We began our day with a breakfast buffet with an omelette station. Delicious. It was a great way to start the day. We can’t eat anything raw, but there was this delicious purple juice that had some ginger and other tasty things in it. I think I could make that my entire breakfast.
Off we went to church. Edie and I were sent to St. James the Apostle Anglican Congregation in Elmina. What a service! There were two keyboards, several tambourines and horns, drums, and a trombone. People danced and clapped but the clapping with with a rhythm – not 1 2 3 4. It was more like Rest 2+ Rest Rest. Only my musician friends will understand this, but it’s okay. The church had reserved an entire row for us and had assigned a lovely woman, Harriett, to help us navigate the service. They were singing “To God be the glory” when we walked in, which I thought was a little unusual for an Anglican Church. Hymns were sung in English though most of the service was in another language.
In the middle of the service was the annual meeting of the church. It was right after the sermon and before the Eucharist. The priest laid out the guidelines in English. “Everyone who has tithed this year, stand up!” These were the people who had a vote. Harriett, our “guide” for the service is a senior warden and is not eligible to run again. The rector was so passionate that, even though we couldn’t understand a word, Edie and I were both captivated. It didn’t matter what he said; he said them with conviction.
After the new vestry members were elected, it was time for tithing. People who were paying tithed walked up and placed their gifts into the bowl. Then came two offerings. Neither Edie nor I had a lot of cash with us, but we were not going to embarrass ourselves nor the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta! We gave what we thought we could the first go-around, and we gave the rest the second time. Giving involves a parade of people walking up and placing their offering into another bowl. There was also a good offering that involved children.
Then it was time for the Eucharist. This was a little different, but mainly because of language, but we were comfortable. The church sang “Just as I am” though in a tune other than Southern Baptist.
Then the rector asked us to stand up and say a few words. Talk about being put on the spot! As if that wasn’t enough, the women were having a meeting after church to plan their week-long celebration of mothers. They asked for our advice and input. Again! No idea! We were busy playing with the cutest little girl – lots of fun.
So we have 15 people in a van and we’ve been sent to individual churches, two by two. We had to wait to be picked up, which wasn’t an issue because the rector had cooked lunch for us. It was the most delicious rice with a red sauce and chicken. Father Theo arrived to retrieve us and take us to lunch with the group, but he kindly waited until we finished eating.
Lunch was on the beach beside Cape Coast Castle. Red red was as delicious as John had said it was like be, at least according to everyone who had it. Edie and I were still full from lunch, so we watched the ocean. We got back to the hotel for a quick 40 minute break before Evensong.
More later. It is almost 6 and we still have Evensong and dinner before we can sleep.
It is very hot and very humid and I feel like I’m melting!
Dr. Suzanne Minarcine 