Connecting with the Pastoral Staff

J. Wesley Wilkey—wes@champaignfaith.org

Bradley Shumaker—revshuby@hotmail.com

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Next newsletter mails on:     June 28, 2008

Items due on:                     June 16, 2008

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Permit No. 128

Champaign, IL

 

Permit No. 128

Champaign, IL

Pastor’s Ponderings

 

             On the occasion of our anniversaries over the past twenty years, Sheryl and I have enjoyed staying at one of the Jumer Castle Lodges scattered across central Illinois.   Alas, Jumer’s as such no longer exists—at least not by that name.   But back in the day, Jumer’s, for us, was like staying at the Ritz Carlton.  We honeymooned at the Jumer’s in Peoria.  We have lodged at the Jumer’s in Normal, in Bloomington, in Galesburg, and here in Urbana over these years.  We enjoyed the old Bavarian flavor of the décor, those sweet little cinnamon rolls, and the basket of complementary dark breads and fruits given to couples who took advantage of the $99 “Weekend Special”.  The special included one night’s stay in a room with a fireplace, dinner that evening, and the all you can eat breakfast buffet the next morning.

             The old castle lodge ain’t what it used to be.  The old Jumer’s here in Urbana remains in receivership because a local historical society wants to preserve the old exterior features just as they were 20 or more years ago.  According to a News-Gazette article I read, none of the major chains want to invest in a motel which may be declared an historical site, with all the rules and regulations entailed.   The old Jumer’s in Peoria, which I always understood was the first of the Jumer’s chain, was purchased by one of the major chains, and has undergone extensive remodeling.  It no longer has that dark Bavarian flavor it once had, what with the black bear in the lobby and all.  The general public apparently doesn’t much go for that anymore.

                          As I grow older in my 52 years, and more reflective and nostalgic, I miss things like the old Jumer’s.  I am becoming more set in my ways, perhaps even a bit conservative.  I resist change for change’s sake alone.  “Tradition,” says Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof, “tradition is the glue that holds us together.”  Fashions and trends come and go, but there are some things in our lives which should never change—things like Jumer’s.