Brooklyn, New York

On Sunday morning we took the subway to the vicinity of the Brooklyn Bridge. Everyone needs to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at least once in their lifetime, right?? It was a windy and partly cloudy day, but not too hot for walking across the 1.1 mile [5,989 ft.] bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge extending across the East River, was completed in 1883 connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The cable-stayed/suspension bridge is one of the oldest in the United States.  It is said to be the most famous bridge in the world, known as enduring, romantic, and picturesque with its gigantic, granite towers.  It's one of NYC's top tourist attractions.

~ The Brooklyn skyline is visible behind us. ~

~ Manhattan skyline is visible in the photograph below. ~

Once in Brooklyn, we waited in line for Juliana's New York-style pizzeria to open at 11:30 a.m.  It is located directly under the Brooklyn Bridge at 10 Old Fulton Street.  The plan was to have lunch before attending Sunday 1:00 p.m. worship service at Brooklyn Tabernacle - a non-denominational church located at 17 Smith Street in downtown Brooklyn.

The pizzeria began filling up quickly and was packed by the time we left.

Our pizza - it makes me hungry just looking at the picture.  It was so good.

With full tummies we got a taxi and headed over to Brooklyn Tabernacle. It's the only church I know where there's a long line waiting outside to get into the building for the next service.

The current location was purchased in 2002, and is the former Loew's Metropolitan Theatre. The interior was renovated into a 3,200 seat sanctuary.  Jim and Carol Cymbala took over the leadership of the church in 1971 with 30 parishioners, and have seen it grow to over 16,000 members - one of the biggest churches in the Greater New York metropolitan area.

The photo below was taken as choir members were just beginning to take their seats before the second service began.

The choir loft filled with fabulous voices using their talent for God's glory and the inspiration of believers.

~ Sunday Bulletin ~

This was my second time to visit Brooklyn Tab. The church is known for its six-time Grammy Award-winning choir, directed by Carol Cymbala.  The choir sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic at the 2013 second inauguration of Barack Obama.  Both the choir and Pastor Cymbala's message were inspirational.  We were very glad we went.

After church we rode the subway back to Manhattan, and walked to our guest house from the sub station.  We relaxed a bit and then were off again at 6:30 to take the subway to the theatre.   Next post...