Today's learning activities took us back to Berlin for the day. First we went to a Documentation Center that preserves the courage of those too few individuals and groups who resisted the Nazis. We heard the stories of people who came close to assassinating Hitler, regular workers and neighbors who found ways to protect their Jewish neighbors, young people like Hans and Sophie Scholl who organized the White Rose movement, and a handful of church leaders like Martin Niemoeller and Dietrich Bonhoeffer who stood up to the Nazis on religious grounds. It was deep and powerful and sad and inspiring. It's so important that people have the courage and conviction to stand up to bullies and care about their neighbors.
For a midday prayer service we then walked to St. Matthew's Church, where Bonhoeffer had been a vicar (pastoral intern). Before worship I found a Bible in a side chapel opened to one of my favorite Psalms, which gave me a good basis for reflection and prayer. The organ music was stunning and the prayer time was just what I needed.
We had lunch in the afternoon at the fanciest cafe Jonah had ever been in. He loved the decor and the hot chocolate. Then we had some free time to explore Museum Island. We went to the Altes Museum, which is full of pieces from ancient Greece and Rome. It was super cool. I especially liked seeing Minerva (Athena) with her helmet. Wisdom is badass!
We've had our share of pandemic-related twists, turns, and challenges the past few days. Taking a little walk around Wittenberg after we returned, I stopped by for a chat with my friend Bugenhagen. He reminded me of his motto: "If you know Jesus, it is enough, no matter what else you know." That was a good word and I'm going to keep it close. Blessings!
For a midday prayer service we then walked to St. Matthew's Church, where Bonhoeffer had been a vicar (pastoral intern). Before worship I found a Bible in a side chapel opened to one of my favorite Psalms, which gave me a good basis for reflection and prayer. The organ music was stunning and the prayer time was just what I needed.
We had lunch in the afternoon at the fanciest cafe Jonah had ever been in. He loved the decor and the hot chocolate. Then we had some free time to explore Museum Island. We went to the Altes Museum, which is full of pieces from ancient Greece and Rome. It was super cool. I especially liked seeing Minerva (Athena) with her helmet. Wisdom is badass!
We've had our share of pandemic-related twists, turns, and challenges the past few days. Taking a little walk around Wittenberg after we returned, I stopped by for a chat with my friend Bugenhagen. He reminded me of his motto: "If you know Jesus, it is enough, no matter what else you know." That was a good word and I'm going to keep it close. Blessings!