Celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord

Celebrating the Epiphany of our Lord

Introducing Brim Leigh Buchanan - our newest grandchild!

Introducing Brim Leigh Buchanan - our newest grandchild!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Draw Us In The Spirit's Tether


Christ, our risen Lamb indeed, Christ, your ransomed people feed; at the end of earthly strife raise us, Lord, to endless life: Alleluia!


The Lord has Risen! He is Risen Indeed! These words echo in my mind - remembering that amazing morning. It was an incredible experience to share this time with the people here - in 2 languages and 3 services. Simplicity is so elegant by our God's design.

In approaching 4 weeks beyond that day, the sanctuary has been filled; many many new faces, singing at the top of one's voice, and especially children. All has been very moving, and humbling, as God provides restoration right before our eyes!

I've marveled at the people's natural sharing of one's resources; food, shelter, fostering children, firewood, to name a few. If someone is hungry, thirsty, needs healthcare, wood, or basically, a family to live with, people respond immediately. It comes from a long heritage of living on the land; providing for the needs of a distant neighbor whenever a need arises. It is not unusual for caribou meat to show up at one's door; enough to feed the family for a month. I am most thankful for what they teach me, and for their patience with me.

Our Unity Prayer Watch Day came last Friday where we opened the sanctuary, providing prayer stations equipped with prayer needs and hymn lyrics to sing silently or outloud;-however they were led. Only a handful of people came, but those few deeply appreciated the opportunity and experience.

The Men's Fellowship will be hosting a sanctuary roof-replacing fundrasiing dinner next week. The local grocery store, in their enthusiasm to see the men so united, has graciously donated all of the food for 150 people, are doing all of the advertising, selling tickets at their cash registers, and if that isn't enough - they're paying 5 employees to help serve the dinner! Takes my breath away; the providence and grace.

Recently, I invited a local youth I heard at a concert, to play her Euphonium at our worship service. She gratefully accepted, so I invited her to play anytime and to begin a beginners band. She accepted!

Most recently, one of the Girl Guide groups at the church invited me to teach their children handchimes along with their willingness to play for our worship, and again at their end-of-year ceremony. So we have begun practices, playing beautiful Moravian hymns. The girls are precious and excited to learn.

Limited only to space, I'll share one more recent opportunity to share the Gospel. The coastal community of Makkovik has invited me to continue my weekly Moravian Radio Hour. Thanks to the Women's Circle #3; providing the necessary equipment, I'm able to joyfully accomodate them - recording the exposition of the Sunday Daily Text lessons along with a variety of musical selections; vocal, keyboard, or musical artists. This is a tremendous blessing for me; a gift straight from God. Thank you Lord, for drawing us in the Spirit's tether together.

Thank you again and again for your prayers and support. Your words inspire both George and myself in all things. We look forward to engaging George's soccer gifts this summer in a home-grown VBS. You are welcome and invited to assist. We're looking at either early July, or the end of August.

Abundant grace and peace to you,

glenna & George







Thursday, April 8, 2010

Call to Prayer

Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. 2 Corinth. 2:14

Dear prayerful people,

I am thankful for all things, especially when I know God will bring purpose to it (isn't that everything?). There are amazing things happening around here, somewhat a very slow, waking from sleep. People (the community) are attentive to what's happening at the church. A peace I am told has overcome many. I wish you all to be informed of points of prayer for the Labrador people knowing that you will pray for them as well as lead others to prayer. A profound thanks for your ongoing prayers you have offered already - they are heard. There are answers to prayers that I don't see, but I know it's happening. Here is where you can help right now ....
  • pray for pastors to be called to the Moravian churches here. The people are hungry/thirsty for Christ.
  • pray for all Labrador youth. They are a blessed bunch, but caught in a time without consistent church leadership, especially on the coast.
  • pray for the Happy Valley congregation as this is a major transition for them, having a pastor after 10 years without, facing the financial reality that they have to support themselves. These are difficult decisions for them as it's always been a beautiful care & 'giving' (of material goods) to make things happen. Yet, the community/society is one that speaks financially now - so the church has to adjust.
  • pray for HV chapel servants as they learn to lead in a new way.
  • pray for HV youth and children to come and be a part of this movement of the Holy Spirit. Their presence is critical.
  • pray for people to lead Sunday School in the fall. We have no one yet - but I feel confident that something is going to happen.
  • pray for people to be lead to lead our youth in the fall.
  • pray for the Word of God to speak and move within all hearts in powerful ways.
  • pray for wisdom in my leadership in all things that come before me. We are a ministry team, and that attitude will take some time to develop.
  • pray for George and I to reflect a beautiful witness in our marriage - this speaks so loudly to people.
  • pray that God's will be done in all things. He is our cornerstone.

Thank you for your gracious giving of prayer support. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus love and righteousness,

glenna & George

Path of Life!

"you have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11
This psalmist writes not of the path to life, but rather of the path of life. The one who finds it, lives! Psalm 16:11 is the OT version of Jesus' "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Our life is in him. The psalmist knew that humans could dwell in the presence of God right now, and know real life.
Could it be that our highest duty is to come to know God and His ways? As one of the Unity's newest ministers, I am awestruck by the joy it is to deliver the gospel message through a myriad of ways; preaching, singing outloud, the witness of our marriage, how we look at each other, praying, holding one's hand in a hospital room, listening, watching, how one dresses, smiling, to name a few.
Denis Kinlaw says "there is no higher calling available, no higher privilege than dwelling in his presence and feeding on the pleasures there. The key to living here is the wisdom found in God and in His Word."
Life is alot simpler in Labrador; less choices in everything. Only 3 kinds of dish detergents rather than 27 (size, color,scent, price, ingredients) on the shelves. I brought too many clothes. I'll never wear all the shoes (and I'm a favorite one-pair shoe-wearer!). I love the simplicity as it's given me more time for the important things; Bible study, prayer, worship, relationships, reading, and then outdoor fun and admiring the general beauty of the land and her people. In short, the 'path of life' is alot more visible. Just as our children and grandchildren were discovering their young world/path in front of them; watching them see life with anticipation and awe? God wants us to do the same through Jesus Christ. "Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven." Matt. 6:10