Matson to Greens Bottom Road; Distance = 15 Miles; People Met = 9+
Photos now added (12/30/11)
With Christmas Eve and Day over, the skies decided to turn gray again. Several folks were using the Katy Trail regardless, no doubt taking advantage of the holidays. Some of the bluffs through here appeared the tallest yet, while there was also a nice “Christmas” juxtaposition of red berries and green leaves in one stretch. There was a lot of chatting going on in this stretch, of two distinct types.
We were yet two miles away from our day’s destination when some rain mixed with hail began. A bicyclist who had passed us twice on the trail had just finished putting his bicycle away in his car when we approached and he offered us a ride. We took Dan Callahan up on his offer and he dropped us off at the Greens Bottom trailhead. We can easily tack the two miles onto the next day.
Dan Callahan to the rescue!
Our first stop off the trail was at the Comfort Suites, compliments of St. John UCC parishioner Bonnie. I must apologize for failing to get a picture of our benefactor, but her kindness was greatly appreciated. Rebecca checked us in. She may have thought we were homeless folk that St. John UCC was putting up for the stormy night; I told her what we were doing and she was quite impressed.
Rebecca checked us in, compliments of our benefactor Bonnie
We gave a presentation at St. John UCC that evening. Pastor Rick Zuch kept apologizing for the turnout on the evening after Christmas, but we thought it was wonderful. After the presentation he commented that their communal meals program might make some adjustments in response to my talk. Pastor Rick later shared with us some details about an amazing sabbatical he took.
The St. John audience was wonderfully engaged in the topic, as has been all faith-based audiences. No less than four pastors were there, representing the multiple UCC churches in St. Charles. It thus became a humbling task when I was asked if this was faith driven. I replied that while I believed in the two great commandments, the second one (“love thy neighbor”) does not depend on the first. Early nomads were social and it’s in our inherent natures to belong to one another whether or not we believe in God (though believing in something that transcends ourselves certainly helps); large mass society has gotten in the way.
Pastor David, Cindy, Pastor Kemery
Carol saw us in both Washington and St. Charles, MO, and hosted Ky
They sent us away with much of the cookies brought for the occasion. I think we’ve now amassed enough cookies to last us through the state of Illinois. Ky left that evening to join her family in Atlanta for the holidays; we will see her again in the New Year.
Other Photos
Stating the obvious
Those turns on the Katy Trail come up quick!
It was a delight having Kirk and Cindy at St. John. I did feel bad about the small attendance. However, the evening was insightful for improving our program for serving “mission meals”. Kirk shared how one community instead of just providing meals invited attendees to help prepare. This brought about a stronger sense of community. He also mentioned that city officials were also invited to share in the meals. What great ideas. Thank you Kirk and Cindy!! Prayers on your continued journey.