It was a beautiful day, and it was a great event. There were folks from all different areas of interest: former Renton Lutheran members, Renton royalty (the mayor and some city council folks, school board people, a judge, etc), plenty of folks from the local VFW and the VA, people who are excited about Luther's Table, and people who are just curious about the whole thing.
Senator Patty Murray was the big celeb on hand, and spoke eloquently about her history of supporting vets and her intentions to keep doing so as long as she can. Bishop Boerger, when asked to bless the proceedings, spoke of the fact that the true blessing would come when the building was built, when the residents were cared for, when Luther's Table was open, and when people were finding community in ways that the founders of Renton Lutheran could not have dreamed possible.
After the festivities, folks met at watering holes all over downtown Renton. Some went to the Irish Pub over on 2nd for a meeting and libations. Some went to the Whistle Stop for a beer. Some (including our Bishop and a few pastors, as pictured above) went to the new Tapestry Saloon on 3rd for a beverage! :) It was very appropriate for the occasion.
People were very excited about the event, and to learn more about Luther's Table at our little display. It was nice to see people signing up and asking questions. I ended up answering a lot of questions about the veteran's center, but luckily, I know a little bit about that, having heard Kaiser's spiel about 200 times. Thanks Kaiser!!
Senator Murray spoke wonderfully about how she had volunteered at a VA hospital when she was in college working with Vietnam vets, and how she pledged then to help them, not knowing she would one day be a US Senator. Go Senator Murray! Her help with this project has been critical, and we are all very grateful for her passion and vision.
This was about half the crowd. It was hot, and there was no room under that tent! I got tan lines on my feet from my flip flops, but it was totally worth it. What a wonderful event!
I thought it was a most excellent occasion, and it bodes well for the rest of the project.
Here are some pictures, for your perusal. In almost reverse chronological order... Ah, I am still learning blogger. :)
After the festivities, folks met at watering holes all over downtown Renton. Some went to the Irish Pub over on 2nd for a meeting and libations. Some went to the Whistle Stop for a beer. Some (including our Bishop and a few pastors, as pictured above) went to the new Tapestry Saloon on 3rd for a beverage! :) It was very appropriate for the occasion.People were very excited about the event, and to learn more about Luther's Table at our little display. It was nice to see people signing up and asking questions. I ended up answering a lot of questions about the veteran's center, but luckily, I know a little bit about that, having heard Kaiser's spiel about 200 times. Thanks Kaiser!!Senator Murray spoke wonderfully about how she had volunteered at a VA hospital when she was in college working with Vietnam vets, and how she pledged then to help them, not knowing she would one day be a US Senator. Go Senator Murray! Her help with this project has been critical, and we are all very grateful for her passion and vision.This was about half the crowd. It was hot, and there was no room under that tent! I got tan lines on my feet from my flip flops, but it was totally worth it. What a wonderful event!Where do they get these gold shovels, anyway? It was great to be there.
Peace to all!
Gretchen
Enjoyed the ground breaking ceremony with my wife Karen. I'm interested in the Luther's table becuase of a Saturday morning Round Table. We are compiling topics. Thought a little sharing of topics might be a good idea.
ReplyDelete