Sunday morning we attended Carina's church with her (the state Lutheran Church). The service was entirely in Icelandic and it gave us a good sense of what new people to the US experience when they don't know English. In other countries we have visited we have known enough to get the gist of what is being said and Norbert has that advantage as some of the words are similar to German.
The music was familiar and I sang along in English . It included songs from Taize.
The Pastor is a woman and the service was conducted entirely by women. The choir was a visiting women's group and the very full congregation was mostly women. The service was followed by lunch and a fashion show with church members of all sizes, ages, and shapes as the models.
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| The art above the altar was new and dedicated today. |
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| Part of the fashion show |
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| More of the fashion show |
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| The Pastor at the fashion show |
The Chief Bishop of the Church of Iceland is a woman.
We went back in the evening for a "Gospel" concert. I don't think we have seen a single person of color here. nor have I seen a synagogue. It is clear that the state church predominates.
| This Gospel Choir is students from the high school and a choir of the church |
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| They were going to sing at a women's prison after this. |
Touring
Next to the church a few years ago construction was started when the remains of a Long House were discovered dating from around the year 1000. The rooms were able to be identified and the culture, but not exactly who the people were.
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| Site of the Long House |
After church Carina took us on another drive to see other parts of Greater Reykjavik. She has been such an amazing host and friend!
We drove to the President of Iceland's home which is on a peninsula . Since the flag was flying we knew he was home. No security. Only household and some aides are there.
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| Presidents house with church in front by the sea |
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| We were able to drive to the church which has public services each week |
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| Inside the church |
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| They were to have a service soon and the choir was practicing "What a friend we have in Jesus" in Icelandic |
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| View from the front door of the church |
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| A traditional Icelandic home |
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| This is the house where Reagan and Gorbachev met in 1986 for the Reykjavik | Summit |
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| Another interesting Church |
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| Many buildings stand alone in the middle of lava fields. Driving to such places is easy here |
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| Another example - this time an apartment building |
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