same without friends... MWA!

[Francey]

Visco! Did you drink over-priced water in Evian? See any band aid stores in Ouchy??
It sounds like you're having some quality time with the youth. Visco inviting people over and feeding them? What were the odds?
Love you, Muffin!

I who have died am alive again today!

[-drm-]

Lucy and I send greetings from Babylon.

[Bishi]

Abs- I miss you tons :-) HAPPY FRIDAY! Although your Friday will be over much sooner than mine! Thinking of you- wishing I could be there SOONER! Can't wait until December! Have a fabulous weekend. I LOVE YOU!

[David - the Cubicle Reverend]

I was looking at your attempts at cooking.... perhaps I can be of some help.

Grab a boneless chicken breast, wrap it in plastic, beat it wit a rolling pin or something until it's nice and flat and tender. rub some italian salad dressing on it and let it sit for no more than 30 minutes. Cook it in the oven or use a Foreman grill. Get some spinach greens, and some salad fixings (feta cheese rulse), olives, onions, whatever, let the chicken cool in the fridge a bit, then cut into bits, put over the salad add more dressing.

[Danielle Rinaldi]

Abby,
This is Danielle Rinaldi... that crazy twin you sang with years ago. The memories of late night chats, driving around D-town, choir songs, and laughing until we couldn't speak are coming rushing back, right? Anyway... please contact me when you get this message so we can talk. It has been entirely too long.
Love, D