Hi everyone, and thanks for all the feedback on the semi-controversial book video. I meant to post something from here in Lancaster County much sooner, but funny thing, every Amish home I visit claims their Wi-Fi connection is down. Frustrating. As I’m on some dodgy illicit kerosene-powered land line tucked away in a tobacco barn right now, and I don’t know how much longer it…
A while back I wrote a post on Raber’s Almanac, an annual guide used by the Amish. The Almanac includes an extensive listing of Amish church districts and their ministers. Â It also includes a Scripture and hymn schedule for church service as well as some folk wisdom and even a dab of astrology, which I examined in the original post. The other day I came…
Thanks to all who’ve been asking if I’m in the hospital or have disappeared somewhere. Not the case. Have just been cranking away on the book before the June 1st deadline. Hence the minor hiatus. But look to be easing back into more regular posting soon. Have certainly been missing it. Gave some friends in Pennsylvania a call today. Turns out they are having church…
A recent re-read of a piece by Steven Nolt in Mennonite Quarterly Review–‘Who are the Real Amish? Rethinking Diversity and Identity among a Separate People’— made me recall a common dilemma when discussing our Plain neighbors. ‘The Amish’ is a moniker that tries to do more than it really can, which is blanket a group of people having quite diverse practices. Saying “‘the Amish’ this”…
Two more Pennsylvania winter scenes, of a school and Amish church gathering, again courtesy of Rick. I think the horse in the top shot–did you spot him?–might be winking at the camera. But can’t be sure. Rick? And on a side note, I will be back in Lancaster County in February. Til then, or beyond, feel free to send in any winter or other shots…
“It is very definitely a gray area, in fact it is nearly black.” An anonymous Amish friend from Lancaster County has offered candid answers to some questions on Amish life. In this first of two parts, he comments on topics such as the Amish presence in the media, Amish internet usage, friendships with non-Amish people, and the benefits and challenges of living life as an…
Ira Wagler, who grew up Amish in Aylmer, Ontario, explains in a humorous and informative post the ins and outs of Sunday singing in Amish church. An excerpt about tthe second song sung at all Amish church services: Years ago, before my time, in Aylmer, a stranger attended church one Sunday. At Nicky Stoltzfus, the preacher’s place. The stranger was from a very conservative, backwards…
Being selected to the Amish ministry is both a blessing and a burden. Due to the challenges involved, the responsibility is not one that many Amishmen dream of and you won’t find anyone campaigning for the office. The position of bishop is probably the most demanding. I was recently on the phone with an Amish friend in Ohio, already a minister. His church had divided earlier…
A few shots from the Amish community at Sinking Valley near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Sinking Valley was founded by Renno Amish from nearby Big Valley. The settlement is comprised of around 30 families, forming a single church district.
Here are a few photos from this past Sunday in Wayne County, Ohio. One of my favorite times to travel through Amish settlements is about an hour before church begins, around 8am (or 7am ‘slow time’ as the Amish tend to go by slow time year round with regards to church, singings, etc, meaning church would start at 9am during daylight savings) as church members…