GROUP VISIT TO ESTONIA

Through the Rochester-Estonia Link, the opportunity arose for a small group from St Mary's Church, Riverhead to visit Tallinn, Estonia over the weekend of 8/9 July 2017.  The highlight was taking part in the Sunday morning service at the Harju Risti Church and to meet with Anneka again, along with her congregation.  There was also plenty of time for sightseeing.  Photos (courtesy Janet, Christine and Diane) can be viewed via this link.  Below are Janet's notes:

"On Friday evening we all met up at Martin’s favourite café in the Main Square in Tallinn. There was a medieval festival going on, with bands, dancing and market stalls, all very entertaining. On the Saturday Martin gave us a guided walking tour of the old town in glorious sunshine. In the afternoon, most of us climbed the steep hill to Toompea,  where the viewpoint photo was taken. In the evening, Anneka joined us for a communal meal at Granny’s Kitchen, a lovely traditional restaurant in a cellar basement. On Sunday we took the train out to Vasalemma, where Anneka met us to drive us to the church. We had a tour of the church and had time for coffee and relaxation in the parish garden, hence the playground photos! The service was at 1pm, we joined in the hymns because Anneka had chosen tunes we all knew. It was a challenge working out where we were in the service, but we managed pretty well. Martin and Anneka did a 'double-act' for the sermon so all could understand. We all stood under the chancel arch to sing Morning has broken (unaccompanied) which was much appreciated by our hosts. After the service, we all had a communal lunch in the parish room. Then a very kind member of the church organised for us all to go on a tour of the nearby Cistercian monastery at Padisi, and a look at some of the remains of Soviet occupation around Paldiski."

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