Last Day at Chautauqua

Today is our last day at Chautauqua. We are already planning two weeks next year, one on Belief in America and one on Film. It’s been such a wonderful experience. We now know what people mean when they say that Chautauqua is hard to describe, you have to experience it. (We did see how hard Jared works here!!)

Rev. Dr. Martin Marty was the preacher at the 10:45 a.m. service. He was also the speaker at the 5:00 p.m. Vespers service where he talked about his spiritual journey. The 8 p.m. Sacred Song Service was the annual Service for Peace. A wonderful end to a wonderful week. The stage was covered with hundred of candles and everyone was invited to take a candle home at the end of the service. St. Francis of Assisi’s prayer, “Lord, make an instrument of your peace; Where there is whatred, let me sow love ; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy,” was a fitting part of the evening and something to keep at the forefront of our thoughts.

We left the Chautauqua grounds with a sadness that it was done, but with great anticipation for next year and years to come (maybe).