The Movie Lincoln

I wanted to see the movie Lincoln.  The reviews were good, and I was curious.   It is an Oscar contender.

I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but I was surprised by the main focus of the movie, which was the political maneuvering necessary to pass the thirteenth amendment to the constitution, to end slavery.

Of course, human interest stories, and personal relationships were brilliantly woven into the main story line.  But the main story line was clearly about Lincoln's immense political struggle to pass that law.

Since it was about the struggle between two parties, on opposite sides of a political issue, it certainly felt very timely and relevant.  I seem to remember hearing that the release of the movie was postponed until after the election, and now I can see why that would be the case.

On the way home I began to wonder who took over after Lincoln's assassination.  Of course I did not remember.  The answer is Andrew Johnson, who finished Lincoln's second term, but was not re-elected.   When I looked it up in my book on the presidents,  I was surprised to learn that on the same night as the assassination, that the Secretary of State Seward was also the victim of an assassination attempt.   An assailant entered his home and attacked him with a knife.  Both his wife and daughter witnessed the attack, and both died within months, at least partly from the trauma of that event.  Seward himself recovered.  There were many historical details that came to light in the movie, of which I was unfamiliar.  

Growing up in the South I can observe that being the "defeated" has never really left the psyche of many southerners.   Even today the rebel flag is displayed proudly as a sign of a proud "way of life."

To my way of thinking it is a symbol of slavery and that is scarcely a way of life to defend.  

Biblical Characters

        An interest of mine has always been 'bringing the biblical story to life'.  Over the course of the years of my ministry,  I used drama in a variety of ways, finally settling on 'biblical monologue' because it was so much easier to recruit (and direct) one person, than to direct a whole cast (though I did that too).

       I realized earlier this year that I have acquired over the years, quite a collection of monologues of various characters from the biblical narrative.  It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to collect them all into one place.   I spent a month or so doing that, and putting together all the monologues into a spiral bound booklet.  I thought that maybe if I had a collection assembled  I might be in a better position to continue that ministry in a new way, since I am no longer the worship leader.

    I gave a copy of that booklet to the new pastor and asked him to look at them and see if he would be willing to include a monologue from time to time.  After reading them, he indicated that he thought I have a special gift in this area.    He suggested that we have the characters appear as 'special guests' for the children's message.  We are now into a pattern of doing one each month, as long as a particular person can be connected to the worship theme for that day.   So far, so good.

   Yesterday, the second Sunday of Advent, focused on John the Baptist.  I had asked a particular man from the congregation to do the monologue.  He is an especially talented actor who performs at the local Center for the Performing Arts, and also directs.   I thought that perhaps he might memorize the script, which he did.     He did just a superb job of portraying the character of John the Baptist.

   For me, it was a unique experience.  I got an inkling of how it might feel for a playwright to see her work performed on stage.

Clearly, the congregation enjoyed it as well, as they could scarcely contain their robust applause,  though applause is usually not expected during worship.

   And I am quite sure,  because of the quality of that portrayal,  that the children will always remember meeting John the Baptist and hearing his story in person, ( complete with tunic and sandals and staff).

Christmas Party

Last night I attended my first Christmas party of the season.  It was the holiday party of the Ladies Literary Club.

  The entertainment was a professional opera singer.   I would have to say that normally,  I would not classify myself as an opera fan.  Of course,  I have never seen one up close and personal,  since I'm not a fan of that genre of music.  However,  this was a very different experience.  I happened to be sitting about a dozen feet away from the singer.   I acquired a new appreciation for the sound,  because I was close enough to see the discipline,  the talent, the control, and the range of the singer.   It was obvious that she had extensive training and brought her sound from somewhere deep within.   I, who cannot sing, will readily admit that when I do sing,  I am probably only singing in the top 15% or so of my chest and lungs, and know not how to tap into the diaphragm.  I did very much admire her poise and control.

Her selections were classical Christmas songs.  We also had some group singing of Christmas carols.  One of the club member's husband is blind.  I did happen to hear his wonderful voice joyfully ringing out in song.  It was a lovely sight to see and hear.  Clearly he knew the words by heart, and loved to sing.

The dinner, the conversation, and the setting were all excellent.  The caterer has recently completely the renovations of a lovely old historical building known as Briggs Hall, complete with a spiral staircase.

It was a lovely evening which we both enjoyed.   Gerry even got to talk about agriculture and skiing with guests more knowledgeable (and probably more interested) than I.

Belated Thanksgiving Birthday

Getting ready to host a "make-up" Thanksgiving Dinner, as well as a grand-daughter's birthday celebration.

 The table is set for 13, our largest number to date.   If and when it increases, we'll have to move out of the dining room space into another space to add a table for more people.

Grand-daughter E turns six years old.  First we ate dinner;  then we opened presents (some for E and some for the other little ones too).  After that, we had a treasure hunt where everyone had to work together to interpret the clues and find the next clue, until they found the hidden treasure.  It was great fun.  They of course want another one next time.  ( Truthfully, it did take forever to create!!). Example:   To find the next clue, you have to be extra sharp!

After the gifts and the treasure hunt, there was dessert----several kinds, from birthday cake and ice cream, to cheese cake, to pumpkin pie.   I think we probably won't eat, or at least I won't have to cook for several days!

Here are some photos of making family  memories.

Next clue found:  inside the drawer of the pencil sharpener!