Presentations
Trans-Siberian Railway
Following my retirement in 2016, Dick and I followed a dream we had held since our first date. This was to take a trip across Russia on the famed Trans-Siberian Railway.
Beginning in Moscow, we followed the Mongolian route to Beijing – a journey across two continents of nearly 6,000 miles.
Come join us to see the marvels of southern Siberia, the Gobi desert of Mongolia, and the highlights of Beijing.
Ruth Merriam (click to view)
South Georgia Island and Antarctica
In 2011, Pastor Ruth and Dick went to Antarctica as part of a Clergy Renewal Grant, which was funded by the Lilly Foundation. They went on a Lindblad Expedition Cruise, and for three weeks they feasted their eyes on sculpted icebergs, wheeling seabirds, snow-clad mountains, sleeping seals resting on pack ice – and thousands of penguins!
One of the highlights included walking four of the miles Ernest Shackleton hiked as he made his way (and his crew’s way) to being rescued. (A personal highlight of Pastor Ruth’s was her Polar Plunge – No wet suit!). It truly was ‘a trip of their lifetimes’, and they were happy to share it!
Ruth Merriam (click to view)
Randolph UMC History Presentation
During the Great Exchange Sunday on August 21, Randolph UMC presented a history of their church. If you didn’t get a change to see it, you can check it out by clicking the link below.
Camino Primitivo
On October 23, Michael Record gave a presentation about his journey on the ‘El Camino de Santiago,’ from Oviedo, Spain to Santiago de Compostela. In September 2022, he traveled 200 miles in 10 days. Michael shared slides of his walk and his experiences along the way.
To hear more about the history of the El Camino pilgrimages, you can check out the October 23rd message – “Life Lessons from an Armchair” – on the sermon page.
Click on the following link to see his presentation: El Camino Primitivo
Svalbard, Norway
On October 29, Pastor Ruth and Dick shared their most recent adventure to Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. We heard about their dog sled ride, their mining tour, and Dick’s experience with some local food (watch the video to find out what that might be).
Click on the link to watch the presentation: Svalbard
Greenland
On April 13, 2005, Reverend Ruth and Dick Merriam shared their most recent trip to Greenland. If you would like to view the presentation, click on the link.
