Mountains Beyond Mountains - September 4, 2015

As I traveled from Evanston, north on the Scenic Byway that straddles the Wyoming/Utah/ Idaho borders and approaches Jackson and  the Grand Tetons, the scenery got more and more spectacular. What is to say, except that these are beautiful mountains, but not all beautiful in the same way? I am now in the little town of Thayne, where I met with the pastor of the Star Valley United Church (Lutheran and Presbyterian). Al Schoonover is a wonderfully experienced pastor, who after retirement from a very active ministry in large Lutheran churches, has become the part-time pastor of this small but vital church. Al is an interesting man, having played on the University of Wisconsin  football team in the nineteen-fifties.We noted that Wisconsin and Alabama open their seasons tomorrow night by playing each other for the first time ever. I was so impressed by Al's description of the vitality of this church that I have decided to stay here until Sunday morning, so that I can worship with them.

The football season begins, and, out of loyalty  to my Alabama family, I have always followed Alabama football - even as a child - as unlikely as that seems to those of you who know me. I really had no choice. As Al and I talked about this first meeting between Alabama and Wisconsin, I recall watching the Bear Bryant show on television every Monday (I think), where Bear would show a film of the previous game and comment on it. I recall on one occasion he mentioned that, as a member of the Southeastern conference, the University of Alabama was prohibited from playing any opponent which had black team-members. He said this sadly, because it prevented his playing some of the nation's premier teams. Well, that was a long time ago, but not that long. Bear lived to see that rule changed. Indeed, he  had a part in changing  it. And  while watching the display of traditional "beauties" in the cheering section these days shows that the the university still has a way to go, the team now depends on its black players.

This is just an aside - a meditation on change. Which is one  of the main things this church tour in Wyoming is all about.

For your enjoyment: a picture of the Bridger Mountains and the Star Valley United Church building.