Wednesday, May 4, 2016

May 2016 - Ulyanovsk, Russia

From Dr. Lauranne Harris:

I arrived in Ulyanovsk by train on Saturday April 30 - Pastor Nadya, her husband Stas and Sveta met me at the train with beautiful flowers.  We went home and began getting ready for Easter Sunday- we painted and decorated eggs and made a special Easter dessert which is kind of like a cheese and egg and raisins molded into a container that prints the cross on each side and symbols in Russian of Christ is Risen (Христос Воскрес) which is then spread on a beautiful cake called Kulich.

Pastor Nadya and Stas at home in the kitchen





We went to church at the Retirement Home where Pastor Dena leads the St. Luke's UMC- Dena preached, we had songs and worship and shared Easter cakes and candies. We also visited our friend Lyuba (who is a poet and very enthusiastic about the world and her faith) because she and her husband were physically unable to come down to the church room.





We had choir practice at church then the Easter service attended by about 60 people.  Sveta gave a wonderful talk and showed pictures from Annual conference that she attended with Nadya last week where she represented the church members.  Fellowship with tea and Easter treats was a highlight after service.  

Marina directs the choir in practice



Paper butterflies cover as a symbol of resurrection

Alexei Gusaev on guitar and his wife Irina sing with Mila Veksina

Tania and some of her students recite verses

Choir director Marina Kornilova, Pastor Nadya Nushtaeva, and Lauranne Harris

  Communion closed our worship service on Easter

Gathering for fellowship and Easter goodies

After Easter service we took communion to a homebound member and enjoyed her cat, Boris

Boris the cat


Some of the 21 people and 3 children who came to camp

Jo Ragsdale sent patterns and ideas which we used to make unique cards to send to friends and visitors



Enjoying food and fellowship in the dining room at camp

Katy shows her work on the cards

3 comments:

  1. So good to see everyone! Thank you Lauranne!
    Ed

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  3. Hello Beautiful Friends!
    Oh how I wish I could be there with you. It's wonderful to see that you're enjoying fellowship and worship together. Sending much love, prayers, and hugs.
    Susan

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