Glide Memorial Church

Angelika Finally, I would like to tell you briefly about our visit to the Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. The church is located in a rather poor neighborhood. But that didn't stop us from going there one Sunday. And you really can't imagine what the service was like. First of all, they had an exalted gospel choir singing, while the worshipers clapped and danced to the rhythm. The black pastor's sermon was interrupted several times by enthusiastic interjections such as "Amen" or "Yes, he is right!" and was also quite lively and modern. The worshipers had all kinds of skin colors, came from different educational backgrounds and religions and every age was represented. I'm not sure if everyone would like this kind of "show", but we felt comfortable. All of San Francisco was represented in the service, which Michael and I especially like: "Liberal, lively, colorful!" By the way, the congregation is not only known for its extravagant services but also for its social engagement. Since the neighborhood in which the church is located has a very severe problems with homelessness, drugs and violence, the congregation not only provides three meals a day to up to 3,500 people, but also has a day care center for children, computer courses to improve job prospects, programs to battle drugs and AIDS, projects to reduce violence in families, etc. The congregation works a lot with volunteers (up to 5,000 per year) and I am strongly considering signing up for the pre-school area, where children from difficult families are cared for daily. But first of all, my visit to Germany is coming up.

So, now I have reported enough. We are thinking of you!

With love!