Frauenkirche

On Sunday we visited the Frauenkirche, translated as Church of our Lady.

First a coda: When we arrived the church was closed for a concert, so we explored around the outside. We were approached by a young woman pulling a child's wagon. In the wagon was an assortment of stuff, old DVDs, children toys, a salt and pepper shaker. She asked us to buy something. We were confused at first, but she explained. She was selling the items as part of her bachelorette party. Sure enough soon we were surrounded by a group of her giggling girlfriends, carrying glasses of champagne. She said take anything for a little donation. She had to sell all the stuff, as part of the fun. What little money she would gather would be used for drinks, she explained. She was getting married in two weeks. I latter found out that this is a newly evolved tradition in Dresden. What fun to be part of a stranger's joy.

The church was magnificent. Here is a great link. Click on " To the tour." Although the tour is all in German, just explore. Your experience will be a little like our daily life.


We first went to the top cupola for a great view of the city. We then went to the Cosel Palace for hot chocolate and pastry. Then back to the church for a service. We were lucky. The service was one of the few that are in English. The Reverend Ruth Scott, from England, gave a service with the theme that two hands are better than one. The service was filled with little English expressions, like at one hard time in her life, her life had gone "pear-shaped". Really I was quite moved as she talked about her many efforts to help people who are suffering. On one level her message was simple, that sometimes the best thing you can do for someone who is suffering is just listen, and accept them. In her reading of Mark 14, 32-41, Jesus just asks his disciples to be awake for him. Nothing more. I just loved the message of understanding and reaching out, especially in a church that was rebuilt with so much love from people from around the world. When I searched about her on the web, I also see that she has some wonderful thoughts on stem cell research.

One final inspiring note: The pinnacle cross that crowns the church was actually crafted by the son of one of the pilots on the bombing mission that destroyed the church.