8/10/14 Sister Bay to Egg Harbor, WI

Day of great people!

Ron was feeling better, so we decided to walk to the 9:00 a.m. mass which was up the hill about 3/4 mile away.  We were going to stop for breakfast, but decided we might miss church, so up we went.  When we arrived in front of Stella Maris Parish, the sign said 10:00 a.m. mass. So we walked another couple of blocks and found a restaurant.  After breakfast, we still had some time to kill, so we visited the nearby Piggly Wiggly grocery store and bought bread.
Stella Maris "Star of the Sea" was a lovely building that appeared to be fairly new.  It shares traveling priests with all of Door County.

 We were amazed at how full the church was, and then remembered how our home parish in Dunedin fills up when the snow birds arrive.  This is a similar situation in reverse.   It was filled to capacity with vacationers. The priest (from the Milwaukee diocese) was a dynamic speaker and presented some new ideas on Jesus' appearance to Peter while he was in his boat fishing. The message was very thought provoking!

In the bulletin was an announcement that Father Michael Joncas (renowned composer of "On Eagles Wings" is speaking on Tuesday, August 12th in Fish Creek.  How did this happen?  According to the bulletin, it was Divine Intervention.  Someone from the parish had contacted Father Joncas to thank him for writing the beautiful song they sang at Christmas, Stars Flung Like Diamonds. They wanted him to know how much the parish loved the song and they invited him to visit Stella Maris.  They also wanted him to know that they understood how much time, prayer and work goes into composing a liturgical hymn.
Not only did they receive a reply from Father Joncas, but he actually vacations in Door County and graciously offered to do this presentation on HIS VACATION. 

I am trying to find a ride so that we can go.  Other songs he's written are Psalm 118 (This is the Day), I Have Loved You, Psalm 122 (Let Us Go Rejoicing), and A Voice Cries Out.

During mass, the lady sitting next to me overheard me say that we were staying in the marina, and, after mass, she and her husband offered us a ride.  Hopefully, I am getting their names right:  Dave and Brenda Wenberg.  VERY NICE!

Yesterday I had chatted with a couple in an American Tug near our boat when Ron had his reaction.  They were both very helpful.  Thanks Dr. Julie and Dr. Rod for your assistance and expertise!

Again, we want to thank Larry, on Lady KK for all of his help during Ron's emergency!

Once we arrived in Egg Harbor today, we called our Florida neighbors, Ned and Carol who have a condo here.  Ned came down within an hour of our arrival and invited us for dinner at their home. 

We had a wonderful dinner at Ned and Carol's condo, which has a terrific view of the water.  Thanks so much for being such gracious hosts (even though Carol wasn't feeling well)! 

This was truly a day of NICE PEOPLE!!!