Friesen CLASSIC Update
Originally sent Sept. 12, 2000

Dear Family & Friends,

London first, then York and Oxford are the most visited cities in England. Our tour group stayed four days in York. The huge York Minister (Church) is always a highlight. Signs everywhere advertised “York Millennium Mystery Plays”. The presentations at the York Minster were sold out quickly. I love a good story and was thrilled when two of us got returned tickets. Medieval biblical plays were called miracle, morality or “mystery plays” because of the “mystery of the craft and the gospel revealed.” Craft guilds used their skills for the open air productions often on travelling wagons. York combined 18 of the ancient mystery plays to take the audience from Creation to the Final Judgment in three hours. The soaring Gothic roof gave the set a sense of heaven. Noah’s covenant sign was displayed by rainbow lights on the roof of the nave. The Old Testament scenes ended with Abraham offering Isaac, the picture of sacrifice. This was followed by Christ’s teaching, miracles and finally His death fulfilling the picture of sacrifice. The unscheduled York mystery play was my tour highlight. I love a new story told well. But I learned that even more, I love the old, old story best of all.

Garry

Next Aslan’s How Open House is Sat. Apr. 7 at 11am (room for 12 more). To reserve a place you must email me at: gfriesen@multnomah.edu.