The Warden's Corner

While preparing for the trip to Nantes this summer, I have been thinking about the wonderful time we had with the group who came to visit in 2018. Nate turned 9 while they were here and the two guests staying with us sang “Bonne Anniversaire a toi” (Happy Birthday to you) to him, he was so impressed! He learned how to say “thank you” and “good morning” in French and was so proud to be able to talk a bit to the folks visiting our parish.

It seems like such a long time ago, so much has happened since then! But looking at the photos brings back the memories and feelings we experienced together. It also reminds me how much I love being part of St. E’s community of adventurous spirits.

Hosting a delegation from France visiting the US and their friend (our Rector at the time), Daphne Cody, was a very special opportunity and a big effort. We met together to think about what they would need and to plan for their arrival. Susan Newcomb and Hall Healy took on coordinating responsibilities, and so many people helped in so many ways. We reached out to our wider North Shore community and we received so much support from our neighbors, the Glencoe Clergy Association and Alliance Francaise. We brushed up on our French and asked the experts in our congregation, Hall Healy, the Cody family, and Mark Tilton to help translate during services and meetings. We learned some liturgy and songs in French to help the group feel welcome. We made our homes ready to host our guests. We had a special concert for them with Jim Baur playing guitar. We did our best to welcome the travelers, share our traditions and our daily lives, and radiate God’s love.

The group from Nantes came with their own adventurous spirits and an important mission to learn about religion here in the US. They brought lots of curiosity, willingness to try new things, and goodwill to help them in their endeavors. They brought special gifts to make a delicious French meal for the parish to enjoy together. They participated in pumpkin carving, visits to houses of worship, sightseeing in Chicago, and learning about different faith traditions. We shared tears at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, had meaningful conversations about faith and culture, and shared smiles and laughs along the way as we got to know each other better.

This summer, 9 people are travelling from St. E’s to Nantes to reunite with those wonderful, adventurous spirits who came and shared their curiosity, faith, and culture with us. We are eager to go and eager to report back what we learn. We are taking you all with us in our hearts and we will appreciate your prayers for a safe and meaningful journey!

Carrie Miller-Mygatt, Brody Mygatt, Mark Tilton, Abigail Tilton-Kohl, Nina Tilton-Kohl, Robin Lake, Claire Lesperance, Annabelle Lesperance, and Nate Lesperance

Robin Lake, Warden