Forest Home Chapel

今日は、初めて教会に行ってきた。
すごくハートウォーミングな方々で、新しく会った人と色々とお話しして、楽しかった。コーネル大学には慣れてきたけど、コミュニティの人ともっと知り合いたいなあ、と思っていた今日この頃。99年の歴史がある、メソディスト系の教会で、ランバス宣教師のことも知っている人がいて、嬉しかった。

教会通い、続けてみよう。

Today I visited the Forest Home Chapel to attend worship service for the first time!

I found this chapel by searching the internet. Since I started to live here in Ithaca, I wanted to visit a chapel, but I had no chance until now. I sent a message through their webpage, and received kind replies from Susan and Rebecca. Rebecca is the bishop of the chapel, and Susan is a participant who manages the webpage as a volunteer.

I told them that I work for a university founded by American Methodist Bishop, Walter Russell Lambuth. I was glad to hear that Susan knows him, and felt grateful that they accepted me warm-heartedly even if I am not a Christian.

It is a Methodist chapel with a history of about 100 years. I enjoyed the worship so much! Their style is so unique. I found that they value communication. At first, we had time to greet each other. It says in the chapel guide that "One of our goals at the Chapel is to help people experience a sense of belonging. You are invited to welcome one another in the spirit of Christian family." During the worship, the bishop, Rebecca, encouraged participants to share their experiences with others. I was surprised that they expressed their feelings candidly, whether they were good or bad. One woman shed tears while talking.

After the worship, I enjoyed talking with many people over coffee and sweets. They were so warm and friendly. I felt cheered up. I want to go to the chapel again!