Back to Atlanta, GA
Finally! I’m at a Tru Hilton, and I had pancakes from the cool machine this morning. AND, they had English Breakfast tea. I really like the Tru hotels – the large murals in the lobby for each city, the market area for snacks, and the interesting arrangement of tables, sofas, and chairs in the lobby, too. Tru always has a pool table in the lobby that families enjoy.
Four minutes from the Tru Hilton in Tupelo I found Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS), and I arrived for the 10:00 service. I was greeted in the vestibule and was asked two questions: 1) Did I need to talk to the pastor? (answer, no) and 2) Was I planning to take Communion? (answer, yes)
I sat in a pew and the small sanctuary began filling up with a mix of different ages with plenty of young children. I was looking through the bulletin, and an elder named Jerry came to introduce himself and he asked, “I assume you’re Lutheran?” I answered that yes, I’m a lifelong Lutheran. He handed me a little postcard to fill out with my name, address, home congregation, etc. Another member came by with a gift bag of pamphlets and a booklet.
Reverend David MacKain has a booming voice, and the Gospel today was from Acts. Rev. MacKain spoke about how many people are religious “just in case,” but we are here to receive Christ and that he is the way. Communion is by tables with the small glasses that we used to have at St. M. Announcements come at the end of the service: it’s time to sign up for VBS and the parking lot will be repaved on Tuesday. Imagine having a parking lot!!
I’ve been to three churches on this road trip – all LCMS and all named Trinity. I want to talk about my worship experience with Pastor Eric and Pastor AJ – I wish I could have time with both of them together and learn from them about how Lutherans are the same and different across the country.
I headed out to Atlanta to spend another night with Courtnay and Scott. My I-20 drive took me through Birmingham, AL, and I thought about the last time I was here – Margaret’s graduation from Samford University. John and I visited the Kelly Ingram park and the Vulcan statue that weekend and then hurried to Atlanta for Elizabeth’s graduation from Lakeside High School. Samantha Power,* a Lakeside alum, spoke. I’ve admired and followed her since then – she served as United Nations ambassador during the Obama administration and later served as the administrator of USAID.
The weather is very pleasant here, and we enjoyed the patio and had supper in the little house. Courtnay tried a new recipe from Elizabeth – sheet pan street style steak tacos with flank steak and corn, feta cheese, and cilantro. Delicious. (Elizabeth is also a great cook herself!)
Courtnay told me all about their recent trip to Dollywood with Palmer and the visit to Margaret’s college friend’s cheese farm to see some brand new calves. Courtnay’s description of all the elevators, restaurants, and rides at Dollywood makes me want to take my grandchildren.
Just in the three weeks since I’ve been by here, Courtnay’s front yard has burst into bloom. Enjoy some pictures below.
Heading home to Charleston tomorrow – first I’ll pack my cooler with Courtnay’s tiny ice and run by the Oak Grove market for some snacks to take to Mahjong Wednesday with Carolyn, Vickie, and Janet. I have some final thoughts and travel tips to share in my next post – thanks again for reading!
*Book recommendation: The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power (memoir).
Book recommendation by a Birmingham author: The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg.
Kelly's SC to CA Road Trip 