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!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Love Divine, All Love Excelling

"Pivluta inolauravit, Pivluta, toKKogavit, Uvaptingnulle kissivit nertoraksatovotit. Ahagle, Piulijivut! Arlorpogut illingnut, Ullapirsautingnik mana Tunnitsivigittigut."
(Words to Love Divine, All Love Excelling)

Ministry over the past few months has been joyful, amazing, challenging, & sometimes sad. But the wonder of it all is that the presence of the Holy Spirit is always so sustaining, renewing, and total perfection.

George has been going full steam with local youth and soccer from the time summer began. He was invited to direct the Gosling Lake youth camp which brought over 60 children & youth to experience the lake grounds, canoeing, swimming, and Christ, in brand new ways.

Even during the July camp month, George was preparing soccer teams for tournament, and an all-star team for a trip to England in late September. One coach couldn't go, so George had to chaperone; 9 days in London, playing soccer games and attending 3 premier games, where he met up with his old friend; premier goalie Brad Friedel, on the field no less - a shock to both of them. George's highschool team won the Labrador tournament and now must travel to St.John's for the next rung of the ladder. George also leads a bible study & SS class and is the sturdy male presence in our church choir.

I continue to marvel each week at how God provides the inspiration and words to lead from the pulpit - I can take no credit there at all. Music continues to appear to be an open ministry door. Our choir is growing in a profound way; from 3, to sometimes 12. I also enjoy how Moravians from the coast feel free to jump into our choir, and just let go & sing with their whole heart. We sing Moravian and old Sankey hymns, some anthems, Inuit hymns, and some contemporary songs. Plans for a band are developing for Advent.

The youth have begun their handchime group again; playing for the congregation's 57th anniversary lovefeast. Over 50 in a 3pm worship service.

Of course there are the challenges that accompany any ministry; them adjusting to having a minister, and us growing slowly in the culture. But God will have His way, and continues to show His love Divine, excelling beyond all comprehension.

The rennovation of the manse is now complete, but living out ministry from different homes and finally a motel, presented it's special challenges. But, I love the mystery of God. When we breathe His presence, we are lost in wonder, love, and praise.

Finally, we began our 1st Sunday School 10 am hour, but the children didn't flock as I had hoped. But some really interesting dynamics and developments have come out of that; a rather large group of adults now come for Sunday school, and we have 4 new youth leaders. We'll keep you posted.
We have been priviledged to have the Rev. Olaf Andersen (Makkovik) and Rita here for a couple of weeks. their Moravian ministry has been spread from Labrador, to England, to Florida to Wisconsin. Spending as much time together as their schedule could afford, they have been the source of great cultural insight to us and encouragement.

George' and my heart are filled with gratitude for your love and support the past several months. Our prayers are also with you as your ministry's grow. All things are possible with Christ as our light. "As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me." Ps.40:17.

How great indeed, it is to be a lowly sheep of Jesus. Grace and peace to you with the love of Christ, George and glenna