A full Sunday, part 2

Alamo Plaza

At the Menger Hotel

St. Mark's Episcopal Church (choir rehersal)

After we emerged from the Tip-Top Cafe, we continued to downtown San Antonio where we enjoyed walking around for a bit. 

While we walked about, we visited Alamo Plaza and the famous Menger Hotel which is located next door to the Alamo. The Menger has hosted quite a few famous people since it was built in 1859, just 23 year after the Battle of the Alamo.

Our purpose for being downtown on the first Sunday in December was to attend a Service of Lessons and Carols at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. The music was simply heavenly and the intimate space (the sanctuary is still being renovated) was ideally suited to worship singing.

A full Sunday, part 1

We woke this morning to a delightful sound, a light drizzle!  Such a wonderful way to start the week in south Texas!

First for us this morning was attending the chapel service at the VA Hospital.  Chaplain Julianna Lesher, the chaplain service chief, was the preacher.  We wanted to worship there together and offer encouragement to a fellow chaplain.

Following that service, we made our way to Colonial Hills UMC.  Charles had visited there once before, but this was the first time we'd gone together.  It is a very friendly church!  Belinda is excited to learn that next Saturday, the 9th, the church is hosting its second annual "NativiTEA," a traditional tea gathering.  (We plan on going!)

After worship, we headed downtown, making two delicious stops!  First was at "The Original Donut Shop." We were not looking for donuts, but when we spotted a donuit place with TWO lanes of traffic backed-up, we just had to see what all the fuss was about.  Wow, it was fantastic!  Just might have to go back for their famous tacos as well.

We stopped for lunch at "Tip-Top Cafe," an eatery visited by Guy Fieri (of "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" fame).  We shared the biggest chicken fried steak we've ever seen, and a good thing we did!  We couldn't believe our eyes when the waitress brought a piece of coconut cream pie for us, it was huge!   And oh so good!

First Sunday of Advent

Entrance Antiphon:
To you, my God, I lift my soul, I trust in You; let me never come to shame. Do not let my enemies laugh at me.

   

Collect: Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet Your Chris with righteous deeds at His coming, so that, gathered at His right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom. 

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever .

Wesley on Saturday!

While we were in Boerne, Wesley was tending to the home-front! He has discovered that an empty tissue box is an ideal place to store his toy mouse. It was really funny watching him try to get the box off of his head!

On the streets of Boerne

After lunch, we wondered up and down Boerne's main street, enjoying the festive atmosphere.  The town was getting set up for the Christmas parade and everyone seemed happy to be enjoying the warmer-than-ususal weather!

A Gathering in Boerne

We got to go to Boerne this afternoon for a lunch at Ye Kendall Inn with the staff and spouses from the Chaplains Office at the VA Hospital.  It was fun getting together with this terrific group!

An Advent Calendar: December 1

Advent:

 

1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season. 

 

2. (usually initial capital letter ) the coming of Christ into the world.

 

3. (initial capital letter) the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.