Over the years, we have attempted to plan or promote educational fun experiences as a part of our mission here.  We are fortunate in the next year to participate in trips to Germany and Switzerland, sponsored by our friends at “Purposeful Journeys by Malone Clan Expeditions, LLC.”  We are not sponsoring these trips in any official way, but I believe they are a great opportunity to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, and to tour the region with great quality tourism and good value.  A group of our docents and friends will be joining “Purposeful Journeys” for a trip to the ‘every-ten-year’ Passion Play.  Mike Malone has incredible tourism relationships in Germany and has reserved premium seats for the play and has created two separate experiences one from June 2-13, 2020 and one September 14-25, 2020.  I hope you can join us!

The June Journey, Reformation 503,  is during the floral blooming season in Germany and includes historic sites of Luther, the Passion Play, gourmet dining, and concludes with an exploration of Munich.  Some of the highlights are a visit to the Augustinian monastery where Luther lived as a monk, time at the famous “Merchant’s Bridge,” and a tour of Wittenberg.  There will be tours of the Bachhaus Museum and Wartburg Castle.  There will also be tours of the Geburtshaus (birth) and the Sterbehaus (death) sites of Luther.  This trip will also include a “Never Forget” portion of the journey with  a tour of K-Z Buchenwald.  The cost of this trip is $5,250 (with possible discounts making the trip $4,650.)

The September Journey, Christ, Culture, & Cuisine, starts in Switzerland.  It includes time in the Alps, an exploration of Swiss cuisine including CHOCOLATE!  The Passion Play will be on Day 7 of this 12 day journey, surrounded by excursions to Broc Switzerland; Gruyeres, Switzerland; Zurich, Switzerland; with a musical experience in Salzburg, Austria.  It will conclude with Oktoberfest in Munich.  The cost of this trip is  $5,550. (with possible discounts making the trip cost $4,950.)

These are amazing opportunities and the cost is low for all that you receive.  For more details or to visit with Mike Malone contact:  http://www.maloneclan.org or email:  info@maloneclan.org, or call:  573-979-5501.  We also have packets here, and there will be a fun party at the Saxony Hills Brewery, 303 Maple in Altenburg, Missouri on Thur., Aug 29, at 6:00 p.m. to learn more about the trip.  Please let Mike know (info above) if you will be attending the brewery party complete with appetizers, beer, and great door prizes.

I hope that your summer is going swimmingly.  Come and see us for an incredible art installation of regional landscapes by Vicki Outman–during the East Perry Community Fair.  Please plan on joining us Sept. 29 (Sunday) for a fun parking lot gathering with live music, food vendors, and beverages (including beer.)  Then, don’t forget our Christmas Tree Exhibition.  This is our 15th year, and will include an incredible 200+ Nativity Scene Collection!

Take Care, Carla Jordan