Wesley Heritage Comments

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Traveler Comments - Wesley Heritage

09/14/09

Message from Mrs. Elaine Hopkins

East Ohio Conference - United Methodist

The Wesley Tour was excellent. I had a wonderful trip. My affection and admiration for Asbury, Whitefield, Raikes, not to mention Charles and John Wesley grew immensely. I also treasure the time spent at the Cathedral in Coventry. Bristol, Bath -- both excellent as well & our detour to Broadway in the Cotswold's was a real gift. It is a gem of a town and just walking the streets for the hour + we had was so relaxing and got us up close to people in the village - with a Methodist Church. The countryside in that part of England is picture book and I had never seen it. I guess you can tell I had a fantastic time.

Two special moments for me: assisting Bill with Communion in Epworth only to find out the Communion Table I was using had been in Samuel's church and used by Charles and John. And, listening to our dear, elderly guide play the harpsichord in the Charles Wesley family home in Bristol. Now, there are three more that rank almost as high, but I have already gone on longer than you need me to.

Let me close by saying Anne Daley is as fine a guide as we have ever had in Israel or Greece, etc. Her wealth of knowledge about practically anything is not only impressive, she never stopped teaching. The long bus rides, when she could have tuned out and relaxed, she used to teach us about a wide variety of life the English culture, the UK, etc. And, as an old English major, Anne's depth of knowledge, etymology, informed and delighted us all!

God blessed me, particularly, on the trip as I was assisting a fellow traveler with items on a public street bench, in the rain, in Oxford and neglected to pick up my own handbag from the bench. We had only moved a few feet away when I went back for it and it was gone. I got directions to the nearest Police Station and was there reporting it when a young 30-something female appeared with the bag! Unbelievable. All contents were there. When I returned to the bus I did explain to the passengers that I always carry my passport and extra $ on my person, I had my glasses and cell phone, so I was not in as desperate a situation as I might have been. It was a good teaching opportunity as many were still carrying their passports in their bags...........then I led them in the Doxology!

We are anticipating a wonderful 2010 trip to the Passion Play. John just received promotional literature with an 8 x 10 glossy from another company recruiting church types for the same trip. I have sent it on to Bill -- nice materials, but at least $1600 more costly and fine print that indicated the play tickets would be determined on the number of people registering....etc. etc. We sent them on to Bill just yesterday. My best to you, to your dad and the entire family for the ministry of Educational Opportunities.