Church in Vellahn
Our final day with our sister congregation began with a beautiful devotion and communion service in the church in Vellahn. Pastor Christian Lange led us in our worship, and I was blessed to serve communion with him. At the end of the service, we were each given a yellow ribbon to wear on our wrists. The ribbon has a blessing written on it. We took a tour of the church, built in 1885. The church has been under renovation for several years. The steeple has been replaced and the stones and bricks are being renovated.
We loaded up the vans and headed to Berlin. On the way in we stopped at the 1936 Olympic Stadium, where Jessie Owens made history and frustrated Hitler. We arrived at the hotel in downtown Berlin and got settled in. Step 2 had come to an end. What a great three days we had, and we look forward to many more in the years to come.
We loaded up the vans and headed to Berlin. On the way in we stopped at the 1936 Olympic Stadium, where Jessie Owens made history and frustrated Hitler. We arrived at the hotel in downtown Berlin and got settled in. Step 2 had come to an end. What a great three days we had, and we look forward to many more in the years to come.Our hotel was recommended by Bishop Ulrich – it is a Lutheran-owned company and perfectly located in the heart of Berlin. Just a few blocks from our hotel is the German government buildings. The Reichstag is where the parliament sits. It was badly damaged in World War 2. After the unification of Germany in 1989, and Berlin became the capital of Germany, the building was refurbished. The top dome of the building is a glass dome with a walkway around the inside perimeter. The people can look down from above on the parliament, reminding the leaders they are doing the work of the people.
Outside of Hotel
We headed to dinner a couple blocks away and had an incredibly wonderful meal – Lisa had Sauerbraten and I had chicken in a mustard and cream sauce. Four more of our group joined us for dinner – the Bergmanns and the Durhams. 14 total – 11 more to arrive the next day.
From the countryside to the city – quite a transition. I am enjoying Germany more and more each day I am here.
Peace,
Charlie
Reichstag