WORSHIP AND COMMUNION, Sunday, June 2, 2013

Sunday, June 2, I awoke very early, still adjusting from the trip and time change. Caught the Metro from the 4th arrondissement to the 7th arrondissement where I find "my" church, The American Church in Paris.  I was able to connect with the pastor, Rev. Dr. Scott Herr and an acquaintance from Memphis, Rad Laney (brother of Joni Laney and brother in law of Billy Vaughn, another pastor in Memphis).  It was a powerful worship of word and sacrament, as we celebrated Holy Communion.  God's grace was felt and experienced the rest of the beautiful day.

Sunday, after worship at The American Church in Paris, standing on Pont Alexandre  III

 Pont Alexandre III as I walked from worship toward Tuleries Garden with the purpose of lunch and communion with nature on a beautiful 70 degree, SUNNY day in Paris.

 Someone else is viewing the Seine River from Pont Alexandre III, a regular day in Paris.

 Another familiar image of life in Paris, more out today because of the pretty weather.

 Oops, he caught me capturing a moment with his bride as they were posing for pictures along the banks of the Seine River.

It really is a plot of "land" on top of this boat, certainly a house boat. Grass and a few weeds or is that a tomato plant growing?

Now finally I arrived in Tuileries Garden. (Jardin des Tuileries) is the Royal Garden of the Louvre Museum(Palace).  It is a wonderful place to rest, sit, watch the French people and tourist mingle together.  Many sleep in the "kick back" chairs and others kiss and romance in the open spaces.

The lake, really a pond, is a central gathering place for children and families.  I was able to catch the sail boat just right as it moved in front of the water spout, but note the people across the way.  This is where children and parents can rent a sailboat, use the long stick to try and control the direction, but quite honestly, with little success. There is also a huge trampoline in one of the corners of the gardens.

This little guy is darling, as he launches his sail boat with the long stick used to control it, but due to the wind , he is just pretending to manage its movement

Here he is again, joining the fellow in the yellow Duck hat.  Is he in Memphis, at the Peabody???  Oh no, it is Paris and he had such a good time this Sunday afternoon!!!

From my vantage point, having lunch, I caught this scene as people kicked back in the green chairs.

A unique image, I thought of the view from my lunch bistro table overlooking the pool in front of me.

What? Quite a change.  On my way out of the Gardens, I encountered one of the many sculptures.  This one by Auguste Nicolas CAIN.  The Lion and Lioness are in "Disputant" (that is fighting over a kill).  It is done in Bronze and the date on it was 1875-1882.

THIS is PARIS, such a mix of experiences.  Now, that is why I keep wanting to return to this City of Light, because it "enlightens" me.  Hope you enjoy it also.