May Day (German Labor Day)

Friday was a holiday here in Germany. It's a little like our Labor Day, but it is a day to honor the solidarity of workers. Some of the local people said the Russian and East German soldiers made a big deal of this day when Wittenberg was in East Germany. There were flags and parades and a lot of military show. Today it is a very quiet holiday. There were many tourists in Wittenberg, but all the shops were closed. I took the opportunity to take some pictures without any crowds.

Looking down our street with the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) in the distance.

This is an old town well. Wittenberg has one of the oldest working water systems in Germany. This water is piped from springs that are several kilometers away. Originally the pipes were made of hollowed out trees. 

On the left is the Corpus Christi Kappelle. One the right is the Stadtkirche (Town Church).

This is the organist for the Stadtkirche. Her name is Heike Mross-Lamberti. She had a concert in the church last evening. The organ is amazing, and she is very skilled. Her husband will be my organist tonight. 

We had people from Germany, Georgia, and St. Louis at the chapel service tonight. We must have sung well because a couple people joined us mid-service when they heard the music! Today will be my first service in the Town Church. It was pretty humbling to contemplate preaching in Luther's church while I sat listening to the organ last evening. This is the church where Luther was married, where his children were baptized and where he preached. The main pastor was Johannes Bugenhagen, but he asked Luther to preach often. I would love some prayers for me, please! My worship service is at 5 pm (10 am CDT). 

Until tomorrow...