Ceremonial Service

This morning as we approached church, we could tell there was a bigger crowd than normal, and there was also also a big tour bus parked outside.  Tim has developed some theories on factors influencing the length of Sunday morning church services:

Theorem #1 = the more robed pastors who process into church, the longer the service
Theorem #2 = a charter bus outside of the church also results in a longer service
Theorem #3 = the more dignitaries seated in reserved pews, the longer the service

Today's service affirmed these concepts once again!   :-)   The service was only about an hour and 20 minutes, and to be honest it was quite interesting and enjoyable with great music.  

The charter bus was for a military band who played 6-8 selections
during the service -- they were superb musicians!  Dynamics,
articulation, sensitivity --- very well trained and rehearsed.

There was also an honor guard who processed in and remained at
attention with the Slovak national flag through the ceremonial parts
of the service.  (about the 1st 1/2 - up until the sermon)

We didn't find out until after the service what was going on.  Because we knew about yesterday's holiday commemorating the Velvet Revolution, we assumed incorrectly that's what it was about.  But our land-lady, her husband and his brother, and their daughter all sat directly behind us, so after church, Lenka explained to us.  This was an international day of remembrance honoring fallen public protectors such as police officers and fire fighters (maybe soldiers too??).  There were speeches, votive candles being lit, a lot of music by the band, and everything was very impressive and solemn.  Many police (different types), fire fighters, and other military? people were seated in front, all in uniforms.  

After the service, when we were being greeted by the 3 officiating pastors, (one was the chaplain at the military school nearby - he gave the sermon, and one was a military chaplain who has served in Afghanistan), one of our regular pastors had Lenka translate for us since we never can communicate.  He invited us to come Monday night to rehearse Christmas carols with the choir to prepare for holiday special music.  That should be an awesome experience!!  We wonder if they'll sing any carols familiar to us?!?!  The pastor and another lady who had been on the bus tour with us in September both told Lenka how happy people are that we are worshiping with them.  We are definitely feeling like we "belong" to this new church community despite the language barrier!  

All of these emergency vehicles were parked outside of the church after
 the service, they all had their lights flashing, and some had sirens on.
It was fun seeing parents taking their little kids to look inside!  

The pastors and the mayor with some of the uniformed police, fire fighters, etc.
in the square in front of the church.

Apple-oatmeal bars are in the oven for tomorrow's school treats, so the flat smells good.  No big Sunday plans, but Lenka said she may stop up to visit for a while.  (Her mom put one of the Scotcheroos I gave them into the freezer to save for Lenka, who lives in Prague and is just home for the weekend.  She said they really liked the bars!)  

So now I'd better grade some papers for school.  :-)